JP7647345B2 - Drive unit - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a drive unit.

Patent document 1 discloses a technology that allows logistics vehicles to exchange congestion information with each other to prevent congestion on the delivery routes of logistics vehicles.

JP 2018-188312 A

In the logistics industry, seamless automated logistics requires individual mobility to deliver packages from distribution centers to destinations such as users' homes or delivery lockers. However, if the utilization rate of this individual mobility is low, the cost of the individual mobility can become high.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a drive unit that can deliver parcels even in areas where individual mobility vehicles are not deployed.

The drive unit according to the present disclosure is a drive unit that can be connected to a cart that contains at least one piece of luggage and can travel autonomously by towing the cart, and includes a sorting mechanism that can sort the pieces of luggage contained in the cart, and a processor that is configured to control the sorting mechanism to remove the pieces of luggage from the cart and deliver them to the destination after the cart arrives at the destination of the pieces of luggage while connected to the cart, based on delivery information regarding the destination of the pieces of luggage, to deliver the pieces of luggage to the destination.

This disclosure has the effect of shortening the time it takes to load luggage.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a delivery unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the drive unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the cart according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main part of a sorting mechanism of a drive unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process executed by the drive unit according to one embodiment.

The drive unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[Outline of the delivery system]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to one embodiment. The delivery system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a delivery unit 4 including a drive unit 2 capable of autonomous travel and a cart 3 that can be towed by the drive unit 2, a communication terminal 5 held by a user, and a server 6 that manages each part of the delivery system 1. The drive unit 2, the cart 3, the communication terminal 5, and the server 6 all have a communication function and are configured to be able to communicate with each other through a network NW. This network NW is, for example, composed of an Internet line network, a mobile phone line network, or the like.

[Overall configuration of delivery unit]
First, a description will be given of a schematic configuration of the delivery unit 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the delivery unit 4. The delivery unit 4 includes a drive unit 2 and a cart 3.

In the following, when explaining the arrangement of each component of the delivery unit 4, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are used. The front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The left-right direction is the lateral direction of the trolley 3 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The up-down direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the trolley 3, and coincides with the height direction of the trolley 3. When the delivery unit 4 is placed horizontally, the front-rear direction and left-right direction are horizontal, and the up-down direction is vertical.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 2 is generally cylindrical, and drive wheels 20 are driven by driving force supplied from a drive mechanism such as a motor. The drive unit 2 also travels autonomously based on the detection results of various sensors described below. The drive unit 2 is also freely connectable to a trolley 3, and connects to the trolley 3 to tow the trolley 3. The drive unit 2 connects to the trolley 3 specified by the server 6 according to instruction information and a travel route input from the server 6, and tows and moves the connected trolley 3 to a location specified by the server 6.

2, the trolley 3 includes a main body 30 having an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and a sorting mechanism 31. The main body 30 of the trolley 3 can be connected to the drive unit 2, and is towed by the drive unit 2 to move. The main body 30 has a space D1 capable of accommodating luggage 100, and this space D1 accommodates multiple luggage 100 or a rack 41 (Rack) or chest (Chest) in which multiple luggage 100 is accommodated. The sorting mechanism 31 also has a delivery port 311 having an openable and closable shutter 311a. The sorting mechanism 31 accepts luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility such as a micro-palette through the delivery port 311. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the cargo 100 received at the delivery port 311 in three axial directions (front-back, left-right, and up-down) relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and transports it to a predetermined location in the space D1 or to a position in a predetermined rack 41. There are multiple types of carts 3, each with a different function (e.g., transportation function, mobile store function) and load capacity.

In the delivery unit 4 configured in this manner, the drive unit 2 connects to the trolley 3 specified by the server 6, and tows and moves the connected trolley 3 to the specified location. After that, when the server 6 inputs instruction information to the drive unit 2 to tow another trolley 3 after the delivery unit 4 arrives at the specified location, the drive unit 2 disconnects from the trolley 3 and moves to the location specified by the server 6.

[Functional configuration of the drive unit]
Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 shown in Fig. 3 includes a drive section 21, a sensor group 22, an illumination section 23, a battery 24, a connection section 25, a communication section 26, a memory section 27, a sorting mechanism 28, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 29.

The drive unit 21 is composed of a motor, gears, etc. Under the control of the ECU 29, the drive unit 21 supplies driving force to the drive wheels 20 (see Figure 2) of the drive unit 2 based on the power supplied from the battery 24.

The sensor group 22 is composed of a sensor for realizing automatic driving, an imaging device for imaging the surroundings including the traveling direction of the drive unit 2, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor for detecting the position information of the drive unit 2, and a sensor for detecting the remaining charge of the battery 24. Specifically, the sensor group 22 is composed of 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is composed of an imaging device including an optical system for imaging the surroundings of the drive unit 2 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that generates image data by receiving a subject image formed by the optical system. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is composed of a tester and a temperature sensor that detect the remaining charge (SOC), temperature, SOH (State of Health), voltage value, and current value of the battery 24. The sensor group 22 outputs various detection results to the ECU 29.

The lighting unit 23 is provided in an annular shape so as to follow the shape of the left and right drive wheels 20 of the drive unit 2 (see FIG. 2 for example). The lighting unit 23 emits light in a predetermined wavelength band under the control of the ECU 29. The lighting unit 23 is configured using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source. The lighting unit 23 functions as one or more of a lighting fixture, a turn signal, and a hazard lamp by emitting light in a predetermined wavelength band, for example, red, blue, green, orange, etc. under the control of the ECU 29. Furthermore, the lighting unit 23 can emit light of different wavelengths for each predetermined area along the shape of the drive wheels 20 under the control of the ECU 29.

Battery 24 is configured using a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Battery 24 stores high-voltage DC power for driving drive unit 21. Battery 24 can be electrically connected to a charging device (not shown) via a charging port (not shown), and is charged with external power supplied from this charging device.

The coupling unit 25 connects to the bogie 3 under the control of the ECU 29. Specifically, the coupling unit 25 connects to the bogie 3 by connecting to a connection unit provided on the bogie 3, which will be described later. The coupling unit 25 is configured using, for example, a single-axis coupler or a dual-axis coupler. Note that the coupling unit 25 may also be configured using, for example, an electromagnet, etc., as long as it can be connected to the bogie 3.

Under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 transmits various data to the server 6 through the network NW and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 obtains instruction information including towing information for towing a specified trolley 3 from the server 6, the stopping position of the trolley 3, and information on the towing destination of the trolley 3, and outputs the obtained instruction information to the ECU 29. The communication unit 26 is configured using a communication module capable of transmitting and receiving various information, etc.

The memory unit 27 stores various information related to the drive unit 2. The memory unit 27 stores the CAN data of the drive unit 2 input from the ECU 29, various programs executed by the ECU 29, and the like. The memory unit 27 is configured using a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and the like. The memory unit 27 also has a program memory unit 271 executed by the drive unit 2, and a drive unit information memory unit 272 that stores drive unit information that identifies the drive unit 2. Here, the drive unit information includes identification information (e.g., a unit ID) that identifies the drive unit 2, the vehicle model of the drive unit 2, the remaining battery charge, the load capacity that can be towed, and the like.

The sorting mechanism 28, under the control of the ECU 29, picks up the luggage 100 stored in the cart 3 and transports the picked luggage 100 to a specified location. Details of the sorting mechanism 28 will be described later.

The ECU 29 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 29 controls each part of the drive unit 2. For example, the ECU 29 uses the detection results of the sensor group 22, etc. to control the drive unit 21 to autonomously drive the drive unit 2 toward a specified location according to instruction information input from the server 6. In addition, after the ECU 29 arrives at the delivery destination of the parcel 100 while connected to the dolly 3, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 based on the delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the parcel 100 to take out the parcel 100 from the dolly 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination. Specifically, if no individual mobility is arranged at the delivery destination based on the delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the parcel 100, the ECU 29 releases the connection state with the dolly 3 by the coupling unit 25, and controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to take out the parcel 100 from the dolly 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination. Here, the delivery information includes recipient information, sender information, recipient address, type information of the package 100 (whether it is a sensitive item (e.g., glass, electronic equipment, etc.)), strength information of the packaging of the package 100, whether or not personal mobility is located at the recipient's address, and whether or not the recipient has specified that the package be left at the recipient's address. In one embodiment, the ECU 29 functions as a processor.

[Functional configuration of the trolley]
Next, a functional configuration of the cart 3 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cart 3. The cart 3 shown in Fig. 4 includes a sorting mechanism 31, an acquisition unit 32, a connection unit 33, a communication unit 34, a sensor group 35, a battery 36, a storage unit 37, and an ECU 38.

The sorting mechanism 31 is movable in three axial directions relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and receives luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility vehicle through the delivery port 311 under the control of the ECU 38. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the received luggage 100 to a rack 41 (described later) or the like housed within the space D1 of the main body 30.

The acquisition unit 32 acquires the luggage information attached to the luggage 100 and outputs the acquired luggage information to the ECU 38. Here, the luggage information is a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), or an IC tag that stores information such as the sender, delivery address, and recipient. The acquisition unit 32 is configured using a reader capable of reading one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, or IC tags, such as an imaging device or an IC tag reader.

The connection part 33 can be connected to the coupling part 25 of the drive unit 2, and is connected to the coupling part 25 of the drive unit 2 under the control of the ECU 38.

Under the control of the ECU 38, the communication unit 34 transmits various data, such as luggage information and location information, to the server 6 through the network NW, and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 38, the communication unit 34 acquires luggage information of the luggage 100 input from the server 6, and outputs the acquired luggage information to the ECU 38. The communication unit 34 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

The sensor group 35 is composed of various sensors for enabling the vehicle to travel when towed by the drive unit 2, an imaging device for capturing images of the surroundings including the direction of travel of the cart 3, a GPS sensor for detecting the position information of the cart 3, and a sensor for detecting the remaining charge of the battery 36. Specifically, the sensor group 35 is composed of 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.

The battery 36 is configured using a fuel cell and a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The battery 36 outputs power to drive the cart 3. For example, the battery 36 generates power using hydrogen supplied from an FC tank (not shown).

The memory unit 37 stores various information related to the trolley 3. The memory unit 37 stores the CAN data of the trolley 3 input from the ECU 38, various programs executed by the ECU 38, and the like. The memory unit 37 is configured using DRAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, SSD, and the like. The memory unit 37 also has a program memory unit 371 executed by the trolley 3, and a trolley information memory unit 372 that stores trolley information for identifying the trolley 3. Here, the trolley information includes identification information for identifying the trolley 3 (e.g., trolley ID), the type of the trolley 3, the load capacity that the trolley 3 can carry, the shape of the trolley 3, and the use of the trolley 3 (e.g., delivery or store), and the like.

The ECU 38 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 38 controls each part that constitutes the bogie 3.

[Functional configuration of communication terminal]
Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the communication terminal 5. FIG.

The communication terminal 5 shown in FIG. 5 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, a position acquisition unit 55, an imaging unit 56, a third communication unit 57, a memory unit 58, and a terminal control unit 59.

The first communication unit 51 receives various information from the trolley 3 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received information to the terminal control unit 59. The first communication unit 51 is configured using a communication module capable of, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

The second communication unit 52 receives various information from the trolley 3 or the server 6 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received information to the terminal control unit 59. The second communication unit 52 is configured using a communication module capable of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and the like.

The display unit 53 displays various information under the control of the terminal control unit 59. The display unit 53 is configured using a display panel such as a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) panel.

The input unit 54 receives input of various operations by the user and outputs signals corresponding to the received operations to the terminal control unit 59. The input unit 54 is configured using a touch panel, switches, buttons, etc.

The position acquisition unit 55 acquires the position of the communication terminal 5 and outputs the acquired position to the terminal control unit 59. The position acquisition unit 55 is realized using a GPS sensor or the like.

Under the control of the terminal control unit 59, the imaging unit 56 generates image data by capturing an image of a subject, and outputs this image data to the terminal control unit 59. The imaging unit 56 is realized using one or more optical systems and a CCD or CMOS image sensor that generates image data by capturing an image of a subject formed by the optical system.

The third communication unit 57 communicates with the server 6 via the network NW under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs to the server 6 the package information regarding the package 100 set by the user via the input unit 54. The third communication unit 57 is configured using a communication module capable of implementing communication standards via mobile phone lines, such as the 4th generation mobile communication system (4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication System)) and the 5th generation mobile communication system (5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System)).

The storage unit 58 stores various information related to the communication terminal 5 and various programs executed by the communication terminal 5. The storage unit 58 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an SSD, a memory card, etc.

The terminal control unit 59 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU. The terminal control unit 59 controls each part of the communication terminal 5.

[Server Functional Configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of the server 6 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 6. The server 6 shown in Fig. 6 includes a communication unit 61, an input unit 62, a display unit 63, a storage unit 64, a drive unit information database 65 (hereinafter referred to as "drive unit information DB 65"), a trolley information database 66 (hereinafter referred to as "trolley information DB 66"), a delivery information database 67 (hereinafter referred to as "delivery information DB 67"), a user information database 68 (hereinafter referred to as "user information DB 68"), and a server control unit 69.

Under the control of the server control unit 69, the communication unit 61 communicates with the drive unit 2, the cart 3, and the communication terminal 5 via the network NW. The communication unit 61 is configured using a communication module, etc.

The input unit 62 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 62 accepts input of operations by an operator and outputs operation information corresponding to the accepted operations to the server control unit 69.

The display unit 63 is configured using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 63 displays various information under the control of the server control unit 69.

The storage unit 64 stores various information related to the server 6. The storage unit 64 also has a program storage unit 641 that stores various programs executed by the server 6. The storage unit 64 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an SSD, an HDD, a memory card, etc.

The drive unit information DB 65 stores drive unit information that associates the identification information, position information, battery information, and drive unit status information of each of the multiple drive units 2. Here, the drive unit status information is whether or not there is a current task, for example, whether or not the cart 3 is being towed, whether or not it is moving toward a specified location, whether or not it is turned on as a light, etc. The drive unit information DB 65 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The trolley information DB 66 stores trolley information that associates the identification information, position information, battery information, and trolley status information of each of the multiple trolleys 3. Here, the trolley status information includes luggage information of the multiple pieces of luggage 100 stored in the main body unit 30, storage location information indicating the storage location of each piece of luggage 100, the availability of luggage 100 that can be stored in the main body unit 30, whether or not the trolley is being towed by the drive unit 2, and the current usage status (e.g., used as a store). The trolley information DB 66 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The delivery information DB67 stores delivery information regarding the delivery destination of each of the multiple packages 100. Here, the delivery information includes recipient information, sender information, and recipient's address for the package 100, type information for the package 100 (whether it is an item that requires careful handling (e.g., glass, electronic equipment, etc.)), strength information for the packaging of the package 100, whether or not individual mobility is located at the recipient's address, and whether or not the recipient has specified that the package be left at the recipient's address. The delivery information DB67 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The user information DB 68 stores user information that associates the user's name information, the user's contact information, and package information of the package 100 for which the user has requested delivery. The user information DB 68 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The server control unit 69 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The server control unit 69 controls each component of the server 6.

[Configuration of sorting mechanism]
Next, a detailed description will be given of the sorting mechanism 28 provided in the drive unit 2. FIG.

The sorting mechanism 28 shown in FIG. 7 is configured using a robot arm or the like that can be stored in the drive unit 2 in a folded state. Specifically, the sorting mechanism 28 includes a gripper 281 that can remove the luggage 100 from the cart 3 by gripping the luggage 100, a support unit 282 that includes an arm and a motor that rotatably supports the gripper 281, and a storage unit 283 that rotatably holds the support unit 282 and can store the gripper 281 and the support unit 282.

Under the control of the ECU 29, the sorting mechanism 28 drives the support part 282 and the gripper 281 to pick up the luggage 100 stored in the trolley 3, and delivers the picked luggage 100 to a specified location.

[Treatment of the drive unit]
Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the drive unit 2. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the drive unit 2. Note that the following description will be given of a state in which the drive unit 2 is connected to the cart 3 and is towing the cart 3 to move.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ECU 29 determines whether the drive unit 2 has arrived at the delivery destination based on the position information of the drive unit 2 from the sensor group 22 and the delivery information input from the server 6 (step S101). If the ECU 29 determines that the drive unit 2 has arrived at the delivery destination (step S101: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S102, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the drive unit 2 has not arrived at the delivery destination (step S101: No), the drive unit 2 continues this determination.

In step S102, the ECU 29 acquires delivery information from the server 6 via the communication unit 26.

Then, the ECU 29 determines whether or not a logistics mobility is located at the delivery destination based on the delivery information (step S103). If the ECU 29 determines that a logistics mobility is located at the delivery destination (step S103: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S111, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that a logistics mobility is not located at the delivery destination (step S103: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S104, which will be described later.

In step S104, the ECU 29 determines whether or not the recipient has specified that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at the door, based on the delivery information. Specifically, the ECU 29 determines whether or not the delivery information includes information specifying that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at the door, and if the information specifying that the parcel 100 is left at the door is included, the ECU 29 determines that the parcel has been specified to be left at the door. If the ECU 29 determines that the recipient has specified that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at the door (step S104: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the recipient has not specified that the parcel 100 at the delivery destination be left at the door (step S104: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

In step S105, the ECU 29 determines whether the packaging of the parcel 100 is at least a predetermined strength based on the delivery information. Specifically, the ECU 29 determines whether the packaging of the parcel 100 is at least strong enough to be delivered a predetermined distance, for example, by leaving the parcel at a designated location, based on the packaging information included in the delivery information. If the ECU 29 determines that the packaging of the parcel 100 is at least a predetermined strength (step S105: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S106, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the packaging of the parcel 100 is not at least a predetermined strength (step S105: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

In step S106, the ECU 29 determines whether the parcel 100 is an item that requires careful handling based on the delivery information. If the ECU 29 determines that the parcel 100 is an item that requires careful handling (step S106: Yes), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the ECU 29 determines that the parcel 100 is not an item that requires careful handling (step S106: No), the drive unit 2 proceeds to step S107, which will be described later.

In step S107, the ECU 29 controls the coupling section 25 to release the connection information between the drive unit 2 and the bogie 3. This allows the drive unit 2 to move toward the bogie 3.

Then, the ECU 29 controls the drive section 21 and the sorting mechanism 28 to move the drive unit 2 toward the trolley 3 and cause the sorting mechanism 28 to remove the luggage 100 stored in the trolley 3 (step S108). In this case, the trolley 3 places the luggage 100 at the delivery opening 311. As a result, the drive unit 2 can easily receive the luggage 100 from the trolley 3.

Then, the ECU 29 controls the drive unit 21 and the sorting mechanism 28 based on the delivery information to deliver the package 100 to the specified location (step S109). This allows the drive unit 2 to place and distribute the package 100. After step S109, the drive unit 2 ends this process.

In step S110, the ECU 29 outputs redelivery request information to the recipient to request redelivery of the package 100 to the recipient's communication terminal 5 or server 6 via the communication unit 26 so that the package 100 can be brought back. This allows the recipient or other user to know that the package 100 has not been delivered. After step S110, the drive unit 2 ends this process.

In step S111, the ECU 29 determines whether the logistics mobility has removed the luggage 100 from the trolley 3. If the ECU 29 determines that the logistics mobility has removed the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 (step S111: Yes), the drive unit 2 ends this process. In contrast, if the ECU 29 determines that the logistics mobility has not removed the luggage 100 from the trolley 3 (step S111: No), the drive unit 2 waits until the logistics mobility removes the luggage 100 from the trolley 3.

According to the embodiment described above, after the drive unit 2 arrives at the delivery destination of the parcel 100, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 based on the delivery information related to the delivery destination of the parcel 100 to remove the parcel 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the parcel 100 can be delivered even in areas where individual mobility is not available.

In addition, according to one embodiment, when the recipient specifies that the parcel 100 be left at the delivery location, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to remove the parcel 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the parcel 100 can be delivered even in areas where individual mobility is not available.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, if the parcel 100 is not an item that requires careful handling, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to remove the parcel 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the parcel 100 can be handled in a detailed manner.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, if the packaging of the parcel 100 is stronger than a predetermined strength, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 to remove the parcel 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the parcel 100 can be handled in a detailed manner.

In addition, according to one embodiment, even if individual mobility is not located at the destination of the drive unit 2, the ECU 29 controls the sorting mechanism 28 and the drive unit 21 based on delivery information regarding the delivery destination of the parcel 100 to remove the parcel 100 from the trolley 3 and deliver it to the delivery destination, so that the parcel 100 can be delivered even in an area where individual mobility is not located.

In one embodiment, even if an individual mobility is located at the delivery destination, depending on the operating status of the individual mobility, if there is sufficient time before the designated delivery time of the parcel 100 to the delivery destination, the drive unit 2 may deliver the parcel instead of the individual mobility. This allows the parcel 100 to be delivered smoothly depending on the operating status of the individual mobility, even in an area where an individual mobility is located.

In addition, in one embodiment, the drive unit 2 delivers the luggage 100 stored in the cart 3, but the drive unit 2 may also remove a hydrogen tank or a battery pack, etc., provided on the cart 3 and replace or deliver something other than the luggage 100. This allows the travel distance of the cart 3 and the drive unit 2 to be extended.

Other Embodiments
In addition, in one embodiment, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as a "circuit" etc. For example, a control unit can be read as a control circuit.

In addition, the program executed by the delivery system of one embodiment is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), USB medium, or flash memory.

The program executed by the delivery system of one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network.

Note that in the explanation of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue." However, the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there are no contradictions.

Further advantages and modifications may be readily derived by those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Reference Signs List 1 Delivery system 2 Drive unit 3 Cart 4 Delivery unit 5 Communication terminal 6 Server 20 Drive wheel 21 Drive unit 22 Sensor group 23 Illumination unit 24 Battery 25 Connection unit 26 Communication unit 27 Memory unit 28 Sorting mechanism 29 ECU
Network

Claims (1)

A drive unit that can be connected to a cart that accommodates at least one piece of luggage and can travel autonomously by towing the cart,
A sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage accommodated in the dolly;
a processor configured to control the sorting mechanism to remove the parcel from the dolly and deliver it to the destination based on delivery information regarding the destination of the parcel after the parcel arrives at the destination while connected to the dolly;
Equipped with
The delivery information is
Whether or not the recipient of the package has designated a delivery to a designated location, the type of the package, and strength information of the package packaging,
Including,
The processor,
Based on the delivery information, it is determined whether the package has been designated for delivery by the recipient;
Based on the delivery information, determine whether the packaging of the package has a predetermined strength or more;
Determine whether the package is a sensitive item based on the delivery information;
In the case where the delivery to a designated location is specified, if the package of the package has a predetermined strength or more and the package is not a sensitive item, the sorting mechanism is controlled to remove the package from the dolly and deliver it to the designated location of the delivery destination,
outputting redelivery request information to request the recipient to redelive the package when the package packaging does not have a predetermined strength or when the package is a sensitive item in the case where the delivery to a designated location is specified;
Drive unit.

Images