EP2056701B1 - Collecting container, in particular for collecting packages - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a collecting container. An exemplary collecting container comprises an insertion opening on the front of the collecting container that is adapted to receive objects. The exemplary collecting container additionally comprises a receiving device arranged to receive the objects and to convey them to a storage space in the collecting container, the storage space containing a filling-level measuring means that is connected to a blocking device preventing the receiving device from being opened when a defined filling level has been reached in the storage space, the receiving device comprising a roller shutter box whose receiving area is formed by at least two side walls and a bottom. The exemplary collecting container further comprises a roller shutter that is adapted to be moved in rails on the side walls, the blocking device being configured so that it can block the movement of the roller shutter.

Description

The invention relates to a collecting container with an insertion opening for the insertion of objects on the front side of the collecting container. The collecting container also has a removal opening for emptying the container. Within the insertion opening, a receiving device for receiving the objects and for transporting the objects is arranged in a storage space of the collecting container. This acceptance device is movable between at least two operating states, the acceptance device, in a first operating state, allowing the reception of an object in the acceptance device, while the access from the acceptance device to the storage space is prevented. In a second operating state of the receiving device, it is not possible to pick up an article in the accepting device while the access from the accepting device to the storage space is open.

Such collection containers are known in particular as containers for collection of used clothing. The containers are usually distinguished by the fact that the receiving device is designed so that it does not allow access to already inserted into the container objects when inserting old clothes in the container. A collection container of this kind is for example in the German utility model DE 296 19 083 U1 disclosed.

Collecting containers are also known in the field of the collection of postal items, which are intended to prevent access to already inserted items when inserting mailpieces. For letterboxes, the insertion slot is usually so narrow trained that access to inserted letters is not possible.

Also in the collection of larger mail items such as parcels and parcels, it is known to use containers for the collection of these goods. For example, the German Offenlegungsschrift describes DE 103 51 475 A9 a mailbox for collection of packages with a throw-in opening and a storage space arranged below the throw-in opening. A flap is pivotable about a horizontally extending axis and in the idle state, the flap closes the insertion opening. If a user wants to insert a parcel shipment, he swings the flap forward towards him and inserts the parcel. In this case, the flap is designed so that it does not allow access to already inserted into the storage space packages in the open state. When closing the door, the access to the storage compartment is opened and the package falls into the container. WO 03/02487 A1 describes a collecting container, wherein the receiving device is a roller blind box.

In the case of the collection container known from the prior art, it may happen that a user continues to try to insert packages into the container, although due to the stacked up to the flap flap packets no further filling is possible. Furthermore, there is a risk that thrown objects are damaged when throwing. This is disadvantageous in particular for package collection containers. In addition, parcels can stack directly below a flap, whereby the available interior of a container is insufficiently utilized. If the stack of packages extends as far as the flap, further filling is no longer possible, although in other areas of the container further space is available.

The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art in storage containers and in particular to provide a collection container for insertion of items such as mail, in which in a filled container no more items can be thrown. Furthermore, the interior of the container should be well utilized and the objects should not be damaged during insertion.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a collecting container having the features of the independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the collecting container will become apparent from the dependent claims 2-15.

The collection container according to the invention for parcels has the particular advantage that, in addition to the branch operation, it represents an alternative dispensing possibility for parcels, parcels and returns. The parcel box can guarantee a 24-hour delivery process, regardless of branch locations and store opening hours.

A significant advantage of the invention lies in a level gauge, can be prevented by the fact that the sump is opened, although for reasons of space no objects can be introduced. This has the advantage that a user already recognizes when he arrives at a collecting container that it is filled and he can not throw any more object. The level is preferably displayed to the user on a display or by flashing displays. This is complemented by a mechanism that automatically blocks an opening of the container as soon as the level meter has registered a defined filling of the container.

Particularly advantageous is the addition of the level gauge by a collecting device, which essentially covers the cross section of the storage space of the collecting container and thus intercepts falling objects. By a vertical mobility of the collecting device, the collecting device at empty container to be moved to an upper starting position in which it intercepts items as directly as possible below a throw-in device. In this upper position, the collecting device is thus preferably at a height in which thrown objects can be intercepted as early as possible. By lowering the catcher due to the weight of the accumulating objects more items can be thrown. However, these do not fall all the way to the bottom of the container, but they are also intercepted by the catcher as high as possible.

The catcher thus provides a fall brake and prevents packages from falling down and being damaged. Even the impact of heavy packages on underlying, less stable packages is mitigated by the catcher.

By a downward inclination of the collecting device to the front of the collection point out can be further achieved that the objects do not accumulate on the back of the collection and there stack up so far that no objects can be thrown, although the front portion of the storage space is not filled. Instead, objects that have been thrown in are always slipping forward, thus freeing space for subsequent objects directly underneath the opening. Thus, the entire storage space of the container can be used as well as possible.

Further advantages, features and expedient developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

ein besonders bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Sammelbehälters mit einem Rol- lokasten;

Fig. 2

den Einwurfvorgang bei einem Sammelbehälter mit Rol- lokasten;

Fig. 3

das Absenken eines Rollbodens in einem Sammelbehälter mit Rollokasten;

Fig 4

das Blockieren eines Rollos bei Erreichen eines defi- nierten Füllstands; und

Fig. 5

das Absenken eines Netzes in einem Sammelbehälter mit Rollokasten.

From the pictures shows:

Fig. 1

a particularly preferred embodiment of the collecting container according to the invention with a Rol- lokasten;

Fig. 2

the insertion process in a collecting container with roller blinds;

Fig. 3

the lowering of a rolling floor in a collecting container with roller blind box;

Fig. 4

the blocking of a roller blind when a defined filling level is reached; and

Fig. 5

the lowering of a net in a collecting container with roller blind box.

The collecting container according to the invention is described below with reference to several embodiments. The collecting container is particularly suitable in the manner of a mailbox for the collection of postal packages and / or parcels and will be explained with reference to this purpose. The mail is usually pre-franked mail. However, the use of the container is not limited to the collection of mail. Rather, any objects can be collected in the container. In particular, for items that are to be protected against damage during insertion, the collection is particularly suitable.

The basic structure of a container is exemplified by the Fig. 1 shown. The collecting container 10 has a bottom plate, a cover plate, a front side 12, a rear side 13 and two side walls, whereby a box-shaped housing is formed. The contour of the collecting container may vary, but in its interior a storage space 14 is always formed, in which objects such as parcels can be thrown in by a user.

The housing of the collecting container 10 is preferably made of steel and is burglar resistant. Furthermore, the container is weatherproof and mounted so that it can not be unlawfully removed.

The packages are introduced via an insertion opening 11 in the container. The acceptance device is basically designed so that an intervention protection prevents a user with or without aids can reach inside the container and unauthorized stolen or damaged packages. The receiving device is usually designed so that an opening movement simultaneously triggers a mechanism that closes the access to the storage space of the container. Thus, while a user can access the acceptor to set a package, he is denied access to any dropped packets. Closing the acceptor disengages the lock and a parcel may fall into the storage space of the container.

The collection container in Fig. 1 has a blind box 60 as an acceptance device.

For a dialogue with a user of the collection container 10, the container may further comprise an input device 81, for example in the form of a keyboard or a touchscreen. Preferably, further, a display device 80 is like a screen intended. As an alternative or in addition to a screen, lighting means such as lamps or LEDs can be provided to indicate to the user, for example, the filling state of the container. The input and the display devices are preferably in communication with a data processing unit 82. If no electronic display device is provided, the user can be displayed on a permanent information surface operator information such as rights and obligations at the time of delivery.

The data processing unit 82 may be connected to a central data management unit via which the operation of a plurality of collection containers is controlled. For example, the level of the collection container can be transmitted to the central data management unit, after which an operator is sent to empty the container. Furthermore, the fill level can be registered and processed by the data processing unit such that a message is displayed to a user on a screen that the collection container is completely filled and thus no further loading is possible. If no screen is provided, the fill status can alternatively be displayed with lights or LEDs. For example, a red LED may illuminate when the container is filled and no further loading is possible, while a green LED is lit when further packages can be inserted.

An operator removes dropped packets by one in the FIG. 1 illustrated removal opening 15 on the front side 12 from the container. The removal opening is preferably provided with a door which can be opened, for example, by identifying an operator at the data processing unit 82. In another embodiment of the invention, the door of the removal opening is closed by a special key.

The roller blind box 60 has at least one bottom plate 62, two side walls 61 and 61 'and a roller blind 63, which can be moved in rails of the side walls. Through these components, a receiving area is formed, in which an object such as a package can be introduced. The dimensions of the blind box also determine the maximum size of the packages that can be thrown. At the front end of the roller blind 63, which faces the outside of the container, there is preferably a handle 64 for manual movement of the roller blind in the rails.

In the closed state of the roller blind box, the roller blind 63 extends at least over the insertion opening 11. Typically, it also extends at the top along the roller blind box to the rear of the receiving area thus formed. In another embodiment, the blind may also extend below the bottom plate 62 to the rear. In both cases, the rear side of the roller blind box is not closed by the roller blind, so that the access from the receiving area of the roller blind box to the storage space 14 of the container is open when the roller blind is closed.

The bottom plate 62 of the blind box is preferably formed slightly inclined down to the rear side 13 of the collecting container 10, so that laid on the bottom plate packets 20 slide backwards. In one embodiment of the invention, a rolling floor 65 is further provided in the bottom plate 62, on the packets slip or roll backwards through the open roller blind box.

To insert a package 20 into the collection container, the user moves the handle 64 up or down, depending on the embodiment, and thus shifts the roller blind within its rails. As a result, the roller blind covers the rear area of the roller blind box and thus prevents access to the storage space 14 of the container, while the access to the roller blind box is open from the front. The user puts the package on the rolling floor 65 and closes the blind by a renewed movement of the handle. The rear of the roller blind box is released, and the package slips on the floor 65 to the rear, where it then falls down into the storage space 14.

In the Figures 2-4 is the steps of a) -f) the throw-in process shown in an embodiment of the invention, in which a blind box 60 and as a collecting device a roller base 41 are used as an acceptance device. For measuring the level of the container, a lip 70 is provided, for example, at the rear end of the roller blind 63. In the empty state of the container, the lip is for example perpendicular to the roller blind, but is pivotally mounted on the top of the roller blind. The lip can be resiliently mounted. When the roller blind is opened, the lip with the rear end of the roller blind always moves downwards. If the container is so far filled with packages that the lip 70 thereby encounters an object, it flips upwards, thus triggering the blocking of the blinds. This condition is in Fig. 2 represented, wherein the contact of the lip takes place with an object when opening the roller blind.

If a roller blind box is used, in which the roller blind extends below the bottom plate 62, a lip can also be used as a level gauge. However, the downward movement of the lip and thus the contact of the lip with an object in this embodiment when closing the blinds.

The lip can serve, for example, as a direct switch for blocking the roller blind. In another embodiment, the lip activated by their movement another control means which triggers the blocking of the blinds. For example, the data processing unit 82 may receive a signal from the lip 70, causing it to lock the roller blind.

Fig. 5 shows in steps a) -b) schematically the throwing process at a collecting container with a roller blind box and a safety net 40. In this case, a lip 70 is also used as Füllstandamesser. However, a net can also be used with a baffle plate as a level gauge. Furthermore, in each of the in the Figures 2-5 In addition to the illustrated components, a distribution profile 51 can be used to singulate the packets on both sides.

In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving device is not in the center of the front side 12 of the container, but horizontally offset from this. For example, a roller blind box can be arranged on the left in the front. In this case, it may be appropriate that the respective catching device is arranged on the suspensions that they not only forward down, but also to the bottom right. For example, if the receiving device is arranged on the right, the respective collecting device tilts forward to the left. So not only a better distribution of the packages in the front and rear area, but also a better distribution of the packages can be achieved on both sides. This inclination of the collecting device is particularly advantageous to achieve with a network.

If the maximum level of the collection container is reached and / or exceeded a certain time interval for emptying, the container is emptied by an operator and the emptying is registered. The level will be reset. For example, if the operator removes the packages from a removal door, opening the door may trigger a mechanism whereby the level is automatically reset to "empty." The removal of the packages also causes the lifting of the collecting device in its upper starting position. The collecting device can be moved, for example, by a spring force to its original position.

For convenient removal of the packages from the collecting device through the removal flap 15, this can be conveniently locked by an operator in position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Storage container, parcel box

11

deposit slot

12

Front sump

13

Rear sump

14

storage space

15

Withdrawal opening, removal flap

20

Item, mail, parcel

40

network

41

Moving floor

42.43

suspension

60

roller box

61.61 '

Sidewall roller blind box

62

Floor roller blind box

63

roller blind

64

Handle roller blind

65

Rolling floor roller blind box

70

Level gauge, lip

80

Display device, screen, lamp, LED

81

Input device, keyboard, touch screen

82

Data processing device

Claims (13)

1. A collecting container having an insertion opening (11) on the front (12) of the collecting container (10) so that objects (20) can be dropped in, and having a removal opening (15), whereby, inside the insertion opening (11), there is a receiving device that receives the objects and conveys them to a storage space (14) in the collecting container (10), and this receiving device can be moved between at least two operating states, whereby, in a first operating state, the receiving device allows an object to be received in it, while the entrance from the receiving device to the storage space (14) is blocked, and in a second operating state of the receiving device, an object cannot be received in it, while the entrance from the receiving device to the storage space (14) is open, whereby the storage space (14) contains a filling-level measuring means that is connected to a blocking means that prevents the receiving device from being opened when a defined filling level has been reached in the storage space (14), whereby the receiving device is a roller shutter box (60) whose receiving area is formed by at least two side walls (61; 61') and a bottom (62), and a roller shutter (63) can be moved in rails on the side walls (61; 61') in such a way that, in a first position, the roller shutter (63) covers the entrance from the receiving area of the roller shutter box (60) to the storage space (14), while the receiving area of the roller shutter box (60) is accessible to the user and, in a second position, the roller shutter (63) covers the insertion opening (11), while the entrance from the receiving area of the roller shutter box (60) to the storage space (14) is open, whereby the blocking means is configured in such a way that it can block the movement of the roller shutter (63).
2. The collecting container according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that,
   the interior of the storage space (14) contains a catching device that essentially covers the horizontal cross section of the storage space (14), and in that the catching device is connected to at least one suspension (42; 43) that can be moved vertically.
3. The collecting container according to Claim 2,
   characterized in that,
   the catching device is slanted downwards toward the front (12) of the collecting container (10).
4. The collecting container according to either one or both of Claims 2 and 3,
   characterized in that,
   the catching device is attached to a suspension (42; 43) that, starting from an initial position at the top, can move downwards under the weight of an object (20).
5. The collecting container according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that,
   the suspension (42; 43) can be moved downwards against a defined spring force.
6. The collecting container according to one or more of Claims 2 to 5,
   characterized in that,
   the collecting container (10) comprises a mechanism by means of which the suspension (42; 43) can move back to its initial position at the top once the objects (20) have been removed from the catching device.
7. The collecting container according to one or more of Claims 2 to 6,
   characterized in that,
   the catching device is a net (40) stretched between the side walls of the storage space (14).
8. The collecting container according to one or more of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that,
   the catching device is a rolling-type conveyor (41) that extends between the side walls of the storage space (14).
9. The collecting container according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that,
   a lip (70) is installed at the end of the roller shutter (63) facing the storage space (14), whereby, when contact is made with an object (20) in the storage space (14), this lip (70) can be deflected, and in that the lip (70) is connected to the blocking means that prevents the roller shutter (63) from being opened when the lip (70) has reached a defined deflection.
10. The collecting container according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that,
    the blocking of the receiving device can be indicated on a display device (80) of the collecting container (10).
11. The collecting container according to one or more of Claims 1 to 10,
    characterized in that,
    the blocking of the receiving device can be deactivated.
12. The collecting container according to Claim 11,
    characterized in that,
    the blocking of the receiving device can be deactivated by opening a door of the removal opening (15).
13. The collecting container according to Claim 12,
    characterized in that,
    the blocking of the receiving device can be deactivated by entering a command on an input device (81).

Images