Locking device and storage device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a lever lock plate 25 that, in a locked state, restricts a first switching operation (first restriction); a first solenoid 22 that drives a first restriction means in order to implement or release the first restriction; a hook 26 that is operable between a closed position at which a door 12 is held in a closed state and an open position at which said hold is released; a locking lever 27 that, in a locked state, restricts operation of the hook 26 from the closed position to the open position (second restriction); a second solenoid 23 that drives the locking lever 27 in order to implement or release the second restriction; and a switching lever 24 that can forcibly drive the first switching operation and the second restriction means.

Description

Locking and storage devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state, in which the door of a storage section capable of storing luggage, to an unlocked state, in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, and to a storage device equipped with such a locking device.

[0002] Locker devices installed in railway stations and delivery lockers installed in apartment buildings and the like have been widely used as storage devices for temporarily storing and keeping users' luggage. The storage devices include a storage section capable of storing luggage, a door for opening and closing the storage section, and a locking device for locking and unlocking the door. For example, an electric locking device as described in Patent Document 1 is known as a locking device.

[0003] The electric locking device includes a locking member that can rotate between a locking angle that locks the storage unit door and an unlocking angle that unlocks the door, a restricting means that restricts the rotation of the locking member from the locking angle to the unlocking angle, and a solenoid for operating the restricting means. When the door is locked, the solenoid is not energized and the restricting means restricts the rotation of the locking member. On the other hand, when the solenoid is energized, the restriction is released and the locking member can rotate from the locking angle to the unlocking angle. In other words, the door is unlocked.

[0004] JP 2007-107292 A

[0005] Conventionally known locking devices have had the following problems: When the storage compartment is overloaded with luggage, the door is pushed in the opening direction. This causes the hook of the door to apply a load to the restricting means and solenoid via the locking member, which could impede the operation of the restricting means and ultimately the solenoid. If the operation of the solenoid is impeded, the restriction of the locking member by the restricting means cannot be released, which could prevent users of the storage device from opening the door.

[0006] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a locking device and a storage device that can be easily unlocked even when the storage section is overloaded with luggage.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a locking device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] (1) A locking device capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which the door of a storage section capable of storing luggage is locked to an unlocked state in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, characterized in that it comprises: a first restricting means for restricting the first switching operation (first restriction) in the locked state; a first driving means for driving the first restricting means to implement or release the first restriction; a locking member that is operable between a closed position in which the door is held closed and an open position in which the hold is released; a second restricting means for restricting the operation of the locking member from the closed position to the open position (second restriction) in the locked state; a second driving means for driving the second restricting means to implement or release the second restriction; and a manual lever that can forcibly perform the first switching operation and drive the second restricting means.

[0009] (2) In the locking device described in (1), it is preferable to include a detection means for detecting the release of the second restriction, a control device for controlling the locking device, and a control program in which the control device issues a command to release the first restriction by operating the first drive means and then release the second restriction by operating the second drive means, and when the detection means does not detect the release of the second restriction even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first restriction is released, the control program notifies the manual lever to forcibly perform the first switching operation.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a storage device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including the locking device according to (1) or (2).

[0011] According to the locking device or storage device of the present invention, even if the storage section is overloaded with luggage, it can be easily unlocked.

[0012] 10 is a front view of the locker device. It shows the electrical configuration of the locker device. It is a partially enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1. It is a B-B cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, showing the state in which the door is locked. It is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the restriction of the switching lever is released. It is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the switching lever is positioned in the unlocking position and the door is unlocked. It is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the door is opened. It is a flowchart of the deposit program. It is a flowchart of the deposit program. It is a flowchart of the deposit program. It is a cross-sectional view of the locking device similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which emergency unlocking has been performed. It is a C-C cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing the state in which the locking device is in normal use. It is a C-C cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing the state in which the locking device is in emergency unlocking. It is a C-C cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing the state in which the locking device can be removed from the stile. It is a front view of the locking device corresponding to a right-opening door. It is a left side view of the hook. 1A and 1B are front and right side views of the hook;

[0013] A locker device 1 (one example of a storage device) according to an embodiment of the storage device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the locker device 1. FIG. 2 shows the electrical configuration of the locker device 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3, showing the door 12 in a locked state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the restriction of the switching lever 24 is released. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, causing the door 12 to be unlocked. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the door 12 is open.

[0014] (Regarding the Configuration of the Locker Device) The locker device 1 according to this embodiment is installed, for example, in a railway station and used to temporarily store and keep luggage. As shown in FIG. 1 , the locker device 1 is equipped with a plurality of storage sections 10 capable of storing a user's luggage. Specifically, two structures (locker structures 2) each having a total of ten storage sections 10, for example, five rows and two columns, are arranged on either side of an operation unit 30. Note that the number of storage sections 10 is merely an example and can be increased or decreased as necessary. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening sizes of the plurality of storage sections 10 are all the same, but this is merely an example and a plurality of opening sizes may be provided.

[0015] A door 12 that can be opened and closed independently is provided on the front of each storage unit 10. The door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the left side of the operating unit 30 is a left-opening door that opens to the left in the figure by pulling a handle 122, while the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located on the right side of the operating unit 30 is a right-opening door that opens to the right in the figure by pulling a handle 122. A locking device 20 for locking or unlocking the door 12 is provided on the frame 11 on the right side of the left-opening door 12. On the other hand, a locking device 20 is provided on the left side of the right-opening door 12 on the frame on the left side of the door 12. The configuration of the locking device 20 will be described later.

[0016] In addition, in the locker device 1, an operating unit 30 is provided between the pair of left and right locker structures 2, 2, and by operating this operating unit 30, users can deposit and retrieve luggage in each storage unit 10 and perform payment processing. In this embodiment, a storage unit 10 is also provided below the operating unit 30, but this may also be used as space to store maintenance tools and the like for the administrator.

[0017] The operation unit 30 is provided with a display unit 32, such as a touch panel, a printer 38 for printing receipts and the like as proof of use, an IC card reader 40 capable of reading IC tags embedded in IC cards, etc. Here, the IC card is one that can be used for electronic money payments, such as a transportation IC card.

[0018] (Regarding the Locking Device) As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the locking device 20 includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 21. The case 21 also contains, among other things, a first solenoid 22 (an example of a first driving means), a second solenoid 23 (an example of a second driving means), a switching lever 24 (an example of a manual lever), a lever lock plate 25 (an example of a first restricting means), a hook 26 (an example of a locking member), a locking lever 27 (an example of a second restricting means), an open / close switch lever 28, a first switch 41, a second switch 42 (an example of a detecting means), and a third switch 43. In FIGS. 4-7, the second switch 42 and the third switch 43 are positioned overlapping each other in the depth direction of the figures.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking device 20 is equipped with a green LED 45 that emits green light and an orange LED 46 that emits orange light to indicate the usage status of the storage section 10. Note that in Fig. 3, what is visible externally is a lens member that covers the light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is built inside the lens member.

[0020] The first solenoid 22 is configured so that the plunger 221 protrudes from the frame 222 when the power supply is stopped, and retracts into the frame 222 when the power supply is turned on. A lever lock plate 25 is connected to the tip of the plunger 221, and as the plunger 221 protrudes and retracts, the lever lock plate 25 rotates around a rotation shaft 251.

[0021] The lever lock plate 25 has a restricting portion 252 for restricting the operation of the switching lever 24, and is rotated between a restricting position where the restricting portion 252 restricts the operation of the switching lever 24, and a release position where the restriction by the restricting portion 252 is released. The lever lock plate 25 shown in Figure 4 is in the restricting position, and the lever lock plate 25 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is in the release position.

[0022] A third switch 43 is provided near the lever lock plate 25, and when the lever lock plate 25 rotates from the restricted position to the released position, a restricting portion 252 presses a lever 431 of the third switch 43, turning the third switch 43 ON. On the other hand, when the lever lock plate 25 rotates from the released position to the restricted position, the restricting portion 252 moves away from the third switch 43, turning the third switch 43 OFF. The ON / OFF action of the third switch 43 makes it possible to detect whether the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position or the released position.

[0023] The switching lever 24 is a lever for switching the door 12 between a locked state and an unlocked state, and is rotatable about a rotation shaft 241 between a locked position for locking the door 12 and an unlocked position for unlocking the door 12. The switching lever 24 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is in the locked position, and the switching lever 24 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is in the unlocked position.

[0024] The switching lever 24 is equipped with a lock pin 244. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position and the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position, even if an attempt is made to rotate the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the restricting portion 252 of the lever lock plate 25 is positioned in the path of the lock pin 244, so the switching lever 24 cannot be rotated to the unlocked position. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, when the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position, the restricting portion 252 moves out of the path of the lock pin 244, so that the switching lever 24 can be rotated to the unlocked position.

[0025] The switching lever 24 also has a protrusion 243 for turning on the second switch 42. When the switching lever 24 rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position, the protrusion 243 approaches the second switch 42, pressing the lever 421 of the second switch 42 and turning on the second switch 42. On the other hand, when the switching lever 24 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position, the protrusion 243 moves away from the second switch 42, turning off the second switch 42. From this ON / OFF operation of the second switch 42, it is possible to detect whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0026] Of the two longitudinal ends of the switching lever 24, the end that protrudes from the case serves as a knob 242 that is used to manually operate the switching lever 24. In the locking device 20 according to this embodiment, when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, the user can pinch the knob 242 to rotate it to the locked position. The end of the switching lever 24 opposite the knob 242 across the rotation shaft 241 is connected via a connecting bar 44 to the plunger 231 of the second solenoid 23 located below.

[0027] The second solenoid 23 is configured so that the plunger 231 protrudes from the frame 232 when the second solenoid 23 is de-energized, and retracts into the frame 232 when the second solenoid 23 is energized. Because the switching lever 24 is connected to the plunger 221 by the connecting bar 44, the switching lever 24 rotates around the rotation shaft 251 between the locked position and the unlocked position as the plunger 221 protrudes and retracts.

[0028] The hook 26 has an engagement portion 261 that engages with the door-side hook 121 of the door 12. The hook 26 also has a rotation shaft 262 above the engagement portion 261, and the hook 26 rotates between a closed position in which the engagement portion 261 engages with the door-side hook 121 and an open position in which the engagement portion 261 releases the door-side hook 121. The hook 26 is shown in the closed position in FIGS. 4 to 6, and the hook 26 is shown in the open position in FIG. 7. When the door 12 is opened with the hook 26 in the closed position, the door-side hook 121 moves to the right in the figure. This moving door-side hook 121 rotates the hook 26 counterclockwise in the figure and positions it in the open position. When the door 12 is opened further in the open position, the door-side hook 121 disengages from the engagement portion 261 of the hook 26. On the other hand, when the door 12 is closed with the hook 26 in the open position, the door-side hook 121 again enters the engagement portion 261 of the hook 26, and as the door 12 is further closed, the door-side hook 121 moves to the left in the figure, causing the hook 26 to rotate clockwise in the figure and be positioned in the open position.

[0029] The hook 26 cannot be rotated from the closed position to the open position when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, but can be rotated when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0030] The hook 26 is equipped with a lock pin 263, and when the switching lever 24 is in the locked position, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the locking lever 27 is positioned in the path of the lock pin 244 of the hook 26 that is attempting to rotate, restricting the rotation of the hook 26. This prevents the hook 26 from rotating to the open position (i.e., the door 12 is in a locked state where it cannot be opened). On the other hand, when the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 6, the pressing portion 441 of the connecting bar 44 rotates the locking lever 27 about the rotation shaft 271, removing the locking lever 27 from the path of the lock pin 263. This releases the restriction, allowing the hook 26 to rotate to the open position (i.e., the door 12 is in an unlocked state where it can be opened). In addition, since the restriction by the locking lever 27 is released at the same time that the switching lever 24 is positioned in the unlocked position, when the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 has been positioned in the unlocked position, this is equivalent to detecting that the restriction by the locking lever 27 has been released.

[0031] Next, after the hook 26 is rotated to the closed position by closing the door 12, the switching lever 24 is positioned at the locked position, and the spring returns the locking lever 27 to its original position, preventing the hook 26 from being rotated again (i.e., the door 12 is placed in a locked state where it cannot be opened). In other words, the state in which the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position is the state in which the door 12 is unlocked, and the state in which the switching lever 24 is in the locked position is the state in which the door 12 is locked. Rotating the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position means that the door 12 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state (first switching operation), and rotating the switching lever 24 from the unlocked position to the locked position means that the door 12 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state (second switching operation).

[0032] Furthermore, when the hook 26 is positioned in the open position, the lock pin 263 causes the open / close switch lever 28 to rotate about the rotation axis 271. When the open / close switch lever 28 rotates, the end (protrusion 281) of the open / close switch lever 28 on the opposite side of the rotation axis 271 from the portion of the open / close switch lever 28 that abuts the lock pin 263 approaches the first switch 41, thereby pressing the lever 411 of the first switch 41 and turning the first switch 41 ON. On the other hand, when the hook 26 is positioned in the closed position, the open / close switch lever 28 is returned to its original position by the spring. That is, the protrusion 281 moves away from the first switch 41. This turns the first switch 41 OFF. This ON / OFF action of the first switch 41 makes it possible to detect whether the hook 26 is in the open position or the closed position (i.e., whether the door 12 is open or closed).

[0033] (Regarding the Control Device) The locker device 1 further includes a control device 51 that controls the locking device 20 in response to operation of the operation unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 51 includes a CPU 511 and a memory 512. The memory 512 stores, for example, a deposit program 512a for controlling the deposit of baggage in the storage unit 10 and a retrieval program 512b for controlling the retrieval of baggage from the storage unit 10. The control device 51 is electrically connected to the locking device 20 and the operation unit 30, and controls the locking device 20 and displays images on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30 in accordance with the operation of the deposit program 512a or the retrieval program 512b. A communication unit 52 is also connected to the control device 51, and the locker device 1 can communicate with a management device (not shown) via the communication unit 52. The management device is a host device relative to the locker device 1 and is installed within a station or any other location.

[0034] (Regarding the Baggage Deposit Operation) In the locker device 1 configured as above, a user deposits his / her baggage as follows.

[0035] Of the multiple storage units 10, those that do not contain any luggage (i.e., those that are available for users to deposit luggage) are in standby mode. At this time, the storage units 10 in standby mode are locked. That is, the locking device 20 is in the state shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 is lit, and the orange LED 46 is off. The fact that the green LED 45 is lit lets the user know that the storage unit 10 is available for use.

[0036] To deposit luggage, a user first accepts the start of use on the operation unit 30. Specifically, for example, a virtual button for "Start Use" is displayed on the display unit 32, and when the user touches the virtual button, the acceptance is started.

[0037] The display unit 32 then displays the usage fee, and if the user is satisfied with the fee, they hold their transportation IC card over the IC card reader 40 to make the payment. During this payment, the IC card reader 40 reads the IC card's unique IC tag number, which is stored in the memory 512 and used for authentication when retrieving luggage. Once the payment is made, the printer 38 prints a receipt as a usage certificate. Payment is not limited to using an IC card; other payment methods, such as credit card payment or QR code payment, may also be used, or multiple payment methods may be selectable. When making a QR code payment, the operation unit 30 must be equipped with a reading device for reading QR codes (registered trademark). When making a payment using a method other than an IC card, a code such as a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking the vehicle may be printed on the receipt, and authentication may be performed by reading the printed code. In addition, in the locker device 1 according to this embodiment, the opening sizes of the multiple storage sections 10 are all the same, but multiple opening sizes may be provided so that the user can select the opening size according to the size of their luggage before making payment.

[0038] After the receipt is printed by the printer 38, the deposit program 512a operates as follows: Figures 8A and 8B are flowcharts of the deposit program 512a.

[0039] First, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 corresponding to the storage unit 10 where the user will deposit their luggage is made to flash (step S11 in FIG. 8A ). This indicates the location of the storage unit 10 where the user will deposit their luggage. The orange LED 46 remains off.

[0040] Next, the first solenoid 22 is energized (step S12 in FIG. 8A), causing the lever lock plate 25 to rotate from the restricted position (the position shown in FIG. 4) to the released position (the position shown in FIG. 5). Whether the lever lock plate 25 has reached the released position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S13 in FIG. 8A).

[0041] If the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S13: NO in FIG. 8A), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S131 in FIG. 8A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S132 in FIG. 8A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0042] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S13 in FIG. 8A: YES), it waits for 0.5 seconds after detection (step S14 in FIG. 8A), and then energizes the second solenoid 23 (step S15 in FIG. 8A), causing the switching lever 24 to rotate from the locked position (position shown in FIG. 5) to the unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 6). Note that the above-mentioned waiting time of 0.5 seconds is merely an example.

[0043] The second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (whether the first switching operation has been performed) (step S16 in FIG. 8A). If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16: NO in FIG. 8A), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20. Therefore, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are flashed (step S161 in FIG. 8A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S162 in FIG. 8A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0044] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16 in Figure 8A: YES), the first switch 41 detects whether the user has opened the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the closed position (position shown in Figure 6) to the open position (position shown in Figure 7)) (step S17 in Figure 8A).

[0045] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been opened (step S17: NO in FIG. 8A), the process waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the second switch 42 (step S16 in FIG. 8A) (step S171: NO in FIG. 8A). If 60 seconds have elapsed (step S171: YES in FIG. 8A), the second solenoid 23 is de-energized (step S172 in FIG. 8A), the switching lever 24 is positioned in the locked position, and then the first solenoid 22 is de-energized (step S20 in FIG. 8B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned in the restricted position.

[0046] On the other hand, when the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been opened (step S17 in Figure 8A: YES), the first switch 41 then detects whether the user has closed the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the open position (the position shown in Figure 7) to the closed position (the position shown in Figure 6)) (step S18 in Figure 8A).

[0047] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been closed (step S18 in Figure 8A: NO), the system waits until 60 seconds have passed since the first switch 41 detected it (step S17 in Figure 8A) to allow the user time to store their luggage in the storage section 10 (step S181 in Figure 8A: NO).

[0048] If door 12 is not closed after 60 seconds have passed (step S181 in FIG. 8A: YES), green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are caused to flash (step S182 in FIG. 8A), and an error message is displayed on display 32 of operation unit 30, urging the user to close door 12 (step S183 in FIG. 8A). Note that in this embodiment, after the error message is displayed on display 32 of operation unit 30, the process returns to step S18 and waits for a further wait, but it is also possible to take measures to stop use.

[0049] When the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been closed (step S18 in Figure 8A: YES), the second switch 42 then detects whether the switching lever 24 has been positioned in the locked position (i.e., whether the user has manually performed the second switching operation) (step S19 in Figure 8B).

[0050] For example, if the user forgets to rotate the switching lever 24 to the locked position and the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S19: NO in FIG. 8B ), the system waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the first switch 41 detected the switch (step S18 in FIG. 8B ) (step S191: NO in FIG. 8B ). When 60 seconds have elapsed (step S191: YES in FIG. 8B ), the second solenoid 23 is de-energized (step S192 in FIG. 8B ), forcibly operating the switching lever 24 from the unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 6 ) to the locked position (position shown in FIG. 5 ). The 60-second waiting period (step S191 in FIG. 8B ) provides a grace period for the user to load or unload luggage, and forcibly rotating the switching lever 24 to the locked position (forcibly performing the second switching operation) prevents the user from forgetting to lock the door.

[0051] The second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 has been forcibly operated to place it in the locked position (step S193 in FIG. 8B).

[0052] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlock position (step S193 in FIG. 8B: NO), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are flashed (step S194 in FIG. 8B), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S195 in FIG. 8B). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0053] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S16 in Figure 8B: YES), the first solenoid 22 is de-energized (step S20), and the lever lock plate 25 is moved from the release position (position shown in Figure 5) to the restricted position (position shown in Figure 4).

[0054] Even when the user rotates the switching lever 24 to the locked position and the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S19 in FIG. 8B: YES), the first solenoid 22 is de-energized (step S20 in FIG. 8B), and the lever lock plate 25 is positioned in the restricted position.

[0055] Next, the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S21 in FIG. 8B), and the system waits for 900 seconds (step S22 in FIG. 8B). This 900 seconds is the waiting time for accepting a re-locking operation to change the door 12 from a locked state to an unlocked state again, for example, if the user forgets to put luggage in the storage section 10. Furthermore, turning on the orange LED 46 notifies the user that a re-locking operation is possible. This re-locking operation can then be accepted by the operation unit 30.

[0056] During the 900-second wait period (step S22 in FIG. 8B: NO), when the operation unit 30 receives a re-locking operation (step S221 in FIG. 8B: YES), the orange LED 46 is caused to flash (step S223 in FIG. 8B) to notify the user of the storage unit 10 to be re-locked. Thereafter, the process returns to step S12, where the first solenoid 22 is energized, and the same processing steps (steps S12-S21) as those used when depositing luggage are performed. It is desirable for the operation unit 30 to authenticate the user when accepting the operation, so that an unrelated third party cannot re-lock the door 12 without permission. Specifically, authentication is performed using, for example, the IC card used for payment.

[0057] If 900 seconds have passed without any re-locking operation (step S221 in FIG. 8B : NO) (step S22 in FIG. 8B : YES), the orange LED 46 is turned off (step S23 in FIG. 8B ). The storage unit 10 is then placed in a storage mode where it waits with the baggage stored (step S24 in FIG. 8B ), and the deposit program ends. In the storage mode, both the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 of the locking device 20 of the storage unit 10 are turned off, indicating that the storage unit 10 cannot be used by other users.

[0058] (Regarding the Baggage Removal Operation) Next, the baggage removal operation will be described. When a user removes a baggage from the storage unit 10, the removal operation is first accepted on the operation unit 30. Specifically, for example, a "remove" virtual button is displayed on the display unit 32, and the acceptance is initiated when the user touches the virtual button.

[0059] Thereafter, for example, the IC card used for payment is authenticated, and if the authentication is successful, the extraction program 512b starts to operate as follows: Figures 9A and 9B are flowcharts of the extraction program 512b.

[0060] First, the green LED 45 of the locking device 20 corresponding to the storage unit 10 where the user has deposited their luggage is flashed (step S31 in FIG. 9A ). This indicates the location of the storage unit 10 where the user has deposited their luggage. The orange LED 46 remains off.

[0061] Next, the first solenoid 22 is energized (step S32 in FIG. 9A) to rotate the lever lock plate 25 from the restricted position to the released position. Whether the lever lock plate 25 is in the released position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S33 in FIG. 9A).

[0062] If the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the release position (step S33: NO in FIG. 9A), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are made to flash (step S331 in FIG. 9A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S332 in FIG. 9A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0063] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the unlocked position (step S33 in FIG. 9A: YES), it waits for 0.5 seconds after detection (step S34 in FIG. 9A), and then energizes the second solenoid 23 (step S35 in FIG. 9A), causing the switching lever 24 to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position. Note that the above-mentioned waiting time of 0.5 seconds is merely an example.

[0064] The second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in FIG. 9A). If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36: NO in FIG. 9A), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20. Therefore, the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are flashed (step S361 in FIG. 9A), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S362 in FIG. 9A). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0065] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36 in Figure 9A: YES), the first switch 41 detects whether the user has opened the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the closed position to the open position) (step S37 in Figure 9A).

[0066] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been opened (step S37: NO in FIG. 9A), the process waits until 60 seconds have elapsed since the detection by the second switch 42 (step S36 in FIG. 9A) (step S371: NO in FIG. 9A). If 60 seconds have elapsed (step S371: YES in FIG. 9A), the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S39 in FIG. 9B), and the power supply to the second solenoid 23 is stopped (step S40 in FIG. 9B), and the switching lever 24 is automatically positioned at the locked position.

[0067] On the other hand, when the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 has been opened (step S37 in Figure 9A: YES), the first switch 41 then detects whether the user has closed the door 12 (i.e., whether the hook 26 has rotated from the open position to the closed position) (step S38 in Figure 9A).

[0068] If the first switch 41 does not detect that the door 12 has been closed (step S38 in Figure 9A: NO), the system waits for 60 seconds to pass from the detection by the first switch 41 (step S37 in Figure 9A) to allow the user time to remove their luggage from the storage section 10 (step S381 in Figure 9A: NO).

[0069] If door 12 is not closed after 60 seconds have passed (step S381 in FIG. 9A: YES), green LED 45 and orange LED 46 are caused to flash (step S382 in FIG. 9A), and an error message is displayed on display 32 of operation unit 30, urging the user to close door 12 (step S383 in FIG. 9A). Note that in this embodiment, after the error message is displayed on display 32 of operation unit 30, the process returns to step S38 and the process waits for a further period of time, but it is also possible to take measures to stop use.

[0070] When the first switch 41 detects that the door 12 is closed (step S38 in FIG. 9A: YES), the green LED 45 is turned off and the orange LED 46 is turned on (step S39 in FIG. 9B). Then, the second solenoid 23 is de-energized (step S40 in FIG. 9B), and the switching lever 24 is automatically positioned at the locked position.

[0071] The second switch 42 detects whether the switching lever 24 is in the locked position (step S41 in FIG. 9B).

[0072] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlock position (step S41: NO in FIG. 9B ), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are flashed (step S411 in FIG. 9B ), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S412 in FIG. 9B ). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0073] After the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlock position (step S41 in FIG. 9B: YES), it waits for 30 seconds (step S42 in FIG. 9B). This waiting time allows the user to manually move the switching lever 24 to the unlock position and unlock the door 12 if, for example, they forget to take out their luggage.

[0074] During the 30-second waiting time (step S42 in FIG. 9B: NO), when the second switch 42 detects that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position, that is, when the user manually moves the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position (step S43 in FIG. 9B: YES), the process returns to step S37.

[0075] After the 30-second waiting time has elapsed (step S42 in FIG. 9B: YES), the first solenoid 22 is de-energized (step S44 in FIG. 9B), and the lever lock plate 25 is placed in the restricted position, which makes it impossible to manually place the switching lever 24 in the unlocked position.

[0076] Whether or not the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position is detected by the third switch 43 (step S45 in FIG. 9B).

[0077] If the third switch 43 does not detect that the lever lock plate 25 is in the restricted position (step S45: NO in FIG. 9B ), there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the locking device 20, so the green LED 45 and the orange LED 46 are flashed (step S451 in FIG. 9B ), an error is displayed on the display unit 32 of the operation unit 30, and the error is notified to the management device via the communication unit 52 (step S452 in FIG. 9B ). The error can be cleared by the management device.

[0078] When the third switch 43 detects that the lever lock plate 25 is in the unlocked position (step S45 in FIG. 9B: YES), the system waits for 60 seconds (step S46 in FIG. 9B). This 60 seconds is the waiting time for accepting a re-locking operation to change the door 12 from the locked state to the unlocked state again, for example, if a user forgets to remove a package from the storage section 10. This re-locking operation can be accepted by the operation section 30.

[0079] During the 60-second wait (step S46 in FIG. 9B: NO), if the operation unit 30 receives a relock operation (step S461 in FIG. 9B: YES), the process returns to step S31, and the same processing as that performed when removing luggage (steps S31-S45) is performed. Note that it is desirable for the operation unit 30 to authenticate the user when receiving the operation, so that an unrelated third party cannot relock the door 12 without permission. Specifically, for example, authentication can be performed using the IC card used for payment.

[0080] If 60 seconds have passed without any re-locking operation being performed (step S461 in FIG. 9B: NO) (step S46 in FIG. 9B: YES), the green LED 45 is turned on and the orange LED 46 is turned off (step S47 in FIG. 9B).Then, the storage unit 10 is set to a standby mode in which no luggage is stored (step S48 in FIG. 9B), and the removal program ends.

[0081] (Regarding Unlocking Failure) A specific example of an unlocking failure, that is, a case where the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocking position in step S36 of FIG. 9A (step S36: NO in FIG. 9A), will be described.

[0082] A situation in which the switching lever 24 is not in the unlock position even though the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S35) may occur, for example, when the user overloads the storage section 10. The mechanism behind this is as follows.

[0083] If the storage section 10 is overloaded with luggage, the luggage will push the door 12 in the opening direction (for example, to the right in FIG. 5 ). When the door 12 is pushed in the opening direction, the door-side hook 121 applies a load to the hook 26 that tends to rotate the hook 26 counterclockwise. When such a load is applied to the hook 26, the lock pin 263 of the hook 26 presses the locking lever 27 to the position shown in FIG. 5 .

[0084] As a result, even if the second solenoid 23 is energized to pull the connecting bar 44 toward the second solenoid 23 (the lower side in FIG. 5 ) and the pressing portion 441 attempts to rotate the locking lever 27, the force with which the lock pin 263 presses the locking lever 27 is greater than the force attempting to rotate the locking lever 27, and it may not be possible to rotate the locking lever 27. In other words, it may not be possible to move the locking lever 27 out of the path of the lock pin 263. This means that the locking device 20 cannot be unlocked and the door 12 cannot be opened.

[0085] However, the locking device 20 can be manually unlocked by using the switching lever 24. Specifically, in step S32 in FIG. 9A , the lever lock plate 25 is in the unlocked position (the position shown in FIG. 5 ), so the switching lever 24 can be manually rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position. By manually rotating the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the second solenoid 23 can be forcibly driven. That is, by rotating the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position, the connecting bar 44 can be forcibly pushed down toward the second solenoid 23 (the lower side in FIG. 5 ), and the pressing portion 441 of the connecting bar 44 moves the locking lever 27 out of the path of the lock pin 263 (the locking device 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 6 ). This puts the locking device 20 in the unlocked state, allowing the door 12 to be opened.

[0086] The locking device 20 is equipped with separate drive means (i.e., the first solenoid 22) for releasing the restriction on the switching lever 24 and drive means (i.e., the second solenoid 23) for moving the switching lever 24 from the locked position to the unlocked position, so even if the storage section 10 is overloaded with luggage and an unlocking problem occurs, it can be easily unlocked manually as described above.

[0087] In addition, the length L11 (see Figure 7) from the knob portion 242 to the rotation shaft 241 is set to be greater than the length L12 (see Figure 7) from the connection portion between the connecting bar 44 and the switching lever 24 to the rotation shaft 241, so that the switching lever 24 can be easily rotated manually using the principle of leverage.

[0088] If the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position (step S36: NO in FIG. 9A ), the display unit 32 may provide guidance to the user to manually rotate the switching lever 24 to the unlocked position. The guidance may be provided, for example, when the second switch 42 does not detect that the switching lever 24 is in the unlocked position within 60 seconds (an example of a predetermined time) after the second solenoid 23 is energized (step S35). However, the above-mentioned 60 seconds is merely an example, and can be adjusted as needed to the extent that it does not feel unnatural to the user.

[0089] (Regarding emergency unlocking of the locking device) When the storage unit 10 is in standby mode, the locking device 20 always keeps the door 12 locked, but in an emergency, the door 12 can be unlocked using the emergency key 61 (see FIG. 10). FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 similar to FIG. 4, showing the state in which the emergency unlocking has been performed. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 10, showing the locking device 20 in a normal use state. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 10, showing the state in which the locking device 20 has been emergency unlocked. FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 10, showing the state in which the locking device 20 can be removed from the frame 11.

[0090] 4, the locking device 20 is provided with a cylinder cam 62 at the top of the case 21 that can be rotated with an emergency key 61. Also, an emergency unlocking cam 63 is provided inside the case 21 adjacent to the first solenoid 22.

[0091] The cylinder cam 62 is rotatable between a first position (position shown in Figure 11A), which is the normal position, a second position (position shown in Figure 11B), which is for emergency unlocking, and a third position (position shown in Figure 11C), which is for removing the locking device 20 from the frame 11.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, the cylinder cam 62 has a retaining portion 621 that prevents the locking device 20 from slipping out of the stile 11. When the cylinder cam 62 is in the first position, the retaining portion 621 protrudes above the upper end surface of the case 21 (see Figure 4 or Figure 11A), so even if an attempt is made to remove the locking device 20 from the stile 11, the retaining portion 621 abuts against the back side of the stile 11. This prevents the locking device 20 from slipping out of the stile 11.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 4, the cylinder cam 62 has an extension portion 622 that extends from the retaining portion 621 toward the inside of the case 21, and the tip of the extension portion 622 is a cam portion 622a for operating the emergency unlocking cam 63. The cam portion 622a is inclined toward the far right side in Fig. 4 (the far left side in Figs. 11A-C).

[0094] The emergency unlocking cam 63 is rotatable within the case 21 around a central axis 631 between a normal position shown in Fig. 4 and an emergency unlocking position shown in Fig. 10. The emergency unlocking cam 63 has a contact portion 632 that is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the cam portion 622a. This contact portion 632 is formed with a surface that is inclined in the same direction as the cam portion 622a. Furthermore, the emergency unlocking cam 63 has a pressing portion 633 at the end opposite the contact portion 632 across the central axis 631, which is able to come into contact with a protrusion 253 provided on the upper end of the lever lock plate 25.

[0095] With the above configuration, emergency unlocking is performed as follows. When the emergency key 61 is inserted into the keyhole 60 and rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise (clockwise in Figures 11A-C), the cylinder cam 62 similarly rotates 45 degrees from the first position to the second position. At this time, the cam portion 622a of the cylinder cam 62 contacts the contact portion 632 of the emergency unlocking cam 63. Because the cam portion 622a and the contact portion 632 are both inclined, the emergency unlocking cam 63 rotates from the normal position toward the emergency unlocking position as the cylinder cam 62 rotates. When the emergency unlocking cam 63 rotates to the emergency unlocking position, the pressing portion 633 presses the protrusion 253 of the lever lock plate 25, rotating the lever lock plate 25 from the restricted position to the unlocked position. Once the lever lock plate 25 is in the unlocked position, the switching lever 24 can be manually rotated to the unlocked position, allowing the door 12 to be opened.

[0096] When the emergency key 61 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise (counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-C) after emergency unlocking has been performed, the cylinder cam 62 similarly rotates 90 degrees from the second position to the third position. As a result, the retaining portion 621 of the cylinder cam 62 is positioned below the top end surface of the case 21, as shown in FIG. 11C, allowing the locking device 20 to be removed from the stile 11. Note that the locking device 20 can only be removed from the stile 11 after emergency unlocking has been performed. This is because the hook 26 remains engaged with the door-side hook 121 of the door 12, preventing the locking device 20 from being removed unless emergency unlocking is performed.

[0097] (Regarding the Door Opening and Closing Direction) The locking device 20 can be used for both a left-hand opening door 12 and a right-hand opening door 12, depending on the orientation of the hand-operated exchange piece 47 attached to the front of the case 21. Fig. 12 is a front view of the locking device 20 for a right-hand opening door 12.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 3 or 12 , the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is a substantially rectangular member whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the case 21. The hand-operated replacement piece 47 has an opening 47a at one of its longitudinal ends, which allows the door-side hook 121 to enter the case 21. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the left side in a front view, it can be used with a left-hinged door 12 (e.g., the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located to the left of the operating unit 30 in FIG. 1 ). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 , when the hand-operated replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the right side in a front view, it can be used with a left-hinged door 12 (e.g., the door 12 of the storage unit 10 located to the right of the operating unit 30 in FIG. 1 ).

[0099] As described above, the hook 26 can be used with both left-swinging and right-swinging doors 12 depending on the orientation of the hand-operated replacement piece 47 because it has the following shape. This will be explained in detail using Figures 13A-13C. Figure 13A is a left side view of the hook 26, Figure 13B is a front view of the hook 26, and Figure 13C is a right side view of the hook 26.

[0100] 13A-C, the hook 26 includes a first hook portion 264 located on the right side in a front view, a second hook portion 265 located on the left side in a front view, and a connecting portion 266 that bridges the first hook portion 264 and the second hook portion 265. The connecting portion 266 bridges the rear ends of the first hook portion 264 and the second hook portion 265 in a front view, so the hook 26 is formed in a substantially U-shape in a plan view. Furthermore, the first hook portion 264 and the second hook portion 265 each include an engaging portion 261.

[0101] As shown in Figures 3 and 12, the hook 26 described above is built into the case 21 so that the first hook portion 264 is located on the left side in a front view of the case 21 and the second hook portion 265 is located on the right side in a front view of the case 21. Then, as shown in Figure 3, when the manual replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the left side in a front view, the door-side hook 121 of the left-opening door 12 can enter the case 21 through the opening 47a and engage with the engaging portion 261 of the first hook portion 264. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, when the manual replacement piece 47 is attached to the case 21 so that the opening 47a is located on the right side in a front view, the door-side hook 121 of the right-opening door 12 can enter the case 21 through the opening 47a and engage with the engaging portion 261 of the second hook portion 265.

[0102] As described above, the locking device 20 according to this embodiment is (1) capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which the door 12 of the storage section 10 capable of storing luggage to an unlocked state in which the door 12 is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, and includes a first restricting means (e.g., lever lock plate 25) for restricting the first switching operation (first restriction) in the locked state, a first driving means (e.g., first solenoid 22) for driving the first restricting means to implement or release the first restriction, and a second driving means (e.g., first solenoid 23) for holding the door 12 in a closed state. a locking member (hook 26) operable between a closed position where the lock is held and an open position where the lock is released; second restricting means (e.g., a locking lever 27) that restricts (second restriction) the movement of the locking member (hook 26) from the closed position to the open position in the locked state; second driving means (e.g., a second solenoid 23) that drives the second restricting means (e.g., the locking lever 27) to implement or release the second restriction; and a manual lever (e.g., a switching lever 24) that can forcibly perform the first switching operation and drive the second restricting means.

[0103] (2) In the locking device 20 described in (1), it is preferable to include a detection means (e.g., the second switch 42) that detects the release of the second restriction, a control device 51 that controls the locking device 20, and the control device 51 issues a command to release the second restriction by operating the second drive means (the second solenoid 23) (step S35) after releasing the first restriction by operating the first drive means (the first solenoid 22) (steps S32-S33), and when the detection means (the second switch 42) does not detect the release of the second restriction even after a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed after the first restriction is released (step S36: NO), to include a control program (e.g., the removal program 512b) that notifies the user to forcibly perform the first switching operation using the manual lever (the switching lever 24).

[0104] As described above, the storage device (for example, the locker device 1) according to this embodiment is characterized by including the locking device 20 described in (1) or (2).

[0105] According to the locking device 20 or the storage device (locker device 1) described above, even if the storage section is overloaded with luggage, it can be easily unlocked.

[0106] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Naturally, the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0107] For example, in the locker device 1, the user who deposits luggage and the user who retrieves the luggage are not necessarily the same person. Specifically, with the recent widespread use of train stations as logistics hubs, it is conceivable that a transportation company that delivers products ordered by a general consumer will be the user who deposits the luggage, and the general consumer who ordered the product will be the user who retrieves the luggage. In this case, for example, a specific transportation company may be allowed to use the locker device 1, and the operation unit 30 may authenticate the transportation company before running the deposit program. For authentication when retrieving luggage, for example, an authentication code such as an authentication QR code (registered trademark) may be sent to the general consumer's mobile device, and the code may be authenticated before running the retrieval program.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, a locker device installed in a train station is given as an example of a storage device, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be, for example, a delivery box installed in an apartment building or the like.

[0109] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Locker device (an example of a storage device) 10 Storage section 12 Door 20 Locking device 22 First solenoid (an example of a first driving means) 23 Second solenoid (an example of a second driving means) 24 Switching lever (an example of a manual lever) 25 Lever lock plate (an example of a first restricting means) 26 Hook (an example of a locking member) 27 Locking lever (an example of a second restricting means)

Claims

1. In a locking device capable of performing a first switching operation for switching from a locked state in which a door of a storage unit capable of storing luggage is locked to an unlocked state in which the door is unlocked, and a second switching operation for switching from the unlocked state to the locked state, a first regulating means for performing a first regulation that is a regulation of the first switching operation in the locked state, a first driving means for driving the first regulating means to perform or release the first regulation, a lock member operable between a closed position for holding the door in a closed state and an open position for releasing the holding, a second regulating means for performing a second regulation that is a regulation of the operation of the lock member from the closed position to the open position in the locked state, a second driving means for driving the second regulating means to perform or release the second regulation, and a manual lever capable of forcibly performing the first switching operation and driving the second regulating means. A locking device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, further comprising a detecting means for detecting the release of the second regulation, a control device for controlling the locking device, the control device: after releasing the first regulation by operating the first driving means, issues a command to release the second regulation by operating the second driving means, and when the detecting means does not detect the release of the second regulation even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first regulation is released, notifies the manual lever to forcibly perform the first switching operation, and comprises a control program. A locking device, characterized by comprising the above.

3. A storage device, characterized by comprising the locking device according to claim 1 or 2.

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