Entrance unit

Abstract

To provide an entrance unit that can improve usability and improve external aesthetic appearance.SOLUTION: An entrance unit includes: a post part 1 for housing mails so as to be put-in / taken out; and an interphone housing part 2 for housing an interphone IF. The interphone housing part 2 is provided in a state of being connected next to the top side of the post part 1, and the interphone housing part 2 and the post part 1 have the same lateral width. The post part 1 includes: a mailing port into which mails are posted; a post body part 21 in which mails are housed and which has a take-out port enabling taking out mails at the front side; and a door part 22 for opening / closing the take-out port. The door part 22 can open / close the take-out port by swinging around a horizontal shaft core X along the lower side of the take-out port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an entrance unit provided with a post section for accommodating incoming and outgoing items and an intercom accommodation section for accommodating an intercom.

Background Art

[0002] Such an entrance unit is provided at the door of a house or beside the entrance. Conventionally, the post section and the intercom accommodation section have separate configurations with different outer shapes, and each is separately supported by a support member such as a gatepost or a pillar beside the entrance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The entrance unit is used when a visitor visits the house equipped with the entrance unit, or when an item such as a postal item is mailed. It is desired that it is convenient for the user. In addition to improving the usability in this way, it is required to satisfy the requirement of improving the appearance. However, in the conventional configuration, the intercom accommodation section is separated from the post section and is provided in a deep position, which makes it difficult to operate. Also, the post section and the intercom accommodation section have separate configurations with different outer shapes, and since they are separately attached, it cannot be said that it is sufficient from the viewpoint of having a unified appearance design and improving the appearance.

[0005] Therefore, there was a demand for an entrance unit that combined both design and usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The characteristic configuration of the present invention is an entrance unit comprising a post section for receiving mail so that it can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section for housing an intercom, wherein the intercom housing section is provided adjacent to the post section, the intercom housing section and the post section have the same width from left to right, the post section comprises a post body section extending along the width direction of the post section and having a mail slot into which mail is inserted, a storage space for receiving mail and a retrieval opening on the front side from which mail can be removed, and a door section for opening and closing the retrieval opening, wherein the door section can open and close the retrieval opening by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower edge of the retrieval opening, and the door section swings around the horizontal axis to have a closed position that closes the retrieval opening and a position that is opener than the closed position with a gap between the upper part of the door section and the post body section. The postbox is configured to be switchable between a first swinging position in which the mail slot is exposed and a second swinging position which is further open than the first swinging position and widens the gap between the door and the post body so that manual access to the retrieval opening is possible through the gap between the door and the post body. The postbox is equipped with a manually operated locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state which restricts further swinging of the door to the open side when the door swings from the closed position to the first swinging position and an unlocked state which allows further swinging of the door to the open side. The door is equipped with a flat door body that covers the retrieval opening and a top plate which extends from the top of the door body toward the storage space when the door is in the closed position and has the mail slot formed thereon. The operating tool for the locking mechanism is provided on the top plate so that it can be operated from above.

[0007] With this invention, the intercom housing and the post section are arranged vertically and integrally, and in an entrance unit intended for use while standing facing it, the width of the intercom housing and the post section are the same. Therefore, compared to an entrance unit where the two are provided separately, the overall design of the entrance unit is neat and unified, resulting in a better appearance.

[0008] By the way, in industrial products, pursuing design often leads to poor usability. However, according to this invention, since the retrieval opening is on the front side of the post body, it is easy to retrieve mail. Furthermore, with this invention, since the intercom is used for speaking and the post is used for inserting / retrieving mail by hand, the intercom is located at a high position close to the face, and the post is located at a low position close to the hands (arms), which are lower than the face, thus reducing the need to bend over or stretch. Also, since the retrieval opening is on the front side of the post body, it is easy to retrieve mail.

[0009] Furthermore, other configurations for the swinging door could include, for example, a configuration in which the door swings around an upper horizontal axis, or a configuration in which it swings around a vertical axis on the side. If a configuration that swings around an upper horizontal axis is adopted, there is the inconvenience of having to support the door with one hand while removing the mail with the other. Also, if a configuration that swings around a vertical axis on the side is adopted, there is a risk that the mail will spill out and fall when the door is opened. In contrast, in the present invention, the door swings around a lower horizontal axis, so when removing mail, it is not necessary to support the door with one hand, and there is less risk of the mail spilling out of the opening. Moreover, the intercom unit is installed with the height of the faces of all people, young and old, in mind, and is usually installed at a position lower than the height of an adult's face, and naturally the post unit is located at an even lower position. Furthermore, since the door of the post box swings open and closed on a lower hinge, when the door is opened, the mail slot is inevitably opened upwards at a position lower than face level. As a result, mailers can accurately place their mail while visually checking the mail slot, and the risk of mail bending or denting due to contact with the area around the mail slot is reduced. Furthermore, with this configuration, when the door is swung from the closed position to the first swing position, a mail slot appears between the door and the post body, allowing mail to be inserted into the post body through this slot. After mail has been inserted, the mail slot is closed by returning the door to the closed position. To retrieve the inserted mail, the door is swung further to the open side than when inserting. This widens the gap between the door and the post body, allowing manual access to the retrieval opening. As a result, the mail can be retrieved through the retrieval opening. In other words, by simply changing the swing angle of the door—slightly opening it for insertion and widely opening it for retrieval—both insertion and retrieval can be accomplished. Therefore, this configuration is simpler and easier for users to understand compared to a system where the mail slot and retrieval opening are formed separately in different locations. Furthermore, once the door is swung to the first swing position and mail is inserted through the mail slot, the locking mechanism maintains the locked state, restricting further swinging of the door toward the open side. As a result, even if a third party intentionally tries to swing the door toward the open side, they cannot, thus preventing the mail from being removed by a third party. When the user wants to remove the mail, they can switch the locking mechanism to the unlocked state, allowing the door to swing toward the open side. The user can then switch the door to the second swing position, allowing them to remove the mail from inside through the retrieval opening.

[0010] Therefore, we can provide entrance units that combine both design and usability.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the operating tool is provided at a position on the top plate portion that is behind the mail slot. In the present invention, the post body is preferably formed in a box shape, and the operating tool is preferably provided on the top plate such that it is hidden below the upper wall of the post body when the door is in the first swinging position in a plan view.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the locking mechanism is housed inside the post body when the door is in the closed position, and exposed to the outside when the door is switched to the first swing position.

[0013] With this configuration, when the door is in the closed position, the locking mechanism is housed and hidden inside the post body, so it does not detract from the aesthetic appearance. When the door switches to the first swinging position, the locking mechanism is exposed to the outside, making it easy to unlock.

[0014] Another characteristic configuration of the present invention is an entrance unit comprising a post section for receiving mail so that it can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section for housing an intercom, wherein the intercom housing section is provided adjacent to the post section, the intercom housing section and the post section have the same width from left to right, the post section comprises a post body section that extends along the width direction of the post section and has a mail slot into which mail is inserted, a storage space for receiving mail and an outlet on the front side from which mail can be removed, and a door section that opens and closes the outlet, the door section being able to open and close the outlet by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower edge of the outlet, and the door section However, by swinging around the horizontal axis, the door is configured to switch between a closed position in which the opening is closed, a first swing position which is more open than the closed position and in which the mail slot is exposed between the upper part of the door and the post body, and a second swing position which is more open than the first swing position and in which the gap between the door and the post body widens, allowing manual access to the opening through the gap between the door and the post body. The door is configured to switch between open positions in the order of the closed position, the first swing position, the second swing position, and the third swing position which is more open than the second swing position, by swinging around the horizontal axis relative to the post body. The door is equipped with a manually operated locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state that restricts further swinging of the door to the open side when the door swings from the closed position to the first swinging position, and an unlocked state that allows further swinging of the door to the open side, and a stopper that restricts further swinging of the door to the open side when the door swings to the second swinging position, and when the stopper is removed, the door can be switched to the third swinging position. .

[0015] In the present invention, the door portion is provided with a door body portion that covers the outlet and a bottom portion located at the lower inner side of the door body portion that receives and supports the mailed mail, and it is preferable that the door body portion and the bottom portion swing integrally around the axis.

[0016] According to this configuration, when the mailed item is mailed, the door portion is in the first swing position, so the door main body portion is in a slightly inclined posture as it swings. The mailed item is guided along the inner surface of the inclined door portion and then received and supported by the bottom surface portion. When taking out the mailed item that has been mailed, the door portion swings to the second swing position. At that time, since the mailed item is stably supported by the bottom surface portion that swings integrally and the inner surface of the door main body portion, there is no disturbance in posture and it is easy to take out.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the door portion is provided with a door main body portion that covers the take-out opening, and a closing portion provided on the left and right lateral portions of the door main body portion that closes the gap between the door main body portion and the post main body portion in a state where it is switched to the first swing position.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the door portion is in the first swing position, the gap between the door main body portion and the post main body portion is blocked by the closing portion on the left and right lateral portions of the door main body portion. Even if the door portion is switched to the first swing position after the mailed item is mailed and before it is taken out, the gap between the door main body portion and the post main body portion is blocked by the closing portion, so it is possible to prevent the mailed item from being taken out by a third party.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the door portion is in the second swing position, the closing portion is separated from the post main body portion and a gap is formed between the closing portion and the post main body portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the door portion is in the second swing position, a gap is formed between the closing portion and the post main body portion. Therefore, not only can the mailed item be taken out upward and outward, but it can also be taken out left and right laterally and outward, so the take-out operation is easy to perform.

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026] Another characteristic configuration of the present invention is an entrance unit provided with a post part for accommodating incoming and outgoing items in a detachable manner and an interphone accommodating part for accommodating an interphone. The interphone accommodating part is provided in a state where it is continuous above the post part, and the interphone accommodating part and the post part have the same width in the left-right direction. The post part includes a letter slot into which an incoming item is inserted, a post main body part that accommodates the incoming item and has an outlet through which the incoming item can be taken out on the front side, and a door part that opens and closes the outlet. The door part can open and close the outlet by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower side of the outlet. When the door part swings around the horizontal axis, it has a closed position for closing the outlet, a first swing position that is on the open side of the closed position and where the letter slot appears between the upper part of the door part and the post main body part, and a second swing position that is on the open side of the first swing position and where the gap between the door part and the post main body part widens so that the hand can access the outlet from the gap between the door part and the post main body part. The door part is configured to be able to switch its posture to these positions. A stopper part for restricting further swinging of the door part to the open side when the door part swings to the second swing position is removably provided. The door part is configured to be able to switch its posture to a third swing position that is on the open side of the second swing position when the stopper part is removed. The stopper part is attached to the bottom plate of the post main body part, and the bottom plate is configured to be removably integrated with the stopper part.

[0027] According to this configuration, an incoming item can be inserted by switching the door part to the first swing position, and the inserted incoming item can be taken out by switching the door part to the second swing position. In the second swing position, the further swinging of the door part is restricted by the stopper part. In the normal use state, it can be dealt with by switching among the closed position, the first swing position, and the second swing position.

[0028] Furthermore, the stopper is removable, and removing it allows the door to swing to the third swing position. In this third swing position, the door swings widely and opens, making it easy to perform maintenance work such as cleaning the inside of the post body. With this configuration, the three actions of mail insertion, retrieval, and maintenance can be achieved simply by changing the swing angle of the door, resulting in a simple and user-friendly structure.

[0029]

[0030] Dust and airborne particles can accumulate on the bottom plate of the postbox body when mail is inserted and removed. Therefore, in this configuration, the bottom plate is removable as an integral part of the stopper. With this configuration, removing the bottom plate from the postbox body allows the door to be swung widely to a maintenance position, making it easier to clean the inside of the postbox body, and also makes it easier to clean the bottom plate by removing it.

[0031] In the present invention, it is preferable that the front of the intercom housing section is provided with an opening that exposes the operating surface of the intercom so that it can be operated from the outside, and a nameplate mounting section to which a nameplate can be attached.

[0032] With this configuration, a nameplate mounting area is provided on the front of the intercom housing, separate from the intercom's operating surface. This makes it easier to visually confirm the nameplate when operating the intercom, improving usability. Furthermore, since the nameplate mounting area is provided on the entrance unit, it creates a more unified exterior design around the entrance compared to mounting the nameplate in a separate location, further enhancing its appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the entrance unit. [Figure 2] This is a floor plan of the entrance unit. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the entrance unit. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the intercom housing. [Figure 5] This is a rear view of the intercom housing. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the change in the position of the door section. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the post section when the door section is in the first swinging position. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the post section when the door section is in the second swinging position. [Figure 9] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the post section when the door section is in the closed position. [Figure 10] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the post section when the door section is in the first swinging position. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of the post section when the door section is in the first swinging position. [Figure 12] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional front view of the main part showing the locking mechanism. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional plan view of the main part showing the locking mechanism. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the post section from below, with the base plate removed. [Figure 15] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the main part showing the receiving state by the stopper. [Figure 16] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the main part, showing the stopper section removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] An embodiment of the entrance unit according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following description, the direction of arrow F in the figures is the front side, the direction of arrow B is the rear side, the direction of arrow R is the right side, the direction of arrow L is the left side, the direction of arrow U is the top side, and the direction of arrow D is the bottom side.

[0035] Figures 1 to 3 show an entrance unit according to the present invention. This entrance unit is equipped with a post section 1 for storing mail and other items that can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section 2 for housing an intercom IF. The intercom housing section 2 is installed adjacent to the top of the post section 1. The entrance unit is used by attaching it to the exterior wall of a house or a dedicated support column, etc., next to the gate or entrance of a house. The intercom housing section 2 is located above the post section 1, and the intercom housing section 2 and the post section 1 have the same width and depth, and are formed so that the front surface of the post section 1 of the intercom housing section 2 is flush with the front surface of the post section 1.

[0036] [Intercom housing] The intercom housing unit 2 houses a commercially available intercom IF inside. The front of the intercom housing unit 2 is provided with an opening 4 that exposes the operating surface 3 of the intercom IF so that it can be operated from the outside, and a nameplate mounting section 5 on which a nameplate can be attached.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the intercom housing 2 is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape that is open to the rear, and the front, left and right sides, top, and bottom are covered by a casing 6. The intercom IF is supported inside the casing 6. The casing 6 comprises a casing body 9 formed in a rectangular frame shape with a bottom, left and right side walls, and a top, and a front wall 10 that covers the front and is removably supported by the casing body 9.

[0038] A storage space S for housing the intercom IF is formed in the left-hand portion of the casing 6's internal space when viewed from the front. An intermediate support 11 is provided, extending vertically from the bottom to the top, at a location slightly to the left of the midpoint of the casing body 9 in the left-right direction. A left-side support 12 is provided on the inner surface of the left side of the casing 6, and a right-side support 13 is provided on the inner surface of the right side of the casing 6. The storage space S is formed between the intermediate support 11 and the left-side support 12. A mounting member Z, which is roughly U-shaped in plan view, is attached to the intercom IF with screws through elongated holes N formed in the intermediate support 11 and the left-side support 12, which run in the front-to-back direction. The front-to-back position of the intercom IF can be adjusted within the range of the elongated holes N, and the intercom IF can be installed so that the operating surface 3 is flush with the front wall portion 10.

[0039] The casing 6 has an open rear section, allowing electrical wiring to pass through that connects the intercom IF to an indoor response unit (not shown) installed inside the house. The casing 6 is fixed to mounting points on the exterior wall of the house at four locations, for example, via mounting sections 12a and 13a provided at the rear of the left support 12 and right support 13.

[0040] Under normal use, the front wall portion 10 has little clearance between it and the peripheral edge of the opening on the front side of the casing body 9, making it difficult to remove. However, it can be removed when performing maintenance work such as repairing or replacing the intercom IF.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the front wall portion 10 is bent into a roughly U-shape in a side view at both the upper and lower ends to increase its support strength, and is fixed to the casing body 9 by an elastically fitting and engaging position-holding mechanism 14 at the left and right center of the inner surface portion. The position-holding mechanism 14 is a well-known configuration and is generally referred to as a catcher mechanism.

[0042] The position-holding mechanism 14 comprises an engaging member 15 provided on the front wall portion 10 and a leaf spring-type holder 16 provided on the casing body 9. As the front wall portion 10 is attached to the casing body 9, the engaging member 15 elastically fits and engages with the holder 16. As a result, when the front wall portion 10 is attached, it is fixed to the casing body 9 by the position-holding mechanism 14.

[0043] The position-holding mechanism 14 is configured such that when the front wall portion 10 is attached, the engaging member 15 fits into and engages with the holder 16, making it difficult to remove. However, during maintenance, it can be removed by using a special tool to access the gap between the peripheral edge of the opening of the casing body 9 and the front wall portion 10.

[0044] [Post section] The post section 1 is equipped with a mail slot 19 into which mail is inserted, a post body section 21 which houses the mail and has a retrieval opening 20 on the front side from which the mail can be removed, and a door section 22 which opens and closes the retrieval opening 20. The door section 22 can open and close the retrieval opening 20 by swinging around a horizontal axis X along the lower edge of the retrieval opening 20.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the door portion 22 is configured to be switchable between three positions by swinging around a horizontal axis X along the lower edge of the opening 20: a closed position P0 that closes the opening 20; a first swinging position P1 that is more open than the closed position P0 and exposes the mail slot 19 between the upper part of the door portion 22 and the post body portion 21; and a second swinging position P2 that is more open than the first swinging position P1 and widens the gap between the door portion 22 and the post body portion 21, allowing manual access to the opening 20 through the gap between the door portion 22 and the post body portion 21.

[0046] The door section 22 is provided with a plate-shaped door body section 23 that covers the retrieval opening 20, and a bottom section 24 located at the lower inner side of the door body section 23 that receives and supports the mailed items. The door body section 23 and the bottom section 24 are configured to swing integrally around a horizontal axis X. Furthermore, the left and right sides of the door body section 23 are provided with closing walls 25 that close the gap between the door body section 23 and the post body section 21 when the door section 22 is switched to the first swing position P1. When the door section 22 is in the second swing position P2, the closing walls 25 are separated from the post body section 21, and a gap is formed between the closing walls 25 and the post body section 21.

[0047] The configuration of post unit 1 will be explained in detail below. As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the post body 21 is constructed in a roughly rectangular box shape with left and right sides, a top surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface, and a storage space K for accommodating mail is formed inside. The front side of the post body 21 is largely open, forming an opening 20. The post body 21 is constructed by welding together the left and right plate-shaped side walls 26 that make up the left and right sides, the plate-shaped upper side wall 27 that makes up the top surface, and the plate-shaped rear side wall 28 that makes up the rear surface, to form a peripheral wall 29. The rear side wall 28 is then fixed with screws to mounting points on the exterior wall of a house, etc., at multiple locations at appropriate intervals.

[0048] When the entrance unit is installed, each of the left and right side walls 26 forms a continuous, identical surface with the left and right side walls of the casing body 9 in the intercom housing 2 (see Figure 4). In other words, the left and right width of the intercom housing 2 and the left and right width of the post section 1 are the same. Therefore, the entrance unit, which is intended to be used while standing in front of it, can have a clean design with the same left and right width throughout its entire vertical structure. Furthermore, the depth of the left and right side walls 26 is the same as the depth of the left and right side walls of the casing body 9 (see Figure 4), meaning that the depth of the intercom housing 2 and the depth of the post section 1 are the same. Also, when the door section 22 is in the closed position P0, the front surface of the door section 22 is flush with the front wall section 10, which is the front surface of the intercom housing 2. In other words, the front surface of the intercom housing 2 and the front surface of the post section 1 are flush. Therefore, not only is the design aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the front, which is obtained from the aforementioned identical left and right width configuration, improved, but the design aesthetic (simple and beautiful) is also improved when viewed from any direction.

[0049] The bottom plate 30, which forms the base, is detachably attached to the peripheral wall portion 29. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, horizontal folded portions 26a are formed at the lower part of the left and right side wall portions 26, and a horizontal folded portion 28a is formed at the lower part of the rear side wall portion 28. The bottom plate 30 is attached to each folded portion 26a, 28a from below and connected to each folded portion 26a, 28a by screws. By releasing this screw connection, the bottom plate 30 can be removed from the peripheral wall portion 29. This configuration makes it easy to perform maintenance work such as removing dust and debris that has accumulated on the bottom surface due to long-term use.

[0050] As shown in Figures 8, 14, and 15, a support frame portion 31 with a rectangular cross-section is provided on the inner side of the left and right side wall portions 26. The support frame portion 31 is provided at the front portion of the side wall portion 26 and extends vertically over substantially the entire vertical width of the side wall portion 26. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, an upper receiving member 32 is connected to the upper ends of the left and right support frame portions 31. The upper receiving member 32 has a receiving surface 32a in a vertical orientation facing the door portion 22 when facing the outlet 20, and as will be described later, it receives and supports the upper end of the door portion 22 in the closed position P0.

[0051] The door section 22 has a flat door body section 23 that can cover almost the entire area of ​​the outlet 20 of the post body section 21. The left and right sides of the door body section 23 are bent into a roughly U-shape to form reinforcing frames 34. The upper part of the door body section 23 has an upper frame body 35 with a rectangular cross-section that extends in the left-right direction. The upper frame body 35 is integrally connected to the door body section 23 by welding.

[0052] The upper frame 35 is equipped with a plate-shaped receiving plate 36 that extends upward along the direction of the door body 23. The receiving plate 36 has a width that extends almost the entire width of the door 22 in the left-right direction and is integrally connected to the upper part of the upper frame 35 on the post body 21 side.

[0053] The door body 23 has an upward projection 37 that protrudes above the upper frame 35. The door body 23 is connected to the upper frame 35 on the side opposite to the post body 21. The receiving plate 36 and the upward projection 37 extend parallel to the upper frame 35 in a side view. The amount of protrusion of the upward projection 37 of the door body 23 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the receiving plate 36.

[0054] On the side of the door body 23 facing the storage space K, a roughly triangular-shaped closing wall 25 is provided in a position further inward than the reinforcing frames 34 on both the left and right sides. A bottom surface 24 connects the lower ends of the left and right closing wall sections 25 and is also connected to the lower end of the door body 23. A lateral projection 38 connects the lower ends of the left and right closing wall sections 25 and extends toward the storage space K side in a direction roughly perpendicular to the surface of the door body 23. An angled guide section 39 is provided at the corner of the bottom surface 24 on the door body 23 side.

[0055] The lateral projection 38 comprises a top plate portion 38a with a rectangular opening, the mail slot 19, and a tip vertical plate portion 38b located at the projection end. When the door portion 22 is in the closed position, the lateral projection 38 is recessed into the post body portion 21 and is therefore not visible from the outside.

[0056] The vertical plate portion 38b at the tip of the horizontal projection 38 is equipped with a magnet 40 that can attract to the rear wall portion 28 of the post body portion 21 when the door portion 22 is closed. By attracting the rear wall portion 28 with magnetic force, the door portion 22 can be held in the closed position (closed position P0). The horizontal projection 38 is also equipped with a locking mechanism 41 that can restrict the door portion 22 from swinging further towards the open side when it has swung to a position where mail can be inserted (first swinging position P1). The locking mechanism 41 will be explained later.

[0057] The swing support structure of the door section 22 will now be described. The door section 22 is supported so as to be able to swing around the horizontal axis X relative to the left and right support frame sections 31. The lower parts of both the left and right sides of the door section 22 are pivotally connected to the lower parts of the left and right support frame sections 31 via support brackets so as to be able to swing around the horizontal axis X.

[0058] Accordingly, as shown in Figures 1 and 9, the door portion 22 is supported so as to be able to swing between a closed state (corresponding to the closed position P0) in which the outlet 20 of the post body portion 21 is closed, and an open state (third swing position) in which the outlet 20 is widely opened and the position of the door portion 22 is changed by approximately 90 degrees relative to the post body portion 21 in a side view, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 10.

[0059] In the closed state, as shown in Figure 9, the receiving plate 36 of the door portion 22 abuts against the upper receiving member 32 of the post body portion 21, and the reinforcing frames 34 on both the left and right sides of the door portion 22 abut against the support frame portions 31 on both the left and right sides of the post body portion 21 (see Figure 8), thereby restricting further swinging toward the storage space K. In addition, the magnet 40 attracts to the rear wall portion 28, holding the door portion 22 in place. In the open state, the lower end of the door body portion 23 abuts against the support frame portion 31, mechanically restricting further swinging and reaching the swing limit (see Figure 16).

[0060] The mailbox is configured to allow mail to be inserted when the door 22 is swung outward by approximately 10 degrees from the closed position P0 to the first swing position P1. As shown in Figures 6 and 11, when the door 22 swings to the first swing position P1, the mail slot 19 formed on the top plate 38a of the lateral projection 38 is exposed to the outside. As a result, the mail slot 19 is revealed between the top of the door 22 and the mailbox body 21. Mail can then be inserted through the mail slot 19.

[0061] When mail is inserted through the mail slot 19, the mail is guided by sliding along the angled door body 23. Furthermore, once it reaches the lower end of the door body 23, it is smoothly guided toward the bottom surface 24 by the angled guide section 39, preventing disadvantages such as mail stacking up in an upright position.

[0062] When the door section 22 swings from the closed position P0 to the second swing position P2, it swings outward by about 55 degrees, creating a large space between the door section 22 and the post body section 21. In other words, the gap between the door section 22 and the post body section 21 widens, allowing manual access from the mail slot 19 to the retrieval opening 20. At this time, the closing wall section 25 also separates from the post body section 21, creating a large gap between the closing wall section 25 and the post body section 21. Including this large gap, it is possible to access the wide space formed between the door section 22 and both sides of the post body section 21 from above, diagonally above, and from the side to retrieve mail placed in the storage space K.

[0063] The door is equipped with a manually operated locking mechanism 41 that can be switched between a locked state, which restricts further swinging of the door when it swings from the closed position P0 to the first swinging position P1, and an unlocked state, which allows the door to swing from the first swinging position P1 to the second swinging position P2.

[0064] The locking mechanism 41 is provided on the lateral projection 38 and is stored in the inner space of the post body 21 when the door 22 is in the closed position P0, and is exposed to the outside when the door 22 switches to the first swing position P1.

[0065] Next, the locking mechanism 41 will be described. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the post body 21 is provided with a body-side projection 42 located below the lateral projection 38 when the door 22 is in the closed position P0. The body-side projection 42 consists of a plate-like body that extends laterally in a horizontal position, and its rear end is fixed to the rear wall 28 of the post body 21 with screws.

[0066] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, a roughly U-shaped folded portion 43 is formed at the end of the main body side projection 42 on the door side when viewed from the side. A portion of the center of this folded portion 43 in the left-right direction is cut out to form a recessed portion 44 for passage. The recessed portion 44 is located in a position that overlaps with the locking mechanism 41, which will be described later, when viewed from the front. A leaf spring type locking member 45 is provided in this recessed portion 44.

[0067] The locking mechanism 41 includes a rotary operating tool 46 that protrudes upward from the top plate portion 38a of the lateral projection 38, a rotating shaft portion 47 that protrudes downward from the top plate portion 38a and rotates around the vertical axis in conjunction with the operation of the rotary operating tool 46, a locking arm 48 that is integrally rotatably connected to the rotating shaft portion 47, and a dial lock 49 that protrudes upward from the top plate portion 38a and can be switched between a state that allows rotation of the rotary operating tool 46 and a state that restricts rotation.

[0068] The dial lock 49 has a well-known configuration. It is unlocked by aligning the numbers displayed on the four-digit dial with a preset number, and the rotary operating tool 46 is switched to a state where it can be rotated. If the numbers displayed on the four-digit dial do not match the preset number, it is locked, and the rotary operating tool 46 cannot be operated.

[0069] When mail is to be deposited, the door section 22 is manually operated to swing from the closed position P0 to the first swing position P1, and the mail is deposited through the mail slot 19. At this time, the dial lock 49 is locked, and the rotary operating tool 46 is maintained in the locked state. In this locked state, the locking arm 48 is in the locked position, engaging with the locking member 45 and restricting swinging toward the open side, thereby preventing the door section 22 from swinging further from the first swing position P1.

[0070] When the dial lock 49 is unlocked, the rotary operating tool 46 is switched to a state where it can be rotated. By rotating the rotary operating tool 46, the locking arm 48 is rotated so that it does not engage with the locking member 45, the lock is released, and the door section 22 can be swung further towards the open side from the first swing position P1.

[0071] [Stopper part] A stopper portion 50 is provided to restrict further swinging of the door portion 22 when it has swung to the second swing position P2. The stopper portion 50 is made of hard rubber. This stopper portion 50 is removable, and the door portion 22 is configured to be able to switch its posture to a third swing position P3, which swings further away from the post body portion 21 than the second swing position P2, when the stopper portion 50 is removed.

[0072] As shown in Figure 15, the stopper portion 50 is attached to the bottom plate 30 of the post body portion 21 by bolt connection. The bolt 51 is provided with its head facing downwards, inserting through the bottom plate 30 and the stopper portion 50 from above, and is tightened and fixed at the top with a nut 53 via a washer 52. When the bottom plate 30 is attached to the peripheral wall portion 29, the stopper portion 50 is positioned inside the support frame portion 31. The lower end of the support frame portion 31 is positioned slightly above the bottom plate 30, and when the door portion 22 swings to the second swing position P2, the lower end of the door body portion 23 comes into contact with the stopper portion 50, restricting further swinging. As the stopper portion 50 is positioned low (close to the hinge) near the bottom plate 30 of the post body 21, unlike the case where a restrictive structure such as a chain is used that extends between the upper and lower intermediate parts of the side of the door portion 22 and the upper and lower intermediate parts of the post body 21, there are no obstructions in the gaps on three sides between the door portion 22 and the post body 21, making it easy to remove mail.

[0073] Then, as shown in Figure 16, when the bottom plate 30 is removed from the peripheral wall portion 29 of the post body portion 21, the stopper portion 50 detaches from the peripheral wall portion 29 integrally with the bottom plate 30. As a result, the restriction by the stopper portion 50 is removed, and the door portion 22 can swing to the third swing position P3, which is the mechanical swing limit. When the door portion 22 swings to the third swing position P3, it opens wide, making it easier to clean the bottom surface portion 24. If the stopper portion 50 deteriorates due to wear or other reasons with use, it can be removed from the bottom plate 30 by releasing the bolt connection and replaced with a new one.

[0074] Furthermore, the swing-open and close mechanism of the door section 22 in the post section 1 described above is a very advantageous configuration for a standalone post product.

[0075] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is configured to be switchable to a second swing position P2, which is a position on the open side of the first swing position P1, and the mail slot 19 widens, allowing manual access from the mail slot 19 to the retrieval opening 20. However, instead of this configuration, the mail slot may be provided at a location other than the retrieval opening 20.

[0076] (2) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is provided with a bottom portion 24, but instead of this configuration, the door portion 22 may be provided only with the door body portion 23 without a bottom portion 24.

[0077] (3) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is provided with a closing portion (closing wall portion 25) that closes the gap between the door body portion 23 and the post body portion 21. However, instead of this configuration, a configuration may be made in which a gap is formed between the door body portion 23 and the post body portion 21 at the first swing position P1, without providing a closing portion.

[0078] (4) In the above embodiment, the lock mechanism 41 is housed inside the post body 21 when the door 22 is in the closed position P0, and when it switches to the first swing position P1, the lock mechanism 41 is exposed to the outside. However, instead of this configuration, the lock mechanism 41 may be arbitrarily switched between being housed inside and being exposed to the outside, regardless of the change in the posture of the door 22. Alternatively, the lock mechanism 41 may not be provided.

[0079] (5) In the above embodiment, the stopper portion 50 is made of hard rubber and is attached to the bottom plate 30 of the post body portion 21, but instead of this configuration, various configurations such as the following can be adopted. (5-1) The stopper part 50 does not have to be made of hard rubber; it may be made of resin or metal. (5-2) A highly rigid restricting member is detachably attached to the door portion 22 as a stopper. When the door portion 22 is in the second swing position, the restricting member contacts the support frame portion 31 of the post body portion 21, etc., restricting the swing of the door portion 22 toward the open side. When the restricting member is removed from the door portion 22, the door portion 22 can be swung toward the third swing position. (5-3) A highly rigid restricting member is detachably attached to the post body 21 as a stopper. When the door 22 is in the second swing position, the restricting member contacts the reinforcing frame 34 of the door 22, restricting the swing of the door 22 toward the open side. When the restricting member is removed from the door 22, the door 22 can be swung toward the third swing position. (5-4) As a stopper, a chain or a flexible link mechanism is detachably attached to the upper and lower middle section or upper end of the door section 22 and the corresponding section on the post body 21, thereby restricting the swinging of the door section 22 toward the open side. By removing one end of the chain or link mechanism from the door section 22 or the post body 21, the door section 22 can be swung toward the third swing position.

[0080] (6) In the above embodiment, a stopper portion 50 is provided that can be removed to restrict the door portion 22 from swinging further toward the open side when the door portion 22 swings to the second swing position P2. However, instead of this configuration, the stopper portion 50 may be made non-removable, and the door portion 22 may be made incapable of switching to the third swing position P3.

[0081] (7) In the above embodiment, the front of the intercom housing 2 is provided with a nameplate mounting section 5 on which a nameplate can be attached, but the configuration may be one in which such a nameplate mounting section 5 is not provided.

[0082] (8) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the intercom housing 2 and the post 1 have the same width and depth, and their front surfaces are flush. However, as long as the widths are the same, the depths may be different, or the front surfaces may be at different levels. For example, the intercom housing 2 may protrude slightly in front of the post 1.

[0083] (9) In the above embodiment, the door portion 22 is provided with a lateral projection 38, and the mail slot 19 is formed in the lateral projection 38, but it is not necessary to provide a lateral projection 38. When the door portion 22 is opened, the distance between the top of the door portion 22 and the post body portion 21 increases, and as a result, a mail slot appears (is formed) as a space into which mail can be inserted. In this case, if the door portion 22 is opened further, the distance between the top of the door portion 22 and the post body portion 21 increases even further (the mail slot widens), and manual access to the retrieval opening becomes possible through the gap between the door portion 22 and the post body portion.

[0084] (10) In the above embodiment, when the door portion 22 is in the first swing position P1, it is set to a position that swings outward by about 10 degrees from the closed position P0, and when the door portion 22 is in the second swing position P2, it is set to a position that swings outward by about 55 degrees from the closed position P0. However, such angles can be appropriately changed depending on the size and shape of the door portion 22. [Industrial applicability]

[0085] The present invention can be applied to an entrance unit that includes a post section for storing mail so that it can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section for housing an intercom. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Post section 2. Intercom housing 3 Operation surface 4 openings 5. Nameplate mounting section 19 Mail slots 20 Outlet 21 Post body 22 Door section 23 Door body 24 Bottom part 25 Blocking wall (blocking part) 30 Bottom plate 41 Locking mechanism 50 Stopper part P0 Closed position P1 First oscillation position P2 Second oscillation position P3 Third oscillation position X horizontal axis

Claims

1. An entrance unit equipped with a post section for storing mail so that it can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section for housing an intercom, The intercom housing is provided adjacent to the post section, The intercom housing section and the post section have the same width from left to right. The post section is provided with a mail slot extending along the width direction of the post section into which mail is inserted, a post body section having a storage space for the mail and an opening on the front side from which the mail can be removed, and a door section for opening and closing the opening. The door portion can open and close the outlet by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower edge of the outlet. The door is configured to be switchable between three positions by swinging around the horizontal axis: a closed position that closes the opening; a first swinging position that is more open than the closed position and exposes the mail slot between the top of the door and the post body; and a second swinging position that is more open than the first swinging position and widens the gap between the door and the post body, allowing manual access to the opening through the gap between the door and the post body. The door is provided with a manually operated locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state, which restricts further swinging of the door towards the open side when the door swings from the closed position to the first swinging position, and an unlocked state, which allows further swinging of the door towards the open side. The door portion is provided with a flat door body portion that covers the opening, and a top plate portion that extends from the top of the door body portion toward the storage space when the door portion is in the closed position, and has the mail slot formed therein. The locking mechanism's operating tool is located on the top plate of the entrance unit, allowing it to be operated from above.

2. The entrance unit according to claim 1, wherein the operating device is provided at a position on the top plate portion that is behind the mail slot.

3. The post body is formed in a box shape, The entrance unit according to claim 2, wherein the operating device is provided on the top plate such that it is hidden below the upper wall of the post body when the door is in the first swinging position in a plan view.

4. The entrance unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is housed inside the post body when the door is in the closed position, and is exposed to the outside when the door is switched to the first swinging position.

5. An entrance unit equipped with a post section for storing mail so that it can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section for housing an intercom, The intercom housing is provided adjacent to the post section, The intercom housing section and the post section have the same width from left to right. The post section is provided with a mail slot extending along the width direction of the post section into which mail is inserted, a post body section having a storage space for the mail and an opening on the front side from which the mail can be removed, and a door section for opening and closing the opening. The door portion can open and close the outlet by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower edge of the outlet. The door is configured to be switchable between three positions by swinging around the horizontal axis: a closed position that closes the opening; a first swinging position that is more open than the closed position and exposes the mail slot between the top of the door and the post body; and a second swinging position that is more open than the first swinging position and widens the gap between the door and the post body, allowing manual access to the opening through the gap between the door and the post body. The door portion can be switched to an open position in the following order by swinging around the horizontal axis with respect to the post body portion: the closed position, the first swing position, the second swing position, and the third swing position which is a position further open than the second swing position. The door is provided with a manually operated locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state that restricts further swinging of the door to the open side when the door swings from the closed position to the first swinging position, and an unlocked state that allows further swinging of the door to the open side, and a stopper that restricts further swinging of the door to the open side when the door swings to the second swinging position. The entrance unit is such that when the stopper is removed, the door can be switched to the third swinging position.

6. The door portion is provided with a door body portion that covers the opening, and a bottom portion located at the lower inner side of the door body portion that receives and supports the mailed items. The entrance unit according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the door body and the bottom surface swing integrally around the horizontal axis.

7. The entrance unit according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the door portion is provided with a door body portion that covers the outlet, and a closing portion provided on the left and right sides of the door body portion that closes the gap between the door body portion and the post body portion when switched to the first swinging position.

8. The entrance unit according to claim 7, wherein when the door portion is in the second swinging position, the closing portion is separated from the post body portion, and a gap is formed between the closing portion and the post body portion.

9. An entrance unit equipped with a post section for storing mail so that it can be inserted and removed, and an intercom housing section for housing an intercom, The intercom housing is provided adjacent to the post section, The intercom housing section and the post section have the same width from left to right. The post section is provided with a mail slot into which mail is inserted, a post body that houses the mail and has an opening on the front side from which the mail can be removed, and a door that opens and closes the opening. The door portion can open and close the outlet by swinging around a horizontal axis along the lower edge of the outlet. The door is configured to be switchable between three positions by swinging around the horizontal axis: a closed position that closes the opening; a first swinging position that is more open than the closed position and exposes the mail slot between the top of the door and the post body; and a second swinging position that is more open than the first swinging position and widens the gap between the door and the post body, allowing manual access to the opening through the gap between the door and the post body. A stopper is provided, which is removable, to restrict further swinging of the door to the open side when the door has swung to the second swinging position. The door section is configured to be able to switch its orientation to a third swinging position, which is a more open position than the second swinging position, when the stopper section is removed. The stopper portion is attached to the bottom plate of the post body. An entrance unit in which the bottom plate is configured to be removable integrally with the stopper portion.

10. The entrance unit according to any one of claims 1, 5, or 9, wherein the front of the intercom housing section is provided with an opening that exposes the operating surface of the intercom so that it can be operated from the outside, and a nameplate mounting section on which a nameplate can be attached.

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