Delivery shelf system and control method thereof

Abstract

To suppress dropping of a returnable container from a shelf when the returnable container is withdrawn from the shelf by locking the returnable container to the shelf while storing the returnable container in the shelf.SOLUTION: A shelf system for delivery of the invention comprises a shelf provided across an outdoor and an indoor space, and a returnable container accommodated while slidably supported on the shelf, wherein the delivered returnable container can be pushed into the shelf from the outdoor space, and the returnable container accommodated on the shelf can be pulled out from the indoor space. The returnable container is provided with a first recess at the indoor end part and a second recess at the outdoor end part when the returnable container is stored on the shelf, and a locking mechanism having a convex portion that is biased to be inserted into the first and second recesses is provided at the indoor end part of the shelf, and thereby while the returnable container is housed on the shelf, the convex portion mates with the first recess and the returnable container is locked to the shelf, and when the convex portion is evacuated from the first recess by unlocking the lock and the returnable container is pulled indoors from the shelf, the convex portion mates with the second recess and the pulled returnable container is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery shelf system and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a container with a pair of magnets at both ends in the loading / unloading direction, and a shelf with an electromagnet that attracts the magnetic body of the container. In Patent Document 1, when an accelerometer detects shaking such as an earthquake, the electromagnet is activated to attract and hold the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-077109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors are considering a delivery shelf system in which delivered mail boxes can be pushed into a shelf that spans both outdoors and indoors, and mail boxes stored on the shelf can be pulled out from indoors.

[0005] When Patent Document 1 is applied to such a delivery shelf system, the electromagnet is activated only when shaking is detected, so the mail box cannot be locked while it is stored on the shelf. Also, with the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the mail box is pulled out from the shelf, there is a risk that the momentum will cause the mail box to fall off the shelf.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a delivery shelf system that can lock a mail box to a shelf while the mail box is stored on the shelf, and can prevent the mail box from falling off the shelf when it is pulled out of the shelf. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A delivery shelf system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A shelf that spans both indoors and outdoors; A mailable box that is slidably supported and stored on the shelf, A delivery shelf system in which the delivered mail box can be pushed into the shelf from outdoors and the mail box stored on the shelf can be pulled out from indoors, The mailing box has a first recess at an indoor end and a second recess at an outdoor end when the mailing box is stored on the shelf, a locking mechanism having a protrusion biased to be inserted into the first and second recesses is provided at an indoor end of the shelf; While the mail box is stored on the shelf, the protrusion and the first recess are fitted together to lock the mail box on the shelf, When the lock is released, the convex portion is retracted from the first recess, and when the mail box is pulled out from the shelf into the room, the convex portion engages with the second recess, causing the pulled-out mail box to stop.

[0008] In addition, a control method for a delivery shelf system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: A shelf that spans both indoors and outdoors; A mailable box that is slidably supported and stored on the shelf, A method for controlling a delivery shelf system, the method comprising the steps of: pushing a delivered mail box into the shelf from outdoors; and pulling out the mail box stored on the shelf from indoors; the mail box is provided with a first recess at an indoor end when stored on the shelf, and a second recess at an outdoor end when stored on the shelf, a locking mechanism having a protrusion biased to be inserted into the first and second recesses is provided at an indoor end of the shelf; while the mail box is stored on the shelf, the mail box is locked on the shelf by engaging the protrusion with the first recess; By releasing the lock, the convex portion is retracted from the first recess, and when the mail box is pulled out from the shelf into the room, the convex portion engages with the second recess, thereby stopping the pulled-out mail box.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a mail box is provided with a first recess at an indoor end when the mail box is stored on a shelf, and a second recess at an outdoor end when the mail box is stored on the shelf, and a locking mechanism having a protrusion biased to be inserted into the first and second recesses is provided at the indoor end of the shelf. Then, while the mail box is stored on the shelf, the protrusion and the first recess are engaged to lock the mail box to the shelf, and the protrusion is retracted from the first recess by unlocking, and when the mail box is pulled out from the shelf to the indoors, the protrusion and the second recess are engaged to stop the pulled out mail box. Therefore, the mail box can be locked to the shelf while it is stored on the shelf, and the falling off of the mail box from the shelf can be suppressed when the mail box is pulled out from the shelf.

[0010] The second recess may be inclined so that the opening widens toward the indoor side, and when the pulled-out mail box is pushed back to the shelf from indoors, the second recess may pass through the protrusion without releasing the lock. With this configuration, when the pulled-out mail box is pushed back to the shelf from indoors, the second recess can pass through the protrusion without releasing the lock.

[0011] The shelf may further include a sensor that detects movement of the mail box from its storage position on the shelf to the indoor side, and when the sensor detects the movement of the mail box after unlocking, the lock state is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. With this configuration, when the lock is released to retract the convex portion from the first concave portion and the mail box is pulled indoors from the shelf, the lock state is automatically switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Therefore, when the mail box is pulled out from the shelf, the convex portion and the second concave portion are automatically engaged with each other, and it is possible to prevent the mail box from falling off the shelf.

[0012] The locking mechanism may be a solenoid lock that releases the lock by retracting the protrusion in an excited state. Since the locking mechanism is in a non-excited state in the locked state, power consumption by the locking mechanism can be reduced.

[0013] A roller may be provided at the tip of the protrusion, which can reduce the coefficient of friction between the mailing box and the locking mechanism and suppress the generation of wear powder.

[0014] The shelf has a housing and a pair of supports extending in the depth direction inside the housing, and the mailing box has a protrusion that protrudes outward in the width direction and slides on the pair of supports, and the first and second recesses are provided on one of the upper and lower surfaces of the protrusion, and one of the upper and lower surfaces may slide against the convex portion of the locking mechanism.

[0015] At both ends of the protrusion in the sliding direction, one of the upper surface and the lower surface may be inclined from a horizontal plane to approach the other of the upper surface and the lower surface, and the thickness of the protrusion may become thinner toward both ends in the sliding direction. With this configuration, both ends of the protrusion in the sliding direction are less likely to get caught in the locking mechanism, and the biasing force of the locking mechanism can be gradually increased. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a delivery shelf system can be provided that can lock a mail box to a shelf while the mail box is stored on the shelf, and can prevent the mail box from falling off the shelf when it is pulled out of the shelf. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a delivery shelf system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a shelf 50 used in the delivery shelf system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is carried from outdoors into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is carried from outdoors into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Diagram 5] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is carried from outdoors into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the rail 53 and the lock mechanism L11. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is pulled into the room from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is pulled into the room from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is pulled into the room from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is taken out from the storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2 into the room. [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is taken out from the storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2 into the room. [Figure 12] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is pushed from inside a house into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 13] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is pushed from inside a house into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 14] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is pushed from inside a house into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 15]3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is pushed from inside a house into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 16] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a mail box 61 is pushed from inside a house into a storage location in which a sensor S11 and a locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 17] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is taken out from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2 to the outside. [Figure 18] 3 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the mail box 61 is taken out from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. 2 to the outside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In the following, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0019] (First embodiment) <Configuration of delivery shelf system> First, a delivery shelf system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the delivery shelf system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the delivery shelf system according to this embodiment includes a shelf 50 and a control unit 100. The delivery shelf system is a system that controls the insertion and removal of returnable boxes stored on the shelf 50 using the control unit 100, which is a computer.

[0020] Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a shelf 50 used in the delivery shelf system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, shelf 50 includes a housing 51 and multiple pairs of rails 53 extending in the depth direction (x-axis direction) inside housing 51 and arranged side by side at equal intervals in the height direction (z-axis direction).

[0021] That is, the shelf 50 stores mail boxes 61-63 of a plurality of predefined sizes while slidably supporting them on each of the rails 53. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the mail boxes 61-63 can be taken in and out of the shelf 50 by sliding protrusions 61a-63a protruding outward in the width direction from the mail boxes 61-63 on a pair of adjacent and opposing rails 53.

[0022] The right-handed xyz Cartesian coordinate system shown in Fig. 2 and other figures is for the convenience of explaining the positional relationship of the components. Usually, the positive direction of the z axis is vertically upward, and the xy plane is a horizontal plane, which is common to all the figures. Although Fig. 2 is a front view, the rail 53 and the mail boxes 61 to 63 are shown as dots to facilitate understanding.

[0023] As will be described in detail later, the shelf 50 is provided straddling the outdoors and the indoors. Therefore, the mail boxes 61-63 containing articles can be brought into the shelf 50 from outdoors, and the mail boxes 61-63 contained in the shelf 50 can be pulled into the indoors and the articles can be taken out of the mail boxes 61-63. The returnable container is made of, but is not limited to, plastic, cardboard, wood, metal, etc., and is reused.

[0024] 2 has 12 storage locations capable of storing the smallest size mail boxes 61. Therefore, the shelf 50 has 12 sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, S31 to S34 and locking mechanisms L11 to L14, L21 to L24, L31 to L34 corresponding to the storage locations.

[0025] 2, there may be unused storage locations, or all storage locations may be used. Of course, the number of storage locations in the shelf 50 is merely an example and may be determined appropriately.

[0026] The sensor S11 is used to control the lock mechanism L11. Similarly, the sensor S12 is used to control the lock mechanism L12. The same is true for the other sensors. That is, the sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34 have a one-to-one correspondence with the lock mechanisms L11 to L14, L21 to L24, and L31 to L34.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 100 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34 and the locking mechanisms L11 to L14, L21 to L24, and L31 to L34 provided on the shelf 50 so as to be able to communicate with them. In FIG. 1, the control unit 100 is provided inside the shelf 50, but the control unit 100 may be provided outside the shelf 50.

[0028] The control unit 100 controls the locking mechanism L11 based on an unlocking instruction from an operator who operates the shelf 50 or a signal from the sensor S11. Similarly, the control unit 100 controls the locking mechanism L12 based on an unlocking instruction from the operator or a signal from the sensor S12. The same applies to the other locking mechanisms. Here, the operator is, for example, a person or robot (delivery person) who delivers a return box containing an item and carries the return box into the shelf 50, or a person or robot (recipient) who takes out and receives the item from the return box stored on the shelf 50. The control of the lock mechanisms L11 to L14, L21 to L24, and L31 to L34 by the control unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0029] 1, the control unit 100 includes, as hardware, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and an I / O (Input / Output) 104. That is, the control unit 100 has a function as a computer, and performs various processes based on the above-mentioned various programs and the like.

[0030] The CPU 101 is a calculation unit that performs, for example, control processing and calculation processing. The ROM 102 is a storage unit that stores, for example, a control program and an arithmetic program executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is a storage unit that temporarily stores processing data and the like. The I / O 104 is an input / output device that inputs data and signals from the outside and outputs data and signals to the outside.

[0031] <Shelf 50 Configuration> Next, the configuration of the shelf 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 in addition to FIG. 3 to 5 are schematic side views showing how the mail box 61 is carried in from the outdoors to the storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in FIG. Although Figs. 3 to 5 are side views, for ease of understanding, the rails 53 of the shelf 50 and the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 are shown in cross section.

[0032] 3 to 5, shelf 50 is a parcel locker installed across the outdoors and indoors of a house. Therefore, for example, a delivery person (including a delivery robot) can carry delivered mail boxes 61-63 from outdoors into shelf 50, and a recipient (including an indoor robot) can pull mail boxes 61-63 from shelf 50 into the indoors and take out items from mail boxes 61-63. In this specification, a house includes an apartment building, an office building, etc. Furthermore, the outdoors includes the inside of a building as long as it is accessible to a delivery person (including a delivery robot), and includes common areas such as a hallway in an apartment building.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the shelf 50 includes a housing 51, a partition plate 52, a rail 53, sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34, and locking mechanisms L11 to L14, L21 to L24, and L31 to L34.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 51 constitutes the outer frame of the shelf 50. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the housing 51 has a frame structure in which a top plate provided on the z-axis positive side, a bottom plate provided on the z-axis negative side, and side plates provided on the y-axis positive side and the y-axis negative side are integrally formed. That is, the front and back of the housing 51 are open so that the mail boxes 61-63 can be inserted and removed. Here, for the sake of convenience, the front of the housing 51 is referred to as the outdoor side (x-axis positive side), and the back of the housing 51 is referred to as the indoor side (x-axis negative side).

[0035] 5, an inner door ID is provided on the rear surface of the housing 51 to separate the indoor space from the inside of the shelf 50. On the other hand, an outer door OD is provided on the front surface of the housing 51 to separate the outdoor space from the inside of the shelf 50. Here, in order to protect the privacy of the residents of the house, an interlock mechanism may be provided to prevent the inner door ID and the outer door OD from being opened at the same time. In addition, in FIG. 2, the inner door ID and the outer door OD are omitted.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the partition plate 52 is provided parallel to the side plates constituting the housing 51 (that is, parallel to the xz plane) and extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the open housing 51. Here, the partition plates 52 are provided so that the distance between the side plate of the housing 51 and the adjacent partition plate 52, as well as the distance between the partition plates 52 themselves, are equal.

[0037] In the example of Fig. 2, two partition plates 52 are provided, and three rows of storage locations for the mail boxes 61-63 are provided. Therefore, each of the inner door ID and outer door OD shown in Fig. 5 is composed of, for example, three doors that can slide in the y-axis direction corresponding to each row. With this configuration, only one row on the shelf 50 that includes the storage locations for inserting and removing the mail boxes 61-63 can be opened, and the other rows can be kept closed. There is no limitation on the number of partition plates 52. Also, the partition plates 52 may not be provided, and the storage locations for the mail boxes 61 to 63 may be in a single row.

[0038] 2, a plurality of pairs of rails (supports) 53 are provided on the inner surface of the housing 51 and the partition plate 52, extending in the depth direction (x-axis direction), and are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the height direction (z-axis direction). Here, the rails 53 are provided so as to rise substantially vertically from the inner surface of the housing 51 and the partition plate 52. In the example of FIG. 2, four pairs of rails 53 are provided per row, and four minimum-sized mail boxes 61 can be stored per row.

[0039] Needless to say, there is no limitation on the number of rails 53. Furthermore, rails 53 may extend discontinuously in the depth direction (x-axis direction) as long as they are capable of supporting mail boxes 61 to 63. Alternatively, instead of rails 53, short supports may be arranged so as to be aligned in the depth direction (x-axis direction).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, protrusions 61a to 63a protruding outward in the width direction from the mail boxes 61 to 63 slide on a pair of rails 53 adjacent to and facing each other, whereby the mail boxes 61 to 63 can be taken in and out. In this manner, the shelf 50 can accommodate all of the mail boxes 61 to 63 of a plurality of predefined sizes while supporting them slidably along each pair of rails 53.

[0041] 2, locking mechanisms L11-L14, L21-124, and L31-L34 are provided below each pair of rails 53. The locking mechanisms L11-L14, L21-124, and L31-L34 lock the mail boxes 61-63 and their lids (not shown) stored on the shelf 50 to the housing 51, thereby preventing theft of the mail boxes 61-63 and the items stored therein. The rail 53 and the locking mechanism L11 will be described in detail later.

[0042] In this embodiment, the predefined sizes of mail boxes 61-63 all have the same width in the y-axis direction and the same depth in the x-axis direction. On the other hand, the mail boxes 61-63 have different heights in the z-axis direction. The height of the smallest size mail box 61 is designed to match the distance between adjacent rails 53 in the z-axis direction. Naturally, the height of the smallest size mail box 61 is smaller than the distance between the rails 53. The height of the intermediate size mail box 62 is designed to be approximately twice the height of the mail box 61. Moreover, the height of the largest size mail box 63 is designed to be approximately three times the height of the mail box 61.

[0043] That is, the heights of the plurality of predefined sizes of mailing boxes 61 to 63 are designed to be approximately an integral multiple of the distance between adjacent rails 53 in the z-axis direction. In the example shown in Fig. 2, there are three sizes of mail boxes, but there may be two or four or more sizes. In the example of Fig. 2, in addition to mail boxes 61 to 63, a mail box having a height, for example, about four times the height of mail box 61 may be provided separately.

[0044] Furthermore, in the shelf 50 shown in FIG. 2, twelve sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34 for detecting objects (that is, mail boxes 61 to 63) are provided for each of two pairs of rails 53 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34 are non-contact sensors such as, for example, reflective or transmissive optical sensors, proximity sensors, etc. Alternatively, the sensors S11 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34 may be contact sensors such as limit switches.

[0045] Here, as shown in Fig. 5, the sensor S11 is provided so as to be located between the indoor end of the mail box 61 stored on the shelf 50 and the inner door ID. Therefore, in the state in which the mail box 61 shown in Fig. 5 is stored on the shelf 50, the sensor S11 does not detect the mail box 61. Then, as shown in detail in Fig. 8 described later, when the mail box 61 moves to the indoor side, the sensor S11 detects the mail box 61. The same applies to the other sensors S12 to S14, S21 to S24, and S31 to S34, and the other mail boxes 62 and 63.

[0046] <Details of rail 53 and locking mechanism L11> Here, the rail 53 and the lock mechanism L11 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6 in addition to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the rail 53 and the lock mechanism L11. The same applies to the other lock mechanisms L12 to L14, L21 to L24, and L31 to L34, and to the other mail boxes 62 and 63.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 slides on the rail 53 extending in the x-axis direction, and the mail box 61 is carried into the shelf 50 and stored therein. 3 to 5, the locking mechanism L11 is, for example, a solenoid lock, and includes a main body 54a, a pin 54b, and a roller 54c. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the locking mechanism L11 is provided on the underside of the indoor end of the rail 53.

[0048] 3 to 5 and 6, the rail 53 is provided with a notch 53a through which the pin 54b and roller 54c of the locking mechanism L11 pass. A through hole may be provided instead of the notch 53a. The pin 54b of the lock mechanism L11 penetrates the rail 53 and is biased by an elastic body such as a spring so as to come into contact with a protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 sliding on the rail 53.

[0049] Here, a roller 54c is provided at the tip of the pin 54b that slides on the protrusion 61a. The roller 54c is made of, for example, plastic. The roller 54c can reduce the coefficient of friction between the protrusion 61a of the mail box 61 and the lock mechanism L11, and can also suppress the generation of wear powder.

[0050] 3 to 5, a recess (first recess) 61b is provided on the underside of the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 at the indoor end when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50, and a recess (second recess) 61c is provided on the outdoor end. At the indoor end and outdoor end (both ends in the sliding direction) of the protruding portion 61a, the underside is inclined so as to approach the upper surface from the horizontal plane, and the thickness of the protruding portion 61a becomes thinner toward both ends in the sliding direction. That is, both ends in the sliding direction of the protruding portion 61a are provided with tapered portions.

[0051] The lock mechanism L11 may be provided above the rail 53. In that case, recesses 61b and 61c are provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61. Furthermore, at both ends of the protruding portion 61a in the sliding direction, the upper surface is inclined from the horizontal plane to approach the lower surface, and the thickness of the protruding portion 61a becomes thinner toward both ends in the sliding direction.

[0052] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, when the indoor end of the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 comes into contact with the roller 54c of the locking mechanism L11 when the mail box 61 is carried into the shelf 50, the spring of the locking mechanism L11 is gradually physically compressed along the inclination of the indoor end of the protruding portion 61a. With this configuration, the indoor end of the protruding portion 61a is less likely to get caught on the locking mechanism L11, and the biasing force of the locking mechanism L11 is gradually increased. Then, with the spring of the locking mechanism L11 compressed, the mail box 61 moves indoors while the lower surface of the protruding portion 61a slides against the roller 54c.

[0053] 5, when the recess 61b of the protrusion 61a moves to the position of the lock mechanism L11, the compressed spring of the lock mechanism L11 is released and the tip of the pin 54b, i.e., the roller 54c, fits into the recess 61b. As a result, the mail box 61 is fixed to the housing 51 and the lid (not shown) of the mail box 61 is locked. The lock mechanism L11 can prevent theft of the mail box 61 and the consumables stored therein.

[0054] Here, the mail box 61 is locked while it is stored on the shelf 50. Therefore, by using a solenoid lock, in which the locked state is a non-excited state (non-energized state) in which the spring is released, as the lock mechanism L11, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0055] On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, the control unit 100 switches the locking mechanism L11 to an excited state (energized state) in which the spring is compressed, and releases the lock, for example, based on an unlocking instruction from the operator. By releasing the lock, the convex portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 retracts from the concave portion 61b of the mail box 61 in Fig. 5 (see Fig. 7 described later). By releasing the lock, the mail box 61 can be pulled out from the shelf 50 into the room.

[0056] 5, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50 into the room, the convex portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the lock mechanism L11 and the concave portion 61c of the mail box 61 engage with each other, and the pulled out mail box 61 stops (see FIG. 9 described later). In other words, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50, it is possible to prevent the mail box 61 from falling off the shelf 50.

[0057] As described above, in the delivery shelf system according to this embodiment, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 is provided with a recess 61b at the indoor end when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50. The indoor end of the shelf 50 is provided with a locking mechanism L11 having a protrusion (pin 54b and roller 54c) biased to be inserted into the recess 61b. Therefore, while the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50, the protrusion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 and the recess 61b of the mail box 61 fit together to lock the mail box 61 to the shelf 50.

[0058] Furthermore, in the delivery shelf system according to this embodiment, a recess 61c is provided in the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 at the end facing the outdoors when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50. Therefore, when the lock by the locking mechanism L11 is released and the mail box 61 is pulled indoors from the shelf 50, the protruding portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 and the recess 61c of the mail box 61 engage with each other, and the pulled-out mail box 61 stops. In other words, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50, it is possible to prevent the mail box 61 from falling off the shelf 50.

[0059] In this way, in the delivery shelf system of this embodiment, the mail box 61 can be locked to the shelf 50 while it is stored on the shelf 50, and the mail box 61 can be prevented from falling off the shelf 50 when the mail box 61 is pulled out of the shelf 50.

[0060] The lock mechanism L11 is not limited to a solenoid lock, and may be any mechanism that restricts the movement of the mail box 61 and locks the lid (not shown) of the mail box 61. For example, the pin 54b may be mechanically operated. Alternatively, a rotary lock mechanism that does not use the pin 54b may be used. Furthermore, the locking of the operation of the mail box 61 and the locking of the lid of the mail box 61 may be performed separately.

[0061] <Operation of the delivery shelf system> Next, the operation of the delivery shelf system according to this embodiment will be described. First, an operation in which, for example, a delivery person carries a return box 61 from outdoors onto the shelf 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0062] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer door OD is opened, and the mail box 61 is pushed in so that the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 slides on the rail 53 toward the indoor side. Here, the lock mechanism L11 is in a non-excited state with the spring released, and the sensor S11 is in a non-detecting state in which the mail box 61 is not being detected.

[0063] Next, as shown in Fig. 4, when the indoor end of the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 comes into contact with the roller 54c of the locking mechanism L11, the spring of the locking mechanism L11 in a non-excited state is gradually physically compressed along the inclination of the indoor end of the protruding portion 61a. With the spring of the locking mechanism L11 in a compressed state, the mail box 61 moves indoors while the lower surface of the protruding portion 61a slides against the roller 54c. Here, the lock mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state, and the sensor S11 remains in a non-detecting state.

[0064] 5, when the recess 61b provided at the indoor end of the protrusion 61a moves to the position of the lock mechanism L11, the compressed spring of the lock mechanism L11 is released and the tip of the pin 54b, i.e., the roller 54c, fits into the recess 61b. Therefore, the mail box 61 is fixed to the housing 51. Then, the outer door OD closes.

[0065] In this manner, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 is provided with a recess 61b at the indoor end when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50. The indoor end of the shelf 50 is provided with a locking mechanism L11 having a protrusion (pin 54b and roller 54c) biased to be inserted into the recess 61b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, while the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50, the protrusion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 and the recess 61b of the mail box 61 fit together to lock the mail box 61 to the shelf 50. During this time, the locking mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state, and the sensor S11 remains in a non-detecting state.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figures 7 to 9, an operation will be described in which, for example, a recipient pulls out the mail box 61 from the shelf 50. Figures 7 to 9 are schematic side views showing how the mail box 61 is pulled indoors from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in Figure 2.

[0067] 7, when the inner door ID is opened, the control unit 100 switches the lock mechanism L11 from a non-excited state to an excited state, for example, based on an unlocking instruction from the recipient. Therefore, the spring of the lock mechanism L11 is compressed, and the convex portion (the pin 54b and the roller 54c) of the lock mechanism L11 retreats from the concave portion 61b of the mail box 61, and the lock is released. Here, the sensor S11 remains in a non-detecting state.

[0068] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, for example, when the recipient pulls out the mail box 61, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 slides on the rail 53 toward the indoor side, and the sensor S11 detects the mail box 61. Therefore, the sensor S11 switches from a non-detection state to a detection state. Based on the signal from the sensor S11, the control unit 100 switches the lock mechanism L11 from an excited state to a non-excited state. In other words, when the sensor S11 detects the mail box 61 after the lock mechanism L11 switches to the excited state, the lock mechanism L11 returns to the non-excited state. Here, in a state in which the spring of the lock mechanism L11 is physically compressed by the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61, the lower surface of the protruding portion 61a slides on the roller 54c, and the mail box 61 moves toward the indoor side.

[0069] 9, when the recess 61c provided at the outdoor end of the protrusion 61a moves to the position of the locking mechanism L11, the compressed spring of the locking mechanism L11 is released and the tip of the pin 54b, i.e., the roller 54c, fits into the recess 61c. Therefore, the mail box 61 is fixed to the housing 51 and stops. That is, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50, it is possible to prevent the mail box 61 from falling off the shelf 50. Here, the lock mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state, and the sensor S11 remains in a detection state.

[0070] In this manner, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 is provided with a recess 61c at the end portion on the outdoor side when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9, when the lock by the locking mechanism L11 is released and the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50 to the indoors, the protruding portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 and the recess 61c of the mail box 61 engage with each other, and the pulled-out mail box 61 stops. In other words, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50, it is possible to prevent the mail box 61 from falling off the shelf 50.

[0071] Also, a sensor S11 is provided that detects movement of the mail box 61 from the storage position of the mail box 61 on the shelf 50 to the indoor side. Therefore, after the lock by the lock mechanism L11 is released, when the sensor S11 detects the movement of the mail box 61, the control unit 100 switches the lock mechanism L11 from the unlocked state to the locked state. With this configuration, the convex portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) is retracted from the concave portion 61b by the lock release, and when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50 to the indoor side, the lock mechanism L11 is automatically switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. Therefore, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50, the convex portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) is automatically engaged with the concave portion 61c, and the falling off of the mail box 61 from the shelf 50 can be suppressed.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figures 10 and 11, an operation in which, for example, a recipient takes out the mail box 61 from the shelf 50 will be described. Figures 10 and 11 are schematic side views showing a state in which the mail box 61 is taken out indoors from a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in Figure 2.

[0073] 10, the control unit 100 switches the locking mechanism L11 from a non-excited state to an excited state, for example, based on an unlocking instruction from the recipient. As a result, the spring of the locking mechanism L11 is compressed, and the convex portion (the pin 54b and the roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 retreats from the concave portion 61c of the mail box 61, and the lock is released. Here, the sensor S11 remains in the sensing state.

[0074] 11, for example, when the recipient removes the mail box 61 from the shelf 50, the sensor S11 no longer detects the mail box 61. Therefore, the sensor S11 switches from a detection state to a non-detection state. Based on the signal from this sensor S11, the control unit 100 switches the locking mechanism L11 from an excited state to a non-excited state. In other words, even if the sensor S11 no longer detects the mail box 61 after the locking mechanism L11 switches to the excited state, the locking mechanism L11 returns to the non-excited state.

[0075] After switching the locking mechanism L11 to the excited state, the control unit 100 may return the locking mechanism L11 to the non-excited state after a predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of the signal from the sensor S11. Also, the recipient may lift up the mail box 61 and take it out without switching the lock mechanism L11 from the non-energized state to the energized state.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 12 to 16, an operation of, for example, a recipient pushing a mail box 61 from inside the house into the shelf 50 will be described. Figures 12 to 16 are schematic side views showing a state in which the mail box 61 is pushed from inside the house into a storage location in which the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided in Figure 2.

[0077] 12, the inner door ID is opened and the mail box 61 is pushed in so that the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 slides toward the outside on the rail 53. At that time, the sensor S11 detects the mail box 61, and the sensor S11 switches from a non-detection state to a detection state.

[0078] 12 and 13, when the outdoor end of the protrusion 61a of the mail box 61 comes into contact with the roller 54c of the locking mechanism L11, the spring of the locking mechanism L11 in a non-excited state is gradually physically compressed along the inclination of the outdoor end of the protrusion 61a. Then, with the spring of the locking mechanism L11 compressed, the mail box 61 moves to the outdoor side while the lower surface of the protrusion 61a slides against the roller 54c. Here, the lock mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state, and the sensor S11 remains in a detection state.

[0079] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when the recess 61c provided at the outdoor end of the protrusion 61a moves to the position of the locking mechanism L11, the compressed spring of the locking mechanism L11 is released and the tip of the pin 54b, i.e., the roller 54c, fits into the recess 61c. Here, the lock mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state, and the sensor S11 remains in a detection state.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 14, the opening of the recess 61c provided at the outdoor end of the protrusion 61a is inclined so as to widen toward the indoor side. Therefore, when the mail box 61 is pushed back to the outdoor side, the recess 61c of the protrusion 61a can pass through the convex portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 without releasing the lock by the locking mechanism L11. At that time, the spring of the non-excited locking mechanism L11 is gradually physically compressed along the inclination of the recess 61c of the protrusion 61a.

[0081] If the opening of recess 61c is not inclined like recess 61b, for example, based on an unlocking instruction from the recipient, control unit 100 switches locking mechanism L11 from a non-energized state to an excited state, thereby releasing the lock.

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, with the spring of the lock mechanism L11 in a compressed state, the lower surface of the protruding portion 61a slides on the roller 54c, and the mail box 61 moves to the outside. Here, the lock mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state, and the sensor S11 remains in a detection state.

[0083] 16, when the recess 61b provided at the indoor end of the protrusion 61a moves to the position of the lock mechanism L11, the compressed spring of the lock mechanism L11 is released and the tip of the pin 54b, i.e., the roller 54c, fits into the recess 61b. As a result, the mail box 61 is fixed to the housing 51. Then, the inner door ID closes. Here, the sensor S11 no longer detects the mail box 61 and switches from a detection state to a non-detection state, but the lock mechanism L11 remains in a non-excited state.

[0084] Finally, an operation of, for example, a delivery person taking out the mail box 61 from the shelf 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are schematic side views showing the state in which the mail box 61 is taken out from the storage location in Fig. 2 where the sensor S11 and the locking mechanism L11 are provided to the outside.

[0085] 17, the control unit 100 switches the locking mechanism L11 from a non-excited state to an excited state based on, for example, an unlocking instruction from a delivery person. Therefore, the spring of the locking mechanism L11 is compressed, and the convex portion (the pin 54b and the roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 retreats from the concave portion 61b of the mail box 61, and the lock is released. Here, the sensor S11 remains in a non-detecting state.

[0086] 18, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 slides on the rail 53 toward the indoor side, and the mail box 61 is pulled out. Since the sensor S11 remains in the non-detection state, for example, the control unit 100 switches the lock mechanism L11 to the excited state, and then returns the lock mechanism L11 to the non-excited state after a predetermined time has elapsed. Of course, the locking mechanism L11 may be switched from the excited state to the non-excited state based on an unlocking instruction from the delivery person.

[0087] As described above, in the delivery shelf system according to this embodiment, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 is provided with a recess 61b at the indoor end when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50. The indoor end of the shelf 50 is provided with a locking mechanism L11 having a protrusion (pin 54b and roller 54c) biased to be inserted into the recess 61b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, while the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50, the protrusion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 and the recess 61b of the mail box 61 fit together to lock the mail box 61 to the shelf 50.

[0088] Furthermore, in the delivery shelf system according to this embodiment, the protruding portion 61a of the mail box 61 is provided with a recessed portion 61c at an end portion on the outdoor side when the mail box 61 is stored on the shelf 50. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9, when the lock by the locking mechanism L11 is released and the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50 to the indoors, the protruding portion (pin 54b and roller 54c) of the locking mechanism L11 and the recessed portion 61c of the mail box 61 engage with each other, and the pulled-out mail box 61 stops. In other words, when the mail box 61 is pulled out from the shelf 50, it is possible to prevent the mail box 61 from falling off the shelf 50.

[0089] In this way, in the delivery shelf system of this embodiment, the mail box 61 can be locked to the shelf 50 while it is stored on the shelf 50, and the mail box 61 can be prevented from falling off the shelf 50 when the mail box 61 is pulled out of the shelf 50.

[0090] In the above examples, the various programs include instructions (or software codes) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The various programs may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or the tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The various programs may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or the communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 50 shelves 51 Case 52 Partition 53 Rail 53a Notch 54a Main body 54b Pin 54c Lola 61~63 Box 61a~63a Protrusion 61b, 61c recess 100 Control section ID Inner Door L11~L14, L21~L24, L31~L34 locking mechanism OD outer door S11~S14, S21~S24, S31~S34 sensors

Claims

1. A shelf that spans both indoors and outdoors; A mailable box that is slidably supported and stored on the shelf, A delivery shelf system in which the delivered mail box can be pushed into the shelf from outdoors and the mail box stored on the shelf can be pulled out from indoors, The mailing box has a first recess at an indoor end and a second recess at an outdoor end when the mailing box is stored on the shelf, a locking mechanism having a protrusion biased to be inserted into the first and second recesses is provided at an indoor end of the shelf; While the mail box is stored on the shelf, the protrusion and the first recess are fitted together to lock the mail box on the shelf, When the lock is released to move the protrusion away from the first recess, and the mail box is pulled out from the shelf to inside the room, the locking mechanism is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state, whereby the protrusion and the second recess engage with each other, and the pulled-out mail box is stopped. Shipping shelving system.

2. The second recess is inclined so that an opening portion thereof widens toward the indoor side, When the pulled-out mail box is pushed back to the shelf from inside the room, the second recess passes through the protrusion without releasing the lock.

2. The delivery shelf system of claim 1.

3. The container further includes a sensor that detects movement of the container from a storage position of the container on the shelf to an indoor side, After the lock is released, if the sensor detects a movement of the mail box, the lock state is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state.

3. A delivery shelf system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The locking mechanism is a solenoid lock that releases the lock by retracting the protrusion in an excited state.

3. A delivery shelf system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A roller is provided at the tip of the protrusion.

3. A delivery shelf system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The shelf includes a housing and a pair of supports extending in a depth direction inside the housing, The mailing box has a protruding portion that protrudes outward in a width direction and slides on the pair of supports, the first and second recesses are provided on one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the protrusion, and the one of the upper surface and the lower surface slides against the protrusion of the lock mechanism; 3. A delivery shelf system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. At both ends of the protrusion in the sliding direction, one of the upper surface and the lower surface is inclined from a horizontal plane to approach the other of the upper surface and the lower surface, and the thickness of the protrusion becomes thinner toward both ends in the sliding direction.

7. The delivery shelf system of claim 6.

8. A shelf that spans both indoors and outdoors; A mailable box that is slidably supported and stored on the shelf, A method for controlling a delivery shelf system, the method comprising the steps of: pushing a delivered mail box into the shelf from outdoors; and pulling out the mail box stored on the shelf from indoors; the mail box is provided with a first recess at an indoor end when the mail box is stored on the shelf, and a second recess is provided at an outdoor end when the mail box is stored on the shelf, a locking mechanism having a protrusion biased to be inserted into the first and second recesses is provided at an indoor end of the shelf; while the mail box is stored on the shelf, the mail box is locked on the shelf by engaging the protrusion with the first recess; when the lock is released to move the protrusion away from the first recess, and the mail box is pulled out from the shelf to inside the room, the locking mechanism is switched from the unlocked state to a locked state, and the protrusion is engaged with the second recess, thereby stopping the pulled-out mail box. A method for controlling a delivery shelf system.

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