Storage system

Abstract

To provide a storage system that allows wiring defects to be easily checked.SOLUTION: A storage system includes a plurality of storage cabinets, a power supply unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The power supply unit supplies power to each of the plurality of storage cabinets. Each of the plurality of storage cabinets has a frame, an internal box, a door, an electronic lock, and a light-emitting unit. The internal box is housed within the frame. The door opens and closes relative to the frame or the internal box. The electronic lock locks and unlocks the door. The electronic lock and the light-emitting unit are electrically connected. The light-emitting unit and the control unit are electrically connected. The control unit and the power supply unit are electrically connected. The storage unit stores individual address information corresponding to each storage cabinet. The control unit, upon receipt of a connection confirmation instruction, controls the light-emitting unit corresponding to the individual address information to emit light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-313753 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

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

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that allows easy checking of wiring defects. [Means for Solving the Problem]

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

[0007] During the assembly process of this storage system, the worker confirms that there are no problems with the connection between the power supply unit and the circuit board by verifying that the light-emitting part illuminates properly. In this storage system, the light-emitting part faces the inner surface of the frame. With this storage system, the worker can see the light reflected from the inner surface of the frame when the light-emitting part illuminates, allowing the worker to easily confirm that there are no problems with the electrical connection between the power supply unit and the circuit board using a light that is not too bright.

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

[0009] With this storage system, the light-emitting part is not visible from the outside when the internal box is housed within the frame, thus preventing the user from seeing unnecessary light after the connection status between the power supply and the circuit board has been confirmed. Furthermore, with this storage system, the light-emitting part is not visible from the outside when the internal box is housed within the frame, thus improving the appearance of the storage system.

[0010] The above storage system further comprises a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to each of the multiple storage units, and a reception unit that receives an instruction to unlock an electronic lock. When the reception unit receives an unlock instruction, the control unit supplies power to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlock instruction, and when power is supplied to the electronic lock, the light-emitting part of the circuit board connected to the electronic lock to which power is supplied may light up.

[0011] In this storage system, when power is supplied to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlocking command, the light-emitting part on the circuit board connected to the electronic lock illuminates. Therefore, by checking whether the light-emitting part on the circuit board connected to the electronic lock that is the target of the unlocking command illuminates, the operator can confirm whether the power supply unit and the circuit board are properly connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storage system that allows for easy identification of wiring defects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the storage system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of a storage room. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a storage system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a database. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of how the storage system operates when the switch is in the ON position. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of how the storage system operates when the switch is in the OFF position. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the assembly procedure for the storage system. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the procedure for attaching each component to the frame. [Figure 9]It is a figure for explaining the procedure of connecting a plurality of frames. [Figure 10] It is a diagram schematically showing a part of the front state of the frames when the connection of a plurality of frames is completed. [Figure 11] It is a figure for explaining the procedure of attaching an inner box to a frame. [Figure 12] It is a figure for explaining the procedure of attaching a door to a frame. [Figure 13] It is a figure for explaining the groups of light emitting units that emit light at the same time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference symbols, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Also, each drawing is schematically drawn with appropriate omission or exaggeration of the object for ease of understanding.

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

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

[0017] Each of the multiple storage compartments 100 is configured to store the user's belongings inside. Each storage compartment 100 can be locked and unlocked using an electronic lock. Each storage compartment 100 is assigned a unique address. The numbers m and n (where m and n are natural numbers) in parentheses in Figure 1 indicate the addresses assigned to each storage compartment 100.

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

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

[0020] <1-2. Mechanical configuration of each storage compartment> Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the storage unit 100. As shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 100 includes a frame 110, an internal box 120, a door 160, an electronic lock 130, and a circuit board 140.

[0021] The frame 110 is made of, for example, metal and has a rectangular shape in both a front view and a top view. Inside the frame 110, a space is formed that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. At the front end of the frame 110, an inner flange portion 116 (Figure 10) is formed that protrudes inward from the frame 110. Inside the frame 110, an internal box 120 is housed.

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

[0023] The outer flange portion 122 is formed over the entire outer circumference of the front end of the inner box 120. That is, the outer flange portion 122 protrudes from the front end of the inner box 120 outwards in the up, down, left, and right directions. On the upper edge of the outer flange portion 122, a notch C1, a hole H2, and a hole H3 are formed from left to right. The outer flange portion 122 is in contact with the front end (inner flange portion 116) of the frame 110.

[0024] The door 160 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of metal or resin, and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The door 160 is attached to the frame 110 and the internal box 120 via hinges 151 and 152. The door 160 is configured to open and close relative to the frame 110 and the internal box 120. A locking portion 161 and a projection 162 are attached to the inner surface of the door 160.

[0025] In the example shown, the door 160 is attached to the frame 110 and the internal box 120 via hinges 151 and 152, but it may also be attached to either the frame 110 or the internal box 120.

[0026] The locking portion 161 is used to lock the door 160. The locking portion 161 protrudes from the inner surface of the door 160. The tip of the locking portion 161 is provided with a rod-shaped portion that extends vertically. When the door 160 is closed, the locking portion 161 is positioned so that its tip enters the electronic lock 130. The projection 162 is used to detect the push (in) of the door 160 in the first mode described above. The projection 162 protrudes from the inner surface of the door 160. When the door 160 is closed, the projection 162 is positioned so that its tip faces the detection unit 144 (described later).

[0027] The electronic lock 130 and the circuit board 140 are each positioned in the space formed between the upper inner surface of the frame 110 (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper inner surface") and the upper outer surface of the internal box 120 (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper outer surface"). The detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light-emitting unit 146 are mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 140. That is, the light-emitting unit 146 faces the upper inner surface of the frame 110. The reason for this configuration will be explained later.

[0028] In Figure 2, the light-emitting part 146 may be configured to face any of the following surfaces, not just the upper inner surface of the frame 110: the left inner surface of the frame 110, the right inner surface of the frame 110, or the lower inner surface of the frame 110.

[0029] The front end of the electronic lock 130 is located in a position corresponding to the notch C1 and is exposed to the outside. The detection unit 144 is located in a position corresponding to the hole H2 and is exposed to the outside. The switch unit 142 is located in a position corresponding to the hole H3 and is exposed to the outside. On the other hand, the light-emitting unit 146 is not exposed to the outside. The reason for this configuration will be explained later. When the door 160 is closed, the electronic lock 130, the detection unit 144, and the switch unit 142 are each covered by the door 160.

[0030] The electronic lock 130 is configured to lock and unlock the door 160. The electronic lock 130 has, for example, a hook portion 131 (Figure 10) that engages with the rod-shaped portion of the locking portion 161, and locks and unlocks the door 160 by causing the hook portion 131 to reciprocate or rotate. In other words, the electronic lock 130 has two states: a locked state in which the hook portion 131 is engaged with the rod-shaped portion of the locking portion 161, and an unlocked state in which the hook portion 131 is not engaged with the rod-shaped portion of the locking portion 161. The state of the electronic lock 130 is controlled by a control unit 210 (Figure 3) in the master box 200.

[0031] The detection unit 144 is configured to detect when the door 160 is pushed by the user. The detection unit 144 is composed of, for example, a microswitch or a push button. When the door 160 is closed and the electronic lock 130 is locked, there is a small gap between the door 160 and the internal box 120. Because of this gap, the door 160 can be pushed further in. When the door 160 is pushed further in, the projection 162 of the door 160 pushes the detection unit 144. This push causes the detection unit 144 to detect when the door 160 is pushed by the user. When the door 160 is closed and the electronic lock 130 is locked, the detection unit 144 is OFF when the door 160 is not pushed further in, and ON when the door 160 is pushed further in. When the detection unit 144 is ON, it outputs a detection signal.

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

[0033] The light-emitting unit 146 is configured to emit light when power is supplied from an external source. The light-emitting unit 146 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting unit 146 is electrically connected in series with the electronic lock 130.

[0034] The lighting patterns of the light-emitting unit 146 will be explained later.

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

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

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

[0038] The switching unit 216 is configured to electrically conduct the connection points according to the selection signal output by the arithmetic processing unit 212. The switching unit 216 is composed of, for example, multiple switching elements corresponding to the number of connection points. Each connection point included in the switching unit 216 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 146 of the corresponding storage compartment 100 via wiring W1. The storage system 10 according to this embodiment includes 24 storage compartments 100, and therefore has 24 wires W1. Note that the control unit 210 does not necessarily have a switching unit 216. For example, multiple wires W1 may be directly connected to the power supply unit 240. That is, the power supply unit 240 and the circuit board 140 may be directly connected by multiple wires W1.

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

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

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of database DB1. As shown in Figure 4, database DB1 manages, for example, the storage box number (box number), the address information of storage box 100, the name of the employee using the storage box 100, the employee number of the employee using the storage box 100, and the ID (Identifier) ​​of the employee using the storage box. For example, the arithmetic processing unit 212 of the control unit 210 performs user authentication based on the unlock instruction signal and database DB1.

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

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

[0044] <2-1. Operation when the switch is in the ON state (first mode)> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the storage system 10 when the switch unit 142 is in the ON state. The process shown in this flowchart is executed in the second cycle by the arithmetic processing unit 212 while the electrically conductive connection points in the scanning unit 214 are sequentially switched in the first cycle. The first cycle is shorter than the second cycle, and is, for example, short enough for a user to push the door 160 of the storage unit 100 to unlock the electronic lock 130, and for all connection points to be electrically connected at least once while this pushing continues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0051] Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to supply power to the electronic lock 130 of the storage unit 100 corresponding to the identified address (step S220). That is, the arithmetic processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to make the connection point corresponding to the identified address conductive, and also controls the power supply unit 240 to supply power to the electronic lock 130, which is now conductive. As a result, the light-emitting unit 146 lights up and the electronic lock 130 is unlocked.

[0052] [3. Assembly procedure for the storage system] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the assembly procedure for the storage system 10. Each step shown in this flowchart is performed by an operator.

[0053] The worker prepares the required number of frames 110 (for example, 25), and attaches the electronic lock 130 and circuit board 140 to each frame 110 (step S300). In addition, the frame 110 for the master box 200 is separately fitted with the components required for the master box 200 (control unit 210, reception unit 220, storage unit 230, power supply unit 240, etc.).

[0054] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for attaching each component to the frame 110. In this diagram, the top surface of the frame 110 is positioned downwards. As shown in Figure 8, ribs 113 and 114 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the upper inner surface 112 of the frame 110 at predetermined intervals. The front ends of each of the ribs 113 and 114 are connected by connecting parts 117 extending in the left-right direction. A hole H1 is formed between the connecting part 117 and the upper inner surface 112. The length of the hole H1 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the hole H1 in the up-down direction.

[0055] The substrate 140 is fixed by screws to the area between the ribs 113 and 114 on the upper inner surface 112. With the substrate 140 fixed to the upper inner surface 112, the detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light-emitting unit 146 (Figure 2) each face the upper inner surface 112 and overlap with the hole H1 in a front view. That is, the operator can see the detection unit 144, the switch unit 142, and the light-emitting unit 146 each through the hole H1 in a front view. The electronic lock 130 is fixed by screws to the area adjacent to the substrate 140 on the upper inner surface 112, with the rib 113 in between.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 7, after the necessary parts have been attached to each frame 110, the worker connects the multiple frames 110 together (step S310).

[0057] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for connecting multiple frames 110. Referring to Figure 9, the worker connects multiple (e.g., 5) frames 110 that are stacked vertically, for example, by using a connecting plate (not shown). Then, the worker connects multiple (e.g., 5) rows of frames, each formed by connecting multiple (e.g., 5) frames 110 vertically, in the horizontal direction. For example, the horizontal connection is done using bolts and nuts. This completes the connection of the multiple frames 110.

[0058] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the front view of the frame 110 after the connection of multiple frames 110 has been completed. As shown in Figure 10, in a front view, each component on the substrate 140 is exposed to the outside through the holes H1.

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

[0060] After that, the worker checks the wiring connections (step S330). For example, in the storage system 10, the wiring connection check process for W1 is pre-programmed. For example, when the system receives a connection check instruction from the worker via the reception unit 220, the calculation processing unit 212 controls the switching unit 216 to sequentially change the connection points that conduct electricity at predetermined time intervals, and also controls the power supply unit 240 to supply power to the electronic locks 130 that are in a conductive state. For example, the calculation processing unit 212 controls the supply of power to each electronic lock 130 corresponding to addresses (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (2,1), (2,2)...(5,4), (5,5) in this order.

[0061] When this control is performed, if the wiring W1 is connected correctly, the light-emitting units 146 corresponding to addresses (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (2,1), (2,2)...(5,4), (5,5) will light up in this order. Since each light-emitting unit 146 is exposed to the outside through the hole H1, the worker can visually check whether the wiring W1 is connected correctly by checking the lighting state and lighting order of each light-emitting unit 146. In addition, since the light-emitting units 146 face the upper inner surface 112, the light reflected from the upper inner surface 112 of the frame 110 when the light-emitting units 146 are lit can be seen by the worker, so the worker can easily confirm that there are no problems with the wiring W1 connection with light that is not too bright.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, in the storage system 10, a process that can confirm the connection of both wiring W1 and W2 may be pre-programmed. For example, the detection unit 144 may be configured to output a detection signal according to instructions from the arithmetic processing unit 212 regardless of whether the door 160 is pushed or not, and the arithmetic processing unit 212 may control each detection unit 144 to output a detection signal in sequence (for example, in the order of addresses (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5), (2,1), (2,2)...(5,4), (5,5)).

[0063] When the detection unit 144 outputs a detection signal, power is supplied to the electronic lock 130 corresponding to the detection unit 144 that output the detection signal, in accordance with the operation in the first mode described above. Therefore, if both wiring W1 and W2 are connected correctly, the light-emitting unit 146 corresponding to the detection unit 144 that output the detection signal will light up. Thus, the operator can confirm whether the wiring W1 and W2 are connected correctly by visually checking the illumination state and illumination order of each light-emitting unit 146. Alternatively, in step S330 of Figure 7, the operator may sequentially press the detection units 144 of each frame 110 and check the illumination state of the light-emitting units 146 to confirm the connection of wiring W1 and W2.

[0064] For example, if the illumination state or illumination sequence of the light-emitting unit 146 is incorrect, the worker identifies the section with incorrect wiring (the section of the circuit board 140 where the light-emitting unit 146 is not emitting light) and corrects the wiring in the incorrect section. For example, this process is repeated until the illumination state and illumination sequence of the light-emitting unit 146 are correct. Therefore, according to this assembly procedure, if there is a wiring error, that error can be corrected before the assembly of the storage system 10 is completed.

[0065] Subsequently, the worker inserts the internal boxes 120 into each frame 110, thereby housing the internal boxes 120 within each frame 110 and attaching the internal boxes 120 to the frame 110 (step S340).

[0066] Figure 11 illustrates the procedure for attaching the internal box 120 to the frame 110. As shown in Figure 11, the internal box 120 is inserted into the space formed inside the frame 110. Once the internal box 120 is inserted, the rear surface of the outer flange portion 122 of the internal box 120 and the front surface of the inner flange portion 116 of the frame 110 overlap. For example, the internal box 120 is fixed to the frame 110 by screwing the outer flange portion 122 of the internal box 120 to the inner flange portion 116 of the frame 110.

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

[0068] Thus, with the storage system 10, when the internal box 120 is housed within the frame 110, the light-emitting part 146 is not visible from the outside, thus preventing the user from seeing unnecessary light. Furthermore, with the storage system 10, when the internal box 120 is housed within the frame 110, the light-emitting part 146 is not visible from the outside, thus improving the appearance of the storage system 10.

[0069] Referring again to Figure 7, after the installation of the internal box 120 is complete, the worker attaches the door 160 to the frame 110 (step S350).

[0070] Figure 12 illustrates the procedure for attaching the door 160 to the frame 110. As shown in Figure 12, for example, the door 160 is secured to the frame 110 and the internal box 120 with screws via hinges 151 and 152. This allows the door 160 to be opened and closed relative to the frame 110 and the internal box 120.

[0071] [4. Features] As described above, during the assembly process of the storage system 10 according to this embodiment, the worker confirms that there are no problems with the connection between the light-emitting unit 146 and the circuit board 140 by confirming that the light-emitting unit 146 emits light normally. In the storage system 10, the light-emitting unit 146 faces the inner surface of the frame 110. With the storage system 10, the worker can see the light reflected from the inner surface of the frame 110 when the light-emitting unit 146 emits light, so the worker can easily confirm that there are no problems with the electrical connection between the power supply unit 240 and the circuit board 140 with light that is not too bright.

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

[0073] <5-1> In the above embodiment, only one light-emitting unit 146 illuminated simultaneously when the wiring connection was checked. However, a configuration in which multiple light-emitting units 146 illuminated simultaneously when the wiring connection was checked is also possible.

[0074] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating groups of light-emitting units 146 that are illuminated simultaneously. As shown in Figure 13, in the storage system 10A, groups are formed by multiple storage compartments 100A. The storage system 10A is provided with groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, and G8. For example, when checking wiring connections, the light-emitting units 146 corresponding to the multiple storage compartments 100A included in each group may illuminate simultaneously. For example, each light-emitting unit 146 included in each of the groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, and G8 may illuminate in the order of the group. This allows for checking the desired locations group by group, making wiring connection checks more efficient.

[0075] <5-2> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the electronic lock 130 and the circuit board 140 were each mounted on the upper part of the frame 110. However, the mounting positions of the electronic lock 130 and the circuit board 140 are not limited to this. The electronic lock 130 and the circuit board 140 may each be mounted on the left, right, or lower part of the frame 110.

[0076] In particular, in storage compartments 100 that are located at a higher position compared to other rows, such as (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), and (1,5) shown in Figure 1, having the electronic lock 130 and the circuit board 140 located at the bottom of the frame 110 has the advantage of making it easier to check the illumination status of the light-emitting part 146.

[0077] <5-3> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage system 10 could be set to either the first mode or the second mode. However, the storage system 10 does not necessarily have to be set to either the first mode or the second mode. For example, the storage system 10 may have only the first mode or only the second mode.

[0078] <5-4> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage system 10 had 24 storage compartments 100, and the storage compartments 100 and master boxes 200 were arranged in a 5x5 grid. However, the number of storage compartments 100, and the arrangement of the storage compartments 100 and master boxes 200, are not limited to this. The number of storage compartments 100 may be, for example, 23 or less, or 25 or more. Also, the arrangement of the storage compartments 100 and master boxes 200 may be any arrangement, for example, 4x4, or 4x3.

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

[0080] <5-6> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 210, the reception unit 220, the storage unit 230, and the power supply unit 240 are each located in the master box 200. However, their arrangement is not limited to this. For example, at least some of them may be housed in one of the storage compartments 100, or they may be located outside the storage system 10.

[0081] <5-7> Several examples have been given of how the wiring connection status can be confirmed by illuminating the light-emitting unit 146. Specifically, examples of the light-emitting patterns of the light-emitting unit 146 are given. Examples of light-emitting patterns of the light-emitting unit 146 include a pattern in which it blinks multiple times at one-second intervals, and a pattern in which it lights up for one second. The light-emitting pattern is not particularly limited as long as it is a pattern that can be confirmed by the worker checking the wiring connection status.

[0082] Furthermore, the duration of illumination and flashing can be extended; for example, 5 seconds could be used. In this case, since the illumination period is longer than the aforementioned 1 second, it can be made easier for workers to see.

[0083] <5-8> Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light-emitting unit 146 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 140 together with the detection unit 144 and the switch unit 142. However, the position in which the light-emitting unit 146 is provided is not necessarily limited to this pattern. For example, a separate substrate provided only with the light-emitting unit may be prepared. Also, it is not necessarily required to be provided on the upper surface of the substrate, and a light-emitting unit that performs a similar function may be provided on its own.

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention have been described illustratively above. That is, a detailed description and accompanying drawings have been disclosed for illustrative purposes. Therefore, some of the components described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings may not be essential for solving the problem. Consequently, the mere fact that these non-essential components are described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings does not mean that they should be immediately assumed to be essential.

[0085] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in every respect of the present invention. The above embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention. That is, in carrying out the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

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

Claims

1. A storage system comprising multiple storage compartments, a power supply unit that supplies power to each of the multiple storage compartments, a control unit, a memory unit, multiple first wirings, and multiple second wirings, Each of the aforementioned storage compartments is Frame and, An internal box housed within the aforementioned frame, A door that opens and closes to the aforementioned frame or internal box, An electronic lock for locking and unlocking the aforementioned door, Light-emitting part, It has a detection unit that detects when the door is pushed in, The electronic lock and the light-emitting unit are electrically connected. The plurality of first wirings connect the control unit and each of the plurality of storage compartments, The plurality of second wirings connect the control unit and the detection unit of each of the plurality of storage compartments. The control unit and the power supply unit are electrically connected. The aforementioned storage unit stores individual address information corresponding to each storage compartment. When the control unit receives a connection confirmation instruction, it controls the detection unit to output a detection signal via the second wiring for each of the plurality of storage units, based on the individual address information, regardless of whether the detection unit has detected the door being pushed in or not, and sequentially causes the light-emitting units corresponding to the detection units that output the detection signals to illuminate. Storage system.

2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit receives the connection confirmation instruction, it sequentially illuminates the light-emitting units corresponding to the individual address information.

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