EP3854272A1 - Deposit box for individuals - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a locker for individuals, of the type comprising at least one compartment (15) for receiving articles, at least one door (7, 9) capable of closing this compartment (15), and means for unlocking this. door (7, 9) at the request of at least one user, characterized in that it comprises at least one substantially horizontal plate (17) vertically dividing said compartment (15) into at least two distinct zones (19, 21) receiving articles, and means (23) for vertically moving said tray (17) as a function of the volumes of the articles to be placed respectively in said receiving areas (19, 21).

Description

The present invention relates to a locker for individuals, and to a room equipped with such a locker.

A locker for individuals is known from the prior art, of the type comprising at least one compartment for receiving articles, at least one door capable of closing this compartment, and means for unlocking this door at the request of at least one. user.

Such a locker, installed in the immediate vicinity of a private individual's home, allows a delivery person to drop off an item in the individual's absence: to do this, the delivery person has access to the locker compartment ( keys, code, or electronic means of access), which allows him to open the door, place the items inside the compartment, then secure the delivery thus made by closing the door.

When the individual returns to his home, using his own means of opening the door, he can collect the items that have been delivered in his absence.

Another possibility of using such a deposit is for the individual to deposit articles inside the compartment that he wishes to return to the sender: the latter is informed of such a wish to return, and dispatches on places an agent who will be able to retrieve the items in the absence of the individual, again thanks to the means of opening the door which have been allocated to him beforehand.

A drawback with this type of deposit is in particular the situation of multiple deliveries of articles: several deliverers intervene at different times of the day to deliver various articles within the compartment of the deposit.

In this case, the articles are piled up loose inside the compartment, which is not at all satisfactory, especially when some of these articles are fragile, and therefore cannot support the weight of a stack of other articles. .

We know the document CN 207 264 509 U , teaching an instruction for individuals comprising at least one compartment for receiving articles, at least one door capable of closing the compartment, and means for locking / unlocking said door at the request of a user. The instruction of the prior art has the major drawback of not being able to adapt its capacity to the volume of the object to be secured.

The object of the present invention is thus in particular to remedy this drawback.

This objective of the invention is achieved, as well as other advantages which will appear on reading the description which follows, with an instruction for individuals, of the type comprising at least one compartment for receiving articles, at least one door. capable of closing this compartment, and means for unlocking this door at the request of at least one user, remarkable in that it comprises at least one substantially horizontal plate vertically dividing said compartment into at least two distinct zones for receiving d 'articles, and means for vertically moving said tray as a function of the volumes of the articles to be placed respectively in said reception areas, and in that the deposit further comprises a body comprising said compartment, a head comprising electronic means in particular capable of control said unlocking means, and a foot suitable for receiving additional items.

Thanks to these characteristics, it is possible to place the various articles to be delivered in two distinct zones of the compartment, and thus prevent these articles from being piled up in bulk.

Surprisingly, the Applicant has observed that the deposit thus conceived in three distinct sets, can be transported more easily to its place of use, then assembled on site.

Advantageously, such a structure allows the user, as well as the delivery person, to be able to communicate with said instruction via the electronic means of the head, thus forming a man-machine interface.

As moreover the separation plate of the two zones of the compartment is movable vertically, it is possible to optimize the distribution of the volumes of this zone according to the size of the articles to be delivered, and thus to avoid wasting space.

• cette consigne comporte au moins deux portes superposées, permettant d'accéder respectivement auxdites deux zones de réception : la présence de ces deux portes permet d'accéder sélectivement à la zone souhaitée (inférieure ou supérieure) dans laquelle se trouve l'article à livrer ou à récupérer ; de plus, si l'on n'autorise que l'ouverture d'une des deux portes en fonction des droits du livreur, on peut empêcher que celui-ci ne puisse accéder à la zone du compartiment qui ne le concerne pas, et prévenir ainsi qu'il récupère des articles qui ne le concernent pas ;
• cette consigne comporte deux portes superposées sur l'une de ses faces, et deux autres portes superposées sur une face opposée : grâce à cet agencement, la livraison des articles peut être effectuée d'un côté de la consigne, et leur récupération par le particulier peut être effectuée de l'autre côté de la consigne, ce qui est particulièrement pertinent lorsque la consigne traverse la paroi extérieure d'une habitation, présentant ainsi une face extérieure disposée à l'extérieur de l'habitation, et une face intérieure disposée à l'intérieur de l'habitation ;
• lesdits moyens de déplacement sont sélectionnés dans le groupe comprenant des vérins hydrauliques, des actionneurs électriques, des mécanismes à vis sans fin, des mécanismes à crémaillère : ces moyens de déplacement motorisés permettent de modifier automatiquement la position verticale du plateau séparant les deux zones du compartiment ;
• lesdits moyens de déverrouillage sont du type verrouillés par défaut : ceci signifie qu'en l'absence de sollicitations mécaniques ou électriques, les portes de la consigne restent fermées, ce qui évite leur ouverture intempestive par exemple en cas de rupture d'alimentation électrique ;
• ladite tête comporte des moyens sélectionnés dans le groupe comprenant : une boîte aux lettres, une caméra, un microphone, un haut-parleur, un capteur de présence, des moyens d'éclairage, un écran vidéo tactile, un deuxième écran vidéo tactile associé à la tête des boutons de commande, un lecteur RFID, un scanneur de code optique, une sonde de température, un miroir, une électronique de commande, des moyens de mémoire, des moyens de communication sans fil, une alimentation électrique : toutes ces caractéristiques permettent de rendre la consigne selon l'invention intelligente, c'est-à-dire de pouvoir dialoguer avec le particulier, avec les livreurs et avec les fournisseurs avant, pendant et après la livraison des articles ;
• ledit corps comprend des moyens sélectionnés dans le groupe comprenant : au moins une sonde de température, des moyens d'éclairage, des moyens de ventilation : grâce à ces caractéristiques, on peut notamment éviter des températures trop hautes ou trop basses à l'intérieur du compartiment, et assurer ainsi une bonne conservation des articles, en particulier lorsqu'ils comprennent des denrées alimentaires ;
• ledit pied comprend au moins un logement de réception de journaux, des moyens d'éclairage, et une prise de branchement pour câble d'alimentation électrique : ces caractéristiques permettent la livraison de journaux et prospectus dans une partie spécifique de la consigne, qui ne risque pas d'encombrer la boîte aux lettres de la tête, ni le compartiment du corps.

According to other optional characteristics of this instruction, taken alone or in combination:

• this setpoint comprises at least two superimposed doors, allowing access respectively to said two reception areas: the presence of these two doors allows selective access to the desired area (lower or upper) in which the article to be delivered is located or to get back ; moreover, if only the opening of one of the two doors is authorized according to the rights of the delivery person, it is possible to prevent the latter from being able to access the area of the compartment which does not concern him, and to prevent as well as recovering items that do not concern him;
• this deposit has two doors superimposed on one of its faces, and two other doors superimposed on an opposite face: thanks to this arrangement, the delivery of items can be carried out on one side of the deposit, and their recovery by the private individual can be performed on the other side of the set, which is particularly relevant when the set crosses the exterior wall of a dwelling, thus having an outer face disposed outside the dwelling, and an inner face disposed at the interior of the dwelling;
• said displacement means are selected from the group comprising hydraulic jacks, electric actuators, worm mechanisms, rack mechanisms: these motorized displacement means make it possible to automatically modify the vertical position of the plate separating the two zones of the compartment ;
• said unlocking means are of the type locked by default: this means that in the absence of mechanical or electrical stresses, the doors of the locker remain closed, which prevents their inadvertent opening, for example in the event of a power cut;
• said head comprises means selected from the group comprising: a mailbox, a camera, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a presence sensor, lighting means, a video touch screen, a second video touch screen associated with the head of the control buttons, an RFID reader, an optical code scanner, a temperature probe, a mirror, control electronics, memory means, wireless communication means, a power supply: all these characteristics allow to make the deposit according to the invention intelligent, that is to say to be able to dialogue with the private individual, with the deliverers and with the suppliers before, during and after the delivery of the articles;
• said body comprises means selected from the group comprising: at least one temperature sensor, lighting means, ventilation means: thanks to these characteristics, it is in particular possible to avoid too high or too low temperatures inside the compartment, and thus ensure good conservation of the articles, in particular when they include foodstuffs;
• said stand comprises at least one housing for receiving newspapers, lighting means, and a connection socket for an electric power cable: these characteristics allow the delivery of newspapers and leaflets in a specific part of the locker, which does not risk no cluttering the letterbox of the head, nor the compartment of the body.

The present invention also relates to a room equipped with a locker in accordance with the foregoing, remarkable in that it comprises a wall through which this setpoint passes, so that at least one door of this locker is located at the outside this room, and that a door opposite this instruction is located inside this room.

Thanks to these characteristics, we obtain an arrangement which allows the private individual to recover his articles without having to go outside: all he has to do is open the doors leading to the interior of his house or his apartment. to recover his articles which will have been deposited by the deliveryman from outside.

• [Fig. 1] : une vue en perspective du côté extérieur de la consigne selon l'invention, une porte extérieure inférieure étant ouverte ;
• [Fig. 2] : une vue en perspective du côté intérieur de la consigne selon l'invention, une porte intérieure supérieure étant ouverte ;
• [Fig. 3] : une vue en perspective du côté extérieur de la consigne selon l'invention, les trois parties de cette consigne étant représentées séparées les unes des autres, et les deux portes extérieures du corps de la consigne étant ouvertes ; et
• [Fig. 4] : une vue zoomée en perspective du côté extérieur de la tête de la consigne selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

• [ Fig. 1 ]: a perspective view of the exterior side of the locker according to the invention, a lower exterior door being open;
• [ Fig. 2 ]: a perspective view of the interior side of the locker according to the invention, an upper interior door being open;
• [ Fig. 3 ]: a perspective view of the outside of the locker according to the invention, the three parts of this locker being shown separated from each other, and the two outer doors of the locker body being open; and
• [ Fig. 4 ]: a zoomed perspective view of the outer side of the head of the set according to the invention.

For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs in all of the figures.

Furthermore, in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “top”, “bottom” will be used: these terms must be understood in relation to the position which the setpoint is intended to occupy according to the invention in operational situation.

More precisely, in this operational situation, the head of the setpoint according to the invention is located at the top of this setpoint, and the foot of this setpoint is located in the lowest part of this setpoint, in contact with the ground.

We now refer to the figure 1 , on which one can see a locker according to the invention seen from its exterior side, that is to say from its side intended to be placed outside a dwelling.

This instruction comprises three parts superimposed vertically, namely from top to bottom: a head 1, a body 3, and a foot 5.

As can be seen on the figure 3 , these three parts are designed to be designed separately, then assembled using appropriate means (screws, etc.) at the place of use.

As can be seen on the figure 1 , the body 3 has, on its outer side, superimposed outer doors, respectively upper 7 and lower 9.

On the figure 1 , only the lower outer door 9 is shown in the open position, but it should of course be understood that the upper outer door 7 can itself be opened.

In the embodiment shown, these two doors pivot around a vertical axis, but it should be understood that the invention could also extend to doors opening along other axes, as well as to roller shutters. .

Preferably electromechanical locks are adapted to keep these doors in the closed position.

These locks are preferably of the default locking type, that is to say that in the absence of electrical power, they remain in the locked position, thus preventing the inadvertent opening of the doors 7, 9.

Referring now to figure 2 , it can be seen that the set according to the invention also comprises two interior doors, respectively upper 11 and lower 13, respectively arranged opposite the upper 7 and lower 9 exterior doors.

As can be seen more particularly at the figure 3 , the doors 7, 9, 11, 13, close a compartment 15 occupying most of the interior volume of the body 3.

More precisely, this compartment 15 is separated by a substantially horizontal plate 17 into an upper zone 19 and a lower zone 21.

This plate 17 is movable vertically, that is to say according to a vertical translational movement parallel to itself, inside the compartment 15 under the action of displacement means arranged at the four interior corners of the compartment 15.

These displacement means, which may for example comprise worm screws 23 in engagement with the plate 17 and actuated by electric motors not shown, are preferably automatic, that is to say motorized.

Other forms of equivalent embodiments than endless screws 21 are of course conceivable: it is thus possible to have recourse to hydraulic jacks, to rack mechanisms, to electric actuators such as linear actuators.

The compartment 15 preferably comprises a certain number of additional items of equipment, such as lighting means, typically by LEDs, for each of the two zones 19, 21, temperature probes placed in each of these zones, as well as means. ventilation of each of these zones, respectively allowing air to be drawn into the interior of these zones, and this air to be discharged to the exterior.

In even more sophisticated versions, it is possible to imagine means for heating and / or refrigerating the interior of the compartment 15.

Referring now to figure 4 , we can see that the head has a camera 25 at its top.

Under this camera 25 and on the outside of the set point are a plurality of members 27, such as a light indicator, a microphone, a safety mirror, an outside temperature sensor, a presence detector, an alarm button and a cancel button.

Under the members 27 is a mail receiving slot 29, and under the latter is a mail recovery orifice 31.

Still going down the locker, there is then a device for scanning optical codes such as bar codes or QR codes, then a keyboard 35 allowing the entry of an identification code of the deliveryman, and in below this keypad, an LED lighting bar to illuminate night-time delivery operations.

To the left of the keyboard 35, there is a loudspeaker 39, and to the right of this keyboard an RFID badge reader 41.

Inside the head 1 are the control electronics of the setpoint according to the invention, memory means, wireless communication means which may include in particular a Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi chip, as well as a power supply. The head 1 is electrically connected to the body 3, so as to be able to interact electronically with the latter, and in particular to be able to control the locks of the doors 7, 9, 11, 13, the motorization of the plate 17 and the heating and ventilation means. .

Inner side of the locker head, and as can be seen on the figure 2 , there is provided a mail recovery slot 43, as well as a code entry keypad 45 for triggering the opening of the interior doors 11, 13.

It is also possible to provide a screen 46 separate from the deposit, or else integrated therein, a device with a SIM card inside the house, making it possible to carry out various operations, such as for example to view a delivery person by means of the outdoor camera 25, or else to access online ordering sites or to share a social network account.

As can be seen in particular on the figure 3 , the foot 5 of the deposit according to the invention preferably comprises two housings 48, 49 for receiving flexible documents such as newspapers or even leaflets which can be rolled inside these housings.

The foot 5 also includes a socket (not shown) for connection to the household sector intended to be fitted with the setpoint according to the invention.

This socket is connected by appropriate electrical connections passing through the body 3 and going up to the head 1 of the set according to the invention.

The operating mode and the advantages of the setpoint which has just been described result directly from the foregoing considerations.

As can be seen on the figure 2 , the locker according to the invention is preferably intended to be placed in a wall 47 of a house, such a wall separating the inside from the outside of this house, but the locker can also be installed in a fence separating the house. private space of a piece of public space, or even against the wall of a house.

Thus installed, this setpoint has its two exterior doors 7, 9 on the exterior side of the house, so that an exterior delivery man can access these doors, as well as all the control members 25 to 41 arranged on the outer side of this head.

The two interior doors 11, 13 as well as the mail retrieval slot 43 and the code entry keypad 45 are then placed inside the house, allowing a private individual to access these doors without going out. 'outside.

Assuming that the individual places two orders for two items with different volumes, when the first delivery person with his identifiers (keys or RFID badge or code to enter or optical codes, etc.) comes to identify himself on the head 1 of the setpoint, this head controls the motorization of the plate 17 so that one of the two zones 19, 21 of the compartment 15 corresponds substantially to the volume of the first article thus delivered.

The locker head then controls the opening of that of the two exterior doors 7, 9 which corresponds to the zone thus defined, allowing the first delivery person to deposit his article in this zone.

Once this deposit has been made, this first delivery person closes the door concerned, contenting himself with pushing it: the electromechanical locking mechanism ensures that this door is kept in the closed position.

When the second delivery man arrives with his second article, he proceeds to his identification in a similar manner, and it is then only the second exterior door which will open, allowing this second delivery man to place his article in the second zone of the compartment 15 , without risk of interference with the article located in the area where the article of the first delivery person was deposited.

This makes it possible to optimally use all the volume available inside the compartment 15, without risk of interference and in particular of the articles being crushed by one another.

This also makes it possible to prevent the deliverer of the second article from being able to access the first article, and thus being able to seize it in an indelicate manner.

Once this or these delivery (s) made, the individual located inside his home dials on the keypad 45 the code that identifies him, and then opens the door (s) interior (s) 11, 13 so as to recover its item (s) in the two zones 19, 21 of the compartment 15 of the body 3 of the locker.

This individual can also retrieve through the inner slot 43 the mail which would have been deposited by the postman in the outer slot 29.

Conversely, the individual can also deposit articles inside the compartment 15, or mail inside the slot 43, which can then be recovered by one or more delivery person (s), and one or more postman ( s), especially when the individual wishes to return items to their sender.

The individual can also recover his newspapers or leaflets placed in the housings 48, 49 of the foot 5 of the locker according to the invention.

It should of course be understood that the head of the set according to the invention and provided with intelligent functions, allowing in particular, by communicating for example with a computer, to place online orders with previously registered partners, only these partners then being able, thanks to their means of identification (keys, RFID badge, optical codes, biometric means, etc.) to interact with the locker in a manner to be able to selectively open the exterior doors 7, 9.

The camera 25, the microphone, the speaker 39 make it possible to monitor the activity around the locker, outside the home, as well as to establish communications between the individual and the deliverers.

The various lighting means provided both inside and outside the locker facilitate operations during periods of night or of poor light.

The temperature detection means and, where appropriate, ventilation, heating and refrigeration ensure an optimum temperature inside the compartment 15 of the body 3 of the setpoint, depending on the external conditions and requirements. of conservation of the delivered articles.

As can be understood in the light of the foregoing, the deposit according to the invention allows multiple delivery of articles without risk of piling up prejudicial to their integrity, as well as a securing of this delivery vis-à-vis multiple deliverers.

Of course, the invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is in a position to produce various variant embodiments of the invention without, however, departing from the scope of the invention.

It is thus for example that one could envisage that the deposit according to the invention comprises more than two exterior doors on the delivery side and more than two interior doors on the residential side, as well as a plurality of horizontal trays movable vertically inside. of the locker body compartment.

Claims (9)

Locker for individuals, of the type comprising at least one compartment (15) for receiving articles, at least one door (7, 9, 11, 13) capable of closing this compartment (15), and means for unlocking this door (7, 9, 11, 13) at the request of at least one user, characterized in that it comprises at least one substantially horizontal plate (17) vertically dividing said compartment (15) into at least two distinct zones (19 , 21) for receiving articles, and means (23) for vertically moving said tray (17) as a function of the volumes of the articles to be placed respectively in said receiving areas (19, 21), and in that the deposit includes furthermore a body (3) comprising said compartment (15), a head (1) comprising electronic means in particular capable of controlling said unlocking means, and a foot (5) capable of receiving additional articles. Locker according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two superimposed doors (7, 9, 11, 13), allowing access respectively to said two reception areas (19, 21). Locker according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the two doors superimposed on one of its faces (7, 9), and two other superimposed doors (11, 13) on an opposite face. Locker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said displacement means (23) are selected from the group comprising hydraulic jacks, electric actuators, worm mechanisms, rack mechanisms. Locker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said unlocking means are of the locked type by default. Locker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said head comprises means selected from the group comprising: a letter box (29), a camera (25), a microphone, a loudspeaker (39), a presence sensor, lighting means (37), a video touch screen (35), a second video touch screen associated with the head (46), control buttons (41), an RFID reader (41), a optical code scanner (31), a temperature probe, a mirror, control electronics, memory means, wireless communication means, a power supply. Set according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (3) comprises means selected from the group comprising: at least one temperature probe, lighting means, ventilation means. Locker according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said foot (5) comprises at least one housing (48, 49) for receiving newspapers, lighting means, and a connection socket for a power cable electric. Room equipped with a locker according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that it has a wall (51) through which this locker passes, so that at least the door (7, 9) of this locker is located outside this room, and that an opposite door (11, 13) of this instruction is located inside this room.

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