JP6934170B2 - Recovery device, program, recovery method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a recovery device, a program, and a recovery method .

An empty container collecting device for collecting an empty container is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The article collection device needs to notify the collection company and the installation destination of the device of the collection amount of articles such as empty containers.
In a general article collection device, a measuring instrument for measuring the weight of the accommodating portion is provided in the accommodating portion for accommodating the collected material, and the collected amount is detected.

JP-A-2009-175789

However, in a general article collection device that measures the weight of the accommodating portion by a weighing device, the article collecting device is relatively large because it requires an installation space for installing the weighing device.

The recovery device of the present invention has at least the following configurations.
Collecting apparatus includes a charging port for projecting enter the recovered material,
A measuring unit provided at the input port for measuring the collected material,
A determination unit that determines whether or not collection is possible based on the measurement result by the measurement unit in a state where the collected material is placed in the input port.
A storage unit for accommodating a recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit, and a storage unit.
It is characterized by having a calculation unit for calculating the storage amount, which is the total amount of the recovered materials stored in the storage unit, based on the measurement result of the recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit.

In addition, the program of the present invention uses a computer as a recovery device.
A slot means consisting of a slot for loading the recovered material into the device,
A measuring means for measuring the collected material in a measuring unit provided at the inlet.
A determination means for determining whether or not recovery is possible based on the measurement result by the measuring means in a state where the collected material is placed in the inlet.
A storage means for accommodating a recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination means,
A calculation means for calculating the total amount of the collected material contained in the storage means based on the measurement result of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination means.
It is a program to function as .
Further, the recovery method of the present invention is a recovery method in a recovery device.
A loading port step consisting of a loading port for loading the recovered material into the device, and
A weighing step for measuring the collected material in a measuring unit provided at the inlet, and a weighing step.
A determination step of determining whether or not collection is possible based on the measurement result in the measurement step with the collected material placed in the input port, and a determination step.
A containment step for accommodating the recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination step,
It is characterized by having a calculation step of calculating a storage amount which is the total amount of the recovered materials stored in the storage step based on the measurement result of the recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination step.

According to the present invention, the storage capacity of the storage unit in which the recovered material is stored is calculated by using the detection result of the measurement unit for determining whether or not the collection is possible without providing a measuring instrument in the storage unit. A recovery device with a containment unit can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program for calculating the accommodating amount of the accommodating means for accommodating the recovered material by using the detection result of the measuring means for determining whether or not the collected material can be collected. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recovery method for calculating the storage amount in the storage step in which the recovered material is stored, using the detection result in the measurement step for determining whether or not the recovery is possible.

An overall conceptual view of a container recovery device (article recovery device) as a recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a front view of the container recovery device, and (b) is a side view of the container recovery device. The conceptual diagram of the container input part of the article collection device (container collection device) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the article collection device (container collection device) in the state which the outer door is closed and the inner door is closed. A side conceptual diagram showing an example of an article collection device (container collection device) in which the outer door is closed and the inner door is closed. The perspective view which shows an example of the article collection device (container collection device) in the state which the outer door is open and the inner door is closed. A side conceptual diagram showing an example of an article collection device (container collection device) in which the outer door is open and the inner door is closed. A perspective view from a front upper position showing an example of an article collection device (container collection device) in which the outer door is open and the inner door is closed. A side conceptual diagram showing an example of an article collection device (container collection device) in which the outer door is closed and the inner door is open. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of an article collection device (container collection device) in which the outer door (not shown) is closed and the inner door is open. The side conceptual view which shows an example of the volume reduction part of the article collection apparatus (container collection apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The plan view which shows an example of the volume reduction part of the article collection apparatus (container collection apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. A diagram for explaining an article collection device (container collection device) according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is an electrical functional block diagram of the article collection device (container collection device), and (b) is shown in (a). The functional block diagram of the control unit shown. The figure for demonstrating an example of the container accommodating part of the article collection device (container collecting device) which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows an example of a container accommodating part, (b) is a container accommodating bag. The figure which shows an example of the container accommodating part with the cap accommodating bag attached. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the recovery apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the article collection apparatus (container collection apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the article collection apparatus (container collection apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the instruction part (close button, open button, etc.) of the article collection device (container collection device). The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the recovery system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the contents shown in the illustration. In the following description of each figure, parts common to the parts already described are designated by the same reference numerals, and some duplicate explanations will be omitted.
As the recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, a container recovery device (article recovery device) will be described.

The recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention is determined to be recoverable by a measuring unit that measures a recovered object such as an article, a determination unit that determines whether or not collection is possible based on the measurement result by the measuring unit, and a determination unit. A storage unit for accommodating the recovered material and a calculation unit for calculating the storage capacity, which is the total amount of the recovered material stored in the storage unit, based on the measurement result of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit. Have.

Goods are not limited to PET bottles, cans, and bottles, but include, for example, milk packs, trays, ink cartridges, items returned to libraries and rental stores (books, DVDs, etc.), cleaning items, batteries, light bulbs, etc. Any article will do. That is, the container recovery device is an embodiment of the article recovery device.

Specifically, in the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the outer door of the article loading section is closed during standby, and the inner door provided openable and closable between the article loading section and the accommodating section is closed. It is in a state. At the time of collecting the article, the outer door of the article loading section is opened, and the object placed on the loading section of the article loading section by the discriminating section is the article to be collected (for example, an empty resin container such as a PET bottle). ) Is determined. When it is determined that the object is an article (empty container) to be collected, the outer door is closed, the inner door provided between the article loading part and the accommodating part is opened, and the container is collected by the accommodating part. NS. In the present embodiment, the container collection device is provided with a volume reduction mechanism, and by reducing the volume of the container by the volume reduction mechanism, a large amount of empty containers whose volume has been reduced can be collected by the collection unit having a specified capacity.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a container charging section 110 above the device main body 100B, and the container loading section 110 is provided. An outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the opening of the portion 110. The device main body 100B is provided with a display operation unit 3 and a transmission / reception unit 4 (communication unit) on the front side near the upper part of the outer door 111. Further, a luggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B.

Further, a passage communicating with the container storage unit 140 is provided below the container charging unit 110, and an inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 from the mounting unit 116 of the container charging unit 110 to the container storage unit 140. ing.

In the present embodiment, the empty container collecting device 100 is provided with a volume reducing portion 120 (volume reducing mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container accommodating portion 140. When the inner door 112 is in the open state, the volume reducing unit 120 crushes the empty container A from the container charging unit 110 to reduce the volume, and outputs the reduced volume container RA to the lower container accommodating unit 140.
Further, the device main body 100B of the empty container collecting device 100 has a drawer 100C on which the container accommodating portion 140 is placed, and a drawer handle 100e and a key hole 100r are provided on the front side, and the key is keyed. It is configured so that it can be locked and unlocked by inserting it into the hole 100r.

Further, a translucent portion 100A (translucent window) is provided on the front side of the device main body portion 100B, specifically, on the front side of the drawer 100C, and an empty container accommodated in the container accommodating portion 140 from the outside. Is configured to be visible.

Further, a moving handle 100 g used at the time of transportation is provided on the side surface portion of the apparatus main body 100B.

Further, the apparatus main body 100B is provided with a cap insertion portion 108 on the front side, a cap passage 72 is provided downward from the cap insertion portion 108 in the apparatus main body, and the cap inserted into the cap insertion portion 108 is a cap. It is configured to be accommodated in the cap accommodating portion 145 via the passage 72.
The cap passage 72 may have a mechanism for sorting the cap and those smaller than the cap. Specifically, the cap passage 72 is branched, and a mesh-like member at the branch portion discharges and accumulates leftover butts, rainwater, etc. by another route so that only the cap fits in the cap accommodating portion 145. It may be.

Next, the container charging section 110 of the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device will be described. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a container loading portion of the empty container collecting device. 3 and 4 are views showing an example of an empty container collecting device in which the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is closed. 5, 6 and 7 are views showing an example of the empty container collecting device 100 in which the outer door 111 is in the open state and the inner door 112 is in the closed state. 8 and 9 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of an empty container collecting device in which the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is open. Note that the outer door is not shown in FIG.

The container loading section 110 of the empty container collecting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting section 116, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a pedestal 118, a measuring section 7, an outer door support section S111, and an inner door support. It has a unit S112, an outer door driving unit 5, an inner door driving unit 6, a first limiting unit K111, a second limiting unit K112, and the like.

The mounting unit 116 is configured so that an object to be collected or the like can be mounted. In detail, the mounting portion 116 is provided with an optical sensor 9 such as a light receiving portion 9a and a light emitting portion 9b, a metal sensor, and the like on the side wall portion 116a of the mounting portion 116. Further, a measuring unit 7 is provided below the mounting unit 116.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mounting surface of the mounting portion 116 is not horizontal, and the container accommodating portion 140 side is lower than the article loading port side (opening side when the outer door 111 is in the open state). It is provided with an inclination. That is, the mounting portion 116 is configured to encourage the loaded article to fall to the container accommodating portion 140 side (or volume reducing portion 120 side) due to its own weight. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a transport mechanism for sending the article (load) to the container accommodating portion 140, and a small article collection device can be provided.
Further, the mounting portion 116 has a structure in which the surface of the mounting surface is surface-treated to form an uneven portion, and the loaded article is prevented from sticking to the mounting portion. When the article collection device is a container collection device, even if the container is wet, the contact area between the container surface and the uneven surface of the mounting portion is relatively small, so that the surface tension due to wetting is small and the container is a container. It easily moves to the accommodating portion 140 side. That is, it is possible to prevent a problem that the wet container does not fall to the container storage portion side.

The outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the mounting portion 116. The outer door driving unit 5 drives the outer door 111 so as to be openable and closable.
The inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 between the mounting portion 116 and the volume reducing portion 120. The inner door driving unit 6 drives the inner door 112 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the inner door 112 is provided with a guide portion 112D for guiding the mounting state of the empty container. The guide portion 112D is provided at a position where it is exposed and can be seen from the main body of the apparatus. The guide unit 112D is displayed as information so that an article (empty container such as a PET bottle) is placed in a specified direction and a specified position (for example, 350 ml, 500 ml, 2000 ml, etc.). The guide portion 112D may be a concave portion, a convex portion, a sticker, an LED display portion, an LCD, or the like provided on the surface of the inner door 112.
Further, the article collecting device may be provided with a determination means for determining whether or not the article is correctly placed at the placement position indicated by the guide unit 112D by a detection sensor such as an imaging unit. In addition, if the mounting orientation and position are incorrect, notification can be performed by a detection unit such as an imaging process or an optical sensor.

In the present embodiment, the empty container collecting device 100 has a pedestal 118, and the pedestal 118 has an outer door 111 and outer door support portions S118 and S111 for supporting the outer door driving unit 5. Specifically, an outer door driving unit 5 and a rotating shaft C111 are provided at the upper ends of the two outer door support portions S118, and a fan-shaped outer door supporting portion S111 is rotatably provided on the rotating shaft C111. The outer door 111 is supported by the fan-shaped support portion S111 for the outer door. One of the two rotating shafts C111, the rotating shaft C111, is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor of the outer door driving unit 5.
The fan-shaped support portion S111 for the outer door is provided with a hole portion S111h through which the rotation shaft C112 of the inner door 112 penetrates.

The measuring section 7 is arranged between the pedestal 118 and the mounting section 116 and supports the mounting section 116.

Further, the inner door 112 is configured to guide an empty container placed on the mounting portion 116 to the volume reducing portion 120 in the open state. Further, in the present embodiment, the inner door driving unit 6 and the inner door 112 are supported by the inner door support portion S112 which is arranged on the measuring unit 7 and has a structure extending from between the measuring unit 7 and the mounting unit 116. Has been done. The inner door driving unit 6 is provided with a rotating shaft C112 of the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 is provided on the rotating shaft C112. By opening the inner door 112, the object to be collected can be guided to the container accommodating portion 140 in the main body of the apparatus. Further, the inner door support portion S112 has a hole portion S112h through which the rotation shaft C111 is passed.

That is, the outer door driving unit 5 and the outer door 111 are supported by the outer door support portion S111 of the pedestal 118, and the mounting portion 116 is provided on the upper portion of the measuring portion 7 arranged on the pedestal 118. The unit 7 can measure the mass of the object to be collected and the like placed on the mounting unit 116 with high accuracy. Specifically, since the measuring unit 7 does not support the outer door 111 or the outer door driving unit 5, the measuring unit 7 is affected by the vibration of the outer door 111 or the outer door driving unit 5. It has a structure that is difficult to receive, and the mass of the object to be collected on the mounting portion 116 can be measured with high accuracy.

Further, the outer door 111 of the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention can move between the open position where the mounting portion 116 is exposed and the closed position where the mounting portion 116 is covered. When the outer door 111 is closed, the outer door 111 can be moved from the open position to the closed position toward the mounting portion 116. That is, since the outer door 111 is configured to move toward and close the mounting portion 116 from the open state, for example, a user's hand or arm is sandwiched between the outer door 111 and the mounting portion 116. At that time, the measured value by the measuring unit fluctuates, and the control unit detects the fluctuation, so that the user's hand, arm, foreign matter, etc. can be easily caught between the outer door 111 and the mounting unit 116. Can be detected.

Further, in the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the outer door 111 includes a first limiting unit K111 that restricts the movement of the inner door 112. The inner door 112 includes a second limiting portion K112 that limits the movement of the outer door 111. The first limiting unit K111 and the second limiting unit K112 have a mechanism for restricting that both the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 are in the open state.
That is, since the empty container collecting device 100 has a first limiting portion K111 provided on the outer door 111 and a second limiting portion K112 provided on the inner door 112, the empty container collecting device 100 has a mechanically simple structure and is outer. The opening / closing operation of each door can be restricted according to the opening / closing state of each of the door 111 and the inner door 112.

Further, the first limiting portion K111 of the empty container collecting device 100 as an article collecting device is configured to respond to the movement of the outer door 111. The second limiting portion K112 is configured to respond to the movement of the inner door 112. Further, the empty container collecting device 100 is configured such that the first limiting portion K111 restricts the movement of the inner door 112 when the outer door 111 is in the open state, and when the inner door 112 is in the open state, the first limiting portion K111 is configured to restrict the movement of the inner door 112. The limiting portion K112 of 2 is configured to limit the movement of the outer door 111.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the outer door 111 is in the open state, the empty container collecting device 100 is configured to limit the inner door 112 from being in the open state while remaining in the closed state. That is, when the outer door 111 is in the open state and the thrown object is placed on the mounting portion 116, the inner door 112 is in the closed state and is not in the open state, but is placed on the mounting portion 116. Regardless of whether the object is a collection object or a non-collection object, it is configured so as not to be accommodated in the container accommodating portion 140 in the apparatus main body 100B. That is, in this state, the article (collected object or non-collected object) is in contact with the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 has a structure that also serves as a part of the mounting portion.

Further, the first limiting unit K111 and the second limiting unit K112 are configured so that the movement paths overlap. Further, in the present embodiment, in the empty container collecting device 100, when one of the first limiting unit K111 and the second limiting unit K112 restricts the movement of the other, the first limiting unit K111 and the second limiting unit K111 and the second limiting unit K112. The limiting portion K112 has a structure adjacent to the arc shape with a slight interval. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first limiting portion K111 is formed in a substantially fan shape. The first limiting portion K111 has a convex arc-shaped portion K111a and a concave-shaped portion K111b. Further, the second limiting portion K112 is formed in a substantially fan shape. Specifically, the second limiting portion K112 has a convex arc-shaped portion K112a and a concave-shaped portion K112b.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the outer door 111 is open and the inner door 112 is closed and the first limiting portion K111 restricts the movement of the second limiting portion K112, the first The convex arc-shaped portion K111a of the limiting portion K111 and the concave arc-shaped portion K112b of the second limiting portion K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight gap in the arc shape.
That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, when the outer door 111 is in the open state, the inner door 112 is in the closed state, and the movement of the second limiting portion K112 is restricted by the first limiting portion K111. Therefore, the inner door 112 is maintained in the closed state and is not opened.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the inner door 112 is in the open state and the outer door 111 is in the closed state and the second limiting portion K112 restricts the movement of the first limiting portion K111, the first The convex arc-shaped portion K112a of the limiting portion K112 of 2 and the concave arc-shaped portion K111b of the first limiting portion K111 have a structure adjacent to the arc shape with a slight interval.

That is, in the empty container collecting device as the article collecting device of the embodiment of the present invention, when the outer door 111 is in the closed state and the inner door 112 is in the open state, the second limiting part K112 causes the first limiting part K111. Since the movement of the door is restricted, the outer door 111 is maintained in the closed state and is not opened.

Further, in the present embodiment, the empty container collecting device 100 may have a prohibiting means for prohibiting the movement of one or both of the first limiting unit K111 and the second limiting unit K112. Specifically, the prohibiting means has, for example, a solenoid. In this solenoid, for example, a metal movable pin (plunger) is arranged in the coil, and when the coil is not energized, the movable pin (plunger) is arranged at a position where the movable pin (plunger) protrudes from the end of the coil by the urging portion. The structure is such that the movable pin moves into the coil when the coil is energized.
For example, as a prohibition means capable of prohibiting the movement of the outer door 111 from the closed state to the open state, a movable pin (plunger) of the solenoid for the outer door engages with a hole provided in the first limiting portion K111. It may be configured to be possible, and when the closed state of the first limiting portion K111 is maintained and the movement to the open state is prohibited, the movable pin is engaged with the hole portion and the movement is not prohibited. Is configured to be controlled by a control unit so that the movable pin is in a non-engaged state. That is, the prohibiting means can prohibit the movement of the first limiting portion K111 from the closed state to the open state with a simple structure.
Further, as a prohibition means capable of prohibiting the movement of the inner door 112 from the closed state to the open state, a movable pin (plunger) of the solenoid for the inner door engages with the hole provided in the second limiting portion K112. It may be configured to be possible, and when the closed state of the second limiting portion K112 is maintained and the movement to the open state is prohibited, the movable pin is engaged with the hole portion and the movement is not prohibited. Is configured to be controlled by a control unit so that the movable pin is in a non-engaged state. That is, the prohibiting means can prohibit the movement of the second limiting portion K112 from the closed state to the open state with a simple structure.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a standby unit AA in which the outer door 111 stands by at a closed position. The standby portion AA is provided at a position where the outer door 111 does not touch the mounting portion 116, and functions as a stopper for the outer door 111.

FIG. 10 is a side conceptual diagram showing an example of a volume reduction unit of the empty container collecting device as the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan conceptual diagram showing an example of a volume reduction portion of the empty container collecting device.
The volume reducing portion 120 has a structure in which a pair of rotating shafts 811 and 911 are rotatably supported by two support members having a substantially plate shape.

Further, a feed mechanism 50 is provided on the upper portion of the volume reduction portion 120, and the rotation shaft 51 of the feed mechanism 50 is rotatably supported by the substantially plate-shaped support member. The feed mechanism 50 has a plurality of blade portions 52 (made of metal, resin, etc.) as paddles on the rotating shaft 51. In the feed mechanism 50, when the rotation shaft 51 rotates, the blade portion 52 rotates about the rotation shaft 51 as the rotation center, and guides the empty container A to the volume reduction portion 120.

Further, on the upper part of the volume reducing portion 120, a plate-shaped regulating member 61 and a regulating member 62 are provided so as to be inclined in opposite directions so as to guide the empty container A to the center of the volume reducing portion 120. It regulates the movement of the empty container A to other places.

The rotating shafts 811, 911, and 51 are arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals. In each of the pair of rotating shafts 811 and 911, the compression rollers 81 and 91 having the blade surfaces 81k or the blade surfaces 91k on both side surfaces in the axial direction and the compression rollers 81 and 91 having a diameter smaller than the compression rollers 81 and 91. Spacers s, which are slightly thicker than the thickness of the above, are alternately arranged side by side along the axial direction.
The outer peripheral portion of the compression roller provided on one rotating shaft is arranged between the compression rollers provided on the other rotating shaft, and is provided between the compression rollers provided on the other rotating shaft. It is arranged at a position separated by a predetermined distance LP from the spacer s. Further, the distance LP between the spacer s provided on the rotating shaft 811 and the compression roller 91 provided on the rotating shaft 911 facing the spacer s is the maximum outer diameter LAg of the body portion Ag of the empty container A. Is set smaller than.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a gear 811 m is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 811 and is configured to mesh with a gear 911 m provided at one end of the rotating shaft 911. ing. The rotating shafts 811, 911, and 51 are rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown). During driving, the rotating shaft 811 and the rotating shaft 911 rotate in opposite directions, the empty container A charged in the central portion is compressed by the compression rollers 81 and 91, and the reduced volume empty container is output downward. ..

The peeling section 30 (31, 32) is configured to peel off the container whose volume has been reduced by the compression rollers 81, 91 of the volume reducing section 120 from the compression rollers 81, 91.

As shown in FIG. 11, the length LAb (neck length) of the neck Ab (neck length) of the empty container A such as a PET bottle is the length from the tip Ac on the opening Ah side to the neck ring or the base of the neck. ..

The empty resin container A such as a PET bottle is formed to be thicker than the thickness of the neck portion Ab and the thickness of other portions, specifically, the shoulder portion and the body portion Ag and the like. As an empty container for recycling, for example, when the neck Ab of the empty container A and other parts are separated to form a lump smaller than the standard, the recycling company may consider it as not subject to recycling. The volume reduction portion 120 has a flat shape larger than the above standard so that the empty container is subject to recycling without the relatively thick and heavy neck portion Ab being separated from the shoulder portion and body portion Ag. Reduce the volume.

Further, the distance LT between the spacer s provided on the rotating shaft 911 and the spacer ws (s) provided on the rotating shaft 811 is longer than the outer diameter of the neck Ab of the empty container.
Further, the distance LC from the inner side surface of the support member 871 to the compression roller 81 arranged on the side surface side of the rotating shaft 811 is configured to be longer than the length LAb of the neck portion Ab of the empty container A.
Further, in the present embodiment, the distance LC is set longer than the axial length of the spacer ws (s) arranged on the side surface side of the rotating shaft 811. The axial length (thickness) of the spacer ws (s) is set to be about twice as long as the axial length Ls of the other spacers.
That is, the compression roller on the support member 871 side provided on the rotating shaft 811 is separated from the side surface of the support member 871 by a predetermined distance so as not to be separated from the neck portion Ab of the empty container A and the shoulder portion or body portion Ag. It is placed in position. That is, the volume reducing portion 120 has a structure in which the neck portion Ab of the empty container A is connected to the shoulder portion and the body portion Ag when the volume of the container is reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the axial thickness L1 of the compression rollers 81 and 91 is shorter than the length LAb of the neck portion Ab of the empty container A. For example, when an empty container A made of resin such as a PET bottle is arranged in the opposite direction, specifically, the tip Ac formed of the opening Ah of the empty container A is located on the substantially plate-shaped support member 871 side. Even when the container is arranged so as to be positioned, the neck portion Ab of the empty container A is not separated from the shoulder portion and the body portion Ag when the volume of the container is reduced.

Next, an example of the electrical configuration of the empty container recovery device 100 as the article recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the article collection device (empty container collection device 100) includes a control unit 1 (CPU), a storage unit 2, a display operation unit 3, a transmission / reception unit 4, an outer door drive unit 5, and an inner door drive unit. 6. It has a weighing unit 7, a metal sensor 8, an optical sensor 9, a door position sensor 10, a door lock unit 11, a volume reduction drive unit 15, an accommodating unit opening / closing sensor (detection unit for an article accommodating unit), a dirt sensor 17, and the like. .. Each component is electrically connected by a signal line or the like.

The control unit 1 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the article collection device (empty container collection device 100). The control unit 1 realizes the function according to the present invention on a computer by, for example, executing a control program.

The storage unit 2 is a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The storage unit 2 stores a control program and the like. Further, the storage unit 2 stores the characteristics of the empty container of the object to be collected. The characteristics of the empty container are, for example, the range of the container mass and whether or not it is a resin material.

The display operation unit 3 performs a predetermined display under the control of the control unit 1. Further, the display operation unit 3 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of the user or the like to the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 is, for example, a touch panel type display device or the like.

The transmission / reception unit 4 is a transmission / reception device that communicates with a non-contact IC card, an IC tag, or the like, and performs predetermined communication under the control of the control unit 1. Further, the transmission / reception unit 4 performs predetermined communication with another terminal device (computer) via a wireless communication path or a wired communication path under the control of the control unit 1.

The outer door drive unit 5 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the outer door 111, and is driven and controlled by control from the control unit 1.

The inner door drive unit 6 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the inner door 112, and is driven and controlled to open or close the inner door by control from the control unit 1.

The measuring unit 7 measures the mass of the empty container or the non-collected object placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container charging unit 110. The measuring unit 7 is a measuring device such as a load cell.
Further, the measuring unit 7 is used as a sensor for determining whether or not the container can be collected by detecting leftovers in the container placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container charging unit 110. Further, the measuring unit 7 is configured to be able to specify the total weight contained in the container accommodating unit 140 by integrating the weight values of the containers determined to be recoverable. With this function, it is not necessary to provide the measuring unit 140 in the container accommodating unit 140, a large capacity container accommodating unit 140 can be secured, and the measuring unit 7 itself can be made smaller. Since the object to be weighed is relatively small, it is not necessary to provide a large weighing unit 7.

The metal sensor 8 detects whether the object placed on the mounting portion 116 of the container charging portion 110 is metal or non-metal. In the present embodiment, when the metal sensor 8 detects that the object mounted on the mounting unit 116 is metal, the control unit 1 determines that the object mounted on the mounting unit 116 is a non-collected object. Determine if there is.

Further, the optical sensor 9 has a light receiving unit 9a that receives light from the light emitting unit 9b provided in the container charging unit 110. The optical sensor 9 is provided with, for example, a polarizing plate, and is configured to receive light through the polarizing plate, and is to be collected by detecting polarized light transmitted through a translucent empty container such as a PET bottle. It is configured to detect empty containers.
The control unit 1 detects the light transmitted through and received by the translucent empty container mounted on the mounting unit of the container loading unit by the optical sensor 9, and based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 9. , Determine whether it is an empty container to be collected.

The article collection device is provided with the above-mentioned sensors for determining the necessity of collection around the mounting portion. For example, in a conventional collection device, an article is taken into the device, it is determined whether or not it is a collection target, and a non-object is discharged from a discharge port different from the input port, and a determination unit is provided in the device. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an outlet.
On the other hand, the article collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with sensors for determining the necessity of collection in the mounting portion corresponding to the input port of the device, so that it is not necessary to take the object to be collected into the device. It has become. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a discharge port, and a small article collection device can be provided.

The door position sensor 10 detects the position of the outer door 111 and the position of the inner door 112, and outputs a signal regarding the position of the outer door 111 and the position of the inner door 112 to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 controls the open / closed state of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 based on the signal.

The door lock unit 11 has, for example, a locking device such as a solenoid, and locks the movement of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 as needed by the control from the control unit 1.

The volume reduction drive unit 15 controls the drive of the volume reduction unit 120 by the control of the control unit 1.

In the present embodiment, the article collection device is provided with a container accommodating unit 140 (article accommodating unit) for accommodating a container as a collected article at the lower part of the device main body. The container accommodating portion 140 has a structure that can be pulled out with respect to the apparatus main body portion.
The storage unit open / close sensor 16 (open / close detection unit for the article storage unit) detects the open (open state) or closed state of the container storage unit 140, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 1. In the present embodiment, the open (open state) of the container accommodating portion 140 corresponds to a state in which the container accommodating portion 140 is pulled out from the main body portion of the article collection device.
Further, the accommodating portion opening / closing sensor 16 is provided in the main body portion of the article collecting device or the container accommodating portion 140 (article accommodating portion).

The dirt sensor 17 is provided in the vicinity of the mounting unit 116 and the mounting unit 116, detects the dirt on the mounting unit 116, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 1. Examples of the dirt sensor 17 include an odor sensor that detects an odor generated from dirt on the mounting portion, an imaging device that images dirt on the mounting portion, a liquid detection sensor that detects liquid on the mounting portion, and the like. can.

When the detection unit (accommodation unit opening / closing sensor 16) detects the opening of the article accommodating unit (container accommodating unit 140), the control unit 1 controls to open the outer door 111 or controls to expose the mounting unit 116. I do.

Further, when the article accommodating unit (container accommodating unit 140) is in the open state, the control unit 1 performs a permission process for closing the outer door 111 by a release instruction of the instruction unit for instructing the release of the open state of the outer door 111. conduct.

Further, the control unit 1 controls to close the outer door 111 when the article accommodating unit (container accommodating unit 140) detects an operation from the open state to the closed state.

Further, the control unit 1 includes a first drive control unit 101, a second drive control unit 102, a third drive control unit 103, a fourth drive control unit 104, a notification processing unit 105, a determination unit 106, a calculation unit 107, and the like. .. The control unit 1 realizes the function of each drive control unit in an article collection device (empty container collection device) as a computer by executing a control program, for example.

The first drive control unit 101 controls the outer door drive unit 5 to open the outer door 111 when the container is collected. To control the outer door 111 to be in the open state, not only the outer door 111 is automatically opened, but also, for example, the lock is simply released, but the door itself is a user's hand (according to the notification / display indicating that the outer door 111 should be opened). Includes the act of opening (= manually) by.

When the object to be collected is placed on the mounting unit 116, the second drive control unit 102 sets the outer door 111 in the closed state and the inner door 112 in the open state by the outer door driving unit 5 and the inner door driving unit 6. , The container accommodating unit 140 controls to collect the container.

In the case of a non-collected object, the third drive control unit 103 is detected by the detection unit, and when the non-collected object is not excluded for a predetermined time or longer, the outer door driving unit 5 and the inner door driving unit 6 cause the inner door 112. The closed state of the door 111 is maintained, and the outer door 111 is controlled to be closed.

When the outer door driving unit 5 moves the outer door 111 from the open position to the closed position, the fourth drive control unit 104 closes the outer door 111 from the open position when the measuring unit 7 detects a change in the measured value. Controls to stop the movement to the position. That is, when the outer door 111 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the control unit 1 stops the movement of the outer door 111 from the open position to the closed position when the measuring unit 7 detects a change in the measured value. By performing control, it is possible to prevent the user's hand, arm, foreign matter, etc. from being caught between the outer door 111 and the mounting portion 116, reducing the load on the outer door driving portion 5 and causing a failure. Prevention can be done.

When the detection unit detects a non-collected object, the notification processing unit 105 performs notification processing so as to eliminate the non-collected object. As the notification process, for example, a screen display prompting the display unit of the display operation unit 3 to eliminate the non-collected object is performed.

The determination unit 106 determines whether or not collection is possible based on the measurement result by the measurement unit 7.
The calculation unit 107 calculates the storage amount, which is the total amount of the collected material stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140), based on the measurement result of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit 106. The calculation unit 107 integrates (adds) only the measurement results of the collected materials determined by the determination unit 106 to be recoverable and stores them in the storage unit, so that the control unit stores the total amount of the collected materials stored in the storage unit. It can be easily obtained.
The integrated value (additional value), which is the capacity, may be stored in the storage unit of the collection device, or may be an external device (for management) connected to the collection device so as to be communicable via a communication path such as a communication network. It may be stored in a computer or the like.

Specifically, the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the container to be charged is the object to be collected. Examples of the determination method include a determination method based on a measured value.
Specifically, the determination unit 106 is weighed by the measuring unit 7 based on the mass (weight) of the recovered material stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140) as the storage amount calculated by the calculation unit 107. Determine whether the collected material can be collected.

For example, the determination unit 106 determines that the container (article) can be recovered when the measurement result by the measurement unit 7 for measuring the container (article) is less than the reference value such as 20 g, and when it is equal to or more than the reference value such as 20 g. For example, it is determined that the container contains leftover drinks, and a process for prohibiting the collection of the container (article) is performed.

Table 1 shows an example of the judgment criteria. As shown in Table 1, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the accommodation capacity may be set as the recovery area.
Specifically, as the judgment criterion A1, for example, when it is less than 20 g, it is set as a recovery area (lower limit), when it is 20 g or more and less than 40 g, it is set as a recovery area, and when it is 40 g or more, it is set as an impossible area (upper limit).
Further, as the judgment criterion A2, for example, when it is less than 10 g, it is set as a recovery area (lower limit), when it is 10 g or more and less than 50 g, it is set as a recovery area, and when it is 50 g or more, it is set as an impossible area (upper limit).

The above-mentioned determination criteria may be appropriately changed by referring to the size information and the transparency information of the collected material obtained by various detection units (sensors) of the collection device.
The size information is the size of the collected object detected by the size detection unit (sensor) or the like, and when this size information can be obtained, the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the collection is possible based on the determination criteria according to the size information. You may make a judgment. For example, when the size of the container as the detected recovered product is 350 mL (liter), 500 mL, 1.5 L, 2 L, or the like, the determination criteria may differ depending on the detected size.

Further, the transparency information is transparency (transparency). When the transparency information of the collected material can be obtained by the detection unit (sensor) that detects the transparency (transparency), the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the collection is possible based on the judgment criteria according to the transparency (transparency). May be done. For example, when a container with high transparency tends to be light and a container with low transparency tends to be heavy, the determination unit 106 may determine whether or not the container can be collected by using the determination criteria according to each.

Further, as shown in Table 2, the determination unit 106 collects the collected material measured based on the storage amount (total amount) of the collected material (container, etc.) in the storage unit calculated by the calculation unit. It may be determined whether or not it is possible. In the examples shown in Table 2, the warning amount and the full amount are specified. For example, in the judgment criterion B1, when the amount of collected material stored in the storage unit reaches the warning amount, the control unit gives a warning to that effect, and when the amount is full, the control unit gives a warning to that effect. When it is (upper limit value), the control unit performs a process for prohibiting collection.
Judgment standard B1 defines, for example, 5500 g as a warning amount and 6000 g as a full amount.
In the judgment standard B2, for example, 90% of the full amount and 5000 g as the full amount are specified as the warning amount.
In the judgment standard B3, the warning amount is defined as, for example, 3600 g, and the number of warnings such as 90 collected items stored in the storage portion is specified.
That is, in the case of the judgment criterion B3, there are two conditions, the storage weight and the storage number, and when either of the conditions is satisfied, a warning or a judgment that the collection is not possible is performed.

That is, the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the article (collected material) to be weighed by the measuring unit 7 can be collected based on the number of collected items stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140) as the accommodating amount. You may.

In addition, the notification processing unit 105 (notification means) performs a process of notifying that the determination unit 106 has determined that collection is not possible. In detail, the determination that collection is not possible is performed according to the above-mentioned determination criteria, and the notification processing unit 105 notifies the user (user) and the administrator of whether or not collection is possible. Examples of the notification process include a process of displaying on a display unit provided in the collection device, a process of producing a sound on a voice output unit (speaker), and the like. Specifically, the collection device can notify the user and the notification when the store is full to the manager terminal and the form terminal of the installed store, and the computer for the collection company. That is, it is possible to shorten the period during which the collection unit is full and the collection device cannot be used.

An example of notification on the display unit of the recovery device is shown below.
At the time of impossible area (lower limit), "Only PET bottles can be collected"
In the impossible area (upper limit), "There is leftover drink. Please throw away the leftover drink before putting it in."
When it is full, "I'm sorry. I can't collect it because it's full."

<Empty container housing>
Next, an example of the container accommodating portion 140 of the empty container collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In detail, FIG. 13 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of a container accommodating portion, and FIG. 13 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a container accommodating portion equipped with a container accommodating bag and a cap accommodating bag. ..

As shown in FIG. 14A, the container accommodating portion 140 detachably provided at the lower portion of the device main body portion 100B of the empty container collecting device 100 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having an opening at the top and a bottom at the bottom. It is a container, and a translucent portion 140a or a semi-translucent portion is provided on the front side, so that the inside of the container accommodating portion 140 can be easily visually recognized from the outside.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a large container accommodating bag is detachably provided in the container accommodating portion 140 having an opening at the top. In the present embodiment, the container accommodating portion 140 having a substantially rectangular opening at the upper portion is provided with an insertion port 140b for fixing the container accommodating bag BB near the upper end of the side surface. In the present embodiment, a slit-shaped insertion port 140b is formed in the central portion of the oval elastic member.

When the container accommodating bag BB is attached to the container accommodating portion 140, the container accommodating bag BB is accommodated in the central portion of the container accommodating portion 140, the upper end of the container accommodating bag BB is folded outward, and the container accommodating bag BB is inserted into the insertion port 140b. Plug it in. That is, the container accommodating bag BB is fixed to the container accommodating portion 140 by inserting the elastic member into the slit-shaped insertion port 140b and engaging the bag with the slit.

For example, when removing the container accommodating bag BB from the container accommodating portion 140 after collecting a plurality of containers in the container accommodating bag BB, pull the container accommodating bag BB from the insertion port 140b with a predetermined force or more. Then, it becomes disengaged and the bag can be easily removed.

Further, in the present embodiment, a cap accommodating portion is provided in a part of the container accommodating portion 140. Specifically, the cap accommodating bag BS is arranged in one corner of the container accommodating portion 140. The cap accommodating bag BS preferably includes, for example, two handle portions.
The container accommodating portion 140 is provided with a locking portion such as a hook portion near the upper part of the side surface of the corner portion. The container accommodating portion 140 has a simple structure by locking the handle portion of the cap accommodating bag BS to the locking portion and arranging the opening of the bag near the outlet of the cap passage. Can be easily accommodated.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 13, the cap accommodating portion has a structure supported in the container accommodating portion 140. Further, the handle portion BSa of the cap accommodating bag BS as the cap accommodating portion is locked to the locking portion such as a hook near the upper part of the outer surface of the container accommodating portion 140 to easily realize the above configuration. can do. Further, since the container accommodating portion 140 has a structure in which the cap accommodating portion is provided, space saving can be realized.

Next, an example of the operation of the article collection device (empty container collection device 100) according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and the like.

In step ST101, the measuring unit 7 weighs the article (collected material) put into the container accommodating unit, and outputs a signal indicating the weighing result to the control unit.

In step ST102, the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the article (collected item) placed on the placement unit can be collected.

In step ST103, when the article is collected, the process proceeds to step ST105, and when the article is not collected, the process proceeds to step ST106.

In step ST104, a process of collecting an article (collected material) is performed. The collection process (after the inner door is opened, the volume reduction process is performed by the volume reduction unit as necessary, and the article is collected by the container storage unit 140, etc.) will be described later.

In step ST105, the calculation unit 107 of the control unit is the total amount of the collected material stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140) based on the measurement result of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit 106. The capacity is calculated and stored in the storage unit.

In step ST106, the control unit performs a non-collection process on the article placed on the mounting unit. Specifically, the control unit performs, for example, a notification process for notifying that the article is not collected without opening the inner door (step ST107).

Next, an example of the operation of the article collection device (empty container collection device 100) according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and the like.

In step ST1, the empty container collecting device 100 is in the standby state. When the control unit 1 receives a signal from the transmission / reception unit 4 (communication unit) or the display operation unit 3, the control unit 1 performs processing according to the signal. Further, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Please touch a card (membership card or the like)" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3. The card (membership card, etc.) is, for example, a contactless IC card for members.

In step ST2, the control unit 1 of the empty container collection device 100 performs processing according to the open / closed state of the container storage unit 140 and the like. An example of the operation of step ST2 will be described in detail in steps ST201 to ST207.

As shown in FIG. 16, in step ST201, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the container storage unit is open (open state) based on the signal from the storage unit open / close sensor 16, and in the open state. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step ST202, and in other cases, the process proceeds to step ST3.

In step ST202, the control unit 1 proceeds to the process of step ST204 when it detects the dirt of the mounting unit 116 based on the signal from the dirt sensor 17, and proceeds to the process of step ST203 in other cases.

In step ST203, when the control unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined fixed period, for example, several hours to several tens of hours has passed since the cleaning of the mounting unit 116, and determines that the time has passed. The process proceeds to step ST204, and in other cases, the process proceeds to step ST3.

In step ST204, the control unit 1 performs the outer door opening process. Alternatively, the control unit 1 controls to expose the mounting unit 116. Specifically, the control unit 1 releases the door lock portion of the outer door 111, and the outer door drive unit 5 performs drive control to move the outer door 111 to the open state.
That is, when the container accommodating portion 140 is in the open state (the state in which the container accommodating portion 140 is pulled out from the device main body portion), the outer door 111 is in the open state. The operator (user) can visually recognize the mounting portion 116, and can clean the mounting portion 116 without forgetting to clean the mounting portion 116.

In step ST205, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the close button has been operated, and if it determines that the close button has been operated, performs the outer door closing process (step ST206) and proceeds to the process of step ST1. In the case of, the process proceeds to step ST207.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display operation unit of the article collection device. As shown in FIG. 17, when the container storage unit is open (open state), the control unit displays an image 501 or characters indicating that the container storage unit is in the open state on the display operation unit. The process is performed, and the open button 502 instructing the outer door to be in the open state and the close button 503 instructing the outer door to be in the closed state are operably displayed. When the close button 503 is operated, the control unit performs drive control for closing the outer door.

In step ST207, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the container storage unit is in the closed state based on the signal from the storage unit open / close sensor 16, and if it is determined that the container storage unit is in the closed state, the process of step ST206 is performed. In other cases, the process proceeds to step ST205.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step ST3, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the outer door opening condition is satisfied, and if the outer door opening condition is satisfied, proceeds to the process of step ST4. As a condition for opening the outer door, for example, when the display operation unit 3 such as a touch panel operates the empty container collection start button or the like, the process proceeds to step ST4. The process of step ST4 may proceed on the condition that the membership card possessed by the user and the transmission / reception unit 4 communicate with each other and the personal authentication is correctly performed (condition for opening the outer door). Membership cards include, for example, contactless IC cards, magnetic cards, cards on which barcodes and 2D codes are printed, display devices on which barcodes and 2D codes are displayed, smartphones with membership card functions, and so on. Mobile phones, etc. can be mentioned.
Further, in step ST3, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Please put the container" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3.

In step ST4, the control unit 1 performs the outer door opening process. Specifically, the control unit 1 releases the door lock portion of the outer door 111, and the outer door drive unit 5 performs drive control to move the outer door 111 to the open state.

In step ST5, the mass, material, presence / absence of contents, etc. of the object placed on the mounting unit 116 are detected by various detection processes by the measuring unit 7, the metal sensor 8, the optical sensor 9, etc., and the control unit 1 receives the detection process. Outputs a signal indicating the detected result.

In step ST6, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the outer door closing condition is satisfied. Specifically, when it is determined that the object placed on the mounting unit 116 is the object to be collected, the process proceeds to step ST7, and in other cases (in the case of a non-collected object such as a foreign substance), step ST61 Proceed to the process of.
As a result of the detection process, the control unit 1 determines, for example, that the article placed on the mounting unit 116 is an empty container, for example, a predetermined amount of liquid left over in the container. When it is detected that it is present, it may be determined that it contains a foreign substance.

In step ST7, the control unit 1 closes the outer door. Specifically, the control unit 1 drives and controls the outer door driving unit 5 so as to close the outer door.

In step ST8, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a change in the measurement value by the measurement unit 7 is detected, and if the change in the measurement value is detected, proceeds to the process of step ST9, and in other cases, measurement. The detection process of step ST8 is continued until the change in the value subsides.

In step ST9, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the inner door opening condition is satisfied, and as a result of the determination, if the inner door opening condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step ST14, and if the inner door opening condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step ST14. The process proceeds to step ST10. The condition for opening the inner door is, for example, that the object placed on the mounting portion 116 is the object to be collected.

In step ST10, the control unit 1 performs an inner door opening process. Specifically, the control unit 1 performs drive control by the inner door drive unit 6 so that the inner door 112 is in the open state.
In step ST10, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "recycling container XX" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3. As will be described later, in the case of the continuous loading process of containers, the control unit 1 counts up the number of containers and performs a process of displaying the number on the display unit. Further, when the container is not continuously charged, the control unit performs a process of displaying on one container and the display unit.

In step ST11, the control unit 1 closes the inner door. Specifically, the control unit 1 performs drive control by the inner door drive unit 6 so that the inner door 112 is closed. The inner door 112 is in a closed state, and the mounting portion and the volume reducing portion are separated (separated). Then, the process proceeds to step ST12.

In step ST13, the control unit 1 performs the outer door opening process. Specifically, the control unit 1 performs drive control by the outer door driving unit 5 so that the outer door 111 is opened. The outer door 111 is in the open state, and the next container can be put in.
In step ST14, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Please put the next container, if not, touch the screen" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3. As will be described later, when the operator (user or the like) touches the screen of the display operation unit 3, the end is declared.

In step ST15, the control unit 1 performs volume reduction processing. Specifically, the control unit 1 performs a process of reducing the volume of the empty container A by the volume reducing unit 120. The volume reduction process in step ST13 does not have to be performed. Further, if necessary, the volume of the container may be reduced or not reduced.

In step ST14, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a new article has been loaded into the mounting unit by a signal from each sensor, and as a result of the determination, the article is determined by any sensor (detecting unit) of the mounting unit. When is detected, the process proceeds to step ST5, and when the article is not detected, the process proceeds to step ST15.
By proceeding to step ST5 as described above, the container can be continuously charged. Specifically, since the volume reduction unit is in a state where a new container can be put into the mounting unit while the empty container is being reduced in volume, it is detected by the sensor (detection unit) of the mounting unit. The processing and the volume reduction processing by the volume reduction unit can be performed in parallel. That is, the article collection device can efficiently reduce the volume of empty containers.
Further, even in the case of not the continuous loading process, the inner door 112 is in the closed state during the volume reduction process, and the mounting portion and the volume reduction portion 120 are separated (separated state). Therefore, even if debris such as a container is scattered by the volume reduction process by the volume reduction portion, the debris does not reach the mounting portion.

In step ST15, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the end operation has been detected, and if the end operation is detected, proceeds to the process of step ST1, and if not, proceeds to the process of step ST16. Specifically, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Please put the next container, please touch the screen" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, and by touching the screen. When the end of the operation is detected, the process proceeds to the process of step ST1.

In step ST16, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the volume reduction process of the container by the volume reduction unit 120 is completed, and if it is completed, proceeds to the process of step ST1. If not, the process of step ST14. Proceed to. Specifically, in step ST16, the control unit 1 starts timing from the state where the outer door of ST12 is open, determines that there is no next container when a predetermined time has elapsed, and automatically performs the above-mentioned standby state. The process proceeds to step ST1.

In step ST61, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the outer door closing condition is satisfied in step ST6, and if it is determined that the object placed on the mounting unit 116 is a non-collected object, it is predetermined. It is determined whether or not the time, for example, about 30 seconds to 1 minute has elapsed, and as a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step ST62, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step ST62. It is in a standby state until a predetermined time elapses.

In step ST62 and step ST63, the control unit 1 performs an outer door closing process for closing the outer door 111 while maintaining the closed state of the inner door 112. Specifically, the outer door driving unit 5 is driven and controlled so that the control unit 1 and the outer door 111 are closed.

In step ST64, the control unit 1 performs the notification process. Specifically, in the control unit 1, when the non-collected object is placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container loading unit 110 and the outer door 111 is closed, the volume of the non-collected object is reduced. A process of notifying that the non-collected object remains in the input section in the section and not being collected, and a process of notifying that the non-collected object is removed from the mounting section 116 are performed. As the notification process, a process of displaying on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, a process of producing a predetermined notification sound, and a process of causing a light emitting element such as an LED to emit light are performed. Then, the process proceeds to step ST1.
Further, as the notification process of the control unit 1, the above notification may be performed to an external terminal device (not shown). The external terminal device is, for example, a POS terminal installed in a store, a portable terminal device carried by a store clerk or a system administrator, a host server, or the like. The control unit 1 may perform the above notification (pop-up screen display, lamp lighting, sound output, etc.) to the external terminal device via a wireless or wired communication path by the transmission / reception unit 4. Further, the control unit 1 may output an error so that each terminal device can directly notify the error, or the control unit 1 may output an error to a higher-level server and the POS terminal or the like may perform the above notification via the server. Further, the control unit 1 may similarly notify other error information (fullness detection, replacement sign of consumable parts, other failure error, etc.).
In addition, after the processing of step ST64, the case where the collector of the container is specified and the case where the collector of the container is not specified will be described in detail.
When identifying the collector, the clerk who received the notification sends and receives an IC card with identification information for the administrator (the identification information for the administrator is stored in the storage unit of the IC card) and the like. When it is held over or touched (or brought close to) the unit 4, the control unit controls to open the outer door 111 after confirming that the authentication process has been correctly performed for the administrator. The outer door 111 is opened so that a clerk or the like can remove the non-collected material. That is, by giving the authority to open the outer door at the time of an error only to a limited number of people, it is possible to prevent further introduction of foreign matter and mischief.
When the collector is not specified, even if the outer door 111 is closed in ST62 and ST63 and foreign matter cannot be inserted, when the identification information is read from the IC card or the like by the transmission / reception unit 4, the control unit 1 will perform. Regardless of whether or not the administrator is an administrator, the process of opening the outer door 111 may be performed. As a result, the user who wants to use the article collection device can remove the non-collected object. That is, it is possible to prevent a chance loss that the article collection device cannot be used until a clerk or the like comes and removes the non-collected object.

As described above, the empty container collection device 100 as the collection device (article collection device) according to the embodiment of the present invention collects the collected material based on the measurement unit 7 for measuring the collected material and the measurement result by the measurement unit 7. A determination unit 106 that determines whether or not the item can be collected, a storage unit (container storage unit 140) that stores the collected material that is determined to be recoverable by the determination unit 106, and a measurement result of the collected material that is determined to be recoverable by the determination unit 106. Based on the above, it has a calculation unit 107 for calculating the storage amount which is the total amount of the collected materials stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140).
That is, the calculation unit 107 adds the measured values of the collected materials determined to be recoverable by the determination unit 106 to obtain the total amount of the collected materials stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140). , Can be easily calculated.
When an article such as an empty container stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140) is collected, the control unit sets the storage capacity of the storage unit to an initial value such as 0 kg as a reset process. Perform processing. That is, it is possible to provide a collection device that accurately calculates the storage amount of the collected material such as an empty container to be stored in the storage unit after the next collection of the article by a simple process.

Further, the determination unit 106 of the empty container collection device 100 as the collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention determines whether or not the collected material can be collected based on the accommodation amount calculated by the calculation unit 107.
That is, for example, when the mass (weight) of the total recovered material stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140), which is the storage capacity calculated by the calculation unit 107, is equal to or more than a preset reference value, the storage unit is stored. It is determined that the unit is full of the collected material, and this time, it is determined that the article (collected material) to be weighed by the measuring unit 7 is not collected, and the above collection process is performed. By performing a non-collection process by determining that the article (collected object) to be weighed is to be collected, it is possible to provide a collection device that easily determines whether or not the article can be collected according to the free capacity of the storage unit. ..

Further, as described above, the empty container recovery device 100 as the recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a loading port for charging the recovered material into the recovery device (opening when the outer door 111 is in the open state). To be equipped with. The measuring unit 7 is provided behind the charging port in the collecting direction and in front of the accommodating unit (container accommodating unit 140) in the collecting direction. The collection direction is the direction in which the collected material falls from the inlet to the storage unit (container storage unit 140) (the direction in which the collected material advances). That is, the collection device includes a measuring unit 7 on the front side in the above direction from the accommodating unit, and the measuring unit 7 measures the collected material before the collected material is accommodated in the accommodating unit, and the control unit ( The determination unit, calculation unit, etc.) can perform the above processing.

Further, the determination unit 106 of the collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention measures the articles (measurement unit 7) based on the number of collected items stored in the storage unit (container storage unit 140) as the storage capacity. It may be determined whether or not the collected material) can be collected. That is, for example, when the number of collected items contained in the accommodating portion is equal to or greater than the reference value, it is determined that the accommodating portion is full of the collected items, and the article to be weighed by the measuring unit 7 this time (collection). By determining that the article (object) is not collected, it is possible to determine whether or not the article (collected object) can be collected based on the number of the collected objects regardless of the measurement result of the measuring unit 7.

In addition, the empty container collection device 100 as the collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a notification means (notification processing unit 105) for notifying that the determination unit 106 has determined that collection is not possible. Specifically, the notification means (notification processing unit 105) performs a process of notifying the display unit, the speaker, or the like of the display operation unit 3 that the article thrown into the loading port is determined to be uncollectible. That is, the collection device can make the user recognize that the article is not collected by performing the above notification to the user.

Further, in the empty container recovery device 100 as the recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the weighing unit (maximum value that can be measured by the measuring unit) is, for example, the recovered product when the storage portion is filled with the recovered product. May be less than the total weight of. For example, even if the collection device is provided with a measuring unit having a small weighing unit, as described above, the collection device integrates (adds) the measurement of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit and stores it in the storage unit. Since the capacity, which is the total amount of the collected material, can be calculated, as a result, the weight exceeding the weighing part of the measuring unit is substantially weighed.
Specifically, for example, even if the weight of the fully-filled storage unit is 20 kg, the recovery device does not need to include a weighing unit weighing 20 kg. It is sufficient that the weighing unit is required to take into consideration the maximum value to be weighed in one collection. For example, about 1 kg is not a problem. As described above, since the recovery device does not need to be provided with a measuring unit that assumes the total weight to be recovered, it can contribute to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the recovery device.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the recovery system according to the embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a recovery device (empty) having a measuring unit, a storage unit (empty container storage unit), a communication unit, etc. installed in a store or the like. It may have a container recovery device 100 or the like) and a management computer 301 that is communicably connected to the recovery device via a communication path 201 such as a wired communication path or a wireless communication path. The management computer 301 is installed in a store management room, a cash register counter, a remote management company, or the like. The management computer 301 has a communication unit capable of communicating with the collection device, a determination unit, and a calculation unit.
That is, in the above-mentioned collection system, by providing the management computer 301 with a determination unit and a calculation unit, the collection device has a simple structure including a measuring unit and an accommodating unit. Further, in the embodiment in which the identification information unique to each collection device and the measurement result by the measuring unit are associated with each other and transmitted from the collection device to the management computer 301, the management computer 301 collects the collected material of each collection device. The collection status such as quantity can be easily and centrally managed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and there are design changes and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Even included in the present invention.
Further, the embodiments shown in the above figures can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose and configuration thereof.
Further, the description contents of each figure can be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to one embodiment in which each figure is combined.

The recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention described above includes a volume reduction unit (volume reduction mechanism) for reducing the volume of an empty container, but is not limited to this embodiment, and includes, for example, a volume reduction mechanism. Instead, the empty container of the input object to be collected may be collected as it is.

In the above-described embodiment, the empty container collection device collects empty containers such as PET bottles, but may be configured to collect aluminum cans, steel cans, and the like, and collects PET bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans. It may be a device that is also used.

In the above-described embodiment, the control unit opens the outer door when the article accommodating unit detects the opening by the detection unit, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the article is not limited to this embodiment. When the accommodating portion detects the opening, a notification process may be performed to notify the opening of the outer door or to expose the above-mentioned storage portion.
That is, the control unit operably displays an instruction unit (open button or close button) instructing the outer door to be in the open state on the display operation unit, so that an operator such as a clerk can open or close the outer door. Can be selected.

Further, as the notification process, the control unit may display the instruction unit in an operable manner and may perform a display process for guiding the mounting unit to be cleaned. That is, the article collection device can guide an operator such as a clerk to clean the article with a simple configuration.

Further, the control unit may control to close the outer door when the article accommodating unit detects the operation from the open state to the closed state.

1 ... Control unit 2 ... Storage unit 3 ... Display operation unit 4 ... Transmission / reception unit 5 ... Outer door drive unit 6 ... Inner door drive unit 7 ... Weighing unit 8 ... Metal sensor 9 ... Optical sensor 16 ... Storage unit Open / close sensor (empty container) Detection unit for accommodating unit)
71 ... Passage 10 ... Door position sensor 11 ... Door lock 100 ... Empty container collection device (collection device, article collection device, or container volume reduction device)
100B ... Device main body 105 ... Notification processing unit 106 ... Judgment unit 107 ... Calculation unit 110 ... Container loading unit (article loading unit)
111 ... Outer door 112 ... Inner door 116 ... Mounting part 120 ... Volume reduction part (volume reduction mechanism)
140 ... Container storage unit (storage unit or article storage unit)

Claims (5)

And the inlet to throw enter the recovered material,
A measuring unit provided at the input port for measuring the collected material,
A determination unit that determines whether or not collection is possible based on the measurement result by the measurement unit in a state where the collected material is placed in the input port.
A storage unit for accommodating a recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit, and a storage unit.
Based on the measurement result of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination unit, a calculation unit that calculates the total amount of the collected material contained in the storage unit, and a calculation unit.
A recovery device characterized by having. The collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying that the collected material is removed from the input port when the determination unit determines that the collection is impossible. 2. The recovery device described. A computer as a recovery device,
A slot means consisting of a slot for loading the recovered material into the device,
A measuring means for measuring the collected material in a measuring unit provided at the inlet.
A determination means for determining whether or not recovery is possible based on the measurement result by the measuring means in a state where the collected material is placed in the inlet.
A storage means for accommodating a recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination means,
A calculation means for calculating the total amount of the collected material contained in the storage means based on the measurement result of the collected material determined to be recoverable by the determination means.
A program to function as. It is a collection method in the collection device.
A loading port step consisting of a loading port for loading the recovered material into the device, and
A weighing step for measuring the collected material in a measuring unit provided at the inlet, and a weighing step.
A determination step of determining whether or not collection is possible based on the measurement result in the measurement step with the collected material placed in the input port, and a determination step.
A containment step for accommodating the recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination step,
Based on the measurement result of the recovered material determined to be recoverable by the determination step, the calculation step of calculating the storage amount which is the total amount of the recovered material stored in the storage step, and the calculation step.
A recovery method characterized by having.

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