Storage device

Abstract

To provide a storage device in which a user can easily identify a predetermined shelf board.SOLUTION: A storage device includes: an exhibition room 4 having an opening part that opens forward; a plurality of shelf boards 43 provided by being arrayed in a plurality of columns in the inside of the exhibition room 4; light sources provided along each of the columns of the shelf boards 43 to illuminate the inside of the exhibition room 4; and a control unit that selects at least one of the plurality of shelf boards 43 and controls lighting of each of the plurality of light sources.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine capable of storing articles at normal temperature, refrigerated, or frozen. This vending machine includes an outer door that opens and closes an opening provided on the front surface of the main body, a product storage chamber provided inside the main body with an open front surface, and a small door disposed inside the outer door that closes the front surface of each product storage chamber in an openable and closable manner. These small doors are provided with electrical components that drive a locking mechanism for fixing the small doors in a predetermined position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a storage device in which a user can easily identify a predetermined shelf board.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The storage device in the present disclosure includes a display chamber having an opening that opens to the front, a plurality of storage chambers each having a bottom formed by a plurality of shelf boards arranged in a plurality of rows inside the display chamber, a plurality of light sources provided corresponding to the storage chambers along the rows formed by the storage chambers, for illuminating the inside of the display chamber and emitting light to the outside of the display chamber, an input unit into which predetermined information is input, A storage device including a display unit on which various information is displayed, wherein in the display room, a plurality of outer doors that open and close the display room opening opening to the front of the display room in a manner corresponding to each row formed by the storage room are provided, an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the outer doors, and door opening and closing detection means for detecting opening and closing of the outer doors, and in the storage room, a door of the storage room that opens and closes the storage room opening opening to the front of the storage room is provided, and a locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage room. when the storage device starts driving, all of the plurality of light sources are turned on, The electronic lock and the locking mechanism are locked, and an operation of waiting for the input unit to be operated is performed on the storage device. Based on the information input to the input unit, at least one of the plurality of storage rooms is selected, and a control unit for controlling lighting of each of the plurality of light sources is further provided. The control unit turns off the light sources located in rows different from the row in which the storage room selected or designated based on the information input to the input unit is arranged, unlocks the electronic lock for unlocking and locking the outer door and the locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage room designated based on the information input to the input unit. After unlocking the outer door, when the door opening and closing detection means detects that at least one of the outer doors has been closed after being opened, the electronic lock of the outer door and the locking mechanism of the unlocked storage room are locked, the turned-off light source is turned on, and after unlocking the outer door, if the state where the door opening and closing detection means does not detect that at least one of the outer doors has been closed after being opened continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the electronic lock of the outer door and the locking mechanism of the unlocked storage room are locked, an error message is displayed on the display unit, and then the turned-off light source is turned on. which is characterized by the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] In the storage device according to the present disclosure, by controlling the lighting of the light source, any one of the plurality of shelf boards can be distinguished from the other shelf boards. Therefore, the user can easily identify a predetermined shelf board.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Knowledge, etc. on which the present disclosure is based) When the inventors came up with the present disclosure, storage devices capable of storing articles at normal temperature, in a refrigerator, or in a freezer were already disclosed. Such a storage device includes an outer door that opens and closes an opening provided in the front surface of the main body, and a plurality of product storage chambers provided inside the main body with an opening in the front surface, or shelf boards. Articles are stored in these product storage chambers or shelf boards. A user of this storage device will select and take out any one of the articles stored in the product storage chambers or shelf boards after opening the outer door.

[0009] However, the inventors found that in a storage device having a large number of product storage chambers, it is difficult for a user to identify the storage chamber or shelf in which the target article is stored, and in order to solve this problem, they came to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a storage device that allows a user to easily identify a predetermined shelf board.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of already well-known matters, or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the storage device] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The storage device 1 of the present embodiment is a showcase for refrigeration and freezing that can store the articles stored inside at a predetermined temperature. Note that the storage device 1 is not limited to this, and may be able to store the articles stored inside at normal temperature. The storage device 1 can be used as a sales storage device for displaying and selling articles or a locker for receiving articles. The storage device 1 is installed in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. The storage device 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called reach-in type storage device provided with a door member that can be opened and closed on the front surface.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage device 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 provided with heat insulating walls on each side surface. The housing 2 includes a lower machine room 3 and a display room 4 above the machine room 3. In the machine room 3, a compressor 31 (FIG. 3), devices constituting a refrigeration circuit (refrigerant circuit) such as a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator, and a blower 32 (FIG. 3) that sends out the cold air heat-exchanged with the evaporator to the display room 4 are housed. By driving these devices, the temperature of the display room 4 is adjusted.

[0013] Specifically, the cold air cooled in the machine room 3 is guided above the display room 4 through a cold air duct (not shown) and introduced into the display room 4 from above. The cold air introduced into the display room 4 cools the display room 4 and then returns to the machine room 3. The cold air can circulate inside the housing 2.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which the outer doors 5 and 6 are not shown from the storage device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 4A that opens forward is formed in the front surface of the display room 4. A partition body 4B is provided substantially at the center in the width direction of the opening 4A. The partition body 4B is a columnar member extending along the vertical direction of the opening 4A. Both ends of the partition body 4B are connected to the upper edge and the lower edge of the opening 4A, respectively.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the opening 4A is closably closed by a pair of outer doors 5 and 6 in the width direction. The outer doors 5 and 6 are respectively supported at the left and right outer ends of the opening 4A such that their upper and lower ends are rotatable about hinges. The outer doors 5 and 6 are of the so-called double-leaf type. The outer doors 5 and 6 include rectangular frame bodies 5A and 6A, transparent plates 5B and 6B fitted into the frame bodies 5A and 6A, and handles 5C and 6C provided at the portions where the outer doors 5 and 6 are close to each other when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed.

[0016] When the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the portions where the outer doors 5 and 6 are close to each other all abut against the partition body 4B. For this reason, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the partition body 4B is located between the outer doors 5 and 6 in a front view of the storage device 1. The storage device 1 is configured such that the interior of the display chamber 4 can be visually recognized from the outside through the transparent plates 5B and 6B with the outer doors 5 and 6 closed.

[0017] An electronic lock 9 (FIG. 3) and an outer door opening / closing sensor 10 (FIG. 3) are provided on the outer doors 5 and 6. The electronic lock 9 is a mechanism for electrically locking and unlocking. When the electronic lock 9 is locked, the outer doors 5 and 6 are kept in a state where they cannot be opened. The outer door opening / closing sensor 10 is a sensor component such as a proximity sensor provided near the outer doors 5 and 6, for example.

[0018] A touch panel 7 that functions as an input unit and a display unit is provided on the front surface of the right outer door 6. The touch panel 7 is configured to be capable of performing touch operations for inputting various information such as setting information of the storage device 1 by touching the portions where various information is displayed.

[0019] An acquisition unit 8 for acquiring predetermined information is provided below the touch panel 7. The acquisition unit 8 in the present embodiment acquires, for example, authentication information assigned to a portable information terminal (such as a smartphone) held by a user who uses the storage device 1, or information regarding an article stored in the storage device 1. That is, the acquisition unit 8 functions as an input unit for various information. The authentication information of this embodiment is information for determining whether a predetermined operation can be performed on the storage device 1.

[0020] The acquisition unit 8 of this embodiment is a reading device that reads a so-called two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The acquisition unit 8 can read, for example, a two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit of a portable information terminal or a two-dimensional code printed on various printed media. Note that the acquisition unit 8 may be a device that reads information recorded on the recording medium from a recording medium such as various electronic tags using short-range wireless communication or the like. In this case, the acquisition unit 8 may also have a function as a transmission / reception unit that writes information to various recording media.

[0021] The display room 4 is divided by a partition body 4B into a left display room 4L and a right display room 4R. As described above, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the adjacent parts of the outer doors 5 and 6 all abut against the partition body 4B. For this reason, the outer door 5 closes the front surface of the left display room 4L, and the outer door 6 closes the right display room 4R.

[0022] Inside the left and right display rooms 4L and 4R, a plurality of shelf boards 43 are provided at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction of each display room 4L and 4R. In this embodiment, each shelf board 43 is a flat plate member in the form of a mesh plate. By being partitioned by these shelf boards 43, a plurality of storage rooms 44 having the shelf boards 43 as the bottom are formed in each of the display rooms 4L and 4R. Articles can be stored in the storage rooms 44. The articles stored in the storage rooms 44 are placed on the shelf boards 43. In this embodiment, the storage rooms 44 are formed in two rows in the left-right direction (width direction) and six tiers in the vertical direction, but the number of storage rooms 44 can be configured as an appropriate number.

[0023] Inner door units 51 are provided in each of the storage rooms 44 of the left and right display rooms 4L and 4R. The inner door unit 51 rotatably supports an inner door 61 (door of the storage room) that closes the front surface of the storage room 44, and by rotating this inner door 61, the front surface of the storage room 44 can be opened and closed. The inner door 61 (the door of the storage chamber) is a flat plate member having substantially the same shape as the front surface of the storage chamber 44, and is arranged by the inner door unit 51 so as to close the front surface of the storage chamber 44. In the present embodiment, the inner door 61 is rotatably supported by the inner door unit 51 along the vertical direction of the storage chamber 44. The inner door 61 moves between a closed position where the front surface of the storage chamber 44 is closed and an open position where the front surface of the storage chamber 44 is opened. In FIG. 2, the inner doors 61 are all arranged at the closed positions.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the inner door unit 51 is provided with an electric lock mechanism 71 and a guide light 92. The indoor light 92 is not shown in FIG. 2 because it is inside the storage chamber. The electric lock mechanism 71 is a mechanism for electrically locking and unlocking the inner door 61. When the electric lock mechanism 71 is driven, the inner door 61 arranged at the closed position is fixed at the closed position (predetermined position). That is, when the electric lock mechanism 71 is locked, the inner door 61 is kept in a state where it cannot be opened. The guide light 92 is constituted by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source which is an electrical component. The guide light 92 can notify the user of the state of the storage chamber 44 by lighting up. Note that the inner door unit 51 may be provided with a drive mechanism for rotating the inner door 61.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, an interior lighting lamp 99 is provided inside the display chamber 4. The interior lighting lamp 99 is a lighting device that auxiliary-ly illuminates the inside of the display chamber 4. The interior lighting lamp 99 of the present embodiment is provided on each of the inner side surfaces of the housing 2 surrounding the display chamber 4, which are located in the left-right direction. On these inner side surfaces, the interior lighting lamp 99 is arranged at a position close to the edge portion located in the left-right direction of the opening 4A.

[0026] Each in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 is formed linearly with a length dimension substantially the same as the height dimension of the display chamber 4. For the light sources of these in - cabinet lighting lamps 99, various linear light sources such as discharge lamps like fluorescent lamps and LEDs arranged linearly side by side are used. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, each in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 is provided one by one in each of the display chambers 4L and 4R. And it is arranged so as to extend along the row formed by each storage chamber 44 arranged inside each of the display chambers 4L and 4R. Each in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 is located outside in the left - right direction of the display chamber 4 with respect to the row formed by each storage chamber 44. Also, each in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 is located on the front side (opening 4A side) with respect to each inner door 61 in the display chamber 4. In FIG. 2, only the in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 of the display chamber 4L is shown, and the in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 of the display chamber 4R is not shown.

[0027] Note that since each in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 of the present embodiment has a predetermined length dimension, it can radiate light to the outside of the display chamber 4. Therefore, when each in - cabinet lighting lamp 99 is lit, it is possible to notify a person near the storage device 1 of the arrangement position of the storage device 1.

[0028] [1 - 1 - 2. Control Configuration] As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 1 includes a control device 95. The control device 95 includes a computer having a processor such as a CPU or MPU and a memory device such as a ROM or RAM, and controls each part of the storage device 1. The control device 95 functions as a control unit that controls each part of the storage device 1 by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory device.

[0029] The control device 95 functions as a communication unit such as a signal transceiver having a reception circuit and a transmission circuit. In the present embodiment, the control device 95 is communicably connected to an external communication network 120. The control device 95 controls the operation of each device constituting the refrigeration circuit, such as controlling the rotation speed of the compressor 31 and the blower 32, and keeps the in - cabinet temperature of the display chamber 4 at a predetermined temperature.

[0030] The control device 95 is electrically connected to the electronic lock 9. The control device 95 controls the locking and unlocking of this electronic lock 9. In addition, an outer door opening / closing sensor 10 is electrically connected to the control device 95. The outer door opening / closing sensor 10 functions as a door opening / closing detection means of the control device 95 that detects the opening and closing of the outer doors 5 and 6. That is, the control device 95 acquires the opening / closing state of the outer doors 5 and 6 by obtaining the detection result of the outer door opening / closing sensor 10. Not limited to this, the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 may be configured to detect the opening and closing of the outer doors 5 and 6, for example, by receiving a signal for executing the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 9.

[0031] The control device 95 is electrically connected to the electric lock mechanisms 71 of each inner door unit 51. The control device 95 is configured to be able to control the driving of the electric lock mechanisms 71. Thereby, the control device 95 controls the locking and unlocking of the inner door 61 of the storage chamber 44. In addition, the control device 95 is electrically connected to the guide lights 92 of each inner door unit 51. The control device 95 controls the lighting of the guide lights 92.

[0032] When the control device 95 receives information input by operating, for example, the touch panel 7 or authentication information acquired by the acquisition unit 8, it functions as a determination unit that determines whether the received authentication information matches various preset authentication information. In the present embodiment, the authentication information is a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, the control device 95 performs display control of the touch panel 7. For example, the control device 95 displays a message or an error message notifying that the outer doors 5 and 6 and each inner door 61 have been unlocked.

[0033] Specifically, based on the information input from the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8, the in-store lighting lamp 99 is turned on, off, or blinked in an arbitrary pattern. The control device 95 can control the two in-store lighting lamps 99 separately. In this embodiment, when the storage device 1 starts to drive, the control device 95 turns on both of the two in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, the control device 95 notifies the drive of the storage device 1 and appropriately illuminates the inside of the display room 4 with each in-store lighting lamp 99.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the control device 95 controls the storage device 1, it mainly controls based on three modes: the standby mode, the reception mode, and the maintenance mode. The storage device 1 performs operations corresponding to each mode.

[0035] In the standby mode, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to perform an operation of waiting for the acquisition unit 8 to be operated. In this standby mode, the control device 95 maintains the in-store temperature of the display room 4 at a preset temperature and illuminates the inside of the display room 4 with each in-store lighting lamp 99. Also, in this standby mode, the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 are locked, and the outer doors 5, 6, and each inner door 61 are maintained in a state where they cannot be opened. In this embodiment, the standby mode is an operation that the control device 95 performs when the storage device 1 starts to drive.

[0036] In this standby mode, when the acquisition unit 8 acquires a predetermined code, the control device 95 determines whether the code is a reception code or a maintenance code. The reception code is a code for receiving an article stored in any of the storage rooms 44, and this code is mainly presented by users of various services provided by the storage device 1 and / or the storage device management system 100. The maintenance code is a code for performing maintenance on the storage device 1, and this code is mainly presented by workers who perform maintenance and inventory management of the storage device 1.

[0037] When the acquisition unit 8 acquires the receiving code, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to shift its operation to an operation in the receiving mode. In this receiving mode, the control device 95 first turns off the in-store lighting lamp 99 located on the side of a column different from the column in which the storage chambers 44 containing the articles specified by the receiving code are arranged. As a result, the side of the column in which the storage chambers 44 containing the articles specified by the receiving code are arranged is illuminated by the in-store lighting lamp 99. Thereby, the user can easily identify in which column of the display chamber 4 the article to be received is located.

[0038] Thereafter, the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 containing the article specified by the receiving code. When it is confirmed that the article has been taken out by the user, the control device 95 locks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the unlocked storage chamber 44, and turns on the in-store lighting lamp 99 that was turned off again. Then, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to return from the operation in the receiving mode to the operation in the standby mode.

[0039] In this embodiment, after the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 containing the article specified by the receiving code, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been opened and then closed, it is determined that the article has been taken out by the user.

[0040] When the acquisition unit 8 acquires the maintenance code, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to shift its operation to an operation in the maintenance mode. In this maintenance mode, the control device 95 causes the operator to select the storage chamber 44 to be the work target via the touch panel 7. When the operator selects a predetermined storage chamber 44, the in-store lighting lamp 99 located on the side of a column different from the column in which the selected storage chambers 44 are arranged is turned off. As a result, the side of the column in which the storage chambers 44 designated by the operator are arranged is illuminated by the in-store lighting lamp 99. Thereby, the operator can easily identify in which column of the display chamber 4 the designated storage chamber 44 is located.

[0041] After that, the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 designated by the operator. When it is confirmed that the operator has finished the work, the control device 95 locks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the unlocked storage chamber 44, and turns on the interior lighting lamp 99 that has been turned off again. Then, the control device 95 returns the storage device 1 from the operation in the maintenance mode to the operation in the standby mode.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, after the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the article designated by the receiving code is stored, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened, it is determined that the article has been taken out by the user.

[0043] Similarly, after the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the article designated by the operator is stored, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened, it is determined that the operator has finished the work.

[0044] Also, when unlocking the outer doors 5 and 6 in the receiving mode or the maintenance mode, the control device 95 may unlock only the outer door located on the side of the storage chamber 44 in which the article designated by the receiving code is stored or the storage chamber 44 designated by the operator.

[0045] [1-1-3. Configuration of Storage Device Management System] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device management system 100 in an embodiment. The storage device management system 100 is a system that processes information for managing the storage device 1. The storage device management system 100 includes a storage device 1, a storage device management server 110, and a settlement gateway server 112. In this embodiment, the case where one storage device 1 and each server are provided one by one will be described, but not limited thereto, and any number of devices managed by the storage device management system 100 may be provided.

[0046] The communication network 120 connects the devices included in the storage device management system 100, such as the storage device 1 and the storage device management server 110, so that they can communicate with each other. The communication network 120 may include a public switched telephone network, a dedicated line, various wireless communication lines, and may also include devices such as a server, a router, and a wireless communication access point. The connection between each device included in the storage device management system 100 and the communication network 120 may be wireless or wired.

[0047] In the storage device management system 100 of the present embodiment, the storage device 1 is installed in a store 105 such as a convenience store or a retail store. The storage device management server 110 is a server that stores whether or not an article is stored in each storage chamber 44, that is, the inventory status of the storage device 1. Further, the storage device management server 110 stores various information related to the articles stored in the storage chamber 44, such as the price, the date stored in each storage chamber 44, and the temperature inside the storage device at the time of storage, as well as authentication information that can operate the storage device 1 and the inventory status of the storage device 1. The storage device management server 110 acquires and stores these information from the storage device 1, the settlement gateway server 112, and the outside of the storage device management system 100 via the communication network 120.

[0048] The control device 95 transmits various information acquired by the storage device management server 110 via the communication network 120, and acquires various information stored in the storage device management server 110 via the communication network 120, and controls each part of the storage device 1 based on the information. That is, the storage device management server 110 functions as a storage unit of the control device 95. Note that the control device 95 is not limited to this, and may store the acquired information in a storage unit such as a memory included in the control device 95. Further, for example, the storage device management server 110 may be provided integrally with the storage device 1.

[0049] The settlement gateway server 112 is a settlement server operated by a financial institution, a settlement service provider, or the like. The settlement gateway server 112 executes, for example, withdrawals from a bank account, credit card settlements, settlements of the consideration for goods using electronic money or virtual currency, and the like.

[0050] The storage device management system 100 is configured to be connectable to a user-owned terminal 114 held by a user U who purchases goods stored inside the storage device 1 and a worker-owned terminal 116 held by a worker S. The user-owned terminal 114 and the worker-owned terminal 116 are equipped with a data communication function and execute data communication with the storage device 1 and each of the above-described servers. The user-owned terminal 114 and the worker-owned terminal 116 are portable terminals capable of communicating with the settlement gateway server 112 to perform settlement processing for goods. The user-owned terminal 114 and the worker-owned terminal 116 are, for example, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, or the like.

[0051] In these user-owned terminals 114 and worker-owned terminals 116, a predetermined application program related to the storage device management system 100 can be executed. In the present embodiment, these user-owned terminals 114 and worker-owned terminals 116 are configured to be able to display a two-dimensional code, which is authentication information.

[0052] Here, the worker S in the storage device management system 100 is a person who manages the storage device 1 and the goods stored in the storage device 1. The worker S is, for example, a store clerk at the store 105, an installer of the storage device 1, a manager of the storage device 1 and the storage device management system 100, or the like. That is, the worker S is a worker who performs maintenance of the storage device 1 and inventory management of the goods stored in the storage device 1.

[0053] In addition, the user U is a user of various services provided by the storage device 1 and / or the storage device management system 100, such as purchasing goods stored in the storage device 1. Note that the number of user-owned terminals 114 and operator-owned terminals 116 included in the storage device management system 100 is not particularly limited.

[0054] As described above, the storage device 1 includes a control device 95 that functions as a communication unit. That is, the control device 95 is configured to be able to transmit and receive information and signals to and from each server and terminal included in the storage device management system 100 via the communication network 120. The control device 95 transmits and receives information regarding the articles stored in each storage chamber 44 and the inventory status of the articles in the display chamber 4 by communicating with the storage device management server 110. When an article is purchased, the control device 95 sends a settlement request to the settlement gateway server 112 and processes various signals sent from the settlement gateway server 112.

[0055] [1-2. Operations] The operations of the storage device 1 and the storage device management system 100 configured as described above will be described below.

[0056] In the storage device 1, the temperature of the display chamber 4 is adjusted by driving devices that make up the refrigeration circuit and devices such as the blower 32. In the present embodiment, the interior of the display chamber 4 is adjusted to be at or below a predetermined temperature by the control device 95.

[0057] In the storage device management system 100, the operator S performs incoming and outgoing operations on the storage device 1. First, the acquisition unit 8 acquires the maintenance code displayed on the operator-owned terminal 116 by the operator S. When the control device 95 acquires the maintenance code via the acquisition unit 8, the electronic lock 9 and the electric locking mechanism 71 are unlocked. The operator S opens the outer doors 5 and 6 and performs storage and replacement of each article in each predetermined storage chamber 44.

[0058] After the operator S finishes the stocking work, the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, and the information of the stocked articles and the fact that the stocking work has been completed are input into the touch panel 7. Thereafter, the article information and the inventory status are transmitted to the storage device management server 110 by the control device 95. Thereby, the stocking work of the storage device 1 is completed. In this stocking work, the control device 95 operates the storage device 1 in the maintenance mode.

[0059] When the user U purchases an article, first, the user U operates the touch panel 7 to perform operations of selecting a predetermined article and making a payment. Next, the user U causes the acquisition unit 8 to acquire the two-dimensional code displayed on the user-owned terminal 114. The control device 95 of the storage device 1 transmits the acquired two-dimensional code and the information on the amount of the article selected by the user U to the settlement gateway server 112 via the communication network 120, and requests the settlement gateway server 112 to settle the amount of the selected article.

[0060] When the settlement is completed in the settlement gateway server 112, a signal indicating that the settlement has been completed is sent from the settlement gateway server 112 to the control device 95. Based on the signal sent from the settlement gateway server 112 and the information on the article selected by the user U, the control device 95 unlocks the electronic lock 9 and the electric locking mechanism 71 of the storage chamber 44 in which the specified article is stored.

[0061] Thereafter, the user U opens either of the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61 to take out the article, and closes either of the outer doors 5 and 6. When either of the outer doors 5 and 6 is closed, the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9.

[0062] In this way, the storage device 1 and the storage device management system 100 are provided with a settlement means for the articles stored in the storage chamber 44, and when selling the articles stored inside the storage chamber 44, the storage device 1 can settle the articles without going through the work of the seller. When the user U purchases an item as described above, the control device 95 operates the storage device 1 in the reception mode.

[0063] [1-2-1. Operations in the standby mode] Next, the operations of the storage device 1 and the storage device management system 100 in each of the above-described modes will be described with reference to flowcharts. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage device 1 in the standby mode.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, when the storage device 1 is driven, the control device 95 turns on all the in-store lighting lamps 99 (step SA1). Next, the control device 95 starts the standby mode (step SA2) and operates the storage device 1 in the standby mode. When a two-dimensional code presented on a predetermined terminal is presented to the acquisition unit 8, the acquisition unit 8 acquires the two-dimensional code (step SA3). The control device 95 determines whether the two-dimensional code acquired by the acquisition unit 8 is a reception code (step SA4). When it is determined that the code is a reception code (step SA4: YES), the control device 95 determines whether the code is a valid code (step SA5).

[0065] Here, in the determination by the control device 95 as to whether the code is a valid code, for example, at the time when the two-dimensional code is presented to the acquisition unit 8, it is determined whether the receivable period of the item assigned to the two-dimensional code has been exceeded. When it is determined that the two-dimensional code is valid (step SA5: YES), for example, when it is determined that at the time when the two-dimensional code is presented to the acquisition unit 8, the receivable period of the item assigned to the two-dimensional code has not been exceeded, the control device 95 starts the reception mode and operates the storage device 1 in the reception mode.

[0066] When it is determined that the two-dimensional code is invalid (step SA5: NO), for example, when it is determined that the period during which the item assigned to the two-dimensional code can be received has been exceeded at the time when the two-dimensional code is presented to the acquisition unit 8, the control device 95 causes the touch panel 7 to display an error message (step SA6). Thereby, the presenter is notified that the presented two-dimensional code is invalid. After this, the control device 95 continues to operate the storage device 1 in the standby mode.

[0067] When it is determined that the acquired two-dimensional code is not a receipt code (step SA4: NO), the control device 95 determines whether the code is a maintenance code (step SA7). When it is determined that the two-dimensional code is a maintenance code (step SA7: YES), the control device 95 starts the maintenance mode and operates the storage device 1 in the maintenance mode.

[0068] When it is determined that the two-dimensional code is not a maintenance code (step SA7: NO), the control device 95 causes the touch panel 7 to display an error message (step SA8). Thereby, the presenter is notified that the presented two-dimensional code is invalid. After this, the control device 95 continues to operate the storage device 1 in the standby mode.

[0069] [1-2-2. Operations in the Receiving Mode] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage device 1 in the receiving mode. As shown in FIG. 6, in the receiving mode, the control device 95 turns off the in-store lighting lamp 99 on the side of the column different from the column in which the storage chamber 44 storing the item specified by the two-dimensional code is located (step SB1). Thereby, the side of the column in which the storage chambers 44 storing the items specified by the receipt code are arranged is illuminated by the in-store lighting lamp 99, and the user U can easily identify in which column of the display chamber 4 the item to be received is located. Next, the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 provided in the storage chamber 44 containing the article specified by the two-dimensional code are unlocked (step SB2). As a result, the user U can open the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61, and take out a predetermined article.

[0070] After unlocking the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SB3). When the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SB3: YES), the control device 95 determines that a predetermined article has been taken out by the user U. Then, the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71 (step SB4). After that, the control device 95 turns on all the interior lighting lamps 99 (step SB5) and starts the standby mode.

[0071] On the other hand, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 does not detect that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SB3: NO), the control device 95 determines that a predetermined article has not been taken out by the user U. Furthermore, when the state where the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 does not detect that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step SB6: YES), the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71 (step SB7). Then, the control device 95 causes an error message to be displayed on the touch panel 7 (step SB8). After that, the control device 95 turns on all the interior lighting lamps 99 (step SB5) and starts the standby mode.

[0072] As a result, the storage device 1 suppresses the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61 from being continuously opened, and protects the articles stored in the display chamber 4.

[0073] [1-2-3. Operations in Maintenance Mode] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage device 1 in the maintenance mode. As shown in FIG. 7, in the maintenance mode, the control device 95 first acquires predetermined information from the storage device management server 110 and determines whether there are no articles stored in each storage chamber 44 that have exceeded a predetermined period (step SC1). If there are no articles stored in each storage chamber 44 that have exceeded the predetermined period (step SC1: YES), the control device 95 causes the touch panel 7 to display whether to perform an operation involving the entry and exit of articles and allows the operator S to make a determination (step SC2).

[0074] If the operator S selects to perform an operation involving the entry and exit of articles (step SC2: YES), the control device 95 causes each storage chamber 44 to be displayed on the touch panel 7 and allows the operator S to select the storage chamber 44 to be the target of the operation (step SC3). When the operator S selects a predetermined storage chamber 44 via the touch panel 7, the control device 95 unlocks the electronic lock 9 and the electric locking mechanism 71 provided in the selected storage chamber 44 (step SC4). Then, it turns on the interior storage lighting lamp 99 on the side of the column where the storage chamber 44 to be worked on is located and turns off the interior storage lighting lamp 99 on the other side of the column (step SC5). Thereby, the side of the column where the storage chambers 44 containing the articles to be handled for the entry and exit operation are arranged is illuminated by the interior storage lighting lamp 99, and the operator S can easily identify in which column of the display chamber 4 the storage chamber 44 to be worked on is located.

[0075] After unlocking the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric locking mechanism 71, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SC6). When the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SC6: YES), the control device 95 determines that the work involving the loading and unloading of articles by the operator S has ended. Then, the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and a predetermined electric locking mechanism 71 (step SC7). After that, the control device 95 turns on all the interior storage lights 99 (step SC8) and starts the standby mode.

[0076] Note that in (step SC7), the control device 95 may display on the touch panel 7 a confirmation indication as to whether the loading and unloading work has been completed, and determine that the work involving the loading and unloading of articles by the operator S has ended when the operator S operates the touch panel 7 to input that it has been completed. That is, the control device 95 may determine that the work involving the loading and unloading of articles by the operator S has ended by receiving two signals, namely, the detection result of the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 and the input operation of the touch panel 7 by the operator S. Thereby, the control device 95 can more reliably detect the completion of the loading and unloading work and suppress the unlocking or incorrect locking / unlocking of the storage device 1.

[0077] On the other hand, in step SC2, when the operator S selects not to perform the work involving the loading and unloading of articles (step SC2: NO), the control device 95 unlocks only the electronic lock 9 (step SC9). Thereby, without the storage device 1 unlocking each inner door 61, the operator S can perform maintenance such as cleaning the entire display case 4 outside the storage chamber 44. After step SC9, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SC6).

[0078] In step SC1, when the control device 95 determines that there are articles stored in each storage chamber 44 exceeding a predetermined period (step SC1: YES), it blinks the interior storage light 99 on the column side where the storage chamber 44 storing the articles is located (step SC10). As a result, either the row side where the storage chamber 44 containing articles that have exceeded a predetermined period is arranged is notified to the operator S. Then, the control device 95 can prompt the operator S to perform the shipping operation of the article.

[0079] Note that this is not the only case. For example, when the control device 95 acquires information indicating that an article requires shipping via the communication network 120, the control device 95 may blink the in-store lighting lamp 99 on the row side where the storage chamber 44 containing the article is located.

[0080] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage device 1 includes a display chamber 4 having an opening 4A that opens to the front, a plurality of storage chambers 44 arranged in a plurality of rows inside the display chamber 4, and in-store lighting lamps 99 provided along each row of the storage chambers 44 for illuminating the inside of the display chamber 4. And the storage device 1 is configured to include a control device 95 that selects at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 and controls the lighting of each of the plurality of in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, by changing the lighting state of each in-store lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the operator S of the arrangement position of a predetermined storage chamber 44. Therefore, the user U and the operator S can easily identify the predetermined storage chamber 44.

[0081] As in the present embodiment, the storage device 1 may include a touch panel 7 and an acquisition unit 8 to which predetermined information is input, and the control device 95 may select at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 based on the information input to the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8, and control the lighting of each of the plurality of in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, by changing the lighting state of each in-store lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the operator S of the arrangement position of the storage chamber 44 specified by the information input from the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8. Therefore, the user U and the operator S can easily identify the specified storage chamber 44.

[0082] As in this embodiment, predetermined articles are stored in each of the storage chambers 44, and the storage device management system 100 includes a storage device management server 110 that stores information on the articles and the internal state of the display chamber 4. Then, based on the information stored in the storage device management server 110, the control device 95 may select at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 and control the lighting of each of the plurality of internal lighting lamps 99. By changing the lighting state of each internal lighting lamp 99 in this way, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the worker S of the arrangement position of the storage chamber 44 designated by the information obtained from the storage device management server 110. Therefore, the user U and the worker S can easily identify the designated storage chamber 44.

[0083] As in this embodiment, inside the display chamber 4, storage chambers 44 having respective shelf boards 43 as bottoms are provided. In the storage chamber 44, there are provided an inner door 61 of the storage chamber 44 that closably closes a storage chamber opening that opens in the front surface of the storage chamber 44, and an electric lock mechanism 71 that locks the inner door 61 of the storage chamber 44. Then, the control device 95 may release the locking by the electric lock mechanism 71 of the storage chamber 44 having the designated shelf board 43. By changing the lighting state of each internal lighting lamp 99 in this way, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the worker S of the unlocked storage chamber 44. The user U and the worker S can easily identify the unlocked storage chamber 44.

[0084] (Embodiment 2) [1-1. Configuration] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a storage device showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention with the outer door omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, an internal lighting lamp 99 is provided inside the display chamber 4. The internal lighting lamp 99 is a lighting device that auxiliary-ly illuminates the inside of the display chamber 4. The in-store lighting lamp 99 of this embodiment is provided in plural on each of the inner side surfaces of the housing 2 surrounding the display case 4, among which the ones located in the left-right direction are provided on each inner side surface. On these inner side surfaces, each in-store lighting lamp 99 is arranged at a position close to the edge located in the left-right direction of the opening 4A. Also, on these inner side surfaces, each in-store lighting lamp 99 is provided side by side along the vertical direction of the display case 4. Note that in FIG. 8, only the in-store lighting lamp 99 of the display case 4L is shown, and the in-store lighting lamp 99 of the display case 4R is not shown.

[0085] Each in-store lighting lamp 99 is formed in a linear shape having a length dimension substantially the same as the height dimension of the storage chamber 44. For the light sources of these in-store lighting lamps 99, various linear light sources such as discharge lamps like fluorescent lamps and LEDs arranged linearly side by side are used. Each in-store lighting lamp 99 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the vertical direction of the display case 4.

[0086] Note that regarding the configurations of the control device and the storage device management system, since they are the same as those of the control device in FIG. 3 and the storage device management system in FIG. 4 used in the first embodiment, the following description will be made with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0087] Also in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the control device 95 controls the lighting of the in-store lighting lamp 99. Specifically, based on the information input from the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8, the in-store lighting lamp 99 is turned on, off, or blinked in an arbitrary pattern. The control device 95 can control each in-store lighting lamp 99 separately. Note that in this embodiment, when the storage device 1 starts driving, the control device 95 turns on all the in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, the control device 95 notifies the driving of the storage device 1 and appropriately illuminates the inside of the display case 4 with each in-store lighting lamp 99.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the control device 95 controls the storage device 1, it mainly controls based on three modes: the standby mode, the reception mode, and the maintenance mode. The storage device 1 performs operations corresponding to each mode.

[0089] In the standby mode, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to perform an operation of waiting for the acquisition unit 8 to be operated. In this standby mode, the control device 95 keeps the temperature inside the display chamber 4 at a preset temperature and illuminates the inside of the display chamber 4 with each internal lighting lamp 99. Also, in this standby mode, the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 are locked, and the outer doors 5, 6, and each inner door 61 are kept in a non-openable state. Note that in the present embodiment, the standby mode is an operation that the control device 95 performs when the storage device 1 starts driving.

[0090] In this standby mode, when the acquisition unit 8 acquires a predetermined code, the control device 95 determines whether the code is a reception code or a maintenance code. The reception code is a code for receiving an article stored in any of the storage chambers 44, and this code is mainly presented by a user of various services provided by the storage device 1 and / or the storage device management system 100. The maintenance code is a code for performing maintenance on the storage device 1, and this code is mainly presented by a worker who performs maintenance and inventory management of the storage device 1.

[0091] When the acquisition unit 8 acquires a reception code, the control device 95 shifts the operation of the storage device 1 to an operation in the reception mode. In this reception mode, the control device 95 first turns off the internal lighting lamps 99 other than the internal lighting lamp 99 adjacent to the storage chamber 44 in which the article designated by the reception code is stored. As a result, only the storage chamber 44 in which the article designated by the reception code is stored is illuminated by the internal lighting lamp 99. Thereby, the user can easily identify in which storage chamber 44 of the display chamber 4 the article to be received is located. Note that in this reception mode, there may be a plurality of storage chambers 44 in which the article designated by the reception code is stored.

[0092] After that, the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the receiving code is stored. When it is confirmed that the article has been taken out by the user, the control device 95 locks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the unlocked storage chamber 44, and turns on the interior lighting lamp 99 that was turned off again. Then, the control device 95 returns the storage device 1 from the operation in the receiving mode to the operation in the standby mode.

[0093] In addition, in the present embodiment, after the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the receiving code is stored, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened, it is determined that the article has been taken out by the user.

[0094] When the acquisition unit 8 acquires the maintenance code, the control device 95 shifts the operation of the storage device 1 to the operation in the maintenance mode. In this maintenance mode, the control device 95 causes the operator to select the storage chamber 44 to be worked on via the touch panel 7. When the operator selects a predetermined storage chamber 44, the interior lighting lamps 99 other than the interior lighting lamp 99 arranged on the front side of the inner door 61 of the selected storage chamber 44 are turned off. As a result, only the storage chamber 44 designated by the operator is illuminated by the interior lighting lamp 99. Thereby, the operator can easily identify which of the display chambers 4 the designated storage chamber 44 is. In addition, in this maintenance mode, the operator may select a plurality of storage chambers 44 to be worked on via the touch panel 7.

[0095] After that, the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 designated by the operator. When it is confirmed that the operator has finished the work, the control device 95 locks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the unlocked storage chamber 44, and turns on the interior lighting lamp 99 that was turned off again. Then, the control device 95 returns the storage device 1 from the operation in the maintenance mode to the operation in the standby mode.

[0096] In the present embodiment, after the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the receiving code is stored, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened, it determines that the article has been taken out by the user.

[0097] Similarly, after the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the operator is stored, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened, it determines that the operator has finished the work.

[0098] Also, when unlocking the outer doors 5 and 6 in the receiving mode or maintenance mode, the control device 95 may unlock only the outer door located on the side of the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the receiving code is stored or the storage chamber 44 specified by the operator.

[0099] [2-2. Operation] [2-2-1. Operation in Receiving Mode] The operations of the storage device 1 and the storage device management system 100 in each of the above-described modes will be described with reference to a flowchart. Note that the operation of the storage device 1 in the standby mode is the same as the operation shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage device 1 in the receiving mode. As shown in FIG. 9, in the receiving mode, the control device 95 turns off the interior storage lights 99 other than the interior storage light 99 adjacent to the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the two-dimensional code is stored (step SD1). Thereby, only the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the receiving code is stored is illuminated by the interior storage light 99, and the user U can easily identify in which storage chamber 44 of the display chamber 4 the article to be received is located. Also, the user U can recognize that the storage chamber 44 is unlocked.

[0101] Next, the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 provided in the storage chamber 44 containing the article specified by the two-dimensional code are unlocked (step SD2). As a result, the user U can open the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61, and take out the predetermined article.

[0102] After unlocking the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SD3). When the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SD3: YES), the control device 95 determines that the predetermined article has been taken out by the user U. Then, the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71 (step SD4). After that, the control device 95 turns on all the interior lighting lamps 99 (step SD5) and starts the standby mode.

[0103] On the other hand, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 does not detect that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SD3: NO), the control device 95 determines that the predetermined article has not been taken out by the user U. Furthermore, when the state where the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 does not detect that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step SD6: YES), the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71 (step SD7). Then, the control device 95 causes an error message to be displayed on the touch panel 7 (step SD8). After that, the control device 95 turns on all the interior lighting lamps 99 (step SD5) and starts the standby mode.

[0104] As a result, the storage device 1 suppresses the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61 from being continuously opened, and protects the articles stored in the display chamber 4.

[0105] [2-2-2. Operations in Maintenance Mode] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage device 1 in the maintenance mode. As shown in Figure 10, in the maintenance mode, the control device 95 first acquires predetermined information from the storage device management server 110 and determines whether there are no articles stored in each storage chamber 44 for a period exceeding a predetermined period (step SE1). If there are no articles stored in each storage chamber 44 for a period exceeding a predetermined period (step SE1: YES), the control device 95 causes the touch panel 7 to display whether to perform an operation involving the entry and exit of articles and allows the operator S to make a determination (step SE2).

[0106] If the operator S selects to perform an operation involving the entry and exit of articles (step SE2: YES), the control device 95 causes each storage chamber 44 to be displayed on the touch panel 7 and allows the operator S to select the storage chamber 44 to be the object of the operation (step SE3). When the operator S selects a predetermined storage chamber 44 via the touch panel 7, the control device 95 unlocks the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 provided in the selected storage chamber 44 (step SE4). Then, the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 adjacent to the storage chamber 44 to be operated is turned on, and the other in-warehouse lighting lamps 99 are turned off (step SE5). As a result, only the storage chamber 44 in which the article to be handled for the entry and exit operation is stored is illuminated by the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99, and the operator S can easily identify which of the display chambers 4 the storage chamber 44 to be the operation object is. In addition, the operator S can recognize that the storage chamber 44 is unlocked.

[0107] After unlocking the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SE6). When the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SE6: YES), the control device 95 determines that the work involving the loading and unloading of articles by the operator S has ended. Then, the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and a predetermined electric locking mechanism 71 (step SE7). After that, the control device 95 turns on all the interior storage lights 99 (step SE8) and starts the standby mode.

[0108] Note that in (step SE7), the control device 95 may display a confirmation indication on the touch panel 7 as to whether the loading and unloading work has been completed, and determine that the work involving the loading and unloading of articles by the operator S has ended when the operator S operates the touch panel 7 to input that it has been completed. That is, the control device 95 may determine that the work involving the loading and unloading of articles by the operator S has ended by receiving two signals, namely, the detection result of the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 and the input operation of the touch panel 7 by the operator S. Thereby, the control device 95 can more reliably detect the completion of the loading and unloading work and suppress the unlocking or incorrect locking / unlocking of the storage device 1.

[0109] On the other hand, in step SE2, when the operator S selects not to perform the work involving the loading and unloading of articles (step SE2: NO), the control device 95 unlocks only the electronic lock 9 (step SE9). Thereby, without the storage device 1 unlocking each inner door 61, the operator S can perform maintenance such as cleaning the entire display room 4, for example. After step SE9, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SE6).

[0110] In step SE1, when the control device 95 determines that there are articles stored in each storage chamber 44 that have exceeded a predetermined period (step SE1: YES), it blinks the interior storage light 99 adjacent to the storage chamber 44 in which the articles are stored (step SE10). As a result, either side of the row in which the storage chambers 44 containing articles that have exceeded a predetermined period are arranged is notified to the operator S. Then, the control device 95 can prompt the operator S to perform the outbound operation of the article.

[0111] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage device 1 includes a display chamber 4 having an opening 4A that opens to the front, a plurality of storage chambers 44 provided side by side in a plurality of rows inside the display chamber 4, and an in-store lighting lamp 99 provided adjacent to each row of the storage chambers 44 and illuminating the inside of the display chamber 4. And the storage device 1 is configured to include a control device 95 that selects at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 and controls the lighting of each of the plurality of in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, by changing the lighting state of each in-store lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the operator S of the arrangement position of the predetermined storage chamber 44. Therefore, the user U and the operator S can easily identify the predetermined storage chamber 44.

[0112] As in the present embodiment, the storage device 1 may include a touch panel 7 and an acquisition unit 8 to which predetermined information is input, and the control device 95 may select at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 based on the information input to the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8, and control the lighting of each of the plurality of in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, by changing the lighting state of each in-store lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the operator S of the arrangement position of the storage chamber 44 specified by the information input from the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8. Therefore, the user U and the operator S can easily identify the specified storage chamber 44.

[0113] As in this embodiment, predetermined articles are stored in each of the storage chambers 44, and the storage device management system 100 includes a storage device management server 110 that stores information on the articles and the internal state of the display chamber 4. Then, based on the information stored in the storage device management server 110, the control device 95 may select at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 and control the lighting of each of the plurality of internal lighting lamps 99. By changing the lighting state of each internal lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the worker S of the arrangement position of the storage chamber 44 designated by the information obtained from the storage device management server 110. Therefore, the user U and the worker S can easily identify the designated storage chamber 44.

[0114] As in this embodiment, inside the display chamber 4, storage chambers 44 having each of the shelf boards 43 as the bottom are provided. In the storage chamber 44, an inner door 61 of the storage chamber 44 that closably closes a storage chamber opening that opens to the front of the storage chamber 44, and an electric lock mechanism 71 that locks the inner door 61 of the storage chamber 44 are provided. Then, the control device 95 may release the locking by the electric lock mechanism 71 of the storage chamber 44 having the designated shelf board 43. By changing the lighting state of each internal lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the worker S of the unlocked storage chamber 44. The user U and the worker S can easily identify the unlocked storage chamber 44.

[0115] (Embodiment 3) [3-1. Configuration] Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a front view of a storage device showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention with the outer door omitted. As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the internal lighting lamps 99 are provided along the left-right direction of the shelf board 43 on the lower surface side of the tip of the plurality of shelf boards 43. Each internal lighting lamp 99 is formed in a linear shape having a length dimension substantially the same as the width dimension of the shelf board 43.

[0116] In addition, since the other configurations of the storage device are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts and the description thereof is omitted. Also, regarding the configurations of the control device and the storage device management system, since they are the same as those of the control device in FIG. 3 and the storage device management system in FIG. 4 used in the first embodiment, the following description will be made with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0117] Also in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the control device 95 controls the lighting of the in-store lighting lamp 99. Specifically, based on the information input from the touch panel 7 and the acquisition unit 8, the in-store lighting lamp 99 is turned on, off, or blinked in an arbitrary pattern. The control device 95 can control each in-store lighting lamp 99 separately. In this embodiment, when the storage device 1 starts driving, the control device 95 turns on all the in-store lighting lamps 99. Thereby, the control device 95 notifies the driving of the storage device 1 and appropriately illuminates the inside of the display room 4 with each in-store lighting lamp 99.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the control device 95 controls the storage device 1, it mainly controls based on three modes: the standby mode, the reception mode, and the maintenance mode. The storage device 1 performs operations corresponding to each mode.

[0119] In the standby mode, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to perform an operation of waiting for the acquisition unit 8 to be operated. In this standby mode, the control device 95 maintains the in-store temperature of the display room 4 at a preset temperature and illuminates the inside of the display room 4 with each in-store lighting lamp 99. Also, in this standby mode, the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 are locked, and the outer doors 5, 6, and each inner door 61 are kept in a non-openable state. Note that in this embodiment, the standby mode is an operation that the control device 95 performs when the storage device 1 starts driving.

[0120] In this standby mode, when the acquisition unit 8 acquires a predetermined code, the control device 95 determines whether the code is a receiving code or a maintenance code. The receiving code is a code for receiving an item stored in any of the storage chambers 44, and this code is mainly presented by users of various services provided by the storage device 1 and / or the storage device management system 100. The maintenance code is a code for performing maintenance on the storage device 1, and this code is mainly presented by workers who perform maintenance and inventory management of the storage device 1.

[0121] When the acquisition unit 8 acquires a receiving code, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to shift its operation to an operation in the receiving mode. In this receiving mode, the control device 95 first blinks the in-store lighting lamp 99 corresponding to the storage chamber 44 in which the item specified by the receiving code is stored. As a result, only the storage chamber 44 in which the item specified by the receiving code is stored has the in-store lighting lamp 99 blink, and thereby, the user can easily identify in which storage chamber 44 of the display chamber 4 the item to be received is located. Note that in this receiving mode, there may be a plurality of storage chambers 44 in which the item specified by the receiving code is stored.

[0122] After that, the control device 95 unlocks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the storage chamber 44 in which the item specified by the receiving code is stored. When it is confirmed that the item has been taken out by the user, the control device 95 locks the outer doors 5 and 6 and the unlocked storage chamber 44, and turns on the in-store lighting lamp 99 that was turned off again. Then, the control device 95 causes the storage device 1 to return from the operation in the receiving mode to the operation in the standby mode.

[0123] [3-2. Operation] [3-2-1. Operation in the receiving mode] The operations of the storage device 1 and the storage device management system 100 in each of the above-described modes will be described with reference to a flowchart. Note that regarding the operation of the storage device 1 in the standby mode and the maintenance mode, although the lighting state is different from that in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the operation is similar thereto, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage device 1 in the reception mode. As shown in FIG. 12, in the reception mode, when the storage device 1 is driven, the control device 95 turns on all the in-warehouse lighting lamps 99 (step SF1). Next, the control device 95 starts the standby mode. In this standby mode, when a two-dimensional code presented on a predetermined terminal is acquired by the acquisition unit 8 and it is determined by the control device 95 that the two-dimensional code acquired by the acquisition unit 8 is a reception code, the reception mode is started.

[0125] The control device 95 blinks the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 of the storage chamber 44 storing the article specified by the two-dimensional code (step SF2). Thereby, only the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 of the storage chamber 44 storing the article specified by the reception code blinks, and the user U can easily identify in which storage chamber 44 of the display chamber 4 the article to be received is located. Further, the user U can recognize that the storage chamber 44 is unlocked. Next, the control device 95 unlocks the electronic lock 9 and the electric lock mechanism 71 provided in the storage chamber 44 storing the article specified by the two-dimensional code (step SF3). Thereby, the user U can open the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61 and take out a predetermined article.

[0126] After unlocking the electronic lock 9 and the predetermined electric lock mechanism 71, the control device 95 determines whether at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SF4). When the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 detects that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SF4: YES), the control device 95 determines that a predetermined article has been taken out by the user U. Then, the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and a predetermined electric locking mechanism 71 (step SF5). After that, the control device 95 checks the lighting state of the interior storage lights 99 (step SF6), turns on all the interior storage lights 99 (step SF7), and starts the standby mode.

[0127] On the other hand, when the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 does not detect that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened (step SF4: NO), the control device 95 determines that a predetermined article has not been taken out by the user U. Furthermore, when the state where the outer door opening / closing sensor 10 does not detect that at least one of the outer doors 5 and 6 has been closed after being opened continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step SF8: YES), the control device 95 locks the electronic lock 9 and a predetermined electric locking mechanism 71 (step SF9). Then, the control device 95 causes an error message to be displayed on the touch panel 7 (step SF10). After that, the control device 95 sets the blinking interior storage light flag to ON, turns on all the interior storage lights 99 (step SF7), and starts the standby mode.

[0128] Thereby, the storage device 1 suppresses the outer doors 5 and 6 and a predetermined inner door 61 from being continuously opened, and protects the articles stored in the display chamber 4.

[0129] [3-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage device 1 includes a display chamber 4 having an opening 4A that opens to the front, a plurality of storage chambers 44 provided in a plurality of rows inside the display chamber 4, and interior storage lights 99 provided to extend in the left-right direction on each of the plurality of shelf boards 43 and illuminating the inside of the display chamber 4. And the storage device 1 is configured to include a control device 95 that selects at least one of the plurality of storage chambers 44 and controls the blinking of each of the plurality of interior storage lights 99. By changing the lighting state of each in-warehouse lighting lamp 99, the storage device 1 can notify the user U and the worker S of the arrangement position of the predetermined storage chamber 44. Therefore, the user U and the worker S can easily identify the predetermined storage chamber 44. In addition, by providing the in-warehouse lighting lamps 99 to extend in the width direction on each of the plurality of shelf boards 43, the inside of the storage chamber 44 can be efficiently illuminated.

[0130] Note that in the third embodiment, when the two-dimensional code displayed on the predetermined terminal is presented, the control device 95 causes the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 of the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the two-dimensional code is stored to blink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, similar to the second embodiment, the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 other than the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 of the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the two-dimensional code is stored may be turned off. Also, in the first or second embodiment, the in-warehouse lighting lamp 99 adjacent to the storage chamber 44 in which the article specified by the two-dimensional code is stored may be caused to blink.

[0131] Also, as the third embodiment, the configuration of the in-warehouse lighting lamp described in the first and second embodiments and the operation of designating a specific storage chamber, and the configuration of the in-warehouse lighting lamp different from that and the reception mode of designating a specific storage chamber were described. However, similar to the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment as well, it goes without saying that this configuration and operation also function in the maintenance mode.

[0132] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments with changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. In addition, it is also possible to combine the respective components described in the above embodiments to form a new embodiment.

[0133] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the storage device 1 having a pair of outer doors 5 and 6 on the left and right was described. However, the number of outer doors may be one, three or more, or may not be provided at all. Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the storage device 1 was assumed to be a reach-in type showcase. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of showcases such as open type may be used.

[0134] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, it was assumed that the display room 4 is provided with a plurality of storage rooms 44. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the inner door 61 may be omitted. Also, for example, the display room 4 may be provided with only a plurality of shelf boards 43.

[0135] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, instead of the in-store lighting lamp 99, other light sources such as a guide lamp 92 may be used.

[0136] Also, for example, the control device 95 may acquire the position information of a predetermined terminal via the communication network 120 and control the lighting of each in-store lighting lamp 99 when the terminal approaches the storage device 1.

[0137] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, when the user U purchases an item, the acquisition unit 8 is caused to acquire the two-dimensional code displayed on the user's terminal 114, and a payment request is made to the payment gateway server 112 via the storage device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of other types of storage devices 1, for example, a receiving locker for a purchaser to receive a pre-purchased product, the product may be purchased by communicating with another server, and when the payment for the product is completed, a two-dimensional code may be transmitted from the server to the purchaser's terminal. In this case, the purchaser holds the two-dimensional code transmitted from the server in front of the acquisition unit 8 of the storage device 1, and when the control device 95 authenticates the two-dimensional code acquired by the acquisition unit 8, the control device 95 may operate the storage device 1 in the receiving mode.

[0138] Note that the above-described embodiments are for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and thus various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

Industrial Applicability

[0139] The present disclosure is applicable to a storage device including a light source and a plurality of shelf boards. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a sales showcase, a locker for receiving articles, and the like.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0140] 1 Storage device 4, 4L, 4R Display rooms 4A Opening 95 Control device (control unit) 99 Interior lighting lamp (light source)

Claims

1. A display case having an opening that opens to the front, a plurality of storage chambers each having a bottom formed by one of a plurality of shelf boards arranged in a plurality of rows inside the display case, a plurality of light sources provided corresponding to the storage chambers, respectively, along the rows formed by the storage chambers, illuminating the inside of the display case and capable of emitting light to the outside of the display case, an input unit into which predetermined information is input, a display unit on which various information is displayed, a storage device comprising: in the display case, a plurality of outer doors that open and closeably close a display case opening that opens to the front of the display case corresponding to each row formed by the storage chambers, an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the outer doors, and door opening / closing detection means for detecting opening and closing of the outer doors; in the storage chamber, a door of the storage chamber that open and closeably closes a storage chamber opening that opens to the front of the storage chamber, and a locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage chamber; when the storage device starts driving, all of the plurality of light sources are turned on, the electronic lock and the locking mechanism are locked, and an operation of waiting for the input unit to be operated is performed on the storage device. Based on the information input to the input unit, at least one of the plurality of storage chambers is selected, and a control unit for controlling lighting of each of the plurality of light sources is further provided, the control unit turns off the light sources located in rows different from the row in which the storage chamber selected or designated based on the information input to the input unit is arranged, unlocks the electronic lock for locking and unlocking the outer door and the locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage chamber designated based on the information input to the input unit, after unlocking the outer door, when the door opening / closing detection means detects that at least one of the outer doors has been closed after being opened, the electronic lock of the outer door and the locking mechanism of the unlocked storage chamber are locked, and the turned-off light sources are turned on, after unlocking the outer door, if the state where the door opening / closing detection means does not detect that at least one of the outer doors has been closed after being opened continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the electronic lock of the outer door and the locking mechanism of the unlocked storage chamber are locked, an error message is displayed on the display unit, and then the turned-off light sources are turned on, A storage device characterized by the above.

2. A display case having an opening that opens to the front, a plurality of storage chambers each having a bottom formed by one of a plurality of shelf boards arranged in a plurality of rows inside the display case, Corresponding to the storage chamber, a plurality of light sources are provided along the columns formed by the storage chamber, illuminating the interior of the display chamber and capable of emitting light even outside the display chamber, an input unit into which predetermined information is input, a display unit on which various kinds of information are displayed, a storage device comprising: In the display chamber, a plurality of outer doors that open and close the display chamber opening opening on the front surface of the display chamber corresponding to each column formed by the storage chamber, an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the outer doors, and door opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the outer doors are provided. In the storage chamber, a door of the storage chamber that opens and closes the storage chamber opening opening on the front surface of the storage chamber, and a locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage chamber are provided. When the storage device starts driving, it performs an operation of turning on all of the plurality of light sources, locking the electronic lock and the locking mechanism, and waiting for the input unit to be operated with respect to the storage device. Based on the information input to the input unit, it further includes a control unit that selects at least one of the plurality of storage chambers and controls the lighting of each of the plurality of light sources. In the display chamber, a plurality of outer doors that open and close the display chamber opening opening on the front surface of the display chamber corresponding to each column formed by the storage chamber, and an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the outer doors are provided. In the storage chamber, a door of the storage chamber that opens and closes the storage chamber opening opening on the front surface of the storage chamber, and a locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage chamber are provided. When the storage device starts driving, the electronic lock and the locking mechanism are locked. The control unit turns off the light sources other than the light sources adjacent to the storage chamber specified based on the information input to the input unit, unlocks the electronic lock for locking and unlocking the outer door located at least on the storage chamber side specified based on the information input to the input unit and the locking mechanism for locking the door of the storage chamber specified based on the information input to the input unit. After unlocking the outer door, when the door opening / closing detection means detects that at least one of the outer doors has been opened and then closed, it locks the electronic lock of the outer door and the locking mechanism of the unlocked storage chamber, and turns on the turned-off light sources. After unlocking the outer door, if the state where the door opening / closing detection means does not detect that at least any one of the outer doors has been closed after being opened continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed, lock the electronic lock of the outer door and the locking mechanism of the unlocked storage chamber, display an error message on the display unit, and then turn on the turned-off light source. A storage device characterized by the above.

3. The control unit turns on, turns off, or blinks the light source adjacent to the storage chamber specified based on the information input to the input unit in any pattern. The storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

Images