RU2772584C1 - Weighing mailbox - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: measuring equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means of receiving, storing, and dispensing mail, in particular, to weighing mailboxes. Weighing mailbox made in the form of a polyhedron — box, the upper face whereof is made in the form of a lid, with a weighing tool on the lower face; an internal body in the form of a polyhedron — box of a smaller size and volume placed within the external body on the weighing tool, and provided with at least one wheel on each external lateral face of the internal body facing the inner surface the lateral face of the external body (1), the lateral faces of the internal body are equidistant from the lateral faces of the external body; the weighing tool is configured to weigh mail automatically and autonomously.

EFFECT: increase in the accuracy of weighing mailing items.

11 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to means for receiving, storing and issuing mail, in particular to mailboxes-scales operating in places where potential users of postal and / or courier services may be located (business centers, institutions, shops, post offices, metro, underground passages, stations, airports, etc.).

Mailboxes are known from the prior art (see RF patents Nos. 144700 and 147505 for utility models).

The disadvantages of known mailboxes are:

- limited use - the mailbox is installed only in the entrances of apartment buildings, orienting on the wall;

- limited functionality, in particular, the impossibility of weighing mail.

The prior art patent of the Russian Federation No. 2390301 a mailbox containing outer and inner parts having flaps, as well as a telescopic compartment containing the first and second parts, while the first part of the telescopic compartment belongs to the outer part of the mailbox, and the second part of the telescopic compartment belongs to to the inside of the mailbox. The telescopic compartment is configured to form a downwardly inclined compartment extending from the outside to the inside of the mailbox. The disadvantages of the known mailbox are:

- limited use (installed mainly on the door);

- the complexity of the design;

- limited functionality, in particular, the impossibility of weighing mail, (see RF patent No. 2390301 for an invention, publ. 27.05.2010).

From the prior art patent of the Russian Federation No. 140780 a postal machine is known, including a mail collection unit, a power supply unit, a control unit configured to connect to the Internet, and a unit for making a payment associated with the control unit, located in a housing with a receiving window, characterized in that , which additionally contains a printing unit associated with the control unit, made with the possibility of issuing printed stamps, the sender's address, the recipient's address with a barcode, and a unit for weighing mail with a barcode scanner associated with the receiving window and the unit for collecting mail known mailbox are:

- low accuracy of weighing postal items as a result of the skew of postal items placed in the body of the post machine;

- the complexity and cumbersome design of the postal machine, (see RF patent No. 140780 for a utility model, publ. 20.05.2014).

The objective (aim) of the invention is to create a design of a simple and easy-to-use mailbox that provides collection, accurate weighing, temporary storage and delivery of postal items (letters, parcels).

The technical results of the claimed invention are:

- ensuring and improving the accuracy of weighing mail;

- the ability to quickly track information about the status of the mailbox and the service provided to the client.

- simplification of the design of the mailbox scales.

Technical results are achieved by the fact that the mailbox-scale consists of:

- outer body (1) in the form of a polyhedron - a box, the upper face of which is made in the form of a cover (1.1) of Fig. one;

- the inner casing (2) of FIG. 2 in the form of a polyhedron - a box of smaller size and volume, placed inside the outer case (1) on the weighing means (3), with the possibility of moving and moving the inner case (2) relative to the outer case (1) on wheels (2.1.1) along the inner surfaces of the side faces (1.2) of the outer body (1), while on each outer side face (2.1) of the inner body (2) facing the inner surface of the side face (1.2) of the outer body (1), there is at least one wheel ( 2.1.1), ensuring the vertical position of the inner case (2) relative to the outer case (1), avoiding the distortion of the inner case (2) relative to the outer case (1) and accurate weighing of postal items, and for the convenience of extracting postal items (letters, parcels) from the inner case (2) of the mailbox, while the side faces (2.1) (walls) of the inner case (2) are equidistant from the side faces (1.2) of the outer case (1);

- weighing means (3) of mail items, located inside, on the basis of the outer case (1.3) of Fig.2, made with the possibility of automatic and autonomous weighing of mail items and, in a particular case, the execution of information transmission through a control device (microprocessor) interconnected with a remote control (wireless) and/or wired (3.1) transmission of information to external communication means (devices) of the user (4) of FIG. one.

The preferred execution of the outer body (1) and inner (2) in the form of a straight parallelepiped.

The preferred version of the number of wheels on the side face of the inner case is from 1 to 4 wheels.

In a particular case, the cover (1.1) is fixed on the rear wall of the outer casing (1) of Fig. one.

In another embodiment, the closing cover (1.1) (door) covers one side face (1.2) of the outer casing (1) and can be provided with a lock.

In a particular case of execution, as a means of remote (wireless) transmission of information, for example, an Internet modem, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth is used, and as a means of wired transmission of information, for example, a wire (cable) is used. The user's external communication means (devices) are, for example, a tablet, a personal computer (4) of FIG. 1, the user's laptop, phone and/or smartphone, as well as logistics information centers and/or vending machines.

In an embodiment, the mailbox-scale is equipped with sensors for the volume (size) of mail items, and / or a control device (microprocessor), and / or a power supply, and / or a memory device, and / or a device for reading information, and / or a device switching located inside the mailbox.

In an embodiment, the mailbox-scale is provided with a receiving window for receiving mail (1.4) of FIG. 1. The window can be made on any of the side faces and pass through both bodies and, in a particular case, the lid, or made on the upper base (lid).

In a particular case of execution, the window (1.4) can be made with a covered sash, and/or an information display for displaying information for the user, and/or a keyboard for selecting a control command and entering information, and/or a device for issuing checks, and/or a device for making a payment, and/or a window for issuing change, located on the front side of the outer body of the mailbox.

In an embodiment, the memory device is configured to record information, for example, on the state of the mailbox, on the time the mail item was placed in the box, on the number and type of mail items in the inner box, the time the mailbox was opened, the individual information about the user, the individual information about courier, service workers, collectors, about individual information about the mailbox in which the postal item was placed, about the individual electromagnetic code or barcode that the postal items or plastic cards of the client are equipped with.

In an embodiment, the device for reading information is configured to read information from postal items and/or from the user's plastic card, determine the correct payment for forwarding the postal item, depending on its weight and the text on it.

In an embodiment, the control device (microprocessor) is interconnected with a weighing device, a means of remote (wireless) and/or wired information transmission, mail volume sensors, an information display, a device for issuing checks, a device for making a payment, a memory device, a device for reading information, keyboard, switching device and is configured to:

- selecting and setting a command to open the receiving window and/or cover (door) on a signal from the device for reading information;

- transfer of information between mailbox devices and to external means of communication;

- processing information from the weighing means and sensors of the volume (size) of postal items and determining the amount of payment for sending postal items depending on their weight and volume (size);

- memorizing and fixing information about the postal item, about the time of opening the lid (door);

- connection to the Internet;

- issuing information to the information display.

In an embodiment, the payment device includes a bill and/or coin acceptor and/or a plastic card acceptor.

The features and essence of the claimed invention are explained in the following detailed description, illustrated by drawings (see figures 1 and 2), which shows the following.

Various parcels can be loaded into the inner body (2) of the mailbox - household items, for example, grocery products that do not require refrigeration during storage: cereals, flour, pasta, sugar, bread; household goods, etc.

Additionally (as a variant, option), unlocking (opening) of the receiving window (1.4) and/or cover (door) (1.1) can occur when the client dials the appropriate code on the keyboard located on the front side of the outer body of the mailbox, which is possible by switching the keyboard to electrical circuit of the lock. This option may be appropriate, for example, with a different form of payment (bank transfer).

In an embodiment, the mailbox-scale in the internal space can be equipped with a control device (microprocessor), and/or a power supply unit, and/or a memory device, and/or a device for reading information, and/or a switching device with external devices (means ) connections.

The control device (microprocessor) is interconnected with a weighing device, a means of remote (wireless) and / or wired information transmission, mail volume sensors, an information display, a device for issuing checks, a device for making a payment, a memory device, a device for reading information, a keyboard and switching device.

The control device (microprocessor) controls the operation of all devices and means of the mailbox and is configured to:

- selecting and setting a command to open the receiving window and/or cover (door) on a signal from the device for reading information;

- transfer of information between mailbox devices and to external means of communication;

- processing information from the weighing means and sensors of the volume (size) of postal items and determining the amount of payment for sending postal items depending on their weight and volume (size);

- memorizing and fixing information about the postal item, about the time of opening the lid (door);

- connection to the Internet;

- issuing information to the information display, etc.

The power supply is designed to power all nodes and devices (means) of the mailbox. Alternatively, the mailbox is connected to the power supply.

The memory device is configured to record information, for example, on the state of the mailbox, on the time the mail item was placed in the box, on the number and type of mail items in the inner body of the mailbox, the time the mailbox was opened, individual information about the user, individual information about the courier, service workers, collectors, about individual information about the mailbox in which the postal item was placed, about the individual electromagnetic code or barcode that is provided with postal items or customer's plastic cards.

The device for reading information is configured to read information from postal items (letters, parcels) and/or from the user's plastic card, determine the correct payment for forwarding the postal item depending on its weight and the text on it.

Declared mailbox - scales can be fully or partially assembled with the listed equipment and devices in a single case and / or use the specified equipment of similar devices when switching the mailbox with external devices.

Receiving windows can be of different sizes for mail items (letters) of different types and/or sizes.

The inner case of the mailbox - scales can be of various types and / or sizes.

In the mailbox - scales, various designs of locks with fixation elements can be used.

The claimed mailbox-scale is intended for automatic processing of postal items (letters, parcels), in particular for autonomous and automatic weighing of any items from letters to parcels using an internal case mounted on a weighing tool.

Mailbox - scales can be installed in any public place where potential users of postal and / or courier services can be located (business centers, institutions, shops, shopping centers, post offices, metro, underground passages, railway stations, airports, etc.) for contactless transmission of mail.

Brief description of drawings:

fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a mailbox-scale connected to an external means (device) of communication (personal computer) of the user via a wire.

fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a scale mailbox.

A short list of structural elements:

1 - outer case;

1.1 - cover;

1.2 - side face;

1.3 - base;

1.4 - reception window;

2 - inner case;

2.1 - side face;

2.1.1 - wheel;

3 - weighing means

3.1 - communication with external means (devices) of communication.

4 - external means (devices) of user communication

Implementation of the invention

Examples of execution (implementation) and the principle of operation of the declared mailbox-weights (see Fig. 1 and 2).

The mailbox-scale consists of an outer case (1) in the form of a box, on the upper side of which, on the back wall, a closing cover (door) (1.1) is hinged or hinged. Inside (in the inner space) of the outer case (1) of the mailbox on the weighing means (scales) (3) there is an inner case (2) in the form of a box of smaller size and volume. The inner body (2) is made with the possibility of moving and moving relative to the outer body (1) on wheels (2.1.1) along the inner side faces (1.2) of the outer body (1). On each outer side face (2.1) of the inner body (2), facing the inner side of the side face (1.2) of the outer body (1), at least 1 wheel, or 2, or 3, or 4 wheels are fixed, while side faces (walls) (2.1) of the inner body (2) are equidistant from the sides (1.2) of the outer body (1). The means of weighing (3) of mail items is installed inside, on the basis (1.3) of the outer case (1).

The lid (1.1) is opened, the postal item (letter or parcel) is lowered into the inner space of the body (2) of the mailbox, under the weight the inner case is lowered, moving with wheels along the side faces (1.2) of the outer case (1), presses on the weighing means (3 ), weighing and recording data.

In the case of the implementation of the claimed solution with the receiving window (1.4), the mailing is loaded through the receiving window (1.4).

In an embodiment, inside the mailbox - scales, sensors can be installed to measure (fix) the volume (size) of mailings.

All information from the weighing means (3) and, as an option, from the volume sensors is transmitted to the control device (microprocessor) for processing (conversion) and further through the means of remote (wireless) and / or wired transmission of information, via a wired or wireless communication channel to external means (devices) of communication (4) of the user, on a tablet or PC or laptop or phone and / or smartphone of the user, as well as information logistics centers and / or vending machines, since often the installation locations of the mailbox coincide with the installation locations of other vending machines, then it is possible to switch the mailbox with vending machines to use its equipment (display, keyboard, microprocessor, modem, etc.).

This allows you to quickly track information about the status of the mailbox and the service, as well as manage the status of the mailbox and the logistics of the process.

With a certain frequency, the courier removes postal items (letters, parcels) from the inner body (2) of the mailbox through the cover (door) (1.1), opening it and locking it in a particular case.

Service workers perform maintenance operations with the mailbox at the required frequency (maintenance of units and devices, placement and / or extraction and delivery of postal items, cash (collection), etc.

In an embodiment, on the front side (1) of the outer body (3) of the mailbox-weights, an information display can be placed to display information for the user, and / or a keyboard, and / or a device for making a payment, and / or a window for issuing change and check printer.

The information display is designed to familiarize the client (user) with the rules for using the mailbox. Using the information display, the client selects and executes the appropriate commands, pays for services, places the mail in the receiving window (1.4) of the mailbox. The information display displays and displays all the information necessary for the user (client), possible services and the process of their implementation.

The keyboard is intended for selecting a control command and entering information by the client.

To pay for the delivery of a postal item, the mailbox can be equipped with a device for making a payment connected to a control device (microprocessor) and a device for reading information.

As a device for making a payment, a banknote and/or coin acceptor and/or a device for accepting plastic cards (for cashless payments) can be used.

In the case of paying with banknotes, the user can be given change through the change issuance window. Alternatively, it is possible to modify the device without this service, then the client will be obliged to pay for the service without change.

The check printing device prints a check with the output of the number of the postal item after the payment for the corresponding service by the client.

The receiving window (1.4), as an option, can be made lockable with the possibility of unlocking after the payment (payment for the service) by the client.

The analysis of the prior art made it possible to establish: there are no analogues with a set of essential features identical to the essential features of the claimed mailbox - scales, which indicates that the claimed invention complies with the patentability condition "novelty".

While the claimed mailbox scale is shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and content may be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, which are defined by the attached claims, taking into account the description and drawings.

Claims (23)

1. Mailbox scales, consisting of: an outer case in the form of a polyhedron - a box, the upper face of which is made in the form of a lid, on the lower face with a weighing means; the inner case in the form of a polyhedron - a box having smaller dimensions and volume than the outer case, and placed inside the outer case on the weighing means; at the same time, at least one wheel is placed on each outer side face of the inner case, facing the inner surface of the side face of the outer case, side faces of the inner body are equidistant from the side faces of the outer body; the weighing means is made with the possibility of automatic and autonomous weighing of postal items. 2. Mailbox scale according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing cover covers the front side of the outer case and is equipped with a lock. 3. A mailbox-scale according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing means is configured to transmit information through a control device interconnected with a means of remote and / or wired transmission of information to the user's external communication means. 4. A mailbox-scale according to claim 3, characterized in that, for example, an Internet modem, Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth is used as a means of wireless information transmission, and, for example, a wire is used as a means of wired information transmission. 5. A mailbox-scale according to claim 3, characterized in that the user's external means of communication are, for example, a tablet, personal computer, laptop, phone and / or smartphone of the user, as well as information logistics centers and / or vending machines. 6. Mailbox scale according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with sensors for the volume of mail items, and / or a control device, and / or a power supply, and / or a memory device, and / or a device for reading information, and / or switching device located inside the mailbox. 7. Mailbox-scale according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a receiving window for receiving mail with a covered sash, and / or an information display for displaying information for the user, and / or a keyboard for selecting a control command and entering information, and/or a device for issuing checks and/or a device for making a payment and/or a window for issuing change, located on the front side of the outer body of the mailbox. 8. Mailbox scale according to claim 7, characterized in that the memory device is configured to record information, for example, about the state of the mailbox, about the time the mail item was placed in the box, about the number and type of mail items in the inner box, the opening time mailbox, individual information about the user, individual information about the courier, service workers, collectors, about individual information about the mailbox in which the postal item was placed, about the individual electromagnetic code or barcode that the mail items or plastic cards of the client are equipped with. 9. A mailbox-scale according to claim 6, characterized in that the device for reading information is configured to read information from postal items and / or from the user's plastic card, determine the correct payment for sending the postal item, depending on its weight and available on it text. 10. The mailbox scale according to claim 6, characterized in that the control device is interconnected with a weighing device, a means of wireless and/or wired information transmission, mail volume sensors, an information display, a device for issuing checks, a device for making a payment, a device memory, a device for reading information, a keyboard, a switching device and is configured to: - selecting and setting a command to open the receiving window and/or cover on a signal from the device for reading information; - transfer of information between mailbox devices and to external means of communication; - processing of information from the weighing means and from sensors of the volume of postal items and determining the amount of payment for sending postal items depending on their weight and volume; - memorizing and fixing information about the postal item, about the time of opening the lid; - connection to the Internet; - issuing information to the information display. 11. A mailbox-scale according to claim 7, characterized in that the device for making a payment includes a banknote and/or coin acceptor and/or a device for accepting plastic cards.

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