JP6930740B2 - Goods collection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an article collection device.

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

JP-A-2009-175789

However, the empty container recovery device as described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which it is difficult to clean the container charging portion, and if the periodic cleaning is forgotten, the clean state cannot be maintained. ..
Further, for example, in an empty container collection device in which the container inlet is closed during normal standby, the inside of the container inlet cannot be visually recognized, and cleaning tends to be sparse, so it is easy to confirm whether cleaning is performed. could not.

The article collection device of the present invention has at least the following configurations.
An article collection device that collects articles and has a cleaning mode.
Control unit and
An article storage unit that houses the collected articles,
A mounting part on which articles can be placed and
The outer door that covers the above-mentioned part and
The control unit has an inner door provided between the above-described storage unit and the article accommodating unit, and the control unit opens the outer door and slightly reduces the inner door when the cleaning mode is set. It is characterized by being in an open state.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus that can easily confirm whether or not cleaning is reliably performed with a simple configuration.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article collection device, a packaging device, and a printer with a scale, which can easily confirm whether or not cleaning is performed reliably with a simple configuration.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the collection system which has the article collection device (empty container collection device) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an overall conceptual view of the empty container collection device as the article collection device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the front view of the empty container collection device, (b) is the side view of the empty container collection device. It is a figure which shows an example of the article collection apparatus (empty container collection apparatus). It is a figure which shows an example of the state in which the drawer of the article collection device (empty container collection device) is pulled out. It is a figure for demonstrating an article collection device (empty container collection device), (a) is an electrical functional block diagram of an article collection device (empty container collection device), and (b) is a functional block diagram of a control unit. be. It is a conceptual diagram of the container input part of the article collection device (empty container collection device). It is a figure for demonstrating the detection part of the article collection device (empty container collection device), and in detail, FIG. 7A is a left perspective view of the container loading part, and FIG. The right perspective view and FIG. 7 (c) are front views of the container loading portion. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the empty container collection device in the state which the outer door is closed and the inner door is closed. It is a side conceptual diagram which shows an example of the empty container collection device in the state which the outer door is closed and the inner door is closed. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the empty container collection device with the outer door open state and the inner door closed state. It is a side conceptual diagram which shows an example of the empty container collection device with the outer door open state and the inner door closed state. It is a perspective view from the front side which shows an example of the article collection device (empty container collection device) in the state where the outer door is closed (not shown) and the inner door is open. It is a figure in the state where the inner door is slightly opened in the cleaning mode of the article collection device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the article collection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. An example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the article collection device, (a) is a warning screen prompting cleaning, (b) is a warning screen prompting cleaning to the back, and (c) is an example of a cleaning confirmation screen. Is. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the article collection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

The device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a device for performing an operation by placing an article on a mounting unit, and has a display unit indicating that the device is urged to be cleaned and whether the device has been cleaned. It has a determination unit for determining. Further, in the article collection device, the packaging device, or the printer with a scale according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mounting unit, the display unit indicating that the device is urged to be cleaned, and the device have been cleaned. It has a determination unit for determining.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a collection system having an article collection device (empty container collection device) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, an empty container collection device 100 (also referred to as a collection device 100) is installed in each of a plurality of store CSs. The collection device 100 may be installed in the building of the store CS, or may be installed in a place facing the outside such as under the eaves in the site of the store CS, for example. The store CS is, for example, the same affiliated store. As a specific example, the store CS is a convenience store in the same series.

The collection device 100 functions as a collection facility for PET bottles as recycled products. The customer C who goes to the store CS, for example, puts an empty PET bottle into the collection device 100 after drinking a beverage or the like. The collection device 100 of the present embodiment reduces the volume of the PET bottles that have been put in and then stores the PET bottles in the collection device.

Further, the collection device 100 is connected so as to be able to communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network. The collection device 100 may be configured to communicate with the collection management server 200 via a network such as a mobile phone communication network. Since the recovery device 100 can communicate wirelessly and does not need to be connected to a network cable, for example, the degree of freedom of installation is high.
An example in which one collection device 100 is installed in one store CS is shown, but the number of collection devices 100 installed in one store CS is not particularly limited.

The collection management server 200 is a server that processes information regarding the collection of PET bottles by the collection device 100. The collection management server 200 is operated by, for example, a company that provides the collection device 100.
Specifically, the collection management server 200 manages collection history information indicating a history of collection of PET bottles in the collection device 100 of each store CS. Then, the collection management server 200 derives the customer C's record (collection record) related to the cooperation in collecting the PET bottles by using the collection device 100, and notifies the customer C of the derived collection record. The notification of the collection record to the customer C is performed by displaying the information on the collection record on the customer terminal device 300 of the customer C.

The customer terminal device 300 is a terminal device owned by the customer C. The customer terminal device 300 may be, for example, a stationary or notebook type personal computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone.
The customer terminal device 300 can communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network.

Further, the customer C shown in FIG. 1 is registered as a member of the store CS. Customer C, who is a member of the store CS, owns a membership card CD. The card information recorded on the membership card CD includes a membership identifier. The member identifier is also a card identifier assigned to be unique to each membership card CD. Since one membership card CD is provided for each customer C as a member, the card identifier unique to each membership card CD is the customer C as a member who is the owner of the membership card CD. It is treated as a unique member identifier.

The membership card CD can be used as a prepaid card when paying at the store CS. The membership card CD can also be used as a point card. For example, when paying at a store CS, a customer who is a member presents a membership card CD to a store clerk.
When the clerk operates the POS register 400 installed in the store CS to perform accounting according to the product purchased by the customer, the clerk causes the card reader of the POS register 400 to read the card information recorded on the membership card CD. Perform the operation.
The membership card CD may be an IC card with a wireless communication function, or may be a card on which a bar code or a two-dimensional code indicating a member identifier is printed. The bar code or the two-dimensional code may indicate the identification information associated with the member identifier.

The POS register 400 executes an accounting process including a product registration process for registering a product purchased by a customer and a settlement process according to the registered product.
When the POS register 400 reads the card information from the membership card CD in the accounting process, the POS register 400 transmits the read card information to the store management server 500. As a result, the store management server 500 performs processing corresponding to, for example, payment from the prepaid balance, addition of points according to the payment amount, conversion of points to the prepaid balance, charging of the prepaid amount, and the like.
Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one POS register 400 is installed in one store CS, the number of POS registers 400 installed in one store CS is not particularly limited.

The store management server 500 is a server that controls and manages the store CS. The store management server 500 is operated by the store CS.
Specifically, the store management server 500 manages the prepaid balance, the point balance, and the like for each member identifier. Further, the store management server 500 may be configured to manage information about products for each store CS, for example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an empty container collection device 100 that collects an empty container (PET bottle or the like) to be collected as an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the empty container collecting device 100, the outer door 111 of the article loading section is in the closed state during standby, and the inner door 112 that is openably and closably provided between the article loading section and the container accommodating section 140 is in the closed state. At the time of collecting the article, the outer door 111 of the article loading section is opened, and the object placed on the loading section of the article loading section is emptied of the article to be collected (for example, a resin empty such as a PET bottle) by the discriminating section. Whether or not it is a container) is determined. When it is determined that the object to be collected is an article (empty container), the outer door 111 is closed, the inner door 112 provided between the article loading section and the container storage section 140 is opened, and the container storage section is opened. The container is collected by 140. In the present embodiment, the empty container collecting device is provided with a volume reduction mechanism (volume reduction unit 120), and by reducing the volume of the container by the volume reduction mechanism (volume reduction unit 120), a large amount of the container accommodating unit 140 having a specified capacity is used. It is possible to collect empty containers with reduced volume.

The items are not limited to PET bottles, cans, and bottles, but include, for example, milk cartons, trays, ink cartridges, items returned to libraries and rental stores (books, DVDs, etc.), cleaning items, batteries, light bulbs, etc. Any target article may be used. That is, the empty container recovery device is an embodiment of the device and the article recovery device according to the present invention.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a container loading section 110 above the main body portion 100B of the device. An outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the opening of the container charging portion 110. The main body 100B of the device is provided with a display operation unit 3, a transmission / reception unit 4 (communication unit), and a reader / writer 17 (card reader / writer) on the front side near the upper part of the outer door 111. Further, a luggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the main body 100B of the device.

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

In the present embodiment, the empty container collecting device 100 is provided with a volume reducing portion 120 (volume reducing mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container accommodating portion 140. When the inner door 112 is in the open state, the volume reducing unit 120 crushes the empty container A from the container charging unit 110 to reduce the volume, and outputs the reduced volume container RA to the lower container accommodating unit 140.
Further, the main body 100B of the empty container collecting device 100 has a drawer 100C (drawer member) on which the container accommodating portion 140 is placed, and a drawer handle 100e and a key hole 100r are provided on the front side. The key is inserted into the key hole 100r and can be locked and unlocked.
Further, the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100 has a lock / unlock detection unit 18, and the lock / unlock detection unit 18 detects locking / unlocking of the key hole 100r of the drawer 100C.

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

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

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

A feed mechanism 50 is provided on the upper portion of the volume reduction portion 120, and the rotation shaft 51 of the feed mechanism 50 is rotatably supported by a substantially plate-shaped support member. The feed mechanism 50 has a plurality of blade portions 52 (made of metal, resin, etc.) as paddles on the rotating shaft 51. In the feed mechanism 50, when the rotation shaft 51 rotates, the blade portion 52 rotates about the rotation shaft 51 as the rotation center, and guides the empty container A to the volume reduction portion 120.
Further, above the volume reducing portion 120, an inclined plate-shaped regulating member 60, a regulating member 61, and a regulating member 62 having a reverse gradient to the regulating member 61 move the empty container A to the center of the volume reducing portion 120. It is provided to guide and restricts the movement of the empty container A to other places.
Further, a shatterproof portion 75 is provided between the volume reduction portion 120 provided in the main body portion and the container charging portion 110. The shatterproof portion 75 may be, for example, a flexible plate-shaped member or a rigid plate-shaped member. In this embodiment, the shatterproof portion 75 is made of, for example, a flexible material such as PET canvas. Further, in the present embodiment, the shatterproof portion 75 is suspended in the middle of the passage 71 from the container charging portion 110 to the volume reducing portion 120.
In the volume reduction unit 120, for example, a pair of rotating shafts 811 and 911 are rotatably supported, and each of the rotating shafts has a compression roller 81 and 91 having blade surfaces on both side surfaces in the axial direction, and the compression roller. Spacers (not shown) having a diameter smaller than that of the compression rollers 81 and 91 and slightly thicker than the thickness of the compression rollers 81 and 91 are arranged side by side alternately along the axial direction.
During driving, the pair of rotating shafts rotate in opposite directions, the empty container A charged in the central portion is compressed by the compression roller, and the reduced volume empty container is output downward.
Further, the peeling portion 30 (32) is configured to peel off the container whose volume has been reduced by the compression rollers 81 and 91 of the volume reducing portion 120 from the compression rollers 81 and 91.

Further, the empty container collecting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a process of notifying the fact when the container accommodating portion 140 is full. The empty container collecting device 100 has detected, for example, an operation related to opening the container accommodating portion 140 by an administrator, a cleaner, or the like, specifically, an unlocking operation for pulling out the drawer 100C provided with the container accommodating portion 140. In this case, a process of notifying the user to clean the mounting portion on which the article is placed is performed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the drawer of the article collection device (empty container collection device 100) according to the embodiment of the present invention is pulled out.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drawer 100C can be accommodated through the opening on the front side of the main body 100B of the empty container collecting device 100, and is configured to be freely drawerable.
The drawer 100C has a front plate portion 100Ca (decorative plate portion), a pair of left and right side plate portions 100Cs, a facing plate portion (not shown), and a bottom plate portion (not shown), and is formed in a bottomed box shape that opens upward. Has been done. A bottomed box-shaped container accommodating portion 140 that opens upward is detachably arranged in the drawer 100C.
On the back side (back side) of the drawer 100C, a plate-shaped member 241 is provided as a storage capacity expansion unit 240 capable of receiving a container overflowing from the container storage unit 140 when the drawer 100C is pulled out. The plate-shaped member 241 has an inclined portion inclined forward when the drawer 100C is pulled out, and is configured to be in a substantially vertical state when the drawer 100C is housed in the main body portion 100B of the apparatus. It is not necessary to provide the plate-shaped member 241.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the electrical configuration of the empty container recovery device 100 as the article recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a container loading portion of the empty container collecting device. 7A and 7B are views for explaining a detection unit and the like of the empty container collection device. In detail, FIG. 7A is a left perspective view of the container loading unit, and FIG. 7B is a right perspective view of the container loading unit. FIG. 7 (c) is a front view of the container charging portion.

8 and 9 are views showing an example of an empty container collecting device in which the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is closed. 10 and 11 are views showing an example of the empty container collecting device 100 in which the outer door 111 is in the open state and the inner door 112 is in the closed state. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an empty container collecting device in which the outer door 111 is in the closed state and the inner door 112 is in the open state. Note that the outer door is not shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the inner door is slightly opened in the cleaning mode of the empty container collecting device.

As shown in FIG. 5, the empty container collecting device 100 includes a control unit 1 (CPU), a storage unit 2, a display operation unit 3, a transmission / reception unit 4, an outer door drive unit 5, an inner door drive unit 6, and a weighing unit 7. Metal detection sensor 8, PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, safety detection sensor 903, door position sensor 10, door lock unit 11, volume reduction drive unit 15, reader / writer 17, locking / unlocking detection unit 18, imaging unit 19, etc. Have. Each component is electrically connected by a signal line or the like.
In the present embodiment, for example, the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 are composed of an optical sensor 9.
Further, the measuring unit 7, the metal detection sensor 8, the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, the safety detection sensor 903, and the imaging unit 19 are provided in the vicinity of the mounting unit 116 or in the mounting unit 116 itself, and are provided in the control unit 1. Whether the mounting unit 116 is cleaned according to a predetermined mode as the processing mode, specifically, the first mode (normal processing mode), the second mode (cleaning mode), or the state of the recovery device. Functions as a detection unit 180 for detecting. The control unit 1 is in the first mode (normal processing mode) or the second mode (cleaning mode), and has one or more detection units (measurement unit 7, metal detection sensor 8, PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902). , Safety detection sensor 903, image pickup unit 19, etc.) are controlled differently.

The control unit 1 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the article collection device (empty container collection device 100). The control unit 1 realizes the function according to the present invention on a computer by, for example, executing a control program. The control unit 1 has a determination unit 101 that determines whether or not the mounting unit 116 of the recovery device 100 has been cleaned based on the detection result from the detection unit 180 or the like.

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

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

Under the control of the control unit 1, the transmission / reception unit 4 performs predetermined communication with another terminal device (computer) via a wireless communication path or a wired communication path.

The reader / writer 17 (card reader / writer) is a transmission / reception device that communicates with a non-contact IC card, an IC tag, or the like, and performs predetermined communication under the control of the control unit 1. Further, the collection device 100 may have a code reader that reads a bar code or a two-dimensional code indicating a card identifier (member identifier) recorded on the membership card CD instead of the reader / writer 17.

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

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

The measuring unit 7 measures the mass of the empty container or the non-collected object placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container charging unit 110 (in the first mode (normal processing mode)). The measuring unit 7 is a measuring device such as a load cell.
Further, the measuring unit 7 is used as a sensor for determining whether or not the container can be collected by detecting leftovers in the container placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container charging unit 110 as a weight (measured value). Further, the measuring unit 7 is configured to be able to specify the total weight contained in the container accommodating unit 140 by integrating the weight values of the containers determined to be recoverable. With this function, it is not necessary to provide the measuring unit 140 in the container accommodating unit 140, a large capacity container accommodating unit 140 can be secured, and the measuring unit 7 itself can be made smaller. Since the object to be weighed is relatively small, it is not necessary to provide a large weighing unit 7.
Further, in the second mode (cleaning mode), when the mounting unit 116 is cleaned, a load is applied to the mounting unit 116 for cleaning, and the measuring unit 7 sends a signal indicating a measured value. Level fluctuates, and in detail, when cleaning correctly and sufficiently, it becomes a relatively large numerical value (measured value) and the fluctuation range becomes large, while when cleaning is insufficient, a relatively small numerical value (a relatively small numerical value) ( (Weighed value) and the fluctuation range becomes smaller. In the cleaning mode, the control unit 1 detects whether cleaning is performed properly based on the fluctuation range of the measurement value by the measurement unit 7. Specifically, when the fluctuation range of the measurement value is equal to or greater than the set threshold value, cleaning is performed. It is judged that the cleaning is performed properly, and if it is less than the set threshold value, it is judged that the cleaning is insufficient.
The process of determining whether or not cleaning is performed is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, cleaning is actually performed while the measured value output from the measuring unit 7 continues to fluctuate. It is considered to be in the state of being done. Specifically, the control unit 1 determines that the measurement value output from the measurement unit 7 has been continuously fluctuating for more than the set time, determines that the cleaning is correct and sufficient, and if the time is less than the set time. It may be determined that cleaning is inadequate.

The metal detection sensor 8 detects whether the object placed on the mounting portion 116 of the container charging portion 110 is metal or non-metal (in the first mode (normal mode)). In the present embodiment, when the metal detection sensor 8 detects that the object mounted on the mounting unit 116 is metal, the control unit 1 places the object mounted on the mounting unit 116 as a non-collected object. It is determined that.
In this embodiment, the metal detection sensor 8 is provided on the inner door 112 as shown in FIG. 7 (c). The metal detection sensor 8 may be provided on the mounting portion 116.
Further, in the second mode (cleaning mode), for example, when the cleaner wears a metal product such as a metal ring on his / her finger or wrist, or when the cleaning tool contains metal, metal detection is performed. The sensor 8 detects the metal. In the cleaning mode, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the cleaning has been performed correctly and sufficiently based on the metal detection result by the metal detection sensor 8 and the length of the detection time.

In the present embodiment, the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 are optical sensors 9. The optical sensor 9 is configured to receive light from a light emitting unit provided on one of the left side and the right side of the mounting unit 116 by a light receiving unit provided on the other side.

As shown in FIG. 7, the PET sensor 901 is configured to receive light from a light emitting portion provided on one of the left and right side wall portions 116W of the mounting portion 116 by a light receiving portion provided on the other side. There is. Further, the PET sensor 901 is provided with a polarizing plate and is configured to receive light through the polarizing plate, and is to be collected by detecting polarized light transmitted through a translucent empty container such as a PET bottle. It is configured so that an empty container can be detected (in the first mode (normal processing mode)).
The control unit 1 detects the light transmitted through the translucent empty container mounted on the mounting unit of the container loading unit and received light by the light receiving unit (optical sensor 9) of PET901, and detects the light from the optical sensor 9. Based on the detection signal of, it is determined whether or not the container is an empty container to be collected (in the first mode (normal processing mode)).

As shown in FIG. 7, the container detection sensor 902 is configured to receive light from a light emitting portion provided on one of the left and right side wall portions of the mounting portion 116 by a light receiving portion provided on the other side. There is. When an empty container or the like is placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container loading unit, the control unit 1 mounts the empty container based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit of the container detection sensor 902. Whether or not it is determined (in the first mode (normal processing mode)).

As shown in FIG. 7, the safety detection sensor 903 is provided with a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion on the left and right sides in the vicinity of the input port, and more specifically, the safety detection sensor 903 is provided at a position where the outer door 111 is closed. The light from the light emitting unit provided on one of the left side and the right side is received by the light receiving unit provided on the other side. The control unit 1 detects, for example, whether or not a human hand or the like is near the input port or the input port based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit of the safety detection sensor 903. The control unit 1 determines that there is no human hand in the input port when the light from the light emitting unit of the safety detection sensor 903 can be received by the light receiving unit, and when the light cannot be received by the light receiving unit, the control unit 1 determines that there is no human hand in the input port. For example, it is determined that the outer door 111 cannot be safely closed (in the first mode (normal processing mode)).

In the second mode (cleaning mode), the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 described above are light detection sensors, and the control unit 1 emits light from the light emitting unit of each sensor toward the light receiving unit. The presence or absence of cleaning may be detected based on, for example, the number of times the cleaning tool or the cleaning tool blocks the light and the time during which the light is blocked.

Further, whether or not cleaning is performed based on the output signal from the combination of two or more of the above-mentioned three sensors (PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, safety detection sensor 903). May be determined by the control unit 1.
Further, in the second mode (cleaning mode), the control unit 1 may determine to what part of the mounting portion the cleaning is performed depending on the type of the photodetector sensor in which the light is blocked.
Specifically, the control unit 1 determines that only the front part of the mounting part is cleaned when the light obstruction is detected only by the safety detection sensor 903 provided on the front side of the mounting part. When it is detected that the light is blocked by the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 described above, it may be determined that both the front part and the back part of the mounting portion are cleaned. ..

For example, an imaging unit 19 for imaging the mounting unit 116 may be provided in the vicinity of the mounting unit 116. The imaging unit 19 is used, for example, to determine whether the article placed on the mounting unit 116 is a collection target or a non-collection target (in the first mode (normal processing mode)). Further, the imaging unit 19 may have a predetermined processing mode of the control unit 1, specifically, a first mode (for example, a normal processing mode) or a second mode (cleaning mode), or a state of the collection device. It may be used to determine whether or not the mounting portion 116 has been cleaned by a cleaner or the like.

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

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

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

The lock / unlock detection unit 18 is provided in the main body 100B of the empty container collection device 100, and the lock / unlock detection unit 18 detects the locking / unlocking of the key hole 100r of the drawer 100C.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 to 13, the container loading section 110 of the empty container collecting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting section 116, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a pedestal 118, and a measuring section. 7. It has an outer door support portion S111, an inner door support portion S112, an outer door drive unit 5, an inner door drive unit 6, a first limiting unit K111, a second limiting unit K112, and the like.

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

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

The outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the mounting portion 116. The outer door driving unit 5 drives the outer door 111 so as to be openable and closable.
The inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 between the mounting portion 116 and the volume reducing portion 120. The inner door driving unit 6 drives the inner door 112 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 10, the inner door 112 is provided with a guide portion 112D for guiding the mounting state of the empty container. The guide portion 112D is provided at a position where it is exposed and can be seen from the main body of the apparatus. The guide unit 112D is displayed as information so that an article (empty container such as a PET bottle) is placed in a specified direction and a specified position (for example, 350 ml, 500 ml, 2000 ml, etc.). The guide portion 112D may be a concave portion, a convex portion, a sticker, an LED display portion, an LCD, or the like provided on the surface of the inner door 112.
Further, the article collecting device may be provided with a determination means for determining whether or not the article is correctly placed at the placement position indicated by the guide unit 112D by a detection sensor such as an imaging unit. In addition, if the mounting orientation and position are incorrect, notification can be performed by a detection unit such as an imaging process or an optical sensor.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the empty container collecting device 100 has a pedestal 118, and the pedestal 118 has an outer door 111 and outer door support portions S118 and S111 for supporting the outer door driving unit 5. Has. Specifically, an outer door driving unit 5 and a rotating shaft C111 are provided at the upper ends of the two outer door support portions S118, and a fan-shaped outer door supporting portion S111 is rotatably provided on the rotating shaft C111. The outer door 111 is supported by the fan-shaped support portion S111 for the outer door. One of the two rotating shafts C111, the rotating shaft C111, is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor of the outer door driving unit 5.
The fan-shaped outer door support portion S111 is provided with a hole portion S111h through which the rotation shaft C112 of the inner door 112 penetrates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the outer door 111 is open and the inner door 112 is closed and the first limiting unit K111 restricts the movement of the second limiting unit K112, the first The convex arc-shaped portion K111a of the limiting portion K111 and the concave arc-shaped portion K112b of the second limiting portion K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight interval in the arc shape.
That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, when the outer door 111 is in the open state, the inner door 112 is in the closed state, and the movement of the second limiting portion K112 is restricted by the first limiting portion K111. Therefore, the inner door 112 is maintained in the closed state and is not opened.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the inner door 112 is open and the outer door 111 is closed and the second limiting unit K112 restricts the movement of the first limiting unit K111, the second restriction is performed. The convex arc-shaped portion K112a of the portion K112 and the concave arc-shaped portion K111b of the first limiting portion K111 have a structure adjacent to the arc shape with a slight interval.

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

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

Next, an example of the operation of the empty container collecting device 100 as the article collecting device in the cleaning mode will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the empty container collecting device 100 in the cleaning mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, as will be described later, the control unit determines whether or not the mounting unit is cleaned in a complex manner based on the detection signals from the safety detection sensor, PET sensor, measuring unit, timer, etc. and the time measurement result. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the determination is made only by each single sensor. Specifically, after the processing in step ST1, the step ST2 is skipped and the detection by the safety detection sensor in step ST4 is performed. Whether or not the mounting portion is cleaned may be determined based only on the result, or the mounting portion may be cleaned based only on the detection result of the PET sensor in step ST6 by skipping step ST2 after the processing in step ST1. It may be determined whether or not the mounting portion is cleaned, or the presence or absence of cleaning of the mounting portion may be determined based only on the detection result by the measuring unit in step ST8 by skipping step ST2 after the processing in step ST1. After step ST1, it may be determined whether or not the mounting portion is cleaned based only on the timing results of the timers in steps ST2 and ST9 (skipping steps ST3 to ST8). Further, the control unit 1 may determine whether or not cleaning is performed by combining two or more of them.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, first, the control unit 1 of the empty container collection device 100 performs a process of notifying the fact when the container storage unit 140 is full.
Then, the control unit 1 of the empty container collecting device 100 is, for example, an operation related to the opening of the container accommodating unit 140 by an administrator, a cleaner, or the like, specifically, a solution for pulling out the drawer 100C including the container accommodating unit 140. When the locking / unlocking detection unit 18 detects a locking operation or the like, a process of notifying the user to clean the mounting unit on which the article is placed is performed, and the cleaning mode is set.
As a condition for setting the cleaning mode, for example, when the identification card (non-contact medium, etc.) of the cleaner (person in charge) is read by the reader / writer 17, the control unit 1 shifts to the cleaning mode. , Processing may be performed according to the cleaning mode.
Further, for example, when the notification of fullness detection of the container accommodating unit 140 is canceled, the control unit 1 may shift to the cleaning mode and perform processing according to the cleaning mode.
Further, for example, the drawer 100C on which the container storage unit 140 is placed is pulled out, the container in the container storage unit 140 is collected, a new storage bag is set in the container storage unit 140, and then the drawer 100C is closed. When this is detected, the control unit 1 may shift to the cleaning mode and perform processing according to the cleaning mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, in step ST1, in the cleaning mode, the control unit 1 performs a process of opening the input port. Specifically, the control unit 1 performs a process of opening the outer door 111 by the outer door driving unit 5. Further, the control unit 1 performs a process of slightly opening the inner door 112 by the inner door driving unit 6 as shown in FIG. That is, the inner door 112 is slightly opened so that the rear end portion of the mounting portion 116 can be easily cleaned.

In step ST2, the control unit 1 starts a timer and performs a process of measuring the time from the start of the cleaning mode. For example, when the time from the start of the cleaning mode to the end of the cleaning mode is extremely short, for example, 10 seconds, it is determined that the mounting portion has not been cleaned.

In step ST3, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, a "complete" button operated at the end of cleaning on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, and when the "complete" button is operated, the step Proceed to ST4 processing.

In step ST4, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the light output from the light emitting unit of the safety detection sensor 903 is detected by the light receiving unit in the optical sensor 9 as the safety detection sensor 903. The safety detection sensor 903 is arranged on the front side of the PET sensor 901 provided on the mounting portion 116.
Further, in the control unit 1, when the light output from the light emitting unit is detected by the light sensor 9 as the safety detection sensor 903, that is, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are used by a cleaning tool such as a cleaning cloth. If the space is not shielded, the process proceeds to step ST5.
Further, when the light output from the light emitting unit is not detected by the light sensor 9 as the safety detection sensor 903, that is, the control unit 1 uses a cleaning tool such as a cleaning cloth to connect the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. If the light output from the light emitting unit is not detected by the light receiving unit due to the shielding between the spaces, the process proceeds to step ST6.

In step ST5, as shown in FIG. 15A, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Please clean" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, and prompts the cleaner or the like to clean. , Proceed to the process of step ST3. As shown in FIG. 15A, the control unit 1 performs a process of operably displaying the forced end button (cancel button BT1) on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, and the forced end button (cancel button). When BT1) is operated, the cleaning mode is forcibly terminated and the process of switching to the normal processing mode, which is the first mode, is performed. This forced termination button (cancel button BT1) is a button that is operated when the next customer comes, for example, when "Please clean" is displayed on the display unit as shown in FIG. 15 (a). be. The cancel button BT1 may be a hardware key.
When the button BT1 is operated, the control unit 1 may store the operation history in the storage unit. The control unit 1 performs a process of evaluating the cleaner based on the operation history.

In step ST6, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the light output from the light emitting unit is detected by the light receiving unit in the optical sensor 9 as the PET sensor 901. As shown in FIG. 15, the PET sensor 901 is provided on the back side (rear side) of the safety detection sensor 903, more specifically, on the back side (rear side) of the mounting portion 116.
When the light output from the light emitting unit is detected by the light sensor 9 as the PET sensor 901 in the control unit 1, that is, a cleaning tool such as a cleaning cloth is used to move between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. When the light output from the light emitting unit is detected by the light receiving unit without being shielded, the process proceeds to step ST7.
Further, in the control unit 1, when the light output from the light emitting unit is not detected by the light sensor 9 as the PET sensor 901, that is, between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit by a cleaning tool such as a cleaning cloth. When the light output from the light emitting unit is not detected by the light receiving unit, the process proceeds to step ST8.
In step ST6, the control unit 1 determined whether or not the back side of the mounting unit 116 was cleaned based on the signal from the PET sensor 901, but mounted based on the signal from the container detection sensor 902. It may be determined whether or not the back side of the mounting portion is cleaned, or whether or not the back side of the mounting portion 116 is cleaned based on the signals from the PET sensor 901 and the container detection sensor 902. ..

In step ST7, as shown in FIG. 15B, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Please clean the interior of the mounting unit" on the display unit of the display operation unit 3. Proceed to the process of step ST3. As shown in FIG. 15B, the control unit 1 performs a process of operably displaying the forced end button (cancel button BT2) on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, and the forced end button (cancel button). When BT2) is operated, the cleaning mode is forcibly terminated and the process of switching to the normal processing mode, which is the first mode, is performed. As described in step ST5, when the button BT2 is operated, the control unit 1 may store it in the storage unit as an operation history. The control unit 1 performs a process of evaluating the cleaner based on the operation history (for example, a process of calculating an evaluation value).

In step ST8, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mounting unit 116 is cleaned based on the signal indicating the detection result from the measuring unit 7 such as the load cell. Specifically, the control unit 1 has the mounting unit 116 depending on whether the scale has changed (number of times) based on the signal from the measuring unit 7 or the time during which the scale of the measuring unit 7 has changed. Judge whether or not there is cleaning.
That is, in order for the control unit 1 to determine whether or not cleaning is performed, a load is applied to the measuring unit 7 by cleaning the mounting unit 116, or when the measuring unit 7 is not cleaned, a predetermined load is not applied to the measuring unit 7. I am using.
Specifically, when the control unit 1 determines, for example, that the weight value (and / or the time during which the weight value is changing) by the measuring unit 7 is larger than the specified value, the control unit 1 proceeds to the process of step ST9 and measures. When the weight value (and / or the time during which the weight value is changing) by unit 7 is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step ST10.

In step ST9, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the cleaning mode measured by the timer is larger than the specified value (for example, 30 seconds), and if it is larger than the specified value, step ST12 If the value is equal to or less than the specified value, it is determined that the dirt on the mounting portion 116 has not been completely cleaned, and the process proceeds to step ST10.

In step ST10, as shown in FIG. 15C, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying, for example, "Is the dirt completely removed?" On the display unit of the display operation unit 3.

In step ST11, as shown in FIG. 15C, the control unit 1 performs a process of operably displaying, for example, the “Yes” button BT3 and the “No” button BT4 on the display unit of the display operation unit 3. When the "No" button BT4 is operated, the process proceeds to step ST3, and when the "Yes" button BT3 is operated, the process proceeds to step ST12.
In step ST11, the cleaner self-reported whether or not the dirt was removed, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the control unit 1, the "Yes" button BT3 was operated. In this case, a process of determining whether or not the cleaning has been sufficiently performed is performed based on the signal from each detection unit, and if it is determined that the cleaning has not been sufficiently performed, the process proceeds to the process of step ST3 and the cleaning is performed. If it is determined that the above is sufficiently performed, the process of step ST12 may proceed.
Further, as described above, the self-report by the cleaner regarding whether or not the dirt has been removed may be stored in the storage unit as an operation history. The control unit 1 performs a process of evaluating the cleaner based on the operation history.

In step ST12, the control unit 1 performs a process of closing the outer door 111 by the outer door driving unit 5 and closes (closes) the inlet. Further, the control unit 1 performs a process of closing the inner door 112 by the inner door driving unit 6.

In step ST13, the control unit 1 ends the cleaning mode and sets the recovery device to the normal processing mode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, in the step ST104 following the step ST3, the control unit 1 captures, for example, the mounting unit by the imaging unit, analyzes the obtained image (or moving image), and performs the cleaning process. If it is determined that the mounting portion has been cleaned, the process proceeds to step ST12, and if it is determined that the mounting portion has not been cleaned, step ST104 is performed without ending the cleaning mode. The process may be performed so as to loop.
In FIG. 16, the same operation (step) as in FIG. 14 is designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the determination is made based on whether or not the mounting portion is actually wiped by the image captured by the imaging unit (camera). In addition, the captured image or other stain detection sensor may be used to determine the stain on the mounting portion. Further, the control unit 1 may determine whether or not the mounting unit is cleaned based on the images of the mounting unit before and after the cleaning mode.
Further, the control unit 1 may determine whether or not the mounting unit is cleaned by comparing the reference image of the mounting unit stored in the storage unit in advance with the image of the mounting unit after the cleaning mode. good.
Further, the control unit may display a warning screen such as "clean properly" on the display unit to warn the cleaner when the cleaning is not performed as a result of the determination of whether or not the cleaning is performed.

As described above, the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100, etc.) as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a device in which the article is placed on the mounting section 116 and a predetermined operation is performed. Therefore, in the cleaning mode, a display unit (display operation unit 3) for displaying the prompting for cleaning of the device and a determination unit 101 of the control unit 1 for determining whether or not the device has been cleaned are provided. Have.
In the present embodiment, when the key hole 100r of the drawer 100C is operated and the drawer 100C can be pulled out from the main body 100B of the recovery device, the control unit 1 is set to the cleaning mode. do.
That is, in the cleaning mode, an image or characters indicating that cleaning is urged is displayed on the display unit of the display operation unit 3, and whether the determination unit 101 has cleaned the mounting unit 116 or the like of the empty container collection device 100. Since it is determined whether or not the cleaning is performed, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the cleaning is performed reliably.
That is, it is possible to provide an article collection device (empty container collection device 100, etc.) as a device that can easily confirm whether or not cleaning is reliably performed with a simple configuration.

Further, the determination unit 101 of the empty container recovery device 100 as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention determines whether or not the mounting portion of the recovery device has been cleaned based on the measurement time from the start of cleaning. judge.
Specifically, for example, the determination unit 101 of the control unit 1 specifies the cleaning start time based on signals from various sensors and the measuring unit, and specifies the measurement time from the cleaning start time to the cleaning end time. Based on the measurement time, if the measurement time is less than the specified time (for example, the specified time is 1 minute), it is determined that cleaning has not been performed, and if the measurement time is longer than the specified time, cleaning has been performed. Determine.
That is, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the mounting portion of the recovery device has been cleaned.

Further, in the empty container collecting device 100 as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention, one or more detection units 180 (metal detection sensor 8, optical sensor 9, measuring unit 7, imaging unit 19) are mounted on the mounting unit 116. Etc.). The determination unit 101 of the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mounting unit 116 has been cleaned according to the detection results of one or more detection units 180.
That is, since the determination unit 101 determines whether or not the mounting unit 116 has been cleaned according to the detection result by the detection unit 180 provided on the mounting unit 116, the cleaning can be easily performed with a simple configuration. The presence or absence can be determined.
Further, in detail, the detection means (metal detection sensor 8, optical sensor 9, measuring unit, etc.) used to determine whether the object is a collection target or a non-collection target on the mounting unit 116, the container charging unit 110, or the like. 7. Image pickup unit 19 and the like) are provided, and since this detection means also serves as a detection unit 180 for determining whether or not the mounting unit 116 is cleaned in the cleaning mode, a sensor and a detection unit are newly provided. It is possible to provide a recovery device 100 having a simple structure including the detection unit 180 without adding the above detection unit 180.

Further, the article collection device (empty container collection device 100, etc.) as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention carries an article having a first mode (normal processing mode) and a second mode (cleaning mode). A device that is mounted on a container to perform operations, and includes one or more detection units 180 (metal detection sensor 8, optical sensor 9, measuring unit 7, imaging unit 19, etc.) and a control unit that controls this device. 1 and. The control unit 1 makes the control of the one or a plurality of detection units different between the first mode (normal processing mode) and the second mode (cleaning mode).
The control unit 1 switches to and switches to the first mode or the second mode based on, for example, a signal from the lock / unlock detection unit 18 or a signal from an operation unit (display operation unit 3 or the like). Control is performed according to the first mode or the second mode. Further, the control of one or a plurality of detection units by the control unit 1 is different from that of the control unit 1. In the first mode (normal processing mode), the control unit 1 has one or a plurality of detection units 180. Based on the signals from (metal detection sensor 8, optical sensor 9, measuring unit 7, imaging unit 19, etc.), whether the article placed on the mounting unit is a recovered object or a non-collected object is determined. Judgment is made, and a process of collecting articles or a non-collection process of not collecting articles is performed based on the result of the determination. In the second mode (cleaning mode), a plurality of detection units 180 (metal detection sensor 8, optical sensor 9) are performed. , Measuring unit 7, imaging unit 19, etc.), the determination unit 101 determines whether or not the mounting unit 116 has been cleaned.
That is, since the detection unit 180 used in the first mode (normal processing mode) also serves as a detection means for determining whether or not the mounting unit 116 is cleaned in the second mode (cleaning mode). It is possible to provide a recovery device 100 having a simple structure including the detection unit 180 without adding a new sensor or detection unit.

Further, the detection unit of the empty container recovery device 100 as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a measuring unit 7 for measuring the mass of the article mounted on the mounting unit 116 as described above. In the cleaning mode, the determination unit 101 of the control unit 1 determines whether or not the cleaning is performed based on the measurement result including the change in the scale amount by the measuring unit 7 or the change time of the scale amount.
Specifically, in the cleaning mode, the determination unit 101 determines whether the number of changes in the scale indicated by the signal from the load cell is equal to or greater than the specified number based on the signal from the load cell or the like as the measuring unit 7. Whether or not the mounting portion 116 is cleaned can be easily determined depending on whether the number is less than the specified number or whether the change time of the scale is greater than or equal to the specified value or less than the specified value.
For example, the determination unit 101 determines that cleaning is performed when the number of changes in the scale is equal to or greater than the specified number, and determines that cleaning is not performed when the number of changes is less than the specified number.
Further, for example, the determination unit 101 determines that cleaning is performed when the change time of the scale is equal to or longer than the specified value, and determines that cleaning is not performed when the change time is less than the specified value.
Further, the determination unit 101 may comprehensively determine the presence or absence of cleaning by the combination of the number of changes in the scale by the measuring unit 7 and the change time of the scale.
That is, in the cleaning mode, the article collection device (empty container collection) having a simple structure can easily determine the presence or absence of the cleaning based on the measurement result including the change in the scale by the measuring unit 7 or the change time in the scale. Device 100, etc.) can be provided.

Further, the article collecting device (empty container collecting device 100, etc.) as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention has an imaging unit 19 that images the mounting unit 116 in the cleaning mode. The determination unit 101 of the control unit 1 determines whether or not the mounting unit 116 has been cleaned based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 19. The display unit of the display operation unit 3 displays a guide image based on the determination result of the determination unit 101. Specifically, in the cleaning mode, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying a guide image based on the above determination result on the display unit of the display operation unit 3.
For example, it is determined whether or not the mounting unit 116 has been cleaned by a cleaner with a cloth or the like by image processing or the like based on the image (which may be a moving image) obtained by the imaging unit 19. In the cleaning mode, when it is determined that the control unit 1 has not cleaned, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying a guidance image prompting cleaning on the display unit of the display operation unit 3. Further, in the cleaning mode, when it is determined that the control unit 1 has been cleaned, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying a guidance image indicating the completion of cleaning on the display unit of the display operation unit 3.
That is, it is possible to provide an article collection device (empty container collection device 100, etc.) as a device that can easily confirm whether or not cleaning is reliably performed with a simple configuration.

Further, the article collecting device (empty container collecting device 100 or the like) as the device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition means (reader / writer 17 or the like) for acquiring the cleaning person's identification information and the cleaning person's identification information. Each of the cleaning person's identification information has a storage unit 2 that stores the cleaning determination result by the determination unit 101 in association with each other. The information stored in the storage unit 2 may be stored in the storage unit of an external computer such as the store management server 500 or the collection management server 200.
When the cleaning person's identification information is acquired by the acquisition means, the display unit (display operation unit 3) provides information on cleaning based on the past determination result by the determination unit 101 associated with the cleaning person's identification information. Is displayed.
That is, for example, since the cleaning determination result is associated with each cleaner and stored in the storage unit 2, the control unit 1 determines, for example, a cleaner who has not properly cleaned based on this determination result. On the other hand, warning processing such as warning in the next cleaning mode may be performed.
Further, the collection management server 200 capable of communicating with the collection device 100 may store the cleaning determination result by the determination unit 101 in association with each of the cleaning person's identification information and the cleaning person's identification information. Further, the collection management server 200 capable of communicating with the collection device 100 may store the cleaning level from the previous cleaning status and the accumulation of the past history. The collection management server 200 can easily manage the cleaning status of each collection device 100 and the cleaning history of the cleaner.

The acquisition means is not limited to a card reader / writer (card reader / writer with wireless communication function), and is, for example, a code reader that reads a code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code (a code indicating identification information of a cleaner). It may be. Further, the acquisition means may be a face authentication system, a fingerprint authentication device, a biometric authentication system such as a smartphone, or the like, as long as the identification information of the cleaner can be specified.

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

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

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

Further, the article collecting device according to the present invention may be adopted as a container volume reducing device or a container collecting device.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the article collection device and the empty container collection device. For example, the packaging device having the device according to the present invention and packaging the object to be packaged placed on the mounting portion. It may be a packaging device having a packaging unit to be used.
Further, the present invention is a printer with a scale having the device according to the present invention, and performs printing according to a weighing unit for measuring an article placed on the mounting unit and a weighing result of the article by the measuring unit. It may be a printer with a scale having a printing unit.

2 ... Storage unit 7 ... Measuring unit (load cell, etc.)
8 ... Metal detection sensor 9 ... Optical sensor 17 ... Reader / writer (acquisition means)
18 ... Lock / unlock detection unit 19 ... Imaging unit 100 ... Empty container recovery device (device or article recovery device)
100B ... Main body (main body of recovery device)
101 ... Judgment unit 111 ... Outer door 112 ... Inner door 116 ... Mounting unit 180 ... Detection unit 901 ... PET sensor (optical sensor)
902 ... Container detection sensor (optical sensor)
903 ... Safety detection sensor (optical sensor)

Claims (3)

An article collection device that collects articles and has a cleaning mode.
Control unit and
An article storage unit that houses the collected articles,
A mounting part on which articles can be placed and
The outer door that covers the above-mentioned part and
The control unit has an inner door provided between the above-described storage unit and the article accommodating unit, and the control unit opens the outer door and slightly opens the inner door when the cleaning mode is set. An article collection device characterized by being in an open state. It also has a display
The article collection device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays at least a place to be cleaned of the above-mentioned storage unit in characters or images. Wherein, the article collecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer door to the closed state when the operation of termination of the cleanup mode is performed.

Images