GB2522718A

GB2522718A - A locker system

Info

Publication number: GB2522718A
Application number: GB1401910.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Dade; Gareth Hunt
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2014-01-29
Filing date: 2014-02-04
Publication date: 2015-08-05
Also published as: GB2522726A; GB201405566D0; GB2522726B; GB201401910D0

Abstract

A system 10 for secure delivery or collection of goods has at least one lockable storage space 22a-g in which the temperature is independently controllable to provide any one of an ambient temperature or a chilled temperature or a frozen temperature. Access to the storage space can be remotely programmable, for example to an access control module 40, and the system can further include a refrigeration plant module 50 which includes a primary refrigeration system (200 fig 4) and a secondary heat transfer system (260 fig 4) in thermal communication with the primary system. A compartment (24 fig 7) for use in the lockable storage space can include a cavity with an insulated exterior layer and at least one heat exchanger (68 fig 7) mounted to at least one exterior wall of the cavity and partially embedded within the insulation layer. The refrigeration system may include a compressor (222 fig 4) and associated heat exchangers (230, 224, 280, all fig 4) to provide cooling and/or heating of the compartment, or alternatively an electric heating element (69 fig 7) may provide heating of the compartment. The access control module may communicate with a central control system 100 which grants access to the lockable storage spaces via a GUI or other electronic means, e.g. wireless, and uses a unique access codes generated for both a courier and a goods recipient.

Description

A Locker System

Field of hivention

The present inveniion relates to a tocker system, more preferably to a refrigerated locker system for the storage of perishable goods.

Introduction

Advances in onhne security coupted with an ever increasing internet coverage and computer proficiency among the general pui:)iic has proinptei a shift in consunter shopping habits: there have never been more transactions made online. Shonping online has many advantages over conventional high street shopping. For example the time and effort saved by avoidine: the queue at eak times; the convenience of havint, the goods delivered.A.so. Wlth the use of price comparison websues, purchases made online is often cheaper.

Generally purchasing transactions are processed onhne and goocts are subsequently delivered either by a postal service or dedicated team of couriers, where the laner is often adopted by supermarket chains makinc full use of' their transportation hubs and distribution network to deliver grocery shopping. However due to fierce competition, supermarkets and the genertil grocery trade often operates with a comparatively smafl profit margin, and the additional cost associated with greater coverage in rural areas has made doortodoor delivery service unsustainable. Even though supermarkets do charge their customers for the convenience door-todoor dehvery brings, they often need to suosidise the sevice to keep the loyalty of their customers.

Perishabie goods accounts for a lug proportion of grocery shopping. However the necessity of using air conditioned vehicies to preserve these perishable goods also adds substantialiy to the cost of delivery, Some couriers are not equipped with air conditioned vehicles, and they avoid spoiling the perishaHe goods by scheduling with short. turnaround time. However, this requires more frequent reloading at. a refrigerated depot. In consequence., they are not uti [ising their full capacity and deliveries are limited to close vicinity to the depot.

There are alternative delivery mechanisms to lower the cost of delivery. The system disclosed in (3132474118 (ByBox Holding Limited) enables the deposit of grocery shopping in an automated collection point (ACT') for later collection by the addressee. ACT' typically comprises a plurality of lockable storage space and is in communication with a remote computer. Upon receiving a deposit confinned by barcode printed on package or REID tags, the remote computer sends a message to noth& the addressee for collection. The addressee then inputs a unique code into a user interface to unlock the corresponding locker. ACT's are often conveniently placed at locations such as transportation hubs and office clusters so customers are able to pick up their online shopping on their way home. However the floor space at these convenient locations are often limited and comes with a premium mark up.

However these ACPs do not have provision to storing chilled and frozen goods and their applications are currently limited to electronics, multimedia discs, books and other valuable goods that do not require any degree of specialized storage facilities.

The concept of refligerated locker systems is known and has been used in a wide range of applications. For example US2198239 (William McKinley Baird), C1B615167 (William McKinley Baird) and US2012/0206029 (Joseph Zabbatino) disclose locker systems ranging from storing agriculture produce in rural communities to personal lunch and snack storage at workplace. These prior art documents requires a supply of air cooled by a central refrigeration unit and subsequently circulates the cooled air around or through the plurality of lockers via suitable conduits, cooling the locker volume and its content in the process. Since the chilled air in these locker svstenis are supplied from the same source there exists no temperature control for each individual locker, and thus all goods are stored at the same temperature. Moreovei; a temperature gradient would tend to develop across the locker system. whereby the lockers closest to the refrigeration unit will be at a lower temperature than those lockers further away from the refrigeration unit. in order to accommodate the three types of goods, i.e. ambient, chilled and frozen goods normally found in a typical grocery shopping, it would require three distinct sets of lockers, each locker sets comprising their own refrigeration plants if necessary. In addition it is inconvenient for the customer to traverse between different locker sets and to repeatedly input security codes to unlock the locker space. Furthermore, since the customers are likely to pick up their purchases from the lockers during their designated time slots during the day, the majority of lockers are left vacant overnight due to the occupation in some of the lockers. And thus, it is impossible to stop cooling altogether to conserve energy. To provide additional storage space, one has to provide additional lockers. Considering the limited floor space available particularly in areas that experience heavy commuter traffic such as railway stations, such expansion of storage space becomes untenable or even uneconomical.

JP71O1492 (liokoku Kogyo) teaches a locker system that allows individual temperature control in each locker. A thermoelectric cooling device operates by the Pettier effect removes heat across the walls of the locker whilst a fan placed within each locker enhances air circulation to aid heat removal. Furthermore the heat flux of thermoelectric cooling devices is often very low and thtLs it is unrealistic.

Summary of Invention

The present applicant has mitigated the above problems by providing a system for secure delivery or collection of goods, comprising at least one lockable storage space, in which the temperature of said at least one storage space is independently controllable to provide any oneof:-ambient temperature; or chilled temperature; or frozen temperature; and wherein access to the storage space is remotely programmable.

Independently controlling the temperature of the at least one lockable storage space removes the need to provide a separate dedicated lockable storage spaces for goods requiring storage at different temperatures, e g. ambient temperature, chilled temperature and/or frozen temperature, and so significantly improves flexibility and maximizes locker utilization. The ambient temperature represents the temperature range for storage of typical groceries such as chocolate or dry goods. For the purpose of the present invention, ambient temperature covers a range between substantially 4°C to substantially 21 °C. The chilled temperature represents the temperature range for storage of groceries such as milk and yogurt, etc. For the purpose of the present invention, the chilled temperature covers a range between substantially 1°C to substantially 4 DC. The frozen temperature represents the temperature range for storage of frozen groceries such as ice cream and frozen food. For the purpose of the present invention, the frozen temperature covers a range between substantially -25 °C to substantially 0°C, more preferably between -21°C to substantially -18 °C.

Optionally the system comprises an access control module tbr controlling the locking and/or unlocking of the at least one lockable storage space to enable access to the interior of the at least one lockable storage space. Optionally, the system further comprises a local user interface such as a graphical user interface (GUI) in cooperation with the access control module. Optionally, the access control modules is located locally of the at least one storage space. The lockable storage spaces are locked and unlocked electronically by the access control module upon verification of user identity at the local user interface. The elimination of' a physical key for locking and unlocking the storage space means the locker can be used by many different users consecutively without compromising security. The locking mechanism can be any devices known to those skilled in the art, fbr example solenoid operated deadbolts or electromagnetic locks.

Optionally, the system further comprises a central control system comprising a central control system, said central control system comprises a collection code generation means and a collection code communication means for generating and communicating a unique collection code to the access control module associated with an individual delivery to the at least one lockable storage space. Optionally, the central control system is located remotely from the access control module. Optionally the system further comprises data communication means in cooperation with the central control system; said data communication means is adapted to receive the unique collection code from the central control system such that when the unique collection code is subsequently entered into the local user interthce, the at least one lockable storage space is unlocked. The unique collection code ensures the storage spaces can only he accessed by authorized users.

Optionally, the access control module monitors the status of the at least one lockable storage space, and to transmit information derived from such monitoring to the central control system. As such the information regarding storage space vacancy and compartment temperature are used in assigning compartments for subsequent deliveries.

Optionally, the at least one lockable storage space comprises at least one compartment and wherein the temperature of said at least one compartment is independently controllable to provide any one of:-ambient temperature; or chilled temperature; or frozen temperature.

Optionally the system comprises; a) a primary system comprising a refrigeration system; and b) a secondary system comprising a heat transfer fluid that is in cooperation with the primary system; in which: c) the secondary system comprises a distribution system for distributing the heat transfer fluid to exchange heat with the at least one compartment; d) the temperature of said at least one compaitment is independently controllable by controlling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the secondaty system.

in second embodiment of the present invention, A system is provided for secure delivery or collection of goods requiring refrigeration or heating, comprising at least one lockable storage space, wherein each of the lockable storage space comprises two or more compartments, in which the temperature of each of the compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of:-ambient temperature; or chilled temperature: or frozen temperature; characterised in that the system thither comprises, a) a primary system compri sing a refrigeration system; and b) a secondary system comprising a heat transfer fluid that is in cooperation with the primary system; in which: c) the secondary system comprises a distribution system for distributing the heat transfer fluid to exchange heat with each of the compaflments and d) the temperature of each of the compartments is independently controllable by controlling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system.

For example, a 3-tier storage space may consist of ambient, chilled and frozen compartments, vertically stacked, to cater for different types of grocery goods so as to enable customers to benefit retrieving their entire grocery shopping within one storage space. The temperature range for the purpose of ambient temperature, chifled temperature and frozen temperature is as discussed above with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Optionally, each of the compartments has an interior volume and wherein the interior volume of each of the compartments is adjustable. Optionally, each of the compartments are formed by partitioning the at least one lockable storage space and wherein the partition is moveable so as to adjust the interior volume of each of the compartments. Movable partitions warrant a greater degree of flexibility to store oversized consignments and in some cases the compartments in the same storage space can be merged. For the purpose of explanation, the tI.rnction of each of the compartments in the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the at least one compartment discussed above with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention Optionally, the two or more compartments are vertically stacked to form a bottom compartment and a top compartment, and wherein at least one wall of the bottom compartment is stepped so as to offer an elevated shelf for storage of goods. Preferably, the bottom compartment and top compartment coniprises sidevails and a base and wherein the base of the bottom compartment is stepped.An elevated sh&f reduces the users' reaches to access the furthest part of the bottom compartments.

Optionally, the primary system thither comprises a heating system, Optionally, the heat transfer fluid comprises a first [teat transfer fluid in cooperacon with the refrigeration system and a second heat transfer fluid in cooperation with the heating system. The heating system can he arranged to supply heat to the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system so as to able to convert cacti of the compartments horn a storage space for storing goods that require chilled or frozen. teinr,erature to a storage space for storing goods at ambient temperature or vice versa depending on whether heat is supplied to or taken away from the heat transfer fluid.

Optionally the temperature of the at ieast one ioclcaNe storage space or the at ieast one compartment or each of the compartments is independentk' controliaNe to provide substantia!rv above ambient temperature. The subsuanta[iv above ambient temperature Is represents a temperature range for storage of cooked ibod such as hot meals and snacks. For the purpose of the present invention, the substantially above ambient temperature covers temperature substantiafly above 21. C, more preferably above O°C.

Optionally the distribution system comprises a first distribution system for distributing the first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid tbr distrihutine the second heat transfer fluid, Endeoendent eontro of the first and second heat transfer fluid permits the temoera.ture witFun each compartment to he contro!ted rriore nreciselv, This thcilitates rapid switchover between the different storage temperatures.

Optionally., the distribution system comprises at [east one nianifbid to distribute the heat transfer fluid to the at east one comprtn'tent or each of the compartments tbr a niitltipe compartment storage space as covered in the second embodiment of the present invention.

OptionalLy, the distribution system comprises at least one control valve to COIliiOi the circulatIon of the heat transfer fluid: to the at least one cornpartnien.t or each of the co;'npartments.

Optionally, the temperature of at the least one compartment or each of the compartments js controlled by a secondary heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid in the distribution system. Optionally, the secondary heal exchanger comprises a network of channels to conduct heat to the at least one wall of the at least one compartment or to the at least one wail of each of the compartments such that the temperature of the at least one compartnienu or each of the compartments is controlled by the circutation or the heat transfbr fluid within the channels. Such a. secondary hea.t ecchanger arrangement ha.s no moving parts.

and hence offers superior reiiabihly.

Optionally electric heating elements at installed to conduct heat to the at least one wail or the at least one compartment or to the at least one wall of each, of the compartments such that the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is raised by the operation. of e!ectne heating. e!ements.

Optionally, the at least one compartment or each of the compartments comprises a fan for cIrculating cool or hot air from the secondary heat exchanger nto the at least one compartment or into each of the compartments, Optionally, the secondary heat exchanger comprises a conduit housed extc.hor of the at least one compartment or to each of the compartments so as to circulate cool or hot air from within the housinr into the at east one compartment or into each of the compartments. Optionally. the secondary heat exchanger comprises eleeni c heatIng elements housed exited or of the at east one compartment or to each of the compartments so as to circulate cool or hot air from sdthin the housing into the a.t least one compartment or into each of the compartments. Optionally, the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of compartments is controlled by controlling the speed of the fan, The utllizaiion of air circulation improves the heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid to the air within the at least one compartment or into cacti of the compartments and thus the switcho'vcr between different storage temperaturcs can be carried out much promptly.

Indeed the improved efficiency means a smaller surface area fbr heat transfer is requjred, thus the heat exchanger design can he made slimier.

Optionally, the system further comprises a temperature control module so as to control the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments. Optionally, the temperature control module is located locally of the at least one storage space. Optionally, the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is independently controllable by controlling any one of the following alone or in combination of i) controlling the speed of the fan; and/or ii) controlling the circulation of the first and/or second heat transfer fluid in the distribution system. By controlling the speed of the fan enables the temperature in each of the compartments to be more reactive to any fluctuation in temperature. For example, using P1]) based (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) controllers.

the temperature in the compartment can be more accurately tuned to the desired level.

Optionally, the temperature control module is installed within the central control module and therefore, located remotely from the at least one storage space. Remote temperature control is carried out ia the data communication module. For example, the temperature in the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is controlled remotely to cater for the storage requirement of grocery. Advantageously, the at least one compartment or each of the compartments can be regulated remotely to the required temperature before grocery is delivered.

Optionally, the at least one compartment or each of the compartments comprises a drain for drainage of liquid accumulated in the least one compartment or each of the compartments This is particulariy important when changing a compartment for storage of frozen goods to a compartment for the storage of ambient or chilled goods. Optionally, the least one compartment or each of the compartments comprises sidewalls and a base, and wherein the base is sloped towards the drain. The drain and sloped base minimise damages and bacterial spoilage to the stored goods caused by liquid accumulated from defrosting, spillage or rain water ingress.

Optionally, the system further comprises modular units, wherein each of the modular units comprising at least one or more of the following: i) the at least one lockable storage space of the present invention; and/or ii) the refrigeration system of the present invention; and/or iii) the heating system ofthe present invention; and/or iv) the distribution system of the present invention; and/or v) the access control module ot the present invention.

The present applicant also provides a compartment for use in the system of the present invention. comprising; a) a cavity; b) an in sth a U rig layer exterior of the cavity: c) at least one heat exchancer mounted to at least one exterior wall of the cavity and partial iy era bedded within the insulation layer Optionally the compartment further comprising an electric heating element mo-unted to at least one wail of the cavity. the heat exchanger js partia!iy embedeed withm insul anon aver to imninuse conducion of heat to the surrounding environnIleni.

The present applicant also provides a stack ci compartments, wherein each compartment as def:ned the present invention Optionally, each conipartrnent in the stack ofconipartments is mounted: within a frame, the cavity of each compartment has an open end, and a lockable door mounted to the flame fbi closing the open end of the cavity. Each comparinient n the stack of compartments is slidingir mounted to the frame, For example, the frame comprises one or more rails permitting the compartments to slide along the rail(s) to allow repositioning of the compartments sharing the same frame.

Optionally, each conipartment in the stack of comnnartrnents has an interior volume aixi wherein We interior volume of one compartment in the stack is different to the interior volume of another compartment in the stack. F or example, frozen goods, which usually account for the smallest portion of grocery shoppng. are assigned to the smallest compartment, whilst ambient goods are stored in the largest compartment.

The present applicant also provides a method for producing a compartment as defined in the present invention, conipnsing i) forming the cavity around a mould; ii) mounting the hea.t exchanger to the exterior sidewall of the cavity to form an assembly; iii) partially men ld:ng insulation aro nd the a ssenthlv such that the heat exchanger is pardafly emoedded within the insulation, Optionally the method of partially moulding insulation arouna ii te assenh ty comprises the step of inj ecu on ii icuidi ng Optionally method of forming the cavity defined in the present invention comprises the step of bringing together two halves of liner material around the mould. The edges extending along the length of each half are secured together at the half way point, in order to create two side-by-side structures.

Brief Description of the drawings

Further features and aspects of the present invention will be apparent Irom the tollowini detailed description of an illustrative embodiment made with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 iSS perspective view stiowing the arrangement of the modular refrigerated locker modules accorc!ng to an emboc:iment the present inveirtici, Figure 2(a and h) is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the compartnientswrtlui a lockable storage space of the locker module according to an. enwodirneni tie present inventjon, Figure 3 (a and b) is a perspecn\e \iew showing the different sizes and arrangements of the stack of moduiar compartnencs according to an embodinierrt of the present invention; Figure 4 is a process tlow c:iagram showing the pnniamy system and secondary system for refrigerating, heating and distributing the heat transfer fluid to the each of the compartments ol the locker module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspeedve view showing the distribution. system for distributing the heat transfer fluid to each of' the storage spaces of the locker module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a magnified view ot the nmiurod of the distribution svstenl according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a perspective view SflOWiflg a heat exchanger exterior oi the two or more compartments according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a torced air eircu ation heat exchanger according to a second embodi rnent of the present invention; Ficzure 9(a)(h) is a perspective view showing the stages of forming the compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a channel of the secondary heat exchanger with a D shaped cross-section substantially flat against the wall of the cavity, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspectIve view showing a retainer fUr retaining the channels of the secondary heat exchanger and temperature sensing device in contact with the cx tenor wail of the cavity; Figure 12(ah 12(h) and 12(c) is a perspective view showing the alTangement of the network components according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 shows an exampe of a avout of the arrangement of the compartments in the systeiii; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the locker modules equipped with an overhead gantry according to an embodiment f the present invention.

Detailed Description of the invention

The system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of units representing refrigerated locker modules 20. an access control module 40 for controlling access to the locker modules, a. refrigeration plant module 50 coupled to distribution system 60. The distribution system 60 is shown running aong the top of I he a sit n in cii ui aL ml Wst it c it at rtanstcr P uhf ii om I he r funt i 1w i pku module 50 to the rest of the system 10. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, the plurality of locker modules 20, the access control module 40 and the refrigeration plant modules 50 are arranged side-by-side to conserve floor space. However, other arrangements of the units are permissible such as a vertically stacked arrangement. Each of the units representing the plurality of locker modules 20, access control module 40 and the refrigerated plant module 50 are arranged in modular form so as to pennit the system 10 to be easily expandable by simply adding more locker modules 20. The modular arrangement also permits the easy replacement of units in an event of a breakdown or a faulty unit, in particular with respect to the reffigerated plant module 50. However, it is not necessary that the units are arranged in modular form for the working of the present invention.

In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 2(a), the locker module 20 comprises a door 18 and a lockable storage space 22. The lockable storage space 22 is divided into three vertically stacked compartments 24, 28, 30 separated by a partition 26. In Figure 2(a) the interior volume and thus, the storage capacity of the each of the compartments 24, 28, 30 are adjustable to cater for groceries of different sizes. For example, frozen goods, which usually account for the smallest portion of grocery shopping are assigned to the smallest compartment 28, whilst ambient goods are stored in the largest compartment 30. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 2(a), the partition 26 separating the compartments 24, 28, 30 is able to be vertically adjustable to allow redistribution of storage capacity within a lockable storage space 22. For example, the partitions 26 may run along runners or rails mounted to the side walls of the lockable storage space 22 allowing easy movement of the partition 26 to their desired height. Equally or in addition to the movement of the partitions 26, at least one of the partitions 26 can be removed so merging at least two compartments.

Thus, if an individual item or the whole consignment exceeded the dimension of the largest conipartnient 30, the courier can opt to merge two adjacent compartments at the point of deposit, i.e. the two partitions 26 may be stacked to eliminate the middle compartment 28 and to create more storage capacity in the other two compartments 24 and 30.

Another example of locker module arrangement is illustrated in Figure 2(b). Here a locker module comprises individual lockable storage spaces 22a and 22b. As shown in Figure 2(b), each of the top two lockable storage spaces 22a consists of only one compartment 24. For example, the lockable storage spaces 22a provide storage for a consignment of goods requiting the same storage temperature. For grocery goods requiring multiple storage temperature, the locker module is provided with a single lockable storage space 22b comprising a plurality of individually separated compartments. In the particular case, three individually separated compartments 24, 28, 30 are shown to cater for goods requiring ambient, chilled and frozen temperature respectively For the purpose of the present invention, ambient temperature covers a range between substantially 4°C to substantially 21 °C. The chilled temperature represents the temperature range for storage of groceries such as milk and yogurt, etc. For the purpose of the present invention, the chilled temperature covers a range between substantially 1°C to substantially 4 °C. The frozen temperature represents the temperature range for storage of frozen groceries such as ice cream and frozen food For the purpose of the present invention, the frozen temperature covers a range between substantially -25 °C to substantially 0 °C, more preferably between -21°C to substantially -18°C.

In comparison to the locker module 20 shown in Fig 2(a) where the compartments are divided by partitions, the compartments 24,28,30 illustrated in Fig 2(b) are housed within the storage space 22 as individual units. Also shown in Figure 2(b). is that the individual lockable storage spaces 22,22a,22b are vertically stacked and held within a frame or support structure 19. This, permits different combinations of lockable storage spaces to be stacked, each lockable storage space housing one or more compartments.

Figure 3(a) and (b) shows the different sizes and arrangements of compartments that can be stacked to offer different size storage spaces according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the l)articular embodiment shown in Figure 3(a), the height of the compartments can be varied whilst keeping their width fixed so as to offer compartments of differing interior volume. The fixed width enables the compartments to be mounted onto the frame 19.

Five examples of compartments (A, B, C, D, E) with different heights are shown in Figure 3(a) and represent heights of 250mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm and 550mm. The heights of the compartments are not restricted to that shown in Fig. 3(a) and other examples of heights offering different interior volumes are permissible in the present invention. Each compartment has an open end to receive goods for storage A lockable door 18 is mounted to the frame for closing the open end 98 of the compartment. As shown in Fig. 2(b), a single door 18 may be used to close multiple compartments or alternatively, each compartment has its own dedicated door. To allow interchangeability of the compartments and to provide different combinations of sized compartments, the compartments can be mounted to rails 92 so as to allow each compartment to be easily slid out of the frame. Figure 3(b) shows three different combinations of the compartments mounted to the frame of a fixed height and indicated as AAAAA or CDD or CBE, where A has the smallest interior volume and F! has the largest interior volume. The greater the height of each compartment, the smaller the number of compartments that can be mounted to the frame and vice versa. In the case, where the total height of the stack of compartments does not extend the full height of the frame, a spacer can be inserted into the gap S)4 created between the uppermost compartment and the top of the frame..

In hard to reach places which require excessive bending of the user's back or for wheel chair bound users, a compartment, preferably the bottom compartment 30 consists of a step 32 so as to offer an elevated shelf to the user. This minimizes the user's reach to access the fhrthermost parts of the compartment.

To prevent unauthorized access to the lockable storage space 22, the door of the lockable storage space 22 is fitted with a digital locking mechanism. Further explanation of the working of the digital locking mechanism to permit access to the lockable storage space 22 is discussed below.

The system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a primary system for reffigeration and a secondary system 260 in cooperation with the primary system 200 for transferring heat or cooling in the primary system 200 to the individual compartments of the lockable storage space (see Figure 4). The primary system 200 is a closed loop system and represents the refrigeration plant module 50. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, the primary system 200 comprises a separate refrigeration system 220 and a heating system 240, both configured as a separate closed loop system. The refrigeration system 220 comprises a conventional vapour compression refrigeration unit and acts as the primary heat pump for heat extraction. The refrigeration system 220 can be based on a conventional refrigerant such as R290 but other conventional and/or natural refrigerants known in the art are pennissible in the present invention. In comparison to the refrigeration system 220, the closed loop representing the heating system 240 carriers a heat transfer fluid to absorb heat from the primary system. A separate heating system 240 is optional and functions to provide heat to the secondary system 260 via a heat transfer fluid in order to facilitate a temperature change of each of the compartments from a compartment for storing frozen goods to a compartment for storing goods that require a chilled or ambient temperature or to maintain a compartment at a set temperature or within a temperature range. The heating system 240 can be any system known to the person skilled in the art. For example, the heating system 240 can be provided by electric heating elements or by gas heating. However, in hot climate regions such as the Middle East, it may not be necessary to use a separate heating system since the system can extract the heat from the surrounding environment and this has the beneficial effect of conserving energy.

In cooperation with the primary system 200, the secondary system 260 distributes and circulates the heat or cooling from the primary system 200 to the individual compartments. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, heat is transferred from the primary system 200 to the secondary system 260 by virtue of a primary heat exchanger 280 and/or 290. The primary heat exchanger 280 can be any device known to those skilled in the art, for example plate heat exchangers or shell and tube heat exchangers. A distribution system 60,62,64 in the secondary system 260 is configured as a closed loop system and conveys the heat or cooling in the form of a heat transfer fluid to the individual compartments of the lockable storage spaces 22. The heat transfer fluid in the secondary system 260 can be based on the same heat transfer fluid used for the heating system 240 discussed above. Alternatively, a separate heat transfer fluid can be used for both the refligeration system 220 and the heating system 240. One or more distribution systems 62, 64 can be used to convey the heat transfer fluid at the different temperatures in the secondary system, each distribution system 62, 64 having their own dedicated pipe network. For example, the distribution system can comprise a first distribution system 62 for distributing the heat transfer fluid for the refrigeration system 220 and a second distribution system 64 for distributing the heat transfer fluid for the heating system 240. Examples of heat transfer fluid include but are not limited to glycol, silicon oil, water etc. The use of a heat transfer fluid in the secondary system 260 for cooling duties, as opposed to a pressurized refrigerant simplifies process control and reduces the lexel ofniaintenance required, i.e. leak detection is limited to the primary system 200. It also allows additional ockah1e storage spaces to he retrofitted to existing ockable storage spaces \vJth r&atve ease. For example, the piping network in the distribution system 60, 62, b4can be extended simply by using conventional push-fit type connectors instead of welding.

In the ease of the ieatmg system 20, it is not essential to have a primary heal exchanger 290 in order to transfer heat to the secondary system 260. The heat transfer fluid of the heating system 240 in the priman; system 2.00 can he in direct fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system 260. i.e. the healing system 240 bypasses the primary heat exchanger 290. However. if a. pnmaiy hea.t exchanger 290 is used ibr transfening heat from the heating system 240, as shown in the particular examr'le in Figure 4, it is advantageous to isolate the heat transfer fluid in the primaly system 200 from the heat transfer flLnct in the secondary system 260 so as to minirmze. touhng of the heat transfer J]uidlheati.ng element in the heating system 240, By separating the heat transfer fluid in the heating system 240 from the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system 260 also alows different types of heat transfer fluid to be circulated in both systems. For example, the heating system 240 can utilize sdcon oil to operate at a hightr temperature, whilst the secondary system 250 can adopt a mixture of water and gEycol at a lower cost, Energy consumption accounts or a large pronofton ol running cost and reducing energy use also contributes to corporate environmental responsibility. In some embodiments, heat integration can be implemented between the heating system 240 and the refrigeration system 220, i.e. allowing the heat normally dissipated to the atmosphere from the condenser 224 in the refrigerated system 220 to he recovered and applied in the heating system 240. This is provided by an additional heat exchanger 230 installed between the heating system 240 and the refrigeration system 220 at a location exneriencing the biggest temperature difference. i.e. in the region where the heat transfer fluid in the heating system 240 is at its coldest (see Figured). For the purpose of explanation and to differentiate from the other heat exchangers, the heat exchanger 230 will he termed an economizer heat exchanger 230. In operation, cold heat transfer fluid in the heating system 2i0 is heated up iw the warmest rei'ngerant in refrigeration s'astefl 220.

Egure shows a plurality of automated refrigerated locket modules 20, each Locker module con]pnsing a purahty of storage spaces. whereby the temperature of the compartments in the storage spaces is controed based on ihe refrigeration/heating system and the primary /secondary system 200. 260 shown in Figure 4. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 5, the heat transfer fluids are conveyed along the distnbutjon systems 60 in the firm of' a plurality of conduits which are nosrooned above the. rnocular units. A tori view of the system shown in Figure 5 shows the refrigeration lant module 50 at one end of the system upstream or the distribution system 60, supplying the coldest and hottest heat transfer fluids for refrigeration and heating respectively.

A distribution system 60 servicing an indnidual locker mod:ue 20 is best illustrated in Figure 6 The exemphfied section of the distribution system 60 comprises a network of conduits branching from one or more manifbkds 62 to servEe the indiviciua comnnartnenLs in the locker modules. The temperature in each of the coinpartntents is controlled by controlling the rate ot tiow of the heat transfer -fluid in the conduits by-means ofc'ne or more controi valves 66. The number of controi valves 66 depends upon the number of compartments that need to he serviced by the heat transfer fluid. In one example, each ndividuai compartment in the kicker modules may have their own dedicated control vatve 66 to contro the rate Ot flow of heat fluid to each 0f the compartments. In another example. the compartments may be groupeu together depending on their storage temperature reflumrements and thus, the heat transfer fluid is controlled to a group of compartments rather than each individual compartment. In the latter example, less control valves 66 are necessary -DitThrent arrangemenis of groupinat the compartments depencng upon the Lemnperaure of storage are pennissible in the present invention. For ease ot servieng or replacement cmi the valves in ar event of breakdown. the valves 66 can be located for easy access by a service engineer. For example, the valves 66-may he located behind a removable front panel.

Expansion of the lockable storage space 20 i_v adding new locker modules 20 to the system can he easily carried out simply by retrofitting new sections of insulated pipework 64. as well as its resrecuve set of manifolds 62 and control valves 66, to the far end of the distribution system 60. For example aiid as discussed above, push-fit type connectors can he used to connect to the existing pipe network in the distribution system 60.

Rest from the heat transfer fluid is transferred to the. compartments 2.4 by either transferring heat through the vafls of the compartment 24 by means of conducnon or by threing co& air tb the compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment 24 by means of convection. In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure.7 a secondary heat exehanuer 68 i.n fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid from the distribution system 60 is attachee or pLaced adjacent to tue exterror of at least one \Vai ot the compartnierrt 24. for extracting or supplying heat from tire heat transfer fluid to the compartment. The secondary heat exchanger 68 in this example is a heat exchanger coi! commonly used in refrigerators. l-ieat is transferred through the walls of the compartments 24 via coneuct: on and the amount of heat transfer s maniy governed by die quanttv of heat transfer fluid circulating within. the secondary heat exchanger 68, Temperature control is provided by controilinu the rate of flow of die heat tianstbr fluid within the secondary heat exchanger 68 by one or more control valves 66. The secondary heat exchanger 68 is removably attacued onto the waits of the compartment 24 by any fastesung means known to the person skilled in the art, for example cable ties or brackets. This is advantageous for carrying out rcpairs replacing a damaged heat exchanger or simply fir cleaning purposes.

A]ten'iatiyeiy or in combination wtn the secondary heat exchanger 68 discussed above, Figtre 8 shows another example of the heat exchanger mechanism. Rather than ha'ving a network of coils to conduct heat to at least one wail of the compartment 24., the heat exchanger in the alternative mechanism is based on a convecti se system whereby cool air firced into the compartment 24 and the temperature of the air is regulated in the interior volume of the compartment by means of convenuon,A secondary heat exchanuer 74 in fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid: is housed 71 to at least one exterior wall of the compartment 24 so that heat from the heat transfer fluid is transferred to the surrounding air in the housing 71. in the particular embodiment shown in Figure 8, the secondary heat exchanger 74 is in fbrm of a conduit. Also housed within th.e housing 71 is a. tim 70 mounted to at least one va1i of the compartment that draws the cool or hot air from within the housing 71 and into the interior volume of the compartment 24. As air flows pass the secondary heat exchanger 74 it cools or heats up, depending on the temperature of heat transfer fluid, A convective cyclic system is thus set up whereby coo] air is drawn from the secondary heat exchanger 74 and forced into the compartment 2.4. Air that is wanted or cooled in the mtenor of the compartment 24 is then drawn out' of the compartment l4and passes over the secondary heat exchanger 74 whereby it is further cooled or warmed, The flow path 0f air is indicated by the arrows shown in Figure K which convectively transfers heat to or from the compartment 1.4. To promote heat transfer a finned air/liquid secondary heat exchanger 71 may be used in place of the conduit 74 to increase the total heat transfer surilice area.

Storage temperature is rnimariiv controhed ny the regulati n of the heat transfer fluid fio'%imig through the secondary heat exchanger 74 using one or more control vaNes 66. in conipanson to the heat exchanger system 68 described with reference to Figure 7, heat transfer via forced air convection offers a more efficient and rapid heating/cooling system.

This is especially advantageous if the compartment 24 stocked with grocery shopping.

The forced air circulation applied in Figure 8 has another competitive advantage. it is also possd'le to carry out temperature contror by adjusting the fart speed. By inueasirig the speed of the fan 70, more air is circulated around the compartment 24, thus increasing the rate of heat transfer to the surrounding air. Liltiniately the heat transfer coefficient s sugutcantlv improved. Whilst it is possible to control temperature by yawing fan speed alone, more efficient temperature control can he achieved if this mechanism is usec in tandem with controfling the rate of heat transfer fluid within the secondary heat exc'hanuer 74.

The system of the present in\ention is able to convert each of the compartments 24 fbr storing goocs at. a first temperature to a compartment 24 fbr storing goods. at a secona temperature. For example, for converting a compartment 21 that has been assigned for storing frozen goods to a compartment 24 ftr storing goods that requires a chilled or ambient temperature. By the use of the heating system 240 discussed above, the heat transfer fluid is heated to a temperature required for storing goods at a chilled or ambient teninerature, in the case of storing goods at a chilled temperature, the heat transfer fluid is heat to a temperature in the range between substantially 1°C to suhstantiailyl CC The time taken to convert a compartment 24 from a first temperature to a second temnuerature is dependent upon the temperature and rate of flow of' the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system 260. For exampie, the higher the mate of flow arid the higher the temnoerature of the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system 260, the shorter the time taken for the compartment 2'l to be converted from a first, lower temperature to a second, higher temnerature and vice versa. To enable faster heating, i.e. to prepare the compartment 24 for a 1]e consignment requiring a higher storage temperature, electric heating elements 69 can be used instead of or in combination with the heat from the seconuary heat exchanger 68, 74 (see Figs. 7 and 8). Alternatively, electric healing elements can he used in p!ace of the second distribution system 54 that distributes the heat transfer fluid from the heating system 240. A benefit of this approach is that the part of distribution system 60 (second distribution system o4) carrying hot heat transfer fluid can be omitted aitogetner.

Figure 9(a -h) shows the stages of forming the compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention. In stage I and 2 as shown in Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 (b), two halves of a liner material 82 are brought together around an inner mould 80 (e.g. a wooden mould).

The edges of the two halves of the liner material 82 are sealed together to form a cavity when the inner mould 80 is subsequently removed. To fabricate the different sized compartments as demonstrated in Figure 3a, different sized extensions 96 can be inserted between the two halves of liner material 82 so that the height of the compartments is dictated by the height of the extension 96. The mould maintains the structural integrity of the two halves of the liner material 82 during the assembly of the secondary heat exchanger 68 and/or heating element 69. Other methods of forming the pre-fabricated sheet metal cavity known in the art are permissible in the present invention. Tn the particular example, the liner halves are fabricated from a pressed sheet metal or other resilient and non-corrosive thermally conductive material known in the art, e.g. stainless steel. The secondary heat exchanger 68 is mounted to at least one exterior wall of the cavity so that heat from the secondary heat exchanger is able to conduct from the heat exchanger through the wall of the cavity. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 9(f), the secondary heat exchanger 68 is mounted to one or more exterior walls of the cavity. Preferably, the secondary heat exchanger 68 substantially covers the surface area of one or more exterior walls having the greatest surface area. This is to maximise the heat transfer area into the compartment.

To prevent the build-up of condensation in the vicinity of the door 18, one or more thermal insulation strips 84 is mounted around the liner material 82 to offer a thermal break at the junction where the compartment is mounted to the frame 19, i.e. in the region where the open end of the cavity meets the door 18. A mounting bracket 85 or flange for mounting the compartment onto the frame 19 is then placed and secured over the insulation strips 84. The insulation strips 84 insulates the mounting bracket 85 from the cavity walls used to transfer heat into the compartment and so prevents heat transfer from the cold or hot areas of the compartment conducting to the other regions of the locker module such as the outer frame 19 or door 18 with the inevitable consequence of seizing the door 18 closed. As a further precaution to prevent the build of condensation, a heating element 69b is placed into the insulation strip 84 to evaporate any moisture build-up.

In order to maximise the surface area contact of the channels of the secondary heat exchanger 68 with the wall of the cavity and also to facilitate alignment of the channels, grooves can be formed in the wall of the cavity corresponding to the shape of the secondary heat exchanger 68 for placing the secondary heat exchanger into. An alternative method to maximising the surface area contact includes fabricating the channels with a D shaped cross-section as shown in Figure 10(a) such that the straight or flat portion of the channels is able to lie substantially flat against the wall of the cavity. A recess 86 can also be formed into the cavity wall of the compartment adjacent and opposite each channel 68 to provide a localised region for ice build-up. In the absence of the recess ice would tend to extend across the surface of the cavity wall resulting in the build-up of a sheet of ice extending in a plane across the surface of the interior cavity wall of the compartment, This in turn results in a reduction in the efficiency of the secondary heat exchanger 68 to transfer heat through the cavity wall of the compartment.

In order to monitor the storage temperature in the cavity, at least one temperature sensing device 88 is attached onto the exterior surface on the wall of the each cavity, as shown in the example given in Figure L Ideally the temperature sensing device 88 is placed at an equal distance between two channels 68 to avoid measurement of the temperature of the heat transfer fluid if it is placed too close to any one particular channel resulting in a non-representative temperature measurement of the interior volume of the cavity, A retainer 87 is used to ensure proper alignment of the channels 68 and the temperature sensing device 88 and other cabling from each other, A fastener is used to secure the secondary heat exchangers 68 around the exterior of one or more walls of the cavity by virtue of securing the retainer 87 to the exterior of the compartment, as shown in Figure 9(g), Optionally and in addition to mounting the secondary heat exchanger 68 to the exterior wall of the cavity, one or more electric heating elements 69 may be mounted to the exterior wall as shown in Figure 9(e). Once, the secondary heat exchanger 68 and/or the electric heating elements 69 are mounted to one or more exterior walls of the cavity, the assembly is placed inside a second larger mould whilst ensuring that the open end of the cavity remains exposed and insulation material is injected moulded in the gap formed between the cavity walls and the interior surface of the second mould so as to partially embed the secondary heat exchanger 68 and/or electric heating elements 69 and/or cabling within the insulation material whilst ensuring that the connection points to the secondary heat exchanger 68 and/or the electric heating elements 69 are left exposed. Finally as shown in Figure 9(h), the first and second moulds are removed from the assembly so forming the compartment of the present invention.

if the compartments 24 are kept at a frozen temperature for a prolonged period their wails are susceptible to frosting. in severe cases can cease air circulation due to ice huilthup. i'hus defrosting s penodicaily carried out by heating the frozen comparirrients 24. for a short period of lime, During defrosting the accumulated ice melts into liquid, and subsequently flows along a sloped base 76 towards a drain 78 situated at the back or front of the locker moduLe 20, as shown in Figure 8. The drain 7% ifiso clears spi Rage and rain water ingress, and so prevents flooding and minimise damages or hacteiial spoilage to the stored grocery.

Locating the drain towards the trout of the compartnieni permits regiiar clearing of any accumulated water by service personal every time the storage spaces are inspected or when deliveries made. In some compartments goods are placed on a wire mesh or peribrated shelf (not shown) suspended us. above the base of the compartments, so to after further protection against flood spoilage.

Thc heating system 240 can also be used to sct the temperature of at least one compartment 24 in the lockable storage space 22 above ambient and therefore, oilers a lockable storage space 22 for hot mod delivery. [or exai'nrAe, hot meals or snacks can delivered to the compartment 24 and kept warm for a short period of time, before being picked up by the addressee. For the purrose oi the present invention, the substantially above ambient temperature covers temperature substantially above. 21 °( more preferably above 50°C.

The difference in storage temperatures beRseen adjacent compartments can be significant.

For examele the difference can be in excess of 40°C between the above ambient $0 and frozen compartment 28. To nüninilse heat transibr among compartments 24, 28, 30 and also to prevent the interior temperature of each compartment being influenced by the temperature of the surrounding environment, the partitions 26 and at least one of the external waft of each of the compartments 24 are insulated.

Access Control Access to the lockable storage space is controlled or governed by an access control module.

Figure 12 (a}-(c) shows a system which illustrates the operation of the access control module. The access control module 40 communicates with the central control system 100 via communication module 101 and grants access to the lockable storage spaces 22 for authorized users, i.e. courier 102 and addressee 104. Access to each lockable storage space 22 is governed electronically by locking and unlocking the lockable storage space, upon verification of a user identity at a local user interface or graphical user interface 42 located at the access control module 40. The digital locking mechanism can be any mechanism known to the person skilled in the art, 11w example solenoid operated deadbolts or electromagnetic locks. The access control module 40 also monitors the status of each compartment 24 and feeds the status information to the central control system 100. Examples of status information include but are not limited to temperature, occupancy or size of each compartment 24 etc. However, it is also permissible in the present invention that some of the status information can be controlled by the central control system 100.. e.g. occupancy of the compartment 24.

The central control system 100, located at a remote location, is responsible for allocating the lockable storage spaces 22 for receiving goods 106, as illustrated in Figure 12(a). Based on the status information in the lockable storage spaces 22, the central control system 100 is able to allocate vacant compartments 24 to a number of grocery deliveries or consignments 106 according to their size and storage temperature requirement, and subsequently produce a schedule. In an event that the lockable storage spaces 22 at a particular temperature are fully occupied, the schedule can fhvoumbly select one or more compartments 24 which oilers the least switch over temperature. For example when selecting a compartment 24 fbr storage of frozen goods, the schedule will identi,' the compartment which offers the smallest change in temperature. in this ease, the. schedule wil oot for a compartment 24 that was previously ttsed to store goods at a chilled temperature as opposed at an ambient temperature. This has the advantage of not only saving energy but also reduces swItchover time and also prolongs equipment longevity. The central control system iøø call also instruct the heating system 240 discussed above to defrost a compartment 24, e.g. in an event where the schedule requires a changeover fi-oni a compartrricnt 24 that was prevousiy used to store frozen goods to a compartment 24 that requires a chilled or ambient temperature or simply to defrost a compartment 24, i.e. to remove the excessive build-up of ice on the internal walls of the compartment.

Figure 13 illustrates a typical layout of the compartments in any one day. The system consists of an access control module 40 and refrigeration plant module 50. The access control module ise onveru ent]y located at the cet tie of' the svsuesri. Each compartment is represented by a rectanaular box arid is canable of switching beuveen ambient, chilled and frozen storage temperature. fypicafly a storage space cosists of three compartments each operating at a distinct storage temperature (ambient, chilled and frozen temperature). Figure 13 shows seven purchase orders (Orders I to 7), Order I and-2 each occupies the storage space (22a and 22h) of the entire locker module (20a and 2Gb) having compartments for storage of chilled, frozen and ambient goods. On the other hand, locker modules, 20c and 20d each comprises two storage spaces (22c, 22d for locker rnoduie 20c; 22e and 22f for locker module 20d). Each of the storage spaces (22c to 22fl in locker modules 20c and 20d comprises smaller compartments fbi storage. of chilled, frozen and ambient goods. The refrigeration plant module.50 is combined with a storage space 22g: having compartments for storage ot chil led, fiozen and anthient goods in the locker modu e 20e, A relatively large customer order (Order I & 2) may occupy the entire locker momu.de 22a, 22b Alternatively fbr smaller orders (Order $-7)., the central control module may assign to the smaller storage spaces (22c to 22g).

Mo obtain access to a lockabie storage space 22, the central control system 100 generates and.

communicates a unique collection code 110 to both the access control modune 40 and the users. For example, when an order for a delivery of goods 106 is made online. this is communicated to the central control system 100. The central controL system 100 allocates the delivery of the goods 106 to a schedule, By means of a collection code generator 103, the central controi system 00 generates and assigns a unique collection code 110 to the goods 106 and then subsequently communicates the unique collection code 110 to the access control module 40 via a collection code communication means 112. The unique collection code is also sent co the conner via another data conimunic.ation means 114 (e.g v in wireless means such as mobile devices or personal computers) as shown In Fig 12 (b) and Fig 12 (c).

The courier iriputs''the collection code 110 at the local user interfice 42 to be vaN ated by the access control module 40, which then. uniocks the allocated lockable storage space 22. in this particular ease the courier 102. are required to scan the consignments 106 at a consignment recognition device, before depositing it into the correct compartment 24 as indicated by access comrrol mnodu Ic 40. This serves to mnirumise the risk of the courier 1 02 mm solacing the goods inacomnparunent 24 conditioned at a wrong storage teniperalure, The consignmneni recoufttion device can he any device known to those skilled in the art, for example bar code or RFID tags scanners. The delivery process finishes when the courier 02 doses the door.

and die lockable storage space is locked securing the consignment 106. in the particular embodiment, the lockable storage space is contin red to lock automatically when the door is closed. Once that particular lockable storage space 22 is locked, the access control module then communicates to the central control system 100 that the item is ready thr collection.

This in turn notifies the same to the addressee 14 via data communication means 114 and provides the addresses with either the pretdously generated unique collection code 110 used by the courier delivery or generaies another unique collection code 10 for increased security.

The collection process used Lw the addressee 04 is similar to the delivery procedure discussed above with respect to the courier 102. The addressee 104 inputs the collection code I 10 at the local user interthce 42 and rrpon venheation by the access control module 40, the allocated lockable storage space 22 is unlocked, To aid the addressee to identify his/her allocated lockable storage space 22:, each of' tite Lockabie storage spaces 22 can be equippea with an externally visible or audible identification means. For example, the identification means can be provided by a light 116 mounted adjacent to each of the lockable storage spaces 22 which illuminates once the addresses has entered the correct code into the access control module. Other examples, include the use of sound. Once the door is closed the lockable storage space automatically locks and the access control module 40 updates the current status of that particular storage space with the central control system 100.

If the goods are not retrieved within the assigned time slot the central control system 100 will produce an alternative storage schedule or instruct the courier 102 to retrieve the uncollected goods 106.

In some cases the supplier cannot thily satisi an addressee's online order. fbr example if a particular item is out of stock, the supplier can opt to deliver a like for like alternative to the system. The addressee may either accept the alternative goods along with other grocety goods, or he/she may choose to leave the alternative goods in the locker to be collected by a courier later. The courier will then notif, the central control system of any uncollected goods, to ensure relIrnd is given accordingly. Likewise, if the addresses decided not to accept a particular item in the groceiy order for any reason, for example damaged goods or wrong items, he/she may leave the item in the locker to be collected by a courier for a rethnd.

In some embodiments the compartments includes a passive infrared (PIR) sensor (not shown) as a safety mechanism. For example if small children or animals are trapped inside a locked compartment 24, its PUt sensor detects their movement and overrides the locking mechanism to grant an escape route. Pilt sensor also detects goods collection and aids the central control system 100 in conflmthig item collection.

In some embodiments the doors securing the storage spaces are motorised and are programmed to close automatically. For example if a courier I customer forgets to close the door after grocery deliver / collection, the access control module will instnict the door to close automatically after a predetermined period. This feature helps to enhance locker security and minimises heat loss to environment The system may fttrther comprise auxiliary equipment to improve accessibility and security.

As shown in Figure 14, an overhead gantiy 150 along the whole width of the system 10 to shelter a user from rain and snow during delivery or collection of the goods in the storage space. The overhead gantry 150 also blocks out direct sunlight that could otherwise wann up the lockable storage spaces 22 or causes glare on the display of the local user interface 42. In this example, there are lighting 160 installed underneath the overhead gantry 150 to provide illuminations for the user during night time and also serves as a etime deterrent as the well-lit area is under constantly CCTV surveillance (not shown).

The roof of system 10 is slightly sloped toward the rear to aid rain water removal into a rear mounted gutter, so as to protect users from a curtain of' rainwater as they enter or emerge from the apparatus 10.

In some embodiments, the unit comprising the refrigeration plant module 50 is combined with a lockable storage space 22. preferably at the bottom of the unit to enable wheelchair access 170, as shown in Figurel4.

The system disclosed in the present invention is intended to be used at a centralised location, e.g., train stations and office clusters. However it is equally applicable in secure delivery or collection of goods fbr individual customers or companies. For example, an individual or a company may install the system at the exterior of their home or workplace. This application enables grocery to be securely delivered and stored at the correct temperature, even when the recipient is not present.

Claims

Claims System fbi-secure delivery or collection of goods. comprising at least one lockable storage space. in which the temperature of said at least one storage space is ndepenoent]y control] able to provide arty one or-ainbi eat tern peraiure; or chilled teinnerature; or ftozen temperature and wherein access io the siorage space is remotely programmable.
2 System as claimed in Claim I, further comprising; a) an access control module [hr controlling the locking and/or unlocking of the at east one lockable storage space to enable access to the interior of the at least one lockable storage space; b) a local user interthee cooperating with the access control module; ci) a central control wi-stem conipn sing a collection code generation means and a collection code comnrumcalion means for generating and comniumeatilug a unique collection code to the access control module associated with an individual delivery to the at least one lockable storage space; d) data-conrmunication means in cooperation with the central control systern said data communication means is adapted to receive the unique collection code from the central control system such that when the unique collection code is subsequently entered into the local user interface, the at least one lockable, storage space is unlocked.
3. System as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the data communication means is wireless transmitter/receiver means.
4. Svsteni as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the data communication means is a mobjle device or a personsi computer.
5. System as claimed in ClaimS 2 to 4, wlierei n lie cenua c.onvoi system communicates with the Si'CesS control module With the use of a commumeation itiodule. wherein the communication module transmit information via wireless or TCP!ll 6. System as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the access control module monitors the status of meat least one lockable storage space.. and to transmit infdrnistion derived from such monitoring to the central cortrcd system.7. System as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one lockable storage space comprises at least one compartment and wherein the temperature of said at least one eompartmenns Independently controilanle to provide any one of:-air hi ent temperature; or chilled temnerature or frozen temperature.8, System as claimed in Claim 7, comprising: a) a primary system compr sing a refligeration system; and h) a secondary system eomptising a heat transfer fluid that is in cooperation with the primary system.: in which: c) the secondary system comprises a distribution system for distributing the heat transfer fluid to exchange heat with the at least one compartment the temperature of said at least uric compartrnenLs n.dependentiy controllable by controfling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the secondary s stem.9. System for secure delivery or collection of goods requiring refrigeration or heating, comprising at least one lockable storage space, wherein each of the lockable storage space comprises two or more compartments, in which the temperature of each of the compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of:-ambient temperature; or chilled temperature; or frozen temperature; characterised in that the system tbrther comprises, a) a primary system comprising a refrigeration system; and b) a secondary system comprising a heat transfer fluid that is in cooperation with the primary system; in which: c) the secondary system comprises a distribution system for distributing the heat transfer fluid to exchange heat with each of the compartments; and d) the temperature of each of the compartments is independently controllable by controlling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system.10. System as claimed in Claim 9. wherein each of the compartments has an interior volume and wherein the interior volume of each of the compartments is adjustable.11. System as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the compartments are formed by partitioning the at least one lockable storage space and wherein the partition is moveable so as to adjust the interior volume of each of the compartments.12. System as claimed in any of the Claims 9 to Claim 11, wherein the two or more compartments are vertically stacked to form a bottom compartment and a top compartment, and wherein at least one wall of the bottom compartment is stepped so as to offer an elevated shelf for storage of goods.13. System as claimed in any of the Claims 8 to 12, wherein the primary system further comprises a heating system.14. System as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises a first heat transfer fluid in cooperation with the refrigeration system and a second heat transfer fluid in cooperation with the heating system.15. System as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the temperature of the at least one lockable storage space or the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is independently controllable to provide significantly above ambient temperature.16. System as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the distribution system comprises a first distribution system for distributing the first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid for disthbuting the second heat transfer fluid.17. System as claimed in any of the Claims 8 to 16, wherein the distribution system comprises at least one manifold to distribute the heat transfer fluid to the at least one compartment or each of the compartments.18. System as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the distribution system comprises at least one control valve to control the circulation of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one compartment or each of the compartments.19. System as claimed in Claim 18. wherein the temperature of at the least one compartment or each of the compartments is controlled by a secondary heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid in the distribution system.20. System as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the secondary heat exchanger comprises a network or channels to conduct heat to the at least one wall or the at least one compartment or to at least one wall of each of the compartments such that the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is controlled by the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the channels.21. System as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein the at least one compartment or each of the compartments comprises a fan for circulating cool or hot air from the secondary heat exchanger into the at least one compartment or into each of the compartments.22. System as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the secondary heat exchanger comprises a conduit housed exterior of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments so as to circulate cool or hot air from within the housing into the at least one compartment or each of the compartments.23. System as claimed in Claim 21 or 22, wherein the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of compartments is controlled by controlling the speed of the fan.24. System as claimed in any of the Claims 8 to Claim 23, wherein the system thither comprises a temperature control module so as to control the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments.25. System as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the temperature of the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is independently controllable by controlling any one of the following alone or in combination ot i) controlling the speed of the fan; and/or ii) controlling the circulation of the first and/or second heat transfer fluid in the distribution system.26. System as claimed in any of the Claims 7 to 25, wherein the at least one compartment or each of the compartments comprises a drain for drainage of liquid accumulated in the least one compartment or each of the compartments 27. System as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the least one compartment or each of the compartments comprises sidewalls and a base, and wherein the base is sloped towards the drain.28. System as claimed in any of the Claims 9 to 27, further comprising; a) an access control module for controlling the locking and/or unlocking of the at least one lockable storage space to enable access to the interior of the at least one lockable storage space; b) a local user interface cooperating with the access control module; c) a central control system comprising a collection code generation means and a collection code communication means for generating and communicating a unique collection code to the access control module associated with an individual delivery to the at least one lockable storage space; d) data communication means in cooperation with the central control system; said data communication means is adapted to receive the unique collection code from the central control system such that when the unique collection code is subsequently entered into the local user inter&ce, the at least one lockable storage space is unlocked.29. System as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the data communication means is wireless transmitter/receiver means.30. System as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the data communication means is a mobile device or a personal computer.31. System as claimed in Claims 28 to 30, wherein the central control system communicates with the access control module with the use of a communication module wherein the communication module transmit information via wireless or TCP/IP.32. System as claimed in Claim 31. wherein the access control module monitors the status of the at least one lockable storage space, and to transmit infonnation derived from such monitoring to the central control system.33. System as defined in any of the preceding claims comprising modular units, wherein each of the modular units comprising at least one or more of the following: i) the at least one lockable storage space as defined in any of the preceding claims and/or ii) the refrigeration system as defined in any of claims 8 to 32; and/or iii) the distribution system as defined in any of the claims 8 to 32; and/or iv) the heating system as defined in Claim 13 to 32; and/or v) the access control module as defined in Claim 2 or Claim 8.34. A compartment for use in the system as defined in any of the claims I to 33 comprising; a) a cavity; b) an insulating layer exterior of the cavity; c) at least one heat exchanger mounted to at least one exterior wall of the cavity and partially embedded within the insulation layer.35. The compartment as claimed in Claim 34, further comprising an electric heating element mounted to at least one wall of the cavity and partially embedded within the insulation.36. A stack of compartments, each compartment is the compartment as defined in Claim 34 or35.37. The stack of claim 36, wherein each compartment is mounted within a frame or support structure, each compartment having an open end, and at least one lockable door mounted to the frame for closing one or more open ends of each of the compartments.38. The stack of claim 36 or 37, wherein each compartment has an interior volume and wherein the interior volume of one compartment in the stack is different to the interior volume of another compartment in the stack.39. A method for producing a compartment as defined in claim 34 or 35 comprising: i) forming the cavity from a mould; ii) mounting the heat exchanger to the exterior sidewall of the cavity to form an assembly; iii) partially moulding insulation around the assembly such that the heat exchanger is partially embedded within the insulation.40. The method of claim 39, wherein step (iii) further comprises the steps of: 1) placing the assembly within an outer mould so as to form a gap between the wall of the cavity and the outer mould; ii) iujection moulding insulation in the gap.41. A System for secure delivery or collection of goods as defined in any of the claims 1 to 33, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompany drawings.42 A compartment of claim 34 or 35, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompany drawings.43. A stack of compartments of any of the claims 36 to 38, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompany drawings.44. A method of claims 39 or 40, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompany drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows claims 1. System for secure delivery or collection of goods comprising at least one lockable storage space, wherein the at least one lockable storage space comprises at least one compartment and wherein the temperature of said at least one compartment is independently controllable to provide any one of:-ambient temperature; or chilled temperature; or frozen temperature; as hereinbefore defined and wherein access to the storage space is remotely programmable, characterised in that the system further comprises: a) a primary system comprising a refrigeration system; said refrigeration system is configured as a closed loop system and carrying a refrigerant, and LI') b) a secondary system comprising a heat transfer fluid that is in cooperation with C'1⁄41 the primary system; in which: c) the secondary system comprises a distribution system for distributing the heat transfer fluid to exchange heat with the at least one compartment; said distribution system is configured as a separate dosed loop system; and d) the temperature of said at least one compartment is independently controllable by controlling the flow of the heat transfer fluid in the secondary system.2 The system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising, a) an access control mod tile for controlling the locking and/or unlocking of the at least one lockable storage space to enable access to the interior of the at least one lockable storage space; b) a local user interface cooperating with the access control module; c) a central control system comprising a collection code generation means and a collection code communication means for generating and communicating a unique collection code to the access control module associated with an individual delivery to the at least one lockable storage space; d) data communication means in cooperation with the central control system; said data communication means is adapted to receive the unique collection code from the central control system such that when the unique collection code is subsequently entered into the local user inter&ce, the at least one lockable storage space is unlocked.3. The system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the data communication means is wireless transmitter/receiver means.4' 4. The system as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the data communication means is a mobile device or a personal computer.CDO 5. The system as claimed in Claims 2 to 4, wherein the central control system LI') communicates with the access control module with the use of a communication C'J module, wherein the communication module transmit information via wireless or TCP/IP.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 5. wherein the access control module monitors the status of the at least one lockable storage space, and to transmit infonnation derived from such monitoring to the central control system.
7. The system as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the lockable storage space comprises two or more compartments, in which the temperature of each of the compartments is independently controllable to provide any one of:-ambient temperature; or chilled temperature; or frozen temperature;
8. The system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each of the compartments has an interior volume and wherein the interior volume of each of the compartments is adjustable.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the compartments are formed by partitioning the at least one lockable storage space and wherein the partition is moveable so as to adjust the interior volume of each of the compartments.
10. The system as claimed in any of the Claims 7 to 9, wherein the two or more compartments are vertically stacked to form a bottom compartment and a top compartment, and wherein at least one wall of the bottom compartment is stepped so as to offer an elevated shelf for storage of goods.
11. The system as claimed in any of the Claims I to 10, wherein the primary system fbrther compti ses a heating system.
12. The system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises a first 4' heat transfer fluid in cooperation with the refrigeration system and a second heat transfer fluid in cooperation with the heating system.CDO
13. The system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the temperature of the at least one LI') lockable storage space or the at least one compartment or each of the compartments is C'J independently controllable to provide significantly above ambient temperature.
14. The system as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the distribution system comprises a first distribution system for distributing the first heat transfer fluid and a second heat transfer fluid for distributing the second heat transfer fluid.
15. The system as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, wherein the distribution system comprises at least one manifold to distribute the heat transfer fluid to the at least one compartment.
16. The system as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the distribution system comprises at least one control valve to control the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one compartment.
17. The system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the temperature of at the least one compartment is controlled by a secondary heat exchanger in fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid in the distribution system.
18. The system as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the secondary heat exchanger comprises a network of channels to conduct heat to the at least one wall of the at least one compartment such that the temperature of the at least one compartment is controlled by the flow of the heat transfer fluid within the channels.
19. The system as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the at least one compartment comprises a fan ibr circulating cool or hot air from the secondary heat exchanger into the at least one compartment.
20. The system as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the secondary heat exchanger comprises a conduit housed exterior of the at least one compartment so as to circulate cool or hot air from within the housing into the at least one compartment.
21. The system as claimed in Claim 19 or 20, wherein the temperature of the at least one compartment is controlled by controlling the speed of the fan.LI')
22. The system as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, wherein the system fbrther C'J comprises a temperature control module so as to control the temperature of the at least one comparlment.
23. The system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the temperature of the at least one compartment is remotely controllable.
24. The system as claimed in Claim 22 or 23, wherein the temperature of the at least one compartment is independently controllable by controlling any one of the following alone or in combination of; i) controlling the speed of the fan; and/or ii) controlling the flow of the first and/or second heat transfer fluid in the distribution system.
25. The system as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one compartment comprises a drain for drainage of liquid accumulated in the least one compartment.
26. The system as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the least one compartment comprises sidewalls and a base, and wherein the base is sloped towards the drain.
27. The system as defined in any of the preceding claims comprising modular units, wherein each of the modular units comprising at least one or more of the following: i) the at least one lockable storage space as defined in any of the preceding claims, and/or ii) the refrigeration system as defined in any of claims I to 25; and/or iii) the distribution system as defined in any of the claims 1 to 25; and/or iv) the heating system as defined in Claim 11 to 25; and/or v) the access control module as defined in Claim 2 to 6.4'
28. The system as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein each compartment comprises; (0 O a)acavity; U') CSJ b) an insulating layer exterior of the cavity; c) at least one heat exchanger mourned to at least one exterior wall of the cavity and partially embedded within the insulation layer.
29. The system as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the compartment further campuses an electric heating element mounted to at least one wall of the cavity and partially embedded within the insulation.
30. The system as defined in claim 28 or 29 comprising a stack of compartment9.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein each compartment is mounted within a frame or support stmcture. each compartment having an open end, and at least one lockable door mounted to the frame for closing one or more open ends of each of the compartments.
32. The system of claim 30 or 31, wherein each compartment has an interior volume and wherein the interior volume of one compartment in the stack is different to the interior volume of another compartment in the stack.
33. A method fbi producing a compartuent for use in the system as defined in any of the claims 28 to 32 comprising: I) forming the cavity from a mould; ii) mounting the heat exchanger to the exterior sidewall of the cavity to form an assembly; iii) partially moulding insulation around the assembly such that the heat exchanger is partially embedded within the insulation.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein step (iii) further comprises the steps of: i) placing the assembly within an outer mould so as to fonn a gap between the wall of co the cavity and the outer mould; ii) injection nioukhng insulation in the gap.C'J
35. A System for secure delivery or collection of goods as defIned in any of the claims I to 32, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompany drawings.
36. A method of claims 33 or 34, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompany drawings.