GB2568768A

GB2568768A - Method and device for delivering packages by means of a transport vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2568768A
Application number: GB1800243.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hansen Fabienne; Kazanchyan Christofer; Brookover Robert; Ulrich Neal; Cho Hyunil; Ikeler Matthew
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2018-01-08
Filing date: 2018-01-08
Publication date: 2019-05-29
Also published as: GB201800243D0

Abstract

Method and device 10 for delivering packages 12 using a transport vehicle 14. Each parcel 12 has a code (16; Fig 2). A loading unit 18 loads packages 12 into a cargo space 20 of the vehicle 14. A scanning unit 24 identifies the packages 12. A communication unit arranges delivery of the packages 12. A sensing unit finds the relevant package for delivery. A transport unit 30 autonomously selects the relevant package and transports it from the cargo space to a receiving window 32, which is opened by an opening unit. The transport unit 30 may be a robotic arm 34, with a grabbing end 36 and a suction cup, or may include a conveyor belt, a moveable platform or a flexible slide. The device 10 may be combined with an autonomous drone or robot. The delivery may be arranged via a customer mobile or computer.

Description

Method and device for delivering packages by means of a transport vehicle

The invention relates to a method and a device for delivering packages by means of a transport vehicle.

The growing trend in e-commerce possess a challenge to increase the efficiency of the delivery process due to its growing complexity. One of the biggest challenges faced by the fleet managers are the inefficient loading and unloading process. The other major challenge is the transportation of goods to the customer in a cost- and time-efficient manner. Moreover, with added convenience the transportation of goods can be done in an improved manner compared to current delivery practices. In order to achieve this goal utilization of highly efficient and reliable transportation of goods, there is a need to lower the number of human touchpoints on a package. This in turn leads to a higher rate of successful deliveries, in other words it leads to an improvement in the efficiency in the delivery process as a whole.

DE 102015111033 A1 describes a method that comprises a control apparatus of a delivery vehicle to obtain information about a of collection and/or delivery position for collecting and/or delivering a shipment, wherein the collection and/or delivery position is at least partly dependent on a position of a shipment recipient and/or shipment deliverer. The control apparatus further leads to at least partly autonomous movement of the delivery vehicle to the collection and/or delivery position. Further the control apparatus leads to the consignment for the collection of the shipment from the customer or the delivery of the shipment to the customer at the collection and/or delivery position of the delivery vehicle.

In DE 19942289 C1 a device for delivering packages by means of a transport vehicle is described. The transport vehicle has a load space containing a shelf rack with shelves extending along at least one wall, on which the packages to be delivered are placed. The load space also contains a robotic arm with at least one receiver for at least one package on one end, and mounted in a structure at the other end.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for delivering packages by means of a transport vehicle for improving the efficiency of the delivery of the packages.

This object is solved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 as well as a device having the features of patent claim 3. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, the presented method for delivering packages by means of a transport vehicle, each package having at least one code, comprises at least the following steps: Loading the packages into the transport vehicle. In this step, the packages can be loaded into the transport vehicle manually by a person or a driver, wherein the packages can be loaded by putting randomly into an open cargo space or a cargo space with shelves. This is of advantage, since it enables the person or the driver to load the transport vehicle in a short span of time.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the packages can be loaded in a loading unit which can comprise of pre-filled shelves in a hub outside the transport vehicle and the shelves can be loaded directly into the vehicle. Such a procedure of loading packages can be termed as one shot loading. This type of loading is of advantage for loading packages of various sizes, especially packages of large sizes and heavy packages, which in this case can be loaded on the shelves outside the vehicle and the shelves could comprise of wheels at their respective bases. This enables the person or the driver to push or pull the pre-filled shelves with wheels with comfort into the transport vehicle.

Another step of the present method comprises of identification of the packages. Each package comprises at least one code, which can be in the form of an identification code. The identification code can be in the form of a barcode, which can include all the relevant information about the respective package such as, the type of the package, its weight, fragility and other material specifications, name and address of the owner of the package and the address of the receiver where the concerned package is to be delivered. Further, it can also be contemplated as a variation to the method that RFID technology can be used instead of the barcode to identify the concerned package including the information of the name and address of the owner as well as the address of the receiver, thereby eliminating the use of a barcode. The packages can be identified by an automatic scanner or a camera located above a cargo space door. The automatic scanner or the camera can be designed to read the identification code on each of the packages. This is of advantage because the person or the driver does not have to scan the package by himself, which in turn saves time and effort.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the packages can be identified based on their position within a pre-defined loading sequence. This is of advantage, since in this case both the loading and the identification of the packages is done in a single step, which in turn leads to a faster process. Further no additional devices such the automatic scanner or camera are needed in this case.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the identification of the packages can be done by cameras that use computer vision to measure the package’s dimensions and identify each package based on a delivery manifest. This is of advantage, since no additional reading of the identification code is needed and the identification of the packages can be done in a short period of time.

Another step of the present method comprises of arranging a delivery of at least one of the packages by the customer. The customer can call the transport vehicle by means of a mobile or a computer, wherein a communication unit of the transport vehicle receives a communication signal sent by the customer by means of the mobile or computer. The communication signal can contain the information about the location of the customer or the location of the point where the customer wishes the transport vehicle to deliver or receive the at least one package and also the time at which it needs the at least one package to be delivered or received. The communication unit of the transport vehicle can further process the communication signal and send the information about the location and the time of delivery or reception to a navigation system of the transport vehicle. The Transport vehicle can drive to the customer described location at the described time autonomously. This is of advantage since no additional drivers are needed and further the delivery can work according to the customer’s schedule. Moreover, a fully autonomous system can reduce traffic as well as carbon dioxide emissions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of the delivery of at least one of the packages by the customer can be done, wherein the customer communicates with the communicating unit of the transport vehicle and obtains the information about the location of the transport vehicle. Then the customer transports himself or herself to the location of the transport vehicle, which can be itself stationary. This is of advantage since, the delivery works according to the customer’s schedule and since the transport vehicle is stationary, it helps to reduce traffic.

Another step of the present method comprises of finding the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the transport vehicle. Once the transport vehicle arrives to the location of the customer or once the customer arrives to the location of the transport vehicle, the customer enters a unique code, which is associated to the corresponding at least one package. The unique code can be the at least one code on the corresponding package, such as the identification code. The customer can enter the unique code through a user interface, such as a touch screen or a key board, which can be located near a window of the transport vehicle. Once the transport vehicle receives the unique code, a sensing unit receives a signal, which contains the information about the at least one package. This information is then processed by the sensing unit and the coordinates of the location of the corresponding at least one package in the cargo space in the transport vehicle can be identified automatically. This is of advantage because the location of the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the cargo space in the transport vehicle can be identified automatically, which is very time efficient and does not need an additional person to search the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the cargo space.

Once the sensing unit identifies the location of the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the cargo space, it sends a signal to a transport unit. The transport unit can be in form of a robotic arm or a conveyor belt or a moveable platform or a flexible slide or similar. After receiving the signal from the sensing unit, the transport unit can transport itself to the location of the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the cargo space. The transport unit then picks the at least one package and transports the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the cargo space in the transport vehicle to a single receiving window in the transport vehicle. The step of picking the at least one package and transporting the at least one package from the location of the at least one package in the cargo space in the transport vehicle to the single receiving window in the transport vehicle forms the other step of the method according to the present invention. This is of advantage, because the transporting of the at least one package from the location of the at least one package in the cargo space to the single receiving window is performed automatically. This in turn is a very efficient process and moreover, even heavy and large packages can be easily carried and transported by the transport unit. Further, no additional person is needed for the transport of the at least one package in the cargo space at the time of delivery.

Another step of the present method comprises of opening of the single receiving window in the transport vehicle through which the package is delivered to the customer. Once the transport unit transports the at least one package in the cargo space to the single receiving window, then the presence of the at least one package in the cargo space near or next to the single receiving window is sensed by a sensor for example and the single receiving window is opened. The single receiving window is opened by means of an opening unit, which is designed for automatically opening the single receiving window when the at least one package is transported by the transport unit to the single receiving window. This is of advantage because by having just one single receiving window, it is possible to accommodate a wide range of packages with different sizes as compared to transport vehicles with individual lockers installed on the side. Furthermore, using only one single receiving window from which the customer can retrieve his or her package enables the customer to retrieve his or package without giving them access to other packages inside the vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present method, the arranging of the delivery of at least one of the packages by the customer is made by connecting the transport vehicle by means of mobile or computer or a similar device by the customer, wherein the transport vehicle drives autonomously to the location described by the customer at the time described by the customer. It is further possible that the transport vehicle drives semi autonomously.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a device for delivering packages by means of the transport vehicle, each package having at least one code. The device comprises of the loading unit, which is designed to be loaded with the packages into the cargo space in the transport vehicle, the scanning unit, which is designed to automatically identify each of the loaded package, the communication unit, which is designed for the arranging of the delivery of at least one of the packages by the customer, the sensing unit, which is designed for automatically finding the at least one package corresponding to the customer in the transport vehicle, the transport unit, which is designed for automatically picking the at least one package and transporting the at least one package from a location of the at least one package in the cargo space in the transport vehicle to the single receiving window in the transport vehicle and the opening unit, which is designed for automatically opening the single receiving window when the at least one package is transported by the transport unit to the single receiving window.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present device, the transport unit comprises of the robotic arm, wherein the robotic arm comprises a grabbing end and/or a suction end. This is of advantage because the robotic arm with grabbers or suction end can pick up or attach itself to the at least on package via suction, and then move it to behind the single receiving window, at which point the robotic arm disengages. This whole process of picking up the at least one package from the loading unit and transporting it to the single receiving window can be conducted in an automatic manner. Further, the robotic arm can pick up packages arranged on the shelves of the loading unit and/or arranged chaotically and/or randomly throughout the cargo space.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the loading unit and the transport unit can of comprise the conveyor belt. In this advantageous embodiment, all the packages can be placed or loaded on the single conveyor belt that can move the packages, which are loaded on it, in the cargo space until the correct package is in front of the single receiving window, after which the single receiving window is opened to enable the customer standing on the other side of the single receiving window to pick up his or her at least one package. This is of advantage because the loading of the packages can be done in a very simplified manner by placing them on the conveyor belt and the transport of the packages can be done automatically by the rotating conveyor belt in the cargo space of the transport vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the loading unit and the transport unit can comprise tiles, wherein each tile can comprise at least two sets of wheels that can spin in at least two directions, for example in the x- or z- directions. The tiles allow for a “Tetris-like” reordering or rearrangement of packages until the at least one desired package is pushed to the single receiving door. This is of advantage because the whole transport process can be done in an automatic manner and further no additional person is needed for the transport of the at least one package in the cargo space of the transport vehicle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit can comprise of a movable platform, wherein the movable platform can be a movable in a two dimensional plane. This is of advantage because the loading unit on which the packages are placed can be stationary relative to the cargo space, whereas the additional movable platform can move itself or another shelf in front of the desired package, onto which the package can be pushed by a pushing mechanism behind the shelves of the loading unit. The movable platform can then transport the at least one package to behind or near the single receiving window, which then opens upon the arrival of the at least one package. Hence, the stationary loading unit enables the loading of delicate as well as goods of different sizes and weights. Moreover, the whole process is automatic.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit comprises of the movable flexible slide. The flexible slide has a top platform that can move in at least two directions, for example in x- or z-directions. The slide can line up to the at least one package placed on the loading unit, wherein the at least one package can then be pushed on to the flexible slide. The at least one package then slides on the flexible slide to the other end of the flexible slide, wherein the other end of the flexible slide is fixed to the single receiving door. Hence, the at least one package can be slid or transported to the single receiving door. This is of advantage because it as automatic process and the loading unit is stationary relative to the cargo space which provides additional stability.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the device can be combined with an at least one autonomous drone and/or an at least one robot, for example an at least one land robot. This is of advantage because the at least one packages can be transported to the customer directly by means of the at least one autonomous drone and/or the at least one robot from the transport vehicle, which itself can be stationary. The device can use the robotic arm or one of the above mentioned alternatives of the transport unit to load payloads or packages from the loading unit in the transport vehicle into the at least one autonomous drone and/or at least one robot. This is of advantage because it can increase the delivery rate of packages. The payloads or packages could also be combined and dropped at a location to serve as a miniature stationary locker station.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the at least one autonomous drone and/or the at least one robot can be charged by the device. This is of advantage because the at least one autonomous drone and/or the at least one robot can be used to deliver packages from the stationary transport vehicle to locations at greater distances as well as for multiple deliveries, since the at least one autonomous drone and/or the at least one robot can be charged to the required extent or to its or their full capacity.

Further advantage of the device of the present invention is that the device helps to balance seasonal peaks and promotes new ways of receiving packages as well as delivering packages at events, such as conferences or trade fairs. Further the transport vehicle can also be used as a marketing vehicle for new product releases, such as a new smart phone or any other product. Further, different retailers can rent space for a sameday shipping transactions. Further, methods of picking up the packages alternative to those outlined above could be used in context of the present invention. Additionally the device for delivering packages by means of the transport vehicle according to the present invention can strengthen an established retail network which can be especially interesting for malls. Further the use of a single transport vehicle instead of for example 60 Ubers/ couriers going to different places can help in reducing the traffic in the city. Hence the device of the present invention acts as a one vehicle platform to fulfill the needs of delivering of packages in a very efficient and economic manner.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Further, many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the present invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the device according to the present invention and vice versa.

Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawings shows in:

Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of a scanning unit of a transport vehicle;

Fig. 2	a schematic and perspective top view of an embodiment of a loading unit of the transport vehicle;
Fig. 3	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the scanning unit;
Fig. 4	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and a transport unit;
Fig. 5	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and the transport unit;
Fig. 6	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and the transport unit;
Fig. 7	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and the transport unit;
Fig. 8	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and the transport unit;
Fig. 9	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and the transport unit;
Fig. 10	a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit and the transport unit;
Fig. 11	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport unit;
Fig. 12	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport unit;
Fig. 13	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport unit;
Fig. 14	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of a single receiving window;
Fig. 15	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window;
Fig. 16	a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window;

Fig. 17 a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window; and

Fig. 18 a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport vehicle combined with an autonomous drone and a robot.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective side view of device 10 to deliver packages 12 by means of a transport vehicle 14, each package 12 having at least one code 16. The device 10 comprises a loading unit 18, which is designed to be loaded with packages 12 into a cargo space 20 in the transport vehicle 14. The packages 12 are loaded on the loading unit 18 through a cargo space door 22. The device 10 comprises a scanning unit 24, for example a camera, which is located on top of the cargo space door 22. The scanning unit 24 is designed to automatically identify each of the loaded package 12 into the cargo space 20 through the cargo space door 22. The scanning unit 24 scans an at least one code 16, for example barcode, on each of the package 12, while the package 12 is being loaded into the cargo space 20 in the transport vehicle 14.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic and perspective top view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 of the transport vehicle 14. The packages 12 are identified based on their position within a predefined loading sequence with sequence numbers 26, for example the sequence numbers 26 in the Fig. 2 are numbered as N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9 and N10, these numbers N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9 and N10 denote the predefined sequence, in which the packages 12 are placed on the loading unit 18 into the cargo space 20 in the transport vehicle 14. The arrow 28 denotes that the package 12 is about to be placed on the loading unit 18 into the cargo space 20 from outside the transport vehicle 14, this the package 12 has a predefined sequence number 26 of the number N10. The loading unit 18 can comprise of additional sensors in which the placement of the package 12 on the loading unit 18 can be identified according to the sequence in which the packages 12 are placed. In this embodiment no additional scanning unit 24 is required for the identification of the packages 12.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the scanning unit 24, for example a camera. The scanning unit 24 can be located at an appropriate location in the cargo space 20 attached to the transport vehicle 14, for example on the ceiling of the transport vehicle 14 in the cargo space door 22. The scanning unit 24 or camera is connected to a computer device 28, such that the scanning unit 24 measures the dimensions of the package 12, such as its height H, breadth B and length L by means of a computer vision measurement. The measured dimensions of the package 12 are then cross-referred with the dimensions with a delivery manifest by means of the computer device 28. In this manner the package 12 is identified and the identification of the packages 12 can be done in a short period of time.

The device 10 comprises a communication unit (not shown in figures), which is designed for the arranging of delivery of at least one of the packages 12 by a customer (not shown in figures). Upon the arrival of the transport vehicle 14 to the customer and/or the arrival of the customer to the transport vehicle 14, the customer enters a code unique to the at least one package 12 desired by the customer. The unique code can be the at least one code 16 attached to the corresponding package 12. The customer enters the unique code on a user interface (not shown in figures) of the transport vehicle 14, after which a sensing unit (not shown in figures) automatically finds the at least one package 12 corresponding to the customer in the transport vehicle 14.

Fig4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig 7, Fig 8 and Fig. 10 show schematic and perspective side views of different embodiments of the loading unit 18 and a transport unit 30, wherein two different side views are depicted, one in a z-x plane (left) and the other in a z-y plane (right) as per a coordinate axis 66 shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. The sensing unit mentioned above communicates with the transport unit 30, which is designed for automatically picking the at least one package 12 and transporting the at least one package 12 from a location P1 of the at least one package 12 placed on the loading unit 18 in the cargo space 20 in the transport vehicle 14 to a location P2 just behind a single receiving window 32 in the transport vehicle 14. The transport unit 30 comprises of a robotic arm 34, wherein the robotic arm 34 comprises a grabbing end 36. The robotic arm 34 is mounted on a gantry 40, which is attached to the ceiling of the transport vehicle 14. The other end 38 of the robotic arm 34 is mounted on the gantry 40 such that the robotic arm 34 can move linearly as shown by an arrow 42 across the length of the cargo space 20, for example along the x-direction or x-axis as shown by the coordinate axis 66. A link 58 is attached to the end 38 at a joint 48 such that the link 58 is rotatable about the z-axis as shown by an arrow 44. Further, a link 60 is attached to the link 58 at a joint 50 such that the link 60 is rotatable about the z-axis as shown by the arrow 44. Hence, the links 58 and 60 enable the robotic arm 34 to rotate about the z-axis and further, the both links 58 and 60 enable the robotic arm 34 to reach any point in the cargo space 20 along the breadth of the cargo space 20. A link 62 is attached to the link 60 at a joint 52 such that the link 62 is rotatable about the y-axis as shown by an arrow 46. Similarly, a link 64 is attached to the link 62 at a joint 54 such that the link 64 is rotatable about the y-axis as shown by the arrow 46. Hence, the links 62 and 64 enable the robotic arm 34 to rotate about the yaxis. Further, both the links 62 and 64 enable the robotic arm 34 to reach any point in the cargo space 20 along the height of the cargo space 20. Hence, the arrangement of the links 58, 60, 62 and 64 enables the robotic arm 34 to reach any point in the cargo space 20, so that for example it can reach the location P1 and using the three-axis motion can position itself above the at least one package 12 to pick the at least one package 12 up by means of its grabbing end 36. Further, the link 64 is attached to the grabbing end 36 at a joint 56 such that the link 64 is rotatable about the y-axis, as shown by the arrow 46. Unwanted packages in the way can be pushed around by the robotic arm 34 to get the desired at least one package 12.

The grabbing end 36 comprises of two fingers 68, wherein the grabbing end 36 can comprise more than two fingers 68 as well. In a two finger arrangement, the fingers 68 can resemble flat pads which can grab onto parallel sides of the package 12. Subsequent claws with additional fingers 68 may grasp the package 12 in a similar manner. The robotic arm 34 reaches the location P1 and picks up the at least one package 12 by means of the grabbing end 36 and transports the package 12 to the location P2 just behind the single receiving window 32, which can be located on a side wall of the transport vehicle 14. Once the package 12 reaches the location P2, two panels 70 slide apart vertically as shown by arrows 72 to reveal a locker space 74 where the specific package 12 is placed by the robotic arm 34. After the placement of the package 12 in the locker space 74, the robotic arm 34 moves back into the cargo space 20 and the two panels 70 slide back. Once the package 12 is place in the locker space 74, a door 76 can swing out on a side hinge 80 in a direction shown by an arrow 78 (shown in Fig. 16) to reveal the locker space 74 and the customer is then able to collect his or her package 12.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the grabbing end 36 of the robotic arm 34 can be replaced by a suction cup 82 (shown in Fig. 7). The suction cup 82 creates a vacuum between the package 12 and the robotic arm 34 which allows the package 12 to be lifted and transported.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. The loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30 comprise a conveyor belt 84 or a carousel similar to conveyors at airport baggage claim. The conveyor belt 84 rotates the packages 12 about the z-axis as shown by the arrows 44, such that the packages 12 are transported partly linearly as well in the cargo space 20 as shown by the arrows 42 similar to conveyors at airport baggage claim. Once the desired package 12 reaches the single receiving window 32, then the single panel 70 can slide up in a vertical direction as shown by the arrow 72 so that the locker space 74 is revealed. At this point the door 76 can swing out about the side hinge 80 in the direction shown by the arrow 78. Hence, the customer is able to collect his or her package 12. It is further possible that the loading unit 18 can comprise of a multitude of shelves 86, each with a corresponding conveyor belt 84 such that each conveyor belt 84 transports the packages 12 to the corresponding single receiving window 32. It is further possible that once the desired package 12 reaches the corresponding single receiving window 32, then the panels 70 can slide apart in a horizontal direction so that the locker space 74 is revealed.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. The transport unit 30 comprises of a movable platform 90, wherein the movable platform 90 can be movable on a two dimensional plane, for example in x- and/or z-directions as shown by arrows 42 and 92. The packages 12 can be loaded on the loading unit 18 comprising of a multitude of shelves 86, and a two-axis linear actuator system 88 can move the movable platform 90 in front of the desired package 12. Once the movable platform 90 reaches in front of the desired package 12 at the location P1, the package 12 can be then pushed by a pushing mechanism 100 (shown in Fig. 10) behind the shelves 86, so that the package 12 can now be placed on the movable platform 90. The movable platform 90 carrying the package 12 can then be moved by the linear actuator system 88 to the location P2 just behind the single receiving window 32. Once the package 12 reaches the location P2, the two panels 70 can slide apart vertically as shown by arrows 72 to reveal the locker space 74 where the package 12 is placed by the movable platform 90. At this moment, the movable platform 90 can rotate itself, as shown by the arrow 44, for example by an angle 180 degrees to place the package 12 in the locker space 74. After the placement of the package 12 in the locker space 74, the movable platform 90 can rotate back into the cargo space 20 and the two panels 70 can slide back. Once the package 12 is placed in the locker space 74, the door 76 can swing out about the side hinge 80 in the direction shown by an arrow 78 to reveal the locker space 74 and the customer is then able to collect his or her package 12.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. This embodiment is similar to the one described in Fig. 6, wherein the transport unit 30 comprises the suction cup 82.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. This embodiment is similar to the one described in Fig. 5, wherein the transport unit 30 comprises the conveyor belt 84 which can have a linear motion in a two-dimensional plane, for example the x-y plane.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. The loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30 can comprise of tiles 94, wherein each tile 94 can comprise at least at least two sets of wheels (not shown in figure) that can spin in at least two directions. The tiles can allow for a “Tetris-like” reordering of the packages in directions shown by arrows 42 and 96 until the desired package 12 is pushed to the single receiving window 32.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic and perspective side view of an embodiment of the loading unit 18 and the transport unit 30. The transport unit 30 comprises of a movable flexible slide 98, wherein the movable flexible slide 98 has a top platform 102 that can move in a two-dimensional plane, for example in x- and/or z-directions, as shown by arrows 42 and 92. The packages 12 are loaded on the loading unit 18 comprising of the multitude of shelves 86. The two-axis linear actuator system 88 can move the top platform 102 in front of the desired package 12. Thus, the movable flexible slide 98 can line up with the package 12, then the package 12 can be pushed by means of the pushing mechanism 100 onto the movable flexible slide 98. The other end of the movable flexible slide 98 is attached to the single receiving window 32. Hence, the package 12 can slide down the movable flexible slide 98 to the single receiving window, as shown by an arrow 104. The single receiving window 32 in this embodiment may not comprise of panels, as a result the package 12 can directly slide into the locker space 74 from the cargo space 20. Once the package 12 enters the locker space 74, the door can swing up, as shown by the arrow 46. Hence, the locker space 74 with the package 12 is revealed to the customer, so that the customer can collect his or her package 12.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport unit 30, wherein the transport unit 30 comprises of the robotic arm 34. The robotic arm 34 comprises of a hook 106 at one end to pick up the packages 12. A multitude of Handles 108 which can be made of thin plastic and adhered to each package 12. The hook 106 can pick up the package 12 by looping underneath the handles 108, similar to how stores handle large items like pillows or toilet paper that do not fit in a bag.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport unit

30, wherein the transport unit 30 comprises of the robotic arm 34. The robotic arm 34 comprises of the hook 106 at one end to pick up the packages 12. The packages 12 are placed inside a net 110 with a standard mechanical interface such as handles 108, so that the hook 106 can pick up the package 12 by looping underneath the handles 108. Further standard mechanical interfaces such as magnets or similar can be used in addition to the net 110.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport unit

30, wherein the transport unit 30 comprises of a mechanical structure 114 and the packages 12 are placed inside the net 110. The mechanical structure 114 comprises of a claw 112 at one end to pick up the packages 12 by grabbing the net 110.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window 32. The panels 70 can automatically slide apart horizontally in the directions as shown by arrows 116 to reveal the locker space 74 as soon as the package 12 is transported to the single receiving window 32. In a further advantageous embodiment, the similar mechanism can also be adopted for the opening of the door 76, so that the customer can collect his or her package 12 from the locker space 74.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window 32. The panel 70 can automatically slide up in directions as shown by arrows 72 to reveal the locker space 74 as soon as the package 12 is transported to the single receiving window 32. In a further advantageous embodiment, the similar mechanism can also be adopted for the opening of the door 76, so that the customer can collect his or her package 12 from the locker space 74.

Fig. 16 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window 32. The door 76 automatically swings in direction as shown by the arrow 78 to about the side hinge 80 reveal the locker space 74 as soon as the package 12 is transported to locker space 74, so that the customer can collect his or her package 12. Ina further advantageous embodiment, the similar mechanism can also be adopted for automatic opening of the panel 70 as soon as the package 12 is transported to the single receiving window 32.

Fig. 17 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the single receiving window 32. The door 76 is hinged on the top hinge 124 and can be pushed inward in the direction as shown by the arrows 118 like a vending machine to give access to the locker space 74.

Fig. 18 shows a schematic and perspective view of an embodiment of the transport vehicle 14 combined with an at least one autonomous drone 120 and an at least one robot 122. The device 10 comprising of the transport vehicle 14 can be combined with the at least one autonomous drone 120 and/or the at least one robot 122, for example a land robot and can serve as a mobile hub 124 from which the at least one autonomous drone 120 and/or the at least one robot 122 can deliver packages 12. The device 10 can use the robotic arm 34 or one of the above mentioned methods to load payloads or packages 12 into the at least one autonomous drone 120 and/or the at least one robot 122.

List of reference numbers

Device

Package

Transport vehicle

Code

Loading unit

Cargo space

Cargo space door

Scanning unit

Sequence numbers

Arrow

Transport unit

Single receiving window

Robotic arm

Grabbing end

End

Gantry

Arrow

Joint

Link

Coordinate axis

Fingers

Panel

Arrow

Locker space

Door

Arrow

Side hinge

Suction cup

Conveyor belt

Shelves

Linear actuator system

Movable platform

Arrow

Tile

Arrow

Movable flexible slide

Pushing mechanism

Top platform

Arrow

Hook

108	Handle
110	Net
112	Claw
114	Mechanical structure
116	Arrow
118	Arrow
120	Drone
122	Robot
124	Top hinge
N1	Number
N2	Number
N3	Number
N4	Number
N5	Number
N6	Number
N7	Number
N8	Number
N9	Number
N10	Number

Claims

1. Method for delivering packages (12) by means of a transport vehicle (14), each package (12) having at least one code (16), the method comprising:

- loading the packages (12) into a cargo space (20) in the transport vehicle (14);

- identification of the packages (12);

- arranging a delivery of at least one of the packages (12) by the customer;

- finding the at least one package (12) corresponding to the customer in the transport vehicle (14);

- picking the at least one package (12) and transporting the at least one package (12) from a location (P1) of the at least one package (12) in the cargo space (20) in the transport vehicle (14) to a single receiving window (32) in the transport vehicle (14); and

- opening of the single receiving window (32) in the transport vehicle (14) through which the package (12) is delivered to the customer.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the arranging of the delivery of at least one of the packages (12) by the customer is made by connecting the transport vehicle (14) by means of a mobile or computer by the customer, wherein the transport vehicle (14) drives autonomously to a location described by the customer at a time described by the customer.

3. Device (10) for delivering packages (12) by means of a transport vehicle (14), each package (12) having at least one code (16), the device (10) comprising:

- a loading unit (18), which is designed to be loaded with the packages (12) into a cargo space (20) in the transport vehicle (14);

- a scanning unit (24), which is designed to automatically identify each of the loaded package (12);

- a communication unit, which is designed for the arranging of a delivery of at least one of the packages (12) by the customer;

- a sensing unit, which is designed for automatically finding the at least one package (12) corresponding to the customer in the transport vehicle (14);

- a transport unit (30), which is designed for automatically picking the at least one package (12) and transporting the at least one package (12) from a location (P1) of the at least one package (12) in the cargo space (20) in the transport vehicle (14) to a single receiving window (32) in the transport vehicle (14); and

- an opening unit, which is designed for automatically opening the single receiving window (32) when the at least one package (12) is transported by the transport unit (30) to the single receiving window (32).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the transport unit (30) comprises of a robotic arm (34), wherein the robotic arm (34) comprises a grabbing end (36) and/or a suction cup (82).

5. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the loading unit (18) and the transport unit (30) comprise a conveyor belt (84).

6. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the loading unit (18) and the transport unit (30) comprise tiles (94), wherein each tile (94) comprises at least two sets of wheels that spin in at least two directions.

7. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the transport unit (30) comprises a movable platform (90), wherein the movable platform (90) is movable on a two dimensional plane.

8. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the transport unit (30) comprises a movable flexible slide (98).

9. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the device (10) is combined with at least one autonomous drone (120) and/or at least one robot (122).

10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, the at least one autonomous drone (120) and/or at least one robot (122) is charged by the device (122).