DE102015015395A1 - Method and system for automatically opening a cargo compartment door of a parcel vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for automatically opening a luggage compartment door of a parcel vehicle. In this method, a mobile computer (15) automatically sends a signal to open the cargo compartment door (5) to a control unit (9) of the parcel vehicle (3), which activates the cargo door (5), wherein the automatic signal is generated when through an input to the mobile computer (15) indicating whether a packet could be received or not delivered.

Description

The invention relates to a method for automatically opening a luggage compartment door of a parcel vehicle.

From the DE 10 2010 053 836 A1 a device for automatically actuating a sliding door of a vehicle is known, in which a first sensor is mounted on the sliding door, a second sensor near the sliding door on a fixed part of the vehicle is arranged and a third sensor so close to the sliding door on a fixed part of Vehicle is arranged, that the third sensor is concealed with the sliding door closed and exposed with the sliding door open. These sensors can then be operated by foot. As the foot approaches the first sensor, the first sensor generates an output signal to open the sliding door. When the foot approaches the third sensor within a predetermined range, the third sensor generates an output signal which serves to close the sliding door. Upon approach of the foot in a predetermined area of the second sensor, the second sensor generates a signal which serves to stop an opening or closing operation of the sliding door. A disadvantage of this method is that the user has already reached the vehicle and standing in front of the vehicle standing the individual sensors must operate to open and close the vehicle, which costs valuable time.

Especially employees of parcel services face the daily challenge of delivering as many parcels as possible in the shortest possible time. A substantial part of the time is spent on loading and unloading the vehicle at the receiver. It must u. a. always the cargo door of the parcel vehicle to be reopened to enter the hold.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for automatically opening a luggage compartment door of a parcel vehicle, in which time is saved in the delivery of parcels.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims. Other features, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, as well as the explanation of embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures.

The object is achieved with a method in that a mobile computer automatically sends a signal to open the cargo door to a control unit of the parcel vehicle, which activates the cargo door, wherein the automatic signal is generated when indicated by an input to the mobile computer whether a package could be received or not delivered. The advantage of the invention is a gain in time during parcel delivery, especially in the case of delivery or parcel pickup that has not been completed by the fact that the trunk door automatically opens with the parcel on the way back of the delivery service. The automated signal is delivered by the mobile computer designed as a handheld, which the delivery person always carries with him, when, for example, he prints a notification to the recipient of the package. At the same time, the time required by the deliverer to return to the parcel vehicle is used to open the cargo hold door.

Advantageously, the signal for opening the load compartment door is emitted when the mobile computer is at a predetermined distance from the parcel vehicle. In this case, the periods are limited in which the vehicle door is opened, since these may only be opened for safety reasons when the deliverer is within sight of the parcel vehicle.

In one embodiment, a relative position of the mobile computer to the vehicle is determined by the control unit of the parcel vehicle. By determining the relative position, it is easily possible to open the cargo door only when the deliverer is at a defined distance from the parcel vehicle.

In one variant, the control unit activates the luggage compartment door after the signal for opening the cargo space has been released by an access authorization. The access authorization can be realized for example by the vehicle key, which also carries the deliverer, which communicates with the control unit parallel to the mobile computer. Checking the access authorization ensures that only the deliverer has access to the parcel vehicle and its load.

In one embodiment, the control unit of the parcel vehicle is connected to a location system of the vehicle environment, wherein upon reaching the predetermined distance, the trunk door is automatically opened. For this purpose, only the next, to be approached by the package vehicle location in the control unit must be entered, which adjusts the current position with the positioning system and opens the trunk door when reaching the desired location. Again, the driver no longer has to manually open the cargo door, but can remove the corresponding packages immediately after getting out of the package vehicle.

In a further embodiment, the automated or autonomous moving parcel vehicle is guided to a destination position issued by the mobile computer. In this case, the order of the locations to be approached can be entered into the mobile computer in a particularly advantageous manner, which the latter passes on to the automated or autonomously moving parcel vehicle in order to determine the routing of the parcel vehicle independently of the driver.

• – einen mobilen Computer zur Aussendung eines Signales zum Öffnen einer Laderaumtür nach Eingabe einer Information über das Empfangen oder Nichtzustellen eines Paketes an einem vorgegebenen Ort,
• – einen am Paketfahrzeug angeordneten Empfänger zum Empfang des von dem mobilen Computer ausgesendeten Signales,
• – ein mit dem Empfänger verbundenes Steuergerät zur Auswertung des von dem Empfänger empfangenen Signales und
• – einen von dem Steuergerät angesteuerten Aktuator zum Öffnen der Laderaumtür infolge des von dem mobilen Computer ausgesandten Signales.

A development of the invention relates to a system for automatically opening a cargo door of a parcel vehicle, comprising

• A mobile computer for transmitting a signal to open a cargo door after inputting information about receiving or not placing a parcel in a predetermined location,
• A receiver arranged on the package vehicle for receiving the signal transmitted by the mobile computer,
• - Connected to the receiver controller for evaluating the received signal from the receiver and
• - An actuated by the controller actuator for opening the trunk door due to the signal emitted by the mobile computer signal.

Due to this system, time, which is additionally required in the prior art when the deliverer has to open the trunk door, can be saved, so that the delivery of parcels can be significantly accelerated over a predetermined period.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features may form the subject of the invention itself or in any meaningful combination, optionally also independent of the claims, and in particular may also be the subject of one or more separate application / s. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Show it:

1 an embodiment of the system according to the invention,

2 an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In 1 is given an embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the system 1 from a parcel vehicle 3 which is a cargo door 5 has, which is preferably designed as a sliding door. The sliding door 5 is about an actuator 7 with one in the vehicle 3 arranged control unit 9 connected, which is a receiver 11 having. The outside of the vehicle 3 present deliverer 13 owns a handheld 15 , which is designed as a mobile computer, as well as a vehicle key 17 (or similar access authorization systems such as smartphone app), its communication with the controller 9 as access authorization to the parcel vehicle 3 serves (data A). Except for the vehicle key 17 also exchanges the handheld 15 bidirectional information (data B) with the control unit 9 out.

Now has a delivery person 13 If he picked up a parcel at a given location or if he was unable to deliver a parcel, he marked an entry in the handheld 15 , causing the handheld 15 it is communicated that the deliverer 13 a package back to the parcel vehicle 3 wants to transport. This information will be near the location in the handheld 15 entered where the deliverer 13 picked up the package or could not deliver. Receives the handheld 15 this information, there is automatically an information C to the controller 9 of the parcel vehicle 3 out, by means of which the control unit 9 will be asked the sliding door 5 to open. Simultaneously with this information C, the vehicle keys exchange 17 and the controller 9 Access information, by means of which the control unit 9 can determine that the information C from the handheld 15 really from the deliverer 13 of the parcel vehicle 3 which was an access authorization for the hold of the parcel vehicle 3 having. Only if there is certainty that the deliverer 13 authorized to join the parcel vehicle 3 is, the controller activates 9 the actuator 7 , by means of which the sliding door 5 is opened.

The communication is not on the handheld 15 limited, but can also be done via third devices, such as a mobile phone.

Should it be the parcel vehicle 3 to act an automated or autonomous driving vehicle, so is the handheld 15 the target position to be selected is activated, and at the destination position takes the parcel vehicle 3 the deliverer 13 and optionally cargo on.

In 2 an embodiment of the method according to the invention is given. Here are possible spatial distances of the deliverer 13 to the parcel vehicle 3 when signals are triggered by the handheld 15 outlined. At the distance s4 is the Deliverer 13 an information in the handheld 15 one. This can also be done by an automated state detection of the handheld 15 yourself. This information means that the deliverer 13 a package back to the parcel vehicle 3 want to bring. At a distance s3 the controller locates 9 of the parcel vehicle 3 the position of an access authorization system, ie in this case the vehicle key 17 the delivery agent 13 , This localization can be relative to the parcel vehicle 3 or done absolutely. Has the deliverer 13 the distance s2 to the parcel vehicle 3 reaches, sends the handheld 15 the information C to the parcel vehicle, which is a request to open the sliding door 5 includes. At the distance s1 the parcel vehicle opens 3 automates the sliding door 5 , The order is not necessarily specified and depending on the variant, one or more events may coincide or be omitted.

In the logistics sector, frequencies in the decimeter wave range (UHV) are used on mobile devices. The crossover of an RF-ID technology is about 4-6 m. At an estimated running speed of the deliverer 13 of 5 km / h, which corresponds to approx. 1.4 m / s, the maximum possible lead time is 2.9 to 4.3 s. Usual sliding doors 5 in the parcel vehicle 3 need for opening about 3-5 s. This is the range of one in the mobile computer 15 contained RF ID chips sufficient to the sliding door 5 at least largely before the arrival of the deliverer 13 to open. As an alternative to the RF-ID method, wireless / WLAN / Bluetooth and infrared methods with a longer range can also be used. Likewise known location methods or encryption methods can be used.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplified embodiments are really only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those of skill in the knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept may make various changes, for example as to the function or arrangement of individual elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protection area defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

system

3

package car

5

sliding door

7

actuator

9

control unit

11

receiver

13

Deliverer

15

handheld

17

car keys

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010053836 A1 [0002]

Claims (7)

Method for automatically opening a luggage compartment door of a parcel vehicle, characterized in that a mobile computer ( 15 ) automatically a signal to open the cargo door ( 5 ) to a control unit ( 9 ) of the parcel vehicle ( 3 ), which the load compartment door ( 5 ), wherein the automatic signal is then generated when an input to the mobile computer ( 15 ) indicates whether a packet could be received or not delivered. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal for opening the cargo door ( 5 ) is sent out when the mobile computer ( 15 ) at a predetermined distance to the parcel vehicle ( 3 ) is located. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that a relative position of the mobile computer ( 15 ) to the parcel vehicle ( 3 ) by the control unit ( 9 ) is determined. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit ( 9 ) the cargo door ( 5 ) is activated after the signal for opening the loading space has been released by an access authorization. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 9 ) of the parcel vehicle ( 3 ) is in communication with a location system of the vehicle environment and upon reaching the predetermined distance by the mobile computer ( 15 ) the cargo door ( 5 ) is opened automatically. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatically or autonomously moving parcel vehicle ( 3 ) is approaching a destination position that is accessible from the mobile computer ( 15 ) is output. A system for automatically opening a cargo compartment door of a parcel vehicle, comprising - a mobile computer ( 15 ) for emitting a signal to open a cargo door ( 5 ), - one on the parcel vehicle ( 3 ) ( 11 ) for receiving from the mobile computer ( 15 ) emitted signals, - one with the receiver ( 11 ) connected control unit ( 9 ) for evaluation by the recipient ( 11 ) received signal and - one of the control unit ( 9 ) actuated actuator ( 7 ) for opening the cargo door ( 5 ) as a result of the mobile computer ( 15 ) emitted signal.

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