KR102495536B1 - Smart bin - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a smart bin. The smart bin, which facilitates installation and maintenance, comprises: a case; an accommodation unit provided in the case and including a storage space in which a target object is accommodated; and an insertion device installed in the case and selecting the target object to be inserted into the accommodation unit. The insertion device comprises: a holding unit forming a space recessed for holding the target object and provided with a communication hole that communicates with the accommodation unit; an opening and closing unit coupled to the holding unit to be rotatable and formed to open and close the communication hole; and a driving unit configured to rotate the opening and closing unit. The driving unit comprises: a driving motor configured to be forwardly and reversely rotatable; a first link connected to the driving motor to be rotatable; and a second link connected to the first link and the opening and closing unit to be rotatable, respectively, and configured to open and close the communication hole by pushing or pulling the opening and closing unit according to a rotation direction of the driving motor.

Description

Smart Bin {SMART BIN}

The present invention relates to a collector for separate collection of recyclable waste, and more particularly, to a smart bin capable of automatically sorting and collecting collectable recyclables using communication with a user terminal.

Due to the increase in the amount of plastic used in product packaging containers and the change to a simplified lifestyle, the amount of plastic waste is increasing every year.

In particular, as the bottled water and beverage market grows rapidly, the use of PET bottles is rapidly increasing.

The state and local governments are trying to increase the recycling rate in line with the rapidly increasing amount of plastic waste, but the recycling rate is very small compared to the increase in the amount of plastic waste, and has not been greatly improved.

In addition, the existing plastic recycling collection systems targeting commercial facilities and detached houses require additional sorting due to high collection costs and mixed collection methods.

As a result, the plastic waste recycling rate is only 13.9% of the amount of plastic waste generated due to the increase in cost due to additional sorting work.

Therefore, research and measures to increase the plastic waste recycling rate are urgently needed.

However, existing recycling bins are equipped with an artificial intelligence identification function, so the supply price of the sorting bins is too high.

Due to this, it is difficult to install the separate collectors in many places, and when the plastic recycling waste emitter wants to throw away recyclables such as PET bottles, there is a problem in that accessibility to the separate collectors is reduced.

In addition, existing recyclables separate collectors require high power consumption of components related to artificial intelligence identification, such as camera modules, computing units including GPUs, and 5G communication modules, so wired power (AC 220V, etc.) ), so the installation location and operation of the separate collector are limited.

The present invention is to provide a smart bean having a structure capable of solving the above-mentioned problems, and a specific purpose is as follows.

The first purpose is to provide a smart bin with a structure that can simplify the configuration and reduce the supply price by deleting all components related to the artificial intelligence identification function of the existing separate garbage collector.

A second object is to provide a smart bin capable of minimizing power consumption for communication with a user terminal.

The third purpose is to provide a smart bin with a structure that can be installed anywhere regardless of installation location and has excellent installation scalability.

Fourth, it is to provide a smart bin having a structure in which installation and maintenance of an input device for inputting selected recyclables into a storage space is easy.

The first object described above can be achieved by installing an artificial intelligence identification function in an app installed on a user terminal.

The above-described second object can be achieved by providing a communication unit implemented with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module that consumes little power for communication with a user terminal.

The above-described third object can be achieved by driving the opening/closing unit using the link and the driving motor so that power required for driving the motor is minimized to a battery level (DC 12V, etc.).

The above-mentioned fourth object can be achieved by modularizing the recycling input device.

The problems of the present invention and the first to fourth objects described above can be achieved by the following embodiments of the present invention.

A smart bin according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case; a storage unit provided inside the case and including a storage space in which a target product is stored; and an input device installed in the case to select a target product and insert it into the storage unit, wherein the input device forms a recessed space in which the target product is placed and communicates with the storage unit. Mounting portion having a hole; an opening and closing portion rotatably coupled to the holding portion and formed to open and close the communication hole; and a driving unit configured to rotate the opening/closing unit, wherein the driving unit includes a driving motor configured to rotate forward and backward; a first link rotatably connected to the driving motor; and a second link rotatably connected to the first link and the opening/closing unit, respectively, configured to open and close the communication hole by pushing or pulling the opening/closing unit according to the rotational direction of the driving motor. .

The input device may be detachably coupled to a mounting hole formed in a top cover of the case.

The input device may include a first micro switch configured to detect a closed state of the opening/closing unit by contact with the first link; and a second micro switch configured to detect an open state of the opening/closing unit by contact with the first link.

The input device may include a communication unit configured to communicate with a user terminal; and a control unit controlling the driving unit according to an acceptance signal received from the user terminal through the communication unit.

The control unit rotates the driving motor in a forward direction so that the opening and closing unit is switched to an open state when the acceptance signal is received in the closed state of the opening and closing unit, and when a detection signal is received from the second micro switch, the opening and closing unit The driving motor may be rotated in a reverse direction so as to be converted into a closed state, and when a detection signal is received from the first micro switch, driving of the driving motor may be stopped so that the opening/closing part is maintained in a closed state.

The inserting device may further include a stopper configured to contact the first link and restrict rotation of the first link when the first link presses the first micro switch.

The first link includes a first extension and a first bent portion bent at the first extension, and the second link includes a second extension and a second bent portion bent at the second extension. And, when the first link and the stopper come into contact, the first bent part and the second bent part come into contact with each other so that relative rotation may be limited.

a battery storage unit provided in the holding unit; and a battery stored in the battery compartment and electrically connected to the driving motor, the communication unit, and the control unit.

The input device further includes a supporter installed in a hanging form on one side of the opening and closing part located inside the case, and the supporter extends in a vertical direction, and the driving motor, the first link, and the first link. a vertical extension part providing a space in which the micro switch and the second micro switch are installed; and a horizontal extension connected to a lower end of the vertical extension and extended in a horizontal direction, providing a space in which a control board including the communication unit and the control unit is installed.

The control board further includes a sensor for detecting an amount of the target article stored in the storage unit, the sensor including a light emitting unit for radiating light downward and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light, and the control unit When the value sensed through the sensor exceeds a preset value, storage information may be transmitted to the user terminal through the communication unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be achieved.

First, the smart bin drives a driving motor according to an accommodation signal received from a user terminal to control an opening and closing operation of an opening and closing unit, thereby selectively storing a target item placed in a holder in a storage unit. Therefore, it is enough for the user to photograph the target item in the app installed on the user terminal after placing the target item on the holder, and since a separate input process is not required after the item is determined as a recycled item, the process of discharging the recycled item can be made more easily. can In addition, the smart bin of the present invention includes components related to the artificial intelligence identification function of existing competing products (recyclable items separate collection devices), such as a camera module, a computing unit including a GPU, and a 5G communication module. All of them can be deleted, so that the configuration of the smart bin can be simplified.

Second, components related to the AI identification function, which accounted for a significant portion of the supply price, are deleted, which can significantly reduce the supply price of smart bins by up to 1/10.

Third, a smart bean capable of automatically recovering PET bottles is a battery (DC 12V, etc.) can be driven sufficiently. Accordingly, there is an advantage that sufficient operation is possible only by replacing the battery when the manager visits regularly for management.

Fourth, since it can be operated with a battery, it can be installed anywhere regardless of the installation location, so excellent installation scalability can be realized.

Fifth, in the input device, a target item is placed on a holder provided inside the top cover of the case, and a drive motor, a first link, a first micro switch, and a second micro switch are mounted on a supporter suspended from one side of the opening and closing unit. By installing the etc., it is possible to contribute to miniaturization of the smart bin and efficiently utilize the internal space of the smart bin.

Sixth, a driving unit for driving the opening/closing unit is disposed above the storage unit, so that a wide accommodating space of the storage unit can be secured.

Seventh, the cover plate installed to cover the mounting hole of the top cover and the supporter installed to hang on the inner surface of the cover plate include a mounting part, an opening and closing part, a driving motor, a first link, a second link, a first micro switch, a second micro switch, etc. By modularizing the assembled form, installation and maintenance are easy.

1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a smart bin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a door is opened in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a target article is mounted on a holder in FIG. 1 .
4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the input device in FIG. 3 is coupled to the inside of the mounting hole of the top cover.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a driving unit is mounted on a supporter of the injection device in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a battery is mounted on a holder in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the first link and the first micro switch are in contact when the opening/closing unit is closed in FIG. 4 .
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the first link and the second micro switch are in contact when the opening/closing unit is opened in FIG. 7 .
FIG. 9 is a conceptual view showing a state in which the opening/closing unit is opened in FIG. 8 viewed from the rear.

Hereinafter, a smart bin according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the characteristics of the present invention.

1. Definition of terms

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

As used herein, “consists of.” or "includes." Such terms should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and some of the components or steps may not be included, or additional components or steps may be included. It should be interpreted as being more inclusive.

In addition, in describing the technology disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted.

In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , it should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes. In addition, each of the embodiments described below, as well as combinations of embodiments, are changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention, and may fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. .

Singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms “upper side”, “lower side”, “right side”, “left side”, “front side” and “rear side” used in the following description will be understood through the coordinate system shown in FIG. 1 .

2. Description of configuration of smart bin according to an embodiment of the present invention

1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a smart bin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the door 106 is opened in FIG. 1 .

A smart bin management system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a smart bin and a user terminal.

The smart bin may be a recyclable item collection device configured to accommodate a specific type of target item 1 .

The user terminal may be driven according to a management application for managing and controlling smart bins.

The specific type of target item 1 includes recyclable items such as recyclable PET bottles.

Here, the user terminal is a device on which the management application is installed, and various types of electronic devices may be used as the user terminal. As an example, the user terminal described herein includes a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation device, a slate PC, and a tablet. Mobile terminals such as PC (tablet PC), ultrabook, wearable device (eg, watch type terminal (smart watch), glass type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)), etc. can be used

In the following description, for convenience of description, a case in which a mobile terminal is used as the user terminal will be described as an example. In this case, the mobile terminal may be a mobile terminal in which a management application for managing smart bins is stored and installed, and the management application operates automatically according to a preset condition or according to a user's selection. Here, the management application may be transmitted from a preset management server through a wired or wireless communication interface, and may be an application stored and installed in the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the smart bin includes a case 100, a storage unit 108, and an input device.

The case 100 forms the exterior of the smart bin. The case 100 may be formed in a rectangular shape. An accommodation space is provided inside the case 100 .

The case 100 may include a bottom cover 101, a top cover 102, a back cover 103, a side cover 104, a front cover 105, and a door 106.

The bottom cover 101 forms the lower side of the smart bin.

The top cover 102 forms the upper side of the smart bin. The top cover 102 is spaced apart from the bottom cover 101 in an upward direction. The gap between the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 101 forms the height of the smart bin.

A mounting hole 1021 may be formed in the top cover 102 . The mounting hole 1021 may be formed in a rectangular shape. An input device to be described below may be detachably coupled to the inside of the mounting hole 1021 .

The side cover 104 may form the left or right side of the smart bin. The side cover 104 is disposed between the bottom cover 101 and the top cover 102 . The upper side of the side cover 104 is coupled to the left or right side of the top cover 102, and the lower side of the side cover 104 is coupled to the left or right side of the bottom cover 101.

The back cover 103 forms the rear side of the smart bin. The back cover 103 is disposed between the bottom cover 101 and the top cover 102 . The upper side of the back cover 103 is coupled to the rear side of the top cover 102, and the lower side of the back cover 103 is coupled to the rear side of the bottom cover 101.

The front cover 105 forms the front side of the smart bin. An opening 1051 is formed in the front cover 105 . Through the opening 1051 , the accommodating unit 108 to be described later may be accommodated in and out of the accommodating space of the case 100 .

A door 106 is installed on the front cover 105 to open and close the opening 1051 . The door 106 may be rotatably coupled to the front cover 105 by a plurality of hinges 107 . A plurality of hinges 107 may connect the left side of the door 106 and the left side of the front cover 105 . The right side of the door 106 can open and close the opening 1051 by pivoting around the plurality of hinges 107 .

A locking device (not shown) may be installed on the right side of the door 106 .

A handle may be installed on the right side of the door 106 . A user can easily open and close the door 106 by holding the handle.

The storage unit 108 is formed to accommodate a specific type of recyclable product. The accommodating part 108 may be formed in a rectangular shape. The storage unit 108 includes a storage space capable of storing recyclable items such as PET bottles.

The storage unit 108 may include a bottom panel, a side panel, a back panel, and a front panel. The bottom panel forms the lower surface of the housing part 108 . The side panel forms the left or right side of the housing 108 . The back panel forms the rear side of the compartment 108. The front panel forms the front side of the compartment 108.

An upper surface of the accommodating part 108 is formed to be open. The object 1 may be dropped into the storage space of the storage unit 108 through the open upper side of the storage unit 108 .

In order to secure the storage space of the storage unit 108 as wide as possible, when the storage unit 108 is accommodated inside the case 100, the front-rear distance and the left-right distance between the case 100 and the storage unit 108 are narrow. can be formed

However, the height of the storage unit 108 is formed smaller than the height of the case 100 so as not to interfere with an input device to be described later when being drawn in and out of the case 100 .

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the target article 1 in FIG. 1 is mounted on the holder 113 of the input device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the input device in FIG. 3 is coupled to the inside of the mounting hole 1021 of the top cover 102. Referring to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the driving unit 120 is mounted on the supporter of the input device in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing how the battery 134 is mounted on the holder 113 in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a contact between the first link 124a and the first micro switch 129a when the opening/closing unit 114 is closed in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a contact between the first link 124a and the second micro switch 129b when the opening/closing unit 114 is opened in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a conceptual view showing a state in which the opening/closing unit 114 is opened in FIG. 8 viewed from the rear.

The input device may include a holding unit 113, an opening/closing unit 114, a driving unit 120, a first micro switch 129a, and a second micro switch 129b. The input device may further include a cover plate 111 and a supporter 112 to be modularized as one component.

The cover plate 111 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape. The size (area) of the cover plate 111 is slightly larger than the size of the mounting hole 1021 . The cover plate 111 is mounted on the top cover 102 to cover the mounting hole 1021 .

An edge portion of the cover plate 111 may be disposed to overlap the top cover 102 around the mounting hole 1021, and may be fastened to the top cover 102 by a fastening member such as a screw.

The supporter 112 may be installed in a hanging form on one side of the opening/closing part 114 located inside the case 100 . The supporter 112 may include a vertical extension 1121 and a horizontal extension 1122 .

The vertical extension part 1121 may extend vertically. The vertical extension part 1121 provides a space in which the driving motor 121, the first link 124a, the first micro switch 129a, and the second micro switch 129b can be installed.

The vertical extension 1121 may vertically extend downward from the inner surface of the cover plate 111 . An upper end of the vertical extension 1121 may be coupled to an inner surface of the cover plate 111 and a lower end of the vertical extension 1121 may protrude toward the storage space of the storage unit 108 .

The horizontal extension part 1122 may be connected to the lower end of the vertical extension part 1121 and extend in the horizontal direction. The horizontal extension 1122 provides a space in which a control board 131 including a communication unit and a control unit, which will be described later, can be installed. The horizontal extension 1122 may be formed in a rectangular plate shape.

The control board 131 may be formed in a rectangular shape.

The control board 131 may be coupled to a lower portion of the horizontal extension part 1122 by a plurality of support parts. A plurality of support units may be mounted at each corner of the horizontal extension part 1122 . One side of the support part may be connected to the horizontal extension part 1122 and the other side of the support part may be connected to each corner of the control board 131 .

The mounting portion 113 forms a recessed space from the cover plate 111 to the inside of the case 100, that is, a mounting area. An inlet 1131 may be formed in the cover plate 111 . The inlet 1131 is formed to communicate with the holding area of the holding part 113 .

The mounting portion 113 may include a mounting surface 1132 , a side wall 1133 , and a communication hole 1134 .

The bearing surface 1132 may be formed to be inclined downward from the front side of the inlet 1131 toward the rear side. According to this, the target article 1 introduced through the inlet 1131 may slide along the passing surface 1132 by gravity and move toward the communication hole 1134 .

The side wall 1133 is formed to extend downward from the left and right sides of the inlet 1131 to cover the left and right sides of the passing surface 1132 . The front side of the side wall 1133 is inclined downward to correspond to the bearing surface 1132, and the rear side of the side wall 1133 is inclined downward from the rear side of the inlet 1131 to the lower end of the front side of the side wall 1133. The sidewall 1133 may be formed in a substantially triangular or pentagonal shape.

The communication hole 1134 is formed through the rear side of the side wall 1133 to communicate with the inner space of the case 100 and the storage space of the storage unit 108 .

The opening/closing unit 114 may be rotatably installed inside the case 100 to open and close the communication hole 1134 . The opening and closing portion 114 may be formed in a plate shape. The opening/closing portion 114 may have a size corresponding to that of the communication hole 1134 .

The upper side of the opening/closing part 114 may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 111 by a plurality of hinges 116 such as hinges. The plurality of hinges 116 may be coupled to the cover plate 111 through the fixing plate 115 .

The fixing plate 115 is formed to extend to the left and right sides of the cover plate 111 . The top of the fixing plate 115 is formed to extend horizontally in a flat shape. The lower part of the fixing plate 115 may be formed in a flat shape, and may be inclined downward in a direction parallel to the opening/closing part 114 in a closed state at the upper part of the fixing plate 115 .

One side of the hinge 116 is disposed spaced apart along the left-right direction at the bottom of the inclined fixing plate 115 and fastened, and the other side of the hinge 116 is disposed spaced apart along the left-right direction on the upper side of the opening and closing part 114 and fastened do.

According to this configuration, the opening/closing unit 114 can rotate between a first position in which the communication hole 1134 is closed and a second position in which the communication hole 1134 is opened. The opening/closing part 114 may form a holding area together with the holding surface 1132 and the side wall 1133 at the first position.

When the opening/closing part 114 is closed, the target article 1 may be introduced through the inlet 1131 and placed in the holding area of the holding part 113 .

The driving unit 120 may include at least one motor or actuator that provides a driving force capable of moving the position of the opening/closing unit 114 or rotating the opening/closing unit 114 to open or close the opening/closing unit 114. In addition, a mechanical mechanism for moving the position of the opening/closing unit 114 or rotating the opening/closing unit 114 by a motor or actuator may be included.

The driving unit 120 includes a driving motor 121, a first link 124a and a second link 124b.

The driving motor 121 may be mounted on the vertical extension part 1121 of the supporter 112 by the mounting bracket 123 . The mounting bracket 123 may include a first part, a second part and a third part. The first portion extends vertically in the vertical direction. A driving motor 121 may be connected to the first part.

The second portion extends horizontally from the upper end of the first portion in the left and right directions. The second part is made to connect the first part and the second part.

The third part extends vertically in the vertical direction. The third part is fastened to the vertical extension part 1121 by a fastening member such as a screw.

The driving motor 121 includes a stator and a rotor, receives electric energy, and generates rotational force by electromagnetic interaction between the stator and the rotor. The drive motor 121 is made to enable forward and reverse rotation.

Here, the forward direction means a direction in which the drive motor 121 rotates so that the opening/closing unit 114 is switched from a closed state to an open state. The reverse direction means a direction in which the drive motor 121 rotates so that the opening/closing unit 114 is switched from an open state to a closed state.

The first link 124a may be rotatably connected to the driving motor 121 . The first link 124a includes a first extension part 125a and a first bent part 126a.

The first extension part 125a may be formed in the form of a plate extending long in the front-rear direction of the case 100 . The height of the first extension portion 125a extends vertically between the upper and lower surfaces of the first extension portion 125a. The height of the first extension 125a is relatively smaller than the length of the first extension 125a.

The thickness of the first extension part 125a is formed to extend in the left-right direction of the case 100 between the left and right sides of the first extension part 125a. The thickness of the first extension part 125a is relatively smaller than the height of the first extension part 125a.

The rear end of the first extension 125a may be connected to the rotation shaft 122 extending from the drive motor 121 .

The rotating shaft 122 may be formed to extend in the left and right directions. The rotating shaft 122 may be connected to the first link 124a through the vertical extension 1121 from the driving motor 121 .

The first link 124a may be rotatably coupled with the rotation shaft 122 . The front end of the first link 124a may rotate vertically around the rotation shaft 122 .

Both ends of the rotating shaft 122 may be rotatably supported by bearings. A deceleration device may be provided between the first link 124a and the drive motor 121 . The reduction device may transmit rotational force to the first link 124a by reducing the rotational speed of the driving motor 121 by a gear ratio.

Bearings and/or reduction devices may be mounted on the vertical extension 1121 .

The first bent portion 126a may be bent and formed to protrude laterally from an upper side of the first extension portion 125a. The first bent portion 126a may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion 125a. Upper and lower surfaces of the first bent portion 126a may be formed in a flat shape.

The second link 124b is rotatably connected to the first link 124a and the opening/closing part 114, respectively. The second link 124b includes a second extension part 125b and a second bent part 126b.

The second extension part 125b may be formed in the form of a plate extending long in the front-rear direction of the case 100 . The height of the second extension portion 125b extends vertically between the upper and lower surfaces of the second extension portion 125b. The height of the second extension part 125b is relatively smaller than the length of the second extension part 125b.

The thickness of the second extension portion 125b is formed to extend in the left-right direction of the case 100 between the left and right sides of the second extension portion 125b. The thickness of the second extension portion 125b is relatively smaller than the height of the second extension portion 125b.

The rear end of the second extension 125b may overlap the front end of the first extension 125a in the left and right directions. The rear end of the second extension 125b and the front end of the first extension 125a may be coupled to each other so as to be relatively rotatable by the first joint shaft 127a.

The front end of the second extension part 125b may be connected to the opening/closing part 114 by a connecting bracket 128. The connection bracket 128 may be formed in an “L” shape. One side of the connection bracket 128 may be attached to the opening/closing part 114 . The other side of the connection bracket 128 may be coupled to the front end of the second extension 125b by the second joint shaft 127b.

The first link 124a and the second link 124b are configured to open and close the communication hole 1134 by pushing or pulling the opening/closing unit 114 according to the rotational direction of the driving motor 121 .

The second bent portion 126b may be bent and formed to protrude laterally from an upper side of the second extension portion 125b. The second bent portion 126b may extend along the longitudinal direction of the second extension portion 125b. Upper and lower surfaces of the second bent portion 126b may be formed in a flat shape.

The rear end of the first bent part 126a and the front end of the second bent part 126b come into contact with each other when the opening and closing part 114 is closed.

The first micro switch 129a detects the closed state of the opening/closing unit 114 by contact with the first link 124a.

The first micro switch 129a may be mounted on the vertical extension 1121 of the supporter 112 . The first micro switch 129a may be disposed below the rear end of the first link 124a. The first micro switch 129a may selectively contact the first link 124a according to the rotation angle of the first link 124a.

The second micro switch 129b detects the open state of the opening/closing unit 114 by contact with the first link 124a.

The second micro switch 129b may be mounted on the vertical extension 1121 of the supporter 112 . The second micro switch 129b is positioned higher than the first micro switch 129a. The first micro switch 129a and the second micro switch 129b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical extension 1121 in the vertical direction.

The first and second micro switches 129a and 129b may be located within a rotation radius of the first link 124a and come into contact with the first link 124a.

The first microswitch 129a and the second microswitch 129b may be respectively disposed on the lower part and the upper part of the vertical extension part 1121 with the rotating shaft 122 interposed therebetween.

The distance between the second micro switch 129b and the rotating shaft 122 is longer than the distance between the first micro switch 129a and the rotating shaft 122 . The distance between the second micro switch 129b and the rotating shaft 122 is shorter than the length of the second link 124b.

The following description of the micro switch 129 may be equally applied to the first and second micro switches 129a and 129b, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

The micro switch 129 may include a switch body 1291, a button 1292, and a leaf spring 1293. The switch body 1291 may be formed in a rectangular shape. The switch body 1291 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical extension 1121 from the side of the vertical extension 1121 .

The button 1292 may be formed to protrude from an upper side of the switch body 1291 . The button 1292 may be installed to be movable from the upper side of the switch body 1291 to the inside or outside of the switch body 1291 . One side of the leaf spring 1293 may be fixed to an upper side of the switch body 1291, and the other side of the leaf spring 1293 may be inclinedly extended to contact the first link 124a.

The input device further includes a communication unit and a control unit.

The communication unit is configured to enable two-way communication with the user terminal. The communication unit may include at least one short-range communication module for performing wireless communication with the user terminal. For example, the communication unit 110 may include Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi ( It may include a module supporting short-distance communication using at least one of wireless-fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. Preferably, the communication unit may be a BLE communication module that performs short-range communication using Bluetooth Low Energy technology.

The control unit may control the driving unit 120 according to an acceptance signal received from the user terminal through the communication unit.

The micro switch 129 may be communicatively connected to the control unit.

The input device may further include a stopper 130 .

The stopper 130 is provided on the vertical extension 1121 of the supporter 112 . The stopper 130 may be formed in a plate shape. The stopper 130 may protrude from the vertical extension part 1121 . The stopper 130 may be inclined with respect to the extension direction of the vertical extension part 1121 .

The stopper 130 may be disposed under the rotation shaft 122 . The stopper 130 is located within the rotation radius of the first link 124a. The stopper 130 may contact the lower surface of the first extension 125a of the first link 124a.

According to this, when the first link 124a presses the first micro switch 129a, the stopper 130 may come into contact with the first link 124a and limit the rotation of the first link 124a. .

When the stopper 130 and the first link 124a come into contact, the first bent portion 126a of the first link 124a and the second bent portion 126b of the second link 124b abut against each other and are relatively rotated. can limit what

A battery storage unit 133 may be provided in the holding unit 113 . The battery compartment 133 may be mounted on the front side of the mounting surface 1132 . A space capable of accommodating the battery 134 is formed inside the battery compartment 133 .

The battery compartment 133 may be inclined along the bearing surface 1132 . The lower side and left and right sides of the battery compartment 133 may be closed, and the upper side of the battery compartment 133 may be open.

The battery 134 may be formed of a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery, or may be formed of a primary battery. The battery 134 may be provided with a DC 12V battery or the like. The battery 134 may be drawn into or taken out of the battery compartment 133 through the open upper side of the battery compartment 133 .

The battery 134 may be electrically connected to the driving motor 121, the communication unit, and the control unit to supply electrical energy.

A sensor unit for detecting a state of the smart bin may be included. For example, the sensor unit includes one sensor 132 for sensing the free space of the storage unit 108 in which a specific type of item is stored and one sensor 132 for sensing the remaining power amount of a power supply unit that supplies driving power to the smart bin. A sensor may be provided.

The sensor unit may include an internal camera or photo sensor that acquires an image of the inside of the storage unit 108 in order to sense the free space of the storage unit 108 . Alternatively, a plurality of infrared sensors disposed in the storage unit 108 at different heights may be provided, or an ultrasonic sensor or a Time Of Flight (TOF) sensor may be provided. In this case, the sensor unit may detect the free space of the storage unit 108 using the plurality of infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or TOF sensors. Alternatively, the sensor unit may include a weight sensor for checking the weight of items stored in the storage unit 108 . In addition, the sensor unit may include a battery gauge as a sensor for sensing the amount of remaining power.

For example, the sensor 132 for detecting the amount of the target article 1 stored in the storage unit 108 may be mounted on the control board 131 .

The sensor 132 may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit is configured to emit light downward. The light receiving unit is configured to receive light reflected from the target article 1 .

The measurement principle of the sensor 132 is described as follows.

When the light of the light emitting part is reflected from the target object 1 and returns to the light receiving part, the travel time is measured and the distance can be measured by multiplying the speed of light. This measurement value is the sum of the distance going and the distance coming. By dividing the value by 2, the distance from the sensor 132 to the target item 1 can be calculated.

The sensor 132 may detect the amount of the target article 1 by calculating the distance to the target article 1 stored in the storage unit 108 .

The sensor 132 may use any one sensor selected from among an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a camera sensor.

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the smart bin according to the present invention will be described in detail.

The control unit of the smart bin may be controlled according to a management application for managing the smart bin. Therefore, as described above, when a management application is installed and operated in a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal is the user terminal and can be used to control the control unit of the smart bin through the management application.

To control such a smart bin, the user terminal may first acquire identification information of the smart bin. The smart bin may be identified based on the acquired identification information of the smart bin, and a control signal for controlling the identified smart bin may be transmitted to the smart bin.

In addition, the control unit of the smart bin may open the opening/closing unit 114 according to a control signal received from the user terminal, so that the object 1 mounted on the holder 113 may be put into the smart bin.

Meanwhile, the identification information of the smart bin may be at least one image displayed around a holding area in which the target article 1 is held in the holding unit 113 of the smart bin. The user terminal may obtain identification information of the smart bin by obtaining an image of the surrounding area of the holding area through a camera and detecting an image corresponding to the identification information from the obtained image.

Here, the input object 1 may be mounted on the holding unit 113 . Accordingly, while obtaining identification information from the smart bin, the user terminal may acquire information on the target item 1 mounted on the holder 113 of the smart bin together with the identification information of the smart bin.

Then, the user terminal can detect the types of items that can be stored in the smart bin based on the acquired identification information of the smart bin. The type of the target article 1 may be detected from the image of the target article 1 included in the obtained image. Therefore, the user terminal can determine whether the target item 1 is a collectible item in the smart bin, and opens the storage unit 108 of the smart bin according to the result of determining whether the target item 1 is a collectible item. A smart bin control signal may be transmitted to the smart bin.

The user terminal may use an artificial intelligence algorithm to identify the type of the target item 1 from the acquired image of the target item 1 . The artificial intelligence algorithm may be an algorithm formed to identify the type of the target item 1 from the obtained image of the target item 1 based on information learned using machine learning technology, and different types It may be an algorithm that has been sufficiently learned based on learning data including a plurality of product images of .

The control unit of the smart bin may rotate the drive motor 121 forward so that the opening and closing unit 114 is switched to the open state when an acceptance signal is received from the user terminal through the communication unit in the closed state of the opening and closing unit 114 .

When the drive motor 121 rotates in the forward direction, the first link 124a connected to the rotation shaft 122 rotates clockwise around the rotation shaft 122 . The second link 124b connected to the first link 124a rotates counterclockwise about the first joint shaft 127a.

The opening/closing part 114 connected to the second link 124b is pulled backward and opened by the second link 124b.

At this time, the first bent portion 126a of the first link 124a may contact the second plate spring 1293 of the second micro switch 129b. When the second plate spring 1293 presses the second button 1292, the second micro switch 129b may detect that the opening/closing part 114 is in an open state.

When a detection signal is received from the second micro switch 129b, the control unit rotates the driving motor 121 in a reverse direction so that the opening/closing unit 114 is switched to a closed state.

When the drive motor 121 rotates in the reverse direction, the first link 124a connected to the rotation shaft 122 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 122 . The second link 124b connected to the first link 124a rotates clockwise around the first joint shaft 127a.

The opening/closing part 114 connected to the second link 124b is pressed forward by the second link 124b and closed.

At this time, the first link 124a may be in contact with the first plate spring 1293 of the first micro switch 129a. When the first plate spring 1293 presses the first button 1292, the second micro switch 129b may detect that the opening/closing unit 114 is in a closed state.

When a detection signal is received from the first micro switch 129a, the control unit stops driving of the driving motor 121 so that the opening/closing unit 114 is maintained in a closed state.

When the first link 124a presses the first micro switch 129a, the stopper 130 may contact the first link 124a to restrict rotation of the first link 124a.

Meanwhile, the smart bin may detect state information for managing the smart bin when storage of the target item 1 is completed by a control signal.

In this case, the state information of the smart bin may include information about the free space of the storage unit 108 in which the target article 1 is stored and information about the remaining power of the battery providing power for driving the smart bin. can In addition, smart bin management information including detected smart bin states may be transmitted to the user terminal.

For example, when the value detected through the sensor 132 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit may transmit storage information to the user terminal through the communication unit.

Then, the user terminal can output the received smart bin management information on the display unit or transmit it to the management server.

Meanwhile, the management server may collect information on the current state of the smart bin through the user terminal. Although not shown, the user terminal may transmit management information received from the smart bin to the management server. Then, the management server may update information about the state of the smart bin, for example, storage space or remaining power of the battery, based on the smart bin management information received from the user terminal. Further, it is possible to determine whether an event has occurred based on the updated state information, and to transmit information related to the generated event to at least one different user terminal. Accordingly, information on a collection reservation date or a battery replacement date of items stored in the smart bin may be shared with at least one different user terminal.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the input device can select the target article 1 and insert it into the storage unit 108 . The input device includes a holding unit 113, an opening/closing unit 114, and a driving unit 120. The holding part 113 forms a recessed space in which the target article 1 is placed, and is disposed above the case 100 . The opening and closing part 114 is rotatably coupled to the holding part 113 and is formed to open and close the communication hole 1134 communicating with the storage part 108 . The drive unit 120 includes a drive motor 121, a first link 124a rotatably connected to the drive motor 121, and a first link 124a rotatably connected to the opening/closing unit 114, respectively. It includes two links 124b, and the communication hole 1134 can be opened and closed by pushing or pulling the opening and closing part 114 according to the rotation direction of the driving motor 121.

According to this configuration, the smart bin uses the artificial intelligence identification function of the app installed on the user terminal to determine whether the target item 1 is a collectible recyclable item, and the first link 124a connected to the driving motor 121. ) and the second link 124b, the opening/closing unit 114 can be opened and closed, and the object 1 can be accommodated in the storage unit 108.

The smart bin of the present invention deletes all components related to the artificial intelligence identification function of existing competitive products (recyclable items separate collection devices), such as a camera module, a computing unit including a GPU, and a 5G communication module. As a result, it is possible to simplify the configuration of smart bins.

In addition, components related to the AI identification function, which accounted for a significant portion of the supply price, are deleted, so the supply price of smart bins can be significantly reduced by up to 1/10.

In addition, the smart bin, which uses a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module that consumes little power through communication with the user terminal and has low power required for driving the motor of the opening and closing unit 114, enables automatic collection of PET bottles. It can be driven sufficiently with a DC 12V battery. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that sufficient operation is possible only by replacing the battery 134 when the manager visits regularly for management.

In addition, since it can be operated with a DC 12V battery, etc., it can be installed anywhere regardless of the installation location, enabling excellent installation scalability.

Moreover, the input device places the object 1 on the holder 113 provided on the inside of the top cover 102 of the case 100, and the supporter 112 mounted in a hanging form on one side of the opening and closing unit 114. ), by installing the drive motor 121, the first link 124a, the first micro switch 129a, and the second micro switch 129b, etc., it can contribute to miniaturization of the smart bin and reduce the internal space of the smart bin. can be used efficiently.

In addition, the driving unit 120 for driving the opening/closing unit 114 is disposed above the housing unit 108, so that a large accommodation space of the housing unit 108 can be secured.

In addition, the cover plate 111 installed to cover the mounting hole 1021 of the top cover 102 and the supporter 112 installed to hang on the inner surface of the cover plate 111 are the holding part 113 and the opening and closing part 114 ), the drive motor 121, the first link 124a, the second link 124b, the first micro switch 129a and the second micro switch 129b, etc. are modularized in an assembled form, so that installation and maintenance are easy. It's easy.

Claims (14)

case;
a storage unit provided inside the case and including a storage space in which a target product is stored; and
An input device installed in the case to select the target product and insert it into the storage unit,
The input device is
a holding unit having a communication hole communicating with the receiving unit and forming a recessed space in which the target article is placed;
an opening and closing portion rotatably coupled to the holding portion and formed to open and close the communication hole; and
And a driving unit configured to rotate the opening and closing unit,
the driving unit,
A drive motor made to enable forward and reverse rotation;
a first link rotatably connected to the drive motor; and
A second link rotatably connected to the first link and the opening/closing part, and configured to open and close the communication hole by pushing or pulling the opening/closing part according to the rotational direction of the driving motor,
The smart bin, characterized in that the input device is detachably coupled to the mounting hole formed in the top cover of the case. delete According to claim 1,
The input device is
a first micro switch configured to detect a closed state of the opening/closing unit by contact with the first link; and
The smart bin further comprising a second micro switch configured to detect an open state of the opening/closing unit by contact with the first link. According to claim 3,
The input device is
a communication unit configured to communicate with a user terminal; and
The smart bin further includes a control unit controlling the drive unit according to an acceptance signal received from the user terminal through the communication unit. According to claim 4,
The control unit,
When the acceptance signal is received in the closed state of the opening and closing portion, the drive motor is rotated in a forward direction so that the opening and closing portion is switched to an open state;
When a detection signal is received from the second micro switch, the drive motor is rotated in a reverse direction so that the opening/closing unit is switched to a closed state;
When a detection signal is received from the first micro switch, the smart bin stops driving the driving motor so that the opening/closing part is maintained in a closed state. According to claim 5,
The input device is
The smart bin further includes a stopper configured to contact the first link and limit rotation of the first link when the first link presses the first micro switch. According to claim 6,
The first link includes a first extension and a first bent portion bent at the first extension,
The second link includes a second extension and a second bent portion bent at the second extension,
The smart bin, characterized in that, when the first link and the stopper come into contact, the first bent part and the second bent part come into contact with each other to limit relative rotation. According to claim 4,
a battery storage unit provided in the holding unit; and
The smart bin further includes a battery stored in the battery compartment and electrically connected to the driving motor, the communication unit, and the control unit. According to claim 4,
The input device is
Further comprising a supporter installed in a hanging form on one side of the opening and closing part located inside the case,
The supporter,
a vertical extension extending vertically and providing a space in which the driving motor, the first link, the first micro switch, and the second micro switch are installed; and
The smart bin comprising a horizontal extension connected to a lower end of the vertical extension and extending in a horizontal direction and providing a space in which a control board including the communication unit and the control unit is installed. According to claim 9,
The control board further includes a sensor for detecting the amount of the target article stored in the storage unit,
The sensor includes a light emitting unit for radiating light downward and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light,
The smart bin, characterized in that the control unit is configured to transmit storage information to the user terminal through the communication unit when the value detected through the sensor exceeds a preset value. case;
a storage unit provided inside the case and including a storage space in which a target product is stored; and
An input device installed in the case to select the target product and insert it into the storage unit,
The input device is
a holding unit having a communication hole communicating with the receiving unit and forming a recessed space in which the target product is placed;
an opening and closing portion rotatably coupled to the holding portion and formed to open and close the communication hole; and
And a driving unit configured to rotate the opening and closing unit,
the driving unit,
A drive motor made to enable forward and reverse rotation;
a first link rotatably connected to the drive motor; and
A second link rotatably connected to the first link and the opening/closing part, and configured to open and close the communication hole by pushing or pulling the opening/closing part according to the rotational direction of the driving motor,
The input device is
a first micro switch configured to detect a closed state of the opening/closing unit by contact with the first link;
a second micro switch configured to sense an open state of the opening/closing unit by contact with the first link;
a communication unit configured to communicate with a user terminal; and
The smart bin further includes a control unit controlling the driving unit according to an acceptance signal received from the user terminal through the communication unit. According to claim 11,
The control unit,
When the acceptance signal is received in the closed state of the opening and closing portion, the drive motor is rotated in a forward direction so that the opening and closing portion is switched to an open state;
When a detection signal is received from the second micro switch, the drive motor is rotated in a reverse direction so that the opening/closing unit is switched to a closed state;
When a detection signal is received from the first micro switch, the smart bin stops driving the driving motor so that the opening/closing part is maintained in a closed state. According to claim 11,
a battery storage unit provided in the holding unit; and
The smart bin further includes a battery stored in the battery compartment and electrically connected to the driving motor, the communication unit, and the control unit. According to claim 11,
The input device is
Further comprising a supporter installed in a hanging form on one side of the opening and closing part located inside the case,
The supporter,
a vertical extension extending vertically and providing a space in which the driving motor, the first link, the first micro switch, and the second micro switch are installed; and
The smart bin comprising a horizontal extension connected to a lower end of the vertical extension and extending in a horizontal direction and providing a space in which a control board including the communication unit and the control unit is installed.

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