Delivery box

Abstract

To provide a home delivery box which can be installed without narrowing a space in a building and is excellent in convenience.SOLUTION: A home delivery box 2 includes a box storage part 3 buried underground with an upper end part located at the height of a ground surface GL and with an opening part 31 formed on the upper end part, a body box 4 stored in the box storage part 3, lifting means 6 for moving the body box 4 vertically between underground and above ground, water induction means 37, 47 for inducing ground water to the inside of the box storage part 3, the body box 4 has a plurality of storage parts 41, 42, 43 for storing packages, and the plurality of storage parts 41, 42, 43 are arranged side by side at least in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery box buried underground. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, the logistics volume of home delivery services has increased, and demand for package receiving facilities called delivery boxes or the like has been growing regardless of whether it is a detached house or an apartment building. Patent Document 1 discloses a built-in delivery box provided in an opening formed in an outer wall of a detached house. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a delivery locker that can be shared among residents of an apartment building by enabling personal authentication. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 4054553 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-236797 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] It goes without saying that delivery boxes are convenient for users, but they can also reduce the number of redeliveries for delivery companies, so they are highly convenient and useful. For this reason, there are many requests to introduce delivery boxes to one's home or to popularize delivery boxes. However, for example, in the case of a built-in delivery box, problems may occur such as the indoor space becoming narrower, or in the case of a delivery box for an apartment building, the shared space becoming narrower. For this reason, in order to promote the introduction and popularization of delivery boxes, ingenuity regarding the installation location of delivery boxes is required. In addition, not only regarding the installation location, development of technology for improving the convenience of the delivery box itself is also required.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a delivery box that can be installed without reducing the space inside a building and is highly convenient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is, for example, illustrated by 3 As shown, the delivery box 2 is, A box storage section 3 is buried underground, with its upper end at ground level (GL), and an opening 31 is formed at its upper end. The main box 4 is housed in the aforementioned box storage section 3, The main body box 4 is a lifting mechanism 6 that moves up and down between the ground and the surface, The box storage section 3 is equipped with water-attracting means 37, 47 for guiding water from the ground, The main box 4 has a plurality of storage compartments 41, 42, 43 in which luggage P is stored, and the plurality of storage compartments 41, 42, 43 are arranged at least vertically. 、 The water intake means 47 is provided at the lower end of the main body box 4, and is a water intake channel 47 having a water inlet 47a formed on the side surface of the main body box 4 and a drainage port 47b formed on the lower surface of the main body box 4. The inlet 47a is positioned on the ground when the main body box 4 is moved to its highest position by the lifting mechanism 6. It is characterized by the following. According to the invention described in claim 1, the delivery box 2 comprises a box storage section 3 that is buried underground and whose upper end is at ground level (GL) with an opening 31 formed at its upper end, a main box 4 that is housed in the box storage section 3, and a lifting means 6 that moves the main box 4 up and down between the ground and the ground. Therefore, the delivery box 2 can be installed in an empty outdoor space on the site where a building such as a house is constructed. As a result, the delivery box 2 can be installed without narrowing the indoor space or common areas of the building, thus promoting the introduction and widespread use of the delivery box 2. Furthermore, the main box 4 has multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in which packages P are stored, and the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 are arranged at least vertically, so even if the delivery box 2 is buried underground, it can receive multiple packages P through the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43, making it highly convenient. Furthermore, since the delivery box 2 is equipped with water-attracting means 37 and 47 inside the box storage section 3 to guide ground water Wr, it is possible to prevent flooding of the building by allowing rainwater Wr accumulated on the site to flow into the box storage section 3. As a result, the delivery box 2 can be used not only as a package receiving facility but also has a disaster prevention function, making it more convenient than when the delivery box 2 is used solely as a package receiving facility. Furthermore, the water intake channel 47, which is a water intake means provided at the lower end of the main box 4, has a water inlet 47a formed on the side of the main box 4 and a drain outlet 47b formed on the lower surface of the main box 4. The inlet 47a is located on the ground when the main box 4 is moved to its highest position by the lifting means 6, so the inlet 47a is not located on the ground when the main box 4 is stored inside the box storage section 3. Therefore, in order to guide water Wr from the ground, the main box 4 will be moved to its highest position, so it is possible to reliably prevent the main box 4 from being deformed by the water pressure of the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3, and to prevent the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3 from penetrating into the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43. As a result, even if luggage P is stored in the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43, it is possible to prevent the luggage P from getting wet with the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is, for example, a delivery box 2 as shown in Figure 6, A box storage section 3 is buried underground, with its upper end at ground level (GL), and an opening 31 is formed at its upper end. The main box 4 is housed in the aforementioned box storage section 3, The main body box 4 is a lifting mechanism 6 that moves up and down between the ground and the surface, The box storage section 3 is equipped with water-attracting means 37, 47 for guiding water from the ground, The main box 4 has a plurality of storage compartments 41, 42, 43 in which luggage P is stored, and the plurality of storage compartments 41, 42, 43 are arranged at least vertically. The water intake means 37 is provided at the upper end of the box storage section 3, and is a water intake channel 37 in which a water inlet 37a is formed on the upper end surface of the box storage section 3 and a drain outlet 37b is formed on the inner surface of the upper end of the box storage section 3. The drain port 37b is characterized in that it can drain when the main body box 4 is moved to its highest position by the lifting means 6. Claim 2According to the invention described in [claim 0], the delivery box comprises: a box storage section that is buried underground, with an upper end located at the height of the ground GL and an opening formed at the upper end; a main body box stored in the box storage section; and an elevating means for moving the main body box up and down between underground and aboveground. This enables the delivery box to be installed in an empty outdoor space on the site where a building such as a residence is constructed. Accordingly, the delivery box can be installed without reducing the indoor space or common space of the building, thereby promoting the introduction and popularization of delivery boxes. Furthermore, the main body box has a plurality of storage sections for storing parcels, and the plurality of storage sections are arranged at least vertically. Therefore, even for a delivery box buried underground, multiple parcels can be received by the plurality of storage sections, which provides excellent convenience. Moreover, the delivery box is provided with water guiding means inside the box storage section for guiding aboveground water. Thus, rainwater and the like accumulated on the site can flow into the box storage section, making it easier to prevent water from flooding the building. This allows the delivery box to not only be used as a parcel receiving facility but also have a disaster prevention function, so it is more convenient than when the delivery box is only used as a simple parcel receiving facility. Furthermore, the water intake channel 37, which is a water intake means provided at the upper end of the box storage section 3, has a water inlet 37a formed on the upper end surface of the box storage section 3 and a drain outlet 37b formed on the inner surface of the upper end of the box storage section 3. The drain outlet 37b can drain water when the main box 4 is moved to its highest position by the lifting means 6. Therefore, when the main box 4 is stored inside the box storage section 3, drainage from the drain outlet 37b is not possible. As a result, in order to guide water Wr from the ground, the main box 4 will be moved to its highest position, so it is possible to reliably prevent the main box 4 from being deformed by the water pressure of the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3, and to prevent the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3 from penetrating into the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43. As a result, even if luggage P is stored in the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43, it is possible to prevent the luggage P from getting wet with the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3.

[0008] Claim 3 The invention described in [claim 12], as shown in, for example, Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 7, is in the delivery box according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that in the delivery box described in a lower end of the box storage section is provided with a hole for discharging the water guided into the box storage section.

[0009] Claim 3According to the invention described in , a hole for discharging water Wr guided into the box storage portion 3 is provided at the lower end of the box storage portion 3, so the water Wr accumulated on the site can be received by the box storage portion 3, and further the water Wr can be discharged to the outside of the box storage portion 3. Therefore, water immersion into the building can be prevented.

[0014] Claim 4 The invention described in , for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, according to claim 1 or 2 In the delivery box 2 described in , further comprising control means (5) for controlling operations of the main body box (4) and the elevating means (6), the main body box (4) further comprises doors (41a, 42a, 43a) that open and close cargo loading / unloading openings of the plurality of storage portions (41, 42, 43), the control means 5 is by operating the elevating means (6), performing control to move the plurality of storage portions (41, 42, 43) in the main body box (4) that has been moved to the uppermost position into the box storage portion (3) one stage at a time in order from the bottom so that cargo P can be stored sequentially; and performing control to unlock the doors (41a, 42a, 43a) of the storage portions (41, 42, 43) among the plurality of storage portions (41, 42, 43) that are in a waiting state for receiving cargo P.

[0015] Claim 4According to the invention described above, the control means 5 controls the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, 43 in the main box 4, which is in its uppermost position, into the box storage compartment 3 one by one from the bottom up so that packages P can be stored inside, by operating the lifting means 6, and also controls the release of the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, 43 that are in a state of waiting to receive packages P. As a result, the delivery person D or user U of the packages P can determine at a glance how many packages P have arrived simply by looking at the storage compartments 41, 42, 43 stored inside the box storage compartment 3, that is, the storage compartments 41, 42, 43 that are visible above ground level GL. This is convenient because it eliminates the need to check each of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, 43 to confirm whether or not packages P have arrived. In addition, since the storage sections 41, 42, and 43 containing the luggage P are stored inside the box storage section 3, security is high. Furthermore, because the temperature underground is lower and more stable than above ground, the storage sections 41, 42, and 43, which are moved underground, are suitable for storing luggage that should not be stored at high temperatures.

[0016] Claim 5 The invention described above is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, as per claim 1 or 2 In the delivery box 2 described above, The system further includes a control means 5 for controlling the operation of the main body box 4 and the lifting means 6, The main box 4 further has doors 41a, 42a, 43a that open and close the loading and unloading openings for luggage P in the plurality of storage compartments 41, 42, 43, The control means 5 is By operating the lifting means 6, the control is performed to move the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 of the main box 4, which are stored in the box storage compartment 3, to the ground one by one from top to bottom so that luggage can be stored in them. Control to unlock the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage units 41, 42, and 43, which have appeared on the ground and are in a waiting state for receiving the cargo P, The system is characterized by performing a control to lock the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in which the luggage P is stored.

[0017] Claim 5 According to the invention described above, the control means 5 operates the lifting means 6 to control the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which are stored in the box storage compartment 3, one by one to the ground so that packages can be stored from top to bottom; to control the release of the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that have appeared on the ground and are waiting to receive packages P; and to control the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that contain packages P. As a result, the delivery person D or user U of the packages P can determine at a glance how many packages P have arrived simply by looking at the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 stored inside the box storage compartment 3, that is, the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that are visible above ground level GL. This is convenient because it eliminates the need to check each of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 to confirm whether or not packages P have arrived.

[0018] Claim 6 The invention described above is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, as per claim 1 or 2 In the delivery box 2 described above, The system further includes a control means 5 for controlling the operation of the main body box 4 and the lifting means 6, The main box 4 further has doors 41a, 42a, 43a that open and close the loading and unloading openings for luggage P in the plurality of storage compartments 41, 42, 43, The control means 5 is By operating the lifting means 6, control is performed to move the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which are stored in the box storage compartment 3, to the ground when receiving the package P. Control to unlock the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a in the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 when receiving luggage P, The system is characterized by performing a control to lock the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in which the luggage P is stored.

[0019] Claim 6 According to the invention described above, the control means 5 operates the lifting means 6 to control the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 of the main box 4, which is stored in the box storage compartment 3, to the ground when receiving luggage P; to control the unlocking of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 when receiving luggage P; and to control the locking of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in which luggage P is stored. As a result, the state in which the main box 4 is stored in the box storage compartment 3 can be set as the default state. This increases the time that the main box 4 is stored in the box storage compartment 3, thereby improving security and making it easier to protect luggage P stored in the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a delivery box that can be installed without reducing the space inside a building and is highly convenient. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the main box stored in the box storage compartment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the top storage compartment in a state where it is waiting to receive packages. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the main box has been moved to its highest position, enabling water induction by the water induction mechanism. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control means. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an overview of the reservation system for making reservations for delivery lockers. [Figure 6]This is a cross-sectional view showing another example where the main box has been moved to its highest position, enabling water induction by the water induction means. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a delivery box equipped with a means for transporting packages. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, while the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. The directions in the following embodiments and illustrated examples are set solely for the convenience of explanation.

[0023] In Figures 1 to 3, the symbol GL indicates the ground level. This ground level GL is the ground level of the site on which a building such as a house is constructed, and it is where the delivery box 2 of this embodiment is installed. Also, the symbol 1 is part of the building, and specifically indicates the stairs 1 provided in the entrance approach. Therefore, in Figure 1 and so on, the side on which these stairs 1 are provided is considered the building side (inside) of the site, and the opposite side is considered the exterior side (outside / road side) of the site.

[0024] The delivery box 2 of this embodiment is buried underground, and when waiting to receive a package P (when waiting for a package P to be placed inside), it protrudes above ground level (GL). This delivery box 2 comprises a box storage section 3, a main box 4, a control device 5, a lifting device 6, and a door locking device 7.

[0025] [Regarding the box storage area and the main box] The box storage section 3 is a rectangular box-shaped body that is mostly buried underground except for the upper end, and is made of, for example, precast concrete. An opening 31 is formed at the upper end of the box storage section 3, and this upper end is located at ground level (GL). In other words, a hole is formed in the ground level by the box storage section 3.

[0026] Furthermore, a drain pipe 33 is provided at the lower end of the box storage section 3 for draining the water that has been guided into the inside of the box storage section 3. The drain pipe 33 may be connected to a rainwater pipe buried underground in the road or to a water storage tank. More specifically, a drainage hole is formed through the lower end of the box storage section 3, and a drain pipe 33 is installed in this hole. In addition, a water slope toward the drainage hole is formed on the upper surface (bottom surface) of the lower end of the box storage section 3. Although not shown in the diagram, such drainage holes may also be formed at the lower end of the side wall of the box storage section 3, oriented diagonally downwards.

[0027] The main box 4 is the main body of the delivery box 2, which is stored in the box storage section 3, and has multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43 in which packages P are stored. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are three upper and lower storage sections 41, 42, and 43. However, it is not limited to this, and there may be two upper and lower sections, four or more upper and lower sections, or two or more rows of storage sections on the left and right sides. In this embodiment, the lowest storage section 41 is designated as the first storage section 41, the middle storage section 42 as the second storage section 42, and the uppermost storage section 43 as the third storage section 43. Furthermore, each storage compartment 41, 42, and 43 is equipped with a luggage detection sensor (not shown in the diagram) to detect the presence or absence of luggage P.

[0028] Each of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 has at least an opening for loading and unloading luggage P formed on the outside, and has doors 41a, 42a, and 43a (front doors) for opening and closing the loading and unloading opening. Furthermore, the main box 4 is equipped with a door locking device 7 that locks or unlocks the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a. The door locking device 7 locks the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a when the package P is placed in the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 by the delivery person D, and unlocks the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a when the resident (user U) takes the package P out of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. The operation of locking or unlocking doors 41a, 42a, and 43a using such door locking device 7 is controlled by control device 5.

[0029] Furthermore, at least one of the edges (door stops) of the openings in the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43, and the edges of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a, is fitted with a watertight seal such as watertight rubber to prevent water from entering. As a result, when the openings are closed by the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a, the watertightness of the openings is high and water does not flow in from the outside. In addition, no holes for water to enter are formed in any other part of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43.

[0030] The main box 4 is configured to move up and down relative to the box storage section 3 by a lifting device 6. Furthermore, since the main box 4 in this embodiment has three storage sections 41, 42, and 43, it moves up and down so that one section appears above ground or one section is stored underground at a time.

[0031] The box storage section 3 is provided with a stopper section 32 to prevent the main box 4 from protruding too far upward or sinking too far downward when it moves up and down. The stopper portion 32 is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the upper end of the box storage portion 3 toward the center. In this embodiment, a plurality of stopper portions 32 are provided on the inner surface of the box storage portion 3 at intervals from each other, but the invention is not limited to this, and may be formed in a frame shape along the inner surface of the box storage portion 3.

[0032] The main box 4 is equipped with an upper lid 44 and a lower lid 45 that contact the stopper portion 32 provided in the box storage section 3. The top lid 44 is a plate-like body fixed to the upper end of the main box 4. When the main box 4 is moved to its lowest position and completely stored inside the box storage section 3, its outer edge, which protrudes laterally from the main box 4, contacts the upper surface of the stopper section 32. This prevents the main box 4 from sinking too far downward when it is stored in the box storage section 3. The lower cover 45 is a plate-like body fixed to the base 46 at the lower end of the main box 4. When the main box 4 is moved to its highest position and fully exposed above ground level, the outer edge portion that protrudes laterally beyond the main box 4 and base 46 contacts the lower surface of the stopper portion 32. This prevents the main box 4 from protruding too far upward when it emerges from the box storage section 3 and protrudes above ground level (GL).

[0033] At least one of the upper surface of the stopper portion 32 and the outer edge of the upper lid 44 is fitted with a watertight seal, such as a watertight rubber, to prevent water from entering. Furthermore, at least one of the lower surface of the stopper portion 32 and the outer edge of the lower lid 45 is fitted with a watertight seal, such as a watertight rubber, to prevent water from entering. In other words, when the main box 4 is in its lowest position and when the main box 4 is in its highest position, water is prevented from flowing from the stopper portion 32 into the interior of the box storage portion 3. Furthermore, the stopper portion 32 is formed in a frame shape, and a water-sealing material is provided on its inner edge. When this water-sealing material is in contact with the main box 4, water will not flow from the stopper portion 32 into the box storage portion 3, even if the main box 4 is at an intermediate height. In short, not limited to the parts mentioned above, any parts where the box storage section 3 and the main box 4 come into contact may be fitted with a waterproofing material and treated to prevent water damage.

[0034] In this embodiment, the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4 are formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, with an opening on one side. The top lid 44 and bottom lid 45 are also formed in a rectangular plate shape. In contrast, although the box storage section 3 is a rectangular box-shaped body as described above in this embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be substantially cylindrical. If the box storage section 3 is substantially cylindrical, the upper lid 44 and lower lid 45 of the main box 4 shall also be formed in a disc shape.

[0035] Furthermore, a water intake channel 47, which will be described later, is formed in the base 46 provided at the lower end of the main box 4.

[0036] [Regarding the means of raising and lowering] The lifting device 6 is a means for moving the main box 4 up and down between the ground and the ground. Although not shown in the figures, in this embodiment it is a lifting device installed on the bottom surface of the box storage section 3, with its upper end connected to the lower lid 45 of the main box 4. However, the type of lifting device 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the main box 4 up and down along the box storage section 3. For example, it could be an elevator-type lifting device that lifts the main box 4 from above and moves it up and down, or it could be a lifting device using a rack and pinion system consisting of a pinion gear that rotates due to a drive unit and a rack rail that meshes with the pinion gear.

[0037] [Regarding control means] The control device 5 includes an operation panel 51 for performing input operations to operate the main box 4 and the lifting device 6, and a support part 52 for supporting the operation panel 51. The control panel 51 is a control panel for controlling and operating the operation of each part of the delivery box 2, and includes at least control of the drive unit in the lifting device 6, control of the door locking device 7 for locking or unlocking the doors 41, 42, 43 in the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, 43, and control circuits necessary for the operation of other parts of the delivery box 2. This control device 5 is erected and positioned near the delivery box 2 on the premises. The control panel 51 is located at a high position, on the upper end of the support section 52. This makes it easy for delivery personnel D and users U to operate.

[0038] In this embodiment, the control device 5, equipped with an operation panel 51 and a support unit 52, is independently installed near the delivery box 2 on the premises. However, it is not limited to this configuration and may be installed as part of an intercom system located at the boundary with the road on the premises. In that case, the support unit 52 would be a gatepost, and the operation panel 51 would function as part of the intercom system installed on the gatepost. The support unit 52 is not limited to a gatepost; it may also be a gate wing (wall) or the exterior wall of a building such as a house.

[0039] To explain in more detail, the control device 5 (operation panel 51), as shown in Figure 4, is connected to the lifting device 6, which is a means of raising and lowering, so that the lifting device 6 receives commands from the operation panel 51 and its drive unit is operated. In other words, by operating the drive unit of the lifting device 6 using the operation panel 51, the main box 4 can be moved upward or downward. The storage sections 41, 42, and 43 can be raised and lowered so that they appear above ground one step at a time, or are stored underground one step at a time, as described above.

[0040] Furthermore, the control device 5 is communicatively connected to the door locking device 7 in the main box 4, and the door locking device 7 receives operations from the control panel 51 and locks or unlocks the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a. In other words, when delivery person D delivers package P, the locks on doors 41a, 42a, and 43a in any of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 are released, allowing the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a to be opened. The doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that do not contain package P are kept locked, preventing delivery person D from storing package P at their discretion. Furthermore, when user U retrieves luggage P, the locks on doors 41a, 42a, and 43a in any of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 are released, allowing doors 41a, 42a, and 43a to be opened.

[0041] The housing that makes up the control panel 51 is equipped with buttons for moving the main box 4 up and down, and buttons for unlocking the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. These buttons can only be operated by delivery person D or user U, who have been authenticated by the authentication method. The authentication method is not particularly limited, but for example, authentication can be completed by having information terminals 24, 26 such as smartphones held by delivery person D and user U communicate with the control panel 51 and exchange a pre-issued one-time password. In addition, authentication may be performed by biometric authentication, input of a pre-issued authentication code, reading of an authentication card, or any other authentication method. Therefore, the control panel 51 is equipped with a communication unit (communication module, etc.) for communicating with external devices via the communication network N.

[0042] In this embodiment, the main box 4, when moved to its highest position, is in the initial waiting state for receiving the package P (waiting for the package P to be stored). In this case, the package P is stored starting from the first storage section 41, which is located at the bottom of the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43. Furthermore, of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43, only the door 41a of the first storage section 41 can be operated by the control device 5. In other words, at this stage, the control of the door lock device 7 is basically such that only the door 41a of the first storage section 41 can be unlocked. Then, when the luggage P is placed in the first storage compartment 41, the control device 5 controls the drive unit of the lifting device 6 to lower the main box 4 by one level and store the first storage compartment 41 in the box storage compartment 3.

[0043] The state in which the first storage unit 41 is stored in the box storage unit 3 is considered to be the state of waiting to receive the next package P. In this case, the package P is stored in the second storage unit 42, which is located in the middle of the multiple storage units 41, 42, and 43. At this time, only the door 42a of the second storage unit 42 can be operated by the control device 5. Then, once the luggage P is placed in the second storage section 42, the control device 5 controls the drive unit of the lifting device 6 to lower the main box 4 one more level, and store the second storage section 42 in the box storage section 3 (see Figure 2).

[0044] The state in which the first storage compartment 41 and the second storage compartment 42 are stored in the box storage compartment 3 is considered the waiting state for receiving the next package P. In this case, the package P is stored in the third storage compartment 43, which is located at the top of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. At this time, only the door 43a of the third storage compartment 43 is operable by the control device 5. Then, when the luggage P is placed in the third storage section 43, the control device 5 controls the drive unit of the lifting device 6 to lower the main box 4 one more level, and stores the third storage section 43 in the box storage section 3. In other words, the entire main box 4 is stored in the box storage section 3 (see Figure 1).

[0045] With the control system for receiving the package P described above, the delivery person D and the user U can see the state in which the main box 4 is protruding from the ground (or stored in the box storage section 3) and determine whether the package P is stored in any of the storage sections 41, 42, and 43. That is, for example, if only the first storage section 41 is stored in the box storage section 3, it can be immediately determined that the second storage section 42 and the third storage section 43 do not contain the package P. Also, if the entire main box 4 is stored in the box storage section 3, it can be immediately determined that the package P is stored in all of the storage sections 41, 42, and 43.

[0046] In other words, in this embodiment, the control device 5 operates the lifting device 6 to control the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which has moved to its highest position, to move one by one into the box storage compartment 3 from the bottom up so that packages P can be stored in order. It also controls the locking or unlocking of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that have emerged above ground and are waiting to receive packages P. As a result, the delivery box 2 of this embodiment is able to store packages P from the bottom up in the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43.

[0047] However, if the delivery box 2 is used by multiple users U (for example, residents of different households), the timing of retrieving packages P will often differ. Therefore, the order in which packages P are stored is not necessarily limited to from bottom to top, but rather packages P will be stored randomly in multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. If packages P are placed randomly, the normal state is when the main box 4 is stored inside the box storage section 3, and control may be implemented to raise the main box 4 when the package P is placed inside by the delivery person D or when the package P is taken out by the user U. In short, the normal state is when the main box 4 is stored inside the box storage section 3, regardless of whether a package P is placed inside or not, and the main box 4 is raised when a package P is placed inside or taken out. Furthermore, the system is returned to the normal state after a package P is placed inside or taken out.

[0048] [Regarding water-attracting methods] The delivery box 2 configured as described above is equipped with a water intake channel 47 inside the box storage section 3 for guiding water from the ground. The water intake channel 47 is formed on the base 46 as described above. More specifically, the water intake channel 47 has an inlet 47a into which water flows and a drain outlet 47b into which water is discharged. The inlet 47a is formed on the side of the base 46, above ground level (GL). The drain outlet 47b is formed by penetrating the lower end of the base 46 and the lower cover 45. The inlet 47a and the drain outlet 47b are connected by a pipe, allowing water Wr such as rainwater accumulated at ground level (GL) to be guided into the box storage section 3. In this embodiment, multiple inlets 47a are formed, allowing water to flow in from around the main body box 4.

[0049] Here, since the inlet 47a is formed on the side of the base 46 located at the lower end of the main box 4, it will be positioned on the ground when the main box 4 is moved to its highest position. In other words, the base 46 not only functions as a support for the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 on the lower cover 45, but also functions as part of a water-inducing means that guides ground water into the box storage compartment 3. In short, the base 46 supports the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 at a position higher than the ground level (GL), and guides ground water into the box storage compartment 3 through a water-inducing channel 47 formed using that height.

[0050] Water guided into the storage box section 3 flows into the rainwater pipe through the drain pipe 33. This allows for proactive drainage of water from the site, making it easier to prevent flooding of the building. Furthermore, the drain pipe 33 may be equipped with a shut-off valve that can be operated by the control device 5 to open and close the opening of the drain pipe 33. By providing such a shut-off valve, the amount of water flowing into the rainwater pipe can be controlled, making it easier to prevent inland flooding. In addition, closing the shut-off valve is preferable because it can also prevent backflow of water from the rainwater pipe.

[0051] The timing for guiding ground water through the water intake channel 47 is, for example, when rainfall is detected by the rainfall sensor 8. That is, the delivery box 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a rainfall sensor 8 that detects rainfall, and this rainfall sensor 8 is communicated with the control device 5. Therefore, when the rainfall sensor 8 detects rain, the control device 5 controls the main box 4 to move to its highest position and exposes the water inlet 47a formed in the base 46 to the outside.

[0052] Alternatively, a rainfall sensor may be used instead of the rainfall sensor 8. That is, when a certain amount of rainfall is reached and flooding is a concern, the control device 5 moves the main box 4 to its highest position and controls the water inlet 47a formed in the base 46 to expose it to the outside. Alternatively, a water level sensor may be used instead of the rainfall sensor 8. That is, when the water accumulated on the site reaches a certain level and there is a concern about flooding, the control device 5 moves the main box 4 to its highest position and controls the water inlet 47a formed in the base 46 to expose it to the outside. The water level sensor is to be installed at the lower end of the support part 52 of the control device 5. Alternatively, based on the analysis results of the images captured by the camera, the main unit box 4 may be moved to its highest position, and control may be performed to expose the water inlet 47a formed in the base 46 to the outside. In addition, the control device 5 may perform control to move the main box 4 to the highest position and expose the water inlet 47a to the outside, based on weather information (forecast information for a certain amount of rainfall) received from an external weather forecast server. Alternatively, the control device 5 may perform control to automatically move the main box 4 upon receiving weather information, or it may notify the user information terminals 24 and 25 used by user U to confirm whether the main box 4 can be moved, and then perform control to move the main box 4 after receiving confirmation from the user information terminals 24 and 25 that it can be moved.

[0053] Control over the raising and lowering of the main box 4 during rainfall (control for draining water from the site) shall take precedence over control over the raising and lowering of the main box 4 when receiving cargo P.

[0054] [About the reservation system] As described above, the delivery box 2 is expected to be installed facing the road, and therefore can be made available not only to the residents of the house built on the property but also to neighboring residents. In other words, the users U of the delivery box 2 include both the residents of the property and neighboring residents, and multiple users U will use the delivery box 2 randomly. Therefore, in order to ensure the smooth use of the delivery box 2, a reservation system is introduced in this embodiment. In other words, the delivery box 2 is integrated into the reservation system, and users U, including the residents of the property and neighboring residents, can reserve the use of the delivery box 2 by using this reservation system. Furthermore, multiple delivery boxes 2 may be installed in a single city block, for example, and user U can select and reserve any one of the multiple delivery boxes 2.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the reservation system of this embodiment comprises a reservation server 20 that comprehensively manages the reservation system, a delivery box 2 equipped with multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43, user information terminals 24 and 25, and delivery personnel information terminals 26 and 27. The delivery box 2, user information terminals 24 and 25, and delivery personnel information terminals 26 and 27 are connected to the reservation server 20 via a communication network N.

[0056] The communication network N in this embodiment may include various communication network types such as telephone lines, ISDN lines, optical fibers, mobile communication networks, satellite communication lines, CATV lines, and other dedicated lines, as well as Internet service providers (i.e., the Internet) that connect them. It may also be a collective communication network in which various communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth®, and NFC (Near Field Communication) are connected in a manner that enables communication with each other. Furthermore, the connection method may be wired, wireless, or a mixture of wired and wireless.

[0057] The reservation server 20 is a central management device composed of a PC, dedicated devices / terminals, etc., and includes a calculation unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. These calculation unit 21, storage unit 22, and communication unit 23 are electrically connected by a bus or the like. The reservation server 20 is designed to allow user U to reserve the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 of the delivery box 2 in advance when they wish to use it. By reserving the delivery box 2 in advance, it is possible to prevent other users from using the delivery box 2, thereby reducing the number of redeliveries of packages P by delivery person D.

[0058] The calculation unit 21 of the reservation server 20 is composed of a CPU, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. ROM stores various programs and other data that the CPU executes. The CPU of the arithmetic unit 21 reads various programs stored in the memory unit 22, expands them into RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operation of each means in the reservation system.

[0059] The storage unit 22 of the reservation server 20 is composed of non-volatile memory, a hard disk, or the like. The memory unit 22 stores various programs executed by the arithmetic unit 21, as well as various data necessary for program execution.

[0060] The various programs include a reservation program that reserves the delivery box 2 based on reservation information transmitted from user information terminals 24 and 25, and a reservation cancellation program that cancels the reservation when the package P is retrieved from the reserved delivery box 2. Furthermore, each of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the delivery box 2 is assigned identification information (for example, an identification number), and the various data stored in the storage unit 22 includes the data of the identification information assigned to the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. Furthermore, each delivery box 2 is assigned identification information, and the reservation system can manage reservations for multiple delivery boxes 2 located in different locations. Furthermore, the various data stored in the memory unit 22 include data from a confirmation table for checking the reservation status of multiple storage units 41, 42, and 43.

[0061] The communication unit 23 of the reservation server 20 is composed of communication modules and the like. The communication unit 23 is configured to send and receive various signals and data with other devices (user information terminals 24, 25, delivery personnel information terminals 26, 27) that are connected via wired or wireless connections through the communication network N.

[0062] The reservation server 20 in this embodiment operates as follows: When the reservation server 20 receives a request from user U accessing the reservation server 20 to reserve the use of the accommodation units 41, 42, and 43, it executes a reservation program. When the reservation program is executed, it first sends data from a confirmation table showing the current reservation status to the user information terminals 24 and 25. The user information terminals 24 and 25 are either mobile information terminals 24 such as smartphones or tablet devices, or information terminals 25 such as PCs, and the confirmation table is displayed on the display units of the user information terminals 24 and 25.

[0063] User U checks the confirmation table on user information terminals 24 and 25 to see which accommodation units 41, 42, and 43 are available for reservation. User U then selects any of the available accommodation units 41, 42, and 43 and sends the reservation information to the reservation server 20 via user information terminals 24 and 25. The reservation information includes user information, which is information about user U themselves; identification information for the delivery box 2 and storage units 41, 42, and 43 that the user wishes to reserve; and information about the date and time of the reservation.

[0064] The reservation server 20 receives reservation information transmitted from user information terminals 24 and 25 via the communication unit 23 and stores it in the storage unit 22. Then, it updates the data in the confirmation table based on the information contained in the reservation information. The updated confirmation sheet will show that the rooms 41, 42, and 43 reserved by user U are booked for the date and time they made their reservation, and that other users cannot make reservations in those rooms. Any reservations made by other users will be rejected.

[0065] The reservation server 20 can also be accessed from the delivery person information terminals 26 and 27 used by delivery person D, allowing delivery person D to check the confirmation sheet to see which storage units 41, 42, and 43 have reservations. Furthermore, the reservation server 20 may also send a notification to the delivery personnel information terminals 26 and 27 informing them of the reservation details as soon as a reservation is received from user U. In this case, the reservation information shall include information specifying the delivery company that will deliver the package P, and information (e.g., email address) of the delivery personnel information terminals 26 and 27 to which the notification will be sent. The information terminals 26 and 27 for delivery personnel are either mobile information terminals 26 such as smartphones or tablet devices, or information terminals 27 such as PCs. Mobile information terminal 26 is used by delivery personnel D, and information terminal 27 is managed by the delivery company to which delivery personnel D belongs. Mobile information terminal 26 and information terminal 27 are connected in a way that allows them to communicate and share information.

[0066] Furthermore, when the luggage P stored in the reserved storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 is retrieved by user U, the luggage detection sensors installed in the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 cease to detect luggage P. The reservation server 20 executes a reservation cancellation program when the luggage detection sensors cease to detect luggage P. When the reservation cancellation program is executed, the data on the confirmation table is updated, and the reservations for accommodation units 41, 42, and 43, which were previously reserved, are canceled. The confirmation table then shows that accommodation units 41, 42, and 43 are now available for reservation.

[0067] Furthermore, it is not always the case that user U is aware of the delivery of package P. For example, it may be a package that user U is unaware of, such as a mid-year gift, a year-end gift, or a present. Since delivery person D is aware that package P is a package that user U is unaware of, when delivering such a package P, D will notify user U of the scheduled delivery of package P in advance via user information terminals 24 and 25. Upon receiving notification of the delivery schedule, user U accesses the reservation server 20 to reserve storage units 41, 42, and 43. The reservation server 20 then updates the confirmation table based on user U's reservations for storage units 41, 42, and 43. Delivery driver D can check which storage units 41, 42, and 43 have reservations by looking at the updated confirmation sheet or by receiving a notification informing him of the reservation details, and then delivers package P according to the reservation details.

[0068] In this manner, reservations for storage units 41, 42, and 43 can be made. Furthermore, if multiple users U reserve the use of storage units 41, 42, and 43, they may specify and reserve any storage unit 41, 42, or 43 at any location in the delivery box 2. However, the control related to raising and lowering the main box 4 during rainfall (control for draining water from the site) will take precedence over the control related to raising and lowering the main box 4 in connection with the reservation.

[0069] This embodiment provides the following excellent effects. In other words, the delivery box 2 comprises a box storage section 3 that is buried underground with its upper end at ground level (GL) and has an opening 31 formed at its upper end, a main box 4 that is housed in the box storage section 3, and a lifting device 6 that moves the main box 4 up and down between the ground and the ground. Therefore, the delivery box 2 can be installed in an empty outdoor space on the site where a building such as a house is constructed. This allows the delivery box 2 to be installed without reducing the indoor space or common areas of the building, thus promoting the introduction and widespread use of the delivery box 2. Furthermore, the main box 4 has multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in which packages P are stored, and the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 are arranged at least vertically, so even if the delivery box 2 is buried underground, it can receive multiple packages P through the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43, making it highly convenient. Furthermore, since the delivery box 2 is equipped with drainage channels 37 and 47 inside the box storage section 3 to guide ground water Wr, it is possible to prevent flooding of the building by allowing rainwater Wr accumulated on the site to flow into the box storage section 3. As a result, the delivery box 2 can be used not only as a package receiving facility but also has a disaster prevention function, making it more convenient than when the delivery box 2 is used solely as a package receiving facility.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower end of the box storage section 3 is provided with a hole for draining the water Wr that has been guided into the box storage section 3. This allows the box storage section 3 to receive the water Wr that has accumulated on the site and then drain that water Wr to the outside of the box storage section 3. As a result, flooding of the building can be prevented.

[0071] Furthermore, the water intake channel 47, which is a water intake means provided at the lower end of the main box 4, has a water inlet 47a formed on the side of the main box 4 and a drain outlet 47b formed on the lower surface of the main box 4. The inlet 47a is located on the ground when the main box 4 is moved to its highest position by the lifting device 6, so the inlet 47a is not located on the ground when the main box 4 is stored inside the box storage section 3. Therefore, in order to guide water Wr from the ground, the main box 4 will be moved to its highest position, so it is possible to reliably prevent the main box 4 from being deformed by the water pressure of the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3, and to prevent the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3 from penetrating into the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43. As a result, even if luggage P is stored in the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43, it is possible to prevent the luggage P from getting wet with the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device 5 operates the lifting device 6 to control the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which has moved to its highest position, into the box storage section 3 one by one from the bottom up so that packages P can be stored inside. It also controls the release of the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that are waiting to receive packages P. As a result, the delivery person D or user U of the packages P can determine at a glance how many packages P have arrived simply by looking at the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 stored inside the box storage section 3, that is, the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that are visible above ground level (GL). This eliminates the need to check each of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 to confirm whether packages P have arrived, making it very convenient. In addition, since the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 containing packages P are stored inside the box storage section 3, security is enhanced. Furthermore, since the temperature underground is lower and more stable than above ground, the storage units 41, 42, and 43 that move underground are suitable for storing, for example, goods that are not suitable for storage at high temperatures.

[0073] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality, which aims to achieve virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions, and for the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). In the construction industry, efforts are also being made to use wood, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions, for buildings. The delivery box 2 of this embodiment can reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with the redelivery of packages P, and thus can contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality and the achievement of the SDGs.

[0074] [Variation] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications are described below. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible. Furthermore, in each of the following modifications, elements common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0075] [Variation 1] In the above embodiment of the delivery box 2, the control is such that packages P are placed in order from the bottom up. However, in this modified delivery box 2, the control is such that packages P are placed in order from the top up. In other words, the control device 5 operates the lifting device 6 to control the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which are stored in the box storage compartment 3, one by one to the ground, starting from the top so that the luggage P can be stored inside. Furthermore, it controls the release of the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that have appeared on the ground and are waiting to receive the luggage P. In addition, it controls the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that contain the luggage P.

[0076] In other words, when no luggage P is stored inside, the main box 4 is completely stored inside the box storage section 3. When package P is delivered by delivery person D, it is first placed in the third storage compartment 43, which is located at the top. Door 43a is locked. Next, when package P is delivered by delivery person D, the main box 4 rises one level, and package P is placed in the second storage compartment 42 on the middle level. Next, when package P is delivered by delivery person D, the main box 4 rises one more level, and package P is placed in the first storage section 41 located at the lowest position.

[0077] With the control system for receiving the package P described above, the delivery person D and the user U can see that the main box 4 is protruding from the ground (or stored in the box storage section 3) and determine whether the package P is stored in one of the storage sections 41, 42, or 43.

[0078] In other words, in this modified example, the control device 5 operates the lifting device 6 to control the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which are stored in the box storage compartment 3, one by one to the ground so that packages can be stored from top to bottom; to unlock the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that have appeared on the ground and are waiting to receive packages P; and to lock the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that contain packages P. As a result, the delivery box 2 of this embodiment is able to store packages P in the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in order from top to bottom.

[0079] According to this modified version, the delivery person D or user U of the package P can determine at a glance how many packages P have arrived simply by looking at the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 located inside the box storage compartment 3, that is, the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 that are visible above ground level (GL). This is highly convenient because it eliminates the need to check each of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 to confirm whether or not packages P have arrived.

[0080] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment of the delivery box 2, the state in which the main box 4 is moved to its highest position is considered the initial state of waiting to receive the package P. However, in this modified example, the state in which the main box 4 is always stored in the box storage section 3 is considered the state of waiting to receive the package P. In other words, the control device 5 controls the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in the main box 4, which are stored in the box storage compartment 3, to the ground when receiving the luggage P, by operating the lifting device 6. Furthermore, it controls the release of the locks on the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 when receiving the luggage P. In addition, it controls the locking of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 where the luggage P is stored. In other words, the main box 4 is always stored in the box storage section 3, except when the package P is delivered and stored, and when the water channel 37 guides the ground water Wr into the box storage section 3. This state is considered the state of waiting to receive the package P. Of course, the main box 4 may be removed from the box storage section 3 during maintenance, etc.

[0081] In other words, regardless of whether there are no packages P stored inside or whether packages P are stored in at least one of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, 43, the main box 4 is always stored in the box storage compartment 3. This state is considered the state of waiting to receive packages P. Then, when the package P is delivered by the delivery person D, the main box 4 rises. The delivery person D places the package P into one of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, 43 that does not currently contain the package P. Next, when another package P is delivered by delivery person D, the main box 4 rises. Delivery person D places package P into the storage section that does not currently contain any packages. Next, when another package P is delivered by delivery person D, the main box 4 rises. Delivery person D places the package P into the storage section that does not currently contain any packages. In this manner, luggage P can be stored in multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. Furthermore, the locking and unlocking of doors 41a, 42a, and 43a will be controlled as appropriate.

[0082] In this modified version, when the package P is delivered by the delivery person D and placed in one of the storage compartments 41, 42, or 43, the entire main box 4 is raised to its highest position. Once the package P is placed in one of the storage compartments 41, 42, or 43, the entire main box 4 is then returned to the box storage compartment 3. However, this is not the only option. When a package P is delivered by delivery person D and placed in one of the storage compartments 41, 42, or 43, the main box 4 may be raised to a position where the storage compartment 41, 42, or 43 into which the package P is placed is exposed above ground level. Once the package P is placed in one of the storage compartments 41, 42, or 43, the entire main box 4 may be returned to the box storage compartment 3. The selection of storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 to which the luggage P will be stored may be made as appropriate from among the available storage compartments, in order from top to bottom or from bottom to top. Alternatively, it may be specified from the delivery person information terminals 26, 27 used by delivery person D, or from the user information terminals 24, 25 used by user U. Alternatively, if there is a difference in the maximum storage volume for each of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43, the appropriate compartment may be selected according to the size information of the package P linked to the delivery information of the package being delivered.

[0083] Furthermore, in this modified example, the control device 5 is capable of communicating with the mobile information terminal 26, one of the information terminals 26 and 27 used by the delivery person D. Therefore, the control device 5 determines the location of the delivery person D based on the location information of the mobile information terminal 26, and controls the movement of the main box 4 upward from the box storage section 3 when the delivery person D approaches the vicinity of the delivery box 2. However, this is not the only option. If the control panel 51 is provided as part of the intercom system, the camera function of the intercom system may be used to read the two-dimensional code attached to the package P, thereby allowing the control device 5 to recognize the arrival of delivery person D. Alternatively, the facial information (biometric information) of delivery person D may be registered in advance, and facial recognition may be performed using the camera function of the intercom system, thereby allowing the control device 5 to recognize the arrival of delivery person D.

[0084] According to this modified example, the control device 5 operates the lifting device 6 to control the movement of the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 of the main box 4, which is stored in the box storage compartment 3, to the ground when receiving the package P; to control the unlocking of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 when receiving the package P; and to control the locking of the doors 41a, 42a, and 43a of the storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in which the package P is stored. As a result, the state in which the main box 4 is stored in the box storage compartment 3 can be set as the default state (waiting state for package receipt). This increases the time that the main box 4 is stored in the box storage compartment 3, thereby improving security and making it easier to protect the package P stored in the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43.

[0085] [Example 3] As shown in Figure 6, the modified delivery box 2 is equipped with a water intake channel 37 as a means for guiding ground water into the box storage section 3. In this modified example, the water intake channel 37 is provided at the upper end of the box storage section 3. More specifically, the water intake channel 37 has an inlet 37a into which water flows and a drain outlet 37b into which water is discharged. The inlet 37a is formed on the upper end surface of the box storage section 3. The drain outlet 37b is formed on the inner surface of the upper end of the box storage section 3. The inlet 37a and the drain outlet 37b are connected by a pipe, allowing water Wr such as rainwater accumulated at ground level (GL) to be guided into the inside of the box storage section 3. In this embodiment, multiple water intake channels 37 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper end surface of the box storage section 3, allowing water to flow in from around the main box 4.

[0086] Here, since the inlet 37a is formed on the upper end surface of the box storage section 3, it is always positioned on the ground. Also, the drain outlet 37b is positioned below the stopper section 32. Therefore, when the main box 4 is moved to its highest position (when the lower lid 45 is positioned above the stopper section 32), the drain outlet 37b can pour water from the ground that flows in through the inlet 37a into the inside of the box storage section 3.

[0087] Furthermore, when the lower lid 45 of the main box 4 is positioned below the stopper portion 32, water flowing in from the inlet 37a will accumulate above the lower lid 45 and between the main box 4 and the inner surface of the box storage portion 3. For this reason, drainage holes may be formed in the lower lid 45. Alternatively, the rain sensor 8 (see Figure 4) can be configured to immediately move the main box 4 to its highest position upon detecting rainfall. This prevents water from accumulating between the main box 4 and the inner surface of the box storage section 3, making it easier to prevent water from entering the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43 within the main box 4.

[0088] Water guided into the storage box section 3 flows into the rainwater pipe through the drain pipe 33. This allows for proactive drainage of water from the site, making it easier to prevent flooding of the building.

[0089] According to this modified version, the water intake channel 37, which is a water intake means provided at the upper end of the box storage section 3, has a water inlet 37a formed on the upper end surface of the box storage section 3 and a drain port 37b formed on the inner surface at the upper end of the box storage section 3. The drain port 37b can drain water when the main box 4 is moved to its highest position by the lifting device 6. Therefore, when the main box 4 is stored inside the box storage section 3, drainage from the drain port 37b is not possible. As a result, in order to guide water Wr from the ground, the main box 4 will be moved to its highest position, so it is possible to reliably prevent the main box 4 from deforming due to the water pressure of the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3, and to prevent the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3 from penetrating into the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43. As a result, even if luggage P is stored in the multiple storage sections 41, 42, and 43, it is possible to prevent the luggage P from getting wet with the water Wr guided into the box storage section 3.

[0090] [Variation 4] As shown in Figure 7, the modified delivery box 2 is connected to a transfer pipe 10 for transporting the package P to the outside of the box storage section 3. The transfer pipe 10 is inserted into and fixed through an opening 34 formed on the building side at the upper end of the box storage section 3. A belt conveyor 11, which is a transfer device, is provided at the bottom of the transfer pipe 34, allowing the cargo P to be transferred along the transfer pipe 10. The operation of the belt conveyor 11 can be controlled, for example, by an operation panel 51.

[0091] At the bottom of the transfer pipe 10, a bridging section 12 is provided at the end on the side of the box storage section 3, which spans between the transfer pipe 10 and the box storage section 3. The bridge section 12 can be raised and lowered in a drawbridge-like manner. When the main box 4 is raised or lowered, the bridge section 12 is in a raised position, and when the cargo P is transferred from the main box 4 to the transfer pipe 10, it is extended between the transfer pipe 10 and the box storage section 3. The operation of this bridge section 12 can be controlled, for example, by the control panel 51.

[0092] Furthermore, the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in this modified example have a second access opening formed on the inside (rear side), and also have doors 41b, 42b, and 43b (rear doors) that open and close the access opening. These doors 41b, 42b, and 43b can also be locked or unlocked by the door locking device 7. Furthermore, the multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43 in this modified example are provided with an extrusion device, although not shown in the figures, that pushes the stored cargo P out from the second inlet / outlet towards the transfer pipe 10. The operation of this extrusion device can be controlled, for example, by an operation panel 51.

[0093] In this modified version of the delivery box 2, the package P stored in the front opening can be pushed out from the second opening on the rear side towards the transport pipe 10, and furthermore, the pushed-out package P can be transported to the building side through the transport pipe 10.

[0094] For example, if luggage P is stored in the first storage section 41 located at the lowest position, and the main box 4 moves down one level so that the first storage section 41 is stored inside the box storage section 3, then we want to transfer luggage P to the building side. In such a case, first, the bridging section 12 is lowered and placed between it and the main box 4, and the rear door 41b is opened to open the second access point. Next, the extrusion device of the first storage section 41 pushes the cargo P towards the transfer pipe 10. Then, the cargo P, which has been pushed onto the conveyor belt 11, is moved towards the building by operating the conveyor belt 11. Furthermore, when the cargo P is pushed out towards the belt conveyor 11, the second loading / unloading opening is closed by the rear door 41b, and the bridging section 12 is also flipped up.

[0095] The cargo P can be transferred to the building side following the steps described above. The building is equipped with a lifting device, although not shown in the diagram, which allows for the retrieval of cargo P from, for example, under the floor. Furthermore, an opening is formed in the first floor of the building, connecting the underfloor space to the indoor space, allowing the cargo P lifted by the lifting device to be retrieved through this opening. The building configuration is not limited to the examples described above and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a tower parking type vertical transport device may be adopted on the building side, which includes a lift pipe extending vertically perpendicular to the transport pipe 10, and a plurality of pallets that are provided to circulate vertically within the lift pipe and receive cargo P from the transport pipe 10.

[0096] According to this modification, the package P received in the main box 4 can be retrieved in the indoor space of the building without having to take it out outdoors, thus offering superior security, and heavy packages can also be transported to the building, resulting in superior convenience.

[0097] [Variation 5] In this modified version, the delivery box 2 is open to nearby residents, and packages P are randomly placed in multiple storage compartments 41, 42, and 43. When a package P is placed in one of the storage compartments 41, 42, or 43 and is in a waiting state for retrieval (waiting for the stored package P to be retrieved), and the user information of user U who will receive the package P is known, the delivery person D may place other packages that the same user U is scheduled to receive in the same space as the already stored package P. The modified delivery box 2 is equipped with a dimensional measuring sensor to measure the dimensions of the package P in order to enable the receipt of such packages P.

[0098] If the dimensional measurement sensor determines that the size of the package P stored inside the main box 4 is small, and the control device 5 calculates that there is empty space inside the storage compartment, this information is transmitted to the delivery person's information terminals 26, 27 of the delivery person D who will deliver the next package for the same user U. After confirming this information, delivery person D places the next package inside the storage compartment where the previous, smaller package P was located. This increases the number of packages that can be stored in the package P. As a result, the number of redeliveries by delivery personnel D can be reduced, preventing a decrease in delivery efficiency and an increase in delivery costs, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0099] [Variation 6] In this modified version, the delivery box 2 is used as a receiving facility for packages P delivered by a delivery company, but is not limited to this use. It may also be used when a user U requests a package from a delivery company. In that case, the procedure for using the delivery box 2 described above should be reversed.

[0100] [Variation 7] In this modified example of the delivery box 2, the main box 4 has thin vacuum insulation panels incorporated into its casing and door. That is, the main box 4 has high insulation performance and can maintain the internal temperature within a constant range for a long time even without power. As a result, the main box 4 can receive packages that require temperature control, such as fresh food, industrial products, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the main box 4 may have cooling packs incorporated into its casing and door. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 stairs 2. Delivery box 3 Box Storage Compartments 31 Opening 32 Stopper part 33 Drain pipe 34 Opening 37 Induction channel 37a Inlet 37b Drain port 4. Main box 41 First Detention Unit 41a Door 41b Door 42 Second Detention Unit 42a Door 42b Door 43 Third Detention Unit 43a Door 43b Door 44 Top lid 45 Lower lid 46 Pedestals 47 Induction channel 47a Inlet 47b Drain port 5 Control device 51 Control panel 52 Support part 6. Lifting device 7. Door locking device 8. Rainfall sensor GL ground Wr Water

Claims

1. A box-shaped storage unit is buried underground, with its upper end at ground level, and an opening formed at its upper end. The main box is stored in the aforementioned box storage section, The aforementioned main box includes a lifting mechanism for moving it up and down between the ground and the surface, The box storage section is equipped with a water-attracting means for guiding ground water, The main box has a plurality of storage compartments for storing luggage, and the plurality of storage compartments are arranged at least vertically. The water intake means is a water intake channel provided at the lower end of the main body box, with a water inlet formed on the side surface of the main body box and a drain outlet formed on the lower surface of the main body box. The delivery box is characterized in that the inlet is positioned on the ground when the main box is moved to its highest position by the lifting mechanism.

2. A box-shaped storage unit is buried underground, with its upper end at ground level, and an opening formed at its upper end. The main box is stored in the aforementioned box storage section, The aforementioned main box includes a lifting mechanism for moving it up and down between the ground and the surface, The box storage section is equipped with a water-attracting means for guiding ground water, The main box has a plurality of storage compartments for storing luggage, and the plurality of storage compartments are arranged at least vertically. The water intake means is provided at the upper end of the box storage section, and is a water intake channel with a water inlet formed on the upper end surface of the box storage section and a drainage port formed on the inner surface of the upper end of the box storage section. The delivery box is characterized in that the drain outlet becomes capable of draining when the main box is moved to its highest position by the lifting mechanism.

3. In the delivery box according to claim 1 or 2, A delivery box characterized in that the lower end of the box storage section is provided with a hole for draining water that has been guided into the inside of the box storage section.

4. In the delivery box according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes control means for controlling the operation of the main body box and the lifting mechanism, The main box further has doors for opening and closing the loading and unloading ports for the luggage in the plurality of storage compartments, The control means is By operating the lifting mechanism, the control mechanism moves the multiple storage compartments in the main box, which is in its highest position, one by one into the box storage compartments from the bottom up so that luggage can be stored inside. A delivery box characterized by performing control to release the lock on the door of one of the multiple storage compartments that is in a state of waiting to receive a package.

5. In the delivery box according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes control means for controlling the operation of the main body box and the lifting mechanism, The main box further has doors for opening and closing the loading and unloading ports for the luggage in the plurality of storage compartments, The control means is By operating the lifting mechanism, the control is performed to move the multiple storage compartments in the main box, which are stored in the box storage compartment, to the ground one by one from top to bottom so that luggage can be stored in them. Control to unlock the door of the storage unit that has emerged above ground and is in a state of waiting to receive cargo, A delivery box characterized by performing a control to lock the door of the storage section in which the package is stored.

6. In the delivery box according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes control means for controlling the operation of the main body box and the lifting mechanism, The main box further has doors for opening and closing the loading and unloading ports for the luggage in the plurality of storage compartments, The control means is By operating the lifting mechanism, control is provided to move the multiple storage compartments in the main box, which are stored in the box storage compartment, to the ground when receiving the package. A control that unlocks the door in the storage compartment when receiving a package, A delivery box characterized by performing a control to lock the door of the storage section in which the package is stored.

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