Add auxiliary equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a loading assist device that can properly store cargo dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle into a storage box, while remaining compact when not in use for cargo dropping. [Solution] The loading assist device 10 is a loading assist device that guides luggage P dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle U to a luggage loading opening B1 provided in a storage box B, and includes a guide surface 21 positioned to surround the luggage loading opening B1, a guide section 20 that guides luggage P to the luggage loading opening B1 when the luggage P is placed on the guide surface 21, and a state switching section 40 that switches the state of the guide section 20 between an expanded state in which the guide surface 21 is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the luggage loading opening B1, and a stored state in which the guide surface 21 is along the side wall Ws of the storage box B, and when the guide section 20 is in the expanded state the guide section 20 protrudes further out of the storage box B than the guide section 20 in the stored state when viewed from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input assistance device, and particularly to an input assistance device that guides a package dropped from an unmanned aircraft to a package input port provided in a storage box.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, due to reasons such as an increase in the opportunity to use online shopping, the number of cases where a delivery box is installed within the premises of a house for the purpose of receiving packages when the owner is away has been increasing. In recent years, in addition to the conventional delivery by transporting people and vehicles, new delivery services using unmanned aircraft such as drones have also been started. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, a delivery box capable of receiving packages delivered by an unmanned aircraft has been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, it is difficult to accurately measure the position of an unmanned aircraft during delivery. For example, even if the measured position of the unmanned aircraft indicates directly above the package input port provided in the storage box, the actual position of the unmanned aircraft may deviate from directly above the package input port. In this case, the package dropped from the unmanned aircraft may deviate from the package input port and may not be properly stored in the storage box.

[0005] ​Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its objective is to provide a loading assist device that can appropriately store cargo dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle into a storage box, while remaining compact when not in use for dropping cargo. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above objective is addressed by the loading assist device of the present invention, which guides cargo dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle to a cargo loading opening provided in a storage box, comprising: a guide section that guides cargo to the cargo loading opening when cargo is placed on the guide surface, and a state switching section that switches the state of the guide section between an expanded state in which the guide surface becomes an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the cargo loading opening, and a retracted state in which the guide surface is along the side wall of the storage box, wherein the guide section in the expanded state protrudes further out of the storage box than the guide section in the retracted state when viewed from above.

[0007] The load-dropping assist device of the present invention allows for the proper storage of cargo dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle into a storage box by switching the state of the guide section between an extended state and a retracted state, while remaining compact when the cargo is not being dropped.

[0008] Furthermore, the guide section may also be located on the guide surface and may further include a guide portion that extends toward the luggage loading opening. With the above configuration, luggage placed on the guide surface can be properly guided to the luggage input opening.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide section is further equipped with an impact-absorbing section that absorbs the impact on the load when the load is placed on the guide surface. The state switching section may inflate the impact-absorbing section by supplying compressed air to it when the guide section is in the deployed state, and contract the impact-absorbing section by releasing compressed air from it when the guide section is in the retracted state. With the above configuration, when the guide section is in the deployed state, it can appropriately absorb the impact on the luggage when it is placed on the guide surface. On the other hand, when the guide section is in the retracted state, the impact absorption section can be made more compact.

[0010] Furthermore, the guide section may also include a member that serves as a base point when the guide section is folded. With the above configuration, the guide section can be properly folded when it is in the retracted position.

[0011] Furthermore, the unit is equipped with multiple guide sections, which are arranged along the perimeter of the storage box when viewed from above. A connecting section may be provided between two adjacent guide sections to connect them. With the above configuration, even if part of the luggage placed on the guide surface is located outside the guide surface, the luggage can be properly guided to the luggage slot.

[0012] Furthermore, the device may also include a cover on which a guide section is positioned, and the state switching unit may switch the state of the cover between a first state in which the cover extends along the side wall and covers the guide section from the outside, and a second state in which the cover extends in a direction intersecting the side wall and supports the guide section from below. With the above configuration, when the guide unit is in the retracted state, the cover can protect the guide unit. On the other hand, when the guide unit is in the deployed state, the cover can support the guide unit from below, allowing the guide surface to be made into an appropriate inclined surface.

[0013] Alternatively, the state switching unit may raise the cover after switching the cover state from the first state to the second state. With the above configuration, the state of the guide unit can be smoothly switched from the retracted state to the deployed state.

[0014] Furthermore, it may further include a control unit that controls the state switching unit, and the control unit may control the state switching unit so that the state of the guide part changes from the stored state to the deployed state when a control signal is received from the unmanned aircraft. With the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately receive the luggage dropped from the unmanned aircraft.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an input assistance device that can appropriately store the luggage dropped from the unmanned aircraft in the storage box and be compact except when the luggage is dropped.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a state where the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in a storage box, and is a perspective view when the state of the guide part is in the deployed state. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a state where the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in a storage box, and is a plan view when the state of the guide part is in the deployed state. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a state where the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in a storage box, and is a perspective view when the state of the guide part is in the stored state. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the control system of the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [[ID=3]] [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram (Part 1) of the operation when the state of the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention is switched. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram (Part 2) of the operation when the state of the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention is switched. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram (Part 3) of the operation when the state of the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention is switched. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram (part 4) regarding the operation when the state of the input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention changes. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the luggage receiving flow according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a state where the input assistance device according to a modified example of the present invention is installed in a storage box, and is a plan view when the state of the guide part is in an expanded state.

Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an input assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for the sake of easy understanding of the explanation, each part of the input assistance device is shown in a somewhat simplified or schematic manner. Also, the size (dimensions) of each part of the input assistance device shown in the figure and the intervals between parts may be different from the actual ones. Further, unless otherwise specified, when explaining the position, orientation, and posture of each part of the input assistance device, the position, orientation, and posture in a state where the input assistance device is installed in a normal position will be explained.

[0018] Also, in this specification, the meanings of "same", "identical", and "equivalent" may include the range of errors generally allowed in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Also, in this specification, the meanings of "vertical" and "orthogonal" include the range of errors generally allowed in the field to which the present invention belongs, and may also include cases where there is a deviation within a range less than several degrees (for example, 2 to 3°) from strict vertical and orthogonal.

[0019] <<Regarding the Outline of the Input Assistance Device According to This Embodiment>> Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the outline of the loading assist device (hereinafter referred to as the loading assist device 10) according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the loading assist device 10 is a device installed in the storage box B, and guides the luggage P dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle U such as a drone to the luggage loading opening B1 provided in the storage box B. In the loading assist device 10, as shown in Figure 1, guide surfaces 21 (four guide surfaces 21 in Figure 1) are arranged around the luggage loading opening B1, and when the luggage P is placed on (dropped) onto one of the guide surfaces 21, the luggage P slides down along the guide surface 21, thereby guiding the luggage P to the luggage loading opening B1.

[0020] In the input assist device 10, the state of the guide section 20 having the guide surface 21 can be switched between an unfolded state (the state shown in Figure 1) and a retracted state (the state shown in Figure 3).

[0021] When the guide section 20 is in the deployed state, as shown in Figure 1, the guide surface 21 becomes an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the cargo loading opening B1. Comparing Figures 1 and 3, the deployed guide section 20 protrudes further outward from the storage box B than the retracted guide section 20 when viewed from above. As a result, even if the drop position of the cargo P dropped from the unmanned aerial vehicle U is slightly off from directly above the cargo loading opening B1, the cargo P will land on the guide surface 21. The cargo P, once on the guide surface 21, slides downward along the inclination of the guide surface 21, and is properly guided to the cargo loading opening B1. In this way, the loading assist device 10 can properly store the cargo P dropped from the unmanned aerial vehicle U in the storage box B.

[0022] On the other hand, when the guide section 20 is in the retracted state, as shown in Figure 3, the guide surface 21 is positioned along the side wall Ws of the storage box B. Comparing Figures 1 and 3, the guide section 20 in the retracted state is located further inside the storage box B than the guide section 20 in the deployed state when viewed from above (up and down). This allows the loading assist device 10 to be made more compact when not dropping luggage P.

[0023] In this way, the loading assist device 10 can switch the state of the guide section 20 between the deployed state and the retracted state, thereby properly storing the cargo P dropped from the unmanned aerial vehicle U into the storage box B, while remaining compact when the cargo P is not being dropped.

[0024] <<Configuration of the input assist device according to this embodiment>> Next, the configuration of the input assist device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. First, as a prerequisite for explaining the configuration of the input assist device 10, we will explain the configuration of the storage box B in which the input assist device 10 is installed.

[0025] <Storage Box> Storage box B is a so-called delivery box, installed near the entrance or gate of a building, and used, for example, to receive packages delivered while the building's occupants are away from the building. The following explanation assumes that the building is a residence. Here, the residence may be a detached house, or an individual room (dwelling unit) in an apartment building or condominium. Storage box B can also be used in buildings other than residences, such as shops, offices, buildings, office buildings, commercial facilities, and public facilities. In this embodiment, the storage box B is, for example, a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped, and when viewed from above, it has a rectangular shape. Specifically, the storage box B is composed of an upper wall and a lower wall that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and four side walls Ws that are located between the upper wall and the lower wall and surround the upper wall (lower wall).

[0026] In the following explanation, of the four side walls Ws, the side wall Ws facing the user will be referred to as the front side wall Ws, and the side wall Ws opposite the front side wall Ws will be referred to as the rear side wall Ws. The direction in which the front side wall Ws and the rear side wall Ws are aligned will be referred to as the depth direction of storage box B (hereinafter simply referred to as the depth direction). Furthermore, the direction that intersects (strictly speaking, is perpendicular to) both the vertical direction and the depth direction will be referred to as the left-right direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the left-right direction). In the left-right direction, the left and right sides will be defined based on the view from the front.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, storage box B stores luggage P into its internal space (storage space) through an opening (hereinafter referred to as luggage input opening B1) provided at the upper end (upper wall) of storage box B. When viewed from above, luggage input opening B1 is, for example, rectangular in shape and connects the storage space of storage box B with the space outside storage box B.

[0028] Furthermore, storage box B has an upper door Du (see Figures 1 and 3) that opens and closes the luggage loading opening B1. The upper door Du is, for example, a double-hinged door, and specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, is composed of two plate-shaped lids C1 and C2. One lid C1 is rotatably attached to one end of the luggage loading opening B1 in the depth direction and rotates around a pivot axis extending in the left-right direction. The other lid C2 is rotatably attached to the other end of the luggage loading opening B1 in the depth direction and rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction. The two lids C1 and C2 move between a fully open position (see Figure 1) and a fully closed position (see Figure 3) by rotating around their respective pivot axes. When the two lids C1 and C2 are in the fully open position, they extend downward from the pivot axis, as shown in Figure 1. This leaves the luggage loading opening B1 open. On the other hand, when the two lids C1 and C2 are in the fully open position, they extend horizontally, with their ends adjacent to each other. This leaves the luggage loading opening B1 closed by the upper door Du. Please note that the above description is merely one example of an upper door Du, and the configuration of the upper door Du is not particularly limited as long as it is a door that opens and closes the luggage slot B1.

[0029] The interior of storage box B is divided into multiple storage spaces (three storage spaces in Figure 1), and delivered goods can be stored in each storage space. Of the three storage spaces, the uppermost storage space can communicate with the outside space by opening and closing the upper door Du located at the top of storage box B, as mentioned above. Of the three storage spaces, the second-to-last storage space can communicate with the outside space by opening and closing the side door Ds1 located on the front side wall Ws. In addition, of the three storage spaces, the lowest storage space can communicate with the outside space by opening and closing the side door Ds2 located on the front side wall Ws.

[0030] Furthermore, although the above description states that the input assist device 10 is installed in a vertically elongated rectangular storage box B, it is not limited to this and may be installed in any shape of storage box. Furthermore, although the above description states that the input assist device 10 is installed in a storage box B whose interior is divided into multiple storage spaces, it is not limited to this, and may be installed in a storage box having only the uppermost storage space, that is, a storage box having only one storage space. Furthermore, in the above description, the loading assist device 10 is described as guiding the luggage P to the luggage loading opening B1 provided on the upper end (upper wall) of the storage box B. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the loading assist device 10 may guide the luggage P to a luggage loading opening provided in a location other than the upper end (upper wall), for example, if the storage box B has a wall that extends in the direction in which it is inclined vertically, and a luggage loading opening is provided on that wall.

[0031] <Feeding aid device> Next, the configuration of the input assist device 10 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the input assist device 10 includes a lifting body 11, a plurality of guide sections 20 (four in Figure 1), a plurality of covers 30 (four in Figure 1), a state switching section 40, a sensor 50, and a control unit 60.

[0032] (Elevator) As shown in Figure 2, the lifting body 11 is a plate-shaped frame (ring-shaped body) that surrounds the storage box B when viewed from above, and in this embodiment, it has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The material of the lifting body 11 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a resin material or a metal material. The lifting body 11 moves (up and down) along the side wall Ws of the storage box B between a raised position (see Figure 1) which is at the same height as the cargo loading opening B1 and a lowered position (see Figure 3) which is below the cargo loading opening B1. The lifting body 11 is in the raised position when the guide section 20 is in the deployed position, and in the lowered position when the guide section 20 is in the retracted position. The lifting body 11 is able to move between the raised and lowered positions by the driving force of the lifting mechanism 42, which will be described later.

[0033] When the lifting body 11 is in the raised position, as shown in Figure 2, it is positioned between the cargo loading opening B1 and the guide surface 21, which will be described later, when viewed from above. Therefore, cargo P descending along the guide surface 21 will pass over the lifting body 11 and enter the cargo loading opening B1. Multiple (eight in Figure 2) auxiliary guides 12 are provided on the lifting body 11 to guide the cargo P as it passes over the lifting body 11. The auxiliary guides 12 are, for example, positioned along the extension line of the guide portion 22, which will be described later, in the direction of extension of the guide portion 22. The material of the auxiliary guides 12 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, resin material or metal material.

[0034] (Information Department) The loading assist device 10 is equipped with multiple (four in Figure 1) guide sections 20. As shown in Figure 2, the guide sections 20 are arranged along the perimeter of the storage box B when viewed from above, and are located on the outside of the corresponding side walls Ws of the four side walls Ws. Two of the four guide sections 20 are arranged in the depth direction, flanking the storage box B, while the remaining two guide sections 20 are arranged in the left-right direction, flanking the storage box B. As shown in Figure 1, the guide section 20 includes a guide surface 21, two guide portions 22, a shock-absorbing portion 23, and two base point members 24.

[0035] As described above, when the guide section 20 is in the deployed state, the guide surface 21 becomes a sloping surface that slopes downward as it approaches the luggage loading opening B1, as shown in Figure 1, and when the guide section 20 is in the retracted state, it is positioned along the side wall Ws of the storage box B, as shown in Figure 3. The guide surface 21 is a smooth plane and has a coefficient of friction sufficient to allow the load P to slide when it becomes an inclined surface. As shown in Figure 2, the width of the guide surface 21 narrows as it approaches the luggage loading opening B1, for example, when the guide section 20 is in its deployed state. In other words, the guide surface 21 has a trapezoidal shape in plan view. "Width of the guide surface 21" refers to the width in the width direction perpendicular to the inclination direction of the inclined guide surface 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as "width direction of the guide surface 21") in the direction along the guide surface 21. Furthermore, the width of the guide surface 21 may be constant regardless of its position in the direction of inclination, for example; in other words, the guide surface 21 may be rectangular in shape when viewed from above.

[0036] The guide surface 21 corresponds, for example, to the surface of one of the multiple surface portions 23a to 23e (see Figure 1) that constitute the impact absorbing portion 23, which will be described later (the fourth surface portion 23d). However, it is not limited to this, and the guide surface 21 may also be, for example, the surface of a sheet member attached to one of the surface portions (the fourth surface portion 23d) of the impact absorbing portion 23. As described above, when the guide section 20 is in the deployed state, the guide surface 21 extends along the inclination direction of the guide surface 21. On the other hand, when the guide section 20 is in the retracted state, the guide surface 21 folds from a predetermined position in the inclination direction of the guide surface 21 (the center position of the guide surface 21 in Figure 8), as shown in Figure 8. The process of folding the guide surface 21 will be explained in more detail in the description of the shock absorption section 23, which will be described later.

[0037] When the guide portion 20 is in its deployed state, the guide portion 22 extends toward the luggage loading opening B1, as shown in Figure 1, and guides the luggage P descending along the inclined direction of the guide surface 21 to the luggage loading opening B1. In the deployed state, the guide portion 22 is located on the guide surface 21 and protrudes upward from the guide surface 21. Thus, in the loading assist device 10, the guide portion 22 extends toward the loading opening B1, allowing the luggage P placed on the guide surface 21 to be properly guided to the loading opening B1. In this embodiment, the guide portion 22 is continuous from one end to the other in the inclined direction of the guide surface 21, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may have a discontinuous portion between one end and the other.

[0038] When the guide section 20 is in its deployed state, the two guide sections 22 are positioned apart from each other in the width direction of the guide surface 21, as shown in Figure 2, and are inclined to move closer to each other as they approach the luggage loading opening B1. In other words, when the guide section 20 is in its deployed state, the distance between the two guide sections 22 (the distance in the width direction of the guide surface 21) narrows as it approaches the luggage loading opening B1, and is narrowest at the lower end of the guide section 22 (the end on the luggage loading opening B1 side). The distance between the two guide sections 22 at their lower ends is approximately the same as the width of the luggage loading opening B1 in the width direction of the guide surface 21, as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] Here, as mentioned above, the cargo loading opening B1 is rectangular in shape. On the other hand, cargo P is a packaging box for goods, and such packaging boxes generally have a cubic or rectangular shape with corners. Therefore, the length of the diagonal connecting the corners of cargo P is longer than the length of one side of cargo P. Depending on the orientation (posture) of cargo P when it is loaded into the cargo loading opening B1, the corners of cargo P may overlap the cargo loading opening B1, and it may not be able to enter the cargo loading opening B1 properly. One possible solution is to give the cargo P a special shape, specifically, a shape in which the width of cargo P remains approximately the same regardless of its orientation. However, such a non-versatile shape for cargo P is undesirable.

[0040] As described above, in the loading assist device 10, the distance between the two guide sections 22 (the distance in the width direction of the guide surface 21) narrows as it approaches the loading opening B1, and at the lower end of the guide section 22, the distance is approximately the same as the width of the loading opening B1 in the width direction of the guide surface 21. As a result, the load P dropped from the unmanned aerial vehicle U is guided by the guide section 22, and its orientation relative to the loading opening B1 is gradually adjusted, so that at the lower end of the guide section 22, its orientation is approximately the same as the width of the loading opening B1. This prevents the load P from getting caught on the loading opening B1 when it is being guided to the loading opening B1. Therefore, the load P can be properly guided to the loading opening B1 without requiring the load P to have a special shape.

[0041] The guide portion 22 is, for example, a hollow body made of a foldable sheet, and in this embodiment, it is integrally configured with the shock-absorbing portion 23, which is also a hollow body surrounded by a foldable sheet, and communicates with the shock-absorbing portion 23. The sheet material may be a resin material, a cloth material, a paper material, a rubber material, or a material that combines these. The cross-sectional shape of the guide portion 22 perpendicular to the extension direction is not particularly limited and may be a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, or an irregular shape. When the guide section 20 is deployed, the guide section 22 expands due to the supply of compressed air inside and extends toward the cargo loading opening B1, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, when the guide section 20 is retracted, the guide section 22 contracts due to the discharge of compressed air from inside and folds from a predetermined position in the extension direction of the guide section 22 (the center position of the guide section 22 in Figure 8), as shown in Figure 8. The process of folding the guide section 22 will be explained in more detail later in the description of the shock absorption section 23.

[0042] The shock-absorbing section 23 absorbs the impact on the load P when it is placed on the guide surface 21. The shock-absorbing section 23 is, for example, a hollow body made of a foldable sheet. The sheet material may be a resin material, a cloth material, a paper material, a rubber material, or a combination of these materials. In this embodiment, the shock-absorbing section 23 is integrally configured with the guide section 22, and the internal spaces of both the guide section 22 and the shock-absorbing section 23 are in communication with each other.

[0043] The shock-absorbing section 23 expands when compressed air is supplied to it when the guide section 20 is in the deployed state. The expanded shock-absorbing section 23 has a triangular cylindrical shape with both ends closed, as shown in Figure 1. More specifically, the shock-absorbing section 23 has five surfaces 23a to 23e, as shown in Figure 1. When the shock-absorbing section 23 expands, the first surface 23a and the second surface 23b are spaced apart in the width direction of the guide surface 21. When the shock-absorbing section 23 expands, the third surface 23c, the fourth surface 23d, and the fifth surface 23e are located between the first surface 23a and the second surface 23b, surrounding the first surface 23a (and the second surface 23b). At this time, the third surface 23c is located on the cover 30 side, the fourth surface 23d is located on the luggage loading opening B1 side, and the fifth surface 23e is located on the opposite side from the luggage loading opening B1. In the above description, the shape of the expanded shock-absorbing part 23 is assumed to be triangular, but it is not limited to this, and may be, for example, rectangular or other shapes.

[0044] On the other hand, when the guide portion 20 is in the retracted state, the shock-absorbing portion 23 contracts as compressed air is discharged, as shown in Figure 8. When the shock-absorbing portion 23 contracts, its shape gradually changes from the state shown in Figure 9 to the state shown in Figure 8. More specifically, a predetermined position in the inclination direction of the guide surface 21 (the center position of the guide surface 21 in Figure 8) is used as a base point, and this base point moves inward towards the shock-absorbing portion 23. As a result, the fourth surface portion 23d is folded together with the guide surface 21 and the guide portion 22. At this time, the fifth surface portion 23e is pulled by the folded fourth surface portion 23d and rotates toward the third surface portion 23c, using the boundary between the third surface portion 23c and the fifth surface portion 23e as a base point. As a result, the fourth face portion 23d, which is folded in half, is sandwiched between the third face portion 23c and the fifth face portion 23e, resulting in a state where the third face portion 23c, the fourth face portion 23d, and the fifth face portion 23e are stacked on top of each other.

[0045] Thus, in the loading assist device 10, when the guide section 20 is in the deployed state, the compressed air supplied to the shock absorption section 23 acts as a buffer. For example, if a package P weighing approximately 2 kg is dropped from approximately 1 m above the package loading opening B1, the shock absorption section 23 may need to withstand a load of approximately 10 kg. However, with the shock absorption section 23 of this embodiment, the supply of compressed air allows for the appropriate absorption of the impact on the package P when it lies on the guide surface 21. On the other hand, when the guide section 20 is in the retracted state, the shock-absorbing section 23 can be properly folded by discharging compressed air from it, and as a result, the shock-absorbing section 23 can be made more compact.

[0046] The two base point members 24 (hereinafter simply referred to as "member 24") are, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, base point members when folding the guide section 20 (more specifically, the shock-absorbing section 23). Member 24 is, for example, a wire (core material) and has at least greater rigidity than the shock-absorbing section 23. The material of member 24 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a resin material or a metal material. One member 24 is provided on the first surface 23a and serves as the base point when folding the first surface 23a, while the other member 24 is provided on the second surface 23b and serves as the base point when folding the second surface 23b. In the following explanation, only the member 24 provided on the first surface 23a will be described, but the same applies to the member 24 provided on the second surface 23b.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, member 24 is composed of linear portions 24a to 24c, for example, a number corresponding to the corners of the first surface portion 23a (three in Figure 9). The three linear portions 24a to 24c extend from their respective corresponding corners to a common target point located in the center of the first surface portion 23a, and are connected to each other at that target point. Specifically, linear portion 24a extends from the corner formed by the third surface portion 23c and the fourth surface portion 23d. Linear portion 24b extends from the corner formed by the fourth surface portion 23d and the fifth surface portion 23e. Linear portion 24c extends from the corner formed by the third surface portion 23c and the fifth surface portion 23e.

[0048] When the guide section 20 is in its deployed state, the linear sections 24a, 24b, and 24c extend radially in different directions from the target point, as shown in Figure 9. On the other hand, when the state of the guide section 20 switches from the deployed state to the stored state, first, as shown in Figure 8, the linear sections 24a and 24b rotate toward each other with respect to the target point, becoming adjacent to each other. Finally, the first surface section 23a is folded when the adjacent linear sections 24a, 24b and linear section 24c are aligned on the same straight line.

[0049] Thus, the loading assist device 10 can appropriately fold the guide section 20, or more specifically, the first surface 23a and the second surface 23b of the shock-absorbing section 23, when the guide section 20 is in the stored state. In the above description, member 24 is assumed to have three linear portions 24a to 24c, but it is not limited to this, and the number of linear portions may be increased or decreased, for example, it may have only two linear portions 24a and 24b.

[0050] (cover) As shown in Figure 2, the cover 30 is, for example, a rectangular plate and has two main surfaces located apart in a predetermined direction, with the guide portion 20 positioned on one of the main surfaces as shown in Figure 1. The cover 30 is rotatably mounted to the lifting body 11, and is specifically switchable between a first state in which it rises above the lifting body 11 as shown in Figure 4, and a second state in which it is aligned with the lifting body 11 along a direction intersecting the vertical direction (left-right direction or depth direction) as shown in Figure 6. When the cover 30 is in the first state, as shown in Figure 4, it extends along the side wall Ws and covers the guide portion 20 from the outside. On the other hand, when the cover 30 is in the second state, as shown in Figure 6, it extends in a direction intersecting the side wall Ws, i.e., in the left-right direction or depth direction, and supports the guide portion 20 from below. As a result, when the guide section 20 is in the retracted state, the cover 30 can protect the guide section 20. On the other hand, when the guide section 20 is in the deployed state, the cover 30 supports the guide section 20 from below, allowing the guide surface 21 to be made into an appropriate inclined surface.

[0051] (State switching section) The state switching unit 40 switches the state of the guide unit 20 between the deployed state and the retracted state. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the state switching unit 40 includes a cover rotation mechanism 41, a lifting mechanism 42, and a door opening and closing mechanism 43.

[0052] The cover rotation mechanism 41 rotates the cover 30 relative to the lifting body 11, thereby switching the cover 30 between a first state (see Figure 4) and a second state (see Figure 6). The specific configuration of the cover rotation mechanism 41 is not particularly limited, and known mechanical mechanisms can be used. In this embodiment, the cover rotation mechanism 41 is composed of a motor installed on the lifting body 11 and an arm that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, with the tip of the arm attached to the cover 30. As a result, the arm rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor of the cover rotation mechanism 41, and the cover 30 attached to the tip of the arm rotates.

[0053] The lifting mechanism 42 moves the lifting body 11 up and down along the storage box B. The specific configuration of the lifting mechanism 42 is not particularly limited, and known mechanical mechanisms can be used. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 42 includes, for example, a lifting device 42a located below the lifting body 11, a housing 42b surrounding the lifting device 42a, and a drive source 42c, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Examples of the lifting device 42a include an air cylinder, and a piston rod protruding from the cylinder body of the air cylinder is attached to the lower end (bottom surface) of the lifting body 11. By extending and retracting the piston rod in the vertical direction, the lifting body 11 moves up and down, and as a result, the guide part 20 and cover 30 attached to the lifting body 11 move up and down together with the lifting body 11. Multiple lifting devices 42a may be provided to allow the lifting body 11 to move up and down smoothly. For example, although Figure 1 only shows a lifting device 42a located on the left side wall Ws when viewed from the front (side door Ds1, Ds2 side), a lifting device 42a may also be located on the right side wall Ws, for example.

[0054] The drive source 42c is the drive source for the lifting device 42a, and its type is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, for example, a compressor is an example. As shown in Figure 1, the drive source 42c may be arranged adjacent to the rear side wall Ws, for example. An air tube (not shown) extends from the drive source 42c to the lifting device 42a, and compressed air is supplied from the drive source 42c to the lifting device 42a via the air tube.

[0055] In this embodiment, the drive source 42c also acts as a drive source that supplies compressed air to the shock absorption section 23 and discharges compressed air from the shock absorption section 23. Therefore, when the guide section 20 is in the deployed state, the drive source 42c supplies compressed air to the shock absorption section 23 via an air tube (not shown), as shown in Figure 1. This causes the shock absorption section 23 to expand. On the other hand, when the guide section 20 is in the retracted state, the drive source 42c discharges compressed air from the shock absorption section 23 via an air tube (not shown), as shown in Figure 3. This causes the shock absorption section 23 to contract. However, the state switching unit 40 may have a separate drive source 42c for supplying compressed air to the shock absorbing unit 23 and for discharging compressed air from the shock absorbing unit 23.

[0056] The door opening / closing mechanism 43 opens and closes the upper door Du. In this embodiment, the door opening / closing mechanism 43 moves the two lids C1 and C2 that constitute the door opening / closing mechanism 43 between a fully open position (see Figure 1) and a fully closed position (see Figure 3). The specific configuration of the door opening / closing mechanism 43 is not particularly limited, and known mechanical mechanisms can be used.

[0057] (sensor) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 50 is positioned within the storage space of the storage box B and detects luggage P that is placed into the storage space through the luggage input opening B1. The position of the sensor 50 is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately detect the luggage P to be detected. For example, it should be positioned so as not to overlap (interfere with) the rotation range of the lids C1 and C2 that constitute the upper door Du.

[0058] (Control Unit) The control unit 60 is a device that controls the state switching unit 40, and is composed of a microprocessor and a control circuit, etc. More specifically, the control unit 60 controls the door opening / closing mechanism 43 based on a detection signal from the sensor 50 regarding the presence or absence of the luggage P. The control unit 60 also communicates with a control device (not shown) installed in the unmanned aerial vehicle U while the unmanned aerial vehicle U is flying (hovering) above the storage box B while holding the luggage P. The control device installed in the unmanned aerial vehicle U outputs a control signal to the control unit 60, and if the unmanned aerial vehicle U is within a predetermined distance from the storage box B, the control unit 60 receives the above control signal. When the control unit 60 receives a control signal from the unmanned aerial vehicle U, it controls the state switching unit 40 so that the state of the guide unit 20 changes from the stored state to the deployed state. As a result, the loading assist device 10 can properly receive the luggage P dropped from the unmanned aerial vehicle U.

[0059] <Receipt Flow> Next, we will explain how to use the loading assist device 10. Specifically, we will explain an example of the operation of the loading assist device 10 when receiving luggage P, referring to the luggage receiving flow shown in Figure 10.

[0060] The package receiving flow begins with the control unit 60 receiving a control signal output from the unmanned aerial vehicle U (more specifically, the control device of the unmanned aerial vehicle U) (S001). The control unit 60 analyzes the control signal to identify the delivery address of the package P and compares the identified delivery address with the address of the house where the storage box B is installed (S002). The address of the house is stored in the memory of the control unit 60. At this time, the loading assist device 10 is in the state shown in Figure 4, specifically, the guide unit 20 is in the stored state, the cover 30 is in the first state, and the lifting body 11 is in the lowered position.

[0061] If the two addresses match as a result of the verification (Yes in S003), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the package P can be placed in the storage space of storage box B (S004). In this step, if the control unit 60 has received a detection signal from the sensor 50, it determines that it is not possible to accept a new package P into the storage space because the storage space already contains more than the specified amount of package P. In this case, the control unit 60 transmits information to the unmanned aerial vehicle U notifying it that it is not possible to accept the package P (S005). If the unmanned aerial vehicle U receives this notification, it returns to the delivery base to return the package P that was not delivered.

[0062] If no detection signal is received from the sensor 50, the control unit 60 determines that it is possible to accept a new package P and controls the state switching unit 40 so that the state of the guide unit 20 is set to the deployed state. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the cover rotation mechanism 41 to switch the state of the cover 30 from the first state shown in Figure 4 to the second state shown in Figure 6 (S006). After switching the state of the cover 30 from the first state to the second state, the control unit 60 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to move the lifting body 11 from the lowered position to the raised position, as shown in Figure 7 (S007). Next, the control unit 60 controls the drive source 42c to supply compressed air to the shock absorbing section 23, as shown in Figures 8 and 9 (S008). As a result, the shock absorbing section 23 expands, the guide section 20 is deployed, and when viewed from above, the guide section 20 protrudes further out of the storage box B than the guide section 20 in the retracted state. In this way, the input assist device 10 can smoothly switch the state of the guide section 20 from the stored state to the deployed state by performing the steps S006 to S008 described above.

[0063] Subsequently, the control unit 60 controls the door opening / closing mechanism 43 to open the upper door Du as shown in Figure 9 (S009), and transmits information to the unmanned aerial vehicle U instructing it to drop the cargo P (S010). As a result, the cargo P is dropped into the storage space of the storage box B through the cargo loading port B1. At this time, the sensor 50 detects the cargo P being dropped into the storage space and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 60. When the control unit 60 receives the detection signal from the sensor 50 (S011), it controls the door opening / closing mechanism 43 to close the upper door Du (S012).

[0064] Next, the control unit 60 controls the drive source 42c to discharge compressed air from the shock absorption unit 23 (S013). As a result, the shock absorption unit 23 contracts, the guide unit 20 returns to its retracted state, and the guide unit 20 is positioned further inside the storage box B than the guide unit 20 is in its deployed state when viewed from above. Subsequently, the control unit 60 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to move the lifting body 11 from the raised position to the lowered position (S014). Next, the control unit 60 controls the cover rotation mechanism 41 to switch the state of the cover 30 from the second state shown in Figure 6 to the first state shown in Figure 4 (S015). As a result, the loading assist device 10 returns to the same state as at the start of the package receiving flow, that is, as shown in Figure 4, the state of the guide unit 20 is retracted, the state of the cover 30 is the first state, and the lifting body 11 is in the lowered position. In this way, the input assist device 10 can smoothly switch the state of the guide section 20 from the deployed state to the retracted state by performing the steps S013 to S015 described above. The package receiving process ends when all of the above steps are completed.

[0065] In the above package receiving flow, the steps in the flow may be rearranged to the extent possible. For example, the order in which steps S006 to S008 are performed may be rearranged. Specifically, the control unit 60 may move the lifting body 11 from the lowered position to the raised position (S007), then switch the state of the cover 30 from the first state to the second state (S006), and then supply compressed air to the shock absorption unit 23 (S008). Alternatively, the control unit 60 may switch the state of the cover 30 from the first state to the second state (S006), supply compressed air to the shock absorption unit 23 (S008), and then move the lifting body 11 from the lowered position to the raised position (S007). The same applies to rearranging the order in which steps S013 to S015 are performed.

[0066] <<Regarding other embodiments>> Although one embodiment of the input assist device and method of use of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0067] For example, as shown in Figure 11, a connecting portion 70A may be provided between two adjacent guide portions 20 among the multiple guide portions 20, connecting the two guide portions 20 together. The connecting portion 70A is, for example, a sheet that can be folded together with the guide portion 20 (shock-absorbing portion 23), and its material may be a resin material, a cloth material, a paper material, a rubber material, or a material that combines these. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 11, even if a portion of the luggage P placed on the guide surface 21 is located outside the guide surface 21, the luggage P can be properly guided to the luggage input opening B1.

[0068] Furthermore, although the above embodiment states that the input assist device 10 has a lifting body 11, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may not have a lifting body 11. In this case, the lifting mechanism 42 may be directly attached to the cover 30 on which the guide portion 20 is located, and the cover 30 may be raised and lowered in the vertical direction.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each movable part of the input assist device 10, specifically the lifting body 11, the guide part 20 (shock absorbing part 23), and the cover 30, is designed to move automatically using the driving force of the state switching unit 40. However, it is not limited to this, and at least some of the movable parts may be moved manually. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10,10A charging aid device 11 Lifting mechanism 12 Supplementary Guide 20 Information Department 21 Guide surface 22 Guide section 23 Shock-absorbing section 23a First side 23b Second side part 23c Third side 23d 4th side 23e Fifth side 24. Components (corresponding to the base component) 30 Cover 40 State switching section 41 Cover rotation mechanism 42 Lifting mechanism 42a Lifting device 42b enclosure 42c power source 43 Door opening and closing mechanism 50 sensors 60 Control Unit 70A connection part B Storage Box B1 Luggage drop-off slot C1,C2 Lid body Du Upper Door Ds1, Ds2 side doors P Luggage U Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Ws sidewall

Claims

1. A loading assist device that guides cargo dropped from an unmanned aerial vehicle to a cargo loading opening provided in a storage box, A guide section is provided, which has a guide surface positioned to surround the luggage input opening, and guides the luggage to the luggage input opening when the luggage is placed on the guide surface, The state of the guide section is provided with a state switching unit that switches between an unfolded state in which the guide surface is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the luggage loading opening, and a retracted state in which the guide surface is along the side wall of the storage box. The loading assist device wherein, when the guide portion is in the deployed state, when viewed from above, it protrudes further outward from the storage box than the guide portion is in the retracted state.

2. The loading assist device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is located on the guide surface and further comprises a guide portion extending toward the loading opening.

3. The guide section further includes an impact absorbing section that absorbs the impact on the luggage when the luggage is placed on the guide surface. The input assist device according to claim 1, wherein the state switching unit expands the shock absorbing unit by supplying compressed air to the shock absorbing unit when the state of the guide unit is in the deployed state, and contracts the shock absorbing unit by discharging compressed air from the shock absorbing unit when the state of the guide unit is in the stored state.

4. The feeding assist device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion further comprises a member that serves as a base point when the guide portion is folded.

5. The aforementioned guide section is equipped with multiple guide sections, The aforementioned multiple guide sections are arranged along the perimeter of the storage box when viewed from above. The feeding assist device according to claim 1, wherein a connecting portion is provided between two adjacent guide portions among the plurality of guide portions to connect the two guide portions together.

6. The system further includes a cover on which the aforementioned guide section is located. The feeding assist device according to claim 1, wherein the state switching unit switches the state of the cover between a first state in which the cover extends along the side wall and covers the guide portion from the outside, and a second state in which the cover extends in a direction intersecting the side wall and supports the guide portion from below.

7. The feeding assist device according to claim 6, wherein the state switching unit raises the cover after switching the state of the cover from a first state to a second state.

8. The system further includes a control unit that controls the state switching unit. The loading assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the state switching unit so that the state of the guide unit changes from the stored state to the deployed state when it receives a control signal from the unmanned aircraft.

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