DE10101680B4 - Device for delivery and temporary storage of objects - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for the delivery and temporary storage of goods, in particular postal or courier items to be delivered, e.g. B. of letters, parcels or packages, wherein the stored items of at least one for opening or closing a container (1) entitled from the container (1) removed or deposited in this, with
- At least the container (1) for closable recording of the items to be stored,
- At least one stationary support member (2) for releasably securing the container (1) by staff of a delivery service by means of at least one coupling element which is designed such that the coupling element can only be used by personnel of the delivery service for releasably securing containers (1)
- At least one identification element (3) at least for the identification of the opening or closing of the container (1) entitled and
- At least one closure element (14, 15) for opening or closing of the detachable by staff of the delivery service container (1) upon successful identification of the opening or closing of the ...

Description

The The invention relates to a device for delivery and temporary Safekeeping of objects, in particular of mail or courier items to be delivered the invention is a carrier element and a container for one such device.

When State of the art postal and courier services are known which on Request individual postal or courier shipments at a customer deliver and hand over the respective consignment to the present orderer. However, such delivery of mail or courier shipments is problematic if the customer or the target person is not encountered can be, because then more u.U. also unsuccessful delivery attempts must be undertaken.

In DE 91 15 604 U1 is a change boxes system described, the boxes are interchangeable in removable frames and lockable. In this context, an exchange box system is described in particular for use in the banking sector, for example, to provide lockable steel sheet cassettes for accrued documents and types for collection.

Out DE 200 16 195 U1 there is a device for the delivery and / or collection of goods, parcels or letters. In this case, a lockable from the outside by a door, flap or otherwise accessible compartment is available for each consignment and the access can be made to this compartment by an authorization code.

In DE 296 05 986 U1 is a high-tech combination for the automatic creation and issuing of "receipt copies or receipts of various kinds", as largely forgery-proof proof of the throwing of a document at a certain time in the night mailbox for the purpose of keeping deadlines described.

DE 91 08 140 U1 is a freely combinable mailbox removed, in which a basic box and a plug-on box can be put together to form an overall letterbox. Thus, a known basic box can be combined with offered in a wide range of different Aufsteckkästen.

Out JP 04 072192 A Abstract discloses a system for collecting and distributing stored luggage, wherein recognition results of means for recognizing a locker are passed on to a computer.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a device for delivery and temporary Safekeeping of objects offer, which has a particularly small footprint and not more space than absolutely necessary claimed.

at the device according to the invention for delivery and temporary Safekeeping of objects, in particular of mail or courier items to be delivered, e.g. of letters, parcel or packages, can the stored objects taken from at least one claimant from a container or in this be deposited.

The inventive device at least includes a container to be closed Receiving the items to be stored, at least one stationary carrier element for releasable attachment a container and at least one identification element for identification a claimant.

With the device according to the invention is achieved that the goods to be delivered independently of the presence of the claimant (target person) of the respective one Delivered delivery service and in a container of the system for temporary Storage can be stored. Such a container is doing so at a stationary support element (e.g., a pillar or a wall (hanging) device) e.g. over a Snap connection attached and can be at various public accessible Places (e.g., in bank, postal, or office premises) or as a sort of withdrawal box as well in individual city or residential districts or in individual houses. The object to be delivered is safely stored in the sealable container, until the claimant, after a successful identification, has opened the container and is entitled to remove the item. This can be the Time of delivery of the item by the delivery company independent of Date of removal by an authorized person, so that unsuccessful Delivery attempts are avoided and a time-saving and direct Delivery takes place, which meets the temporal needs of both the delivery service provider and the ordering party.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device this also has a payment element for carrying out a payment of the claimant, ie in particular the person who removes the transported item from the respective container or a returned item inserted in such a container. In this context, the lockable container for the claimant can only be opened if, in addition to the successful identification of a sufficient payment by the beneficiary.

At the described stationary support element the device can several containers solvable and lockable be attached, whereby the respective carrier elements as collection points for storage to be transported objects from the delivery service provider and to remove the respective deliveries objects can serve from the individual claimants. Such support elements can e.g. on the entrance streets be erected or assembled by neighborhoods, so that there resident Authorized persons e.g. at the evening home coming for them certain objects the on the support element attached containers can take.

According to one further advantageous embodiment can the individual containers also be interconnected, creating a modular container structure arises and only individual containers turn with the carrier element are connected. This allows on a support element a variety of containers be attached.

The Connection of the individual containers with each other and / or with the carrier element, a (releasable) mechanical Connection and electrical, electronic, optical or radio Be data connection. In the case of a data connection can be between the individual containers and / or the carrier element with a e.g. existing computer unit information about the container condition (e.g., open / closed, filled / empty) the respective EDP unit for inquiry by the delivery service or be passed on by the claimant. A delivery service can learn in this way, whether filled container already emptied by the respective claimant, so that the respective container can be picked up again. Furthermore, the delivery service can query whether a person entitled e.g. in connection with a return a container refilled again has to be reclaimed items to return. In these cases the delivery service can handle these containers pick up again.

Finally, can the claimant, e.g. inquire via (mobile) telephone or via Internet, whether on a carrier element, the e.g. is assigned as a collection point to your own residential area, a shipment for he is present.

The Identification element for identifying the person entitled, in particular an orderer delivered items, can on the support element to be appropriate. For this, the claimant has before opening the Container personally flawless to identify. This can e.g. via a credit or debit card, a other magnetic stripe card or more in the course of technological Development of possible methods (for example via electronically readable ID card, Fingerprint, pupil scan, etc.).

One Such identification element on the support element can also by the staff the delivery service used to provide a pick-up / pick-up authorization of containers query.

at Connection of the identification element with a payment element the claimant may, for example, Identify both when picking up an item as well as settle the bill of the delivery service. If both Identification as well as payment could be successful respective containers assigned to authorized persons are opened on the carrier element, so that the Entitled person can remove the item stored there.

The inventive device allows the handover and paying an item to be delivered to an identified one Entitled around the clock, so that unsuccessful delivery attempts be excluded and yet a secure delivery to the Entitled persons with payment (principle "goods against money") is reached.

If now an identification element and / or a payment element directly on a container attached, can all Functions of the device according to the invention, in particular an identification of the claimant and the execution of a Payment already be executed in connection with a single container. This would be advantageous if the delivery service to the individual containers purely mechanical stationary support elements e.g. in house entrances of apartment buildings attach so that the When he comes home, the respective container was authorized by identification and open payment at the identification and payment element of the container and take the delivered goods or when returning (for example because of a Complaint) can insert the goods.

A data transmission between the individual system elements, in particular between identification element, payment element, carrier element and / or at least one container (eg with its closure element) can take place via a computer unit (eg a small computer) attached to the carrier element or to at least one container. The computer unit can be used to store data Transmission and control of the functions between the individual elements.

advantageously, the computer unit has a communication element for data transmission, which be done by electrical, electronic, optical or radio can. So can individual on a support element or on a container attached computerized units are "called" by the delivery service or the authorized person to whether the respective containers have already been emptied or whether at a certain support element a container with a consignment for a claimant has been received. Such communication the delivery service or the person entitled with the EDP unit also in particular about (Mobile) telephone. This creates an "intelligent" delivery system whose Status and operating data can be queried by the delivery service or by an authorized person.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment comprises the delivery device according to the invention several stationary support elements in different places, so that one nationwide or even built nationwide network of support elements will, over which deliver services directly to the beneficiaries can and a delivery even without personally meeting the claimant can take place.

at Such a network with a plurality or plurality of support elements can Computer units of the individual support elements or the container the individual support elements communicate with each other for data exchange. Thus, e.g. from a carrier element to adjacent support elements be reported, how many fetched and already emptied container on the present support element available. In addition to the communication of the support elements and / or containers via their Computer units among each other may also be a data exchange with a central station, e.g. one Computer center of the delivery service, take place. This can be the Delivery service all relevant state or operating data of the individual carrier elements with the containers attached to it and react accordingly. Thus, e.g. at a request of a Entitled person wishing to ship a particular item Container on a support element near the place of residence of the claimant. Furthermore, over the Central station then be queried when the container with to be returned Object filled by the claimant was then to initiate a pickup by the delivery service to be able to.

to execution the respective data transmissions the computer unit has a suitable means of communication whereby the data transmission by electrical, electronic or optical means or by radio can be done. The mobile staff of the delivery service and / or the claimant may have appropriate Communication means, e.g. Mobile phone or laptop computer (with Modem) a data exchange with individual support elements or containers or with the central station. In order to can the state and operating states of respective carrier systems with the containers partially or completely be queried.

The The invention further relates to a carrier element for one Delivery device of the type described, which at least over a connecting element with a container for closable recording to be stored is connectable. For this existing connection element of the support element can e.g. as a known slide, known per se for connection from cart known snap connection or as known per se electromagnetic lock etc. be educated.

If the on the support element to be attached the Zustellsystems with the connecting element of the support element Having corresponding coupling element, the respective container on support element be attached. If the coupling element is designed as a ring, can connect the container with the carrier element e.g. be done by that the ring of the container a sliding slide of the support member for locking passed and to break away brought out again becomes. A on the container attached ring can for space-saving transport of the container detached from the support element advantageously to the container be folded. The container can have a handle for transport.

The Invention is based on embodiments closer in the drawing figures explained. It demonstrate:

1 a perspective view of a delivery system with carrier element and attached containers;

2 a representation of a container,

3 a top view of a container after 2 .

4 a partial sectional view of a delivery system according to 1 such as

5 a schematic representation of a Delivery system with multiple support elements and a central station.

1 shows a device for delivery and temporary storage of objects with a stationary support member 2 on which container 1a . 1b for the lockable recording aufzubewahrender objects are releasably secured. At the upper end of the support element 2 there is an integrated identification element 3 with payment element 4 and a slot 9 , eg for the introduction of a magnetic stripe card for identification of a claimant. The carrier element 2 stands on a stand 11 and may, for example, also be attached to a wall (eg a house wall) (not shown).

In the carrier element 2 are more openings 10 provided so that more containers 1 on the carrier element 2 if the delivery service deems it necessary or if a new container 1 is requested by the claimant to return an item. Furthermore, on the containers 1a . 1b also other containers 1c be attached so that only the container 1a . 1b with the carrier element 2 are connected and the other containers 1c modular on the containers 1a . 1b are attached (see. 4 ). The containers 1 can also have different (modularly graded) sizes and a cooling unit on the container 1 or on the carrier element 2 air conditioned (not shown).

On the carrier element 2 is a computerized unit 5 (For example, a small computer) attached to the support element 2 , the identification element 3 , the payment element 4 and / or the container 1a . 1b (or another container not shown) 1c ) connected is. About this computer unit 5 To-stand and operating data of the system according to the invention are detected. For example, it can be determined if the containers 1a . 1b (or 1c ) are open or closed, filled or empty and whether after identification of an authorized person at the identification element 3 opening the container 1a . 1b can be done. The computer unit 5 has as an means of communication an antenna 12 for data exchange with other carrier elements 2 or with a central station 6 (see. 5 ).

Out 2 is an enlarged and schematic representation of the container 1a according to 1 out. Here is its lid 13a opened to fill the container 1a shown. The container 1a has closure elements 14 . 15 , which can be performed, for example, as known snap elements or per se known electromagnetically actuated closure element. At the non-visible back of this container 1a there is a coupling element, over which the container 1a on the carrier element 2 can be attached (see. 3 . 4 ). At the top of the container 1a is an example, electrical or electronic contact element 16 attached, which contacts 26 having. When attaching multiple containers 1 adjacent to each other can thereby according to 3 an electrical, electronic or other transmission between adjacent containers 1 occur. At the tank 1a can also other contact elements for contacting adjacent attached another container 1 be appropriate (not shown).

In the part top view on the container 1a according to 2 comes from 3 one as a ring 8th trained coupling element forth, which has a dotted drawn slider 7 the carrier element 2 in a recess 27 for releasably securing the container 1a on the carrier element 2 can take up (cf. 4 ). 4 shows in a partial sectional view after 1 the attachment of the containers 1a . 1b on the carrier element 2 , The carrier element 2 is shown in a vertical section. For fastening the container 1a . 1b on the carrier element 2 grab rings 8a . 8b the container 1a . 1b in openings 10 the carrier element 2 one. These rings 8a . 8b have in plan view - from container 1a towards the container 1b seen - for example, a U-shaped form (see. 3 ). In the recess 27 (see. 3 ) of these U-shaped rings 8a . 8b grab as shown from above slide 7a . 7b the carrier element 2 one. These sliders 7a . 7b can in the direction of displacement 25 Move vertically up and down. In the position shown are the slides 7a . 7b moved down and reach into the recesses described 27 The Rings 8a . 8b one, so that the containers 1a . 1b on the carrier element 2 are attached.

To release a container 1a . 1b would be the respective slide first 7a . 7b in the direction of displacement 25 move vertically upwards. This can be done in a known per se electromagnetically or via a known rack and pinion mechanism, which in the carrier element 2 integrated (not shown).

Upon delivery of a new container 1 The delivery service initially provides free space for the container 1 selected with an opening 10 that is not yet occupied. Then the slider is 7 by the staff of the delivery service by appropriate operation of the mechanism or the electromagnetic mechanism in the support element 2 vertical in the direction of displacement 25 moved up. So can the respective ring 8th of the new container 1 in the opening 10 be inserted. Then the slider can 7 be moved back down and locked so the recorded container 1 , The container 1 can therefore not be removed and only by pressing again movement of the slide 7 be removed by the staff of the delivery service again.

While over the pictured rings 8th and slider 7 a mechanical and detachable connection between containers 1 and carrier element 2 is prepared for data transmission and an electrical, electronic or otherwise known per se connection between the containers 1a . 1b and the carrier element 2 over at the tanks 1a . 1b attached contact elements 19 . 21 made, which with corresponding contact elements 18 . 20 the carrier element 2 make a connection. In this case, electrical or electronic connections can be made by per se known plug and snap contacts. Out 4 also goes a direct electrical or electronic connection between the containers 1a . 1b which, via the contact elements 16 . 17 the container 1a . 1b he follows.

Finally, in 4 - in addition to 1 - another container 1c shown, which is not directly on the support element 2 is attached, but via its own coupling element 23 with a coupling element 22 of the container 1b connected is. Such coupling elements 22 . 23 can only be opened or closed by the delivery service and can be designed as known per se snap or plug connections. By such attachment of another container 1c at one already on the support element 2 attached container 1b Overall, a modular loading container arrangement can be created, wherein of the individual containers 1 only a single or a few directly with the support element 2 are connected. The coupling elements 22 . 23 can be attached to any suitable location of the respective container - not just on its underside - (not shown).

The container 1c can also be done in a direct way with the carrier element 2 be connected when the container 1c in a region of the carrier element 2 is attached, on which an opening 10 located. Then it can then in the presentation 3 folded ring 8c of the container 1c in folding direction 24 be unfolded again and the arrangement of the rings 8a . 8b the container 1a . 1b according to 3 taking.

At the tank 1c can also be an identification element 3 , a payment element 4 and / or a computerized unit 5 be appropriate, so that the functions described in this context without a support element 2 are feasible (not shown). The device according to the invention for the delivery and temporary storage of objects has particularly extensive advantages when a plurality of carrier elements 2 are provided, which are mounted over a considerable area or even nationwide.

About computerized units 5 (see. 1 ), the individual support elements 2a - 2g according to 5 occur in a partially indicated by arrows data exchange and also data with a central station 6 , eg a central office of the delivery service. From the central station 6 can the state and operating data of all carrier elements 2a - 2g queried and can be determined which container 1 on which carrier element 2 have already been emptied and whether on a support element 2 a new container 1 was filled by an authorized person, for example, to return an item. Furthermore, entitled persons can after the filling of the container 1 be informed by the delivery service, for example by e-mail or SMS message, that the desired goods in the containers 1 can be picked up.

Finally, unauthorized theft or breaking up of containers 1 be determined. If the individual containers 1 also equipped with a GPS device (Global Positioning System), the containers can also be located in case of unauthorized stealing. When using a large number of support elements by a delivery service, a nationwide delivery can be achieved without the respective target person must actually be found. The filling of the individual containers can be done by the delivery service even at night with less traffic. The delivery systems can also share existing infrastructure and as a carrier element 2 for attaching containers 1 Also, for example, already existing and suitably adapted mailboxes or phone booths use.

1

container

2

support element

3

identification element

4

payment element

5

Computer unit

6

Central station

7

pusher

8th

ring

9

slot

10

opening

11

stand

12

antenna

13

cover

14 15

closure element

16 17

contact element

18 19

contact element

20 21

contact element

22 23

clutch

24

folding direction

25

displacement direction

26

Contact

27

recess

Claims (27)

Apparatus for the delivery and temporary storage of goods, in particular postal or courier items to be delivered, e.g. Letters, parcels or parcels, the articles stored being of at least one for opening or closing a container ( 1 ) Entitled persons from the container ( 1 ) are taken or stored in this, with - at least the container ( 1 ) for the closable reception of the articles to be stored, - at least one stationary carrier element ( 2 ) for releasably securing the container ( 1 ) by personnel of a delivery service by means of at least one coupling element, which is designed such that the coupling element only by personnel of the delivery service for releasably securing containers ( 1 ) can be used, - at least one identification element ( 3 ) at least for identifying the opening or closing of the container ( 1 ) Entitled persons and - at least one closure element ( 14 . 15 ) for opening or closing the container detachably fastened by personnel of the delivery service ( 1 ) upon identification of the opening or closing of the container ( 1 ), Whereby several containers ( 1 ) independently of one another in any desired number on the carrier element ( 2 ) or other containers ( 1 ) are releasably attachable and the size of the device with the number of attached containers ( 1 ) varies. Apparatus according to claim 1 with at least one payment element ( 4 ) for making a payment for opening or closing a container ( 1 ) Entitled persons. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one identification element ( 3 ) can also be used by the staff of the delivery service in order to be authorized to attach / collect at least one container ( 1 ) to interrogate. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, with a carrier element ( 2 ) for releasably securing a plurality of containers ( 1 ). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, with a plurality of interconnected containers ( 1 ) Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the individual containers ( 1 ) are mechanically interconnected. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the individual containers ( 1 ) are electrically, electronically, optically or by radio connected to each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification element ( 3 ) on the carrier element ( 2 ) is attached. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification element ( 3 ) on at least one container ( 1 ) is attached. Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the identification element ( 3 ) with the payment element ( 4 ) is connectable. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein one with a payment element ( 4 ) associated identification element ( 3 ) is designed as a card reader. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a computerized unit ( 5 ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the computerized unit is attached to a carrier element ( 2 ) is attached. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the computer unit ( 5 ) on at least one container ( 1 ) is attached. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the computer unit ( 5 ) for data transmission between identification element ( 3 ), Payment element ( 4 ), Carrier element ( 2 ) and / or at least one container ( 1 ) serves. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the computer unit ( 5 ) has a communication element for data transmission. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the communication element for electrical, electronic, optical or radio data transmission serves. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of stationary support elements ( 2 ) are provided in different places. Device according to claim 18, wherein the individual support elements ( 2 ) Computerized units ( 5 ) with communication elements for data exchange with each other. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the individual computerized units ( 5 ) a Kommunikationsele for data transmission with at least one central station ( 5 ) exhibit. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the central station ( 6 ) and / or a computer unit ( 5 ) for data exchange with a container for opening or closing ( 1 ) Entitled is trained on a suitable means of communication. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the communication means is a cellphone or laptop computer. Carrier element for a device according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the carrier element ( 2 ) via at least one connecting element with a container ( 1 ) is connectable. Carrier element according to claim 23, wherein the connecting element is a slider ( 7 ). Container for a device according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the container ( 1 ) via at least one coupling element with a stationary carrier element ( 2 ) is connectable. Container according to claim 25, wherein the coupling element is a ring ( 8th ). A container according to claim 26, wherein the ring ( 8th ) to the container ( 1 ) is hinged.