Lockers, locker systems

Abstract

To improve the comfort of locker users when using the lockers. [Solution] A locker with multiple storage spaces includes a lock control unit that controls the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing mechanism for each storage space by operating the lock mechanism using power stored in a power storage unit. The power storage unit receives power via contactless power supply from an external terminal. The locker has a first guide on the outer surface of the outer panel or opening / closing mechanism that forms the storage space, indicating the appropriate position of the external terminal during contactless power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locker having a plurality of storage spaces and a locker system including the locker.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a locker that locks and unlocks a door with a lock unit that operates by non-contact power supply from an external terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the user's comfort when using a locker equipped with a lock mechanism that operates by contactless power supply is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the locker system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of the locker according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is another schematic perspective view of the locker according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing one of the opening / closing bodies according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal according to Embodiment 1 and an example of the display on the display unit of the external terminal. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the locking and unlocking mechanism of a locker according to Embodiment 1, and the external terminal, in a case where the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism is operated by an external terminal. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal to show another example of the display in the display unit of the external terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8]This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal to show examples of other external terminals according to Embodiment 1 and the display on the display unit of said external terminal. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing one of the opening / closing bodies according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal according to Embodiment 2, showing an example of the display on the display unit of the external terminal. [Figure 11] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal according to Embodiment 3, showing an example of the display on the display unit of the external terminal. [Figure 12] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal to show another example of the display in the display unit of the external terminal according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal according to Embodiment 4, showing an example of the display on the display unit of the external terminal. [Figure 14] This is a schematic plan view of an external terminal to show another example of the display on the display unit of the external terminal according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the parts shown in the drawings of the present disclosure are illustrative and may differ from the actual scale.

[0009] This embodiment relates to a locker system that includes a locker having multiple storage spaces and a locking mechanism, such as a door, that opens and closes each storage space by receiving power from an external terminal such as a smartphone.

[0010] <Locker: Overview> Figure 1 is a block diagram of the locker system 100 according to this embodiment. The locker system 100 includes a locker 1.

[0011] The locker 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 in combination with FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic perspective views of the locker 1. In particular, FIGS. 2 and 3 show the locker 1 with the front side of the locker 1, that is, the side facing a plurality of opening and closing bodies 3 to be described later, as the front side facing the paper surface. Further, compared with FIG. 2, FIG. 3 omits the illustration of the plurality of opening and closing bodies 3 of the locker 1 and shows more details of the side deeper than each of the opening and closing bodies 3 of the locker 1.

[0012] In the drawings showing the locker 1 of the present disclosure, the xyz axes are also shown. In particular, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from left to right facing the front of the locker 1 is defined as the positive direction of the x-axis. Also, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from the front to the back of the locker 1 is defined as the positive direction of the y-axis. Further, in each of the drawings showing the locker 1, the direction from the bottom to the top of the locker 1 is defined as the positive direction of the z-axis.

[0013] <Locker: Outer panel and opening / closing body> The locker 1 includes an outer panel 2 and a plurality of opening and closing bodies 3.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer panel 2 is configured such that a plurality of accommodation spaces S capable of accommodating contents are arranged at least in one of the vertical and horizontal directions facing the front of the locker 1, for example. In particular, the outer panel 2 is configured such that the opening of each accommodation space S is located on the front side of the locker 1.

[0015] Each of the opening and closing bodies 3 is attached to, for example, the side of the opening of the accommodation space S of the outer panel 2 as described later, and opens and closes each of the accommodation spaces S. Each of the opening and closing bodies 3 is rotatably attached to the outer panel 2 by a mechanism to be described later.

[0016] The locker 1, and in particular the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 and the parts located near the opening / closing body 3, will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3. Schematic diagrams F41, F42, and F43 in Figure 4 show enlarged views of one of the opening / closing bodies 3 and a portion of the outer panel 2 located near the opening / closing body 3, respectively. In particular, each schematic diagram in Figure 4 shows the case where the opening / closing body 3 closes each of the storage spaces S. Furthermore, schematic diagram F41 shows the opening / closing body 3 from the front side, while schematic diagrams F42 and F43 show the opening / closing body 3 from the back side, in other words, from the inside side of the storage space S. Moreover, schematic diagram F42 shows the opening / closing body 3 in the locked state, which will be described in detail later, and schematic diagram F43 shows the opening / closing body 3 in the unlocked state, which will be described in detail later.

[0017] As shown in schematic diagram F41, the locker 1 has a first guide 31 on the outer surface of each opening / closing body 3, and a handle 32 on which the user of the locker 1 grips to rotate the opening / closing body 3 relative to the outer panel 2 in order to open and close the storage space S. Furthermore, as shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, the locker 1 may also have hinges 33 that rotatably restrain each opening / closing body 3 relative to the outer panel 2. This allows the user of the locker 1 to open and close the storage space S by gripping the handle 32 and moving the opening / closing body 3, thereby rotating the opening / closing body 3 around the hinge 33 when the opening / closing body 3 is in the unlocked state, as described later.

[0018] As shown in schematic diagram F41, the first guide 31 has, for example, at least one first line L1. In this embodiment, the first guide 31 may have multiple first lines L1, more specifically, two first lines L1 that are orthogonal to each other on the outer surface of the opening / closing body 3. Therefore, the first guide 31 has a first intersection point C1, which is the point where the multiple first lines L1 intersect.

[0019] The first guide 31 may have triangular marks M to indicate the direction in which each of the first lines L1 extends. The first guide 31 may also have first arrows instead of first lines L1. In particular, the first guide 31 may include at least one of the first lines L1 and the first arrows. For example, the first guide 31 may include multiple first lines L1, multiple first arrows, or one or more first lines L1 and one or more first arrows. The first intersection C1 may be the point where multiple first arrows intersect, or the point where a first line L1 intersects with a first arrow.

[0020] Further details of Guide 1, Section 31 will be discussed later.

[0021] The locker 1 further comprises a locking unit 4, a power receiving unit 5, and a control unit 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the control unit 6 comprises a power storage unit 61, a locking unit control unit 62, a memory 63, and a calculation unit 64.

[0022] <Locker: Lock> As shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, the locking mechanism 4 includes, for example, a locking mechanism projection 41 and a rotating shaft 42 that rotatably restrains the locking mechanism projection 41.

[0023] Here, for example, the outer panel 2 includes an outer projection 21 that protrudes from the front side of the storage space S towards the center in the left-right direction of the storage space S, as shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43. As shown in schematic diagram F42, when the opening / closing body 3 closes the storage space S and the opening / closing body 3 is locked, at least a portion of the lock part projection 41 of the lock part 4 is located further back in the storage space S than the outer projection 21 of the outer panel 2. Furthermore, when the lock is locked, at least a portion of the lock part projection 41 overlaps with at least a portion of the outer projection 21 in a front view of the locker 1.

[0024] As a result, when the opening / closing body 3 is closed to the storage space S and the opening / closing body 3 is locked, even if the opening / closing body 3 is rotated around the hinge 33 to open the storage space S, the locking part projection 41 and the outer projection 21 interfere with each other, preventing the opening / closing body 3 from rotating. Therefore, in the locked state, the opening / closing body 3 maintains a closed state to the storage space S, making it impossible for a user of the locker 1 to open the storage space S even if they operate the opening / closing body 3.

[0025] On the other hand, as shown in schematic diagram F42, when the opening / closing body 3 is in the unlocked state, the locking projection 41 rotates around the rotation axis 42 and moves to a position where it does not overlap with the outer projection 21 when viewed from the front of the locker 1. Therefore, when it is in the unlocked state, a user of the locker 1 can open the storage space S by rotating the opening / closing body 3 around the hinge 33, for example, by grasping the handle 32 of the opening / closing body 3 and pulling it towards the front of the locker 1.

[0026] As a result, the locking mechanism 4 locks and unlocks the opening / closing body 3, enabling users of the locker 1 to put items into and take them out of the storage space S, and to maintain the storage of items in the storage space S.

[0027] <Locker: Power receiving unit> The power receiving unit 5 can receive power from the power supply unit (described later) via contactless means, such as near-field communication (NFC), and includes, for example, an NFC antenna (not shown). As shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, the power receiving unit 5 is located, for example, on the inner surface of the opening / closing body 3. The power receiving unit 5 receives power via contactless power supply from an external terminal, such as a smartphone (described later), located outside the housing space S. The location of the power receiving unit 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is located on the inside of the housing space S and can receive power via contactless power supply from an external terminal; for example, the power receiving unit 5 may be located on the inner surface of the outer panel 2. Furthermore, as long as the power receiving unit 5 can receive power from the power supply unit (described later), the configuration of the power receiving unit 5 is not particularly limited and may include various configurations, such as a conventionally known NFC antenna. The power received by the power receiving unit 5 is sent to the control unit 6 by various means, such as wired or wireless.

[0028] Here, as shown in schematic diagrams F42 and F43, in this embodiment, the first intersection C1 of the first guide 31 coincides with the power receiving unit 5 in a front view of the rocker 1. In particular, the first intersection C1 may be located in a position that coincides with the antenna, etc., included in the power receiving unit 5 in a front view of the rocker 1.

[0029] When the power receiving unit 5 receives power via contactless power supply from an external terminal, as described later, the power receiving unit 5 and the external terminal need to be in close proximity. With the above configuration, the first guide 31 serves as an indicator to show the location of the power receiving unit 5 to, for example, a user of the locker 1 from outside the storage space S. In other words, the first guide 31 indicates to the user of the locker 1 the appropriate position for the external terminal when contactless power is supplied from the external terminal. In particular, the first intersection C1 of the first guide 31 can show the user the appropriate position for the external terminal in more detail.

[0030] Furthermore, the position of the first guide 31 is not limited to the outer surface of the opening / closing body 3, as long as it can indicate to a person located outside the storage space S, such as a user of the locker 1, the appropriate position of the external terminal when contactless power is supplied from the external terminal. For example, the first guide 31 may be located on the outer surface of the outer panel 2.

[0031] A more precise method for guiding the location of external terminals using Guide 131 will be described in detail later.

[0032] <Locker: Control Unit: Power Storage Unit and Lock Control Unit> The power storage unit 61 of the control unit 6 stores the power supplied from the power receiving unit 5 at least temporarily. The power storage unit 61 may include various batteries, such as secondary batteries, that can store power at least temporarily by applying voltage.

[0033] The lock control unit 62 operates the lock 4 using, for example, power stored in the power storage unit. In particular, the lock control unit 62 controls the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing body 3 by the lock 4, for example, by controlling the rotation of the lock projection 41 around the rotation axis 42 when the opening / closing body 3 is closed over the opening of the storage space S. The operation of the lock 4 by the lock control unit 62 may also be achieved by supplying power to a power unit such as a motor (not shown) using wired or wireless means, operating the power unit, and rotating the lock projection 41 around the rotation axis 42.

[0034] <Locker: Control Unit: Memory and Processing Unit> The memory 63, for example, temporarily holds data, for example, data necessary for a user of locker 1 to use locker 1. For example, the memory 63 may hold data such as the open / closed state of the opening / closed body 3, the locked / unlocked state of the opening / closed body 3, the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61, or the conditions under which the lock control unit 62 performs locking and unlocking of the opening / closed body 3.

[0035] The arithmetic unit 64 may, for example, read data recorded in the memory 63, or write new data to the memory 63. The arithmetic unit 64 may also include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and perform arithmetic processing on the data read from the memory 63. For example, the arithmetic unit 64 may compare the open / closed state of the open / closed body 3, the locked / unlocked state of the open / closed body 3, and the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 with the conditions under which the lock control unit 62 performs locking and unlocking of the open / closed body 3. The arithmetic unit 64 may also record data in the memory 63 regarding whether or not to allow the lock control unit 62 to operate based on the above comparison. In this case, the lock control unit 62 may control the lock 4 based on the data regarding the operation of the lock control unit 62 recorded in the memory 63 and perform locking and unlocking of the open / closed body 3.

[0036] In addition to the parts described above, the control unit 6 may include communication means (not shown), including wired or wireless, and may also have a separate power supply to provide the power necessary to operate each part of the control unit 6. On the other hand, each part of the control unit 6 may be operated by power stored in the power storage unit 61. In this case, the locker 1 does not need a power supply to operate the control unit 6 and wiring to connect the power supply to the control unit 6, thereby saving power in the locker 1 and making the locker 1 simpler.

[0037] <Terminal Control Unit> Returning to Figure 1, the locker system 100 includes a terminal control unit 7. The terminal control unit 7 controls an external terminal located outside the locker 1, for example, via a communication unit (not shown). The terminal control unit 7 includes a display control unit 71 and an operation control unit 72.

[0038] The various parts of the terminal control unit 7 and the control of the external terminal by the terminal control unit 7 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment. In particular, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the external terminal 8 facing the display surface of the display unit 9, which will be described later. Figure 5 also shows an example of the display on the display unit 9 when the locking and unlocking operation of the locking / unlocking body 3 of the locker 1 is performed using the external terminal 8, which will be described later.

[0039] The external terminal 8 includes at least a display unit 9 and may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The external terminal 8 according to this embodiment also includes a power supply unit 81 for performing contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5 described above. The power supply unit 81 includes, for example, an NFC antenna (not shown) that can perform contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5 by means of NFC. The power supply unit 81 is located, for example, inside the external terminal 8, particularly on the side opposite to the display surface of the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8. However, the location of the power supply unit 81 in the external terminal 8 is not particularly limited as long as contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5 is possible. Furthermore, as long as the power supply unit 81 can perform contactless power supply to the power receiving unit 5, the configuration of the power supply unit 81 is not particularly limited and may include various configurations, for example, a conventionally known NFC antenna. The power supplied from the power supply unit 81 may be supplied to the power supply unit 81 from a power source such as a battery (not shown) provided in the external terminal 8.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of the terminal control unit 7, the display control unit 71 of the terminal control unit 7 controls the display on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8. In particular, the display control unit 71 controls the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8 to display information on the display unit 9 that assists the user of the locker 1 in locking and unlocking the opening / closing mechanism 3. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 71 divides the display area of ​​the display unit 9 into a guide display area 91, a procedure display area 92, and a charge rate display area 93, and displays the above-mentioned information in each area.

[0041] For example, the display control unit 71 causes the second guide 82 to be displayed in the guide display area 91. As shown in Figure 5, the second guide 82 has, for example, at least one second line L2. In this embodiment, the second guide 82 may have multiple second lines L2, and more specifically, it has two second lines L2 that are orthogonal to each other on the guide display area 91. Therefore, the second guide 82 has a second intersection point C2, which is the point where multiple second lines L2 intersect.

[0042] The second guide 82 may have a second arrow instead of the second line L2. In particular, the second guide 82 may include at least one of the second line L2 and the second arrow. For example, the second guide 82 may include multiple second lines L2, multiple second arrows, or one or more second lines L2 and one or more second arrows. The second intersection C2 may be the point where multiple second arrows intersect, or it may be the point where the second line L2 and the second arrow intersect.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second intersection C2 of the second guide 82 coincides with the power supply unit 81 in a plan view of the display unit 9. In particular, the second intersection C2 may be located in a position that coincides with the antenna or the like included in the power supply unit 81 in a plan view of the display unit 9.

[0044] The display control unit 71 also displays the locking and unlocking procedure for the opening / closing body 3 in the procedure display area 92. Specifically, the display control unit 71 may display in the procedure display area 92 the procedure for unlocking the opening / closing body 3, which is locked, in order to store items in the storage space S of the locker 1, for the user of the locker 1, such as the holder of the external terminal 8. Alternatively, the display control unit 71 may display in the procedure display area 92 the procedure for locking the opening / closing body 3 after the user has stored items in the storage space S of the locker 1. The display in the procedure display area 92 may include language or diagrams.

[0045] Furthermore, the display control unit 71 displays the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 in the charge rate display area 93. For example, the display control unit 71 may display the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 as a percentage in the charge rate display area 93, with the amount necessary for the operation of the lock unit 4 by the lock unit control unit 62 set as 100%, thereby displaying the charge rate of the power storage unit 61 as the charge rate. Alternatively, the display control unit 71 may display the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 in the charge rate display area 93 using a chart such as a pie chart.

[0046] The operation control unit 72 of the terminal control unit 7 provides the user of the locker 1 with information to assist in locking and unlocking the opening / closing mechanism 3 by operating the external terminal 8. For example, the operation control unit 72 may operate the external terminal 8 to generate sound from, for example, a speaker (not shown) of the external terminal 8. Alternatively, the operation control unit 72 may operate, for example, a vibrator (not shown) of the external terminal 8 to vibrate the external terminal 8.

[0047] The terminal control unit 7 may be provided by the locker 1. In this case, the terminal control unit 7 may be located inside each of the storage spaces S, and in particular, the terminal control unit 7 may be provided by the control unit 6. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 7 may be provided by the external terminal 8. In this case, the terminal control unit 7 may also be a control unit that controls the external terminal 8 when it is used for purposes other than using the locker 1, such as a driver that controls the display on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8, such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 7 may not be provided by both the locker 1 and the external terminal 8. In this case, the terminal control unit 7 may be provided by a network-connected device, such as a cloud server.

[0048] <Management device> Returning to Figure 1, the locker system 100 includes a management device 101. The management device 101 manages, for example, the reservation status of each storage space S by a user of locker 1. The management device 101 may record, for example, each storage space S of locker 1, the ID assigned to the user of locker 1, and the reservation date and time of one of the storage spaces S by that user. In this case, the management device 101 may control locker 1 so that only the user with the assigned ID can operate the locking and unlocking mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S at the reserved date and time.

[0049] <Example of how to use a locker> In this embodiment, a specific example of how a user with an external terminal 8 can use the locker 1 of the locker system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. Schematic diagrams F61 and F62 in Figure 6 are schematic diagrams showing the opening / closing body 3 and the external terminal 8 when the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 is operated by the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the external terminal 8, showing another example of the display on the display unit 9 when the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 is operated using the external terminal 8.

[0050] Let's take the example of a user of locker 1 who wants to store their belongings in the reserved storage space S and then lock the opening / closing mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S. In this case, the opening / closing mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S reserved by the user is locked. The reservation of the storage space S mentioned above may be managed by the management device 101.

[0051] First, the display control unit 71 of the terminal control unit 7 displays the second guide 82 in the guide display area 91 of the display unit 9 as information to assist in locking and unlocking the opening / closing body 3, as shown in Figure 5. At the same time, the display control unit 71 displays text in the procedure display area 92 instructing the external terminal 8 to move and align the second guide 82 displayed in the guide display area 91 with the first guide 31 located on the outer surface of the opening / closing body 3 that opens and closes the storage space S reserved by the user. The display of information assisting in locking and unlocking the opening / closing body 3 by the display control unit 71 may be performed, for example, when a user of the locker 1 operates an application on the external terminal 8.

[0052] For example, suppose a user is standing in front of an opening / closing body 3 that opens and closes a storage space S reserved by the user, and the user is visually inspecting the display unit 9 which displays information assisting in locking and unlocking the opening / closing body 3. In this case, as shown in schematic diagram F61 of Figure 6, the user can see the first guide 31 located on the outer surface of the opening / closing body 3 and the second guide 82 displayed on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8. Therefore, as shown in schematic diagram F62 of Figure 6, the user can bring the external terminal 8 close to the opening / closing body 3 so that the first guide 31 and the second guide 82 overlap along the display direction of the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8.

[0053] Therefore, the second guide 82 indicates the position of the external terminal 8 relative to the first guide 31 when power is supplied from the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5. In other words, the second guide 82 functions as a guide indicating the position of the external terminal 8 relative to the outer panel 2 or the switch 3 when power is supplied from the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5.

[0054] As a result of the above operation, the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 of the external terminal 8 are brought close enough to allow contactless power supply from the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5. In this case, the power receiving unit 5 receives contactless power supply from the power supply unit 81 and stores power in the power storage unit 61. During this time, the display unit 9 sequentially displays the above-mentioned charge rate in the charge rate display area 93.

[0055] As described above in this embodiment, the first intersection C1 of the first guide 31 is located in a position that coincides with the power receiving unit 5 in a plan view of the opening / closing body 3. Also, the second intersection C2 of the second guide 82 displayed on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8 is located in a position that coincides with the power supply unit 81 of the external terminal 8 when viewed in the display direction of the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8.

[0056] Therefore, the closer the distance between the first intersection C1 and the second intersection C2 in the display direction of the display unit 9, the shorter the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 in that display direction. This allows the user to move the external terminal 8 to a position where contactless power supply from the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5 can be performed more efficiently by moving the external terminal 8 so that the first guide 31 and the second guide 82 overlap.

[0057] During the above operation, the operation control unit 72 of the terminal control unit 7 may operate the external terminal 8 to guide the user in moving the position of the external terminal 8. For example, the operation control unit 72 may generate sound from the external terminal 8 and change the volume, pitch, or interval of the sound as the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 approaches. Alternatively, for example, the operation control unit 72 may vibrate the external terminal 8 and change the interval at which the vibration occurs, the interval of the vibration, or the frequency of the vibration as the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 approaches.

[0058] Assuming that the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 supplied from the power receiving unit 5 has reached a level sufficient for the lock unit 4 to be operated by the lock unit control unit 62, then the lock unit control unit 62 will operate the lock unit 4 and unlock the opening / closing body 3.

[0059] When the opening / closing body 3 is unlocked, the display control unit 71 displays a message in the procedure display area 92 informing the user that the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 has been unlocked. In other words, the display control unit 71 displays a message in the display unit 9 when the amount of power stored in the power storage unit 61 becomes sufficient for the lock unit 4 to operate by the lock unit control unit 62. In particular, the terminal control unit 7 notifies the user of the locker 1 of the lock / unlock status of the opening / closing body 3 by the lock unit 4 when the lock unit control unit 62 switches between locking and unlocking the opening / closing body 3. The display control unit 71 may also display a message in the procedure display area 92 instructing the user to place the contents into the storage space reserved by the user and close the opening / closing body 3.

[0060] If the user operates the opening / closing body 3 and the storage space S is closed again by the opening / closing body 3, the lock control unit 62 may operate the lock 4 to relock the opening / closing body 3. In this case, the above-mentioned charge rate may be a value where 100% is the amount of power that allows the lock control unit 62 to operate the lock 4 for both unlocking and locking the opening / closing body 3.

[0061] Through the above operations, the user of locker 1 can place their belongings into the reserved storage space S and then lock the opening / closing mechanism 3 that closes the storage space S with the lock mechanism 4.

[0062] Next, if the user wishes to retrieve an item placed in the storage space S, the terminal control unit 7 guides the user to move the external terminal 8, for example, by the same operation as described above, to bring the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 closer together. If the power storage unit 61 is recharged as a result, the lock unit control unit 62 operates the lock unit 4 to unlock the opening / closing body 3, and the terminal control unit 7 notifies the user that the opening / closing body 3 has been unlocked.

[0063] This allows the user to retrieve items placed in the storage space S. If the storage space S is then closed again by the user using the opening / closing mechanism 3, the lock control unit 62 may activate the lock 4 to lock the opening / closing mechanism 3. With this, the user who reserved the storage space S has completed using the locker 1.

[0064] <Effects of Guide 1 and Guide 2> The locker 1 according to this embodiment has a first guide 31 on the outer surface of the outer panel 2 or the opening / closing body 3 that indicates the appropriate position of the external terminal 8 when non-contact power is supplied from the external terminal 8. Therefore, it becomes clearer to the user of the locker 1 which part of the locker 1 the external terminal 8 should be brought close to when non-contact power is supplied, which is necessary for locking and unlocking the opening / closing body 3 that opens and closes the storage space S. Thus, the locker 1 according to this embodiment improves the comfort of the user when using the locker 1.

[0065] In particular, the locker 1 does not require users of the locker 1 to perform operations such as attaching an external terminal 8 to the outer surface of the opening / closing body 3. Instead, it allows the locker to be locked and unlocked by bringing the external terminal 8 close to the first guide 31. Therefore, the locker 1 according to this embodiment simplifies the structure of the locker 1 while improving the comfort of users when using the locker 1.

[0066] In particular, the first guide 31 has a first line L1 or a first arrow. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where a picture of a smartphone or the like is simply drawn on the outside of the locker as a guide, the first guide 31 can more clearly indicate to the user of the locker 1 where the external terminal 8 should be placed.

[0067] In particular, the first guide 31 has a first intersection C1 where the first line L1 or the first arrow intersects. Therefore, the first guide 31 can more precisely or simply indicate to the user of the locker 1 that the power supply unit 81 of the external terminal 8 should be brought close to the vicinity of the first intersection C1.

[0068] In general, in contactless power supply, the distance between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit needs to be closer than the distance between antennas in contactless communication, where one antenna simply needs to read the radio waves emitted by the other. Also, in general, in contactless power supply, the power supply unit and the power receiving unit need to be in closer proximity during use for a longer period of time compared to the two antennas in the aforementioned contactless communication. Therefore, the locker 1 having the first guide 31 has a configuration that is suitable for simplifying the operation of the lock 4 when it is equipped with a lock 4 that operates by contactless power supply from an external terminal 8.

[0069] Furthermore, the locker system 100 includes a display control unit 71 that controls the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8 within the terminal control unit 7. The display control unit 71 causes the display unit 9 to display a second guide that indicates the position of the external terminal 8 relative to the first guide 31. This allows the locker system 100 to more clearly show the user of the locker 1 where the external terminal 8 should be positioned relative to the first guide 31.

[0070] In particular, the display control unit 71 displays the second intersection C2 of the second guide 82 on the display unit 9. As a result, the locker system 100 can more precisely or simply show the user of the locker 1 that they need to bring the first intersection C1 and the second intersection C2 closer together.

[0071] The locker system 100 includes a management device 101 that manages the reservation status of the storage space S. This enables the locker system 100 to ensure that users of locker 1 can use locker 1 more reliably, or to enable more users of locker 1 to use locker 1 efficiently.

[0072] <Other examples from Guide 2> Another example of the second guide 82 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of another external terminal 8 according to this embodiment and an example of the display in the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8.

[0073] The external terminal 8 shown in Figure 8 differs from the external terminal 8 shown in Figure 5 in that the position of the power supply unit 81 is different when the external terminal 8 is viewed in the display direction of the display unit 9. Accordingly, the display control unit 71 controls the display mode of the second guide 82 so that the second intersection C2 of the two second lines L2 overlaps with the power supply unit 81 when the external terminal 8 is viewed in the display direction of the display unit 9.

[0074] In other words, the display control unit 71 controls the display mode of the second guide 82 on the display unit 9 according to the model of the external terminal 8. This allows the locker system 100 to more clearly indicate to the user of the locker 1, regardless of the model of the external terminal 8, where the external terminal 8 should be positioned closest to the outer panel 2 or the opening / closing body 3, and especially to the first guide 31.

[0075] [Embodiment 2] <Discrepancy between the second intersection and the power supply section> Other embodiments of this disclosure are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0076] The locker system 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the locker system 100 according to the previous embodiment, except that the position of the power receiving unit 5 in each of the storage spaces S of the locker 1 is different.

[0077] The positions of the power receiving units 5 in each of the storage spaces S of the locker 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the opening / closing body 3 and the vicinity of the opening / closing body 3 of the locker 1 according to this embodiment, viewed from the back side of the opening / closing body 3.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the position of the power receiving unit 5 relative to the switch 3 in this embodiment is different from the position of the power receiving unit 5 relative to the switch 3 in the previous embodiment. In particular, in this embodiment, the power receiving unit 5 is located in a position that does not overlap with the first intersection C1 of the first guide 31 when viewed from the front of the switch 3.

[0079] Accordingly, the display control unit 71 of the terminal control unit 7 of the locker system 100 according to this embodiment changes the display format of the second guide 82 on the display unit 9. The second guide 82 displayed on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10, in the display direction of the display unit 9, the second intersection C2 of the second guide 82 displayed on the display unit 9 is located at a position offset from the power supply unit 81 of the external terminal 8. In particular, in this embodiment, when the second intersection C2 coincides with the first intersection C1 in the display direction of the display unit 9, the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 in the display direction is closer than when the second intersection C2 and the power supply unit 81 coincide in the display direction.

[0081] As a result, the locker system 100 brings the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 closer during contactless power supply, even when the first guide 31 and the power receiving unit 5 do not overlap in a front view of the opening / closing body 3. Therefore, the locker system 100 makes it possible for users of the locker 1 to use the locker 1 more comfortably, regardless of the position of the power receiving unit 5 in the storage space S, and in particular improves the degree of freedom of the position of the power receiving unit 5.

[0082] [Embodiment 3] <Display of power supply efficiency> The locker system 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the locker system 100 according to the previous embodiment, except that the display control unit 71 displays the content on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8. The display on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figures 11 and 12 are schematic plan views of the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment.

[0083] The display unit 9 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the display unit 9 according to the previous embodiments, except that it has a distance display area 94 instead of a charge rate display area 93. The display control unit 71 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the display control unit 71 according to the previous embodiments, except that it displays the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 in the distance display area 94.

[0084] In this embodiment, the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 is set to 0% if, for example, the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 is so long that power cannot be supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the power receiving unit 5. Conversely, the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 is set to 100% if, for example, the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 is so close that power can be supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the power receiving unit 5 with an efficiency of a predetermined level or higher. Based on the above, the display control unit 71 displays the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 as a percentage. In other words, the display control unit 71 notifies the user of the locker 1 of the efficiency of power supply by contactless power supply from the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5 by displaying it in the distance display area 94.

[0085] When using locker 1, if a user of the storage space S opened and closed by the locker 1 attempts to unlock the locked locker body 3, assume that the distance described above is less than 100%, as shown in Figure 11. In this case, the display control unit 71 may guide the user of locker 1 in the procedure display area 92 to bring the second guide 82 of the external terminal 8 closer to the first guide 31 on the outer surface of the locker body 3 that opens and closes the storage space S.

[0086] When using locker 1, if a user of the storage space S through which the locking mechanism 3 opens and closes attempts to unlock the locked opening / closing mechanism 3, the distance described above may reach 100%, as shown in Figure 12. In this case, the display control unit 71 may guide the user of locker 1 in the procedure display area 92 to maintain the position of the external terminal 8 in its current position until the operation of the locking mechanism 4 is completed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 7 may use the operation control unit 72 to notify the user of the locker 1 of the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81. For example, the operation control unit 72 in this embodiment may change the sound generated from the external terminal 8 or the vibration of the external terminal 8 as the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 decreases. More specifically, the operation control unit 72 may increase the volume of the sound generated from the external terminal 8, increase the pitch of the sound, or shorten the interval between the sounds as the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 decreases. Alternatively, the operation control unit 72 may increase the frequency of the vibration of the external terminal 8, shorten the interval between the vibrations, or increase the intensity of the vibrations as the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81 decreases.

[0088] In this embodiment, the terminal control unit 7 notifies the user of the locker 1 of the distance between the power receiving unit 5 and the power supply unit 81, thereby notifying the user of the locker 1 of the efficiency of power supply by contactless power supply from the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5. This allows the locker system 100 to easily determine whether or not it is necessary to move the external terminal 8 further in order to use the locker 1 more efficiently. Therefore, the locker system 100 further improves the comfort of using the locker 1 for the user.

[0089] [Embodiment 4] <Another example of how to use the lockers> The locker system 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the locker systems 100 according to the aforementioned embodiments, except that the method of using the locker 1 is different. Accordingly, the information that the terminal control unit 7 according to this embodiment provides to the user of the locker 1 is different from the information according to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0090] In the locker system 100 according to this embodiment, the locker 1 is not locked unless the storage space S is being used by a user of the locker 1. Therefore, the locker 1 that opens and closes the storage space S of the locker 1 according to this embodiment can be freely opened by other users unless the storage space S is being used by a specific user.

[0091] The display on the display unit 9 of the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 are schematic plan views of the external terminal 8 according to this embodiment.

[0092] Suppose a user of locker 1 wants to use one of the storage spaces S of locker 1 that is opened and closed by an unlocked opening / closing body 3, and store an item in that storage space S. In this case, the display control unit 71 of the terminal control unit 7 guides the user in the procedure display area 92 to store the item in the storage space S, and then to bring the external terminal 8 close to the opening / closing body 3 so that the first guide 31 and the second guide 82 overlap when the opening / closing body 3 is closed.

[0093] As described above, when a user of locker 1 places an item into the storage space S and brings the external terminal 8 close to the opening / closing mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S, power is supplied from the power supply unit 81 of the external terminal 8 to the power receiving unit 5 located inside the storage space S via contactless power supply. This causes the power stored in the power storage unit 61 to accumulate enough power to operate the lock unit 4, and the lock unit control unit 62 operates the lock unit 4, locking the opening / closing mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S containing the item. As a result, the opening / closing mechanism 3 that opens and closes the storage space S containing the item stored by the user of locker 1 is locked.

[0094] When a user of locker 1 wants to retrieve items stored in the storage space S described above, the lock control unit 62 operates the lock 4 in the same manner as described above, causing the opening / closing body 3 that opens and closes the storage space S to unlock. This allows the user of locker 1 to retrieve items stored in the storage space S. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to lock the opening / closing body 3 that opens and closes the storage space S after the items have been retrieved from the storage space S.

[0095] The locker 1 according to this embodiment allows even users who have not reserved a storage space S to easily use the locker, as long as the storage space S is not being used by another user. Therefore, the locker system 100 according to this embodiment makes it easier for users of the locker 1 to use it. Consequently, the locker system 100 according to this embodiment does not need to be equipped with a management device 101. This makes the locker system 100 simpler.

[0096] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1 Locker 2. Outer panel 3. Opening / Closing Mechanism 4. Tablet part 5 Power receiving section 7 Terminal Control Unit 8. External terminals 9 Display section 31 Guide 1 61 Energy Storage Unit 62 Lock control unit 71 Display Control Unit 81 Power supply section 82 Guide 2 100 Locker System 101 Management device C1 1st intersection C2 2nd intersection

Claims

1. An outer panel configured to have multiple storage spaces capable of accommodating contents arranged in at least one direction, both vertically and horizontally, Opening and closing mechanisms for opening and closing each of the aforementioned storage spaces, A locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the opening / closing body, A power receiving unit located on the inner surface of the outer panel or the opening / closing body, and which receives power via contactless power supply from an external terminal located outside the housing space, A power storage unit that stores the power supplied from the power receiving unit, The system includes a lock control unit which operates the lock unit using the power stored in the power storage unit to control the locking and unlocking of the opening / closing body by the lock unit, A locker having a first guide on the outer surface of the outer panel or the opening / closing body that indicates a suitable position for the external terminal when contactless power is supplied from the external terminal.

2. The rocker according to claim 1, wherein the first guide includes at least one of a first arrow and a first line.

3. The rocker according to claim 2, wherein the first guide has a first intersection point where at least two of the first arrow and the first line intersect.

4. A locker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A locker system comprising: a display control unit that controls the display unit of the external terminal to display a second guide on the display unit indicating the position of the external terminal relative to the first guide when power is supplied from the external terminal to the power receiving unit.

5. The locker system according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit controls the display format of the second guide on the display unit according to the model of the external terminal.

6. The locker described in claim 3, The system includes a display control unit that controls the display unit of the external terminal to display a second guide on the display unit indicating the position of the external terminal relative to the first guide when power is supplied from the external terminal to the power receiving unit. The second guide includes at least one of the second arrow and the second line, and has a second intersection point where at least two of the second arrow and the second line intersect. A rocker system in which the closer the distance between the first intersection and the second intersection in the display direction of the display unit, the shorter the distance between the power receiving unit and the power supply unit of the external terminal when viewed in the display direction.

7. The rocker system according to claim 6, wherein the second intersection point is located offset from the power supply unit in the display direction of the display unit.

8. A locker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A locker system comprising a management device for managing the reservation status of each of the aforementioned storage spaces.

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