JP2000312641A - Mailbox system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience by knowing a delivery object is put into a mailbox even without going to the outside where is a mailbox. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a mailbox 1 equipped with a detecting means for executing detecting operation for detecting a delivery object 50 is put into the mailbox and a transmitting means for executing transmitting operation for transmitting a delivery detecting signal based on the detected result of that detecting means, a receiving means for receiving the delivery detecting signal transmitted from the transmitting means and an announcing means for announcing announcement contents composed of the state of putting the delivery object 50 into the mailbox based on the reception of the delivery detecting signal by the receiving means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mail receiving system for detecting delivery of a delivery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a mail box for detecting delivery of a delivery, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-439. This device includes a delivery door A, a detecting means B, and a display means C. The delivery door A is rotated when a delivery is posted, and this rotation is detected by the detection means B. The display means C indicates that the delivery has been posted based on the detection means B detecting the rotation of the delivery door A.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional mail box, the display means C displays the delivery of the delivery based on the detection means B detecting the rotation of the door A for delivery of the delivery. Since the display indicates that the delivery has been posted without having to check the inside, the usability is good.

[0004] However, in this mail box, display means is used.
In order to view the contents displayed by C, the user had to go out of the room to the outside with the mailbox, which was not always convenient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, the purpose of the present invention is to know that the delivery was posted without having to go to the outdoors with a mailbox, It is to provide a convenient mail receiving system.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detecting means for executing a detecting operation for detecting a delivery of a delivery, and a detecting means for detecting the posting of a delivery. A mail receiving box provided with a transmitting means for performing a transmitting operation for transmitting a delivery detection signal, a receiving means for receiving the delivery detection signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and a delivery item based on the reception of the delivery detection signal by the receiving means. And a notifying means for notifying the content of the notification in the mailing state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a plurality of the detecting means are provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the transmitting means performs the transmitting operation by being supplied with power, and the mail receiving box A delivery door that is opened and closed so as to take out the delivered product, wherein power supply to the transmission unit is interrupted after the transmission operation is completed, and based on the open / closed state of the removal door. The configuration has been resumed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the detecting means performs the detecting operation by being supplied with electric power, and the mail box receives the mail. A delivery door that is opened and closed so as to take out the delivered product, wherein power supply to the detection unit is interrupted after the transmission operation is completed, and based on the open / closed state of the delivery door. The configuration has been resumed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the detecting means comprises an optical type detecting means for detecting the posting of the delivery based on a light blocking state.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an ultrasonic type detecting means for detecting the posting of the delivery based on the reflection state of the ultrasonic wave.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the mail receiving box is
There is provided a take-out door that is opened and closed so as to take out the posted delivery, and the notification content is reset based on the open / close state of the take-out door.

According to the invention described in claim 8, in the invention described in any one of claim 1 and claim 2, the mail box is
A power supply means for performing at least one of the detection operation or the transmission operation is provided, and the power supply means is generated by a solar cell provided on an outer surface of the mail box and the solar cell. And a storage battery for storing the stored power.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the delivery detection signal is transmitted and received wirelessly between the transmitting means and the receiving means. It has a configuration.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means receives and relays the delivery detection signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and relays the received signal by the relay. The receiver is configured to receive a delivery detection signal.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. This mail receiving system includes a mail receiving 1, a receiver 2, and a display 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mailbox 1 is an outdoor pillar.
It is attached to 40, and includes a post 11, a post opening micro switch 12, an outlet micro switch 13, a circuit block 14, a transmission antenna 15, and a solar cell system 16.

The post 11 is a box having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a post 11a and a take-out port are provided.
Two openings 11b are provided on one surface. The mailing port 11a is an opening where the delivery 50 is posted, and as shown in FIG.
11c is rotatably supported. The take-out opening 11b is an opening from which the posted goods 50 are taken out, and as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), a take-out door 11d which can be opened outwardly is rotatable. Supported.

The posting port microswitch 12 is provided with a posting port 11a.
The lid 11c is provided at the inner opening edge of the inside and is opened toward the inside to post the delivery 50, and is pushed and driven, thereby detecting the posting of the delivery 50,
A detection signal is output as a detection result. That is, the posting port microswitch 12 serves as the detecting means 10 for executing a detecting operation for detecting the posting of the delivery 50.

The outlet microswitch 13 is provided with an outlet 11b.
A delivery door 11d, which is provided at an inner opening edge of the inside and is opened inward to take out the delivered delivery 50, is pressed and driven to thereby deliver the delivered delivery 50.
Is detected, and a detection signal is output.

The circuit block 14 is disposed at the bottom of the post 11, and includes a control circuit (control means) 14a and a transmission circuit 14b as shown in FIG. The control circuit 14a, when the detection signal from the posting port micro switch 12 is input, by inputting a drive control signal to the transmission circuit 14b,
The transmission circuit 14b is driven by supplying power from the solar cell system 16 to the transmission circuit 14b, and an instruction signal for delivering a delivery detection signal is input to the transmission circuit 14b. Instructs to output a signal.

The delivery detection signal is transmitted to the receiver 2 from the transmission antenna 15 connected to the transmission circuit 14b and erected from the post 1. As described above, the transmission circuit 14b, together with the transmission antenna 15, constitutes the transmission unit 20 that executes a transmission operation of transmitting a delivery detection signal based on the detection result of the detection unit 10. Also, this transmission circuit
After the transmission operation is completed, the control signal for stopping driving is input from the control circuit 14a to the power supply 14b, so that no power is supplied from the solar cell system 16 and the power supply 14b is not driven.

The solar cell system (power supply means) 16 is for executing a transmitting operation. As shown in FIG. 5, a solar cell 16a, a storage battery 16b, and a backflow preventing diode are provided.
16c, an overcharge prevention circuit 16d, and an overdischarge prevention circuit 16e. The solar cell 16a is provided along the outer surface of the post 11, and generates electric power by being irradiated with sunlight. This electric power charges the storage battery 16b disposed along the inner surface of the post 11. This charging is performed by the backflow prevention diode 16 whose charging direction from the solar cell 16a is forward.
Since it is performed through c and the overcharge prevention circuit 16d, there is no backflow or overcharge. The electric power charged in the storage battery 16b is supplied to the circuit block described above.
Discharged to supply to 14. Since the discharge for supplying this power is performed through the overdischarge prevention circuit 16e,
It is designed not to be over-discharged. Note that a backflow prevention diode 16c, an overcharge prevention circuit 16d, and an overdischarge prevention circuit
16e is provided near the circuit block 14 described above.

The receiver 2 constitutes a receiving means 30 for executing a receiving operation for receiving the delivery detection signal transmitted from the transmitting means 20, and comprises a receiver main body 2a and a receiving antenna 2b. The receiver main body 2a is, as shown in FIGS.
It is installed outdoors, the outer surface of the wall 60. Receiving antenna 2b
Is set up from the receiver main body 2a and receives a delivery detection signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 15 of the transmission means 20 and a reset signal described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display (notification means) 3 is disposed indoors on the inner surface of the wall 60, and is provided with a receiver main body 2a.
It is connected to the. The display 3 displays, based on the reception of the delivery detection signal by the receiver 2, the state of posting the delivery 50, that is, the notification content that the delivery 50 is being posted, to L.
Visual indication is given by ED emission.

As described above, when the detection signal from the outlet microswitch 13 is input to the control circuit 14a in a state where the notification content is notified, the control circuit 14a transmits the drive control signal to the transmission circuit 14b. To the transmission circuit 14b by supplying power from the solar cell system 16 to the transmission circuit 14b, and by inputting a reset signal output instruction signal to the transmission circuit 14b, Instruct circuit 14b to output a reset signal. The output reset signal is transmitted from the transmitting antenna 15 connected to the transmitting circuit 14b to the receiver 2. Thereafter, based on the reset signal received by the receiver 2, the display 3 stops emitting the LED, and the notification content is reset.

On the other hand, after transmitting the reset signal, the control circuit 14a inputs a drive stop control signal to the transmission circuit 14b, so that the transmission circuit 14b
So that the transmission circuit 14b is not driven.

In such a mail receiving system, when the detection means 10 detects the posting of the delivery 50, the delivery detection signal transmitted from the transmission means 20 based on the detection result is received by the reception means 30, Display 3 based on the reception
Informs the posting state of the delivery 50, so by arranging the indicator 3 indoors, it is possible to know that the delivery 50 has been posted without having to go out to the outdoor with the mailbox 1 It can improve usability.

Further, since the delivery detection signal has already been transmitted, the detection operation may be paused. After the transmission operation is completed, the transmission means 20 is opened until the delivery door 11d is opened and closed to take out the delivery 50. Since the power supply to the power supply is interrupted, power for executing the transmission operation can be saved.

Also, since it has a solar cell 16a provided on the outer surface of the postal box 1 and a storage battery 16b for storing the electric power generated by the solar cell 16a, it is different from a dry cell and can be replaced. You do not have to do any troublesome things. Also, there is no need to connect a power supply cable for performing the detection operation and the transmission operation.

Further, since the notification content is reset based on the open / close state of the take-out door 11d, the reset operation does not have to be performed each time.

Further, between the transmitting means 20 and the receiving means 30,
Since the delivery detection signal is transmitted and received wirelessly, it is not necessary to construct a communication cable between the transmitting means 20 and the receiving means 30.

Note that the display 3 is visually displayed and notified by LED light emission. However, the same effect can be obtained by sounding and notifying, such as a buzzer or a bell. it can.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Parts having substantially the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
Only different points from the first embodiment will be described. Note that portions having substantially the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points from the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the detection means 10 is configured by a mail port microswitch 12, whereas in the present embodiment, the detection means 10 is configured by an infrared sensor (optical detection means) 5. More specifically, the infrared sensor 5 is supplied with power from the solar cell system 16 for a detecting operation, and includes a light emitting device 5a, a light receiving device 5b, and a light blocking detection circuit 5c.

The light emitting device 5a is provided inside the post 11 near one end in the longitudinal direction of the posting port 11a. The light receiver 5b is provided near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the posting port 11a so as to be opposed to the light emitting device 5a, and when the infrared light L is emitted from the light emitting device 5a along the longitudinal direction of the posting port 11a. , And the emitted infrared light L can be received. For more information,
The infrared light L emitted from 5a is shaded by the delivery 50 which is posted and falls toward the bottom of the post 11 along the direction intersecting with the emission direction of the infrared light L, so that the infrared light L is emitted. However, when the delivery 50 is posted, it is no longer received by the light receiver 5b. The light-blocking detection circuit 5c is disposed near the above-described circuit block 14, detects the posting of the delivery 50 based on the light-blocking state of the infrared light L, and outputs a detection signal as a detection result.

The light emitting device 5a, the light receiving device 5b, and the light shielding detection circuit 5c are supplied with a driving control signal from the control circuit 14a to the transmission circuit 14b, that is, supplied with power from the solar cell system 16. When the transmitting circuit 14b is driven, the driving control signal is input from the control circuit 14a, so that the power is supplied from the solar cell system 16 and the driving is performed.

The light emitting device 5a, the light receiving device 5b, and the light-shielding detection circuit 5c receive a control signal for stopping driving from the control circuit 14a after the transmission operation by the transmission means 20 is completed. When the detection signal from the outlet microswitch 13 is input to the control circuit 14a, the control circuit
A drive control signal is input from 14a and driven by being supplied with power from the solar cell system 16.

In such a mail receiving system, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, since the delivery detection signal has already been transmitted, the detection operation may be suspended, and after the transmission operation is completed,
Since the power supply to the detection means 10 is interrupted before the delivery door 11d is opened and closed to take out the delivery 50, the power for the detection operation and the transmission operation can be saved.

Further, unlike the mechanical detection means 10 such as a microswitch, the infrared sensor 5 for detecting the posting of the delivery 50 based on the light-shielded state does not have a driving part. It is hardly deteriorated, and the reliability can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the emission direction of the infrared light L emitted from the light emitter 5a is a direction intersecting with the falling direction of the delivery 50 that is posted and falls toward the bottom of the post 11. The same effect can be obtained even in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the delivery 50 falls.

In this embodiment, the infrared sensor 5
Has a light-emitting device 5a and a light-receiving device 5b, but has a light-emitting device also serving as a light-receiving device and a reflecting plate, and the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting device is reflected by the reflecting plate to receive light. The same effect can be obtained even if the light is received at the same time.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The portions having substantially the same functions as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the portions different from the second embodiment will be described. Note that portions having substantially the same functions as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points from the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the detecting means 10 comprises an infrared sensor (optical detecting means) 5, whereas in the present embodiment, an ultrasonic wave for detecting the posting of the delivery 50 based on the reflection state of the ultrasonic wave W. The sensor (ultrasonic detection means) 6 is used.

In this mail receiving system, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the effect of saving power for the transmitting operation and the detecting operation, the delivery 50 of the delivery 50 based on the reflection state of the ultrasonic wave W. The ultrasonic sensor 6 that detects posting is
For example, mechanical detection means 10 such as a microswitch
Unlike the above, since it has no driving portion, it is hardly deteriorated, and the reliability can be improved.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The portions having substantially the same functions as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the portions different from the second embodiment will be described. Note that portions having substantially the same functions as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points from the second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment, except that two infrared sensors 5 are provided. Specifically, each of these two infrared sensors 5 is provided with two light emitters 5a and two light receivers 5b so that the emission directions of the infrared light L are parallel.

In this mail receiving system, two infrared sensors are provided in addition to the effects of the second embodiment.
5 is that if one of them cannot detect the posting of the delivery 50, the other detects the posting of the delivery 50,
Since the detection operation can be performed, reliability can be improved.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The portions having substantially the same functions as those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences from the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that portions having substantially the same functions as those of the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points from the fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment, except that the receiving means 30 has a configuration including the receiver 2 and the repeater 7.

More specifically, the repeater 7 includes a repeater main body 7a, a relay receiving antenna 7b, and a relay transmitting antenna 7c.
As shown in FIG. 11, the repeater body 7a is disposed from the outside, which is the outer surface of the wall 60, to the inside, which is the inner surface of the wall 60. The relay receiving antenna 7b is erected from the outdoor portion of the repeater main body 7a, and receives the delivery detection signal and the reset signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna 15 of the transmitting means 20. The relay transmitting antenna 7c is erected from the indoor portion of the repeater main body 7a, and transmits the delivery detection signal and the reset signal received by the relay receiving antenna 7b to the receiving antenna of the receiver 2.
Send to 2b.

The display 3 is provided integrally with the receiver main body 2a and has a display screen 3a. Based on the reception of the delivery detection signal, the display unit 3 displays on the display screen 4a the notification state of the delivery 50, that is, the notification content that the delivery 50 has been posted.

In this mail receiving system, in addition to the effects of the fourth embodiment, the delivery detection signal is relayed by the repeater 7 and then received by the receiver 2, so that the transmission antenna Even if there is a wall 60 that interferes with transmission and reception of the delivery detection signal between the receiver and the receiver 2, the repeater 7 is arranged so as to avoid the obstacle caused by the wall 60, so that the delivery detection signal is transmitted. Can be sent and received.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the mail receiving
1 has two openings serving as a mailing port 11a and an outlet 11b provided on one surface, but may be provided on different surfaces as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The same effect can be obtained.

[0051]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the detecting means detects the posting of the delivery, the delivery detecting signal transmitted from the transmitting means based on the detection result is received by the receiving means, and the receiving means receives the delivery detection signal. Based on the information, the notification means notifies the posting state of the delivery, so by arranging the notification means indoors as appropriate, it can be understood that the delivery has been posted without having to go out to the outdoors with a mailbox. As a result, usability can be improved.

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, a plurality of detecting means are provided even if some of them cannot detect the delivery of a delivery. However, since the detection operation can be performed by detecting the posting of the delivery, the reliability can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the transmission operation may be suspended because the delivery detection signal has already been transmitted. After the operation is completed, the power supply to the transmitting means is interrupted between the time when the delivery door is opened and closed and the delivery is taken out, so that power can be saved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect of the present invention, since the delivery detection signal has already been transmitted, the detection operation may be suspended. Since the power supply to the detection means is interrupted after the operation is completed and before the delivery door is opened and closed to take out the delivery, power can be saved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, the optical type detecting means for detecting the delivery of the delivery based on the light-shielded state is a mechanical switch such as a microswitch. Unlike a simple detecting means, since it does not have a driving portion, it is hardly deteriorated, and the reliability can be enhanced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, the ultrasonic type detecting means for detecting the delivery of the delivery based on the reflection state of the ultrasonic wave is, for example, a micro switch. Unlike such a mechanical detection means, since it does not have a driving portion, it is hardly deteriorated and reliability can be improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect of the present invention, a solar cell provided on the outer surface of the postal box and electric power generated by the solar cell are provided. Since power supply means having a storage battery for storing power is provided, unlike a dry battery, it is not necessary to perform troublesome replacement. Also, there is no need to connect a power supply cable for performing at least one of the detection operation and the transmission operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, the notification content is reset based on the open / close state of the take-out door. The reset operation does not have to be performed each time.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a delivery detection signal is transmitted and received by wireless between the transmitting means and the receiving means. Therefore, it is not necessary to construct a communication cable between the transmitting means and the receiving means.

According to the tenth aspect, in addition to the effect of the ninth aspect, the delivery detection signal is received by the receiver after being relayed by the repeater.
Even if there is an obstacle that hinders transmission / reception of the delivery detection signal, the delivery detection signal can be transmitted / received by appropriately arranging the repeater so as to avoid the obstacle due to the obstacle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an open / closed state of a door for taking out a mailbox according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal state of the mail box of the above.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a circuit block of the above.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the above solar cell system.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement state of a receiver and a display device of the above.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an internal state of a mail box according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a circuit block of the above.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an internal state of a mail box according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an internal state of a mail box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement state of a repeater and a receiver according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view seen from the mail receiving port side of a mail box provided with a mail receiving port and an outlet on different surfaces.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the postal box shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the exit side.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Mailbox 11d Removal door 14a Control circuit (control means) 16 Solar cell system (power supply means) 16a Solar cell 16b Storage battery 2 Receiver 3 Display (notification means) 5 Infrared sensor (optical detection means) 6 Ultrasonic sensor (Ultrasonic detection means) 7 Repeater 10 Detection means 20 Transmission means 30 Receiving means 50 Delivery

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A postal service provided with a detecting means for executing a detecting operation for detecting a delivery of a delivery, and a transmitting means for executing a transmitting operation for transmitting a delivery detecting signal based on a detection result by the detecting means; Receiving means for receiving the delivery detection signal transmitted from the means, and notifying means for notifying the notification content comprising the posting state of the delivery based on the reception of the delivery detection signal by the receiving means. Postbox system. 2. The mail receiving system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said detecting means are provided. 3. The transmitting means performs the transmitting operation by being supplied with electric power, and the mail receiving box is provided with a take-out door which is opened and closed so as to take out the posted delivery. The power supply to the transmission means is interrupted after the end of the transmission operation, and is restarted based on the open / closed state of the take-out door. Postal receiving system. 4. The detection means performs the detection operation by being supplied with electric power, and the mail receiving box is provided with a take-out door which is opened and closed so as to take out the posted delivery. 3. The mail according to claim 1, wherein the power supply to the detection means is interrupted after the transmission operation is completed, and is restarted based on the open / close state of the take-out door. Receiving system. 5. The mail receiving system according to claim 4, wherein said detecting means comprises an optical detecting means for detecting posting of the delivery based on a light-shielded state. 6. The mail receiving system according to claim 4, wherein said detecting means comprises an ultrasonic detecting means for detecting the posting of the delivery based on an ultrasonic wave reflection state. 7. The mail receiving box is provided with a take-out door that is opened and closed so as to take out the posted delivery, and the notification content is reset based on the open / close state of the take-out door. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The mail receiving system according to any of the above. 8. The mail receiving device is provided with a power supply means for executing at least one of the detection operation and the transmission operation, and the power supply means is provided on an outer surface of the mail receiving device. The postal receiving system according to claim 1, further comprising a solar cell, and a storage battery that stores power generated by the solar cell. 9. The mail receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery detection signal is wirelessly transmitted and received between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit. 10. The receiving means comprises a repeater for receiving and relaying the delivery detection signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and a receiver for receiving the delivery detection signal relayed by the relay. The postal receiving system according to claim 9, wherein