Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a drive unit that is able to deliver a package even in a region where no individual mobility is provided.SOLUTION: A drive unit 2 includes: a sorting mechanism 28 capable of sorting packages stored in a dolly; and an ECU 29 configured to pick out a package from the dolly and deliver the package to a delivery destination by controlling the sorting mechanism on the basis of delivery information about the delivery destination of the package after arriving at the delivery destination of the package in a state of being connected to the dolly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which distribution vehicles exchange congestion information with each other to prevent congestion on the delivery routes of the distribution vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-188312 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the logistics industry, seamless automated logistics requires individual mobility to deliver packages from distribution centers to the recipient's home or a parcel locker, but if the utilization rate of this individual mobility is low, the cost of the individual mobility becomes high.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a drive unit that can deliver parcels even in areas where individual mobility is not deployed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The drive unit of the present disclosure is a drive unit that can be freely connected to a cart containing at least one piece of luggage and can travel autonomously by towing the cart, and includes a sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage contained in the cart, and a processor configured to control the sorting mechanism based on delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage after arriving at the delivery destination of the luggage while connected to the cart, to remove the luggage from the cart and deliver it to the delivery destination. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the time required for loading luggage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a delivery unit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the drive unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the cart according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a sorting mechanism of a drive unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the drive unit according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] [Outline of the delivery system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to an embodiment. The delivery system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a delivery unit 4 including a drive unit 2 capable of autonomous travel and a dolly 3 that can be towed by the drive unit 2, a communication terminal 5 held by a user, and a server 6 that manages each part of the delivery system 1. The drive unit 2, the dolly 3, the communication terminal 5, and the server 6 all have a communication function and are configured to be able to communicate with each other through a network NW. This network NW is, for example, configured from an Internet line network, a mobile phone line network, or the like.

[0011] [Outline of delivery unit configuration] First, a description will be given of a schematic configuration of the delivery unit 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the delivery unit 4. The delivery unit 4 includes a drive unit 2 and a dolly 3.

[0012] In the following, when explaining the arrangement of each component of the delivery unit 4, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are used. The front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The left-right direction is the lateral direction of the trolley 3 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The up-down direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the trolley 3, and coincides with the height direction of the trolley 3. When the delivery unit 4 is placed horizontally, the front-rear direction and left-right direction are horizontal directions, and the up-down direction is vertical directions.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the drive unit 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and drive wheels 20 are driven by driving force supplied from a drive mechanism such as a motor. The drive unit 2 also travels autonomously based on detection results from various sensors, which will be described later. The drive unit 2 is also freely connectable to a dolly 3, and connects to the dolly 3 to tow the dolly 3. The drive unit 2 connects to the dolly 3 specified by the server 6 according to instruction information and a travel route input from the server 6, and tows and moves the connected dolly 3 to a location specified by the server 6.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the dolly 3 includes a main body 30 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a sorting mechanism 31. The main body 30 of the dolly 3 can be connected to a drive unit 2, and is moved by being towed by the drive unit 2. The main body 30 further includes a space D1 capable of accommodating luggage 100, and this space D1 accommodates a plurality of luggage 100 or a rack 41 or a chest accommodating a plurality of luggage 100. The sorting mechanism 31 further includes a delivery port 311 having an openable / closable shutter 311a. The sorting mechanism 31 accepts luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility such as a micro-palette through the delivery port 311. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the cargo 100 received at the delivery port 311 in three axial directions (front-rear, left-right, and up-down) relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and transports it to a predetermined location in the space D1 or to a position in a predetermined rack 41. There are multiple types of carts 3, each with a different function (e.g., transportation function, mobile store function) and load capacity.

[0015] In the delivery unit 4 configured in this manner, the drive unit 2 connects to the dolly 3 designated by the server 6, and tows and moves the connected dolly 3 to the designated location. After that, when the server 6 inputs instruction information to the drive unit 2 to tow another dolly 3 after the delivery unit 4 arrives at the designated location, the drive unit 2 disconnects from the dolly 3 and moves to the location designated by the server 6.

[0016] [Functional configuration of the drive unit] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 shown in Fig. 3 includes a drive section 21, a sensor group 22, an illumination section 23, a battery 24, a connection section 25, a communication section 26, a memory section 27, a sorting mechanism 28, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 29.

[0017] The drive section 21 is configured using a motor, gears, etc. Under the control of the ECU 29, the drive section 21 supplies driving force to the drive wheels 20 (see FIG. 2) of the drive unit 2 based on the power supplied from the battery 24.

[0018] The sensor group 22 is configured using a sensor for realizing automatic driving, an imaging device for imaging the surroundings including the traveling direction of the drive unit 2, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor for detecting the position information of the drive unit 2, and a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 24. Specifically, the sensor group 22 is configured using a 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is configured using an imaging device including an optical system for imaging the surroundings of the drive unit 2, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that generates image data by receiving a subject image formed by the optical system. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is configured using a tester and a temperature sensor that detect the remaining amount (SOC), temperature, SOH (State of Health), voltage value, and current value of the battery 24. The sensor group 22 outputs various detection results to the ECU 29.

[0019] The illumination unit 23 is provided in an annular shape so as to follow the shape of the left and right drive wheels 20 of the drive unit 2 (see FIG. 2, for example). The illumination unit 23 emits light in a predetermined wavelength band under the control of the ECU 29. The illumination unit 23 is configured using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source. The illumination unit 23 functions as one or more of a lighting fixture, a turn signal, and a hazard lamp by emitting light in a predetermined wavelength band, for example, any one of red, blue, green, and orange, under the control of the ECU 29. Furthermore, the illumination unit 23 can emit light of different wavelengths for each predetermined region along the shape of the drive wheels 20 under the control of the ECU 29.

[0020] Battery 24 is configured using a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Battery 24 stores high-voltage DC power for driving drive unit 21. Battery 24 can be electrically connected to a charging device (not shown) via a charging port (not shown), and is charged with external power supplied from the charging device.

[0021] The coupling unit 25 is connected to the bogie 3 under the control of the ECU 29. Specifically, the coupling unit 25 is coupled to the bogie 3 by connecting to a connection unit provided on the bogie 3, which will be described later. The coupling unit 25 is configured using, for example, a single-axis coupler or a dual-axis coupler. Note that the coupling unit 25 may be configured using, for example, an electromagnet, etc., as long as it can be connected to the bogie 3.

[0022] Under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 transmits various data and the like to the server 6 through the network NW, and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 obtains instruction information including towing information for towing the specified dolly 3 from the server 6, the stopping position of the dolly 3, and towing destination information of the dolly 3, and outputs the obtained instruction information to the ECU 29. The communication unit 26 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0023] The storage unit 27 stores various information related to the drive unit 2. The storage unit 27 stores CAN data of the drive unit 2 input from the ECU 29, various programs executed by the ECU 29, and the like. The storage unit 27 is configured using a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and the like. The storage unit 27 also has a program storage unit 271 executed by the drive unit 2, and a drive unit information storage unit 272 that stores drive unit information for identifying the drive unit 2. Here, the drive unit information includes identification information (e.g., a unit ID) for identifying the drive unit 2, the vehicle model of the drive unit 2, the remaining battery power, the towing load capacity, and the like.

[0024] The sorting mechanism 28, under the control of the ECU 29, picks up the baggage 100 accommodated in the cart 3, and transports the picked-up baggage 100 to a designated location. The sorting mechanism 28 will be described in detail later.

[0025] The ECU 29 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 29 controls each part of the drive unit 2. For example, the ECU 29 uses the detection results of the sensor group 22 and the like to control the drive unit 21 to autonomously drive the drive unit 2 toward a designated location according to instruction information input from the server 6. In addition, after the ECU 29 arrives at the delivery destination of the parcel 100 while connected to the dolly 3, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 based on the delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the parcel 100 to take out the parcel 100 from the dolly 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination. Specifically, when an individual mobility is not arranged at the delivery destination based on the delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the parcel 100, the ECU 29 releases the connection state with the dolly 3 by the coupling unit 25, and controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to take out the parcel 100 from the dolly 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination. Here, the delivery information includes recipient information, sender information, recipient address, type information of the package 100 (whether it is a sensitive item (e.g., glass, electronic device, etc.)), strength information of the package 100's packaging, whether or not personal mobility is located at the recipient's address, and whether or not the recipient has specified that the package be left at the recipient's door. In one embodiment, the ECU 29 functions as a processor.

[0026] [Functional configuration of the trolley] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the cart 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cart 3. The cart 3 shown in Fig. 4 includes a sorting mechanism 31, an acquisition unit 32, a connection unit 33, a communication unit 34, a sensor group 35, a battery 36, a storage unit 37, and an ECU 38.

[0027] The sorting mechanism 31 is movable in three axial directions relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and receives the luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility vehicle through a delivery port 311 under the control of the ECU 38. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the received luggage 100 to a rack 41 (described later) or the like housed in the space D1 of the main body 30.

[0028] The acquisition unit 32 acquires the package information attached to the package 100, and outputs the acquired package information to the ECU 38. Here, the package information is a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR Code (registered trademark)), or an IC tag that stores information such as the sender, the delivery address, and the recipient. The acquisition unit 32 is configured using a reader capable of reading the one-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code, or the IC tag, such as an imaging device or an IC tag reader.

[0029] The connection portion 33 is connectable to the coupling portion 25 of the drive unit 2 , and is connected to the coupling portion 25 of the drive unit 2 under the control of the ECU 38 .

[0030] The communication unit 34, under the control of the ECU 38, transmits various data, such as baggage information and location information, to the server 6 through the network NW, and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 38, the communication unit 34 acquires baggage information of the baggage 100 input from the server 6, and outputs the acquired baggage information to the ECU 38. The communication unit 34 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0031] The sensor group 35 is configured using various sensors for realizing traveling when towed by the drive unit 2, an imaging device for imaging the surroundings including the traveling direction of the dolly 3, a GPS sensor for detecting position information of the dolly 3, and a sensor for detecting the remaining charge of the battery 36. Specifically, the sensor group 35 is configured using a 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like.

[0032] The battery 36 is configured using a fuel cell and a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The battery 36 outputs power for driving the cart 3. For example, the battery 36 generates power using hydrogen supplied from an FC tank (not shown).

[0033] The storage unit 37 stores various information related to the trolley 3. The storage unit 37 stores the CAN data of the trolley 3 input from the ECU 38, various programs executed by the ECU 38, and the like. The storage unit 37 is configured using a DRAM, a ROM, a Flash memory, a HDD, an SSD, and the like. The storage unit 37 also has a program storage unit 371 executed by the trolley 3, and a trolley information storage unit 372 that stores trolley information for identifying the trolley 3. Here, the trolley information includes identification information for identifying the trolley 3 (e.g., a trolley ID), the type of the trolley 3, the load capacity that the trolley 3 can carry, the shape of the trolley 3, and the use of the trolley 3 (e.g., delivery or store), and the like.

[0034] The ECU 38 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 38 controls each part constituting the bogie 3.

[0035] [Functional configuration of communication terminal] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the communication terminal 5. FIG 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication terminal 5.

[0036] The communication terminal 5 shown in Figure 5 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, a position acquisition unit 55, an imaging unit 56, a third communication unit 57, a memory unit 58, and a terminal control unit 59.

[0037] The first communication unit 51 receives various information from the cart 3 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received various information to the terminal control unit 59. The first communication unit 51 is configured using a communication module capable of performing, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

[0038] The second communication unit 52 receives various information from the cart 3 or the server 6 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received various information to the terminal control unit 59. The second communication unit 52 is configured using a communication module capable of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

[0039] The display unit 53 displays various information under the control of the terminal control unit 59. The display unit 53 is configured using a display panel such as a liquid crystal or organic EL panel.

[0040] The input unit 54 receives input of various operations by the user, and outputs signals corresponding to the received various operations to the terminal control unit 59. The input unit 54 is configured using a touch panel, switches, buttons, and the like.

[0041] The position acquisition unit 55 acquires the position of the communication terminal 5, and outputs the acquired position to the terminal control unit 59. The position acquisition unit 55 is realized by using a GPS sensor or the like.

[0042] The imaging unit 56 generates image data by capturing an image of a subject under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the image data to the terminal control unit 59. The imaging unit 56 is realized using one or more optical systems and a CCD or CMOS image sensor that captures an image of a subject formed by the optical system to generate image data.

[0043] The third communication unit 57 communicates with the server 6 via the network NW under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs package information regarding the package 100 set by the user via the input unit 54 to the server 6. The third communication unit 57 is configured using a communication module capable of implementing communication standards via mobile phone lines, such as the 4th Generation Mobile Communication System (4G) and the 5th Generation Mobile Communication System (5G).

[0044] The storage unit 58 stores various information related to the communication terminal 5 and various programs executed by the communication terminal 5. The storage unit 58 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a Flash memory, an SSD, a memory card, or the like.

[0045] The terminal control unit 59 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, etc. The terminal control unit 59 controls each unit of the communication terminal 5.

[0046] [Server Functional Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the server 6 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 6. The server 6 shown in Fig. 6 includes a communication unit 61, an input unit 62, a display unit 63, a storage unit 64, a drive unit information database 65 (hereinafter referred to as "drive unit information DB65"), a trolley information database 66 (hereinafter referred to as "trolley information DB66"), a delivery information database 67 (hereinafter referred to as "delivery information DB67"), a user information database 68 (hereinafter referred to as "user information DB68"), and a server control unit 69.

[0047] The communication unit 61 communicates with the drive unit 2, the cart 3, and the communication terminal 5 via the network NW under the control of the server control unit 69. The communication unit 61 is configured using a communication module and the like.

[0048] The input unit 62 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 62 receives an input of an operation by an operator, and outputs to the server control unit 69 operation information corresponding to the received operation.

[0049] The display unit 63 is configured using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, etc. Under the control of the server control unit 69, the display unit 63 displays various information.

[0050] The storage unit 64 stores various information related to the server 6. The storage unit 64 also has a program storage unit 641 that stores various programs executed by the server 6. The storage unit 64 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a Flash memory, an SSD, an HDD, a memory card, or the like.

[0051] The drive unit information DB 65 stores drive unit information that associates identification information, position information, battery information, and drive unit status information for each of the multiple drive units 2. Here, the drive unit status information refers to whether or not there is a current task, for example, whether or not the dolly 3 is being towed, whether or not moving toward a specified location, whether or not the light is turned on, etc. The drive unit information DB 65 is configured using an HDD, an SSD, etc.

[0052] The trolley information DB 66 stores trolley information that associates identification information, position information, battery information, and trolley status information of each of the multiple trolleys 3. Here, the trolley status information is luggage information of the multiple luggage 100 stored in the main body 30, storage location information indicating the storage location of each luggage 100, the availability of luggage 100 that can be stored in the main body 30, whether or not the trolley is being towed by the drive unit 2, and the current usage status (for example, used as a store), etc. The trolley information DB 66 is configured using an HDD, an SSD, etc.

[0053] The delivery information DB 67 stores delivery information related to the delivery destination of each of the multiple packages 100. Here, the delivery information includes recipient information, sender information, and address of the recipient, type information of the package 100 (whether or not it is a sensitive item (e.g., glass, electronic equipment, etc.)), strength information of the package 100's packaging, whether or not personal mobility is located at the recipient's address, and whether or not the recipient has specified that the package be left at the recipient's door. The delivery information DB 67 is configured using an HDD, SSD, etc.

[0054] The user information DB 68 stores user information that associates the user's name information, the user's contact information, and package information of the package 100 for which the user has requested delivery. The user information DB 68 is configured using a HDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0055] The server control unit 69 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The server control unit 69 controls each unit constituting the server 6.

[0056] [Configuration of sorting mechanism] Next, a detailed description will be given of the sorting mechanism 28 provided in the drive unit 2. Fig. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the main part of the sorting mechanism 28.

[0057] 7 is configured using a robot arm or the like that can be stored in a folded state in the drive unit 2. Specifically, the sorting mechanism 28 includes a gripper 281 that can remove the luggage 100 from the cart 3 by gripping the luggage 100, a support unit 282 that includes an arm and a motor that rotatably supports the gripper 281, and a storage unit 283 that rotatably holds the support unit 282 and can store the gripper 281 and the support unit 282.

[0058] Under the control of the ECU 29, the sorting mechanism 28 drives the support portion 282 and the gripper 281 to pick up the cargo 100 stored in the trolley 3, and delivers the picked up cargo 100 to a predetermined location.

[0059] [Treatment of the drive unit] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the drive unit 2. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the drive unit 2. Note that the following description will be given of a state in which the drive unit 2 is connected to the dolly 3 and is towing the dolly 3 to move.

[0060] 8, the ECU 29 determines whether the drive unit 2 has arrived at the delivery destination based on the position information of the drive unit 2 from the sensor group 22 and the delivery information input from the server 6 (step S101). If the ECU 29 determines that the drive unit 2 has arrived at the delivery destination (step S101: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S102, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the drive unit 2 has not arrived at the delivery destination (step S101: No), the drive unit 2 continues this determination.

[0061] In step S102, the ECU 29 acquires delivery information from the server 6 via the communication unit .

[0062] Next, the ECU 29 judges whether or not a logistics mobility is placed at the delivery destination based on the delivery information (step S103). If the ECU 29 judges that a logistics mobility is placed at the delivery destination (step S103: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S111, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 judges that a logistics mobility is not placed at the delivery destination (step S103: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S104, which will be described later.

[0063] In step S104, the ECU 29 determines whether or not the recipient has specified that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at rest, based on the delivery information. Specifically, the ECU 29 determines whether or not the delivery information includes information specifying that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at rest, and if the information specifying that the parcel is left at rest is included, the ECU 29 determines that the parcel has been specified to be left at rest. If the ECU 29 determines that the recipient has specified that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at rest (step S104: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the recipient has not specified that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at rest (step S104: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

[0064] In step S105, the ECU 29 determines whether the packaging of the parcel 100 is at least a predetermined strength based on the delivery information. Specifically, the ECU 29 determines whether the packaging of the parcel 100 is at least a predetermined strength that allows it to be delivered over a predetermined distance, for example, by leaving it at a designated location, based on the packaging information included in the delivery information. If the ECU 29 determines that the packaging of the parcel 100 is at least a predetermined strength (step S105: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S106, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the packaging of the parcel 100 is not at least a predetermined strength (step S105: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

[0065] In step S106, the ECU 29 judges whether the package 100 is a sensitive item based on the delivery information. If the ECU 29 judges that the package 100 is a sensitive item (step S106: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 judges that the package 100 is not a sensitive item (step S106: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S107, which will be described later.

[0066] In step S107, the ECU 29 controls the coupling portion 25 to release the connection information between the drive unit 2 and the bogie 3. This allows the drive unit 2 to move towards the bogie 3 side.

[0067] Next, the ECU 29 controls the drive section 21 and the sorting mechanism 28 to move the drive unit 2 toward the dolly 3 and cause the sorting mechanism 28 to take out the luggage 100 accommodated in the dolly 3 (step S108). In this case, the dolly 3 places the luggage 100 at the delivery opening 311. As a result, the drive unit 2 can easily receive the luggage 100 from the dolly 3.

[0068] Thereafter, the ECU 29 controls the drive section 21 and the sorting mechanism 28 based on the delivery information to deliver the package 100 to the specified location (step S109). This allows the drive unit 2 to place and distribute the package 100. After step S109, the drive unit 2 ends this process.

[0069] In step S110, the ECU 29 outputs redelivery request information to the recipient to request redelivery of the package 100 to the recipient's communication terminal 5 or the server 6 via the communication unit 26 in order to bring the package 100 back. This allows the recipient or other user to know that the package 100 has not been delivered. After step S110, the drive unit 2 ends this process.

[0070] In step S111, the ECU 29 judges whether or not the logistics mobility has removed the luggage 100 from the trolley 3. If the ECU 29 judges that the logistics mobility has removed the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 (step S111: Yes), the driving unit 2 ends this process. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 judges that the logistics mobility has not removed the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 (step S111: No), the driving unit 2 waits until the logistics mobility removes the luggage 100 from the trolley 3.

[0071] According to the embodiment described above, after the drive unit 2 arrives at the delivery destination of the luggage 100, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 based on the delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage 100 to remove the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the luggage 100 can be delivered even in areas where individual mobility is not available.

[0072] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when the recipient specifies that the parcel 100 be left at the delivery location, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to remove the parcel 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the parcel 100 can be delivered even in areas where individual mobility is not available.

[0073] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, if the luggage 100 is not an item that requires careful handling, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to remove the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, thereby enabling the luggage 100 to be handled in a careful manner.

[0074] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, if the packaging of the luggage 100 is stronger than a predetermined strength, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to remove the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the destination, thereby enabling the luggage 100 to be handled in a meticulous manner.

[0075] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, even if individual mobility is not located at the destination of the drive unit 2, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 based on delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the luggage 100 to remove the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the luggage 100 can be delivered even in an area where individual mobility is not located.

[0076] In one embodiment, even if an individual-use mobility is located at the delivery destination, depending on the operating status of the individual-use mobility, if there is a margin for the designated delivery time of the package 100 to the delivery destination, the drive unit 2 may deliver the package instead of the individual-use mobility. This allows the package 100 to be delivered smoothly depending on the operating status of the individual-use mobility even in an area where an individual-use mobility is located.

[0077] In addition, in the embodiment, the drive unit 2 delivers the luggage 100 stored in the dolly 3, but the drive unit 2 may also remove and replace or deliver a hydrogen tank or a battery pack, etc., provided on the dolly 3 in addition to the luggage 100. This makes it possible to extend the travel distance of the dolly 3 and the drive unit 2.

[0078] (Other embodiments) In addition, in one embodiment, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as a "circuit" etc. For example, a control unit can be read as a control circuit.

[0079] In addition, the program to be executed by the delivery system of one embodiment is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a USB medium, or a flash memory.

[0080] Furthermore, the program executed by the delivery system according to one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0081] In the description of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue," but the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there is no contradiction.

[0082] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Delivery System 2 Drive unit 3 Cart 4 Delivery Units 5. Communication terminals 6 Server 20 Drive wheels 21 Drive unit 22 Sensors 23 Lighting Department 24 Batteries 25 Connecting part 26 Communications Department 27 Memory section 28 Sorting Mechanism 29 ECU NW Network

Claims

[Claim 1] A drive unit that can be connected to a cart that accommodates at least one piece of luggage and can travel autonomously by towing the cart, A sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage accommodated in the dolly; a processor configured to control the sorting mechanism to remove the parcel from the dolly and deliver it to the destination based on delivery information regarding the destination of the parcel after the parcel arrives at the destination while connected to the dolly; Equipped with The delivery information is Whether or not the recipient of the package has designated a delivery to a designated location, package type information, and package packaging strength information, Including, The processor, Based on the delivery information, it is determined whether the package has been designated for delivery by the recipient; Based on the delivery information, determine whether the packaging of the package has a predetermined strength or more; Determine whether the package is a sensitive item based on the delivery information; In the case where the delivery to a designated location is specified, if the package of the package has a predetermined strength or more and the package is not a sensitive item, the sorting mechanism is controlled to remove the package from the dolly and deliver it to the designated location of the delivery destination, outputting redelivery request information to request the recipient to redelive the package when the package packaging does not have a predetermined strength or when the package is a sensitive item in the case where the delivery to a designated location is specified; Drive unit.

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