JP2020192519A - Sorting device, sorting device unit, and sorting method - Google Patents

Abstract

To sort cans, bottles and PET bottles by a small-sized device.SOLUTION: A sorting device has: a first transfer part into which objects are inputted; a second transfer part which separates iron cans from the objects by a magnet; a first recovery part which recovers the iron cans; a third transfer part which transfers the objects from bottom to top at a transfer portion, thereby aligning the objects; a fourth transfer part which detects the objects at a first detection part while moving the objects, and separates containers containing aluminum at a first removal part; a second recover part which recovers the containers containing aluminum; a fifth transfer part which separates PET bottles at a second removal part while moving the objects; a third recovery part which recovers the PET bottles; and a fourth recovery part which recovers bottles remaining on the second transfer part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a sorting device, a sorting device unit, and a sorting method. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, units, and methods for separating cans, bottles, PET bottles, and the like.

Used cans, bottles and PET bottles are collected from each vending machine and shop. These are separated and recycled. Conventionally, there has been a device for separating these. The conventional sorting device (Patent Document 1) transports a large number of cans and bottles on a belt conveyor and sorts them. Many cans and bottles are placed on a belt conveyor and transported, while iron cans are separated magnetically, aluminum cans are separated by a metal sensor, and finally the bottles are collected.

JP-A-11-171303

However, the conventional sorting device has been a large facility. In addition, PET bottles could not be sorted. An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting device, a unit, and a method for sorting cans, bottles, and PET bottles with a small device.

In order to solve the above problems, a first transfer unit into which an object is charged, a second transfer unit that separates an iron can from the object with a magnet, a first collection unit that collects the iron can, and the target. The third transfer unit, which aligns objects by transferring them from the bottom to the top, and the first detection unit, which detects the object while moving the object, separates the container containing aluminum by the first removal unit 42. 4 Transfer section, 2nd recovery section for collecting the container containing aluminum, 5th transfer section for separating the PET bottle at the 2nd removal section while moving the object, and 3rd for collecting the PET bottle. A sorting device having a collection unit and a fourth collection unit that collects the bottles remaining on the second transfer unit is used.

In addition, the first transfer unit into which the object is charged, the second transfer unit that separates the iron can from the object with a magnet, the first recovery unit that collects the iron can, and the object in a flat shape. The third transfer unit for collecting and aligning, the fourth transfer unit for detecting by the first detection unit 41 while moving the object and separating the container containing aluminum at the first removal unit, and the container containing aluminum are collected. The second collection department and
A fifth transfer unit that separates PET bottles at the second removal unit while moving an object, a third collection unit that collects the PET bottles, and a fourth that collects bottles remaining on the second transfer unit. A sorting device having a collecting unit is used.
Further, as a unit attached to the transfer unit, a frame unit for aligning objects, a first detection unit for detecting aluminum, a first removal unit for removing a container containing aluminum, and a second removal unit for removing a PET bottle. A sorting device unit including a unit is used.

The first step of putting the objects to be sorted, the second step of separating and collecting the iron cans, the third step of aligning the objects, and the fourth step of separating and collecting the aluminum cans or the paper packs having aluminum foils. A sorting method including a step, a fifth step of separating and collecting the PET bottle, and a sixth step of collecting the bottle is used.

In the sorting device and method of the present invention, cans, bottles, and PET bottles can be sorted by a small device. Furthermore, as the ability to separate cans, bottles, and PET bottles, 90% or more can be separated without mistakes.

Separation flow chart of the first embodiment Side view of the sorting device of the first embodiment Side view of the second and third regions of the sorting device of the first embodiment Top view of the second region of the sorting device of the first embodiment (A)-(c) Cross-sectional view of the third region of the first embodiment, (d) Plan view of the third region of the first embodiment (A)-(d) Side view of the fourth region of the first embodiment (A)-(c) Side view of the fifth region of the first embodiment (A)-(b) Cross-sectional view of the fourth and fifth regions of the sorting device of the first embodiment, (c) Plan view of the fourth and fifth regions of the sorting device of the first embodiment. Top view of the sorting device of the second embodiment (A) Plan view of the sorting device of the third embodiment, (b) Surface temperature of the paper pack and the aluminum can immediately after heating, (c) Surface temperature of the paper pack and the aluminum can at the sixth transfer portion, (A)-(b) Top view of the sorting device according to the fourth embodiment Top view of the sorting device according to the fifth embodiment Top view showing the sorting device which attaches the sorting device unit of Embodiment 5.

(Embodiment 1)
(Overall process)
FIG. 1 shows a flow chart, and FIG. 2 shows a side view of the sorting device 100 according to the first embodiment.
First step: In the insertion step, first, the collected objects to be sorted (iron cans, aluminum cans, bottles, PET bottles, etc.) are put into the sorting device. The object is sent by the first transfer unit 12.
Second step: In the separation of the iron can, the object is transferred by the second transfer unit 21, and the iron can is collected by the magnetic unit 17. The object other than the iron can is passed to the third process. In addition, iron objects other than iron cans are also recovered in this process.

Third step: In the alignment step, the objects are aligned. In the subsequent steps, the objects proceed in a row.
Fourth step: In the aluminum can separation, aluminum is detected from the object by a sensor, and the aluminum can is taken out and collected. The remaining objects such as bottles and PET bottles are passed to the fourth process. Objects containing aluminum other than aluminum cans are also recovered in this process. Objects such as resin containers and plastic containers other than PET bottles are also collected in this process.

Fifth step: In PET bottle separation, PET bottles are taken out from bottles, PET bottles, etc. and collected. Pneumatically separate the head bottle from the bottle. The remaining object, such as a bottle, is passed to the fifth step.
Sixth step: In the bottle collection, the remaining bottles and the like are collected.
Although the description will be described with an aluminum can, a paper pack containing an aluminum foil may be included, or a container containing aluminum may be indicated. The same applies below.
(Overall structure)

(First area 11)
In the first region 11, there is a first transfer unit 12. For example, a belt conveyor. Objects such as iron cans, aluminum cans, bottles, and PET bottles are placed and carried. The belt conveyors are arranged horizontally. Gradually place the objects on a conveyor belt so that they are not sent together.

(Second area 12)
FIG. 3 is a side view of the second region 23 and the third region 32. FIG. 4 is a top view of the second region 23.
In the second region 23, there is a belt conveyor as a second transfer unit 21. The second transfer unit 21 is arranged so as to be inclined in the vertical direction. The belt 24 moves clockwise between the two axes of rotation. The belt 24 has a plurality of protrusions 26 at regular intervals.

The protrusion 26 moves from the bottom to the top as the belt 24 moves. Some objects are lifted from below to above by the protrusions 26. The objects include an iron can 4, an aluminum can 3, a bottle 1, a PET bottle 2, and the like. Since the object is fed by the protrusion 26 in a fixed amount, it is possible to avoid clogging in a later step.

There is a magnetic unit 27 on the rotation axis above the second transfer unit 21. The magnetic portion 27 has a magnet inside, and an object containing iron such as an iron can is attracted to the magnetic portion 27. As a result, iron cans and the like are dropped into the first collection unit 25. The iron-free object is supplied to the receiving portion 36 of the third region 32.
It is preferable that the first region 11 and the second region 23 are separately separated. If they are not divided, it is easy for the object to solidify and not proceed smoothly.

(Third area 13)
The third region 32 (third transfer unit 31) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (d).
The third transfer unit 31 is fixed so as to lean against the fourth region 43 (fourth transfer unit 44) at an angle. In the third transfer portion 31, a plate-shaped moving portion 33 and a plate-shaped non-moving portion 34 form a set, and two sets form a groove-shaped receiver that narrows downward in the hollow. In the groove, the objects such as iron can 4, aluminum can 3, PET bottle 2, and bottle 1 are received.

The surface of the moving portion 33 moves. For example, a conveyor belt. Its surface does not slip. Its surface is rubber-like, and the object to be sorted does not slip. In particular, it is preferable to provide unevenness on the surface without further slipping.
On the other hand, the surface of the non-moving portion 34 does not move and has a low frictional resistance. For example, the surface of a metal plate is polished. Objects to be sorted are slippery on it.

An iron can 4, an aluminum can 3, a PET bottle 2, and a bottle 1 (hereinafter referred to as an object) are placed below the third transfer unit 31. The surface of the moving portion 33 moves upward. The object moves upward. At this time, the object existing on the surface of the non-moving portion 34 slides to the moving portion 33.

As the third transfer portion 31 goes upward, the number of objects existing on the surface of the non-moving portion 34 decreases. At the final upper end of the third transfer unit 31, the objects to be sorted are in a row. The objects to be sorted can be passed to the fourth region 43 in a row. Not all need to be in one row. Even if there are several cases of two rows, it can be squeezed with a metal plate such as a guide at the entrance of the 43rd portion of the fourth region to form one row. The objects to be sorted are aligned in the longitudinal direction. However, even if they are not completely aligned, they can be narrowed and aligned when passing to the next area.

In FIG. 5A, the width d of the surface of the moving portion 32 in contact with the sorting object is narrower than one or more and two of the widths (diameters) of the sorting objects. This is to make the objects to be sorted in one row. The width of the object to be sorted is preferably considered as an average width.

It is preferable to provide a gap 33 between the two sets of the moving portion 33 and the non-moving portion 34. Dust and the like can be excluded from the gap 33. The gap 33 is smaller than the minimum width of the object to be sorted.
The receiving unit 36 is arranged at the place where the object to be sorted by the third transfer unit 31 is received. It is wider than the non-moving part 34 and can receive many sorted objects. The receiving portion 36 has a plate shape like the non-moving portion 34, and the non-moving portion 34 may be extended.

(4th area 43)
The fourth region 43 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d). 6 (a) to 6 (d) are side views of the fourth region 43. In the fourth region 43, aluminum-related objects such as aluminum cans are separated and collected from objects such as aluminum cans, PET bottles, and bottles. Aluminum-related objects include paper packs that use aluminum foil.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, an object such as an aluminum can 3 is sent by the fourth transfer unit 44 in the fourth region 43. The first detection unit 41 detects that the aluminum can 3 is made of aluminum. After that, when the first removing section 42 is reached in FIG. 6 (c), the aluminum can 3 is removed from the fourth transfer section 44 with compressed air and recovered (FIG. 6 (d)).

The aluminum can 3 may be excluded from the fourth transfer portion 44 by a pin, a rod, or the like instead of compressed air.
(Fifth area 15)
The fifth region 52 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. 7 (a) to 7 (c) are side views of the fifth region 52. A fifth removing section 52 is provided in the fifth region 52. In the fifth region 52, the PET bottle 2 and the like are separated and collected from the PET bottle 2, the bottle 3, and the like.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which the PET bottle 2 is sent to the fifth region 52 by the fifth transfer unit 53. After that, as shown in FIG. 7B, the PET bottle 2 is sent to the second removing section 51. At this time, the PET bottle 2 is dropped from the fifth transfer unit 53 by the air pressure from the second removal unit 51. Although the second removing unit 51 always emits compressed air, the PET bottles 2 and 3 may be detected and the compressed air may be ejected each time.

The PET bottle 2 is blown by the compressed air, but since the bottle 1 is heavy, it is necessary to set the output of the second removing unit 51 so that the bottle 1 is not blown. Since the bottle 1 is densely heavy and the PET bottle 2 is light in density, compressed air can be easily set only for the PET bottle 2.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the PET bottle 2 is excluded from the fifth transfer unit 53.

Here, the fifth transfer unit 53 is preferably tilted. 8 (a) and 8 (b) show cross-sectional views. From the state of FIG. 8A, the PET bottle 2 is pneumatically removed from the fifth transfer unit 53 by the second removal unit 51. The result is FIG. 8 (b).
Further, since the fifth transfer portion 53 is tilted, the aluminum can 3, the bottle 1, and the PET bottle 2 can move toward a certain side and become stable.

FIG. 8C shows a plan view of the fifth transfer unit 53. The transport plate 55 is connected. The lower surface of the transport plate 55 is held by the rail, and the rail moves to move the transport plate 55. The transport plate 55 is a flat surface on which a sorting object is placed and moves. There is little variation in the objects to be sorted, and it is easy to sort in the fourth region 43 and the fifth region 52.
The fourth transfer unit 44 preferably has the same structure as the fifth transfer unit 53.

(6th area 16)
As can be seen in FIG. 2, the sixth region 61 collects the bottle 1 and the like that were not separated and collected in the previous region from the fifth transfer unit 53. It is only necessary to arrange the box of the fourth collection unit 64 at the end of the fifth transfer unit 53. An elastic body such as a cushion may be provided in the collection box so that the bottle 1 at the time of collection does not break.

The separation device 100 of the embodiment can handle even if the aluminum can 3, the bottle 1, and the like are deformed. The order of separation may be changed. However, at the end, the bottle 1 will be collected. It is not necessary to have any of the iron can 4, the aluminum can 3, the bottle 1, and the PET bottle 2.

The iron can 4 may be a can of food (fish, meat, etc.) as well as a can for beverages. The PET bottle 2 includes not only PET bottles for beverages but also PET bottles such as seasonings. Aluminum cans 3 and bottles 1 also include those for various purposes.
With this method and device, when the above four types were classified, 95% or more were definitely classified. In a generally used sorting device, it is about 50%.

(Embodiment 2) Vertical Arrangement The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Matters not described are the same as those in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the sorting device 200. Matters not described are the same as those in the first embodiment.
The difference from the first embodiment is that the first region 11 and the second region 23 are arranged perpendicular to the third region 32.

In the second region 23 to the third region 32, the objects to be sorted are sent in chunks. In the third region 32, the objects to be sorted are arranged one by one in a straight line.

At this time, in the third region 32, it is preferable that the objects to be separated are supplied in parallel with respect to the linear direction in which the objects to be separated are arranged. In the second region 23, the protrusion 26 carries a certain amount of the object to be sorted perpendicular to the traveling direction. At this time, the objects are arranged parallel to the protrusion 26. It is preferable that this parallel direction is parallel to the linear direction in which the objects are aligned in the third region 32 without clogging.

As a result, the traveling direction of the second region 12 and the traveling direction of the third region 13 are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the objects can be smoothly arranged in a straight line in the third region 13.
(Embodiment 3) Aluminum Pack FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a sorting device 300 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10A is a plan view of the sorting device 300.
Explain the difference. Matters not described are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.
In the third embodiment, not only the aluminum can 3 but also the aluminum can 3 and the paper pack using the aluminum foil are separated. Currently, paper packs in which an aluminum foil body is embedded in paper are sold in order to improve the storage stability. For example, a paper carton for sake and a paper carton for seasonings such as cooking mirin. It is also being used in paper cartons for beverages.

The paper pack using the aluminum foil is excluded from the fourth transfer section 44 by the first removing section 41, similarly to the aluminum can 3.

In order to separate the aluminum can 3 and the paper pack using the aluminum foil, first, a heating unit 73 is provided at the beginning of the fourth region 43. Heats an object moving from above.
FIG. 10B is a front view showing the surface temperatures of the paper pack (left side) and the aluminum can 3 (right side) using the aluminum foil immediately after being heated by the heating unit 73. The left is a paper carton and the right is an aluminum can.
The object is heated by the heating unit 73. After that, when the detection unit 41 determines that the object contains aluminum, the first removal unit 42 removes the object, and the object is sent to the sixth transfer unit 70.

The second detection unit 72 detects that the object has arrived, and the detection unit 73 measures (thermosensor) the temperature of the object (FIG. 3 (c)). The temperature may be constantly measured by eliminating the detection unit 73. Those whose temperature is higher than a certain threshold are paper packs using aluminum foil. Those below a certain threshold are aluminum cans. This is because aluminum cans are easy to cool and the temperature is easy to drop, while paper packs using aluminum foil have aluminum inside and are difficult to cool.
FIG. 10C is a front view showing the surface temperatures of the paper pack using the aluminum foil and the aluminum can 3 in the sixth transfer section 70. The left is a paper carton and the right is an aluminum can. It can be seen that the temperature of the aluminum can is considerably lower than that of the paper pack. It can be identified by temperature.
Based on the above criteria, one of them is removed by the third removing unit 73 to the fifth collecting unit 75. The remaining object is collected from the 6th transfer unit 70 to the 6th collection unit 71.
The second detection unit 72 is not essential because it can be replaced by the first detection unit 41.

In addition, the heating unit 73 also heats an object other than the aluminum 3.
The heating unit 73 is preferably a far-infrared heater. Warm from above the object.
The near-infrared heater heats up rapidly, and there is a problem such as liquid scattering. With the ceramic heater, it was difficult to make a temperature difference. After heating, sorting was possible in about 1 to 2 seconds.
Although the sixth transfer unit 70 is provided separately from the fourth transfer unit 44, it may be provided in the fourth transfer unit 44.
In this case, it is necessary to provide two removing portions.
It should be noted that, in the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment can be realized by the retrofit unit.
The heating unit 73 and the third removing unit 73 are attached as a unit. It is preferable that the fifth recovery unit 75, the sixth recovery unit 71, the second detection unit 72, and the sixth transfer unit 70 are present. Not required.

(Embodiment 4) Multi FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) are plan views of the sorting devices 300 and 400 of the fourth embodiment, respectively.
The difference from the first embodiment will be described. Matters not described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 11A, the second region 12 and subsequent regions are divided into two with respect to one of the first region 11.
In FIG. 11B, the second region 12 is divided into two with respect to one of the first regions 11, and each second region 12 is further divided into two. Each of the third region 13 and subsequent regions is one line.

In the sorting device 100 of the first embodiment, when the target object is sorted, the speed of each transfer unit may be increased. However, each balance problem causes clogging of the object and misclassification.
Therefore, in this example, a plurality of lines separated from the second region 12 or the third region 13 and thereafter are constructed. Each collection unit is one between the two lines so that it can be easily collected.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 12 attached to the conventional device is a plan view of the sorting device 500 of the fifth embodiment, respectively.
The difference from the first embodiment will be described. Matters not described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The first region 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Unlike the first embodiment, the second region 23 has a roll-shaped magnetic portion 27 at the upper portion, and by rotating, the iron can 4 is pulled upward and collected by the first recovery portion 25.
In the third region 32, the frame portion 80 is narrowed to collect objects in a plane and arrange them in a row.
Narrow the passage in the transfer direction to collect and align the objects.
The fourth region 43 and subsequent regions are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Further, each area may have one transfer unit in common, or each area may have a transfer unit.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the conventional sorting device 600. This device has only a transfer device, and is a conventional device that separates by hand 81. The above mechanism may be set on this transfer device.
That is, in the sorting device 600, the first collection unit 25, the magnetic unit 27, the frame unit 80, the first detection unit 41, the first removal unit 42, the second removal unit 51, the second collection unit 46, and the third collection unit 55 , The fourth collection unit 64 is incorporated as a unit.
However, since some conventional devices already have the first recovery unit 25 and the magnetic unit 27, it is possible to attach other than that as a unit.
Further, the second collection unit 46, the third collection unit 55, and the fourth collection unit 64 are not indispensable.
(Note)
The above embodiments can be combined. For example, the fifth embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined.
Although the explanation has been given for iron cans, aluminum cans, bottles, and PET bottles, at least one of them can be (operated) with a sorting device.

As a sorting device, it can be used to sort objects to be sorted in a wide variety of fields.

1 Bin 2 PET bottle 3 Aluminum can 4 Iron can 9 Recovery section 11 1st area 12 1st transfer section 21 2nd transfer section 23 2nd area 24 Belt 25 1st recovery section 26 Protrusion 27 Magnetic section 31 3rd transfer section 32 3rd area 33 Moving part 34 Non-moving part 36 Receiving part 41 1st detecting part 42 1st removing part 43 4th area 44 4th transfer part 46 2nd collecting part 51 2nd removing part 52 5th area 53 5th transfer Part 55 3rd recovery part 61 6th area 62 Non-moving part 64 4th recovery part 70 6th transfer part 71 6th recovery part 72 2nd detection part 73 3rd removal part 74 3rd detection part 75 5th recovery part 80 Frame 81 people 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Sorting device

Claims (13)

The first transfer section where the object is loaded and
A second transfer unit that separates the iron can from the object with a magnet,
The first collection unit that collects the iron can and
A third transfer unit that aligns the object by transferring it from the bottom to the top.
While moving the object, the first detection unit detects it, and the first removal unit separates the container containing aluminum, and the fourth transfer unit.
A second recovery unit that collects the container containing aluminum,
A fifth transfer unit that separates PET bottles at the second removal unit while moving the object,
A third collection unit that collects the PET bottles,
A sorting device including a fourth collection unit that collects bottles remaining on the fifth transfer unit. The first transfer section where the object is loaded and
A second transfer unit that separates the iron can from the object with a magnet,
The first collection unit that collects the iron can and
A third transfer unit that collects and aligns the objects in a plane,
While moving the object, the first detection unit detects it, and the first removal unit separates the container containing aluminum, and the fourth transfer unit.
A second recovery unit that collects the container containing aluminum,
A fifth transfer unit that separates PET bottles at the second removal unit while moving the object,
A third collection unit that collects the PET bottles,
A sorting device including a fourth collection unit that collects bottles remaining on the fifth transfer unit. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first transfer unit, the second transfer unit, the third transfer unit, the fourth transfer unit, and the fifth transfer unit are arranged in this order. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the second transfer unit is arranged so that the belt conveyor is inclined in the vertical direction. The sorting device according to claim 4, wherein the second transfer unit has a protrusion on which the object is placed on the surface of the belt conveyor. The first transfer section and the second transfer section are arranged in a straight line,
The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third transfer unit is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the straight line. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a sixth transfer section is further connected to the fourth transfer section to separate an aluminum can and a paper carton having an aluminum foil. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one first transfer unit is connected to two or more of the second transfer units. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one second transfer unit is connected to two or more of the third transfer units. As a unit attached to the transfer part of the sorting device
A frame for aligning objects and
The first detector that detects aluminum and
The first removal part that removes the container containing aluminum,
A sorting device unit including a second removing unit for removing PET bottles. As a unit attached to the transfer part of the sorting device
A heating part that heats the object,
A sorting device unit including a third removing unit that separates an aluminum can and a paper pack having an aluminum foil. The first process of putting the objects to be sorted and
The second process of separating and collecting iron cans,
The third step of aligning the objects and
The fourth step of separating and collecting aluminum cans or paper packs with aluminum foil,
The fifth step of separating and collecting the PET bottle and
A sorting method comprising a sixth step of collecting the bottle. The sorting method according to claim 12, further comprising a step of separating the aluminum can and the paper pack.