JP6286924B2 - Container collection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a container recovery apparatus.

  A container recovery device that recovers empty containers such as cans and plastic bottles that contain drinking water or the like is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-10614 A

  By the way, after separating empty containers such as plastic bottles and cans, the volume can be reduced by a crushing means such as a volume reducing part, and an unrecoverable container such as an empty bottle can be efficiently recovered without reducing the volume. A small container recovery device is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. After the containers are classified into volume-reduced or non-volume-reduced according to the type of the container, the volume to be reduced is reduced at the volume reducing unit in the apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a small container recovery device including a transport unit that can be recovered in a recovery box in a housing and can transport a non-volume-reduction target container in a subsequent standing container transport unit.

The container recovery device of the present invention is a container recovery device for recovering a container input from an input port, and includes a transport unit for transporting a container input from the input port, and an identification unit for identifying the type of the container The container that is provided in the subsequent stage of the identification unit and is identified by the identification unit is sorted in the straight direction by the sorting unit that sorts the container in the left-right direction or the straight direction with respect to the loading direction. An upright container transport unit that raises and transports the container , and is positioned downstream of the sorting unit in the transport direction and upstream of the upright container transport unit, and opens the transport path to the upright container transport unit or A partition plate part to be closed, a volume reducing part for reducing the volume of the container sorted by the sorting part in the left-right direction with respect to the loading direction, a recovery box for storing the container reduced by the volume reducing part, Said sorting Parts and provided under the volume reduction unit, and a collection box accommodating portion having an accommodating space for accommodating the collection box, on the basis of the identification result of the identifying portion, sorting processing of the sorting section to the straight direction When starting, the partition plate part opens the transport path to the upright container transport unit .

  According to the present invention, the container is classified into volume reduction or non-volume reduction according to the type of the container, and the volume to be reduced is reduced in the volume reduction unit in the apparatus and then collected in the collection box in the housing. In addition, it is possible to provide a small-sized container recovery device including a transport unit that can transport a non-volume-reduction target container in a subsequent standing container transport unit.

The perspective view which shows an example of the container collection | recovery apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention (closed state of a front door). The perspective view which shows an example of the open state of the front door of the container collection | recovery apparatus shown in FIG. The top view which shows an example of the container collection | recovery apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The side view which shows an example of the container collection | recovery apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the classification part of a container collection | recovery apparatus and a standing container conveyance part, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. The block diagram which shows an example of the electrical structure of a container collection | recovery apparatus. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a container collection | recovery apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an example of a container recovery apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a container recovery apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the front door of the container recovery apparatus A is in a closed state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an open state of the front door of the container recovery apparatus A shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing an example of the container recovery apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the container recovery apparatus A.

  The container recovery apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a transport unit (a front transport unit 3 and a rear transport unit 4) that transports a container a that has been input from an input port 2, and an identification unit that identifies the type of the container a 7 (type detection unit), a classification unit 8 provided in the subsequent stage of the identification unit 7 and which classifies the container a identified by the identification unit 7 in the left-right direction or the straight direction with respect to the carry-in direction, and the classification unit 8 An upright container transport unit 51 that erects and transports the container a sorted in the straight direction by the volume, a volume reducing unit 10 that reduces the volume of the container a sorted by the sorting unit 8 in the left-right direction with respect to the loading direction, A recovery box 41 for storing the container a reduced in volume by the container 10, and a recovery box storage part 42 provided below the sorting unit 8 and the volume reduction unit 10 and having a storage space for storing the recovery box 41. Prepare.

Examples of the container include containers a such as cans, plastic bottles, and bottles that contain contents such as drinking water. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the container collection device A collects an empty container from which the contents have been taken out during collection. In addition, when the container collection | recovery apparatus A collect | recovers the container a which accommodates the content, even if it performs processing, such as returning from the insertion port 2, and performing the sorting process according to the presence or absence of the content, etc. Good.
Examples of containers for volume reduction include cans and plastic bottles. Examples of the non-volume-reducing container include bottles.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the container collection device A according to the embodiment of the present invention has an inlet 2 for the container a provided on the front surface of the housing 1 (device housing). Further, a printer 11 that issues a deposit or a ticket displaying a privilege given to a properly collected container a may be provided on the front surface of the housing 1.

  The housing 1 has an opening / closing door 200 on the front surface, and the opening / closing door 200 is provided at the lower part of the upper front opening / closing door 201 and the collection box 41 can be accommodated. And a lower opening / closing door 202. The housing 1 has a recovery box storage portion 42 that can store one or a plurality of recovery boxes 41 in the lower opening / closing door 202. The collection box housing portion 42 is a housing space for housing the collection box 41, and is provided below the sorting unit 8 and the volume reducing unit 10. In other words, the collection box accommodating portion 42 is configured to accommodate the collection box 41 from the input port 2 side (front side).

  Specifically, in the housing 1, a front conveyance unit 3 (conveyance path), a rear conveyance unit 4, and a front conveyance unit 3 as conveyance units for carrying the container a introduced from the insertion port 2 into the apparatus. Rolling support means 5 for supporting the container a carried in at the camera imaging position (barcode reading position), and the front conveyance section 3 for transferring the container a from the front conveyance section 3 to the rolling support means 5. By a vertical movement means 6 that swings up and down, a camera (identification part 7) that reads a barcode (type) displayed (attached) on the container a supported by the rolling support means, and an identification part 7 such as a barcode camera After the type detection processing, the sorting unit 8 (feeding unit) for sorting the containers a transported on the rear transport unit 4 based on the identification result by the identifying unit 7 such as a barcode camera, the initial stage of the sorting unit 8 (feeding unit) Container for detecting presence or absence of container a at position Discharging means 9 (metering device: first container detecting means, second measuring section), volume reducing sections 10, 10 ′ for volume reduction processing of containers a sorted by sorting section 8 (feeding means), recovered containers a printer 11 that issues a deposit or a privilege ticket to a.

The front transport unit 3 winds two endless belts 3a having a circular cross section in parallel across the drive pulley 3b and the driven pulley 3c with a predetermined interval (interval for supporting the cylindrical container a at two points). The driving pulley 3b is configured to be rotated by driving rotation of the motor 3d transmitted through the power transmission means.
The surface of the endless belt 3a constituting the conveying surface is made of a material having a larger frictional resistance than the surface (aluminum material) of a roller constituting the rolling support means 5 described later, such as urethane resin or vinyl chloride resin. It is configured.
In addition, the front conveyance unit 3 is mounted on a mounting base 14 supported via a load cell 13 on a base 12 installed in the housing 1 so as to be vertically swingable.

The front transport unit 3 is supported by the shaft end of the drive pulley 3b on the transport start end side so as to be rotatable by an upright frame (not shown) that stands on the mounting base 14, and the longitudinal direction of the front transport unit 3 Is supported by the vertical movement means 6 installed on the mounting base 14.
The vertical movement means 6 is composed of a vertical movement motor, an eccentric rotary plate attached to the output shaft of the vertical movement motor, and an arm that connects the eccentric rotary plate and the front transport unit 3, and the motor operates. The arm swings, whereby the front conveyance unit 3 moves up and down on the conveyance end (driven pulley 3c) side with the conveyance start end (drive pulley 3b) side as a fulcrum. The vertical movement means 6 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and any method may be used as long as the conveyance start end side can be moved up and down on the opposite side.

In addition, a container detection camera 16 (second container detection means) that detects the introduction of the container a is installed at the upper part of the front end side of the front transport unit 3. The presence or absence of the container a and the conveyance state (position) of the inserted container a are determined by imaging with the container detection camera 16. For this determination, the area of the captured image is divided into a matrix, and the conveyance state (position) of the container a is identified for each of the divided areas.
Specifically, the image of each region in the length direction and the height direction of the container a is binarized with a certain threshold value, and determination is made based on the presence or absence of an image in each region. The driving / stopping of the front transport unit 3 is controlled based on the determination of the image data of the container detection camera 16. The container detection camera 16 can image the entire region on the front transport unit 3, and can divide it into a matrix and detect the position of the container a. From which position of the matrix It is possible to grasp whether the container a is detected.
That is, when it is determined that an image is generated from the upstream direction, it can be determined that the moving direction of the container a is the forward direction, that is, the container a has moved from the input port 2 into the apparatus. Conversely, when it is determined that an image has been generated from the downstream direction, it can be determined that the moving direction of the container a is the reverse direction, that is, the container a has moved from the inside of the apparatus toward the charging port.
In addition, an illumination light source 17 (LED) is arranged for clear imaging by the container detection camera 16.

  The rolling support means 5 includes two rollers 5a and 5b that are horizontally disposed on both the left and right sides of an endless belt 3a that constitutes the front conveyance unit 3, and a motor that rotates the two rollers 5a and 5b. (Not shown) and a power transmission member (not shown) for transmitting the rotation of the motor to the two rollers 5a and 5b. The power transmission member is configured such that the two rollers 5a and 5b rotate in the same direction.

Further, the rollers 5a and 5b of the rolling support means 5 have a length from the middle position of the machine length of the front transport section 3 to the front end position, such as cans and plastic bottles to be charged. The entire length of the container a can be stably supported. The two rollers 5a and 5b constituting the rolling support means 5 are in contact with the container a, either one of the two rollers when being transported by the front transport unit 3.
And when the front conveyance part 3 is inclined and lowered forward and downward by the up-and-down moving means 6, the container a that has been supported by the two points of the endless belt 3a and the two rollers 5a and 5b until then, When the support by the endless belt 3a is lost, the support is switched to the two-point support by the two rollers 5a and 5b and is rolled by the rotation of the rollers.

The camera (identification unit 7) captures the charged container a, and is, for example, a CCD camera or a CMOS camera, and identifies the type of the container a. The camera (identification unit 7) reads a barcode displayed on the peripheral surface of the container and is installed at a position above the rolling support means 5 toward the rolling support means 5.
The camera (identification unit 7) may be fixed to the housing at a predetermined angle, but the readable range may be enlarged by a swinging type, a sliding type, or the like. Further, the number of cameras (identification unit 7) is not limited to one and may be a plurality.
In this barcode reading process by the camera (identification unit 7), the barcode of the container a is detected by the camera (identification unit 7), and the data is compared with the data stored in the database of the control unit. It is processed. For example, when the container a is a plastic bottle, the color information of the plastic bottle, the product name of the plastic bottle, the reference weight value for the empty weight value of the plastic bottle (a weight slightly heavier than the weight of the empty bottle is set, This is used to determine whether or not there is a remaining), and the deposit amount to be provided by the bottle is read out.
In addition, in the apparatus corresponding to a deposit system, when the container a put in is the container a that is not the deposit target, the container is collected, but it is also possible not to give the deposit.

When the detection by the camera (identification unit 7) is completed, the container a is transferred again from the rolling support means 5 to the front transport unit 3, and is supplied to the rear transport unit 4 by driving the front transport unit 3. The container a is transported to the initial position of the sorting unit 8 by driving the rear transport unit 4.
As with the front transport unit 3, the rear transport unit 4 has an endless belt 4a having a circular cross section and a predetermined interval (interval for supporting the cylindrical container a at two points) between the drive pulley 4b and the driven pulley 4c. The drive pulley 4b is configured to be driven and rotated by transmitting the rotation of the motor 4d through the power transmission means.
And the endless belt 4a which comprises a conveyance surface is comprised by the material with a large friction coefficient, for example, a urethane resin, a vinyl chloride resin, etc. so that the container a can be conveyed stably.

Further, the rear transport unit 4 is connected via a container detection unit 9 (measuring instrument: first container detection unit, second measurement unit) that detects the presence or absence of the container a at the initial position of the sorting unit 8 (feeding unit). It is supported. That is, the rear transport unit 4 is mounted on a base 12 installed in the housing 1 via a container detection unit 9 (measuring instrument: first container detection unit, second measurement unit). It is placed on top.
As a result, the weight change when the sorting unit 8 moves from the sorting position to the initial position at the initial position of the sorting unit 8 (the position where the rear transport unit 4 supports and supports the container a) can be detected. If there is a change (measured value before operation of the sorting unit 8> measured value after operation of the sorting unit 8) in the measured value of (metering device: first container detection means, second weighing unit), the container a is If it can be determined that the sorting / collection has been correctly performed, and if the measurement value of the container detection means 9 before and after the operation of the sorting unit 8 does not change, it is determined that the container a has not been correctly sorted / collected and an illegal act has been performed. .

The sorting unit 8 (feeding unit) sorts the containers a identified by the identifying unit 7 in the left-right direction or the straight direction with respect to the carry-in direction.
Specifically, the sorting unit 8 (feeding means) is transported by a metal plate or a resin plate or the like (front and rear surfaces corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the container a transported by the rear transport unit 4) and lower surface (transported by the rear transport unit 4). The surface of the container a corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the lower half of the container a) is opened, and has a substantially gate-shaped distribution frame 8a having a pair of walls facing each other so as to sandwich the container a supported and supported by the rear transport unit 4 And a swing mechanism 8b that swings the distribution frame 8a in the left-right direction, and is positioned directly above the rear transport unit 4 so as to cover substantially the entire range of the rear transport unit 4 in the machine direction and swing in the left-right direction. Supported as possible.
The swinging in the left-right direction is performed by volume reduction units 10, 10 in which containers a supported on the rear transport unit 4 are arranged on both left and right sides of the rear transport unit 4 based on detection information of the camera (identification unit 7). The upper center of the distribution frame 8a in the longitudinal direction of the distribution frame 8a is pivotally supported on a shaft so as to be swingable by a shaft.

The swing mechanism 8b is composed of swing means such as a cam and a motor 22 that drives the swing means. Then, the sorting frame 8a swings from the initial position where it is suspended on the rear transport unit 4 in a substantially vertical state by the swing mechanism 8b to the left or right sorting position based on the detection information of the camera (identification unit 7). Is done.
For detecting the swing position of the sorting frame 8a, a sorting sensor for detecting the initial position of the sorting frame 8a is attached to the fixed frame, and a flag (not shown) is fixed to the shaft (not shown) of the sorting frame 8a.

Volume reducing units 10 and 10 ′ for reducing the volume of the containers a sorted by the sorting frame 8 a of the sorting unit 8 are arranged below the sorting unit 8 or below the front transport unit 3.
The volume reduction units 10 and 10 'reduce the volume of the containers a sorted by the sorting unit 8, and are two toothed drums 10a and 10b and rotating blades that push the container a into the toothed drums 10a and 10b. 10c and a hopper 10d for guiding the container a distributed by the distribution frame 8a to the toothed drums 10a and 10b. The left and right volume reducing portions 10 and 10 'are configured to be driven by one motor (not shown).
The hopper 10d is formed in a bowl shape with a metal material or a resin material, and the hopper 10d is parallel to both the left and right positions sandwiching the rear conveyance section 4 and is located at the rear end side in the length direction (the end facing the input port of the housing 1). Part) is inclined downward, and the rotary blade 10c is arranged at the front end of the hopper 10d in the guiding direction. Thereby, the container a distributed to the sorting position by the distribution frame 8a passes through the hopper 10d, is pushed between the toothed drums 10a and 10b by the rotary blade 10c, and is crushed into small pieces. In addition, these volume reduction parts 10 and 10 'are not limited to the form shown in figure, For example, what crushes flatly through the container a between two rollers can be selected suitably.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 (a), and 5 (b), the sorting unit 8 includes a partition plate portion 81. Based on the signal indicating the identification result by the identification unit 7, the partition plate unit 81 is connected to the standing container transport unit 51 in the subsequent stage when the container a is the first type (volume reduction target such as a can or a plastic bottle). When the container a is of a second type (non-volume reduction target such as a bottle) different from the first type (volume reduction target), the transfer path to the upright container transport unit 51 is opened. It is configured as follows.

  The container a that has been crushed and reduced into small pieces by the volume reducing units 10, 10 ′ is accommodated in a collection box 41 disposed below the volume reducing units 10, 10 ′. The collection box 41 is inserted and removed by opening the lower opening / closing door 202 provided on the side surface or front surface of the housing 1.

In addition, the sorting unit 8 includes biasing means (such as a motor) that closes the partition plate portion 81 by biasing force when the container a is the first type (volume reduction target). In the case of type 2, the application of the urging force to the partition plate portion 81 in the closed state by the urging means may be suppressed to open the partition plate portion 81 freely.
The sorting unit 8 is configured such that when the partition plate portion 81 is closed, the partition plate portion 81 is opened when a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the partition plate portion 81 by the container a. Also good.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the partition plate portion 81 is fixed to a partition plate fixing case 81c and the like so as to be rotatable about a shaft 81b as a rotation center. The sorting unit 8 includes a partition plate motor 81m, and is configured to be able to control an open state and a closed state of the partition plate portion 81 by rotationally driving the shaft 81b via a belt or the like by the partition plate motor 81m. ing. The partition plate motor 81m is controlled by a control unit described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the standing container transport unit 51 has a region in which one or a plurality of partition blades 51 h are provided radially around the rotation shaft 51 e and the container a is accommodated between the partition blades 51 h. When the container a accommodated in the area between the partition blades 51h by the rotation of the rotating body 51b and the rotating body 51b is transferred from the loading position provided at an appropriate position in the rotation direction of the rotating body 51b to the discharging position, the container a Empty container pressing means 51f that elastically presses and urges the rotating body 51b toward the center of the rotating body 51b.

When the container a (a non-volume reduction target such as a bottle) is transported to the standing container transporting part 51 via the partition plate part 81, the container a stands up while moving along the inclined part 51a, and its rotating body 51b is accommodated in a region between the partition blades 51h. While the container a is elastically pressed and urged toward the center of the rotating body 51b by the empty container pressing means 51f, the container a is moved to the subsequent stage by the rotation of the rotating body 51b, and moved to the subsequent stage by the conveying means such as the belt conveyor 51c. It is configured as follows.
The number of partition blades 51h provided around the rotation shaft of the rotating body 51b is plural, for example, the partition blade 51h is provided at a position that divides the circumference into six parts to form six regions for accommodating the containers a, or The number of partition blades 51h and the number of storage areas are not limited, such as forming five areas for storing containers.
Moreover, although the magnitude | size of the storage area divided by the partition blade | wing 51h is not limited, It is suitable to set according to the largest container of the object container collect | recovered with the container collection | recovery apparatus A.

  As described above, the container a is moved to the belt conveyor 51c or the like by the rotating body 51b while pressing and urging the container a toward the center of the rotating body 51b by the empty container pressing means 51f, so that the container a such as a bottle can be easily raised. In this state, it can be moved by the belt conveyor 51c.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the container recovery apparatus A.
As shown in FIG. 6, the container collection apparatus A has a CPU 25 (control unit) that controls each block via a communication path such as a bus 26, a ROM 27, a RAM 28, a display unit 29, a key operation unit 30, and a load cell 13 ( The first measuring unit), the printer 11, the container detecting means 9 (metering device: first container detecting means, second measuring unit), the communication unit 31, and the interface 32 are connected. (Second container detection means) 16, camera (identification unit 7), light source 17 (LED), sorting sensor (1) 23a, sorting sensor (2) 23b, front transport unit driving motor 3d, container rotating roller Motor 5m (rolling support means driving motor), vertical movement motor 6a, rear conveyance section driving motor 4d, sorting motor 22, volume reduction motor 10m, partition plate motor 81m, etc. It has been continued.

The ROM 27 stores various programs executed by the CPU 25. CPU25 as a control part implement | achieves the function which concerns on this invention in the empty container collection | recovery apparatus as a computer by running a program.
The RAM 28 temporarily stores data to be executed by the CPU 25, and stores product files such as the material of the container a (aluminum can, steel can, plastic bottle, bottle, etc.), beverage maker, and product type. Yes.

The key operation unit 30 includes touch keys for inputting various information or the like, or a numeric keypad for key input. The display unit 29 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and is input by operating the key operation unit 30. Information, processing contents, and the like are displayed.
The printer 11 issues a container collection ticket to a provider who has brought the container a to be deposited out of the containers a put into the apparatus. The provider can exchange the ticket for a predetermined price or product by taking the ticket to a predetermined shop or the like. In addition, the collected container a material (aluminum can, steel can, plastic bottle, etc.), beverage manufacturer, product type, quantity, etc. are all stored in a data processing device (not shown) in the case, and the aggregated data Can be taken out at any time.

  The load cell 13 (first measuring unit) measures the mass of the container a on the front transport unit 3 and outputs a signal indicating the measured value to the CPU 25.

  The container detection means 9 (measuring device: first container detection means, second weighing unit) is configured by a load cell or the like, and the mass of the container a on the rear conveyance unit 4 or the container a on the rear conveyance unit 4 A signal indicating whether or not it exists is output to the CPU 25.

  The communication unit 31 performs data communication with a management computer or the like via a wired communication path or a wireless communication path under the control of the CPU 25.

  The container detection camera 16 (second container detection means) is installed in the upper part of the start end side of the front transport unit 3 to detect the introduction of the container a and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 25.

  The camera (identification unit 7) images the charged container a and identifies the type of the container a. The CPU 25 may identify the type of the container a based on the image captured by the camera (identification unit 7).

  The light source 17 (LED) is an illumination that is provided in the vicinity of the container detection camera 16 and irradiates the container a with light in order to clearly capture an image by the container detection camera 16.

The sorting sensor (1) 23a and the sorting sensor (2) 23b detect the swing position of the sorting frame 8a and output it to the CPU 25.
The front transport unit driving motor 3 d drives the front transport unit 3 under the control of the CPU 25.
The container rotating roller motor 5m (rolling support means driving motor) rotates and drives the two rollers 5a and 5b disposed horizontally on the left and right sides of the rolling support means 5 under the control of the control unit.

  The vertical movement motor 6 a is a driving motor that causes the front conveyance unit 3 to swing up and down in order to transfer the container a from the front conveyance unit 3 to the rolling support unit 5 in the vertical movement unit 6.

  The sorting motor 22 drives a swing mechanism such as a cam under the control of the CPU 25.

  The volume reduction motor 10m reduces the volume of the container a sorted by the sorting unit 8 under the control of the CPU 25. The two toothed drums 10a and 10b and the container a into the toothed drums 10a and 10b. A rotary blade 10c to be pushed in and a hopper 10d for guiding the container a distributed by the distribution frame 8a to the toothed drums 10a and 10b.

  The partition plate motor 81m controls the open state and the closed state of the partition plate portion 81 by moving and driving the partition plate portion 81 under the control of the CPU 25.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the container recovery apparatus A. An example of operation | movement of the container collection | recovery apparatus A is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIG. In the following description, an example will be described in which the container a is sorted by volume reduction target, non-volume reduction target, color (colored / colorless), raw material, etc. in a state where the power switch is turned on and each part is reset.

  In step S <b> 1, the CPU 25 as a control unit detects and determines whether or not the container a is inserted into the insertion port 2 by the container detection camera (second container detection unit) 16. Specifically, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the container a has been inserted based on a change in the image. CPU25 progresses to the process of step S2, when insertion of container a is detected (YES), and repeats detection operation at fixed intervals in other cases (NO).

In step S <b> 2, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the container a exists on the rear transport unit 4 by using the container detection unit 9 (weighing instrument: first container detection unit, second measurement unit). If it is determined that the container a exists (YES), the process proceeds to step S30. If the container a does not exist (NO), the process proceeds to step S3.
The case where the container a is present means that the container a introduced before the current container a is introduced is transported to the rear transport unit 4 by the front transport unit 3 and sorted by the sorting operation of the sorting unit 8. For example, the case where the container a exists in the initial position of the sorting unit 8 due to fraud or the like can be cited. The weight of the container a supported and supported by the front conveyance unit 3 is measured by a load cell (first measurement unit) 13.

  In step S <b> 3, the CPU 25 drives the driving motor 3 d of the front transport unit 3. Based on the coordinate data indicating the position of the container a based on the image data captured by the container detection camera 16, the leading end of the loaded container a (front side in the loading direction) is positioned at a substantially leading end position of the rolling support means 5. Until it is determined, the driving motor 3d of the front transport unit 3 is driven.

  In step S4, when the CPU 25 determines from the image data captured by the container detection camera 16 that the front end (front side in the loading direction) of the container a is located at a substantially front end position of the rolling support means 5, the front conveyance is performed. The driving of the unit 3 is stopped, and the front conveyance unit 3 is lowered downward by the operation of the vertical movement means 6. Thereby, the container a supported by the front conveyance unit 3 is transferred and supported by the two rollers 5a and 5b of the rolling support means 5 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  In step S5, the CPU 25 drives and rotates the two rollers 5a and 5b of the rolling support means 5 to rotate the container a.

  In step S <b> 6, the CPU 25 identifies the type of the container “a”, for example, a volume reduction target, a non-volume reduction target, and the like by imaging with the camera (identification unit 7). In detail, in this embodiment, CPU25 detects the barcode stuck on the surrounding surface of the container a with a camera (identification part 7), and reads the information of barcode. For example, the deposit amount to be returned by the container a, such as the color information of the container a, the name of the product, the reference weight value for the empty weight value of the container a, and the like are read from the storage unit such as the RAM 28 or the ROM 27. The “reference weight value” is set to a weight value slightly heavier than the weight value of the empty bottle in consideration of errors and the like. The “reference weight value” is used as a criterion for determining whether or not the contents remain in the container a.

  In step S7, the CPU 25 proceeds to the process of step S11 when the container a is the first type (volume reduction target: can, plastic bottle, etc.) as a result of the identification by the identification unit 7, and the container a is the second type. In the case of (non-volume reduction target: bin or the like), the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S <b> 8, the CPU 25 controls the partition plate portion 81 of the sorting unit 8 to open the conveyance path to the standing container conveyance unit 51 in the case of the second type (non-volume reduction target: bottle or the like). .

  In step S <b> 9, the CPU 25 drives the front conveyance unit 3 and the rear conveyance unit 4 to convey the container “a” to the upright container conveyance unit 51, which is downstream of the sorting unit 8.

  In step S10, the CPU 25 drives the standing container transport unit 51 to move the container a such as a bottle to a transport means such as a subsequent belt conveyor 51c, and then proceeds to the process of step S22. Specifically, when the container a is in a standing state while moving along the inclined portion 51a of the standing container transport unit 51 and is accommodated in a region between the partition blades 51h of the rotating body 51b, the CPU 25 rotates the rotating body 51b. Is rotated in a predetermined direction to move the container a to a conveying means such as a belt conveyor 51c in the subsequent stage. The containers a conveyed by the conveying means are accommodated in a case that can accommodate a predetermined number of 24 or the like.

  In step S <b> 11, when the result of identification by the identification unit 7 (S <b> 7) is that the container a is of the first type (volume reduction target: can, plastic bottle, etc.), the CPU 25 moves the partition plate unit 81 to the upright container transport unit 51. Drive and control to close the transport path to.

  In step S12, the CPU 25 stops the driving of the rolling support means 5 after the detection of the type of the container a is completed by the imaging by the camera (identification unit 7), and operates the vertical movement means 6 to operate the front transport unit. 3 is raised to the original position, and the container a is transferred from the rolling support means 5 to the front conveyance unit 3 so that the container a can be conveyed.

  In step S13, the CPU 25 determines that the weight value measured by the load cell (first weighing unit) 13 in the state of being placed on the front conveyance unit 3 is based on the reference weight value of the empty container a read in step S6. Judge whether it is heavy. When the output value of the load cell (first weighing unit) 13 is heavier than the reference weight value (YES), that is, when the weight of the charged container a is heavier than the reference weight value, the CPU 25 leaves unfilled in the container a, etc. If the output value of the load cell (first weighing unit) 13 is lighter than the reference weight value (NO), the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S <b> 14, the CPU 25 reversely drives the driving motor 3 d of the front transport unit 3 to transport the supported container a toward the insertion port 2.

  In step S <b> 15, after returning the container a to the insertion port 2 side, the CPU 25 performs a process of displaying an error message such as “please throw away the contents and throw in again” on the display unit 29, for example.

  In step S <b> 16, the CPU 25 drives the drive motor 3 d of the front transport unit 3 and the drive motor 4 d of the rear transport unit 4 to rotate forward. Then, based on the image data from the container detection camera 16 and the coordinate data indicating the position of the container, a predetermined time elapses after the rear end portion (rear end side in the transport direction) of the container a disappears from the image data. Until then, the front transport unit 3 and the rear transport unit 4 are driven. In other words, since the front transport unit 3 and the rear transport unit 4 are continuously arranged adjacent to each other, the container a disappears from the image data in the front transport unit 3, and a very short predetermined time has passed. The container a is surely transferred to the rear transport unit 4. The container a is conveyed and supported at a predetermined position on the rear conveyance unit 4, that is, an initial position.

  In step S17, when the container a is positioned on the rear transport unit 4, the sorting frame 8a of the sorting unit 8 is set based on the type information of the container a detected in step S6, for example, color information and material of the container a. The swinging mechanism swings from the initial position to either the left or right sorting position, and the container a on the rear transport unit 4 is sorted to the sorting position (feeding position). That is, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the rear end portion (rear end side in the transport direction) of the container a disappears from the image data, the container a is surely positioned on the rear transport portion 4, so that the rear transport is performed. After the drive of the unit 4 is stopped, the containers a can be sorted by driving the sorting motor of the sorting unit 8 after a very short predetermined time has elapsed.

  In this case, the front conveyance unit 3 and the rear conveyance unit 4 are driven until the predetermined time elapses after the rear end (conveying direction rear end) of the container a disappears from the image data. The leading position in the transport direction of the container a on the rear transport unit 4 is different, but the distribution frame 8a is provided so as to cover the entire region on the rear transport unit 4, so The containers a can be reliably distributed regardless of the position of the top.

  Then, for example, according to the material or color of the container a, the rear transfer unit 4 is sorted to the right side or the left side. The swing of the sorting frame 8a is driven until both the sorting sensor (1) 23a and the sorting sensor (2) 23b are not blocked by the flags (sorting sensor (1) 23a, sorting sensor (2) 23b: OFF). Is done.

  In step S18, it is detected that both the sorting sensor (1) 23a and the sorting sensor (2) 23b are not blocked by the flag (sensor: OFF). Thus, the CPU 25 can confirm that the distribution frame 8a of the sorting unit 8 has moved from the initial position to the sorting position.

  In step S19, the CPU 25 returns the sorting frame 8a of the sorting unit 8 from the sorting position to the initial position by the reverse drive of the swing mechanism 8b. The swing of the sorting frame 8a is driven until both the sorting sensor (1) 23a and the sorting sensor (2) 23b are blocked by the flag.

  In step S20, the CPU 25 detects that both the sorting sensor (1) 23a and the sorting sensor (2) 23b are blocked by the flag (sensor: ON). Thereby, CPU25 can confirm that the distribution frame 8a of the classification part 8 moved to the initial position from the classification position.

  In step S <b> 21, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the container “a” exists on the rear transport unit 4 by the container detection unit 9 (weighing instrument: first container detection unit, second measurement unit). When the container a exists on the rear transport unit 4 (YES), the process proceeds to step S30, and when the container a does not exist (NO), the process proceeds to step S22.

  Since the detection of the presence or absence of the container a by the container detection means 9 (meter: first container detection means, second measurement unit) is detection after the operation of the sorting unit 8 (S17 to S20), it is usually a step. In the process from S17 to step S20, the container a is sorted in a predetermined direction. When the sorting frame 8a returns to the initial position in step S20, the container a is already sorted. The weight value output from the one container detection means, the second weighing unit) does not output the weight value on which the container a is placed on the rear transport unit 4.

However, for example, a string or the like is tied to the container a, the string is held by hand, the container a is inserted from the insertion port 2, and the distribution frame 8a is tied to the container a at the moment when the sorting frame 8a returns from the sorting position to the initial position in step S20. By pulling back the string, the container a distributed to the sorting position is pulled back onto the rear transport unit 4 (initial position). By repeating this operation, it is possible to perform an illegal act of acquiring a deposit or a privilege many times with one container a. Therefore, after the sorting frame 8a of the sorting unit 8 is rotated to either the left or right sorting position to sort the containers a, the container detecting means 9 (metering device) when the sorting frame 8a returns from the sorting position to the initial position. : First container detection means, second weighing unit meter) can be determined to determine whether or not they are normally sorted.
That is, when the container a thrown in by the above fraudulent action is pulled back onto the rear transport section 4 (initial position), the output of the container detection means 9 (metering device: first container detection means, second weighing section) (Weight value) changes from weight value “large” (with container) → weight value “small” (without container) → weight value “large” (with container), and it can be assumed that there is a suspicion of fraud. In the case of normal sorting, the output (weight value) of the container detection means 9 (meter: first container detection means, second measurement unit) is weight value “large” (with container) → weight value. “Small” (no container) → Weight value “small” (no container).

As described above, when determining whether or not the container a is present by the container detection means 9 (the weighing instrument: the first container detection means, the second weighing unit), the weight of the object is usually measured by, for example, a load cell type weighing instrument. When determining the thickness, when an object is placed on the measuring unit, it takes a certain time until the output weight value is stabilized.
However, in the measuring instrument (first container detecting means) of the present invention, since it is not necessary to measure the exact weight of the container a, the container a is sorted, and the weight value output from the measuring instrument becomes zero, After that, when the container a is returned due to fraud, the weight of the container a is output from the measuring instrument, if it is not a constant weight. After sorting, it becomes possible to determine that the container a has been detected.

  In step S22, the CPU 25 gives the deposit amount read from the type information identified in step S6, for example, the barcode of the container a, the amount and date / time data, and the barcode information read in step S6. The product name and the like are stored in the RAM 28.

In step S23, the CPU 25 prints / issues the deposit amount given in step S22 on the ticket by the printer 11.
For example, the bottle provider who has acquired the ticket can take the ticket to the cash register where the store clerk is present and submit it to receive the amount of the deposit.

  In step S30, the CPU 25 determines whether the container detection means 9 (meter: first container detection means, second weighing section) when the sorting frame 8a of the sorting section 8 returns from the sorting position to the initial position in step S21. It is determined from the output (weight value) that the container a is placed on the rear transport unit 4 and there is a suspicion of fraud. Therefore, the drive motors for the rear transport unit 4 and the front transport unit 3 are driven in reverse rotation. Then, the container a on the rear transport unit 4 is returned to the input port 2 and discharged from the container recovery apparatus A.

  In step S31, the CPU 25 displays an error message such as “Please call a clerk” on the display unit 29 together with an error sound. In addition, the CPU 25 may display “no deposit amount generated” on the display unit 29.

  The history information provided with the deposit amount stored in step S22 of the flowchart may be transmitted to and managed by a higher management device at the end of the store business, for example. The history information is stored in the RAM 28 of the apparatus, but may be stored and managed directly in the storage unit of the upper management apparatus.

As described above, the container recovery apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a transport unit (a front transport unit 3 and a rear transport unit 4) that transports a container a that is input from the input port 2, and a container a. An identification unit 7 that identifies the type of the container, and a classification unit 8 that is provided downstream of the identification unit 7 and that classifies the container a identified by the identification unit 7 in the left-right direction or the straight-ahead direction with respect to the loading direction. Standing container transport unit 51 that stands up and transports containers a (non-volume-reduction objects, etc.) sorted in the straight direction by section 8 and containers a ( A volume reduction unit 10 for reducing the volume of the volume reduction object, a collection box 41 for storing the container a reduced in volume by the volume reduction unit 10, and a collection unit 8 and a volume reduction unit 10 below the collection unit A recovery box storage portion 42 having a storage space for storing the box 41; To.
As described above, based on the type of the container a, the container a is sorted into volume reduction or non-volume reduction, and after the volume of the container a to be reduced is reduced by the volume reduction unit 10 in the apparatus, the collection in the housing 1 is performed. It is possible to provide a small-sized container recovery device A that can be recovered by the box 41 and can transport the non-volume-reduction target container a by the standing container transport unit 51 at the subsequent stage.

  In other words, after separating containers a such as PET bottles and cans, the volume is reduced by a crushing means such as a volume reduction unit 10 and the containers a that are difficult to reduce such as empty bottles are efficiently recovered without being reduced. A possible small container recovery apparatus A can be provided.

  Further, in the container collection device A according to the embodiment of the present invention, the collection box 41 is extended to below the volume reducing unit 10 and the sorting unit 8 in the housing 1. For this reason, the small container collection | recovery apparatus A can be provided. In addition, a relatively large volume collection box 41 can be provided in the relatively small casing 1, and a relatively large amount of the reduced volume container a can be collected in the collection box 41.

  Further, since the collection box accommodating portion 42 is configured to be able to accommodate the collection box 41 from the input port 2 side (the front side of the casing 1), the collection box 41 can be easily accommodated from the front side of the casing 1. And can be taken out.

In addition, the apparatus housing (housing 1) includes an upper front opening / closing door 201 in which an insertion port 2 is formed, and a lower opening / closing door 202 provided below the upper front opening / closing door 201 and capable of storing the collection box 41. Therefore, the recovery box 41 can be easily taken out by opening only the lower opening / closing door 202 (the upper front opening / closing door 201 is closed).
In addition, during maintenance of the insertion port 2 and the transfer unit (front transfer unit 3 etc.), only the upper front opening / closing door 201 is opened, so that maintenance can be easily performed without opening the lower opening / closing door 202. It can be carried out.

Moreover, in the container collection | recovery apparatus A which concerns on embodiment of this invention, when the container a is a 1st classification (volume reduction object etc.) based on the identification result by the identification part 7, the classification | category part 8 is a standing container conveyance part. When the conveyance path to 51 is closed and the container a is of a second type (non-volume reduction target, etc.) different from the first type, a partition plate portion 81 that opens the conveyance path to the standing container conveyance unit 51 is provided. Have.
Thus, the partition plate portion 81 can be opened and closed in accordance with the type of the container a, and the container collection device A that can be reliably sorted by the sorting portion 8 can be provided.

  In addition, the partition plate portion 81 is in a closed state at normal times, can prevent disturbance light from entering, and the identification unit 7 can identify the container with high accuracy.

The sorting unit 8 is configured such that when the partition plate portion 81 is closed, the partition plate portion 81 is opened when a force of a predetermined value or more is applied to the partition plate portion 81 by the container a.
For this reason, even when the partition plate 81 is closed, for example, when the container a is thrown from the inlet 2 for the purpose of mischief, the partition plate 81 is in an open state. Damage and the like can be prevented.

In addition, the sorting unit 8 includes biasing means (such as a motor and a spring) that closes the partition plate portion 81 with a biasing force when the container a is the first type (volume reduction target). When a is the second type (non-volume reduction target), application of the urging force to the partition plate portion 81 in the closed state by the urging means may be suppressed to make the partition plate portion 81 freely openable.
By doing so, when the container a is normally in the first type (volume reduction target, etc.), the partition plate portion 81 is closed by the biasing force, and the container a is in the second type (non-reducing bottle or the like). In the case of the target object), the partition plate portion 81 is pressed with a slight force due to the mass of the container a and the conveying force of the conveying portion, and the container a is easily opened to the upright container conveying portion 51 at the subsequent stage. Can be conveyed.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is included in the present invention.
Further, the embodiments described in the above drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose and configuration.
Moreover, the description content of each figure can become independent embodiment, respectively, and embodiment of this invention is not limited to one embodiment which combined each figure.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, some or all of embodiment of this invention is described as the following additional remarks.
[Appendix 1]
A container recovery device for recovering a container charged from an input port,
A transport unit for transporting a container charged from the charging port;
An identification unit for identifying the type of the container;
A sorting unit that is provided at a subsequent stage of the identification unit, and that classifies the containers identified by the identification unit in the left-right direction or the straight-ahead direction with respect to the loading direction;
An upright container transport unit for standing up and transporting the containers sorted in the straight direction by the sorting unit;
A volume reducing unit for reducing the volume of the containers sorted in the left-right direction with respect to the loading direction by the sorting unit;
A collection box for storing the container reduced in volume by the volume reduction unit;
A container collection device, comprising: a collection box storage section provided below the sorting section and the volume reduction section and having a storage space for storing the collection box.
[Appendix 2]
The container collection device according to appendix 1, wherein the collection box is extended to below the sorting unit and the volume reducing unit.
[Appendix 3]
The container collection device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the collection box housing portion is configured to be capable of housing the collection box from the input port side (front side).
[Appendix 4]
The device housing has an upper front opening / closing door in which the insertion port is formed,
The container recovery apparatus according to appendix 3, further comprising a lower opening / closing door provided at a lower portion of the upper front opening / closing door and capable of storing the collection box.
[Appendix 5]
The sorting unit closes the conveyance path to the upright container conveyance unit when the container is of the first type based on the identification result by the identification unit, and the container is different from the first type. The container collection device according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 4, further comprising a partition plate section that opens a transport path to the upright container transport section in the case of type 2.
[Appendix 6]
The sorting unit is configured such that when the partition plate portion is closed, the partition plate portion is opened when a force of a predetermined value or more is applied to the partition plate portion by the container. The container collection | recovery apparatus as described in.
[Appendix 7]
The sorting unit has biasing means for closing the partition plate part by biasing force when the container is the first type,
When the container is of the second type, the application of the urging force to the partition plate portion in the closed state by the urging means is suppressed, and the partition plate portion can be opened freely. 5 or the container collection device according to appendix 6.

1 housing (device housing)
2 Input port 3 Front conveyance part (conveyance part)
4 Rear transport section (transport section)
5 Rolling support means 6 Vertical movement means 7 Identification part (camera)
8 Sorting department (feeding means)
9 Container detection means (metering device: first container detection means, second weighing unit)
10, 10 'Volume reduction part 11 Printer 13 Load cell (1st measurement part)
16 Container detection camera (second container detection means)
25 CPU (control unit)
41 Recovery Box 42 Recovery Box Storage Unit 51 Standing Container Transfer Unit 81 Partition Plate Unit 200 Opening Door 201 Upper Front Opening Door 202 Lower Opening Door A Container Recovery Device a Container (empty container)

Claims (3)

A container recovery device for recovering a container charged from an input port,
A transport unit for transporting a container charged from the charging port;
An identification unit for identifying the type of the container;
A sorting unit that is provided at a subsequent stage of the identification unit, and that classifies the containers identified by the identification unit in the left-right direction or the straight-ahead direction with respect to the loading direction;
An upright container transport unit for standing up and transporting the containers sorted in the straight direction by the sorting unit;
A partition plate part positioned downstream in the transport direction from the sorting part and upstream in the transport direction from the standing container transport part, and opening or closing a transport path to the standing container transport part; and
A volume reducing unit for reducing the volume of the containers sorted in the left-right direction with respect to the loading direction by the sorting unit;
A collection box for storing the container reduced in volume by the volume reduction unit;
A recovery box storage unit provided below the sorting unit and the volume reduction unit, and having a storage space for storing the recovery box ;
Based on the identification result of the identification unit, when the sorting unit starts sorting processing in the straight direction, the partition plate unit opens the transport path to the upright container transport unit. apparatus. Upon closure of the specification Setsuban unit, when a predetermined value or more force by the container is applied to the partition plate portion, according to claim 1 wherein the partition plate portion has been configured such that open Container collection device. A discharge port for discharging the containers sorted by the sorting unit on a surface different from the loading port,
The container recovery apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container passing through the discharge port is a container other than the container reduced in volume by the volume reducing unit.

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