WO2023281315A1

WO2023281315A1 - Systems, modules and goods carriers for handling and conveying goods and packages

Info

Publication number: WO2023281315A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/000472
Authority: WO
Inventors: Poul Henrik Woelfle
Original assignee: Poul Henrik Woelfle
Priority date: 2021-07-08
Filing date: 2022-07-09
Publication date: 2023-01-12
Also published as: DE102021003508A1; WO2023281315A4

Abstract

The invention relates to modules (20, 29) and goods carriers (25) for handling and conveying goods and in particular packages, said modules and goods carriers allowing individual packages (3) to be removed. The invention further relates to systems for using modules (20, 29) and goods carriers (25), e.g. a mobile automatic package machine (60).

Description

Title:

Systems, modules and goods carriers for handling and transporting goods and packages.

Description:

The invention relates to a module and goods carrier for handling and transporting goods and in particular packages. It also applies to systems for using modules and goods carriers.

Since a large part of the use of modules and goods carriers according to the invention relates to packages and the use can thus be well illustrated, packages are usually referred to below as goods to be transported. However, the invention does not only relate to the transport of packages, but also to all other unpackaged and packaged goods that can be transported with systems, modules and goods carriers according to the invention.

According to the state of the art, parcels are manually loaded from transport vehicles into delivery vehicles to deliver them. The delivery vehicles are usually accessible from the inside and are correspondingly large, and due to the manual loading, the deliverer does not always have an exact overview of which package is where in the delivery vehicle. The size of the vehicles makes parking more difficult and increases resource consumption. Each logistics company also usually uses its own vehicles, so that vehicles from different companies sometimes drive similar routes. There are a few known alternatives:

There are smaller and externally accessible vehicles, especially electric vehicles or bicycles. However, these can accommodate fewer packages and only have a loading space that is usually freely stacked. In addition, stacking makes it even more difficult for the deliverer to allocate packages, and packages can be more easily damaged.

There are stationary parcel machines with compartments of different sizes, each of which is provided with electrically unlockable doors. Parcel machines are filled manually and parcels can then be removed by customers. It is also possible for customers to post packages. However, parcel machines are quite large and can therefore usually be found in the parking lots of larger shops. They are therefore more likely to be used by customers who live in the immediate vicinity or who transport the collected parcels home by car.

There are also concepts for autonomously driving chassis that bring parcels to customers from a base, whereby a delivery vehicle can also serve as a basis, as well as concepts for delivery by aircraft, some of which fly autonomously, and for using existing infrastructure such as local public transport or the sewerage. So far, however, these have either been limited in terms of load capacity or the number of packages that can be transported, or they require major structural measures.

The invention is based on the object of reducing the required size of vehicles, making the transport and delivery of parcels more efficient and enabling more customers to collect them from a parcel machine. In principle, the object is achieved through the use of transport modules according to the invention, each of which consists of a shelf body, shelves or shelf inserts, and at least one closure.

In the simplest embodiment, according to the invention, box-shaped shelf inserts of different sizes, open to the removal side, are used, which are placed one above the other and optionally on rails in a shelf body. Parcels can then be inserted into the shelf inserts before or after they are inserted.

The insertion of shelf inserts and the insertion of packages can be done manually, but also by machine. In both cases, the invention provides for the dimensions of the packages to be transported to be recorded, preferably automatically, beforehand, so that the appropriate shelf inserts are used in each case and the available space of the module is used in the best possible way. It is also planned to take other parameters into account when filling modules, such as the desired place and time of delivery or collection as well as the expected location or the expected route. Of course, the coding of the packets must also be recorded so that it is known which packet is where in the respective module. In addition, several packages can be combined in one shelf insert, provided they all have the same recipient.

In order to fix the shelf inserts after they have been pushed in, a fastening or locking device according to any prior art is provided, for example a screw connection, clamping, latching or locking.

The flexible use of modules with shelf inserts of different sizes is a significant improvement over parcel machines in terms of space requirements, and as described below, allows modules according to the invention to be used in different systems and areas.

Although the box-shaped shelf inserts according to the invention can be foldable in order to require less storage space, the use of standardized shelf inserts of different sizes is rather inflexible, does not make optimal use of the available space and is complicated to handle.

In a further embodiment, the shelf body is therefore provided with rails, and plates, referred to below as trays, are used as shelf inserts. Depending on the size of the packages to be transported, the trays can be pushed into the rails of the module and packages can be placed on them.

In principle, this structure is similar to an approach to the design of transport and/or storage boxes, which is described in DE 8202926 U1, but differs in the closure described below, which makes it possible for only individual trays to be accessible.

In order to prevent packages from coming into contact with the shelf body and also to prevent the module from falling out when the closure is open, the trays can be provided with a safety device, for example a peripheral edge, according to the invention. This also makes it possible to use trays to transport packages outside of modules. Parcels can then, for example, be placed on trays, transported through a sorting system and inserted into rack bodies, and they can also be removed from trays if they come, for example, already in modules from another sorting system or from a sender. It is understandable that the trays can also be handled automatically. Trays can also be provided with transponders so that labels on packages lying on them no longer have to be optically scanned in sorting systems after they have been assigned once. The same is also possible according to the invention for the above-mentioned box-shaped shelf inserts, but it may not make much sense because of the larger space requirement. In order to fix trays after they have been pushed into a shelf body, a locking device according to any prior art is provided, as described for the box-shaped inserts. One possibility is that a gravity-actuated latch is used, which can be located on the shelf body or trays. By turning a module with empty trays over, they can then be easily removed. In addition, the regalia/body can be symmetrical not only on a vertical plane, but also on a horizontal plane. Then a shelf body that has been turned over to remove trays can be used again directly for filling with new trays. Trays can also be fixed with a lock and prevented from falling out. Also, the closure can be configured to move a pivoting front edge of a tray so that it can fold down to remove a package and facilitate accessibility to the package.

In addition to the surrounding edge of the trays described above, packages are also secured by a narrow grid of the rails in the rack body, since these are then also guided over trays above them and can therefore not or hardly tip over. However, it can be disadvantageous that small packages in particular are difficult to access when they are removed if they slide away from the removal side on the tray. In order to prevent this, it is provided according to the invention to arrange the trays at a slight angle, to provide them with a slope on the inside that can also be spring-mounted, or to make the contact surface of the trays smaller, for example with a foldable edge that can be folded up if necessary. or with a spring-loaded edge. It is also possible according to the invention to provide trays with an optionally foldable edge on their underside, which prevents a small package underneath from slipping too far away from the removal side. Furthermore, according to the invention, a movable solution is possible, for example a spring-loaded slide that is integrated into the module or the tray and moves the packages to the removal side. It is also possible to provide trays with an additional stop so that they can be pulled out of the module a little before packages are removed. The additional stop can also be spring-loaded so that trays that have been pulled out are automatically pulled back into their starting position after the packages have been removed.

It is also possible according to the invention to tilt the module to the removal side before packages are removed so that all packages are close to the removal side.

As a further configuration of modules according to the invention, provision is made for them to be provided with vertically movable shelves. The shelves can be installed in the shelf body, or they can be designed as previously described, removable trays for which the shelf body is provided with movable rails. The design can be based on any prior art, for example by moving the shelves individually using a ball screw or by lifting the shelves with grippers. When using a gripper and trays, the shelf body can also be designed without any rails, so that these rest on the package underneath. It then only has to be prevented by appropriate design that trays can tip over on narrow packages, for example by using packages according to size in modules.

Vertically movable shelves or trays are technically more complex than the previous solutions, but offer some additional advantages. In this way, the available space in the module is optimally utilized by placing shelves on the package below or - depending on the weight - only keeping a minimal distance. The distance between shelves can also be increased to make it easier to remove small packages and subsequently insert larger packages, for example when returning goods.

In addition, shelves may have a front edge that extends vertically up, down, or both. This allows packages to be additionally secured. Furthermore, the vertically movable shelves can also be tiltable in order to allow packages to slide towards the removal side before removal.

Various options are provided according to the invention for closing modules. If modules are used for internal transport and are protected from the weather, the only thing that needs to be done with the closure is to ensure that no packages or trays fall out unintentionally. This can be achieved, for example, with a movable grille, roller shutter or net.

If a package is to be removed from a module, the closure can open automatically and the removal position can be marked optically, for example by appropriate lighting (so-called pic to light). The module can also be equipped with sensors that confirm the removal and then automatically close the module.

If, on the other hand, modules are also exposed to the weather, for example because they are used as a parcel machine, the closure must also offer protection from the weather and it must be ensured that only the desired removal position is accessible. This can be achieved, especially with box-shaped shelf inserts, by using doors whose size corresponds to the smallest format of shelf inserts. With larger shelving inserts, several doors can then be opened together to allow removal.

As an alternative to this, it is provided according to the invention, in particular for trays, to use two closures that can preferably be displaced steplessly, for example roller shutters or sliding door elements. Both closures can initially move in front of the removal position, but continue to close it. The closures then move in such a way that one covers the upper edge of the removal position and the other the lower edge. This means that only the respective removal position is accessible and the package can be removed.

In the case of vertically movable shelves, which are provided with a vertical edge on their front side, a single, preferably infinitely slidable closure can also be used, since in this case only the removal position is accessible by increasing the distance between the shelves, while the other packages can be accessed the edges of the shelves cannot be removed.

It is understandable that the locks used are designed according to the state of the art and thus protect the module from the weather and other influences such as damage. To protect against damage and to protect people, especially when used as a parcel machine, it is also possible according to the invention to provide modules with state-of-the-art sensors. This can be, for example, light sensors that detect damage to the module. Modules and closures can also be fitted with light barriers or force measurement sensors, for example, to ensure that the closures do not move when touched.

Furthermore, it is understandable that, depending on the application, closures can be attached directly to the shelf body or to an enclosure of at least one module. Depending on the application, the power supply for moving the closures and for other functions can also be provided by an integrated battery that can be replaced if necessary, or by a mains connection.

The filling of modules can vary depending on use. For example, it may make sense to classify them according to delivery location, available space in the module, weight (heavy at the bottom, light at the top), size (smaller packages tend to be in the middle of the module) or barrier requirements (removal with a wheelchair). Depending on requirements, packages can also be placed in modules in different orientations, for example larger packages also on edge. Modules according to the invention can be used as part of different systems according to the invention, with functions of the modules then also being able to be transferred to the systems. For example, closures may be provided in whole or in part on a system rather than on a module, and sensors or drives may also be on the system rather than on the module. The function of serving as a transfer point for automatic loading of trays and packages, if necessary, can also be transferred from a module to the system, for example if modules are permanently installed on systems and form a unit with them. This is ideal for mobile systems, for example, which can then be loaded directly on the system.

Modules can be used for the internal transport of packages within a company or a hall, for example by at least one module being transported by a transport vehicle, with the transport vehicle also being able to drive autonomously. For this purpose, modules according to the invention can be provided with rails or similar fastening options according to the prior art, so that they can be transported safely and loaded and unloaded quickly.

Modules according to the invention can also be used in delivery vehicles. According to the invention, a delivery vehicle can be constructed analogously to a current delivery vehicle, ie with a box-shaped structure, packages—in this case in modules—on both sides, and an aisle in the middle. The modules can get into their position from the inside via the aisle, but also because the delivery vehicle is provided with openings on the outside into which the modules can be pushed. In order to be able to accommodate bulky goods and packages that do not fit well in modules, a separate hold or an empty module is provided.

The use of modules also allows other concepts for delivery vehicles. According to the invention, modules can be located on the delivery vehicle in such a way that, depending on the required vehicle capacity, some or all of them are accessible from the outside.

If all the modules are on the outside of the vehicle, the aisle inside can be omitted and the delivery vehicle becomes correspondingly narrower, which makes parking easier, especially in inner-city areas, and reduces energy consumption. In contrast to known delivery vehicles that are accessible from the outside, often electric vehicles or bicycles, in which packages are stacked freely in the loading space, it is still possible to precisely allocate packages, which makes delivery much easier and increases loading capacity. In addition, the secure positioning protects packages from damage.

According to the invention it is provided for the delivery vehicle that the person to be delivered is equipped with an operating device which, for example, displays optimal routes as well as the position of the next package to be removed from the vehicle. A module can also be opened automatically, for example by a corresponding command on the operating device or by the operating device approaching the corresponding module or vehicle.

Furthermore, the invention provides that recipients are also informed about the position of a delivery vehicle via an operating device, sensibly their own mobile phone with a corresponding application ("app"), if it is in their vicinity, and that they can then also deliver a parcel themselves delivery vehicle can pick up or drop off, which relieves the work of the deliverer and at the same time saves recipients time if they do not want to wait for the delivery.

A further use of modules according to the invention results from the fact that they can be used individually or bundled in groups as a parcel machine. For this purpose, the modules can be parked at designated, fixed places and picked up again or exchanged. These places can be located outdoors, similar to mailboxes. But you can also find yourself in others publicly accessible areas, for example in shops. They can also be located on houses or apartment buildings.

In addition, flexible storage of individual modules or modules bundled into several modules is also possible according to the invention. For example, they can be placed on a chassis, and the chassis can be provided with at least one fastening device such as a hasp or lock. This allows the chassis to be attached, for example to a lamp post or to an anchor provided for this purpose on the ground. According to the invention, chassis can also be designed as trailers. They may also be street legal and parked in parking lots for motor vehicles.

In this way, modules can be placed very flexibly in urban areas, for example near public transport stops. Recipients can then use a corresponding function in an app through an interactive dialog, taking into account, for example, location and time information from their calendar as well as route information, roughly where and when they want to pick up a package, what the use for many recipients facilitated and the degree of utilization increased.

The transport of modules or chassis can be done in different ways. It is possible according to the invention, for example, for several chassis with modules to be transported on a vehicle, then set down at their destination using a crane or a ramp and finally be fastened. The vehicle can then also take empty chassis with it, so that a full chassis can take over the parking space of the empty chassis. According to the invention, individual modules can also be loaded and unloaded from a chassis, for example by means of a crane or hand truck.

It is also possible according to the invention that chassis, which in any case have to be equipped with a battery in order to move closures, maintain electronic communication and, if necessary, supply electricity to a display and sensors, are equipped with an electric drive. They can then be controlled by a deliverer, with several chassis being able to drive one behind the other. The deliverer can then move chassis to their position, take empty ones back with them and still deliver packages to recipients who still prefer personal delivery, possibly for an additional charge.

In this case, too, the chassis can be transported away by vehicle. However, they can also be transported via barrier-free local public transport, for example, or as a rear part or trailer of an (electric) vehicle or bicycle.

According to the invention, the running gear of a chassis can be equipped with individual wheel steering in order to be able to park better and maneuver in a confined space. It can also be equipped with an automatic and sensor-controlled leveling system in order to be able to drive on sloping ground. Furthermore, according to the invention, the wheels can be blocked or retractable in the parking position.

It is also possible according to the invention for chassis to drive autonomously. You can then drive up to a recipient's door and the recipient can collect their package there. The time of delivery can depend on the availability of recipients. Also, as previously described for delivery vehicles, recipients can be informed of the location of a truck when it is in their vicinity and they can then also pick up or drop off a package at the truck themselves.

It is also possible according to the invention for parcels to be delivered via a separate, possibly autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can then automatically take packages from modules as needed. It can have one or more charging boxes, and the Loading boxes can have different sizes in order to be able to move into one another if necessary—which is also possible with modules according to the invention. Compared to known autonomous vehicles, this has the advantage that the transfer of packages can also take place fully automatically, and that the vehicle runs comparatively little empty with a corresponding density of modules. According to the invention, the vehicle can also be an aircraft.

Such a vehicle would primarily be compatible with transport modules according to the invention and would contradict the unity of the invention. In addition, it can have similarities to other vehicles such as the one described in US 2020/0125110 A1. For this reason, no separate patent claims are mentioned in this regard.

In order to increase the spatial density of modules and thus keep the distances for picking up or delivering parcels short, the invention provides that modules from several logistics companies can also be combined in one system (parcel machine, chassis). Modules, in particular with trays, also allow fully automatic pre-picking of parcels, so that parcels from several logistics companies can then be consolidated in one module.

It is understandable that vehicles and modules according to the invention can be equipped with additional functions based on any prior art, such as radio technology, a solar roof, insulation or air conditioning.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings are explained below.

The same reference numbers are used in all figures for the same or similar components.

It is understood that the components and contours shown are only examples and any combination and design is possible.

Mechanical and electrical components such as bolts, levers, hooks, centering devices, motors, batteries, power connections, etc.

Show it:

1 shows a module according to the invention with box-shaped shelf inserts of different sizes, which are open towards the removal side, and doors as a closure.

2 shows a module according to the invention with trays and two roller shutters.

3 shows a module according to the invention with vertically movable shelves and sliding door

elements as a closure.

Fig. 4 trays according to the invention with various additional functions.

Fig. 5 loading structures of delivery vehicles with modules according to the invention.

6 shows a stationary parcel machine with modules according to the invention.

7 shows a mobile parcel machine with modules according to the invention.

8 shows a mobile vehicle for delivering parcels. Fig. 1 shows a module (10) according to the invention with shelf body (11), box-shaped shelf inserts of different sizes (13-15) open to the removal side, doors (12) as a closure and exemplary packages in six sizes (1-6). The module (10) can be seen first completely closed, then completely open, and finally in such a way that a single package (3) can be removed.

The box-shaped shelf inserts (13-15) have three different heights, with the height of the higher shelf inserts (14, 15) being a multiple of the flattest shelf insert (13). For example, the middle shelf insert (14) is twice the height of the shallowest shelf insert (13), and the tallest shelf insert (15) is three times the height. The shelf inserts (13-15) are inserted and fixed one above the other and optionally on rails in the shelf body (11). The selection of the shelf inserts (13-15) depends on the previously recorded size of the packages (1-6), and the packages are selected in such a way that the available space of the module (10) is used optimally.

The doors (12) have the same height as the flattest shelf insert (13). Since the other shelf inserts (14, 15) are many times higher, the flattest shelf insert (13) is covered by a door (12) and the higher shelf inserts (14, 15) are covered by two or three doors (12). In the example shown, a package (3) can be removed by opening two doors (12).

The shelf inserts (13-15) can be foldable in order to require less storage space, and they can also be used for internal transport, for example in a sorting plant. They can be provided with transponders in order to enable precise allocation between the shelf insert (13-15) and the package (1-6) via radio signal during transport and in the module up to the point at which they are handed over to the recipient.

Fig. 2 shows a module (20) according to the invention with shelf body (21), trays (25), shutters (22, 23) as a closure and the same exemplary packages in six sizes (1-6). The module (20) can be seen first completely closed, then completely open, and finally in such a way that a single package (3) can be removed.

The shelf body (21) is equipped with rails (24) into which trays (25) are inserted with a surrounding edge. The spacing of the trays (25) depends on the grid of the rails (24) and the height of the packages (1-6) lying on the trays (25). The peripheral edge of the trays (25) prevents packages (1-6) from having direct contact with the shelf body (21) and the rails (24), and it also prevents packages (1-6) from opening Side of the module (20) fall out or come into contact with the shutters (22, 23).

The small distance between trays (25) and packages (1-6) also prevents packages (1-6) from jumping too much or colliding during transport, which protects them from damage.

To remove a package (3), the roller shutters (22, 23) first move in the closed state in front of the removal position. Then they open so wide that only the desired package (3) can be removed.

3 shows a module (30) according to the invention with a shelf body (31), connected, vertically movable sliding door elements (32) as a closure, vertically movable shelves (33) and again the same exemplary packages in six sizes (1-6). This module (30) can also be seen first completely closed, then completely open, and finally in such a way that a single package (3) can be removed.

When closed, the connected, vertically movable sliding door elements (32) completely cover the module (30). In order to open the entire space of the module (30) for loading, the sliding door elements (32) would have to be pivotable like a roller shutter or over the edge of the shelf body (31) out. However, you can also first go all the way up as shown and then down so that the upper part of the module (30) can be loaded. The shelves (33) are movable vertically and can be provided with a vertical edge on their front side, which projects both upwards and downwards. This allows packets (1-6) to be additionally secured. Therefore, unlike before, a single lock (32) is sufficient, since packages blocked by the edges of the shelves (33) cannot be removed.

A package (3) can be released for removal by vertically moving the shelves (33) above it. This makes it easily accessible.

4 shows various trays according to the invention. A tray (40) is provided with a bevel (41) on the inside, which can also be spring-mounted. The peripheral edge (42) of the tray (40) is increased accordingly. Due to the incline (41), smaller packages slide in the direction of the removal side.

The next tray (43) has a support surface that can be reduced. The foldable edge (44) can be folded up if necessary, so that smaller packages are always on the removal side. Alternatively, the flap may be movable to be adjustable for any size package and also spring biased to push packages towards the unloading side.

As a further embodiment, a tray (45) has a movably mounted edge (47) on the underside. This pushes a package underneath to the removal side. So that the tray (45) can still be easily pushed into a shelf body, the edge (47) is provided with an opening into which a latching hook (46) on the tray can latch. When the tray is pushed in and hits the back of the module, the preloaded latching hook releases the edge (47) so that it falls down. After removing the tray, the latching hook (46) engages again as soon as the tray is placed on a surface. The edge (47) could also be pushed in as a component that is independent of the tray when a tray is pushed in.

The tray (48) shown last has a pivotable front edge (49). The swiveling front edge can be folded down manually, but also automatically, for example by a mechanism integrated in a closure. This can facilitate accessibility to a package upon removal.

5 shows loading structures of delivery vehicles as examples of systems with modules. A loading structure (50) analogous to that of a conventional delivery vehicle can first be seen in a top view through the roof. The modules (20, 29) in this example - as well as in the following - have shutters for easier identification. Since in this case only the deliverer has access to the modules, a simpler lock could also be used because only the load has to be secured during transport.

In addition to the module (20) previously shown in FIG. 2, a wider module (29) is also used in this example. The loading structure (50) is box-shaped with outer walls (51) and two doors (53) at the rear end. In practice, the loading structure (50) can have known additional equipment features, for example access from the driver's cab or sliding side doors.

The modules (20, 29) are located on both lateral outer walls (51). In the middle there is a corridor (52) through which the deliverer gets to the modules with packages. The modules (20, 29) can get into position from a loading dock through the doors (53) and aisle (52). However, separate openings in the outer walls (51) into which the modules (20, 29) can be inserted directly from the outside are also possible. In order to be able to accommodate bulky goods and packages that do not fit well into modules, a separate loading space (not shown here) or a module (20, 29) without trays is provided.

If the deliverer now needs a package, he enters the loading structure (50) and the corresponding module opens at the required position after a command on an operating device. This process can also run automatically, as described above, for example by taking into account the current GPS position of the vehicle.

The aisle (52) in the loading structure (50) is required in a conventional delivery vehicle in particular to load and unload packages and so that the deliverer can look for the respective package that he has to deliver next comfortably and independently of the weather. When using modules according to the invention, however, these activities are no longer required, since packages are bundled in modules and, if necessary, loaded automatically and the system automatically releases packages that are required and displays their position on an operating device.

The aisle (52) can therefore be omitted when using modules without compromising on the benefit, such as stacked filling, which makes it difficult to search for packages and encourages damage to packages. This enables a narrower loading body (55), which makes parking easier, especially in inner-city areas, and reduces energy consumption.

The narrower loading structure (55) shown essentially consists of a frame (56) into which the same modules (20, 29) as before are inserted. Modules (20, 29) can be loaded and unloaded from both sides, but it can also be done from just one side by pushing the modules through to the opposite side, and also pushing in modules from the rear analogous to conventional delivery vehicles is possible with a slightly different construction of the frame.

The significantly smaller overall size of the loading structure (55) compared to a loading structure (50) with aisle (52) is easily recognizable and illustrates the advantages.

6 shows a compact, stationary parcel machine (60) as a further system. This consists of a housing (61) with a preferably touch-sensitive screen (62) and other state-of-the-art equipment features such as a barcode scanner (63) and a camera (64) for capturing QR codes and also for measuring the size of packages.

Such a parcel machine (60) can be located outdoors, like a mailbox. However, it can also be located in other publicly accessible areas, for example in shops. It can also be located at Fläusern or residential complexes.

The modules (28) in the parcel machine (60) are constructed analogously to the previous modules (20). However, they only have one roller shutter (22), while the second roller shutter (65) required for a targeted removal of packages is located on the system, in this case on the parcel machine (60). What is not shown is that drives for the roller shutters (22, 65) and other components supplied with electricity, such as sensors, are also provided in the system in this case. The modules (28) are therefore technically very simple and are designed without electrical components, which makes handling and replacement easier.

Modules (20) that are empty or partially filled with returns can easily be exchanged for filled modules (20), for example by providing them with appropriate flakes for a handling device or by pulling them out of the housing and replacing them with a hand truck.

7 shows a chassis (70) with two modules of different sizes (20, 29) as a further system. As in the previous embodiments, the chassis has a frame (71) for receiving the modules (20, 29) and is equipped with wheels (72). Depending on the application, the wheels (72) can be designed according to the prior art, for example with a rigid axle, pivotable, electrically steerable and/or variable in height to compensate for inclined positions, and they can be provided with a preferably electric drive. To attach the parked chassis (70) to a lamp post (73), for example, two locking brackets (74, 75) are provided here, which extend around the post (73). In particular, the upper striker (75) supports a preferred, secure position of the chassis (70) depending on the application. Other features such as power connection, screen and scanner are of course also possible with a chassis (70). The latter are not shown here because operation entirely via radio and an associated app is also possible.

Also not shown, but possible according to the invention, is the equipment of a chassis with sensors that enable controlled driving with additional safety functions as well as autonomous driving.

8 shows a mobile vehicle (80) that is smaller than a chassis (70) and is therefore more suitable, depending on the application, for delivering packages autonomously to the recipient, if necessary.

Similar to the chassis (70), the vehicle has wheels (72) with all of the aforementioned functions. The wheels (72) are attached to a base plate (81) in which the components required for operation such as drives, sensors, etc. can be found. Above the base plate (81) is a height adjustment mechanism (82) according to any prior art .

On the mechanism for adjusting the height (82) are two loading boxes (83, 85), each of which is provided with movable rails (84, 86), the rails (84, 86) each having an edge on their front side as shown. Not shown are the closures of the loading boxes (83, 85), which can be designed analogously to the closures of modules, for example a roller shutter that moves up from below for the lower loading box (83) and a roller shutter that moves down from above for the upper loading box (85).

In order to remove a package from a module, the vehicle (80) first drives in front of the corresponding module and aligns itself with it, with additional positioning aids (not shown) also being able to be used. The loading boxes (83, 85) are then moved to the desired height and the lock of the required loading box (83, 85) is opened, as is the lock of the module. Then the rails (84) move out as shown on the lower loading box (83).

If the corresponding module has trays, the rails (84) move under the tray of the required package and the loading box (83) then moves up a little so that the edges of the rails (84) reach behind the tray. The rails then move back and take the tray with the package lying on it with it. If the module has no trays, the rails move directly under the required package, lift it up and then move back.

Finally, the module and charging box (83) are closed again and the vehicle can detach itself from the module and drive off. In the case of stationary modules, modules can be filled in the same way if this makes more sense for the application than replacing complete modules. A battery in a module can also be replaced in the same way if necessary.

In order to increase the utilization of the vehicle (80) and because some customers could receive several packages, two loading boxes (83, 85) are provided on the vehicle in the example. The upper loading box (85) is slightly smaller than the lower loading box (83). This allows the upper loading box (85) to move into the lower loading box (83), so that the upper loading box can also take over packages or trays from low module positions.

The vehicle (80) would primarily be compatible with transport modules according to the invention and would contradict the unity of the invention. In addition, it can have similarities to other vehicles such as the one described in US 2020/0125110 A1. For this reason, no separate patent claims are mentioned in this regard.

Claims

Patent Claims:

1. Transport module (10), at least consisting of at least one shelf body (11), removable box-shaped shelf inserts (13-15), one above the other in the shelf body

(11) are inserted and can be of different heights, the height of the higher shelf inserts (14-15) being a multiple of the flattest shelf insert (13), as well as closures (12) designed as doors, the height of which is the height corresponds to the flattest shelf insert.

2. Transport module according to claim 1, characterized in that it instead of as doors

(12) running closures, it has shutters (22, 23), which can be continuously adjustable.

3. Transport module (20, 28, 29) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that instead of at least one shelf body (11) with removable box-shaped shelf inserts (13-15), there is at least one shelf body (21) with rails (24 ) for receiving trays and removable trays (25).

4. Transport module (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that instead of at least one shelf body (11) with removable box-shaped shelf inserts (13- 15) there is at least one shelf body (31) with horizontally movable shelves (33), the can also be removable trays.

5. Transport module (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that the shelves (33) have a vertical edge on their front side and the closure is a single roller shutter or other vertically movable closure, for example consisting of sliding door elements (32).

6. Transport module (20, 28, 29, 30) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the trays (25, 40, 43, 45, 48) are provided with a peripheral edge which can be folded to the removal side .

7. Transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the trays (25, 40, 43, 45, 48) or shelf inserts (13-15) with a Transponder are provided.

8. Transport module (20, 28, 29, 30) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the trays (43, 45) are provided with an additional, foldable edge (44, 47) on their top or bottom .

9. Transport module (20, 28, 29, 30) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the trays (25, 40, 43, 45, 48) can be pulled out up to a stop and be equipped with an automatic retraction be able.

10. Loading structure (50, 55) of a delivery vehicle, characterized in that it is equipped with at least one transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30).

11. Parcel machine (60), characterized in that it is equipped with at least one transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30).

12. Chassis (70), characterized in that it is equipped with at least one transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30).

13. Chassis according to claim 12, characterized in that it is equipped with at least one lock or hasp (74, 75).

14. System (50, 55, 60, 70, 80) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that at least one function of a transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30) is integrated into the system (50, 55, 60, 70, 80) is transmitted.

15. Process, transport modules (10, 20, 28, 29, 30) manually or by machine

Consideration of given parameters such as desired place of delivery or collection, desired time of delivery or collection, expected location of the transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30) or expected route of the transport module (10, 20, 28, 29, 30) as well as Size of packages or goods to fill.