Storage system

Abstract

To provide a storage system for easily checking its wiring failure.SOLUTION: A storage system includes a plurality of storage chambers and a power supply unit. The power supply unit supplies power to each of the plurality of the storage chambers. Each of the plurality of the storage chambers includes a frame, an inner part box, a door, an electronic lock, and a base plate. The inner part box is housed in the frame. The door opens and closes relative to the inner part box. The electronic lock locks and unlocks the door. The base plate has a light emitting part, and at least a part is located in the frame. The electronic lock and the base plate are electrically connected. The power supply unit and the base plate are directly or indirectly connected through wiring. The light emitting part faces an inner surface of the frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-313753 (Patent Document 1) discloses a locker system including a plurality of locker units. Each of the plurality of locker units includes a relay control device and a plurality of locker boxes. The relay control device is electrically connected to each of the plurality of locker boxes. Each of the plurality of locker boxes includes an electronic lock. The locker system further includes a centralized control device. The centralized control device is electrically connected to each relay control device (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the locker system disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, it is necessary to accurately perform electrical connections (wiring) between components. However, it has not always been easy to confirm the presence or absence of wiring defects.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a storage system capable of easily confirming wiring defects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The storage system according to the present invention includes a plurality of storage compartments and a power supply unit. The power supply unit supplies power to each of the plurality of storage compartments. Each of the plurality of storage compartments includes a frame, an inner box, a door, an electronic lock, and a substrate. The inner box is housed within the frame. The door opens and closes with respect to the frame or the inner box. The electronic lock locks and unlocks the door. The substrate has a light-emitting portion, and at least a part thereof is located within the frame. The electronic lock and the substrate are electrically connected. The power supply unit and the substrate are directly or indirectly connected through wiring. The light-emitting portion faces the inner surface of the frame.

[0007] In the assembly process of this storage system, the operator checks that there is no problem with the connection between the power supply unit and the substrate by confirming that the light-emitting portion emits light normally. In this storage system, the light-emitting portion faces the inner surface of the frame. According to this storage system, since the light reflected by the inner surface of the frame when the light-emitting portion emits light can be visually recognized by the operator, it is possible to easily make the operator confirm that there is no problem with the electrical connection between the power supply unit and the substrate by means of light that is not too dazzling.

[0008] In the above storage system, the light-emitting portion may be visible from the outside when the inner box is not housed within the frame, while the light-emitting portion may not be visible from the outside when the inner box is housed within the frame.

[0009] According to this storage system, since the light-emitting portion is not visible from the outside when the inner box is housed within the frame, it is possible to prevent the user from visually recognizing unnecessary light after the confirmation of the connection state between the power supply unit and the substrate is completed. Also, according to this storage system, since the light-emitting portion is not visible from the outside when the inner box is housed within the frame, the appearance of the storage system can be improved.

[0010] The above storage system further includes a control unit that controls power supply from a power supply unit to each of a plurality of storage compartments, and a reception unit that receives an unlocking instruction for an electronic lock. When the reception unit receives an unlocking instruction, the control unit supplies power to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlocking instruction. When power is supplied to the electronic lock, the light-emitting unit of the substrate connected to the electronic lock to which power is supplied may emit light.

[0011] In this storage system, when power is supplied to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlocking instruction, the light-emitting unit of the substrate connected to the electronic lock emits light. Therefore, the operator can confirm whether the power supply unit and the substrate are properly connected by checking whether the light-emitting unit of the substrate connected to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlocking instruction emits light.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storage system in which wiring defects can be easily confirmed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "the present embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated. Also, for ease of understanding, each drawing is schematically drawn with appropriate omissions or exaggerations of the subject.

[0015] [1. Configuration] <1-1. Overall Configuration of the Storage System> FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a storage system 10 according to the present embodiment. The storage system 10 is installed in, for example, a company and is configured to store the belongings of a plurality of employees (users).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage system 10 includes a plurality of storage compartments 100 and a master box 200. In the storage system 10, each of the plurality of storage compartments 100 and the master box 200 is arranged in a matrix (5 rows and 5 columns). In the storage system 10, the master box 200 is arranged in the center, and a plurality (24) of storage compartments 100 are arranged so as to surround the master box 200.

[0017] Each of the plurality of storage boxes 100 is configured to store the user's belongings and the like inside. In each storage box 100, it is possible to lock and unlock with an electronic lock. An individual address is assigned to each storage box 100. The numbers m and n (m and n are natural numbers) in the parentheses in FIG. 1 indicate the addresses assigned to each storage box 100.

[0018] The master box 200 houses, for example, a control unit that controls the entire storage system 10 inside. For example, the control unit inside the master box 200 controls the locking and unlocking of each storage box 100. A reception unit 220 is provided on the front surface of the master box 200. The reception unit 220 is configured to acquire information for authenticating each user, for example. The reception unit 220 will be described later.

[0019] The storage system 10 can be set to a first mode in which each storage box 100 is unlocked by pushing the door of each storage box 100, and a second mode in which the target storage box 100 is unlocked when the user authentication is successful. The method for switching between the first mode and the second mode will be described later. In the following, when the user is facing the reception unit 220, "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" as viewed from the user are referred to as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", and "rear", respectively.

[0020] <1-2. Mechanical Configuration of Each Storage Box> FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the storage box 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage box 100 includes a frame 110, an inner box 120, a door 160, an electronic lock 130, and a substrate 140.

[0021] The frame 110 is made of, for example, metal and has a rectangular shape in each of the front view and the plan view. A space penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed inside the frame 110. An inner flange portion 116 (FIG. 10) protruding toward the inside of the frame 110 is formed at the front end of the frame 110. The inner box 120 is housed inside the frame 110.

[0022] The inner box 120 is made of, for example, metal or resin and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening is formed in the front surface of the inner box 120, and a storage space is formed inside the inner box 120. The rear end of the inner box 120 protrudes from the rear end of the frame 110. An outer flange portion 122 is formed at the front end of the inner box 120.

[0023] The outer flange portion 122 is formed across the entire outer periphery of the front end of the inner box 120. That is, the outer flange portion 122 protrudes in the vertical and horizontal directions from the front end of the inner box 120 toward the outside of the inner box 120. A notch C1, holes H2 and H3 are formed in order from the left on the upper side of the outer flange portion 122. The outer flange portion 122 is in contact with the front end (inner flange portion 116) of the frame 110.

[0024] The door 160 is, for example, a plate-like member made of metal or resin and has a rectangular shape in a front view. The door 160 is attached to the frame 110 and the inner box 120 via hinge portions 151, 152. The door 160 is configured to open and close with respect to the frame 110 and the inner box 120. A locking portion 161 and a protrusion 162 are attached to the inner surface of the door 160.

[0025] Although an example in which the door 160 is attached to the frame 110 and the inner box 120 via the hinge portions 151, 152 has been shown, it may be attached to either the frame 110 or the inner box 120.

[0026] The locking portion 161 is used for locking the door 160. The locking portion 161 protrudes from the inner surface of the door 160. A rod-shaped portion extending in the vertical direction is provided at the tip of the locking portion 161. The locking portion 161 is positioned such that the tip enters the electronic lock 130 when the door 160 is closed. The protrusion 162 is used to detect the push (insertion) of the door 160 in the above-described first mode. The protrusion 162 protrudes from the inner surface of the door 160. The protrusion 162 is positioned such that the tip faces the detection portion 144 (described later) when the door 160 is closed.

[0027] Each of the electronic lock 130 and the substrate 140 is disposed in a space formed between the upper inner surface in the frame 110 (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper inner surface") and the upper outer surface in the internal box 120 (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper outer surface"). A detection unit 144, a switch unit 142, and a light emitting unit 146 are mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 140. That is, the light emitting unit 146 faces the upper inner surface of the frame 110. The reason for such a configuration will be described later.

[0028] In addition, in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 146 may be configured to face any one of the left inner surface (left inner surface) of the frame 110, the right inner surface (right inner surface) of the frame 110, and the lower inner surface (lower inner surface) of the frame 110, not limited to the upper inner surface of the frame 110.

[0029] The front end of the electronic lock 130 exists at a position corresponding to the notch C1 and is exposed to the outside. The detection unit 144 exists at a position corresponding to the hole H2 and is exposed to the outside. The switch unit 142 exists at a position corresponding to the hole H3 and is exposed to the outside. On the other hand, the light emitting unit 146 is not exposed to the outside. The reason for such a configuration will be described later. In addition, in a state where the door 160 is closed, each of the electronic lock 130, the detection unit 144, and the switch unit 142 is covered by the door 160.

[0030] The electronic lock 130 is configured to lock and unlock the door 160. The electronic lock 130 has, for example, a hook portion 131 (FIG. 10) that engages with the rod-shaped portion of the locking portion 161, and locks and unlocks the door 160 by reciprocating or rotating the hook portion 131. That is, as the state of the electronic lock 130, there are a locked state in which the hook portion 131 engages with the rod-shaped portion of the locking portion 161 and an unlocked state in which the hook portion 131 does not engage with the rod-shaped portion of the locking portion 161. The state of the electronic lock 130 is controlled by the control unit 210 (FIG. 3) in the master box 200.

[0031] The detection unit 144 is configured to detect the push of the door 160 by the user. The detection unit 144 is constituted by, for example, a microswitch or a push button. When the door 160 is closed and the state of the electronic lock 130 is the locked state, there is a slight gap between the door 160 and the inner box 120. Due to the existence of this gap, the door 160 can be pushed further inward. When the door 160 is pushed further, the detection unit 144 is pushed by the protrusion 162 of the door 160. By this pushing, the detection unit 144 detects the push of the door 160 by the user. When the door 160 is closed and the state of the electronic lock 130 is the locked state, the detection unit 144 is in the OFF state when the door 160 is not pushed further, and the detection unit 144 is in the ON state when the door 160 is pushed further. When the detection unit 144 becomes the ON state, the detection unit 144 outputs a detection signal.

[0032] The switch unit 142 is a member for switching between the above-described first mode and second mode, and is constituted by, for example, a slide switch. The switch unit 142 is electrically connected in series with the detection unit 144. When the switch unit 142 is in the ON state (closed state), the mode of the storage system 10 is set to the first mode, and the detection signal output from the detection unit 144 is transmitted to the control unit 210 (FIG. 3) in the master box 200. On the other hand, when the switch unit 142 is in the OFF state (open state), the mode of the storage system 10 is set to the second mode, and the detection signal output from the detection unit 144 is blocked.

[0033] The light emitting unit 146 is configured to emit light by receiving power supply from the outside. The light emitting unit 146 is constituted by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting unit 146 is electrically connected in series with the electronic lock 130.

[0034] The lighting pattern of the light emitting unit 146 will be described later.

[0035] <1-3. Electrical Configuration of Storage System> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the storage system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage system 10 includes a plurality of storage bins 100 and a master box 200. As described above, in each of the plurality of storage bins 100, a switch unit 142 and a detection unit 144 are electrically connected in series, and a light emitting unit 146 and an electronic lock 130 are electrically connected in series. The master box 200 includes a control unit 210, a reception unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a power supply unit 240.

[0036] The control unit 210 includes an arithmetic processing unit 212, a scanning unit 214, and a switching unit 216. The arithmetic processing unit 212 is configured to control the entire storage system 10, and is constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Further, the arithmetic processing unit 212 may include a predetermined interface (not shown).

[0037] The scanning unit 214 is configured to sequentially switch the electrical conduction of a plurality of connection points at predetermined time intervals according to a selection signal output by the arithmetic processing unit 212. The scanning unit 214 is constituted by, for example, a multiplexer circuit. The arithmetic processing unit 212 and the scanning unit 214 are connected by, for example, a signal line that transmits a selection signal having a number of bits corresponding to the number of connection points. Each connection point included in the scanning unit 214 is electrically connected to the switch unit 142 of the corresponding storage bin 100 via a wiring W2. Since the storage system 10 according to the present embodiment includes 24 storage bins 100, it has 24 wirings W2. Note that the control unit 210 does not necessarily have the scanning unit 214. For example, a plurality of wirings W2 may be directly connected to the interface of the arithmetic processing unit 212.

[0038] The switching unit 216 is configured to electrically connect the connection points according to the selection signal output by the arithmetic processing unit 212. The switching unit 216 is composed of, for example, a plurality of switching elements corresponding to the number of connection points. Each connection point included in the switching unit 216 is electrically connected to the light emitting unit 146 of the corresponding storage bin 100 via the wiring W1. Since the storage system 10 according to the present embodiment includes 24 storage bins 100, it has 24 wirings W1. Note that the control unit 210 does not necessarily have to have the switching unit 216. For example, a plurality of wirings W1 may be directly connected to the power supply unit 240. That is, the power supply unit 240 and the substrate 140 may be directly connected by a plurality of wirings W1.

[0039] The reception unit 220 is configured to receive, for example, an unlocking instruction for the target storage bin 100 (electronic lock 130) from the user when the storage system 10 is set to the second mode. The reception of the unlocking instruction in the second mode is performed, for example, by reading a non-contact or contact card, reading biometric information such as a fingerprint or iris, receiving information input such as a password, or receiving information from the user's smartphone. The reception unit 220 outputs an unlocking instruction signal (including the acquired information) to the control unit 210 in response to receiving an unlocking instruction from the user. Further, the reception unit 220 may be configured to receive various operations on the storage system 10, and may be composed of, for example, a touch panel or operation buttons.

[0040] The storage unit 230 stores, for example, a control program and various data necessary for controlling the storage system 10. The storage unit 230 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The storage unit 230 stores, for example, a database DB1 for managing user information. The database DB1 is used, for example, when the storage system 10 is set to the second mode.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the database DB1. As shown in FIG. 4, in the database DB1, for example, the number (box number) of the storage 100, the address information of the storage 100, the name of the employee who uses the target storage 100, the employee number of the employee who uses the target storage 100, and the ID (Identifier) of the employee who uses the target storage are managed in association with each other. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 212 of the control unit 210 performs user authentication based on the unlocking instruction signal and the database DB1.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 3, the power supply unit 240 is configured to supply the power necessary for the operation of the storage system 10 to each component of the storage system 10. The power supply unit 240, for example, converts commercial AC power into DC power and supplies the DC power to each component within the storage system 10.

[0043] [2. Operation of the Storage System] As described above, in the storage system 10, the mode of the storage system 10 is set to the first mode by turning on the switch unit 142, and the mode of the storage system 10 is set to the second mode by turning off the switch unit 142. Hereinafter, the operation of the storage system 10 when set to the first mode and the operation of the storage system 10 when set to the second mode will be described in order.

[0044] [2-1. Operation When the Switch Unit Is in the On State (When in the First Mode)] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the storage system 10 when the switch unit 142 is in the on state. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the arithmetic processing unit 212 in the second cycle while the connection points that are electrically conductive in the scanning unit 214 are sequentially switched in the first cycle. Note that the first cycle is shorter than the second cycle. For example, it is a cycle of such a length that while the user pushes the door 160 of the storage 100 to unlock the electronic lock 130 and this push continues, conduction with all the connection points is performed at least once.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, the arithmetic processing unit 212 determines whether a detection signal is received from any of the storage bins 100 (detection unit 144) (step S100). If it is determined that the detection signal has not been received (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to return.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection signal has been received (YES in step S100), the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to supply power to the electronic lock 130 of the storage bin 100 that is the transmission source of the detection signal (step S110). That is, the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to conduct the connection point corresponding to the storage bin 100 that is the transmission source of the detection signal, and controls the power supply unit 240 to supply power to the electronic lock 130 that has become conductive. As a result, the light emitting unit 146 emits light and the electronic lock 130 is unlocked.

[0047] The light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 146 will be described later.

[0048] <2-2. Operation when the switch unit is in the off state (in the second mode)> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the storage system 10 when the switch unit 142 is in the off state. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the arithmetic processing unit 212 in the third cycle.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, the arithmetic processing unit 212 determines whether an unlocking instruction signal is received from the reception unit 220 (step S200). If it is determined that the unlocking instruction signal has not been received (NO in step S200), the process proceeds to return.

[0050] On the one hand, when it is determined that an unlocking instruction signal has been received (YES in step S200), the arithmetic processing unit 212 performs user authentication processing based on the information included in the unlocking instruction signal (step S210). For example, the arithmetic processing unit 212 refers to the database DB1 stored in the storage unit 230 to identify the address corresponding to the storage bin 100 of the user who issued the unlocking instruction.

[0051] Thereafter, the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to supply power to the electronic lock 130 of the storage bin 100 corresponding to the identified address (step S220). That is, the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to conduct the connection point corresponding to the identified address, and controls the power supply unit 240 to supply power to the electronic lock 130 that has become conductive. As a result, the light emitting unit 146 emits light and the electronic lock 130 is unlocked.

[0052] [3. Assembly Procedure of Storage System] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the assembly procedure of the storage system 10. Each step shown in this flowchart is executed by an operator.

[0053] The operator prepares the required number (for example, 25) of frames 110 and attaches the electronic locks 130 and the substrates 140 to each frame 110 (step S300). Note that, for the frame 110 for the master box 200, the parts necessary for the master box 200 (such as the control unit 210, the reception unit 220, the storage unit 230, and the power supply unit 240) are separately attached.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of attaching each component to the frame 110. In this figure, the upper surface of the frame 110 is located downward. As shown in FIG. 8, on the upper inner surface 112 of the frame 110, ribs 113 and 114 extending in the front-rear direction are formed at a predetermined interval. The front ends of each of the ribs 113 and 114 are connected by a connecting portion 117 extending in the left-right direction. A hole H1 is formed between the connecting portion 117 and the upper inner surface 112. The length of the hole H1 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the hole H1 in the up-down direction.

[0055] The substrate 140 is fixed by screws in the region between the ribs 113 and 114 on the upper inner surface 112. With the substrate 140 fixed to the upper inner surface 112, each of the detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light emitting unit 146 (Fig. 2) faces the upper inner surface 112 and overlaps with the hole H1 in a front view. That is, the operator can visually recognize each of the detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light emitting unit 146 through the hole H1 in a front view. The electronic lock 130 is fixed by screws in the region adjacent to the substrate 140 with the rib 113 sandwiched on the upper inner surface 112.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 7 again, after the necessary components are attached to each frame 110, the operator connects the plurality of frames 110 (step S310).

[0057] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of connecting a plurality of frames 110. Referring to Fig. 9, the operator connects a plurality (for example, five) of frames 110 stacked in the vertical direction, for example, by using a connection plate (not shown). Then, the operator connects a plurality (for example, five columns) of frame columns, each of which is formed by connecting a plurality (for example, five) of frames 110 in the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction. For example, the horizontal connection is performed by using bolts and nuts. Thereby, the connection of the plurality of frames 110 is completed.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the front side state of the frame 110 in a state where the connection of the plurality of frames 110 is completed. As shown in Fig. 10, in a front view, each component on the substrate 140 is exposed to the outside through the hole H1.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 7 again, after the connection of the plurality of frames 110 is completed, the operator performs wiring connection (step S320). For example, the operator electrically connects the scanning unit 214 of the control unit 210 and the switch unit 142 of each storage 100 with the wiring W2, and electrically connects the switching unit 216 of the control unit 210 and the light emitting unit 146 of each storage 100 with the wiring W1.

[0060] After that, the operator checks the connection of the wiring (step S330). For example, in the storage system 10, a connection check process for the wiring W1 is programmed in advance. For example, when receiving a connection check instruction from the operator via the reception unit 220, the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to sequentially change the connection points that conduct in the switching unit 216 at predetermined time intervals, and controls the power supply unit 240 to supply power to the electronic lock 130 that is in a conductive state. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 212 performs control so that power is supplied to each electronic lock 130 corresponding to the addresses (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (2,1), (2,2) ··· (5,4), (5,5) in this order.

[0061] When this control is performed, if the connection of the wiring W1 is correctly made, each light emitting unit 146 corresponding to the addresses (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (2,1), (2,2) ··· (5,4), (5,5) emits light in this order. Since each light emitting unit 146 is exposed to the outside through the hole H1, the operator can confirm whether the connection of the wiring W1 is correctly made by visually checking the light emission state and the light emission order of each light emitting unit 146. Further, since the light emitting unit 146 faces the upper inner surface 112 and the light reflected by the upper inner surface 112 of the frame 110 when the light emitting unit 146 emits light can be visually recognized by the operator, it is possible to easily make the operator confirm that there is no problem with the connection of the wiring W1 by light that is not too dazzling.

[0062] Also, for example, in the storage system 10, a process capable of checking the connections of both the wirings W1 and W2 may be programmed in advance. For example, the detection unit 144 is configured to be able to output a detection signal according to an instruction from the arithmetic processing unit 212 regardless of the presence or absence of pushing of the door 160, and the arithmetic processing unit 212 may control each detection unit 144 to output a detection signal in order (for example, in the order of the addresses (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (2,1), (2,2) ··· (5,4), (5,5)).

[0063] When a detection signal is output by the detection unit 144, power is supplied to the electronic lock 130 corresponding to the detection unit 144 that output the detection signal according to the operation in the above-described first mode. Therefore, when both of the wirings W1 and W2 are correctly connected, the light emitting unit 146 corresponding to the detection unit 144 that output the detection signal emits light. Thus, the operator can confirm whether the wirings W1 and W2 are correctly connected by visually checking the light emission state and the light emission order of each light emitting unit 146. Also, in step S330 of FIG. 7, the operator may sequentially press the detection units 144 of each frame 110 and check the connection of the wirings W1 and W2 by checking the light emission state of the light emitting unit 146.

[0064] For example, when the light emission state or the light emission order of the light emitting unit 146 is incorrect, the operator identifies the portion where the incorrect wiring is performed (the substrate 140 where the light emitting unit 146 does not emit light) and correctly changes the wiring of the incorrect portion. For example, this process is repeated until the light emission state and the light emission order of the light emitting unit 146 become correct. Therefore, according to this assembly procedure, when there is a wiring error, the error can be corrected before the assembly of the storage system 10 is completed.

[0065] Thereafter, the operator inserts the internal box 120 into each frame 110 to accommodate the internal box 120 in each frame 110 and attaches the internal box 120 to the frame 110 (step S340).

[0066] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of attaching the internal box 120 to the frame 110. As shown in FIG. 11, the internal box 120 is inserted into the space formed inside the frame 110. When the internal box 120 is inserted, the rear surface of the outer flange portion 122 of the internal box 120 overlaps with the front surface of the inner flange portion 116 of the frame 110. For example, the internal box 120 is fixed to the frame 110 by screwing the outer flange portion 122 of the internal box 120 and the inner flange portion 116 of the frame 110.

[0067] In the outer flange portion 122 of the inner box 120, the size of the hole H2 is such that only the detection unit 144 is exposed to the outside, and the size of the hole H3 is such that only the switch unit 142 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, among the detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light emitting unit 146 that were exposed to the outside through the hole H1 before the insertion of the inner box 120, the light emitting unit 146 is covered by the outer flange portion 122 of the inner box 120. As a result, the light emitting unit 146 becomes invisible from the outside.

[0068] Thus, according to the storage system 10, in the state where the inner box 120 is housed in the frame 110, since the light emitting unit 146 is not visible from the outside, unnecessary light can be prevented from being visually recognized by the user. Also, according to the storage system 10, in the state where the inner box 120 is housed in the frame 110, since the light emitting unit 146 is not visible from the outside, the appearance of the storage system 10 can be improved.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7 again, after the installation of the inner box 120 is completed, the operator attaches the door 160 to the frame 110 (step S350).

[0070] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of attaching the door 160 to the frame 110. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, the door 160 is fixed to the frame 110 and the inner box 120 with screws via the hinge portions 151, 152. Thereby, the door 160 can be opened and closed with respect to the frame 110 and the inner box 120.

[0071] [4. Features] As described above, in the process of assembling the storage system 10 according to the present embodiment, the operator checks that there is no problem with the connection between the light emitting unit 146 and the substrate 140 by confirming that the light emitting unit 146 emits light normally. In the storage system 10, the light emitting unit 146 faces the inner surface of the frame 110. According to the storage system 10, since the light reflected by the inner surface of the frame 110 when the light emitting unit 146 emits light can be visually recognized by the operator, it is possible to easily confirm for the operator by light that is not too dazzling that there is no problem with the electrical connection between the power supply unit 240 and the substrate 140.

[0072] [5. Other Embodiments] The idea of the above embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described above. Hereinafter, an example of another embodiment to which the idea of the above embodiment can be applied will be described.

[0073] <5-1> In the above embodiment, when checking the connection of the wiring, the number of the light emitting units 146 that emit light simultaneously was one. However, when checking the connection of the wiring, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of light emitting units 146 emit light simultaneously.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a group of light emitting units 146 that emit light simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 13, in the storage system 10A, a plurality of storage compartments 100A form a group. The storage system 10A is provided with groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8. For example, when checking the connection of the wiring, the light emitting units 146 corresponding to the plurality of storage compartments 100A included in each group may emit light simultaneously. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which each light emitting unit 146 included in each of the groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8 emits light in the order of this group. Thereby, since the location to be confirmed can be confirmed for each group, the connection check of the wiring can be performed more efficiently.

[0075] <5-2> In the above-described embodiment, each of the electronic lock 130 and the substrate 140 was attached to the upper part of the frame 110. However, the attachment positions of each of the electronic lock 130 and the substrate 140 are not limited thereto. Each of the electronic lock 130 and the substrate 140 may be attached to any of the left, right, and lower parts of the frame 110.

[0076] Particularly, in the storage bin 100 provided at a position higher than other rows, such as (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5) shown in FIG. 1, when each of the electronic lock 130 and the substrate 140 is provided at the lower part of the frame 110, there are effects such as easy confirmation of the lighting state of the light emitting part 146.

[0077] <5-3> In the above-described embodiment, the storage system 10 could be set to each of the first mode and the second mode. However, the storage system 10 does not necessarily have to be settable to each of the first mode and the second mode. The storage system 10 may have, for example, only the first mode or only the second mode.

[0078] <5-4> In the above-described embodiment, the storage system 10 had 24 storage bins 100, and the storage bins 100 and the master box 200 were arranged in a 5-row and 5-column pattern. However, the number of storage bins 100 and the arrangement of the storage bins 100 and the master box 200 are not limited thereto. The number of storage bins 100 may be, for example, 23 or less or 25 or more. Also, the arrangement of the storage bins 100 and the master box 200 may be any arrangement, for example, 4 rows and 4 columns or 4 rows and 3 columns.

[0079] <5-5> In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the types, shapes, etc. of the respective members used in the storage system 10 are not limited to those described above. For example, the configurations of the electronic lock 130, the detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light-emitting unit 146 are not limited to those described above. Further, for example, the rear end of the substrate 140 may be located behind the rear end of the frame 110.

[0080] <5-6> In addition, in the above-described embodiment, each of the control unit 210, the reception unit 220, the storage unit 230, and the power supply unit 240 is arranged in the master box 200. However, these arrangements are not limited thereto. For example, at least a part of these may be housed in any one of the storage bins 100, or may be arranged outside the storage system 10.

[0081] <5-7> Multiple examples were given where the connection state of the wiring can be confirmed by causing the light-emitting unit 146 to emit light. Specifically, the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 146 is illustrated. Examples of the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 146 include a pattern that blinks multiple times every second and a light-emitting pattern that lights up for one second. The light-emitting pattern is not particularly limited as long as it can be confirmed by the operator who checks the connection state of the wiring.

[0082] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to increase the number of seconds of lighting and blinking. For example, 5 seconds etc. can also be cited. In this case, since the lighting period is longer than the aforementioned 1 second, it can be made easier for the operator to check.

[0083] <5-8> In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the light-emitting unit 146 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 140 together with the detection unit 144 and the switch unit 142. However, the position where the light-emitting unit 146 is provided is not necessarily limited to this pattern. For example, a substrate provided with only the light-emitting unit may be prepared separately. Further, it is not necessarily provided on the upper surface of the substrate, and a light-emitting unit that performs the same function may be provided alone.

[0084] The embodiments of the present invention have been exemplarily described above. That is, for exemplary purposes, a detailed description and the accompanying drawings have been disclosed. Therefore, among the components described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, there may be components that are not essential for solving the problem. Thus, just because those non-essential components are described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, they should not be immediately recognized as essential.

[0085] Also, the above embodiments are merely examples of the present invention in every respect. Various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. That is, in practicing the present invention, a specific configuration can be appropriately adopted according to the embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 10, 10A Storage system, 100, 100A Storage cabinet, 110 Frame, 112 Upper inner surface, 113, 114 Rib, 116 Inner flange portion, 117 Connection portion, 120 Inner box, 122 Outer flange portion, 130 Electronic lock, 131 Hook portion, 140 Substrate, 142 Switch portion, 144 Detection portion, 146 Light emitting portion, 151, 152 Hinge portion, 160 Door, 161 Locking portion, 162 Projection portion, 200, 200A Master box, 210 Control portion, 212 Arithmetic processing portion, 214 Scanning portion, 216 Switching portion, 220 Reception portion, 230 Storage portion, 240 Power supply portion, C1 Notch portion, DB1 Database, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8 Group, H1, H2, H3 Hole, W1, W2 Wiring.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising: a plurality of storage cabinets; a power supply unit that supplies power to each of the plurality of storage cabinets, wherein each of the plurality of storage cabinets includes: a frame; an inner box accommodated within the frame; a door that opens and closes with respect to the frame or the inner box; an electronic lock that locks and unlocks the door; a substrate having a light-emitting portion, at least a part of which is located within the frame; wherein the electronic lock and the substrate are electrically connected; wherein the power supply unit and the substrate are directly or indirectly connected through wiring; and wherein the light-emitting portion faces the inner surface of the frame.

2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting portion is visible from the outside when the inner box is not accommodated within the frame, while the light-emitting portion is not visible from the outside when the inner box is accommodated within the frame.

3. The storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to each of the plurality of storage cabinets; and a reception unit that receives an unlocking instruction for the electronic lock, wherein the control unit supplies power to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlocking instruction when the reception unit receives the unlocking instruction, and wherein when power is supplied to the electronic lock, the light-emitting portion of the substrate connected to the electronically locked door emits light.

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