Expandable storage port

Abstract

We provide an expandable storage port that can be expanded by adding or expanding various functions according to the user's needs. [Solution] The system includes multiple connecting ports 2, each having a housing 3 that surrounds a hollow interior 3a. Each connecting port 2 includes an opening 4 provided on the top, bottom, or side 3d of the housing 3, a connector 5 that connects the housings by aligning the openings 4 with each other, a control device 6 that controls the multiple connecting ports 2 in conjunction, and a cargo transport device 7 that transports cargo L between the opening 4 and the hollow interior 3a. At least one of the multiple connecting ports 2 is used to allow a drone D to take off and land on a landing / takeoff surface 10e exposed from the top 3b or side 3d of the housing 3. The drone storage port 10 stores the landed drone D or cargo L transported by the drone D into the hollow interior 3a through an entrance / exit 11 provided on the top 3b, and then transfers the cargo L to another connecting port 2 via the opening 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extended storage port where a drone can take off and land and the landed drone can be stored.

Background Art

[0002] A "drone" is a type of small unmanned helicopter. In recent years, it has been planned to use drones to transport small packages unmanned, inspect structures such as bridges, and spray agricultural chemicals. Such drones are called "industrial drones".

[0003] As industrial drones become more popular, there is a demand for drone ports that can be installed on rooftops of buildings and where drones can take off and land. Such a drone port is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventionally, in accordance with the user's requests, a drone port having functions meeting the requests has been developed each time. However, the needs of users for functions to be added to the drone port vary. For example, some users request the addition of functions specialized for logistics to the drone port, while other users request the addition of functions specialized for monitoring. Therefore, if development started each time there was a user request, it was not possible to quickly provide a drone port having additional functions meeting the user's needs. Therefore, there is a demand for quickly providing a drone port having functions meeting the user's requests.

[0006] This invention was devised to solve the problems described above. In other words, the objective of this invention is to provide an expandable storage port that can be expanded by adding or expanding various functions according to the user's needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, the present invention provides a plurality of connecting ports having a housing that encloses a hollow interior, Each connecting port is an opening provided on the top, bottom, or side of the housing, The system includes a control device that controls multiple aforementioned connecting ports in an interlocking manner, The housings of the multiple connecting ports are connected to each other by aligning their openings. At least one of the multiple connecting ports is a drone storage port for taking off and landing a drone on a takeoff / landing surface exposed from the top or side surface of the housing, and for storing the landed drone inside the hollow interior. The drone storage port is equipped with a drone transport device that transports the drone located inside the hollow interior between the opening and the hollow interior and transfers it to an adjacent connecting port, and the drone can be transferred to other connecting ports via the opening. At least one of the multiple connecting ports is a battery storage unit for storing the battery for the drone, An expandable storage port is provided, which includes a battery replacement device for replacing the battery mounted on the drone with another battery stored in the battery storage compartment. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a plurality of connecting ports having a housing surrounding a hollow interior are provided, Each connecting port is an opening provided on the top, bottom, or side of the housing, The system includes a control device that controls multiple aforementioned connecting ports in an interlocking manner, The housings of the multiple connecting ports are connected to each other by aligning their openings. At least one of the multiple connecting ports is a drone storage port for taking off and landing a drone on a takeoff / landing surface exposed from the top or side surface of the housing, and for storing the landed drone inside the hollow interior. The drone storage port is equipped with a drone transport device that transports the drone located inside the hollow interior between the opening and the hollow interior and transfers it to an adjacent connecting port, and the drone can be transferred to other connecting ports via the opening. An expandable storage port is provided, wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting ports has a drone parking section for storing the drone received from the drone storage port through the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention described above, each of the multiple connecting ports has a unique function. By connecting and combining these connecting ports with the drone storage port, the expandable storage port can be given any function desired by the user. Therefore, the functions of the expandable storage port can be expanded by combining the functions of the multiple connecting ports. This allows users to select the functions they want to add to the expandable storage port according to their needs.

[0009] Furthermore, even functions that cannot be achieved with a single connecting port can be realized by combining multiple connecting ports, each with its own unique function, allowing the entire expandable storage port to provide functions that meet user needs.

[0010] Furthermore, since each connection port is specialized for a specific function, users can later add or supplement connection ports that specialize in the functions they want to add, by purchasing additional ports. By connecting to an existing expansion storage port, users can later add functions they want to the expansion storage port. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]It is an explanatory diagram of an extended storage port of the first embodiment in which a drone storage port and a transfer port are connected. [Figure 2] It is a front arrow view of the internal structure of the drone storage port of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the extended storage port of the first embodiment in which a transfer port and a drone storage port are connected. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the extended storage port of the first embodiment in which two storage ports are connected to the transfer port in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the extended storage port of the first embodiment in which connection ports are stacked vertically. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the extended storage port of the first embodiment provided with a port with a display. [Figure 7] It is a front arrow view of the port for the energy station. [Figure 8] It is a front arrow view of the parking port. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram of the system of the control port. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the storage port provided in the extended storage port of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a front arrow view showing a part of the internal structure of the extended storage port of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the drone storage port provided in the extended storage port of the fourth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the extended storage port 1 of the first embodiment, which connects the drone storage port 10 and the transfer port 15. Figure 1(A) is a perspective view of the drone storage port 10, and Figure 1(B) is a perspective view of the transfer port 15. Figure 1(C) is a perspective view of the extended storage port 1, which connects the drone storage port 10 of Figure 1(A) and the transfer port 15 of Figure 1(B). Figure 1(D) is a perspective view of the drone storage port 10 (left) and the transfer port 15 (right), which have a housing 3 of a different shape than those in Figures 1(A) to 1(C). The following describes the expanded storage port 1, using a configuration where the drone storage port 10 and the transfer port 15 are connected as an example.

[0014] The expandable storage port 1 is equipped with multiple connection ports 2. Each of the multiple connection ports 2 has a specialized and unique function. Each connection port 2 has a housing 3 that surrounds a hollow interior 3a, and the device that realizes its respective unique function is installed in that hollow interior 3a. The connection ports 2 are equipped with connectors 5. The housings of the multiple connection ports 2 are connected to each other using these connectors 5 to construct a single expandable storage port 1.

[0015] The multiple connection ports 2 include, for example, a drone storage port 10, a storage port 20, a cooling storage port 30, a port with a display 40, a port for an energy station 50, a parking port 60, and a control port 80. The expandable storage port 1 functions as a single connection port by connecting any selected connection ports 2 from these multiple connection ports 2 to the drone storage port 10 and integrating them.

[0016] An opening 4 is provided on the top surface 3b, bottom surface 3c, or side surface 3d of the housing 3 of each connecting port 2. Hereinafter, the surface of the housing 3 on which the opening 4 is provided will be referred to as the opening surface 3e. There may be multiple types of openings 4. For example, openings 4 include a transfer opening 4a for transferring cargo L between adjacent connecting ports 2, a handover opening 4b for handing cargo L to a vehicle or person, and a drone opening 4c for moving a drone D to an adjacent connecting port 2. The transfer opening 4a and the handover opening 4b are sized to allow cargo L to pass through. The drone opening 4c is explained in Figure 2.

[0017] Each opening 4 is provided with an exterior wall door 23. The exterior wall door 23 opens and closes the opening 4 under the control of the control device 6. The control device 6 moves the exterior wall door 23 to a position that opens the opening 4, or unlocks the exterior wall door 23 that is closing the opening 4.

[0018] The shape of the housing 3 for each connecting port 2 can be any shape as long as the opening surfaces 3e of adjacent connecting ports meet. For example, the shape of the housing 3 for a connecting port 2 may be a rectangular parallelepiped or a roughly rectangular parallelepiped, as shown in the figure, or it may be a polygonal prism such as a hexagonal prism or a polyhedron such as a dodecahedron. Also, multiple connecting ports 2 do not have to be the same size or shape. For example, as shown in Figure 1(D), a protrusion 3h and a recess 3g with an opening 4 may be provided on the housing wall. The connecting ports 2 in this figure can be connected by fitting the protrusion 3h into the recess 3g, and the openings 4 can be aligned.

[0019] The expandable storage port 1 is equipped with a drone storage port 10 on at least one of the multiple connecting ports 2. The drone storage port 10 is a connecting port 2 for landing and taking off the drone D on the landing and takeoff surface 10e exposed to the outside of the housing 3. For example, the drone storage port 10 in this embodiment shown in Figure 1(A) has an entrance / exit 11 on the upper surface 3b of the housing 3 that leads to the hollow interior 3a of the housing 3. The entrance / exit 11 of the drone storage port 10 is closed by a plurality of roof plates 11a except when the drone D is taking off or taking off. When the drone D takes off or takes off, the roof plates 11a open, and the landing and takeoff surface 10e appears at the entrance / exit 11 from the hollow interior 3a. The drone storage port 10 lands the drone D on the landing and takeoff surface 10e. Then the drone storage port 10 stores the landing and takeoff surface 10e along with the landed drone D or the cargo L transported by the drone D into the hollow interior 3a from the entrance / exit 11.

[0020] The drone storage port 10 is provided with transfer openings 4a on its sides 3d and bottom 3c, allowing cargo L to be transferred to other connecting ports 2. A connecting portion 3f is provided on the side 3d or bottom 3c where the transfer opening 4a is located. The connecting portion 3f is a part of the housing 3 to which a connector 5 can be attached. For example, the connecting portion 3f may have a through hole through which a connector 5 such as a bolt can pass. Unused connecting portions 3f are provided with a cover to block the through hole and prevent wind and rain from entering.

[0021] Figure 1(B) is a perspective view of the transfer port 15. The transfer port 15 is a connecting port 2 that has the function of directly transferring the cargo L located inside the hollow interior 3a to another machine that carries the cargo L, such as a vehicle, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or a drone, or to a person.

[0022] A transfer opening 4a is also provided on the side 3d of the transfer port 15. The transfer opening 4a is an opening 4 through which the cargo L passes between the connecting ports. The transfer openings 4a are positioned so that they align when the connecting ports 2 are connected. This makes it easy to align the positions of the transfer openings 4a simply by connecting multiple connecting ports 2 (for example, the transfer port 15 and the drone storage port 10).

[0023] Furthermore, the transfer port 15 also has openings 4 on its upper surface 3b, lower surface 3c, or side surface 3d that are not connected to other connecting ports 2. In other words, it has at least one opening surface 3e that is not connected to other connecting ports 2. The transfer port 15 uses these openings 4 to move the cargo L located in the hollow interior 3a out of the connecting port 2 and transfer it to a person or vehicle. These openings 4 may be transfer openings 4b dedicated to the transfer of cargo to people or vehicles, as shown in Figure 1(B). However, it is not limited to this, and one of the multiple transfer openings 4a of the transfer port 15 may be used exclusively for the transfer of cargo to people or vehicles.

[0024] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1(C), the expandable storage port 1 is used as a single unit by connecting the housings 3 of multiple connecting ports 2 with a connector 5, aligning the openings 4. The connector 5 is a component that connects the housings by aligning the openings 4 with each other. The connector 5 may be, for example, a bolt and a nut.

[0025] Furthermore, the expandable storage port 1 does not merely physically connect multiple connection ports 2 with connectors 5. The expandable storage port 1 also synchronizes and operates the systems of each connection port 2. For example, each connecting port 2 has a control device 6 that controls its own operation. By connecting the control device 6 via wiring 6a or wirelessly when connecting the connecting ports 2, the expandable storage port 1 controls the operation of multiple connecting ports 2 in a coordinated manner. Alternatively, the expandable storage port 1 may be controlled by a single control device 6 of one connected port 2, which can then centrally control all the various devices in other connected ports. This control device 6 may be, for example, the control device 6 of the drone storage port 10, because the drone storage port 10 is always included among the connected ports 2 of the expandable storage port 1.

[0026] Figure 2 is a front view of the internal structure of the drone storage port 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the entrance 11 of the drone storage port 10 is provided to be openable and closable by a plurality of rectangular roof plates 11a.

[0027] A landing platform 10a, which can be raised and lowered by a landing platform lifting device 10d, is provided in the hollow interior 3a of the drone storage port 10. The upper surface of this landing platform 10a is the takeoff and landing surface 10e of the drone D. The landing platform 10a moves up and down between the upper surface height H1 of the drone storage port 10 and the storage height H2, which allows the drone D to be stored in the hollow interior 3a together with the cargo L. A passage hole 10b for the cargo L to pass through is provided in the center of the landing platform 10a, and this passage hole 10b is closed by a floor door 10c. The floor door 10c in this figure is configured to open downwards like double doors.

[0028] When drone D lands, first the roof panel 11a slides open, opening the entrance 11. Next, the landing platform 10a rises to an upper surface height H1, becoming exposed to the outside through the entrance 11. Drone D lands on the landing platform 10a in this state. After that, the control device 6 controls the landing platform lifting device 10d to lower the landing platform 10a to the storage height H2, closes the roof panel 11a, and completes the storage of drone D and cargo L.

[0029] The drone storage port 10 in this embodiment is equipped with a cargo transport device 7 that transports cargo L between the opening 4 and the hollow interior 3a. The cargo handling device 7 may be a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. Alternatively, the cargo handling device 7 may be a robotic hand or an AI-equipped automated transport robot. Or, if there is a difference in height between the transfer opening 4a on the sending and receiving sides of the cargo L, the cargo handling device 7 may be a plank-type slide that slides down an inclined surface or a roller slide in which the rollers can rotate freely in the direction of movement. In this diagram, a conveyor is used as an example of the cargo handling device 7.

[0030] The cargo handling device 7 of the drone storage port 10 is provided to be able to move up and down between a receiving height H3 and a transfer height H4. The receiving height H3 is the height directly below the drone D when the landing platform 10a is at the storage height H2. The transfer height H4 is the height of the cargo handling device 7 when transferring cargo L from the transfer opening 4a. The cargo handling device 7 moves up and down by a lifting device 7a.

[0031] When the drone storage port 10 receives cargo L from drone D, the cargo transport device 7 is raised to the receiving height H3. When drone D releases cargo L, cargo L lands on the floor door 10c. When the floor door 10c opens, cargo L slides along the floor door 10c and slides down through the passage hole 10b, landing on the cargo transport device 7. The cargo transport device 7 is then lowered, and by driving it at the transfer height H4, the cargo L received from drone D can be transferred to the adjacent connecting port 2.

[0032] As shown in this diagram, the two transfer openings 4a are connected by a single cargo handling device 7, and the direction of rotation of the belt may be changed depending on which of the left or right transfer openings 4a the cargo L is to be delivered from. Alternatively, a single connecting port 2 may have multiple cargo handling devices 7, and the cargo handling devices 7 may be used differently depending on the direction in which the cargo L is being transported.

[0033] Such cargo handling devices 7 are installed not only at the drone storage port 10 but also at other connection ports 2.

[0034] The drone storage port 10 may also be equipped with a drone transport device 12. The drone transport device 12 of the first embodiment is a device that transports a drone D stored in a hollow interior 3a between the hollow interior 3a and the drone opening 4c, and hands it over to an adjacent connecting port 2. The operation of the drone transport device 12 is also controlled by the control device 6. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, a drone opening 4c is provided on the rear side of the landing platform 10a. The drone opening 4c is an opening 4 used to move the drone D to the adjacent connecting port 2 (in this figure, a connecting port 2 not shown, connected to the rear side of the drone storage port 10 in the drawing). In the example shown in this figure, the outer wall door 23 of this drone opening 4c opens and closes by sliding up and down.

[0035] The drone transport device 12 in this embodiment may be, for example, a belt conveyor 12b in which the belt 12a extends toward the drone opening 4c at a position that avoids the passage hole 10b of the landing platform 10a. For example, the drone transport device 12 in this figure is a belt conveyor 12b in which two rows of belts 12a extend adjacent to both the left and right sides of the passage hole 10b in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. When the drone D is in a fixed position in the center of the landing platform 10a, the legs of the drone D are positioned on this belt 12a. The drone transport device 12 may be a single belt conveyor 12b having two rows of belts 12a that move synchronously, or it may be a device that drives two belt conveyors 12b having one row of belts 12a each in a synchronous manner.

[0036] To transfer the cargo L from drone D to the drone storage port 10, the cargo L needs to be moved to the passage hole 10b. In this diagram, the drone transport device 12 uses a positioning device 13 that moves horizontally on the landing platform 10a to push drone D towards the center of the landing platform 10a. This moves drone D to the designated position for transfer to the drone storage port 10, and the cargo L can be positioned directly above the passage hole 10b. At the same time, by moving drone D to the designated position, the legs of drone D can be placed on the belt 12a. In this state, by dropping the cargo L into the passage hole 10b located between the two rows of belts 12a, the transfer of cargo L from drone D to the drone storage port 10 is completed.

[0037] Furthermore, once the handover is complete, the legs of drone D are on the belt 12a, so the drone transport device 12 can be driven to move drone D into the drone opening 4c. In this way, the drone storage port 10 can transfer the drone D to other connecting ports 2 (for example, the energy station port 50 or the parking port 60) through the opening 4 by the drone transport device 12.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the extended storage port 1 of the first embodiment, which connects the transfer port 15 and the drone storage port 10. Figure 3(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and Figure 3(B) is a horizontal cross-sectional view. In this diagram, the transfer port 15 has a lifting device 7a that raises and lowers the cargo conveying device 7. For the sake of explanation in this diagram, the cargo conveying device 7 that is raised and lowered by the lifting device 7a in the transfer port 15 is called the lifting conveying device 7b. In the hollow interior 3a of the transfer port 15, the fixed-position cargo conveying devices 7, which are arranged in multiple stages vertically in this diagram, are called fixed conveying devices 7c for the sake of explanation. Note that in this diagram, the cargo conveying device 7 is depicted as a roller conveyor.

[0039] The cargo transport device 7 transports the cargo L between the opening 4 and the hollow interior 3a. In this diagram, the cargo handling device 7 of the drone storage port 10, located on the right side of the diagram, extends to the right of the diagram from the transfer opening 4a in the center of the diagram towards the hollow interior 3a of the drone storage port 10. Similarly, the lifting and lowering transport device 7b of the transfer port 15, located on the left side of the diagram, extends to the left of the diagram from the transfer opening 4a in the center of the diagram towards the hollow interior 3a of the transfer port 15. In short, the cargo handling device 7 of the drone storage port 10 and the lifting and lowering transport device 7b of the transfer port 15 are connected in a continuous line via the transfer opening 4a.

[0040] This configuration allows the cargo handling devices 7 in separate connecting ports to be connected by an opening 4, enabling them to function as a single transport device. As a result, the cargo L placed on the cargo handling device 7 in the drone storage port 10 is released through the transfer opening 4a in the center of the diagram by the drive of the cargo handling device 7 and transferred to the lifting transport device 7b in the transfer port 15.

[0041] The transfer port 15 in this diagram has two levels of fixed conveying devices 7c, one above the other. The lifting conveying device 7b moves up and down between the upper and lower fixed conveying devices 7c. The lifting conveying device 7b and the fixed conveying devices 7c are connected when they are at the same height. With this configuration, the lifting and lowering conveying device 7b can send the load L to either of the upper or lower fixed conveying devices 7c. Note that although the fixed conveying device 7c in this figure has two stages, it may have one stage or three or more stages. If the fixed conveying device 7c has one stage, the lifting device 7a does not need to be provided at the transfer port 15.

[0042] The transfer port 15 illustrated in Figure 3(B) is provided with multiple storage spaces 21 for storing the cargo L. The storage spaces 21 are located in the hollow interior 3a of the transfer port 15 along the cargo transport device 7 (fixed transport device 7c in this figure). For example, the storage spaces 21 may be conveyors extending from the side of the cargo transport device 7.

[0043] The transfer port 15 also has a luggage sorting device 22. The luggage sorting device 22 is a device that moves the luggage L placed on the luggage transport device 7 to the target storage space 21. This allows the luggage L to travel back and forth between the storage space 21 and the luggage transport device 7.

[0044] For example, the luggage sorting device 22 in this figure may be a horizontal rod 22a that rotates around a vertical axis. For example, when moving luggage L to storage space 21 R in Figure 3(B), the horizontal rod 22a of the luggage sorting device 22 may be used to block the movement path on the luggage transport device, as shown in the figure, and then the luggage L may be moved to storage space 21 R by rotating the horizontal rod 22a.

[0045] Figure 3(B) shows two luggage sorting devices 22 flanking the luggage conveying device 7. Preferably, the horizontal bars 22a of these luggage sorting devices 22 are mounted at different heights. By having the horizontal bars 22a at alternating heights, they can rotate freely without colliding with each other.

[0046] The transfer port 15 has multiple openings 4. As shown in this figure, there may be multiple openings 4 on a single opening surface 3e. Each opening 4 is provided with a cargo transport device 7 extending from the hollow interior 3a to the opening 4. The transfer port 15 has multiple opening surfaces 3e. At least one of these opening surfaces 3e is exposed to the outside of the expandable storage port 1 without being connected to the other connecting ports 2. For example, in this diagram, the opening 4 shown at the top of Figure 3(B) opens outwards from the expandable storage port 1. This opening 4 is used as the transfer opening 4b.

[0047] Furthermore, the storage space 21 designated as R is also equipped with a function to move the cargo L horizontally. Therefore, storage space R 21 also functions as a cargo transport device 7. For example, when a receiving signal is issued for cargo L stored in storage space Q 21, first, the conveyor in storage space Q 21 returns cargo L to the nearest cargo transport device 7. Next, the cargo transport device 7 and the cargo sorting device 22 drive the cargo L to cargo transport device 7 (storage space 21) designated as R. After that, by opening the outer wall door 23 of the handover opening 4b and driving the conveyor of cargo transport device R 7 (storage space 21) toward the handover opening 4b, cargo L can be handed over to people or vehicles waiting outside the expandable storage port 1.

[0048] For example, the way the connecting port 2 is connected can be changed, and the opening 4 on the left side of the transfer port 15 shown in Figure 3(B) can be used as the transfer opening 4b.

[0049] With this configuration, the expandable storage port 1 in Figure 3, by connecting to the transfer port 15, can add functions specifically for logistics using drones D to the drone storage port 10. The transfer port 15 may also be configured to automatically transfer the cargo L to the unmanned ground vehicle in cooperation with the unmanned ground vehicle.

[0050] The operation of the expanded storage port 1 in Figure 3 is as follows. All of these operations are performed by the control device 6. First, the expandable storage port 1 lands the drone D on the takeoff / landing surface 10e of the drone storage port 10 and stores the drone D, along with the cargo L, in its hollow interior 3a. Next, the expandable storage port 1 receives the cargo L from the drone D in the hollow interior 3a of the drone storage port 10. The expandable storage port 1 also drives the lifting device 7a of the transfer port 15 to adjust the height of the lifting and transporting device 7b to match the height of the cargo transporting device 7 of the drone storage port 10. Subsequently, the cargo transporting device 7 of the drone storage port 10 is driven to transport the cargo L from the transfer opening 4a of the drone storage port 10 to the transfer port 15.

[0051] Next, the extended storage port 1 temporarily stores the cargo L at the transfer port 15. The handover port 15 may have an operation panel 72 that can be operated by the recipient of the package L. Alternatively, it may be able to communicate with a manned vehicle or unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) transporting the package L, or with a smartphone held by the person receiving the package L. Once a receiving signal is transmitted and the identified package L is identified through operation of the operation panel 72 or communication, it is handed over to the outside through the handover opening 4b. Thus, by combining the drone storage port 10 and the handover port 15 in Figure 3, the expandable storage port 1 can obtain logistics-specific functions such as handing over the cargo L received from the drone D to a person or vehicle.

[0052] Furthermore, the transfer opening 4a between the transfer port 15 and the drone storage port 10 may remain open at all times. This eliminates the waiting time required to fully open the outer wall door 23 when transferring cargo L from the drone storage port 10 to the transfer port 15.

[0053] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the expanded storage port 1 of the first embodiment, in which two storage ports 20 are connected to the transfer port 15 of Figure 3. In this figure, the transfer port 15 is the rightmost connecting port 2, and the storage ports 20 are the center and leftmost connecting ports 2. The expandable storage port 1 may have at least one of its multiple connected ports 2 as a storage port 20. In this figure, the expandable storage port 1 has two storage ports 20 connected to the transfer port 15 shown in Figure 3. The storage port 20 shown on the far left of Figure 4 is a cooling storage port 30 for storing goods L that require refrigeration or freezing. The cooling storage port 30 has an air cooling device 31 that cools the room temperature inside the hollow interior 3a. The room temperature inside the hollow interior 3a may be 2°C to 5°C for refrigerated storage, or -20°C to -17°C for frozen storage.

[0054] Each connecting port 2, not limited to the cooling storage port 30, may have an outer wall door 23 that opens and closes an opening 4 connected to other connecting ports 2. In this case, when the control device 6 transports goods L from the storage space 21 to the opening 4, it operates the outer wall door 23 to a position that opens the opening 4 or unlocks the outer wall door 23 that is closing the opening 4. For example, when receiving goods L into the cooled hollow interior 3a of the cooling storage port 30, the control device 6 opens the outer wall door 23 of the cooling storage port 30 in conjunction with the operation of the goods transport device 7.

[0055] These storage ports 20 and 30 have a cargo handling device 7, a plurality of storage spaces 21 for storing cargo L, and a cargo sorting device 22 for moving cargo L from the cargo handling device 7 to the desired storage space 21 within their hollow interior 3a. In this respect, they are the same as the delivery port 15. Also, similar to the delivery port 15, the storage ports 20 in this figure have the storage spaces 21 arranged along the cargo handling device 7.

[0056] For example, the storage port 20 in this figure has multiple levels of cargo handling devices 7 and storage spaces 21 arranged vertically. Each level of cargo handling device 7 is provided with a transfer opening 4a at its end. Each level of cargo handling device 7 is connected to another cargo handling device 7 installed at the same height in the other connecting port, with the transfer opening 4a in between. For example, in this figure, the handover port 15 and the storage port 20 have two levels of storage spaces 21 and cargo handling devices 7 arranged vertically. By connecting these two connecting ports 2 at the same installation height, the upper transfer opening 4a of the handover port 15 aligns with the upper transfer opening 4a of the storage port 20, and the lower transfer opening 4a of the handover port 15 aligns with the lower transfer opening 4a of the storage port 20. As a result, for example, cargo L stored in the upper storage space 21 of the storage port 20 can be transferred to the handover port 15 simply by driving the upper cargo handling device 7 of each connecting port 2.

[0057] In other words, the multi-tiered cargo handling devices 7 of each connecting port 2 are installed at the same height as the multi-tiered cargo handling devices 7 of adjacent connecting ports 2. A transfer opening 4a is provided at each tier. As a result, even if the number of connecting ports 2 to be connected increases, the cargo L can be moved between connecting ports simply by moving it laterally. Therefore, the transfer of cargo L between connecting ports can be done faster than using a lifting device 7a. This transfer speed of cargo L between connecting ports is particularly important when transferring cargo L that requires refrigeration or freezing.

[0058] Furthermore, an opening surface 3e with multiple transfer openings 4a may be connected to an opening surface 3e of another connecting port 2 that has only one opening 4. In this case, the two can be connected while keeping the outer wall door 23 of the transfer opening 4a, which does not have a corresponding opening 4 on the other side, closed.

[0059] The storage port 20 is not limited to the example described above, but may also be equipped with a lifting and lowering conveying device 7b and its lifting device 7a, as shown in the transfer port 15 in Figure 3. Furthermore, any of the multiple connected storage ports 20 that have an open surface 3e that is not connected to another connected port 2 may be used as a transfer port 15.

[0060] If there is an opening 3e on each connection port 2 that is not connected to another connection port 2, the package L may be delivered from the nearest opening 4. For example, a package L that requires refrigeration may be handed over directly from the opening 4 of the cooling storage port 30, and a package L that is stored at room temperature may be handed over directly from the storage port 20 in which it was stored. Also, for example, if the user receives the package L immediately after it arrives via drone D, the package L may be handed over directly from the drone storage port 10.

[0061] Furthermore, in the expanded storage port 1 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting ports 2 are connected in a horizontal row, but the configuration of connection is not limited to this. The storage ports 20, 30 and the transfer port 15 may have openings 4 on at least two of the top surface 3b, bottom surface 3c, or side surface 3d of the housing 3. By further connecting storage ports 20, 30 to the back or front of the paper in these figures, the storage space 21 for luggage L can be increased by any number.

[0062] Furthermore, if the connecting port 2 is equipped with a cargo transport device 7 for transporting cargo L in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as the cargo transport device 7 for vertical transfer), the connecting ports 2 may be stacked and connected. For example, when using stacked connecting ports 2 that do not have a cargo transport device 7 for vertical transfer, a portion of the fixed transport device 7c inside the housing is replaced with a cargo transport device 7 for vertical transfer. Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the expanded storage port 1 of the first embodiment, in which connecting ports 2 are stacked vertically. The four connecting ports 2 shown in this figure are the drone storage port 10 in the upper right, the transfer port 15 in the lower right, and the storage ports 20 at the top and bottom on the left side. In this example diagram, the transfer port 15 (bottom right) and storage port 20 (bottom left) are connected in the lower section. The drone storage port 10 (top right) is placed on top of the transfer port 15, and another storage port 20 (top left) is placed on top of the storage port 20 in the bottom left, and they are all connected to each other.

[0063] The opening 4 on the lower surface 3c of the storage port 20 in the upper left of the diagram and the opening 4 on the upper surface 3b of the storage port 20 below it meet to form a transfer opening 4a. In this diagram, a pantograph lift 7d is installed at the lower storage port 20 as a cargo handling device 7 for vertical transfer. A picking device or conveyor is provided at the upper end of the pantograph lift 7d, allowing cargo L to be transferred between it and the adjacent fixed transport device 7c. With this configuration, the expandable storage port 1 can transfer cargo L placed on the picking device or conveyor between the upper and lower connecting ports.

[0064] Let's take the example of handing over cargo L received from drone D and explain the movement route of cargo L. First, the cargo L, dropped from the drone D onto the cargo transport device 7 at the drone storage port 10 in the upper right of the diagram, is transported by the cargo transport device 7 to the lifting transport device 7b at the storage port 20 in the upper left of the diagram. Then, the cargo L moves from the lifting transport device 7b through the lower fixed transport device 7c to the picking device or conveyor of the pantograph lift 7d, and moves to the storage port 20 in the lower left by the contraction of the pantograph. The cargo L may be temporarily stored in the storage space 21 of the storage port 20. After that, the cargo L is transported to the transfer opening 4b by the storage port 20, the fixed transport device 7c of the transfer port 15, and the lifting transport device 7b of the transfer port 15, and the cargo L is transferred.

[0065] Since the cargo handling device 7 for vertical transfer is a pantograph lift 7d, the pantograph lift 7d can be stored inside the housing when the connecting ports 2 are not stacked. Also, when the connecting ports 2 are not stacked, the pantograph lift 7d can be retracted as shown by the dashed line in the figure and used as a single fixed transport device 7c for the horizontal movement of the cargo L. However, it is not limited to this; if the stacking of the connecting ports 2 is to be maintained, a non-extendable type of cargo handling device 7, such as a lifting device 7a, may be used as the cargo handling device 7 for vertical transfer.

[0066] The expandable storage port 1 may also include a connecting port 2 having a communication device 71 and an operation panel 72 as illustrated in Figure 1(C). The communication device 71 receives cargo authentication information from the drone D that is attempting to land and outputs it to the control device 6. The cargo authentication information is information about the cargo L transported by the drone D. The control device 6 stores the cargo authentication information in association with location information indicating the location of the storage space 21 where the cargo L is stored.

[0067] The control panel 72 is a terminal into which stored cargo authentication information is entered. The stored cargo authentication information is information about cargo L stored in storage space 21 from an external source. The control panel 72 may be, for example, a button displaying a unique storage space number or a numeric keypad for entering numbers, or these may be displayed on a touch panel. Alternatively, the control panel 72 may be the user's own smartphone with an application downloaded that is linked to the expanded storage port 1. The stored cargo authentication information entered from the control panel 72 is output to the control device 6.

[0068] When the stored cargo authentication information matches the stored cargo authentication information, the control device 6 controls the cargo transport device 7 and removes the cargo L from the storage space 21 indicated by the location information linked to the cargo authentication information from the housing 3.

[0069] The communication device 71, the operation panel 72, and the control device 6 may be located in separate connection ports 2, provided they operate in conjunction with each other. For example, the communication device 71 may be located in the drone storage port 10, the operation panel 72 on the side of the transfer opening 4b of the transfer port 15, and the control device 6 in the storage ports 20 and 30. However, the system is not limited to these arrangements, and the communication device 71, the operation panel 72, and the control device 6 may all be built into the drone storage port 10.

[0070] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the extended storage port 1 of the first embodiment, which includes a port 40 with a display. At least one of the multiple connection ports 2 may be a port 40 with a display 41 on its housing 3. Preferably, the display 41 displays an image or video of the package L stored in the storage port 20. Alternatively, the display 41 may display advertising videos related to the package L or other advertisements.

[0071] This gives the expandable storage port 1 a sales function, allowing it to be used like a vending machine or an unmanned convenience store. For example, suppose the expandable storage port 1 is installed on the roof of an apartment building or office building. Even if the transportation network to that apartment building or office building is cut off due to a disaster, if the expandable storage port 1 is available, supplies L can be supplied from the drone D. Disaster victims can select and obtain the necessary supplies L themselves by operating a smartphone or control panel 72 with software linked to the expandable storage port 1 while looking at the display 41.

[0072] The other connecting port 2 to which drone D is transported by the drone transport device 12 may be, for example, a port 50 for an energy station. Figure 7 is a front view of the port 50 for the energy station. The port 50 for the energy station includes a battery storage unit 51 and a battery replacement device 52. The battery compartment 51 stores multiple batteries 53 for the drone D. The battery replacement device 52 replaces the battery 53 installed in the drone D with another battery 53 stored in the battery compartment 51.

[0073] In Figure 7, the battery storage unit 51 has a battery shelf 51a. The battery shelf 51a positions multiple batteries 53 at intervals along the same vertical plane 55.

[0074] In Figure 7, the battery replacement device 52 includes a lifting unit 52a and a picking device 54. In this example, the lifting unit 52a is a caesar lift device that raises and lowers the unit base 52b while holding it horizontally.

[0075] The picking device 54 is mounted on the unit base 52b and is capable of horizontal rotation and horizontal movement perpendicular to the vertical plane 55, and is configured to grip the battery 53. Horizontal rotation is rotation around the vertical axis. Horizontal movement perpendicular to the vertical plane 55 is movement in the left-right direction in this figure. In this example, the picking device 54 includes a swivel device 54a, a traverse device 54b, and a picking arm 54c.

[0076] The swivel device 54a is provided on the lifting unit 52a (unit base 52b in this example) and is configured to allow the traverse device 54b to rotate horizontally. The traverse device 54b is provided on the rotating portion of the slewing device 54a and is configured to be movable in a horizontal direction (left-right direction in this figure) perpendicular to the vertical plane 55. The picking arm 54c is provided on the moving part of the traverse device 54b and is configured to grip the battery 53. The battery 53 is moved horizontally in the left-right direction in the figure by the picking arm 54c and the traverse device 54b, allowing it to be horizontally inserted into and mounted on the drone D.

[0077] Thus, the expandable storage port 1 is equipped with a battery storage unit 51 and a battery replacement device 52 in the energy station port 50. The battery 53 mounted on the drone D is removed and stored in the battery storage unit 51, and another battery 53 is mounted on the drone D. Therefore, the battery 53 of drone D can be directly replaced, allowing drone D to be operated for extended periods with short landings without waiting for charging time.

[0078] Furthermore, the connecting port 2 to which drone D is transported by the drone transport device 12 may be, for example, a parking port 60. Figure 8 is a front view of the parking port 60. The parking port 60 has a drone parking section 61 for storing drones D received by the drone transport device 12 from the drone storage port 10 via the drone opening 4c. The drone parking section 61 may be, for example, a shelf on which drones D can move back and forth between the drone transport device 12, as shown in the figure. In this example, a belt conveyor is provided on each shelf of the drone parking section 61, and drones D can be stored on the belt. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the drone transport device 12 itself, which directly receives drones D from the drone storage port 10, may also be the drone parking section 61.

[0079] With this configuration, the expandable storage port 1 is equipped with a drone storage port 10 and a parking port 60, allowing the expandable storage port 1 to be used as a storage base for drones D.

[0080] Furthermore, by providing a drone storage port 10 and a parking port 60, when landing drones D one after another, or when multiple drones D are waiting for battery replacement 53, the drones D can be kept waiting inside the hollow interior 3a of the expanded storage port 1. This allows for the landing of the next drone D without waiting for the previously landed drone D to take off, thus enabling smooth takeoffs and landings of drones D without making them wait in the air.

[0081] Furthermore, the connection port 2 may also be the control port 80. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the control port 80 system. Figure 9(A) shows example configuration 1 of a system in which the control port 80 communicates with drone D or the control device 83 of drone D based on weather values.

[0082] The control port 80 further includes a weather value acquisition device 81 and a judgment device 82. The weather value acquisition device 81 measures weather values ​​related to the location where the control port 80 is installed. These weather values ​​may be weather values ​​for a local area including the location of the control port 80.

[0083] The weather data acquisition device 81 is, for example, an anemometer. The anemometer 81 may be installed on the upper surface 3b (corner of the upper surface) of the housing 3 of the control port 80, or it may be installed in another location. The anemometer 81 repeatedly measures wind speed as a weather value.

[0084] The determination device 82 determines whether the weather values ​​(e.g., wind speed as described above) obtained by the weather value acquisition device 81 are within an acceptable range. This determination may be made each time weather values ​​are measured. If the result of this determination is negative, the determination device 82 transmits a prohibition signal prohibiting the drone D from landing on the upper surface 3b of the housing 3 of the drone storage port 10 (e.g., the landing platform 10a). At this time, the determination device 82 transmits the prohibition signal to the drone D or to the drone D's control device 83, for example, by wireless communication.

[0085] For example, drone D transmits a signal to the determination device 82, for example via wireless communication, to the effect of placing cargo L on the upper surface 3b of the drone storage port 10, or during flight. When the determination device 82 receives this signal, if the result of the latest determination is negative (for example, if the wind speed exceeds 10 m / s), it transmits a prohibition signal to drone D as a response to this signal. As a result, drone D interrupts its flight to the upper surface 3b of the drone storage port 10.

[0086] In another example, if the determination device 82 determines that the above determination is negative, it transmits a prohibition signal to the control device 83. Upon receiving the prohibition signal, the control device 83 transmits a signal to the relevant drone D via wireless communication to interrupt its flight to the upper surface 3b of the drone storage port 10. As a result, drone D interrupts its flight to the upper surface 3b (landing platform 10a) of the drone storage port 10.

[0087] The weather values ​​mentioned above are not limited to wind speed, but may include other weather values ​​(e.g., rainfall, snowfall, etc.). In this case, a weather value acquisition device 81 for measuring these other weather values ​​is provided, and other aspects may be the same as described above.

[0088] Figure 9(B) shows Configuration Example 2 of a system in which a control port 80 communicates with drone D or the control device 83 of drone D based on weather values. In Configuration Example 2, the weather value acquisition device 81 repeatedly receives the latest weather values ​​from a weather data source 84 (e.g., a weather observation agency or a weather data management agency), for example, by wireless communication. The determination device 82 determines whether the weather values ​​acquired by the weather value acquisition device 81 are within an acceptable range. This determination may be performed each time weather values ​​are received. If the result of this determination is negative, the determination device 82 transmits the prohibition signal described above. Other points are the same as in Configuration Example 1 described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0089] With this configuration, the expandable storage port 1 automatically acquires weather data from the control port 80 and determines whether or not it is possible for drone D to take off or land. Therefore, even if the expandable storage port 1 is unmanned, drone D can be automatically taken off and landed. This ensures that drone D can take off and land safely. In this way, for example, by combining the drone storage port 10 and the control port 80, the expandable storage port 1 can be equipped with an automatic monitoring function. Also, for example, by combining the control port 80 and the storage port 20, the expandable storage port 1 can be applied to unmanned logistics.

[0090] As described above, the expandable storage port 1 of this embodiment allows for the free combination of multiple connecting ports 2 having different functions, and enables the connected connecting ports 2 to move in conjunction with each other. This allows users to freely select the connecting ports 2 with the functions they need and connect them to the drone storage port 10. In other words, by providing connecting ports 2 with various functions, and by configuring these connecting ports 2 to be connectable to each other and to move in conjunction with each other, users can customize the expandable storage port 1 to suit their needs. This makes it possible to quickly provide an expandable storage port 1 that meets the diverse needs of users.

[0091] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the storage port 20 provided in the expanded storage port 1 of the second embodiment. In this figure, the storage port 20 of the second embodiment is connected between the cooling storage port 30 on the left and the transfer port 15 on the right. In this diagram, the storage port 20 has multiple (numerous) storage spaces S (areas enclosed by dashed lines) adjacent to each other in the horizontal and vertical directions. A storage space 21 can be located in each storage space S. The storage port 20 is provided with a number of storage spaces 21 that is less than the number of storage spaces S. Below the storage spaces 21, there is a moving device (not shown) that moves the storage spaces 21 in the horizontal and vertical directions. This allows the storage spaces 21 to be moved sequentially horizontally between adjacent storage spaces S. In the example in Figure 10, the storage spaces 21 can be moved between adjacent storage spaces S at the locations and directions indicated by each arrow.

[0092] In this diagram, the storage port 20 consists of multiple (numerous) storage spaces 21 adjacent to each other in the horizontal and vertical directions. The storage spaces 21 are designed so that the position of the cargo L can be moved. For example, the storage spaces 21 may be multiple belt conveyors with belts that rotate in the left-right direction. This allows the cargo L to be moved back and forth between the storage space 20 and the cargo transport devices 7 of other adjacent connecting ports 2.

[0093] In other words, in this storage port 20, both the configuration that moves the cargo L on the storage space 21 (belt conveyor) and the moving device that moves the storage space 21 itself in the horizontal and vertical directions constitute the cargo transport device 7.

[0094] The control device 6 identifies each storage space 21 individually and determines its current position to operate the moving device. The control device 6 drives the moving device, moving the storage spaces 21 like a puzzle. In this storage port 20, the control device 6 corresponds to the luggage sorting device 22.

[0095] In this configuration, when receiving cargo L from the transfer port 15 on the right side of the diagram, the control device 6 moves the empty storage space 21 to the storage space S1 adjacent to the transfer opening 4a of the transfer port 15. Next, the control device 6 drives the cargo transport device 7 of the transfer port 15 to unload cargo L from the transfer opening 4a. The storage space S1 is located very close to the transfer opening 4a of the transfer port 15. Once cargo L has come out of the transfer opening 4a, it is placed directly into the storage space 21 in the storage space S1. The storage space 21 that has received cargo L waits with cargo L on it until a signal for receiving cargo L is issued.

[0096] When the control device 6 receives a receiving signal, it moves the storage spaces 21 horizontally and vertically like a puzzle, moving the corresponding storage space 21 to the storage space S1. Next, it drives the belt conveyor of the corresponding storage space 21 to transport the cargo L to the cargo transport device 7 at the transfer port 15.

[0097] In this embodiment, the storage port 20 can have more storage space 21 because the luggage transport device 7 (for example, the luggage transport device 7 of the transfer port 15 in Figure 3), which only has the function of transporting luggage L, does not occupy floor space. Therefore, more luggage L can be stored. The configuration and effects of the extended storage port 1 in this embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0098] (Third embodiment) Figure 11 is a front view showing part of the internal structure of the expandable storage port 1 of the third embodiment. The central connecting port 2 in this figure is the drone storage port 10, and the connecting port 2 to its right is the transfer port 15 or storage port 20. The connecting port 2 shown on the left side of the figure is the port 50 for the energy station or the parking port 60.

[0099] The cargo handling device 7 in the third embodiment is a robotic hand. In this figure, the robotic hand 7 is located at the transfer port 15 or storage port 20 adjacent to the drone storage port 10. The robotic hand 7 enters the drone storage port 10 through the transfer opening 4a, directly grasps the cargo L of the drone D, and returns to the transfer port 15 or storage port 20. However, the robot hand 7 is not limited to this, and may also be provided at the drone storage port 10. In that case, the robot hand 7 at the drone storage port 10 may receive the cargo L from the drone D and pass the cargo L through the transfer opening 4a to the transfer port 15 or storage port 20.

[0100] Since the cargo handling device 7 is a robotic hand, it is possible to receive cargo directly from the drone D. Therefore, there is no need to provide a passage hole 10b for the cargo L to pass through in the landing platform 10a. As a result, in the expanded storage port 1 of this embodiment, the absence of the passage hole 10b increases the degree of freedom in arranging the belt 12a of the drone handling device 12. In the expanded storage port 1 of this embodiment, two rows of belts 12a may be arranged on the landing platform as shown in Figure 2, or the entire landing platform 10a may be covered with belts 12a.

[0101] For example, in the example shown in Figure 11, the belt 12a of the belt conveyor 12b extends horizontally along the upper surface of the landing platform 10a between the transfer opening 4a and the drone opening 4c. By rotating the belt 12a on which the drone D is placed, the drone transport device 12 can transport the drone D between the transfer opening 4a and the drone opening 4c. In order to ensure that the robot hand 7 securely grasps the load L, a positioning device (not shown) may be provided to determine the position of the drone D in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in this figure. The configuration of this positioning device may be the same as the positioning device 13 shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, a sensor that senses the position of the load L may be attached to the robot hand 7 so that the robot hand 7 can directly receive the load L from the drone D.

[0102] For example, in the case of the expandable storage port 1 shown in Figure 11, when transferring cargo L, the drone transport device 12 is driven to move the drone D to the right in the figure, bringing the drone D close to the transfer opening 4a. Then, the robot hand 7 of the transfer port 15 or storage port 20 enters the drone storage port 10 through the transfer opening 4a, receives the cargo L directly from the drone D, and returns to the transfer port 15 or storage port 20. The operation of the transfer port 15 or storage port 20 after receiving the cargo L and placing the cargo L on the cargo transport device 7 inside the transfer port 15 or storage port 20 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0103] Subsequently, the belt 12a of the conveyor belt 12b reverses direction, and the drone D, having released the load L, moves in the direction of the drone opening 4c (to the left in Figure 11). The drone D then passes through the drone opening 4c and moves to the drone transport device 12 of another connecting port 2 (for example, the energy station port 50 or the parking port 60). The configuration and effects of the other aspects of this embodiment of the expanded storage port 1 are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

[0104] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drone storage port 10 provided in the expanded storage port 1 of the fourth embodiment. Figure 12(A) shows the drone D when it is on the ground, and Figure 12(B) shows the drone D when it is stored. The fourth embodiment of the expandable storage port 1 is characterized in that the takeoff and landing surface 10e is exposed from the side 3d of the drone storage port 10.

[0105] The drone storage port 10 in this embodiment has a retractable conveyor device 12c. The retractable conveyor device 12c has both the function of transporting the drone D as a drone transport device 12 and the function of providing a take-off and landing surface 10e as a landing platform 10a. The telescopic conveyor device 12c is a belt conveyor whose upper surface length for carrying loads L is adjustable. The telescopic conveyor device 12c adjusts the length of the upper surface by moving the pulley at the front forward while keeping the rear end of the upper surface fixed to the side of the drone opening 4c.

[0106] In this embodiment, the expandable storage port 1 opens the entrance / exit 11 on the side 3d when the drone D lands. Then, the retractable conveyor device 12c is extended, and the front of the belt 12a protrudes from the entrance / exit 11. The drone D in this embodiment lands on the upper surface of this protruding retractable conveyor device 12c. In other words, the upper surface of the retractable conveyor device 12c also serves as the take-off and landing surface 10e.

[0107] Next, the retractable conveyor device 12c returns to its original length with the drone D still on the belt 12a and settles into the hollow interior 3a. The entrance / exit 11 is then closed. This completes the storage of the drone D and the cargo L.

[0108] In this embodiment, the cargo handling device 7 is preferably a robot hand 7, similar to the third embodiment. The robot hand 7 directly receives the cargo L from the drone D which is stopped on the upper surface of the telescopic conveyor device 12c and transports it to a storage port 20 or a transfer port 15 (not shown).

[0109] The remaining drone D may remain parked on the retractable conveyor device 12c until takeoff. Alternatively, drone D may move from the drone opening 4c to the adjacent connecting port 2 by the rotation of the belt 12a.

[0110] This configuration allows the extended storage port 1 of the fourth embodiment to take off and land the drone D even in locations where the takeoff and landing surface 10e cannot be exposed on the upper surface 3b of the housing 3. Note that the take-off and landing surface 10e in this embodiment is not limited to the upper surface of the retractable conveyor device 12c. The take-off and landing surface 10e can be any horizontal surface that can extend out from the side surface 3d of the housing 3 or return to the hollow interior 3a. For example, the take-off and landing surface 10e may be a horizontal plate fixed to the tip of an actuator. The configuration and effects of the other aspects of this embodiment of the expanded storage port 1 are the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0111] According to the present invention described above, each of the multiple connection ports has a unique function. By connecting and combining these connection ports 2 with the drone storage port 10, the expandable storage port 1 can be given any function desired by the user. Therefore, the functions of the expandable storage port 1 can be expanded by combining the functions of the multiple connection ports 2. This allows users to select the functions they want to add to the expandable storage port 1 according to their needs.

[0112] For example, if you want to specialize in logistics, you can combine the drone storage port 10 with storage ports 20 and 30 and the handover port 15. If you want to increase the amount of cargo L that can be stored, you can simply add as many storage ports 20 as needed. For example, if you want to use the expandable storage port 1 as a storage base for drone D, similar to a parking facility for a car, you can combine the drone storage port 10 with the parking port 60.

[0113] Furthermore, if you want to use the expandable storage port 1 as an energy supply point for drone D, like a gas station for a car, you can combine the energy station port 50 with the drone storage port 10. You can also combine the parking port 60 with the drone storage port 10 that was connected to the energy station port 50. This will expand the scale of the energy supply point. By combining it with the parking port 60, you can speed up the replacement of drone D and reduce the waiting time for drone D. For example, in the explanation above, the opening 4 on the right side of Figure 11 was described as the transfer opening 4a, but you can use this as the drone opening 4c and connect the drone opening 4c of the parking port 60 to the right side of the drone storage port 10 in Figure 11.

[0114] Furthermore, if you want to manage these expandable storage ports 1 unattended, you can combine these expandable storage ports 1 with control ports 80.

[0115] Thus, even functions that cannot be realized with a single linked port 2 can be realized by combining multiple linked ports 2, each with its own unique function, thereby enabling the expanded storage port 1 as a whole to provide functions that meet user needs. For example, a single storage port 20 can only select one temperature range for the storage temperature of the enclosure 3. A single storage port 20 cannot accommodate room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and frozen storage simultaneously. However, according to the present invention, by combining a storage port 20 for room temperature storage, a cooling storage port 30 for refrigerated storage, and a cooling storage port 30 for frozen storage, the expandable storage port 1 can be provided with storage functions for three different temperature ranges.

[0116] Furthermore, while the standalone storage port 20 can only store luggage L, combining it with the display-equipped port 40 allows the expanded storage port 1 to have a sales function. Furthermore, with only a single storage port 20, the volume of space that can accommodate luggage L is limited by the size of the housing 3. However, in this invention, each connecting port 2 is configured to be combined with other connecting ports 2, so luggage L can be automatically and freely moved between multiple connected ports 2 after they have been combined. Moreover, since each connecting port 2 is designed to be combined, multiple connecting ports 2 can work together to function as a single expandable storage port 1. Furthermore, since each connecting port 2 is designed to be combined with other connecting ports 2 in advance, it is easy to add, expand, or increase the number of connecting ports 2.

[0117] Furthermore, since each connection port 2 is specialized for a specific function, users can later add or supplement connection ports 2 that are specialized for the functions they want to add, by purchasing additional ports. By connecting to an existing expansion storage port 1, users can later add functions they want to the expansion storage port 1.

[0118] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1. Expandable storage port, 2. Linking ports, 3 Housing, 3a hollow interior, 3b top surface, 3c bottom surface, 3d side surface, 3e opening surface, 3f connecting part, 3g recess, 3h protruding part, 4 openings, 4a transfer opening, 4b handover opening, 4c Drone opening, 5 connectors, 6 Control device, 6a Wiring, 7. Luggage handling device (robot hand), 7a Lifting device, 7b Lifting and lowering conveying device, 7c Fixed conveying device, 7d pantograph lift, 10 Drone storage port, 10a Landing platform, 10b passing hole, 10c floor door, 10d Landing ramp elevator, 10e Takeoff and landing surface, 11 entrance / exit, 11a roof panel, 12 Drone transport device, 12a Belt, 12b Belt conveyor, 12c Telescopic conveyor device, 13 Positioning device, 15 Transfer Ports, 20 storage ports, 21 storage spaces, 22 Luggage sorting device, 22a Horizontal bar, 23 Outer wall door, 30 Cooling storage ports, 31 Air cooling device, 40 ports with displays, 41 displays, 50 ports for energy stations, 51 Battery storage compartment, 51a Battery shelf, 52 Battery replacement device, 52a Lifting unit, 52b Unit stand, 53 Battery, 54 Picking device, 54a Swivel device, 54b Traverse device, 54c Picking arm, 55 Vertical plane, 60 parking ports, 61 drone parking area, 71 Communication device, 72 Control panel, 80 control ports, 81 Weather data acquisition device, 82 Judgment device, 83 Control equipment, 84 Weather data source, D Drone, H1 Top height, H2 Storage height, H3 Receiving height, H4 Transfer height, L Luggage (supplies), Q storage space, R storage space, S,S1 Storage Space

Claims

1. It has multiple connecting ports with a housing that encloses a hollow interior, Each connecting port is an opening provided on the top, bottom, or side of the housing, The system includes a control device that controls multiple aforementioned connecting ports in an interlocking manner, The housings of the multiple connecting ports are connected to each other by aligning their openings. At least one of the multiple connecting ports is a drone storage port for taking off and landing a drone on a takeoff / landing surface exposed from the top or side surface of the housing, and for storing the landed drone inside the hollow interior. The drone storage port is equipped with a drone transport device that transports the drone located inside the hollow interior between the opening and the hollow interior and transfers it to an adjacent connecting port, and the drone can be transferred to other connecting ports via the opening. At least one of the multiple connecting ports is a battery storage unit for storing the battery for the drone, An expandable storage port comprising a battery replacement device for replacing the battery mounted on the drone with another battery stored in the battery storage compartment.

2. It has multiple connecting ports with a housing that encloses a hollow interior, Each connecting port is an opening provided on the top, bottom, or side of the housing, The system includes a control device that controls multiple aforementioned connecting ports in an interlocking manner, The housings of the multiple connecting ports are connected to each other by aligning their openings. At least one of the multiple connecting ports is a drone storage port for taking off and landing a drone on a takeoff / landing surface exposed from the top or side surface of the housing, and for storing the landed drone inside the hollow interior. The drone storage port is equipped with a drone transport device that transports the drone located inside the hollow interior between the opening and the hollow interior and transfers it to an adjacent connecting port, and the drone can be transferred to other connecting ports via the opening. An expandable storage port in which at least one of the plurality of connecting ports has a drone parking section for storing the drone received from the drone storage port through the opening.

3. A weather data acquisition device that measures or receives weather data at the current location, An expandable storage port according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a determination device that determines whether the weather value is within the permissible range for the drone's landing, and if the determination result is negative, transmits a prohibition signal to the drone or its control device prohibiting the drone from landing on the upper surface of the housing.

Images