JP7546466B2 - Insertion method and insertion device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and device for feeding collection bags containing used sanitary products into a processing device that processes the used sanitary products.

When collecting and reusing used sanitary products, there are known techniques for preventing contamination of equipment and people with dirt, bacteria, etc. contained in the used sanitary products and for hygienic processing. For example, JP 2002-273731 A discloses a method for pre-processing used paper diapers by cutting them into pieces for the purpose of preventing environmental contamination caused by the scattering of bacteria and enabling processing to be carried out in a hygienic environment.

JP 2002-273731 A

Patent Document 1 describes washing used disposable diapers with cleaning water. However, used disposable diapers are usually collected in collection bags to prevent environmental contamination due to the dispersion of bacteria. Therefore, if a processing device is adopted that processes used disposable diapers together with the collection bag, environmental contamination due to the dispersion of bacteria during processing can be prevented. Here, during the process from receiving the collection bag from the collection vehicle to being inserted into the processing device via a conveyor or the like, there is a risk that the collection bag may break depending on how the collection bag is handled, and if this occurs, bacteria inside the bag may scatter to the outside and contaminate the environment. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe how the collection bag is handled from receiving the collection bag from the collection vehicle to being inserted into the processing device via a conveyor or the like.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for hygienically transporting and disposing collection bags containing used sanitary products to a processing device that processes the used sanitary products without breaking the collection bags.

One aspect of the present invention is a method for feeding collection bags containing used sanitary products into a processing device, the method comprising a storage step of storing the collection bags in a storage container having a delivery port through which the collection bags can be delivered, a supply step of gradually supplying the stored collection bags with a supply means, and a transport step of sequentially transporting the collection bags supplied in stages with a conveyor.

Another aspect of the present invention is an input device that inputs collection bags containing used sanitary products into a processing device, the input device comprising a storage container that stores the collection bags and has a discharge port through which the collection bags can be discharged, a supply means that supplies the stored collection bags in stages, and a conveyor that sequentially transports the collection bags that have been supplied in stages.

The present invention provides a method and device for hygienically transporting and disposing collection bags containing used sanitary products to a processing device that processes the used sanitary products without breaking the collection bags.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a feeding device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a supply unit and related devices according to the embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an input method according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a supplying process according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an extrusion process according to the embodiment.

The present embodiment relates to the following aspects.
[Mode 1] A method for feeding collection bags containing used sanitary products into a processing device, the method comprising: a storage step of storing the collection bags in a storage container having an outlet through which the collection bags can be fed; a supply step of gradually feeding the stored collection bags using a supply means; and a transport step of sequentially transporting the collection bags fed gradually using a conveyor.
This input method includes a storage step of storing collection bags in a storage container, a supply step of supplying the stored collection bags in stages by a supply means, and a transport step of transporting the collection bags supplied in stages by a conveyor. That is, the supply means supplies collection bags to the conveyor in a plurality of stages, such as supply at an initial stage, supply at a next stage, and supply at a further next stage, and the conveyor transports the collection bags in each stage sequentially without consolidating them. In this way, the collection bags in the storage container are supplied to the conveyor in a plurality of stages, so that it is possible to prevent the collection bags from being continuously supplied to the conveyor and the amount of collection bags on the conveyor from becoming excessive. As a result, the collection bags are less likely to overlap on the conveyor, and even if they overlap, the number of overlapping collection bags is reduced, so that it is possible to prevent the lower collection bags from being broken due to the weight of the upper collection bags. Therefore, this insertion method makes it possible to hygienically transport and insert used sanitary products together with the collection bag to a processing device that processes the used sanitary products without breaking the collection bag.

[Aspect 2] The supplying means is provided with a door opening/closing section for opening and closing the door of the discharge outlet, and the supplying process includes a process of gradually increasing the degree of opening of the door by the door opening/closing section when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, in the input method described in Aspect 1.
In this throw-in method, the supplying means includes a door opening/closing unit that opens and closes the door of the outlet, and in the feeding process, when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, the door opening/closing unit gradually increases the degree of opening of the door. For example, the degree of opening of the door is set to an initial stage, and the collection bag is sent out from the outlet. After that, when the collection bag is no longer sent out, the degree of opening of the door is set to the next stage, which increases, and the collection bag is sent out from the outlet again. The same applies below. In this way, by gradually increasing the degree of opening of the door, the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor in stages, so that it is possible to prevent a large amount of collection bags from being continuously supplied to the conveyor at once. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the collection bags are sent out one after another and the collection bags sent out later give impact to the collection bags sent out earlier, and to prevent the collection bags from breaking. Therefore, this throw-in method makes it possible to hygienically transport and throw the collection bags together with the collection bags to a processing device that processes used sanitary products without breaking them.

[Aspect 3] The supplying means is provided with an inclination changing unit that inclines the storage container, and the supplying process includes a process of gradually increasing the degree of inclination of the storage container using the inclination changing unit when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, in accordance with the input method described in Aspect 1 or 2.
In this throw-in method, the supplying means includes an inclination changing unit, and in the feeding step, when the collection bag is fed to the conveyor, the inclination changing unit gradually increases the inclination degree of the storage container. For example, the inclination degree of the storage container is set to an initial stage, and the collection bag is fed from the feed outlet. After that, when the collection bag is no longer fed, the inclination degree of the storage container is set to the next stage, which increases, and the collection bag is fed from the feed outlet again. The same applies below. In this way, by gradually increasing the inclination degree of the storage container, the collection bag is intermittently fed to the conveyor, so that it is possible to prevent a large amount of collection bags from being continuously fed to the conveyor at once. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the collection bags are fed one after another and the collection bags fed later give impact to the collection bags fed earlier, and to prevent the collection bags from breaking. Therefore, this throw-in method makes it possible to hygienically transport and throw the collection bags together with the collection bags to a processing device that processes used sanitary products without breaking them.

[Aspect 4] The supplying means comprises a base portion arranged vertically below the storage container and above the conveyor, and an extrusion portion arranged vertically below the storage container and above the base portion, and the supplying process includes a process of holding the collection bag sent out from the discharge outlet on the upper surface of at least a part of the base portion that has moved to a position between the storage container and the conveyor in the planar direction when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, and a process of pushing the collection bag held on the upper surface of at least a part of the base portion onto the conveyor while gradually increasing the degree of pushing of the collection bag held on the upper surface of at least a part of the base portion onto the conveyor by the extrusion portion.
In this throw-in method, the supplying means includes a base portion and a push-out portion. In the supplying step, when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, at least a part of the base portion holds the collection bag sent out from the delivery port on its upper surface, and the push-out portion pushes the collection bag sent out to the upper surface of the base portion onto the conveyor while gradually increasing the degree of pushing the collection bag onto the conveyor. For example, the degree of pushing of the collection bag is set to an initial stage, and the collection bag is pushed from the base portion onto the conveyor. After that, when the collection bag is no longer pushed out, the degree of pushing of the collection bag is set to the next stage and becomes larger, and the collection bag is pushed from the base portion onto the conveyor again. The same applies below. In this way, by gradually increasing the degree of pushing of the collection bag, the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor in stages, so that it is possible to prevent a large amount of collection bags from being continuously supplied to the conveyor all at once. This prevents the collection bags from being sent out one after the other, causing an impact on the collection bags sent out earlier, and prevents the collection bags from breaking. Therefore, this insertion method makes it possible to hygienically transport and insert the collection bags together with the collection bags to the processing device that processes the used sanitary products without breaking them.

[Aspect 5] The supplying means further includes a door opening/closing section for opening and closing the door of the outlet and/or a tilt changing section for tilting the storage container, and when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, the door opening/closing section gradually increases the degree of opening of the door and/or the tilt changing section gradually increases the degree of tilt of the storage container, and the supplying process includes: when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, the push-out section gradually pushes the collection bag onto the conveyor at a predetermined degree of tilt and/or degree of opening at the push-out section, and then retreats; after the push-out section retreats, the tilt changing section and/or the door opening/closing section change the degree of tilt and/or degree of opening to the next stage, respectively; and the push-out section changes the degree of extrusion to the next stage at the changed degree of tilt and/or degree of opening. This is the method of the invention described in Aspect 4.
In this input method, the supply step includes a step of pushing the collection bag on the base part to the conveyor in stages at a predetermined inclination degree and/or opening degree (a collection bag is sent onto the base part), and once the collection bag is no longer on the base part, the pusher part is temporarily retracted. Next, the inclination degree of the storage container and/or the opening degree of the door part of the storage container are changed to the next stage (increased; a collection bag is sent onto the base part again), and the pusher part pushes the collection bag on the base part again to the conveyor in stages. In this way, by gradually increasing the pushing degree of the collection bag for each inclination degree of the storage container and/or opening degree of the door, the collection bag can be more accurately supplied to the conveyor in stages. This can prevent the collection bag from being subjected to an impact, and can prevent the collection bag from being broken.

[Aspect 6] The supplying process includes a process of discharging the collection bags in a row from the discharge outlet of the storage container onto the upper surface of the base portion, and a process of pushing the collection bags held in a row on the upper surface of the base portion in the push-out section onto the conveyor, wherein the direction of the row of collection bags discharged from the storage container, the direction of the row of collection bags pushed out from the push-out section, and the flow direction of the conveyor are parallel to each other.The input method described in Aspect 4 or 5.
In this input method, the direction of the row of collection bags sent out from the storage container, the direction of the row of collection bags pushed out from the pusher, and the flow direction of the conveyor are parallel to each other. Therefore, the row of collection bags can be transferred from the storage container to the conveyor via the pusher (base) while still in the row. Therefore, the collection bags can be transferred from the storage container to the conveyor via the pusher (base) in a generally evenly distributed state without forming a mass in a specific location. This makes it possible to suppress breakage of the collection bags due to overlapping of the collection bags, etc.

[Aspect 7] The method of any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the supply process includes a process of stopping the gradual change in the supply of the stored collection bags when a sensor for detecting the collection bags on the conveyor detects the collection bags on the conveyor.
In this input method, when there is a collection bag on the conveyor, the supply process stops changing the stages. That is, when there is a collection bag on the conveyor, the supply process does not proceed from the supply stage to the next stage. For example, when supply is being performed in the initial stage, supply is not performed in the next stage, and when supply is being performed in the next stage, supply is not performed in the next stage. In this way, when there is a collection bag on the conveyor, additional collection bags are not supplied to the conveyor, so that it is possible to prevent a situation in which collection bags are sent out one after another and a later sent collection bag applies an impact to a previously sent collection bag, and to prevent the collection bag from breaking.

[Aspect 8] The input method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the storage step and the supply step are alternately performed using two sets of the storage container and the supply means.
In this input method, two sets of storage containers and supply means are operated alternately. That is, after the collection bags in one set of storage containers are supplied to the conveyor in stages by the supply means, the collection bags in the other set of storage containers are supplied to the conveyor in stages by the supply means. Therefore, after the supply means of one set progresses stepwise from the initial stage to the final stage, during the period when it returns to the initial stage, the supply means of the other set can start supplying the collection bags in the initial stage. This makes it possible to efficiently transport the collection bags and input them into the processing device while preventing the collection bags from breaking.

[Aspect 9] The input method described in any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the storage process includes a process of raising the storage container containing the collection bag with a lifter and lowering the storage container without the collection bag with a lifter.
In this loading method, the storage container containing the collection bags is raised by a lifter, eliminating the need to lift the collection bags and place them in a storage container at a high altitude. This prevents the collection bags from breaking during the process and the resulting environmental pollution, and allows the collection bags to be efficiently received, supplied, transported, and loaded into the processing device.

[Aspect 10] The feeding method described in any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the transporting process further includes a process of placing the collection bag transported by the conveyor into an input container while measuring the mass of the collection bag in the input container with a measuring unit, and a process of feeding the collection bag in the input container into the processing device with an input unit when the mass of the collection bag in the input container exceeds a predetermined mass.
In this feeding method, while the collection bag transported by the conveyor is put into the feeding container, the mass of the collection bag in the feeding container is measured by the measuring unit, and when the mass of the collection bag in the feeding container exceeds a predetermined mass, the collection bag in the feeding container is fed into the processing device by the feeding unit. By grouping the collection bags (multiple) into the feeding container by approximately the predetermined mass, for example, the collection bags that the processing device can process at one time can be stably and efficiently supplied to the processing device. At this time, even if the collection bag breaks for some reason, the collection bag is in the feeding container, so the spread of contamination to the surrounding area can be suppressed.

[Aspect 11] The conveyor includes, in order from the supply means side to the processing device side, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a third conveyor, and the transporting process includes a step of transporting the collection bag with the first conveyor, a step of transporting the collection bag with the second conveyor at a transport speed faster than the first conveyor, and a step of transporting the collection bag with the third conveyor at a transport speed faster than the second conveyor.The method of inserting the collection bag described in any one of aspects 1 to 10.
In this method, the conveyor includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a third conveyor in the order from the supply means side to the processing device side, and the conveying speeds of the first conveyor, the second conveyor, and the third conveyor increase in this order. Therefore, while conveying the collection bags from the supply means side to the processing device side, the collection bags can be prevented from overlapping and from breaking.

[Embodiment 12] An input device for inputting collection bags containing used sanitary products into a processing device, the input device comprising: a storage container for storing the collection bags and having an outlet through which the collection bags can be discharged; a supply means for gradually supplying the stored collection bags; and a conveyor for sequentially transporting the collection bags supplied in stages.
The effects of the feeding devices described in aspects 12 to 22 are basically the same as the effects of the feeding methods described in aspects 1 to 11, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[Aspect 13] The feeding device according to aspect 12, wherein the feeding means includes a door opening/closing unit that opens and closes the door of the outlet, and the door opening/closing unit gradually increases the degree to which the door is open when the collection bag is fed to the conveyor.

[Aspect 14] The feeding device according to aspect 12 or 13, wherein the supplying means includes an inclination change unit that inclines the storage container, and the inclination change unit gradually increases the degree of inclination of the storage container when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor.

[Aspect 15] The feeding device according to any one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein the feeding means includes a base portion disposed vertically below the storage container and above the conveyor, and a pusher portion disposed vertically below the storage container and above the base portion, and when the collection bag is fed to the conveyor, at least a portion of the base portion moves to a position between the storage container and the conveyor in a planar direction and holds the collection bag sent out from the delivery opening on its upper surface, and the pusher portion pushes the collection bag held on the upper surface of at least a portion of the base portion onto the conveyor while gradually increasing the degree of pushing the collection bag onto the conveyor.

[Aspect 16] The feeding device according to aspect 15, wherein the supplying means further includes a door opening/closing unit that opens and closes the door of the outlet and/or a tilt changing unit that tilts the storage container, and when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, the door opening/closing unit gradually increases the degree of opening of the door and/or the tilt changing unit gradually increases the degree of tilt of the storage container, the pushing unit gradually pushes the collection bag onto the conveyor at the tilt degree and/or the opening degree at a predetermined stage, and then retreats, and the tilt changing unit and/or the door opening/closing unit respectively change the tilt degree and/or the opening degree to the next stage after the pushing unit retreats, and the pushing unit changes the pushing degree to the next stage at the changed tilt degree and/or opening degree.

[Aspect 17] The feeding device according to aspect 15 or 16, in which the collection container sends out the collection bags from the delivery outlet in a row onto the upper surface of the base, the pusher pushes out the collection bags held in a row on the upper surface of the base in a row onto the conveyor, and the direction of the row of collection bags sent out from the collection container, the direction of the row of collection bags pushed out from the pusher, and the flow direction of the conveyor are all parallel to one another.

[Aspect 18] The input device according to any one of aspects 12 to 17, further comprising a sensor for detecting the collection bag on the conveyor, and the supply means stops the gradual change in the supply of the stored collection bag when the sensor detects the collection bag on the conveyor.

[Aspect 19] The dosing device according to any one of aspects 12 to 18, in which there are two sets of the storage container and the supply means, which are operated alternately.

[Aspect 20] The feeding device according to any one of aspects 12 to 19, further comprising a lifter capable of raising and lowering the storage container.

[Aspect 21] The feeding device according to any one of aspects 12 to 20, further comprising: a measuring unit that measures the mass of the collection bag in the feeding container while placing the collection bag transported by the conveyor in the feeding container; and a feeding unit that feeds the collection bag in the feeding container into the processing device when the mass of the collection bag in the feeding container exceeds a predetermined mass.

[Aspect 22] The input device according to any one of aspects 12 to 21, wherein the conveyor comprises a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a third conveyor, in that order from the supply means side to the processing device side, and the conveying speeds of the first conveyor, the second conveyor, and the third conveyor increase in this order.

Below, an input method and input device according to an embodiment will be described. The input method and input device are a method and device for inputting a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device that processes the used sanitary products. Note that used sanitary products are sanitary products that have been used by a user, and include those that have not been used but have been discarded. Examples of sanitary products include absorbent articles, masks, wet wipes, medical gowns, and medical caps. Examples of absorbent articles include disposable diapers, urine pads, sanitary napkins, bed sheets, and pet sheets.

First, the input device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the input device A according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the supply means 2 and related devices provided in the input device A. The input device A is a device for inputting a collection bag P containing used sanitary products into a processing device 50 (implementing a processing method), and implements the input method described below. However, the processing device 50 (and processing method) is not particularly limited, and an example of the system (and method) described in JP 2020-183585 A can be mentioned. The system (and method) processes used absorbent articles stored in a collection bag (collection bag) together with the collection bag so that excrement, fungi, and odors do not leak to the outside, and separates and collects a film, a superabsorbent polymer, and pulp fibers from the used absorbent articles. FIG. 1 shows only the input port of the processing device 50.

The input device A includes a storage container 1 that stores collection bags P and has a discharge port 11 through which the collection bags P can be discharged, a supply means 2 that supplies the collection bags P stored in the storage container 1 in stages, and a conveyor 3 that sequentially transports the collection bags P supplied in stages from the supply means 2.

In this embodiment, the conveyor 3 includes a first conveyor 3-1 that receives the collection bags P from the supply means 2 in stages and transports them in sequence, as described below, and second and third conveyors 3-2 and 3-3 that transport the collection bags P handed over from the first conveyor 3-1 toward the processing device 50. The storage container 1 includes storage containers 1-1 and 1-2 of the same structure that are arranged on both sides of the first conveyor 3-1, and the supply means 2 includes supply means 2-1 and 2-2 of the same structure that are arranged on both sides of the first conveyor 3-1.

The storage container 1 is provided with a door 12 at the delivery port 11. In this embodiment, the storage container 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the delivery port 11 is provided on the rectangular side of the storage container 1, and has a rectangular shape, and the door 12 is provided to cover the delivery port 11. Although not shown, the storage container 1 further has a rectangular opening and a lid covering the opening on the rectangular top surface. The storage container 1 receives a plurality of collection bags P collected by a collection vehicle through the opening. After reception, a lid is placed on the opening to prevent contamination. Note that the opening does not need to be provided with a lid.

In this embodiment, the supply means 2 is provided with a door opening/closing unit 21 that opens and closes the door 12 of the delivery port 11. The door opening/closing unit 21 is, for example, a door opening/closing mechanism using a cylinder and a link mechanism. The door opening/closing unit 21 gradually increases the degree of opening of the door 12 when the collection bag P is supplied from the storage container 1 to the conveyor 3. The way in which the collection bag P exits from the delivery port 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the degree of opening. In the example shown in this figure, the degree of opening of the door 12 is increased so that the angle of the door 12 with respect to the side of the storage container 1 is in three stages: αa, αb, and αc (αa<αb<αc). By gradually increasing the degree of opening of the door 12, the collection bag P can be delivered in a row in stages from the gap between the door 12 and the delivery port 11 toward the conveyor 3. However, "in a row" does not necessarily mean that they are lined up in a strict straight line in a specific direction, and they may be offset by about two collection bags P, preferably one bag, in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction (the same applies below). αa, αb, and αc are, for example, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees, respectively. However, the opening angle does not have to be in three stages, and may be two or less stages or four or more stages. The angle is not limited to the above angles, and may be any angle, and the angle intervals between each stage do not have to be equal.

In this embodiment, the supply means 2 is equipped with an inclination change unit 22 that inclines the storage container 1. The inclination change unit 22 may be, for example, an inclination angle adjustment mechanism using a cylinder and a link mechanism. The inclination change unit 22 gradually increases the inclination degree of the storage container 1 when the collection bag P is supplied from the storage container 1 to the conveyor 3. The way in which the collection bag P exits from the delivery port 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the inclination degree. In the example shown in this figure, the inclination degree of the storage container 1 is increased so that the angle of the bottom surface of the storage container 1 relative to the placement surface of the storage container 1 is in three stages: βa, βb, and βc (βa<βb<βc). By gradually increasing the inclination degree of the storage container 1, the collection bag P can be delivered in a row toward the conveyor 3 in stages from the gap between the door 12 and the delivery port 11. βa, βb, and βc may be, for example, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees, respectively. However, the opening angle does not have to be in three stages, and can be two stages or less, or four stages or more. The angles are not limited to the above angles, and can be any angle, and the intervals between the angles of each stage do not have to be equal.

When the supply means 2 includes both the door opening/closing unit 21 and the tilt changing unit 22, the door opening/closing unit 21 and the tilt changing unit 22 may move in synchronization with each other, or may move independently of each other without synchronization. However, moving in synchronization means that the door opening/closing unit 21 changes one step and the tilt changing unit 22 changes one step at the same time. For example, the door opening/closing unit 21 changes the opening degree (angle) of the door 12 to αa at the same time that the tilt changing unit 22 changes the tilt degree (angle) of the storage container 1 to βα.

In this embodiment, the supply means 2 includes a base portion 23 arranged vertically below the storage container 1 and above the conveyor 3, and an extrusion portion 24 arranged vertically below the storage container 1 and above the base portion 23. The base portion 23 and the extrusion portion 24 are plate-shaped members having a rectangular shape slightly smaller than the rectangular bottom surface of the storage container 1 in a plan view, and are stored in a storage portion below the storage container 1. For example, the length of the side facing the first conveyor 3-1 in the rectangular shape of the base portion 23 and the extrusion portion 24 is the same as or slightly smaller than the length of the corresponding side of the storage container 1, and is slightly larger than the length of the corresponding side of the delivery port 11. The length of the side perpendicular to that side is about 1/2 to 4/5 of the length of the corresponding side of the storage container 1. In terms of the shape in plan view, the base portion 23 and the extrusion portion 24 are equal, or the base portion 23 is larger than the extrusion portion 24.

When the collection bag P is supplied from the storage container 1 toward the first conveyor 3-1, the base 23 extends from the storage section by a predetermined length toward the first conveyor 3-1. The advancement and retreat of the base 23 is performed, for example, by a cylinder mechanism or a rack-and-pinion mechanism. As a result, at least a portion of the base 23 moves in the planar direction to a position between the storage container 1 and the first conveyor 3-1, and holds the collection bag P sent out from the delivery port 11 on its upper surface. However, the extension length of the base 23 from the storage section can be, for example, 60 cm.

When the collection bag P is supplied from the storage container 1 toward the first conveyor 3-1, the pusher 24 extends from the storage section in stages toward the first conveyor 3-1. The pusher 24 moves forward and backward, for example, by a cylinder mechanism or a rack-and-pinion mechanism. That is, the pusher 24 gradually increases the degree of pushing of the collection bag P held on at least a portion of the upper surface of the base 23 toward the first conveyor 3-1. In the example shown in this figure, the degree of pushing of the pusher 24 is gradually increased so that the predetermined length extending from the storage section has three stages: d1, d2, and d3 (d1<d2<d3; not shown). Therefore, when the collection bag P is supplied from the storage container 1 toward the conveyor 3, the upper surface of the base portion 23 first receives and holds the collection bag P, and then the pushing portion 24 pushes (drops) the collection bag P on the upper surface of the base portion 23 little by little toward the first conveyor 3-1. By gradually increasing the pushing degree of the pushing portion 24, the collection bag P can be pushed out in a row from the base portion 23 toward the conveyor 3 in stages. However, d1, d2, and d3 can be, for example, 20 cm, 40 cm, and 60 cm, respectively. The predetermined length of the pushing degree does not have to be three stages, and may be two stages or less or four stages or more. The predetermined length is not limited to the above length and may be any length, and the intervals between the stages do not have to be equal.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the storage container 1 sends out the collection bags P in a row from the delivery port 11 onto the upper surface of the base 23, and the pusher 24 pushes out the collection bags P held in a row on the upper surface of the base 23 onto the first conveyor 3-1 in a row. At this time, the direction of the row of collection bags P sent out from the storage container 1, the direction of the row of collection bags P pushed out from the pusher 24, and the flow direction of the first conveyor 3-1 are all parallel to one another. However, in this case, "parallel to one another" does not mean that the lines indicating each direction need to be strictly parallel to one another, and the lines indicating each direction may be offset from one another by about ±10 degrees, and may be offset by about two collection bags P, preferably one bag, in a direction perpendicular to each direction (same below).

In this embodiment, the conveyor 3 includes, in order from the supply means 2 side to the processing device 50 side, the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3, and further includes the fourth conveyor 3-4, as described above. The conveyor 3 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a belt conveyor. The first conveyor 3-1 is arranged so that its conveying direction is parallel to the side of the storage container 1 having the outlet 11, and conveys the collection bag P sent from the outlet 11 via the supply means 2. The second conveyor 3-2 is located below the first conveyor 3-1 in the vertical direction, and is arranged so that its conveying direction is the same as the conveying direction of the first conveyor 3-1, and conveys the collection bag P conveyed from the first conveyor 3-1. The third conveyor 3-3 is disposed so that one end is located vertically below the first conveyor 3-1, its conveying direction intersects with the conveying directions of the first and second conveyors 3-1 and 3-2 (e.g., cross angle 90 degrees) and ascends toward the other end. The third conveyor 3-3 conveys the collection bags P conveyed from the second conveyor 3-2 and drops them into a conveying container B (indicated as "B ₁ " in FIG. 1) disposed below the other end. The fourth conveyor 3-4 will be described later.

The conveying speed of the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3 increases in this order. By successively increasing the conveying speed of the conveyors 3, the collection bags P are less likely to overlap during conveyance, and can be conveyed while being separated one by one. In addition, by using multiple conveyors 3, it is possible to easily separate overlapping collection bags P when transferring between the conveyors 3. By overlapping the conveyors 3 in the height direction, it is possible to prevent the collection bag P from being pinched and torn between the conveyors 3 when transferring between the conveyors 3. The crossing angle of the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3 is not limited to the above example, and may be, for example, all parallel to each other, or all cross each other. The number of conveyors 3 may be two or less, or four or more.

In this embodiment, two sets of storage containers 1 and supply means 2 are arranged on either side of the first conveyor 3-1 (storage container 1-1 and supply means 2-1, and storage container 1-2 and supply means 2-2), and are operated alternately. In other words, while one set is sending collection bags P to the first conveyor 3-1, the other set can receive multiple collection bags P collected by a collection vehicle through its opening. This allows the collection of collection bags P and transport to the processing device 50 to be carried out efficiently.

In this embodiment, the feeding device A further includes a sensor 5, a lifter 6, a mass measuring unit 7, a conveyor 9, a feeding unit 8, and a control device 10.

The lifter 6 raises and lowers the storage container 1 between a lower position and an upper position. There are no particular limitations on the type of lifter 6, but examples include a device equipped with a lift mechanism using a cylinder and link mechanism. In the lower position, the storage container 1 receives multiple collection bags P collected by a collection vehicle, and in the upper position, the storage container 1 sends multiple collection bags P to the first conveyor 3-1.

In this embodiment, not only the storage container 1 and supply means 2, but also the lifter 6 are arranged in pairs on either side of the first conveyor 3-1 (lifter 6-1 and lifter 6-2), and are operated alternately. Therefore, two sets of storage container 1, supply means 2, and lifter 6 are arranged on either side of the first conveyor 3-1, and are operated alternately. This makes it possible to more efficiently collect collection bags P and transport them to the processing device 50.

The sensors 5 include a first sensor 5a for the first conveyor 3-1, a second sensor 5b for the second conveyor 3-2, and a third sensor 5c for the third conveyor 3-3, as sensors for detecting the collection bag P on the conveyor 3. In the example shown in the figure, the first sensor 5a is installed on the ceiling above the first conveyor 3-1, the second sensor 5b above the second conveyor 3-2, and the third sensor 5c above the third conveyor 3-3, spaced apart from each other. There are no particular limitations on the sensor 5, but an example of the sensor 5 is an image sensor that detects the presence or absence and position of an object using an image. When the sensor 5 detects the collection bag P on the conveyor 3, the supply means 2 stops changing the stepwise operation when supplying the collection bag P stored in the storage container 1 to the conveyor 3 according to the position of the collection bag P. For example, when the first sensor 5a detects a collection bag P on the conveyor 3-1, the supply means 2 stops the stepwise change in the supply of the collection bag P stored in the storage container 1 (e.g., change in the degree of opening, the degree of inclination, and/or the degree of pushing). The first sensor 5a, the second sensor 5b, and the third sensor 5c may be installed on the side of the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3, respectively. Each sensor 5 may be, for example, a transmissive photoelectric sensor, and is installed so that the reaction optical axis is offset horizontally from each conveyor 3.

The mass measuring unit 7 (measuring unit) measures the mass of all of the collection bags P in the transfer container _B1 as the collection bags P transferred by the third conveyor 3-3 are sequentially placed into the transfer container _B1 . There are no particular limitations on the mass measuring unit 7, but an example of such a unit is an electronic mass meter. A transfer device (not shown) near the mass measuring unit 7 transfers the transfer container _B1 in which the mass of all of the collection bags P exceeds a predetermined mass, i.e., the transfer container _B2 , to the next fourth conveyor 3-4.

The fourth conveyor 3-4 conveys the transport container B ₂ containing the collection bag P exceeding a predetermined weight to the conveyor 9. The fourth conveyor 3-4 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a belt conveyor, a drive roller conveyor, or a combination thereof. A gate-shaped fourth sensor 5d for the fourth conveyor 3-4 is disposed on the fourth conveyor 3-4 for detecting metal. The fourth sensor 5d is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a metal detector. This is because, if the transport container B ₂ contains a collection bag P containing metal, a separate process for removing the metal must be performed before processing in the processing device 50.

The conveyor 9 includes a first conveyor 9-1, a second conveyor 9-2, and a third conveyor 9-3. The conveyor 9 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a drive roller conveyor. The first conveyor 9-1 receives the transport container B ₂ that has been detected for metal, i.e., the transport container B ₃ , via the fourth conveyor 3-4, and changes its destination depending on whether or not it contains metal. For example, if it does not contain metal, the destination of the transport container B ₃ is the second conveyor 9-2 (the side of the input section 8), and if it contains metal, the destination of the transport container B ₃ is the third conveyor 9-3 (the side of the device (not shown) that performs processing to remove metal).

The input unit 8 receives the transport container _B3 not containing metal, i.e., the transport container _B4 , and transports it above the input port of the processing device 50. The input unit 8 then inputs the recovery bag P in the transport container _B4 that has been transported above the input port, i.e., the transport container _B5 , into the input port of the processing device 50. There are no particular limitations on the input unit 8, but it is a device that can lift the container and input the contents of the container into a specified input port.

The control device 10 is connected to at least the storage container 1, the supply means 2, the conveyor 3, the sensor 5, the lifter 6, the mass measurement unit 7, the transfer device, the conveyor 9, and the input unit 8 via wires 10a and/or wirelessly (not shown). The control device 10 controls the operation of at least the supply means 2, the conveyor 3, the lifter 6, the transfer device, the conveyor 9, and the input unit 8 based on signals from the sensor 5, the mass measurement unit 7, etc. The control device 10 is an information processing device exemplified by a computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The control device 10 executes a computer program installed in the control device 10 to realize a plurality of functions. The plurality of functions include functions to control the supply means 2, the conveyor 3, the lifter 6, the mass measurement unit 7, the transfer device, the conveyor 9, and the input unit 8, etc.

Next, an insertion method according to an embodiment will be described. This insertion method is performed by the above-mentioned insertion device A. Figs. 3 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of the supply means 2 and its related devices in the insertion method according to the embodiment, and Figs. 10 to 12 are flow charts showing an example of the insertion method according to the embodiment. This insertion method is a method for inserting collection bags containing used sanitary products into the processing device 50 (which executes the processing method).

As shown in FIG. 10, this input method includes a storage step S1 in which collection bags P are stored in a storage container 1 having a discharge port 11 through which the collection bags P can be discharged, a supply step S2 in which the stored collection bags P are supplied in stages by a supply means 2, and a transport step S3 in which the collection bags P supplied in stages are sequentially transported by a conveyor 3.

In this embodiment, the storage step S1 includes a lifting step S11 in which the storage container 1 containing the collection bag P is raised by the lifter 6, and the storage container 1 without the collection bag P is lowered by the lifter 6. For example, the empty storage container 1 is lowered from an upper position to a lower position of the lifter 6, and the collection bag P collected by the collection vehicle is placed in the empty storage container 1, which is then lifted to the upper position. In this embodiment, the storage container 1, supply means 2, and lifter 6 are arranged in two sets on either side of the first conveyor 3-1, and are raised and lowered alternately.

Figure 3 shows the state in which the storage container 1 containing the collection bag P has been raised to an upper position by the lifter 6. In this case, the storage container 1 stores the collection bag P. In the supply means 2, the door opening/closing unit 21 sets the degree of opening of the door 12 to zero (initial position) (blocking the delivery port 11), the tilt change unit 22 sets the degree of tilt of the storage container 1 to zero (initial position), and the base unit 23 and the push-out unit 24 are located within the storage unit.

In this embodiment, the supply process S2 includes steps S21 to S28 that are carried out sequentially when the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3, as shown in FIG. 11.

Figure 4 shows the state of steps S21 to S23 in Figure 11. Step S21 is a step in which the base 23 moves to a position between the storage container 1 and the conveyor 3 in the planar direction. That is, at least a part of the base 23 extends from the storage section by a predetermined length toward the first conveyor 3-1. The position of the end of the base 23 extending from the storage section at that time, i.e., the end of the base 23a on the first conveyor 3-1 side, is the position where the collection bag P would land on the first conveyor 3-1 if it were to drop from that end onto the first conveyor 3-1 side.

In step S22, the door opening/closing unit 21 sets the opening degree of the door 12 to the initial stage. As a result, the door 12 opens at an angle αa relative to the outlet 11, making it easier for the collection bag P to go out from the outlet 11. In step S23, the tilt change unit 22 sets the tilt degree of the storage container 1 to the initial stage. As a result, the storage container 1 is tilted at an angle βa relative to the horizontal plane, making it easier for the collection bag P to move toward the outlet 11. As a result, in the tilted storage container 1, i.e., storage container 1a, the collection bag P is sent out by gravity from the gap between the door 12 and the outlet 11. The collection bag P sent out from the storage container 1a, i.e., the collection bags Pa and Pb, are placed on the upper surface of the base unit 23a. At the same time, the collection bag P moves by gravity toward the outlet 11 in the storage container 1a. At this time, since the gap between the door 12 and the delivery port 11 is not wide, the collection bags Pa, Pb are placed in a row along the gap. In the example shown in this figure, the row of collection bags Pa is on the first conveyor 3-1 side, and the row of collection bags Pb is on the storage container 1a side. However, either step S22 or step S23 may be performed before the other, or they may be performed simultaneously.

Figure 4 shows a state in which the storage container 1a containing the collection bag P is slightly tilted and the door 12 is slightly open. In this case, in the supply means 2, the door opening/closing unit 21 sets the opening degree of the door 12 to the initial stage (angle αa) and opens the delivery port 11, the inclination change unit 22 sets the inclination degree of the storage container 1a to the initial stage (angle βa), the base unit 23a extends a predetermined length from the storage unit, and the pusher unit 24 is located within the storage unit. The storage container 1a stores the collection bag P, but some of the collection bags Pa and Pb have moved onto the base unit 23a. Therefore, steps S21 to S23 can be said to be steps of holding the collection bag P delivered from the delivery port 11 on at least a part of the upper surface of the base unit 23a that has moved between the storage container 1a and the first conveyor 3-1 in the planar direction.

Figures 5 to 9 show the state of step S24 in Figure 11. Step S24 is a step in which at least a portion (Pa) of the collection bags Pa, Pb held on the upper surface of at least a portion of the base portion 23a is pushed out by the pushing section 24 from the end of the base portion 23a onto the first conveyor 3-1. Figure 12 shows the details of step S24. In this embodiment, step S24 includes steps S41 to S47.

Step S41 is a step in which the pushing section 24 sets the degree of pushing to the initial stage. As a result, the pushing section 24 extends from the storage section by a predetermined length d1 (not shown). That is, the pushing section 24 extending from the storage section, i.e., the pushing section 24a, drops the row of collection bags Pa on the first conveyor 3-1 side of the collection bags Pa, Pb on the base section 23a from the base section 23a and places them on the first conveyor 3-1. Figure 5 shows this state. As a result, the collection bags Pa are transported from the first conveyor 3-1 to the second conveyor 3-2 and the third conveyor 3-3 in sequence. Figure 6 shows this state.

Step S42 is a step of determining whether or not collection bag Pa is present on the first conveyor 3-1 based on the signal of the first sensor 5a. If collection bag Pa is present on the first conveyor 3-1 (step S42: No), the pushing unit 24a temporarily stops operation and step S43 is performed. On the other hand, if collection bag Pa is not present on the first conveyor 3-1 (step S42: Yes, FIG. 6), the process proceeds to step S44. However, step S43 is a step of transporting collection bag Pa sequentially by the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3, so that collection bag Pa is no longer present on the first conveyor 3-1. Then, after step S43, step S42 is performed again.

In step S44, the pusher 24a retreats (retracts) into the storage section and then advances (extends) to the initial stage again (extends from the storage section). This ensures that the row of collection bags Pa on the first conveyor 3-1 side falls from the base 23a without any leakage.

Step S45 is a step for determining whether the pushing unit 24a has retreated and advanced a predetermined number of times, i.e., a step for determining whether step S44 has been performed a predetermined number of times. By retreating and advancing a predetermined number of times, the row of collection bags Pa on the first conveyor 3-1 side can be reliably dropped from the base 23a. If the pushing unit 24a has not retreated and advanced a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice) (step S45: No), the process returns to step S42. On the other hand, if the pushing unit 24a has retreated and advanced a predetermined number of times (step S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S46. Note that steps S44 to S45 do not have to be performed.

Step S46 is a step for determining whether the pushing unit 24a has changed the degree of pushing by a predetermined step. By changing the degree of pushing by a predetermined step, the collection bags Pa, Pb on the base 23a can be reliably dropped onto the first conveyor 3-1. If the pushing unit 24a has not changed the degree of pushing by a predetermined step (e.g., three steps) (Step S46: No), the process proceeds to Step S47. On the other hand, if the pushing unit 24a has changed the degree of pushing by a predetermined step (Step S46: Yes), the process ends Step S24 and proceeds to Step S25.

Step S47 is a step in which the pushing portion 24a increases the degree of pushing, for example, from the initial stage to the second stage. As a result, the pushing portion 24a extends from the storage portion by a predetermined length d2 (not shown) for the second stage, which is longer than the predetermined length d1 for the initial stage. As a result, the collection bag Pb on the base portion 23a falls from the base portion 23a and is placed on the first conveyor 3-1. Figure 7 shows this state. The collection bag Pb is then transported in sequence by the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3. Figure 8 shows this state.

After step S47, steps S42 to S46 are performed again, and step S47 is performed again, causing the pusher 24a to extend from the storage section by a third stage predetermined length d3 (not shown), which is longer than the second stage predetermined length d2. However, in the example shown in this figure, since there is no collection bag P on the base 23a, the collection bag P does not fall onto the first conveyor 3-1. Figure 9 shows this state. After step S47, steps S42 to S46 are performed again, step S46 becomes Yes, step S24 ends, and the process proceeds to step S25.

Here, steps S41, S46, and S47 can be said to be steps in which the extrusion unit 24 pushes the collection bag P held on at least a portion of the upper surface of the base unit 23 onto the conveyor 3 while gradually increasing the degree of extrusion of the collection bag P onto the conveyor 3. Also, step S44 can be said to be a step in which the extrusion unit 24 pushes the collection bag P onto the conveyor 3 in stages at a predetermined degree of inclination and/or opening, and then retreats once (after steps S41 and S47).

In FIG. 11, step S25 is a step for determining whether the tilt change unit 22 has changed the degree of tilt of the storage container 1a by a predetermined step. By changing the degree of tilt by a predetermined step, the collection bag P can be reliably sent to the base portion 23a from the delivery outlet 11 of the more tilted storage container 1a. If the tilt change unit 22 has not changed the degree of tilt by a predetermined step (e.g., three steps) (step S25: No), proceed to step S26. On the other hand, if the tilt change unit 22 has changed the degree of tilt by a predetermined step (step S25: Yes), proceed to step S27.

Step S26 is a step in which the tilt change unit 22 increases the degree of tilt of the storage container 1a, for example, from the initial stage to the second stage. As a result, the storage container 1a tilts to a second stage angle βb (see FIG. 2(b)) that is greater than the initial stage angle βa. As a result, the tilted storage container 1a, i.e., the collection bag P in the storage container 1b, is sent out from the delivery port 11 and moves onto the base portion 23a. However, before step S26, a step of checking whether or not the collection bag P is present on the conveyor 3, such as steps S42 and S43, may be performed.

After step S26, steps S24 to S25 are performed again, and step S26 is performed again, tilting storage container 1b to a third stage angle βc (see FIG. 2(b)) that is greater than the second stage angle βb. As a result, the tilted storage container 1b, i.e., the collection bags P in storage container 1c, are sent out in a line from the delivery port 11 and move onto base portion 23a. After step S26, steps S24 to S25 are performed again, step S25 becomes Yes, and the process proceeds to step S27.

Step S27 is a step for determining whether the door opening/closing unit 21 has changed the degree of opening of the door 12 by a predetermined step. By changing the degree of opening by a predetermined step, the collection bag P can be reliably sent to the base portion 23a from the delivery port 11 of the storage container 1a where the door 12 is more open. If the door opening/closing unit 21 has not changed the degree of opening by a predetermined step (e.g., three steps) (step S27: No), the process proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the door opening/closing unit 21 has changed the degree of opening by a predetermined step (step S27: Yes), the supply step S2 ends.

Step S28 is a step in which the door opening/closing unit 21 increases the degree of opening of the door 12, for example, from the initial stage to the second stage. This causes the door 12 to open to a second stage angle αb (see FIG. 2(b)) that is greater than the initial stage angle αa. As a result, the collection bags P in the storage container 1a are sent out in a line from the delivery port 11 and move onto the base portion 23a. However, before step S28, a step of checking for the presence or absence of collection bags P on the conveyor 3, such as steps S42 and S43, may be performed.

After step S28, steps S24 to S27 are performed again, and step S28 is performed again, with the door 12 opening to a third-stage angle αc (see FIG. 2(b)), which is greater than the second-stage angle αb. As a result, the collection bag P in the storage container 1a is sent out from the delivery port 11 and moves onto the base portion 23a. After step S28, steps S24 to S27 are performed again, step S27 becomes Yes, the supply step S2 ends, and the process proceeds to the transport step S3.

The steps including steps S22, S27, and S28 in the supply step S2 can be said to be steps in which the degree of opening of the door 12 is gradually increased by the door opening/closing section 21 when the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3. Also, steps S23, S25, and S26 in the supply step S2 can be said to be steps in which the degree of inclination of the storage container 1 is gradually increased by the inclination changing section 22 when the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3. Note that steps S22 and S23 may be combined and therefore performed simultaneously, and similarly steps S25 and S27 may be combined and therefore performed simultaneously, and steps S26 and S28 may be combined and therefore performed simultaneously.

In addition, steps S22, S23, S26, and S28 in the supply step S2 can be considered to be steps in which the collection bags P are sent out in a row from the delivery port 11 in the storage container 1a onto the upper surface of the base portion 23a. In addition, step S24 (steps S41 and S47) in the supply step S2 can be considered to be a step in which the collection bags P held in a row on the upper surface of the base portion 23a by the push-out portion 24a are pushed out in a row onto the first conveyor 3-1. At this time, the direction of the row of collection bags P sent out from the storage container 1a, the direction of the row of collection bags P pushed out from the push-out portion 24a, and the flow direction of the first conveyor 3-1 are all parallel to one another.

10, in the transport step S3, the first conveyor 3-1 transports the collection bag P supplied from the delivery port 11 of the storage container 1a via the supply means 2 to the second conveyor 3-2. The second conveyor 3-2 transports the collection bag P supplied from the first conveyor 3-1 to the third conveyor 3-3. The third conveyor 3-3 drops the collection bag P supplied from the first and second conveyors 3-1 and 3-2 into the transport container _B1 . However, the transport speed of the first conveyor is smaller than the transport speed of the second conveyor and smaller than the transport speed of the third conveyor.

The transport step S3 further includes a measuring step S31 and a throwing step S33. The measuring step S31 is a step in which the mass of the collection bags P in the transport container _B1 is measured by the mass measuring unit ₇ while the collection bags P transported by the third conveyor 3-3 are put into the transport container B1. When the mass of all the collection bags P in the transport container _B1 exceeds a predetermined mass, the transport container _B2 containing all the collection bags P is transported to the fourth conveyor 3-4 by a transfer device (not shown) or the like.

The input step S33 is a step of inputting the recovery bag P in the transfer container B ₄ (B ₅ ) into the processing device 50 at the input section 8. Specifically, while the fourth sensor 5d confirms that the recovery bag P in the transfer container B ₂ does not contain metal, the fourth conveyor 3-4 transfers the transfer container B ₂ to the first conveyor 9-1. The first conveyor 9-1 and the second conveyor 9-2 transfer the transfer container B ₃ not containing metal received from the fourth conveyor 3-4 to the input section 8. The transferred transfer container B ₄ is transferred above the input port of the processing device 50 by the gripping means 8-1 of the input section 8. Then, the transferred transfer container B ₄ , i.e., the recovery bag P in the transfer container B ₅ , is input into the processing device 50 (the input port) by the gripping means 8-1 that has moved above the input port, i.e., the gripping means 8-2.

As described above, the input method according to the embodiment is carried out.

This input method and this input device A perform a storage process S1 in which the collection bag P is stored in the storage container 1, a supply process S2 in which the stored collection bag P is supplied stepwise by the supply means 2, and a conveying process S3 in which the collection bag P supplied stepwise is conveyed sequentially by the conveyor 3. That is, the supply means 2 supplies the collection bag P to the conveyor 3 in multiple stages, such as supplying at an initial stage (example: αa, βa, d1), supplying at a next stage (example: αb, βb, d2), and supplying at a further next stage (example: αc, βc, d3), and the conveyor 3 conveys the collection bags P in each stage sequentially without consolidating them. In this way, the collection bag P in the storage container 1 is supplied to the conveyor 3 in multiple batches, so that the situation in which the collection bag P is continuously supplied to the conveyor 3 and the amount of collection bag P on the conveyor 3 becomes excessive can be suppressed. This makes it difficult for collection bags P to overlap on the conveyor 3, and even if they do overlap, the number of overlapping collection bags P is reduced, preventing the lower collection bags P from breaking due to the weight of the upper collection bags P. Therefore, with this insertion method and insertion device A, the collection bags P can be hygienically transported and inserted to the processing device 50 that processes the used sanitary products together with the collection bags P without breaking them.

In this input method and input device A, the supply means 2 includes a door opening/closing section 21 that opens and closes the door 12 of the outlet 11, and in the supply process S2, when the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3, the door opening/closing section 21 gradually increases the degree of opening of the door 12. For example, the degree of opening of the door 12 is set to an initial stage (example: αa), the collection bag P is sent out from the outlet 11, and then when the collection bag P is no longer sent out, the degree of opening of the door 12 is set to the next stage (example: αb), which increases, and the collection bag P is sent out from the outlet 11 again. The same applies below. In this way, by gradually increasing the degree of opening of the door 12, the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3 in stages, so that it is possible to prevent a large amount of collection bags P from being continuously supplied to the conveyor 3 at once. This prevents the collection bags P from being sent out one after the other, causing an impact on the collection bags P sent out earlier, and prevents the collection bags P from breaking.

In this input method and input device A, the supply means 2 is equipped with an inclination change unit 22, and in the supply process S2, when the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3, the inclination change unit 22 gradually increases the inclination degree of the storage container 1. For example, the inclination degree of the storage container 1 is set to an initial stage (example: βa), and the collection bag P is sent out from the delivery port 11. After that, when the collection bag P is no longer sent out, the inclination degree of the storage container 1 is set to the next stage (example: βb), which increases, and the collection bag P is sent out from the delivery port 11 again. The same applies below. In this way, by gradually increasing the inclination degree of the storage container 1, the collection bag P is intermittently supplied to the conveyor 3, so that it is possible to suppress the collection bag P from being continuously supplied in large quantities to the conveyor 3 at once. This prevents the collection bags P from being sent out one after the other, causing an impact on the collection bags P sent out earlier, and prevents the collection bags P from breaking.

In the present input method and input device A, the supply means 2 includes a base portion 23 and a push-out portion 24. In the supply process S2, when the collection bag P is supplied to the conveyor 3, at least a part of the base portion 23 holds the collection bag P sent out from the delivery port 11 on its upper surface, and the push-out portion 24 pushes the collection bag P sent out to the upper surface of the base portion 23 to the conveyor 3 while gradually increasing the degree of pushing the collection bag P to the conveyor 3. For example, the degree of pushing of the collection bag P is set to an initial stage (example: d1), and the collection bag P is pushed from the base portion 23 to the conveyor 3. After that, when the collection bag P is no longer pushed out, the degree of pushing of the collection bag P is set to the next stage (example: d2), which increases, and the collection bag P is pushed out from the base portion 23 to the conveyor 3 again. The same applies below. In this way, by gradually increasing the degree of extrusion of the collection bag P, the collection bag P is gradually supplied to the conveyor 3, which prevents a large amount of collection bags P from being continuously supplied to the conveyor 3 all at once. This prevents the collection bags P from being sent out one after another, and prevents the collection bags P sent out later from impacting the collection bags P sent out earlier, thereby preventing the collection bags P from breaking.

In the present input method and input device A, the supply process S2 involves the push-out unit 24 gradually pushing out the collection bag P on the pedestal 23 onto the conveyor 3 at a predetermined inclination degree and/or opening degree (the collection bag P is sent onto the pedestal 23), and once the collection bag P is no longer on the pedestal 23, the push-out unit 24 is temporarily retracted. Next, the inclination degree of the storage container 1 and/or the opening degree of the door 12 of the storage container 1 are changed to the next stage (increased; the collection bag P is sent onto the pedestal 23 again), and the push-out unit 24 again gradually pushes out the collection bag P on the pedestal 23 onto the conveyor 3. In this way, by gradually increasing the pushing degree of the collection bag P for each inclination degree of the storage container 1 and/or opening degree of the door 12, the collection bag P can be more accurately supplied to the conveyor 3 in stages. This prevents the collection bag P from being subjected to impact and prevents the collection bag P from breaking.

In this input method and input device A, the direction of the row of collection bags P sent out from the storage container 1, the direction of the row of collection bags P pushed out from the push-out section 24, and the flow direction of the conveyor 3 are all parallel to one another. Therefore, the row of collection bags P can be transferred from the storage container 1 to the conveyor 3 via the push-out section 24 (base section 23) while still in the row. Therefore, the collection bags P can be transferred from the storage container 1 to the conveyor 3 via the push-out section 24 (base section 23) in a generally evenly distributed state without forming lumps in specific locations. This makes it possible to prevent the collection bags P from breaking due to overlapping, etc.

In this input method and input device A, when there is a collection bag P on the conveyor 3, the supply process S2 stops the stepwise change. That is, when there is a collection bag P on the conveyor 3, the supply process S2 does not advance the supply stage to the next stage. For example, when supply is being performed in the initial stage (example: αa, βa, d1), supply is not performed in the next stage, and when supply is being performed in the next stage, supply is not performed in the next stage (example: αb, βb, d3). In this way, when there is a collection bag P on the conveyor 3, additional collection bags P are not supplied to the conveyor 3, so that the collection bags P are sent out one after another, and the situation in which the collection bags P sent out later give impact to the collection bags P sent out earlier can be suppressed, and the collection bags P can be suppressed from breaking.

In this input method and input device A, two sets of storage containers 1 and supply means 2 are operated alternately. That is, after the collection bags P of one set of storage containers 1 are supplied stepwise to the conveyor 3 by the supply means 2, the collection bags P of the other set of storage containers 1 are supplied stepwise to the conveyor 3 by the supply means 2. Therefore, after the supply means 2 of one set progresses stepwise from the initial stage to the final stage, during the period when it returns to the initial stage, the supply means 2 of the other set can start supplying the collection bags P of the initial stage. This allows the collection bags P to be transported efficiently while preventing the collection bags P from breaking.

In this loading method and loading device A, the storage container 1 containing the collection bag P is raised by the lifter 6, eliminating the need to lift the collection bag P and place it in the storage container 1 at a high altitude. This prevents the collection bag P from breaking during the process and the resulting environmental pollution, and allows the collection bag P to be efficiently received, supplied, transported, and loaded into the processing device 50.

In this input method and input device A, while the collection bag P transported by the conveyor 3 is placed in the transport container B, the mass of the collection bag P in the transport container B is measured by the measuring unit 7, and when the mass of the collection bag P in the transport container B exceeds a predetermined mass, the collection bag P in the transport container B is input into the processing device 50 by the input unit 8. By grouping the collection bags P (multiple) in the transport container B by approximately the predetermined mass, for example, the collection bags P that the processing device 50 can process at one time can be stably and efficiently supplied to the processing device 50. At this time, in the unlikely event that the collection bag P breaks for some reason, the collection bag P is in the transport container B, so the spread of contamination to the surrounding area can be suppressed.

In this input method and input device A, the conveyor 3 is provided with a first conveyor 3-1, a second conveyor 3-2, and a third conveyor 3-3, in that order, from the supply means 2 side to the processing device 50 side, and the conveying speeds of the first conveyor 3-1, the second conveyor 3-2, and the third conveyor 3-3 increase in this order. Therefore, while the collection bags P are being transported from the supply means 2 side to the processing device 50 side, it is possible to prevent the collection bags P from overlapping, and thus to prevent the collection bags P from breaking.

The absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be appropriately combined or modified without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention.

S1 Storage process S2 Supply process S3 Transport process

Claims (13)

A method for feeding a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device, comprising the steps of:
a storing step of storing the collection bag in a storage container having a delivery outlet through which the collection bag can be delivered;
a supply step of supplying the collected collection bags in stages by a supply means;
a conveying step of sequentially conveying the collection bags that have been supplied in stages by a conveyor;
Equipped with
The supply means is
A base portion disposed below the storage container and above the conveyor in a vertical direction;
An extrusion section disposed below the storage container and above the base section in a vertical direction;
Equipped with
The supplying step includes: when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor,
a step of holding the collection bag delivered from the delivery outlet on an upper surface of at least a portion of the base portion that has been moved to a position between the storage container and the conveyor in a planar direction;
a step of pushing the collection bag held on at least a portion of the upper surface of the base portion toward the conveyor by the pushing unit while gradually increasing a pushing degree of the collection bag toward the conveyor;
Including,
How to insert. The supply means includes a door opening/closing unit that opens and closes a door of the delivery port,
the supplying step includes a step of gradually increasing the degree of opening of the door at the door opening/closing unit when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor.
The method of claim 1. The supply means includes a tilt changing unit that tilts the storage container,
The supply step includes a step of gradually increasing the degree of inclination of the storage container by the inclination changing unit when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor.
The method for introducing according to claim 1 or 2. The supply means further includes a door opening/closing unit that opens and closes a door of the delivery outlet and/or a tilt changing unit that tilts the storage container, and when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, the door opening/closing unit gradually increases the degree of opening of the door, and/or the tilt changing unit gradually increases the degree of tilt of the storage container,
The supplying step includes: when the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor,
a step of pushing the collection bag out step by step onto the conveyor at the pushing section at a predetermined inclination degree and/or opening degree, and then retreating;
changing the inclination degree and/or the opening degree to a next stage in the inclination changing unit and/or the door opening/closing unit, respectively, after the push-out unit retracts;
changing the extrusion degree to a next stage at the changed inclination degree and/or the changed opening degree in the extrusion section;
Including,
The method of feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The supplying step includes:
a step of discharging the collection bags from the collection container through the outlet onto the upper surface of the base in a row;
a step of pushing the collection bags held in a row on the upper surface of the base portion by the pushing unit in a row onto the conveyor;
Including,
The direction of the row of collection bags sent out from the storage container, the direction of the row of collection bags pushed out from the pushing section, and the flow direction of the conveyor are parallel to each other.
The method of feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A method for feeding a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device, comprising the steps of:
a storing step of storing the collection bag in a storage container having a delivery outlet through which the collection bag can be delivered;
a supply step of supplying the collected collection bags in stages by a supply means;
a conveying step of sequentially conveying the collection bags that have been supplied in stages by a conveyor;
Equipped with
the supplying step includes a step of stopping the incremental change in the supply of the stored collection bags when a sensor for detecting the collection bags on the conveyor detects the collection bags on the conveyor .
How to insert . The storage step and the supply step are alternately operated using two sets of the storage container and the supply means.
The method of feeding according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The storing step includes a step of raising the storage container containing the collection bag with a lifter and lowering the storage container without the collection bag with a lifter.
The method of injection according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . A method for feeding a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device, comprising the steps of:
a storing step of storing the collection bag in a storage container having a delivery outlet through which the collection bag can be delivered;
a supply step of supplying the collected collection bags in stages by a supply means;
a conveying step of sequentially conveying the collection bags that have been supplied in stages by a conveyor;
Equipped with
The conveying step includes:
a step of placing the collection bag transported by the conveyor into a container and measuring the mass of the collection bag in the container by a measuring unit;
When the mass of the collection bag in the input container exceeds a predetermined mass, the collection bag in the input container is input into the processing device by an input unit;
Further comprising :
How to insert . the conveyor includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a third conveyor in this order from the supply means side toward the processing device side;
The conveying step includes a step of conveying the collection bag by the first conveyor;
conveying the collection bags on a second conveyor at a faster conveying speed than the first conveyor;
conveying the collection bags on a third conveyor at a faster conveying speed than the second conveyor;
Including,
The method of dosing according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . An input device that inputs a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device,
a storage container for storing the collection bag and having a discharge port through which the collection bag can be discharged;
A supply means for supplying the collected bags in stages;
a conveyor for sequentially transporting the collection bags that are supplied in stages;
Equipped with
The supply means is
A base portion disposed below the storage container and above the conveyor in a vertical direction;
An extrusion section disposed below the storage container and above the base section in a vertical direction;
Equipped with
When the collection bag is supplied to the conveyor, the supplying means
At least a portion of the base portion that has been moved to a position between the storage container and the conveyor in a planar direction holds the collection bag that has been delivered from the delivery port on its upper surface;
the extrusion unit extrudes the collection bag held on at least a portion of the upper surface of the base unit onto the conveyor while gradually increasing a degree of extrusion of the collection bag onto the conveyor.
Inserting device. An input device that inputs a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device,
a storage container for storing the collection bag and having a discharge port through which the collection bag can be discharged;
A supply means for supplying the collected bags in stages;
a conveyor for sequentially transporting the collection bags that are supplied in stages;
a sensor for detecting the collection bag on the conveyor;
Equipped with
the supply means stops the incremental change in supply of the stored collection bags when the sensor detects the collection bags on the conveyor.
Inserting device. An input device that inputs a collection bag containing used sanitary products into a processing device,
a storage container for storing the collection bag and having a discharge port through which the collection bag can be discharged;
A supply means for supplying the collected bags in stages;
a conveyor for sequentially transporting the collection bags that are supplied in stages;
a measuring unit that measures a mass of the collection bag in the insertion container while the collection bag transported by the conveyor is being placed in the insertion container;
An input unit that inputs the collection bag in the input container into the processing device;
Equipped with
The input unit inputs the collection bag in the input container into the processing device when the mass of the collection bag in the input container exceeds a predetermined mass.
Inserting device.

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