Locking and storage devices

Abstract

To provide a locking device and a storage device which can be easily unlocked even when an excessive amount of luggage is packed in a storage section. [Solution] The door is characterized by comprising a lever lock plate 25 that regulates a first switching operation (first regulation) in a locked state, a first solenoid 22 that drives the first regulating means to implement or release the first regulation, a hook 26 that can operate between a closed position in which the door 12 is held closed and an open position in which the retention is released, a locking lever 27 that regulates the operation of the hook 26 from the closed position to the open position (second regulation) in the locked state, a second solenoid 23 that drives the locking lever 27 to implement or release the second regulation, and a switching lever 24 that can forcibly perform the first switching operation and drive the second regulating means.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state, in which the door of a storage section capable of storing luggage, to an unlocked state, in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, and a storage device equipped with such a locking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, locker devices installed in railway stations and delivery boxes installed in apartment buildings have been widely used as storage devices for temporarily storing and storing users' luggage. The storage devices include a storage section capable of storing luggage, a door for opening and closing the storage section, and a locking device for locking and unlocking the door. For example, an electric lock device described in Patent Document 1 is known as a locking device.

[0003] The electric lock device includes a locking unit that can rotate between a locking angle for locking the door of the storage unit and an unlocking angle for unlocking the door, a restricting means for restricting the rotation of the locking member from the locking angle to the unlocking angle, and a solenoid for operating the restricting means. When the door is locked, no current is passed through the solenoid, and the restricting means restricts the rotation of the locking member. On the other hand, when current is passed through the solenoid, the restriction is released, and the locking member can rotate from the locking angle to the unlocking angle. In other words, the door is in an unlocked state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-107292 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally known locking devices have had the following problems. When the storage section is overloaded with luggage, the door is pressed in the opening direction. This causes the hook of the door to apply a load to the restricting means and the solenoid via the locking member, which may impede the operation of the restricting means and ultimately the solenoid. If the operation of the solenoid is impeded, the restriction of the locking member by the restricting means is not released, and there is a risk that users of the storage device will not be able to open the door.

[0006] The present invention is made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a locking device and a storage device that can be easily unlocked even when the storage section is overloaded with luggage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the locking device of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] (1) A locking device capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state, in which a door of a storage section capable of storing luggage is locked, to an unlocked state, in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, characterized in that it comprises: a first restricting means for restricting the first switching operation (first restriction) in the locked state; a first driving means for driving the first restricting means to implement or release the first restriction; a locking member operable between a closed position for holding the door in a closed state and an open position for releasing the retention; a second restricting means for restricting the operation of the locking member from the closed position to the open position (second restriction) in the locked state; a second driving means for driving the second restricting means to implement or release the second restriction; and a manual lever capable of forcibly performing the first switching operation and driving the second restricting means.

[0009] (2) In the locking device described in (1), it is preferable to further include a detection means for detecting the release of the second restriction, a control device for controlling the locking device, and a control program in which the control device issues a command to release the first restriction by operating the first drive means and then release the second restriction by operating the second drive means, and when the detection means does not detect the release of the second restriction even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first restriction is released, notifies the manual lever to forcibly perform the first switching operation.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the storage device of the present invention has the following configuration. (3) The device is characterized by being equipped with the locking device described in (1) or (2). Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the locking device or storage device of the present invention, even if the storage section is overloaded with luggage, it can be easily unlocked. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an electrical configuration of the locker device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3, showing the door in a locked state. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the restriction of the switching lever is released. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the switch lever is located at the unlocking position and the door is in the unlocked state. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing the door in an open state. [Figure 8A] 1 is a flowchart of a deposit program. [Figure 8B] 1 is a flowchart of a deposit program. [Figure 9A] 1 is a flowchart of a deposit program. [Figure 9B] 1 is a flowchart of a deposit program. [Figure 10] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing a state in which emergency unlocking has been performed. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 10, in which (a) shows the locking device in a normal use state, (b) shows the locking device in an emergency unlocked state, and (c) shows the locking device in a state in which it can be removed from the frame. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of a locking device for a right-opening door. [Figure 13] 1A is a left side view of the hook, FIG. 1B is a front view of the hook, and FIG. 1C is a right side view of the hook. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A locker device 1 (one example of a storage device) according to an embodiment of the storage device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the locker device 1. FIG. 2 shows the electrical configuration of the locker device 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3, showing a state in which the door 12 is in a locked state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the restriction of the switching lever 24 is released. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the switching lever 24 is positioned at the unlocked position and the door 12 is in an unlocked state. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the door 12 is in an open state.

[0014] (About the configuration of the locker device) The locker device 1 according to the present embodiment is installed, for example, in a railway station and is used to temporarily store and keep luggage. As shown in FIG. 1, the locker device 1 has a plurality of storage sections 10 capable of storing a user's luggage. Specifically, two structures each having a total of ten storage sections 10, for example, five rows and two columns, are arranged on either side of the operation section 30. Note that the number of storage sections 10 is merely an example, and can be increased or decreased as necessary. In the present embodiment, the size of the opening of the plurality of storage sections 10 is the same, but this is merely an example, and a plurality of opening sizes may be provided.

[0015] A door 12 that can be opened and closed independently is provided on the front of each storage unit 10. The door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the left side of the operation unit 30 is a left-opening door that opens to the left side in the figure by pulling a handle 122, and the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the right side of the operation unit 30 is a right-opening door that opens to the right side in the figure by pulling a handle 122. A locking device 20 for locking or unlocking the door 12 is provided on the frame 11 on the right side of the left-opening door 12. On the other hand, a locking device 20 is provided on the left side of the right-opening door 12 on the frame on the left side of the door 12. The configuration of the locking device 20 will be described later.

[0016] In addition, in the locker device 1, an operation unit 30 is provided between the two pairs of left and right locker combinations, and a user can operate this operation unit 30 to deposit and remove luggage in each storage unit 10 and perform payment processing. In this embodiment, a storage unit 10 is also provided below the operation unit 30, but this may be used as a space for storing maintenance tools and the like for the manager.

[0017] The operation unit 30 is provided with a display unit 32, such as a touch panel, a printer 38 for printing receipts and the like for use as proof of use, an IC card reader 40 capable of reading IC tags embedded in IC cards, etc. Here, the IC card is one capable of accepting electronic money payments, such as a transportation IC card.

[0018] (About the locking device) The locking device 20 includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 21, and mainly includes a first solenoid 22 (an example of a first driving means), a second solenoid 23 (an example of a second driving means), a switching lever 24 (an example of a manual lever), a lever lock plate 25 (an example of a first restricting means), a hook 26 (an example of a locking member), a locking lever 27 (an example of a second restricting means), an opening / closing switch lever 28, a first switch 41, a second switch 42 (an example of a detecting means), and a third switch 43. In Figs. 4 to 7, the second switch 42 and the third switch 43 are positioned so as to overlap each other in the depth direction of the drawings.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking device 20 is equipped with a green LED 45 that emits green light and an orange LED 46 that emits orange light to indicate the usage state of the storage section 10. Note that in Fig. 2, what is visible from the outside is a lens member that covers the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is built inside the lens member.

[0020] The first solenoid 22 is configured such that the plunger 221 protrudes from the frame 222 when the current is not applied, and the plunger 221 retracts into the frame 222 when the current is applied. A lever lock plate 25 is connected to the tip of the plunger 221, and the lever lock plate 25 rotates around the rotation shaft 251 as the plunger 221 protrudes and retracts.

[0021] The lever lock plate 25 has a restriction portion 252 for restricting the operation of the switching lever 24, and is rotated between a restriction position where the restriction portion 252 restricts the operation of the switching lever 24, and a release position where the restriction by the restriction portion 252 is released. The lever lock plate 25 shown in Fig. 4 is in the restriction position, and the lever lock plate 25 shown in Figs. 5 to 7 is in the release position.

[0022] A third switch 43 is provided near the lever lock plate 25, and when the lever lock plate 25 rotates from the restricted position to the released position, the restricting portion 252 presses the lever 431 of the third switch 43, turning the third switch 43 ON. On the other hand, when the lever lock plate 25 rotates from the released position to the restricted position, the restricting portion 252 moves away from the third switch 43, turning it OFF. By the ON / OFF operation of the third switch 43, it can be detected whether the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position or the released position.

[0023] The switching lever 24 is a lever for switching between a locked state and an unlocked state of the door 12, and is rotatable about a rotation shaft 241 between a locked position for locking the door 12 and an unlocked position for unlocking the door 12. The switching lever 24 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is in a state where it is located at the locked position, and the switching lever 24 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is in a state where it is located at the unlocked position.

[0024] The switching lever 24 is provided with a lock pin 244. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position and the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position, even if an attempt is made to rotate the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the restricting portion 252 of the lever lock plate 25 is located on the path of the lock pin 244, so the switching lever 24 cannot be rotated to the unlocked position. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, when the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position, the restricting portion 252 moves out of the path of the lock pin 244, so that the switching lever 24 can be rotated to the unlocked position.

[0025] In addition, the switching lever 24 has a convex portion 243 for turning the second switch 42 ON. When the switching lever 24 rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position, the convex portion 243 approaches the second switch 42 and presses the lever 421 of the second switch 42, turning the second switch 42 ON. On the other hand, when the switching lever 24 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position, the convex portion 243 moves away from the second switch 42 and turns it OFF. From the ON / OFF operation of the second switch 42, it can be detected whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0026] Of the two longitudinal ends of the switching lever 24, the end that protrudes from the case serves as a knob 242 that is used to manually operate the switching lever 24. In the locking device 20 according to this embodiment, when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, the user can pinch the knob 242 to rotate it to the locked position. The end opposite the knob 242 across the rotating shaft 241 is connected via a connecting bar 44 to the plunger 231 of the second solenoid 23 located below.

[0027] The second solenoid 23 is configured such that the plunger 231 protrudes from the frame 232 when the second solenoid 23 is de-energized, and the plunger 231 retracts into the frame 232 when the second solenoid 23 is energized. Since the switching lever 24 is connected to the plunger 221 by the connecting bar 44, the switching lever 24 rotates around the rotation shaft 251 between the locked position and the unlocked position as the plunger 221 protrudes and retracts.

[0028] The hook 26 has an engagement portion 261 that engages with the door-side hook 121 of the door 12. The hook 26 also has a rotation shaft 262 above the engagement portion 261, and the hook 26 rotates between a closed position where the engagement portion 261 and the door-side hook 121 engage with each other, and an open position where the engagement portion 261 opens the door-side hook 121. 4 to 6 show the state where the hook 26 is located at the closed position, and FIG. 7 shows the state where the hook 26 is located at the open position. When the door 12 is opened with the hook 26 located at the closed position, the door-side hook 121 is moved to the right side in the figures. The moving door-side hook 121 rotates the hook 26 counterclockwise in the figures to be located at the open position. When located at the open position, if the door 12 is opened further, the door-side hook 121 comes out of the engagement portion 261 of the hook 26. On the other hand, when the door 12 is closed with the hook 26 in the open position, the door-side hook 121 again enters the engagement portion 261 of the hook 26, and as the door 12 is further closed, the door-side hook 121 moves to the left side in the figures to rotate the hook 26 clockwise in the figures to be located at the open position.

[0029] The hook 26 cannot be rotated from the closed position to the open position when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, but can be rotated when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0030] The hook 26 is provided with a lock pin 263, and when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the locking lever 27 is located on the path of the lock pin 244 of the hook 26 that is about to rotate, and restricts the rotation of the hook 26. Therefore, the hook 26 cannot be rotated to the open position (i.e., the door 12 is in a locked state in which it is not possible to open the door 12). On the other hand, when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, as shown in Fig. 6, the pressing part 441 of the connecting bar 44 rotates the locking lever 27 about the rotation shaft 271, and moves the locking lever 27 out of the path of the lock pin 263. This releases the restriction, and the hook 26 can be rotated to the open position (i.e., the door 12 is in an unlocked state in which it is possible to open the door 12). In addition, since the release of the restriction by the locking lever 27 is performed at the same time that the switching lever 24 is positioned in the unlocked position, the second switch 42 detecting that the switching lever 24 has been positioned in the unlocked position is equivalent to detecting that the restriction by the locking lever 27 has been released.

[0031] Next, after the hook 26 is rotated to the closed position by closing the door 12, the switching lever 24 is positioned at the locked position, and the spring returns the locking lever 27 to its original position, preventing the hook 26 from being rotated again (i.e., the door 12 is in a locked state and cannot be opened). In other words, the state in which the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position indicates that the door 12 is in an unlocked state, and the state in which the switching lever 24 is in the locked position indicates that the door 12 is in a locked state. Rotating the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position means that the door 12 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state (first switching operation), and rotating the switching lever 24 from the unlocked position to the locked position means that the door 12 is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state (second switching operation).

[0032] When the hook 26 is in the open position, the lock pin 263 rotates the open / close switch lever 28 around the rotation shaft 271. When the open / close switch lever 28 rotates, the end (projection 281) of the open / close switch lever 28 on the opposite side of the rotation shaft 271 of the part of the open / close switch lever 28 that abuts against the lock pin 263 approaches the first switch 41, thereby pressing the lever 411 of the first switch 41 and turning the first switch 41 ON. On the other hand, when the hook 26 is in the closed position, the open / close switch lever 28 returns to its original position by the spring. That is, the projection 281 moves away from the first switch 41. This turns the first switch 41 OFF. This ON / OFF operation of the first switch 41 makes it possible to detect whether the hook 26 is in the open position or the closed position (that is, whether the door 12 is open or closed).

[0033] (Regarding the control device) Furthermore, the locker device 1 includes a control device 51 that controls the locking device 20 in response to the operation of the operation unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 51 includes a CPU 511 and a memory 512. For example, a deposit program 512a for controlling the deposit of luggage in the storage unit 10 and a removal program 512b for controlling the removal of luggage from the storage unit 10 are stored in the memory 512. The control device 51 is electrically connected to the locking device 20 and the operation unit 30, and controls the locking device 20 and displays images on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30 in accordance with the operation of the deposit program 512a or the removal program 512b. In addition, a communication unit 52 is connected to the control device 51, and the locker device 1 can communicate with a management device (not shown) via the communication unit 52. The management device is a higher-level device than the locker device 1, and is installed in the station premises or any other place.

[0034] (About baggage check-in procedures) In the locker device 1 configured as above, a user deposits his / her baggage as follows.

[0035] Of the multiple storage units 10, those that do not contain any luggage (a state in which users can deposit luggage) are in standby mode. At this time, the storage units 10 in standby mode are in a locked state. In other words, the locking device 20 is in the state shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 is lit, and the orange LED 46 is off. The fact that the green LED 45 is lit lets the user know that the storage unit 10 is available for use.

[0036] To deposit baggage, a user first accepts the start of use on the operation unit 30. Specifically, for example, a "Start Use" virtual button is displayed on the display unit 32, and when the user touches the virtual button, the acceptance is started.

[0037] Thereafter, the usage fee is displayed on the display unit 32, and if the user is satisfied with the fee, he or she holds the transportation IC card over the IC card reader 40 to make the payment. At the time of this payment, the IC tag specific number of the IC card read by the IC card reader 40 is stored in the memory 512 and used for authentication when taking out luggage. When the payment is made, the printer 38 prints a receipt as a usage certificate. The payment is not limited to the form using the IC card, but may be other forms such as credit card payment or QR code payment, or multiple forms may be selectable. When making the QR code payment, a reading device for reading the QR code (registered trademark) is required in the operation unit 30. When making the payment by a method other than the IC card, a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking may be printed on the receipt and the printed code may be read to perform authentication. In addition, in the locker device 1 according to this embodiment, the size of the opening of the multiple storage units 10 is the same, but multiple opening sizes may be provided and the user may select the opening size according to the size of his / her luggage before making the payment.

[0038] After the receipt is printed by the printer 38, the deposit program 512a operates as follows: Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts of the deposit program 512a.

[0039] First, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 corresponding to the storage unit 10 where the user will deposit their baggage is blinked (step S11 in FIG. 8A). This indicates the location of the storage unit 10 where the user will deposit their baggage. The orange LED 46 remains off.

[0040] Next, the first solenoid 22 is energized (step S12 in FIG. 8A), and the lever lock plate 25 is rotated from the restricted position (position shown in FIG. 4) to the released position (position shown in FIG. 5). Whether the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the released position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S13 in FIG. 8A).

[0041] If the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S13 in FIG. 8A: NO), there may be a malfunction in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S131 in FIG. 8A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S132 in FIG. 8A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0042] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S13 in FIG. 8A: YES), it waits for 0.5 seconds after the detection (step S14 in FIG. 8A) and then energizes the second solenoid 23 (step S15 in FIG. 8A) to rotate the switching lever 24 from the locked position (position shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 6). Note that the above-mentioned waiting time of 0.5 seconds is merely an example.

[0043] The second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (whether the first switching operation has been performed) (step S16 in FIG. 8A). If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16: NO in FIG. 8A), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are caused to flash (step S161 in FIG. 8A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S162 in FIG. 8A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0044] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16 in FIG. 8A: YES), the first switch 41 detects whether the user has opened the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the closed position (position shown in FIG. 6) to the open position (position shown in FIG. 7)) (step S17 in FIG. 8A).

[0045] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 is open (step S17 in FIG. 8A: NO), the process waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the second switch 42 (step S16 in FIG. 8A) (step S171 in FIG. 8A: NO). If 60 seconds have elapsed (step S171 in FIG. 8A: YES), the second solenoid 23 is de-energized (step S172 in FIG. 8A), the switching lever 24 is positioned in the locked position, and then the first solenoid 22 is de-energized (step S20 in FIG. 8B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned in the restricted position.

[0046] On the other hand, when the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been opened (step S17 in FIG. 8A: YES), the first switch 41 then detects whether the user has closed the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the open position (the position shown in FIG. 7) to the closed position (the position shown in FIG. 6)) (step S18 in FIG. 8A).

[0047] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been closed (step S18: NO in FIG. 8A), the system waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the first switch 41 (step S17 in FIG. 8A) to allow the user to store their luggage in the storage section 10 (step S181: NO in FIG. 8A).

[0048] If door 12 is not closed after 60 seconds have passed (step S181 in FIG. 8A: YES), green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are caused to flash (step S182 in FIG. 8A), and an error message is displayed on display unit 32 of operation unit 30, urging the user to close door 12 (step S183 in FIG. 8A). Note that in this embodiment, after the error message is displayed on display unit 32 of operation unit 30, the flow returns to step S18 and the system is put into further standby mode, but measures to stop use may also be taken.

[0049] When the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been closed (step S18 in FIG. 8A: YES), the second switch 42 then detects whether the switching lever 24 has been positioned in the locked position (i.e., whether the user has manually performed the second switching operation) (step S19 in FIG. 8B).

[0050] For example, if the user forgets to rotate the switching lever 24 to the locked position and the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S19: NO in FIG. 8B), the system waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the first switch 41 (step S18 in FIG. 8B) (step S191: NO in FIG. 8B). When 60 seconds have elapsed (step S191: YES in FIG. 8B), the second solenoid 23 is de-energized (step S192 in FIG. 8B) to forcibly operate the switching lever 24 from the unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 6) to the locked position (position shown in FIG. 5). By providing a 60-second waiting time (step S191 in FIG. 8B), a grace period is provided for the user to put in or take out luggage, and by forcibly turning the switching lever 24 to the locked position (forcibly performing the second switching operation), it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to lock the door.

[0051] Whether or not the switching lever 24 has been forcibly operated to place it in the locked position is detected by the second switch 42 (step S193 in FIG. 8B).

[0052] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S193 in FIG. 8B: NO), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S194 in FIG. 8B), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S195 in FIG. 8B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0053] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16 in FIG. 8B: YES), the power supply to the first solenoid 22 is stopped (step S20), and the lever lock plate 25 is moved from the released position (position shown in FIG. 5) to the restricted position (position shown in FIG. 4).

[0054] Even when the user rotates the switching lever 24 to the locked position and the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S19 in FIG. 8B: YES), the power supply to the first solenoid 22 is stopped (step S20 in FIG. 8B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned in the restricted position.

[0055] Next, the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S21 in FIG. 8B), and the system waits for 900 seconds (step S22 in FIG. 8B). This 900 seconds is the waiting time for accepting a relocking operation to change the door 12 from a locked state to an unlocked state again, for example, if the user forgets to put their luggage in the storage section 10. In addition, turning on the orange LED 46 notifies the user that a relocking operation is possible. This relocking operation is then accepted by the operation section 30.

[0056] During the 900-second wait (step S22 in FIG. 8B: NO), when the operation unit 30 accepts a relocking operation (step S221 in FIG. 8B: YES), the orange LED 46 is caused to flash (step S223 in FIG. 8B) to notify the user of the storage unit 10 to be relocked. Thereafter, the process returns to step S12 in which the first solenoid 22 is energized, and the same process (steps S12-S21) as in the flow for depositing baggage is carried out. Note that it is desirable for the operation unit 30 to authenticate the user when accepting the operation, so that an unrelated third party cannot arbitrarily relock the door 12. Specifically, for example, authentication is carried out using the IC card used for payment.

[0057] If 900 seconds have passed (step S22: YES in FIG. 8B) without a re-locking operation (step S221: NO in FIG. 8B), the orange LED 46 is turned off (step S23 in FIG. 8B). Then, the storage unit 10 is placed in a storage mode in which the baggage is stored and on standby (step S24 in FIG. 8B), and the deposit program ends. In the storage mode, the locking device 20 of the storage unit 10 indicates that it cannot be used by other users by turning off both the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46.

[0058] (About baggage removal operations) Next, the operation of removing luggage will be described. When a user removes luggage from the storage unit 10, the removal operation is first accepted by the operation unit 30. Specifically, for example, a "remove" virtual button is displayed on the display unit 32, and the acceptance is started when the user touches the virtual button.

[0059] Thereafter, for example, the IC card used for payment is authenticated, and if the authentication is successful, the fetch program 512b starts to operate as follows: Figures 9A and 9B are flowcharts of the fetch program 512b.

[0060] First, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 corresponding to the storage unit 10 in which the user has deposited his / her baggage is blinked (step S31 in FIG. 9A). This indicates the location of the storage unit 10 in which the user has deposited his / her baggage. The orange LED 46 remains off.

[0061] Next, the first solenoid 22 is energized (step S32 in FIG. 9A) to rotate the lever lock plate 25 from the restricted position to the released position. Whether or not the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the released position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S33 in FIG. 9A).

[0062] If the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S33: NO in FIG. 9A), there may be a malfunction in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S331 in FIG. 9A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S332 in FIG. 9A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0063] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S33 in FIG. 9A: YES), it waits for 0.5 seconds after the detection (step S34 in FIG. 9A) and then energizes the second solenoid 23 (step S35 in FIG. 9A) to rotate the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Note that the above-mentioned waiting time of 0.5 seconds is merely an example.

[0064] The second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in FIG. 9A). If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in FIG. 9A: NO), there may be a malfunction in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are caused to flash (step S361 in FIG. 9A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S362 in FIG. 9A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0065] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in FIG. 9A: YES), the first switch 41 detects whether the user has opened the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the closed position to the open position) (step S37 in FIG. 9A).

[0066] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 is open (step S37: NO in FIG. 9A), the system waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the second switch 42 (step S36 in FIG. 9A) (step S371: NO in FIG. 9A). When 60 seconds have elapsed (step S371: YES in FIG. 9A), the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S39 in FIG. 9B), and the power supply to the second solenoid 23 is stopped (step S40 in FIG. 9B), and the switching lever 24 is automatically positioned at the locked position.

[0067] On the other hand, when the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been opened (step S37 in FIG. 9A: YES), the first switch 41 then detects whether the user has closed the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has been rotated from the open position to the closed position) (step S38 in FIG. 9A).

[0068] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been closed (step S38: NO in FIG. 9A), the system waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the first switch 41 (step S37 in FIG. 9A) to allow the user to remove their luggage from the storage section 10 (step S381: NO in FIG. 9A).

[0069] If door 12 is not closed after 60 seconds have passed (step S381 in FIG. 9A: YES), green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are caused to flash (step S382 in FIG. 9A), and an error message is displayed on display unit 32 of operation unit 30, urging the user to close door 12 (step S383 in FIG. 9A). Note that in this embodiment, after the error message is displayed on display unit 32 of operation unit 30, the flow returns to step S38 and the system is put into further standby mode, but measures to stop use may also be taken.

[0070] When the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 is closed (step S38 in FIG. 9A: YES), the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S39 in FIG. 9B). Then, the second solenoid 23 is de-energized (step S40 in FIG. 9B), and the switching lever 24 is automatically positioned at the locked position.

[0071] Whether or not the switching lever 24 is in the locked position is detected by the second switch 42 (step S41 in FIG. 9B).

[0072] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S41: NO in FIG. 9B), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S411 in FIG. 9B), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S412 in FIG. 9B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0073] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S41 in FIG. 9B: YES), it waits for 30 seconds (step S42 in FIG. 9B). This waiting time is the time during which a user can manually move the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position to unlock the door 12 if, for example, the user forgets to take out their luggage.

[0074] During the 30-second waiting time (step S42 in FIG. 9B: NO), when the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, that is, when the user manually positions the switching lever 24 in the unlocked position (step S43 in FIG. 9B: YES), the process returns to step S37.

[0075] When the 30-second waiting time has elapsed (step S42 in FIG. 9B: YES), the first solenoid 22 is de-energized (step S44 in FIG. 9B) to position the lever lock plate 25 in the restricted position, which makes it impossible to manually position the switching lever 24 in the unlocked position.

[0076] Whether or not the lever lock plate 25 is located in the restricted position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S45 in FIG. 9B).

[0077] If the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position (step S45: NO in FIG. 9B), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S451 in FIG. 9B), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S452 in FIG. 9B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0078] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S45 in FIG. 9B: YES), the system waits for 60 seconds (step S46 in FIG. 9B). This 60 seconds is a waiting time for accepting a relocking operation to change the door 12 from a locked state to an unlocked state again, for example, when a user forgets to remove their luggage from the storage section 10. This relocking operation can be accepted by the operation section 30.

[0079] During the 60-second wait (step S46 in FIG. 9B: NO), when the operation unit 30 accepts a relock operation (step S461 in FIG. 9B: YES), the process returns to step S31, and the same process (steps S31-S45) as the flow for removing luggage is carried out. Note that it is desirable for the operation unit 30 to authenticate the user when accepting the operation, so that an unrelated third party cannot arbitrarily relock the door 12. Specifically, for example, authentication can be performed using the IC card used for payment.

[0080] If 60 seconds have passed without a relocking operation (step S461 in FIG. 9B: NO) (step S46 in FIG. 9B: YES), the green LED 45 is turned on and the orange LED 46 is turned off (step S47 in FIG. 9B). Then, the storage unit 10 is set to a standby mode in which no baggage is stored (step S48 in FIG. 9B), and the removal program ends.

[0081] (Regarding unlocking problems) A specific example of an unlocking failure, that is, a case where the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position in step S36 of FIG. 9A (step S36: NO in FIG. 9A), will be described.

[0082] A situation in which the switching lever 24 is not in the unlocked position even though the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S35) may occur, for example, when the user packs excessive baggage in the storage unit 10. The mechanism behind this is as follows.

[0083] If the storage section 10 is overloaded with luggage, the luggage will push the door 12 in the opening direction (for example, to the right in FIG. 5). When the door 12 is pushed in the opening direction, the door-side hook 121 applies a load to the hook 26 that tends to rotate the hook 26 counterclockwise. When such a load is applied to the hook 26, the lock pin 263 of the hook 26 presses the locking lever 27 in the position shown in FIG.

[0084] Then, even if the second solenoid 23 is energized to pull the connecting bar 44 toward the second solenoid 23 (the lower side in FIG. 5) and the locking lever 27 is rotated by the pressing portion 441, the pressing force of the lock pin 263 is stronger, and the locking lever 27 may not be rotated. In other words, there is a risk that the locking lever 27 may not be able to be moved out of the path of the lock pin 263, which means that the locking device 20 cannot be put into the unlocked state and the door 12 cannot be opened.

[0085] However, the locking device 20 can be manually put into an unlocked state by using the switching lever 24. More specifically, since the lever lock plate 25 is located at the release position (position shown in FIG. 5) in step S32 in FIG. 9A, the switching lever 24 can be manually rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. By manually rotating the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the second solenoid 23 can be forcibly driven. That is, by rotating the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the connecting bar 44 can be forcibly pushed down to the second solenoid 23 side (lower side in FIG. 5), and the pressing part 441 of the connecting bar 44 moves the locking lever 27 out of the path of the lock pin 263 (the locking device 20 is in the state shown in FIG. 6). As a result, the locking device 20 is put into an unlocked state, and the door 12 can be opened.

[0086] Since the locking device 20 is equipped with separate drive means (i.e., the first solenoid 22) for releasing the restriction on the switching lever 24, and drive means (i.e., the second solenoid 23) for moving the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position, even if the storage section 10 is overloaded with luggage and an unlocking problem occurs, it is possible to easily unlock it manually as described above.

[0087] In addition, the length from the knob portion 242 to the rotating shaft 241 is set to be longer than the length from the connection portion between the connecting bar 44 and the switching lever 24 to the rotating shaft 241, so that the switching lever 24 can be easily rotated manually by the principle of leverage.

[0088] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36: NO in FIG. 9A), the display unit 32 may provide guidance to rotate the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position manually. The timing for providing guidance may be when the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position within 60 seconds (an example of a predetermined time) after the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S35). However, the above-mentioned time of 60 seconds is merely an example, and can be appropriately adjusted within a range that does not feel unnatural to the user.

[0089] (Regarding emergency unlocking of the locking device) When the storage unit 10 is in standby mode, the locking device 20 always keeps the door 12 locked, but in an emergency, the door can be unlocked by using an emergency key 61 (see FIG. 10). FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing the state where the emergency unlocking has been performed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 10, where (a) shows the locking device 20 in a normal use state, (b) shows the locking device 20 in an emergency unlocking state, and (c) shows the state where the locking device can be removed from the frame 11.

[0090] 4, the locking device 20 is provided with a cylinder cam 62 that can be rotated by an emergency key 61 at the top of the case 21. Also, an emergency unlocking cam 63 is provided inside the case 21 adjacent to the first solenoid 22.

[0091] The cylinder cam 62 is rotatable between a first position (position shown in Figure 11(a)), which is the normal position, a second position (position shown in Figure 11(b)), for performing emergency unlocking, and a third position (position shown in Figure 11(c)), for removing the locking device 20 from the frame 11.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylinder cam 62 has a retaining portion 621 for preventing the locking device 20 from slipping out of the frame 11. When the cylinder cam 62 is in the first position, the retaining portion 621 protrudes above the upper end surface of the case 21 (see Fig. 4 or Fig. 11(a)), so that even if an attempt is made to remove the locking device 20 from the frame 11, the retaining portion 621 abuts against the back side of the frame 11. This prevents the locking device 20 from slipping out of the frame 11.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylinder cam 62 has an extension portion 622 extending from the retaining portion 621 toward the inside of the case 21, and the tip of the extension portion 622 is a cam portion 622a for operating the emergency unlocking cam 63. The cam portion 622a is inclined toward the right rear side in Fig. 4 (the left rear side in Fig. 11).

[0094] The emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotatable around a central axis 631 within the case 21 between a normal position shown in Fig. 4 and an emergency unlocking position shown in Fig. 10. The emergency unlocking cam 63 has a contact portion 632 provided so as to be able to come into contact with the cam portion 622a. This contact portion 632 is formed of a surface that is inclined in the same direction as the cam portion 622a. Furthermore, the emergency unlocking cam 63 has a pressing portion 633 at the end opposite the contact portion 632 across the central axis 631, which is able to come into contact with a protrusion 253 provided at the upper end of the lever lock plate 25.

[0095] In the above configuration, emergency unlocking is performed as follows. When the emergency key 61 is inserted into the keyhole 60 and rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise (clockwise in FIG. 11), the cylinder cam 62 similarly rotates 45 degrees from the first position to the second position. At this time, the cam portion 622a of the cylinder cam 62 contacts the contact portion 632 of the emergency unlocking cam 63. Since both the cam portion 622a and the contact portion 632 are inclined, the emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotated from the normal position toward the emergency unlocking position with the rotation of the cylinder cam 62. When the emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotated to the emergency unlocking position, the pressing portion 633 presses the convex portion 253 of the lever lock plate 25, and the lever lock plate 25 can be rotated from the restricting position to the unlocking position. When the lever lock plate 25 is positioned at the unlocking position, the switching lever 24 can be manually rotated to the unlocking position, and the door 12 can be opened.

[0096] When the emergency key 61 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) after emergency unlocking has been performed, the cylinder cam 62 similarly rotates 90 degrees from the second position to the third position. Then, the retaining portion 621 of the cylinder cam 62 is positioned below the upper end surface of the case 21 in FIG. 11(c), so that the locking device 20 can be removed from the frame 11. Note that the locking device 20 is always removed from the frame 11 after emergency unlocking has been performed. This is because unless emergency unlocking is performed, the hook 26 is engaged with the door-side hook 121 of the door 12, and the locking device 20 cannot be removed.

[0097] (Door opening and closing direction) The locking device 20 can be used for both a left-opening door 12 and a right-opening door 12, depending on the orientation of the hand-operated exchange piece 47 attached to the front of the case 21. Fig. 12 is a front view of the locking device 20 for a right-opening door 12.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 12, the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is a substantially rectangular member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction when the case 21 is viewed from the front. The hand-operated replacement piece 47 has an opening 47a at one of both longitudinal ends for allowing the door-side hook 121 to enter the case 21. As shown in FIG. 3, when the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the left side when viewed from the front, it can be used with a left-opening door 12 (for example, the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the left side of the operation unit 30 in FIG. 1). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the right side when viewed from the front, it can be used with a left-opening door 12 (for example, the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the right side of the operation unit 30 in FIG. 1).

[0099] As described above, the hook 26 can be used with both the left-opening door 12 and the right-opening door 12 depending on the orientation of the hand-operated replacement piece 47 because it has the following shape. This will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13(a) is a left side view of the hook 26, Figure 13(b) is a front view of the hook 26, and Figure 13(c) is a right side view of the hook 26.

[0100] 13, hook 26 includes a first hook portion 264 located on the right side in front view, a second hook portion 265 located on the left side, and a connecting portion 266 bridging first hook portion 264 and second hook portion 265. Since connecting portion 266 bridges the ends of first hook portion 264 and second hook portion 265 on the far side in front view, hook 26 is formed in a substantially U-shape in plan view. Furthermore, first hook portion 264 and second hook portion 265 each include an engaging portion 261.

[0101] The above-described hook 26 is built into the case 21 so that the first hook portion 264 is located on the left side when viewed from the front of the case 21 and the second hook portion 265 is located on the right side when viewed from the front of the case 21, as shown in Figures 3 and 12. 3, when the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the left side in a front view, the door-side hook 121 of the left-opening door 12 can enter the case 21 from the opening 47a and engage with the engaging portion 261 of the first hook portion 264. On the other hand, when the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the right side in a front view, the door-side hook 121 of the right-opening door 12 can enter the case 21 from the opening 47a and engage with the engaging portion 261 of the second hook portion 265.

[0102] As described above, the locking device 20 according to this embodiment is capable of (1) performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which the door 12 of the storage section 10 capable of storing luggage to an unlocked state in which the door 12 is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, and includes a first restricting means (e.g., lever lock plate 25) that restricts (first restriction) the first switching operation in the locked state, a first driving means (e.g., first solenoid 22) that drives the first restricting means to implement or release the first restriction, and a locking means (e.g., locking means) that holds the door 12 in a closed state. The locking mechanism is characterized by comprising a locking member (hook 26) operable between a closed position in which the lock is held and an open position in which the hold is released, a second restricting means (e.g., a locking lever 27) that restricts (second restriction) the movement of the locking member (hook 26) from the closed position to the open position in the locked state, a second driving means (e.g., a second solenoid 23) that drives the second restricting means (e.g., the locking lever 27) to implement or release the second restriction, and a manual lever (e.g., a switching lever 24) that can forcibly perform the first switching operation and drive the second restricting means.

[0103] (2) In the locking device 20 described in (1), it is preferable that the locking device 20 is provided with a detection means (e.g., the second switch 42) for detecting the release of the second restriction, and that the locking device 20 is provided with a control device 51 for controlling the locking device 20, and that the control device 51 is provided with a control program (e.g., the removal program 512b) for issuing a command to release the second restriction by operating the second driving means (the second solenoid 23) (step S35) after the first restriction is released by operating the first driving means (the first solenoid 22) (steps S32-S33), and when the detection means (the second switch 42) does not detect the release of the second restriction even after a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed after the first restriction is released (step S36: NO), the control device 51 notifies the manual lever (the switching lever 24) to forcibly perform the first switching operation (e.g., the removal program 512b).

[0104] As described above, the storage device (for example, the locker device 1) according to this embodiment is characterized by including the locking device 20 described in (3), (1) or (2).

[0105] According to the above-described locking device 20 or storage device (locker device 1), even if the storage section is overloaded with luggage, it can be easily unlocked.

[0106] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Naturally, the present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0107] For example, in the locker device 1, the user who deposits the luggage and the user who retrieves the luggage are not necessarily the same person. Specifically, in recent years, the idea of ​​using train stations as logistics bases has become widespread, and it is conceivable that a transport company that delivers products ordered by general consumers will be the user who deposits the luggage, and the general consumer who ordered the products will be the user who retrieves the luggage. In this case, for example, a specific transport company is allowed to use the locker device 1, and the operation unit 30 authenticates the transport company before running the deposit program. For authentication when retrieving luggage, for example, an authentication code such as an authentication QR code (registered trademark) is sent to the general consumer's mobile terminal, etc., and the code is authenticated before the retrieval program is run.

[0108] In addition, for example, a locker device installed in a train station is given as an example of a storage device, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be, for example, a delivery box installed in an apartment building or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Locker device (an example of a storage device) 10 Storage section 12 Doors 20 Locking device 22 First solenoid (an example of a first driving means) 23 Second solenoid (an example of a second driving means) 24 Switching lever (an example of a manual lever) 25 Lever lock plate (an example of the first restricting means) 26 Hook (an example of a locking member) 27 Locking lever (an example of the second restricting means)

Claims

1. a first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which a door of a storage unit capable of storing luggage is locked to an unlocked state in which the door is unlocked; A second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state; In a locking device capable of performing the following: a first restriction means for performing a first restriction on the first switching operation in the locked state; a first driving means for driving the first restriction means to implement or release the first restriction; a lock member operable between a closed position for holding the door in a closed state and an open position for releasing the holding; a second restriction means for restricting the movement of the lock member from the closed position to the open position in the locked state; second driving means for driving the second restriction means to implement or release the second restriction; a manual lever capable of forcibly performing the first switching operation and driving the second restricting means; To have A locking device characterized by:

2. 2. The locking device according to claim 1, a detection means for detecting the release of the second restriction; A control device for controlling the locking device is provided. The control device includes: After the first restriction is released by operating the first driving means, issuing a command to release the second restriction by operating the second driving means; when the detection means does not detect the release of the second restriction even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first restriction is released, a notification is given to force the first switching operation to be performed by the manual lever. Providing a control program; A locking device characterized by:

3. A storage device comprising the locking device according to claim 1 or 2.

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