Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a public mail reception box, and more particularly,
to a public mail reception box that is capable of preventing a mail from being damaged
or robbed by a third party when the mail drops.
Background Art
[0002] A mail service is one of representative national public services that are closely
related to national life, and the public office or public enterprise of any country
directly takes charge of the mail service.
[0003] In recent years, as E-mail technologies using Internet are being rapidly growth and
extensively diffused into every area of society, businesslike mail sent from groups
or institutions rather than personal mail sent from an individual usually feature
in total mail amount. Among others, an occupied density of mass mails in which the
same kinds of mails are sent to a large number of individuals is being rapidly expanded
in mail amount. Also, although the total occupied density is not much, in case of
individuals, special mail service in which mail such as registered mail is quickly
and safely sent is increasing relative importance.
[0004] The related art related to a mail receipt device may be generally classified into
an unmanned mail receipt system for receiving unit mail and a franking machine that
is capable of treating a large amount of mail having a size similar to that of a letter
or an envelope at once.
[0005] The unmanned mail receipt system provides an around-the-clock mail receipt service
to personal users for use of receiving mail such as letters, document envelopes, small
parcels, and the like by the piece. For this, the unmanned mail receipt system has
a function of automatically measuring a weight and a size of the mail dropping by
a user and calculating a postal charge in consideration of destination information
inputted by the user through an interface and an option in kind of mail service, a
function of printing and outputting a resulting postal charge stamp, a function of
printing and outputting a bar code label in case of a special mail service, a function
of receiving the mail such as a safe storage function of the mail, a function of receipting
and paying a charge by bills, coins, and a card, and a function of outputting a receipt.
[0006] The mail received in an unmanned manner is stored in a public mail reception box.
However, since the conventional public mail reception box has a structure in which
the mail drops through a mail slot from the outside, it is apprehended that the mail
is damaged by a weight or a dropping speed of the mail. In addition, when the mail
slot is relatively large, the mail stored in the public mail reception box may be
taken out from the outside. As a result, the mail may be robbed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] An aspect of the present invention is directed to provide a public mail reception
box that is capable of preventing mail from being damaged by a weight or a dropping
speed of the mail when the mail drops into the public mail reception box.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to provide a public mail reception
box that is capable of preventing mail stored in the public mail reception box from
being robbed.
Solution to Problem
[0009] A public mail reception box according to the present invention includes: a door member
including a rotation shaft having a predetermined length, a first member extending
in a flat plate shape to one side with respect to the rotation shaft, and a second
member extending in a flat plate shape in a state of being spaced a predetermined
angle from the first member with respect to the rotation shaft; a gear member coupled
to the rotation shaft of the door member and on which a gear is disposed on an end
thereof; a circular gear member gear-coupled to the gear member; a driving motor rotating
the circular gear member, and a damper pushing the first member outward when pressing
of the door member from the first member is stopped.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0010] The public mail reception box according to the present invention may reduce the dropping
speed of the mail dropping into the mail box by using the door member constituted
by the first member and the second member, which are spaced a predetermined angle
from each other with respect to the central axis to prevent the mail from being damaged.
Also, when the mail is jammed between the door member and the theftproof cover, the
driving motor may be reversely rotated to prevent the mail from being damaged.
[0011] In particular, the receipt of the mail stored in the mail box by the third party
without notice may be previously prevented by using the theftproof cover disposed
on the upper end of the mail slot of the public mail reception box.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a public mail reception box according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a door member of the public mail reception
box is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed in the public mail reception
box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a structure of a public mail reception box according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which a door member of the public mail reception
box is opened according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0013] The foregoing and additional aspects of the present invention will be clearer through
the preferred embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter,
the present invention will be described in detail so that a person skilled in the
art would understand and realize the present invention through the preferred embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a structure of a public mail reception box according
to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a structure of a public mail
reception box will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, the public mail reception box includes a door member, a door
closing detection sensor, a driving motor, a gear member, safety sensor, a theftproof
cover, and a damper. Of course, other constitutions expect for the above-described
constitutions may be included in the public mail reception box proposed in the present
invention.
[0016] The door member 110 includes a first member 110-1 having a rectangular shape and
a second member 110-2 extending from one edge of the first member 110-1. An angle
between the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2 may range from about 90°
to about 180°, preferably, about 120° to about 150°. That is, the first member 110-1
is disposed on one side of the door member 110, and the second member 110-2 is disposed
on the other side of the door member 110 with respect to a rotation shaft 110-3.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an ordinary state, i.e., a state in which the door member 110
is closed. Referring to FIG. 1, the first member 110-1 of the door member 110 is exposed
to the outside. On the other hand, the second member 110-2 is inserted into the public
mail reception box.
[0018] The gear member 130 is coupled to one side of the door member 110. That is, the door
member 110 may also be driven by driving of the gear member 130.
[0019] The gear member 130 has a fan shape, and a gear is disposed on an end of the gear
member 130. The gear member 130 is coupled to a rotation shaft 110-3 constituting
the door member 110, and the rotation shaft 110-3 is rotated by rotation of the gear
member 130. Also, the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2, which constitute
the door member 110, may also be rotated by the rotation of the rotation shaft 110-3.
[0020] The gear member 130 is connected to a circular gear member 125. The circular gear
member 125 is coupled to the driving motor 120 and rotated by driving of the driving
motor 120. The gear member 130 may also be rotated by the rotation of the circular
gear member 125.
[0021] The safety sensor 150 is connected to the driving motor 120 to calculate revolutions
per minute (RPM) of the driving motor. That is, the safety sensor 150 senses whether
the driving motor 120 is rotated at a fixed RPM to confirm whether the driving motor
120 is driven according to the sensed result.
[0022] When the safety sensor 150 recognizes (senses) that the driving motor 120 is not
rotated, a controller (a processor (not shown)) determines that the gear member 130
is not rotated also. When it is determined that the gear member 130 is not rotated,
the controller controls the driving motor 120 so that the gear member 130 is rotated
in a reverse direction. When the driving motor is not rotated in relation to the present
invention, this occurs in a case in which a parcel is jammed in the theftproof cover
155.
[0023] When the door member 110 is closed, the door closing detection sensor 115 is closely
attached to the first member 110-1. That is, when the door member 110 is closed, the
first member 110-1 presses the door closing detection sensor 115 due to the closing
of the door member 110. Thus, the door closing detection sensor 115 may recognize
the closing of the door (or the first member).
[0024] In addition, the public mail reception box according to the present invention includes
the theftproof cover 155. The theftproof cover 155 is disposed in the public mail
reception box to prevent stored mail from being received by a third party without
notice. For this, when the theftproof cover 155 is formed from an upper end to a lower
end of a mail slot into the mail drops, the theftproof cover 155 is maintained to
a state of extending backward at a predetermined angle. That is, the theftproof cover
155 is maintained to a state of extending by a predetermined length from an upper
end to a rear side and a lower end of the mail slot. Since the theftproof cover 155
has the above-described structure, the theftproof cover 155 may prevent the stored
mail from being received by the third party without notice.
[0025] The damper 160 is disposed on an upper end of the door closing detection sensor 115
to perform a function of buffering an impact occurring when the first member 110-1
is opened and closed. Also, when the damper 160 is pressed by the first member 110-1,
the damper 160 pushes the first member 110-1 to the outside. That is, when the user
presses the first member 110-1 to open the door member 110, the first member 110-1
presses the damper 160. Here, when the pressing of the user is stopped, the damper
160 pushes the first member 110-1 so that the first member 110-1 is opened.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which the door member is opened according
to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the state in which the door
member is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described
in detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0027] When the driving motor 120 is rotated to open the door member 110, the circular gear
member 125 is rotated by the rotation of the driving motor 120. The gear member 130
is rotated by the rotation of the circular gear member 125, and the rotation shaft
110-3 constituting the door member 110 is rotated by the rotation of the gear member
130.
[0028] Here, the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2, which constitute the door
member 110, is rotated also by the rotation of the rotation shaft 110-3, and thus,
the door member 110 is opened. When the door member 110 is opened, the rotation member
130 rotated in the same direction as the rotation shaft 110-3 comes into contact with
a door opening detection sensor 140. As a result, it is determined that the door member
110 is fully opened.
[0029] When the user places the mail on the upper end of the first member 110-1 constituting
the door member 110 in the state in which the door member 110 is fully opened, the
door member 110 is closed. The door member 110 may be automatically closed when a
predetermined time elapses after the door member 110 is opened. In addition, the door
may be closed by manipulating a button disposed on the public mail reception box.
[0030] When a closing command of the door member 110 is received, the driving motor 120
is rotated in the reverse direction, and the circular gear member 125 is rotated by
the rotation of the driving motor 120. The gear member 130 is rotated by the rotation
of the circular gear member 125, and the rotation shaft 110-3 constituting the door
member 110 is rotated by the rotation of the gear member 130.
[0031] Here, the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2, which constitute the door
member 110, is rotated also by the rotation of the rotation shaft 110-3, and thus,
the door member 110 is closed. When the door member 110 is closed, the first member
110-1 comes into contact with the door closing detection sensor 115. Thus, the controller
recognizes the closed state of the door member 110.
[0032] In addition, the safety sensor 150 senses whether the driving motor 120 is rotated
at a fixed RPM. When the driving motor 120 is not rotated at the fixed RPM, it is
determined that the mail (or the parcel) is jammed between the door member 110 and
the theftproof cover 155. Thus, the controller controls the driving motor 120 so that
the driving motor 120 is rotated in the reverse direction. As described above, according
to the present invention, the safety sensor 150 is provided to determine whether the
mail is jammed between the door member 110 and the theftproof cover 155 through the
safety sensor 150.
[0033] As described above, according to the present invention, the receipt of the mail stored
in the mail box by the third party without notice may be prevented by using the door
member 110 and the theftproof cover 155. Also, when the door member 110 is rotated
in the state in which the mail is placed on the upper end of the first member 110-1
of the door member 110, the mail is moved from the first member 110-1 to the second
member 110-2 and then received in the mail box. As described above, since the mail
drops into the mail box at a relatively low height, damage or deformation of the mail
may be prevented.
[0034] Hereinafter, configurations and operations of the driving motor and the circular
gear member will be described in detail.
[0035] The gear is disposed on an end of one side of the driving motor 120. Thus, the gear
disposed on the end of the one side of the driving motor 120 is rotated by the rotation
of the driving motor 120.
[0036] The circular gear member 125 is constituted by a first circular gear member 125-1
to a fourth circular gear member 125-4. Here, the first and second circular gear members
125-1 and 125-2 are integrated with each other. The first circular gear member 125-1
is engaged with the gear disposed on the one side of the driving motor 120 and thus
rotated by the rotation of the gear disposed on the one side of the driving motor
120.
[0037] The second circular gear member 125-2 is integrated with the first circular gear
member 125-1 and disposed on a lower end of the first circular gear member 125-1.
The second circular gear member 125-2 is rotated by the rotation of the first circular
gear member 125-1.
[0038] The third circular gear member 125-3 is engaged with a gear disposed on the second
circular gear member 125-2 and thus rotated by the rotation of the second circular
gear member 125-2. The fourth circular gear member 125-4 is also engaged with the
gear disposed on the second circular gear member 125-2 and thus rotated by the rotation
of the second circular gear member 125-2. The gear member 130 is engaged with the
gear disposed on the third or fourth circular gear member 125-3 to 125-4 and thus
rotated by the rotation of the third or fourth circular gear member 125-3 to 125-4.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the third circular gear member 125-3 and the gear member
130 are gear-coupled to each other at an initial point at which the closed door is
opened. Thereafter, the gear member 130 is gear-coupled to the fourth circular gear
member 125-4.
[0039] Hereinafter, a series of operation performed in the public mail reception box according
to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed in the public mail reception
box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a series of
operation performed in the public mail reception box according to an embodiment of
the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0041] In operation S300, opening of the door member is instructed.
[0042] In operation S305, the driving motor is rotated by the opening instruction of the
door member, and thus, the door member is opened.
[0043] In operation S310, when the door member is opened, mail is placed on the upper end
of the first member of the door member.
[0044] In operation S315, closing of the door member is instructed in the state in which
the mail is placed on the upper end of the first member of the door member.
[0045] In operation S320, the driving motor is rotated by the closing instruction of the
door member, and thus, the door member is closed. Whether the door member is closed
is determined through whether the first member is detected by the detection sensor.
[0046] As described above, when it is determined that the door member is not rotated through
the safety sensor while the driving motor is rotated in the reverse direction (in
the state in which the door is being closed), the controller controls the driving
motor so that the reverse rotation of the driving motor is stopped, and the driving
motor is rotated by a predetermined angle. Here, the controller may control the rotation
of the driving member until the door member is fully opened.
[0047] As described above, according to the present invention, the receipt of the mail stored
in the mail box by the third party without notice may be prevented by using the door
member and the theftproof cover. Also, when the door member is rotated in the state
in which the mail is placed on the upper end of the first member of the door member,
the mail is moved from the first member to the second member and then received in
the mail box. As described above, since the mail drops into the mail box at a relatively
low height, the damage or deformation of the mail may be prevented.
[0048] Also, when the door member is not normally rotated, the driving motor is reversely
rotated to prevent the mail from being damaged or deformed.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a structure of a public mail reception box according
to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a structure of the public
mail reception box will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, the public mail reception box includes a door member, a door
closing detection sensor, a door opening detection sensor, a driving motor, a gear
member, safety sensor, and a theftproof cover. Of course, other constitutions expect
for the above-described constitutions may be included in the public mail reception
box proposed in the present invention.
[0051] The door member 110 includes a first member 110-1 having a rectangular shape and
a second member 110-2 extending from one edge of the first member 110-1. An angle
between the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2 may range from about 90°
to about 180°, preferably, about 120° to about 150°. That is, the first member 110-1
is disposed on one side of the door member 110, and the second member 110-2 is disposed
on the other side of the door member 110 with respect to a rotation shaft 110-3.
[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an ordinary state, i.e., a state in which the door member 110
is closed. Referring to FIG. 1, the first member 110-1 of the door member 110 is exposed
to the outside. On the other hand, the second member 110-2 is inserted into the public
mail reception box.
[0053] The gear member 130 is coupled to one side of the door member 110. That is, the door
member 110 may also be driven by driving of the gear member 130.
[0054] The gear member 130 has a fan shape, and a gear is disposed on an end of the gear
member 130. The gear member 130 is coupled to a rotation shaft 110-3 constituting
the door member 110, and the rotation shaft 110-3 is rotated by rotation of the gear
member 130. Also, the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2, which constitute
the door member 110, may also be rotated by the rotation of the rotation shaft 110-3.
[0055] The gear member 130 has at least a plurality of grooves 130-1 at a predetermined
distance with respect to a shaft coupled to a rotation shaft 110-3. That is, referring
to FIG. 1, the gear member 130 has a plurality of grooves 130-1 at a predetermined
distance.
[0056] The gear member 130 is connected to a circular gear member 125. The circular gear
member 125 is coupled to the driving motor 120 and rotated by driving of the driving
motor 120. The gear member 130 may also be rotated by the rotation of the circular
gear member 125.
[0057] The safety sensor 150 is disposed in an extending line of the grooves 130-1 formed
in the gear member 130. That is, the safety sensor 150 determines whether the gear
member 130 is rotated at a fixed speed. For this, it is confirmed whether the grooves
130-1 formed in the gear member 130 of the safety sensor 150 are recognized at a predetermined
distance. That is, since the grooves 130-1 are formed in the gear member 130 at a
predetermined distance, the safety sensor 150 recognizes the grooves 130-1 at a predetermined
time interval when the gear member 130 is rotated at a fixed speed. However, when
only the groove 130-1 is continuously recognized for a predetermined time, or the
groove 130-1 is not continuously recognized for a predetermined time, the safety sensor
senses this state.
[0058] When the safety sensor 150 recognizes the above-described information, a controller
(a processor (not shown)) determines that the gear member 130 is not rotated. When
it is determined that the gear member 130 is not rotated, the controller controls
the driving motor 120 so that the gear member 130 is rotated in a reverse direction.
[0059] When the door member 110 is closed, the door closing detection sensor 115 is closely
attached to the first member 110-1. That is, when the door member 110 is closed, the
first member 110-1 presses the door closing detection sensor 115 due to the closing
of the door member 110. Thus, the door closing detection sensor 115 may recognize
the closing of the door (or the first member).
[0060] The rotation member 145 is spaced a predetermined distance from the rotation shaft
110-3 and rotated about the rotation shaft 110-3 in the same direction by the rotation
of the rotation shaft 110-3. When the door member 110 is fully opened by the rotation
of the rotation shaft 110-3, the rotation member 145 also comes into contact with
the door opening detection sensor 140. That is, the door opening detection sensor
140 confirms whether the door is opened through whether the rotation member 145 comes
into contact with the door opening detection sensor 140. In addition, the rotation
member 145 is rotated from one side to the other side and from the other side to one
side, and the door opening detection sensor 140 is attached to the other side.
[0061] In addition, the public mail reception box according to the present invention includes
the theftproof cover 155. The theftproof cover 155 is disposed in the public mail
reception box to prevent stored mail from being received by a third party without
notice. For this, when the theftproof cover 155 is formed from an upper end to a lower
end of a mail slot into the mail drops, the theftproof cover 155 is maintained to
a state of extending backward at a predetermined angle. That is, the theftproof cover
155 is maintained to a state of extending by a predetermined length from an upper
end to a rear side and a lower end of the mail slot. Since the theftproof cover 155
has the above-described structure, the theftproof cover 155 may prevent the stored
mail from being received by the third party without notice.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which the door member is opened according
to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the state in which the
door member is opened according to another embodiment of the present invention will
be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.
[0063] When the driving motor 120 is rotated to open the door member 110, the circular gear
member 125 is rotated by the rotation of the driving motor 120. The gear member 130
is rotated by the rotation of the circular gear member 125, and the rotation shaft
110-3 constituting the door member 110 is rotated by the rotation of the gear member
130.
[0064] Here, the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2, which constitute the door
member 110, is rotated also by the rotation of the rotation shaft 110-3, and thus,
the door member 110 is opened. When the door member 110 is opened, the rotation member
130 rotated in the same direction as the rotation shaft 110-3 comes into contact with
a door opening detection sensor 140. As a result, it is determined that the door member
110 is fully opened.
[0065] When the user places the mail on the upper end of the first member 110-1 constituting
the door member 110 in the state in which the door member 110 is fully opened, the
door member 110 is closed. The door member 110 may be automatically closed when a
predetermined time elapses after the door member 110 is opened. In addition, the door
may be closed by manipulating a button disposed on the public mail reception box.
[0066] When a closing command of the door member 110 is received, the driving motor 120
is rotated in the reverse direction, and the circular gear member 125 is rotated by
the rotation of the driving motor 120. The gear member 130 is rotated by the rotation
of the circular gear member 125, and the rotation shaft 110-3 constituting the door
member 110 is rotated by the rotation of the gear member 130.
[0067] Here, the first member 110-1 and the second member 110-2, which constitute the door
member 110, is rotated also by the rotation of the rotation shaft 110-3, and thus,
the door member 110 is closed. When the door member 110 is closed, the first member
110-1 comes into contact with the door closing detection sensor 115. Thus, the controller
recognizes the closed state of the door member 110.
[0068] In addition, the safety sensor 150 senses whether the grooves 130-1 is recognized
at a predetermined distance. When the grooves 130-1 is not recognized at the predetermined
distance, it is determined that the mail (or the parcel) is jammed between the door
member 110 and the theftproof cover 155. Thus, the controller controls the driving
motor 120 so that the driving motor 120 is rotated in the reverse direction. As described
above, according to the present invention, the safety sensor 150 is provided to determine
whether the mail is jammed between the door member 110 and the theftproof cover 155
through the safety sensor 150.
[0069] As described above, according to the present invention, the receipt of the mail stored
in the mail box by the third party without notice may be prevented by using the door
member 110 and the theftproof cover 155. Also, when the door member 110 is rotated
in the state in which the mail is placed on the upper end of the first member 110-1
of the door member 110, the mail is moved from the first member 110-1 to the second
member 110-2 and then received in the mail box. As described above, since the mail
drops into the mail box at a relatively low height, the damage or deformation of the
mail may be prevented.
[0070] Hereinafter, configurations and operations of the driving motor and the circular
gear member will be described in detail.
[0071] The gear is disposed on an end of one side of the driving motor 120. Thus, the gear
disposed on the end of the one side of the driving motor 120 is rotated by the rotation
of the driving motor 120.
[0072] The circular gear member 125 is constituted by a first circular gear member 125-1
and a second circular gear member 125-2. Here, the first and second circular gear
members 125-1 and 125-2 are gear-coupled to each other. The first circular gear member
125-1 is rotated by the rotation of the gear disposed on the driving motor 120, and
the second circular gear member 125-2 is rotated by the rotation of the first circular
gear member 125-1.
[0073] The second circular gear member 125-2 is gear-coupled to the gear member 130, and
the gear member 130 is rotated by the rotation of the second circular gear member
125-2. As described above, according to the present invention, driving force of the
driving motor 120 is provided to the gear member 130 by using the plurality of gears.
[0074] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference
to the specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Industrial Applicability
[0075] The present invention relates to a public mail reception box, and more particularly,
to a public mail reception box that is capable of preventing a mail from being damaged
or robbed by a third party when the mail drops.
[0076] The public mail reception box according to the present invention may reduce the dropping
speed of the mail dropping into the mail box by using the door member constituted
by the first member and the second member, which are spaced a predetermined angle
from each other with respect to the central axis to prevent the mail from being damaged.
Also, when the mail is jammed between the door member and the theftproof cover, the
driving motor may be reversely rotated to prevent the mail from being damaged.