KR102581987B1 - Apparatus and Method for Collecting Recyclables - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting recyclables. The method comprises: a step of detecting a discarded container, which is being inserted, using an insertion detection sensor (401) installed in an insertion unit (400); a step of driving a conveyor belt drive unit provided in a transfer and recognition unit (200) to move the inserted discarded container on a conveyor belt (290) toward a compression unit (300); a discarded container measurement step of measuring the shape, dimensions, and weight of the discarded container on the conveyor belt (290) when the conveyor belt drive unit is stopped; a shape extracting and comparing step of extracting, from a database, a discarded container with the same shape as or closest shape of the discarded container inserted; a weight extracting and comparing step of extracting, from the database, another discarded container with the same weight as or closest weight of the discarded container inserted; and a dimension extracting and comparing step of extracting, from the database, another discarded container with the same dimension or closest dimension of the discarded container. The present invention measures an image for the shape of a discarded container which is established and stored in the database, and the weight and dimension of the discarded container actually inserted to determine whether the discarded container inserted is recyclable. If determined to be recyclable, the discarded container is compressed and stored, and if not so, the discarded container is returned to an insertion unit to be collected by a person who inserted the container. If the discarded container returned to the insertion unit is not withdrawn by the person for a period of time, the present invention can store the discarded container by discharging the same to a non-collection return box.

Description

{Apparatus and Method for Collecting Recyclables}

The present invention relates to a recycling collection device and method. It can be recycled by determining whether the input waste container is recyclable by measuring the weight and size of the actually input waste container and a database that builds and stores images of the shape of the waste container. If it is determined that it is, it is compressed and stored, and if recycling is not possible, it is returned to the original location (returned) to the input port so that the putter can retrieve it. If the waste container returned to the input port is not withdrawn by the putter for a certain period of time, it is discharged as an uncollected return. This relates to a collection device and collection method for recyclables that allow them to be stored.

Recently, collection devices that compress and collect recyclable items such as recyclable plastic bottles or metal cans have been disclosed and are being used in various forms, as shown in the patent documents listed below.

As an example, Korean Patent Registration Nos. 10-2307744, 10-2442789, 10-2517542, 10-2541029, etc. indicate whether recycled items to be collected (hereinafter referred to as waste containers) are recyclable. To make the decision, waste containers are recognized using various sensors, including image recognition, material analysis, transparency confirmation, and data on shapes related to waste containers, and the recognized sensing signals are used to determine whether they are suitable for recycling. A collection device for collecting water is disclosed.

However, as described above, known collection devices that determine whether a waste container is suitable by comparing camera images known in the field and images of pre-constructed waste containers or judging material, color, permeability, etc., are installed in a waste container holder at the entrance. Even if the weight is detected and the images are compared, there are still errors in judgment of whether or not to recycle due to different materials in the same shape, and the possibility of errors in judging the size of a waste container only through image recognition remains. There was a problem that the processing speed for determining availability was delayed.

In addition, since the weight recognition unit and the image recognition unit separately include a waste container transfer unit, it is mechanically complicated, and there is a mismatch or mechanical mismatch in the transfer timing of the waste container between the weight recognition unit, the image recognition unit, and the waste container transfer unit. Not only has it become a cause of failure, but there is a problem that waste containers cannot be accurately transferred between each component during operation.

In addition, in the compression collection device for recycling according to the prior art, after a person puts a waste container into the input port, if the recyclability determination department determines that it is not recyclable, it must be discharged through the input port and collected by the inputter in order to return it to the inputter. If the putter resolves the cause of non-recyclability and reintroduces it, there is no problem if it is collected through the normal recycling collection process. However, if the putter leaves it in the input port, the artificially left waste container must be removed. There was a problem that the next user could use it.

In addition, if waste containers judged to be non-recyclable are stored in the collection box of the collection device against the user's will, there is a disadvantage that it may cause legal problems such as forcibly acquiring the user's personal property.

The present invention was created to solve the above-described problems. The purpose of the present invention is to determine whether the used waste containers are recyclable by measuring the weight and dimensions of the actually used waste containers and a database that builds and stores images of the shape of the waste containers. If it is judged to be recyclable, it is compressed and stored. If recycling is not possible, it is returned to the input port so that the putter can retrieve it. If the waste container returned to the input port is not withdrawn by the putter for a certain period of time, it is returned as uncollected. The goal is to provide a collection device and collection method for recyclables that can be disposed of and stored in bins.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the method for collecting recyclables according to the present invention is,

Recognizing the input waste container using an input presence detection sensor installed in the input unit;

Driving the conveyor belt driving unit provided in the transfer and recognition unit to move the inserted waste container on the conveyor belt toward the compression unit;

A waste container measuring step of measuring the shape and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt while the conveyor belt drive unit is stopped;

A shape extraction comparison step of extracting waste containers that are the same or closest to the shape of the input waste container from the database;

A weight extraction comparison step of extracting a waste container that is the same or closest to the weight of the input waste container from the database; and

It is characterized by including.

During the waste container measurement step of measuring the shape and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt, the weight measurement calculates the speed through the distance between the primary transport detection sensor and the secondary transport detection sensor, and the primary transport detection sensor The conveyor belt drive unit is driven by calculating the front and rear passage times of the waste container detected by the sensor so that the center of the waste container is located closest to the upper part of the load cell weight application support. do.

In addition, the method for collecting recyclables according to the present invention,

Recognizing the input waste container using an input presence detection sensor installed in the input unit;

Driving the conveyor belt driving unit provided in the transfer and recognition unit to move the inserted waste container on the conveyor belt toward the compression unit;

A waste container measuring step of measuring the shape, size, and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt while the conveyor belt drive unit is stopped;

A shape extraction comparison step of extracting waste containers that are the same or closest to the shape of the input waste container from the database;

A weight extraction comparison step of extracting a waste container that is the same or closest to the weight of the input waste container from the database; and

A dimension extraction comparison step of extracting waste containers that are the same or closest to the dimensions of the input waste container from the database;

A recycling collection method comprising:

During the waste container measurement step of measuring the shape, size, and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt, the size measurement calculates the speed through the distance between the first transfer detection sensor and the second transfer detection sensor, and the transfer 1 It is characterized in that it is configured to calculate the size of the waste container by calculating the passage time of the frontmost part and the passage time of the rear part of the waste container detected by the car detection sensor.

During the waste container measurement step of measuring the shape, size, and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt, the weight measurement is performed by driving the conveyor belt drive unit so that the center of the waste container is positioned closest to the top of the load cell weight application support. It is characterized by being carried out in a state where it is intended to be done.

The recycling collection device according to the present invention,

An input unit where an input sensor is installed to detect the presence or absence of a waste container;

A transfer and recognition unit disposed in front of the input unit in the transfer direction of the waste container and performing reciprocating movement of the waste container;

A compression unit disposed in front of the waste container in the transport direction to compress and discharge the recyclable waste container;

Non-returnable disposal unit for separate disposal of waste containers that cannot be recycled;

A base portion installed below the transfer and recognition portion and on which a load cell is installed; and

a control unit connected to the transfer and recognition unit;

It is characterized by including.

The transfer and recognition department,

A transfer and recognition unit support unit that is open at the front and rear ends in the transfer direction of the waste container;

A conveyor belt passing inside the transport and recognition unit support in a forward and backward direction;

A primary transfer detection sensor and a secondary transfer detection sensor respectively installed near the front and rear ends of the transfer and recognition unit support along the transfer direction of the waste container;

a camera installed at at least one point around the transport and recognition unit support;

It is characterized by including.

The unreturned discharge unit is:

Non-returned discharge windows formed on one side of the transfer and recognition unit support centering on the transfer direction of the waste container;

a guide hole formed at a position opposite to the non-returned discharge window;

an actuator installed on the outside of the transfer and recognition unit support and capable of stretching toward the guide hole;

a pressing piece connected to the front end of the actuator and movable toward the non-return discharge window;

It is characterized by including.

A load cell weight application support supported by the load cell is installed at the bottom of the transfer and recognition unit support, and the load cell weight application support is disposed on a line passing vertically through the center of gravity of the transfer and recognition unit.

According to the present invention configured as described above, it is determined whether the input waste container is recyclable by measuring the weight and dimensions of the actually input waste container and a database in which images of the shape of the waste container are constructed and stored. If recycling is not possible, it is returned to the input port so that the user can retrieve it. If the waste container returned to the input port is not withdrawn by the user for a certain period of time, it is discharged into the uncollected return box and stored. It has the advantage of being able to perform up to.

1 is a perspective view showing a recycling collection device according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing a recycling collection device according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a rear perspective view showing a recycling collection device according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view showing a recycling collection device according to the present invention.
Figure 5 is a side view showing a recycling collection device according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the recycling collection device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention has an input unit 400 where an input sensor 401 for detecting the presence or absence of a waste container is installed. , a transfer and recognition unit 200 that is disposed in front of the input unit 400 in the transfer direction of the waste container and performs reciprocating movement of the waste container, and is disposed in front of the transfer direction of the waste container to compress and discharge recyclable waste containers. A compression unit 300 for separately discharging waste containers that cannot be recycled, a non-return discharge unit 700, and a base unit 800 installed at the lower part of the transfer and recognition unit 200 and on which a load cell 870 is installed. And, it includes a control unit 100 connected to the transfer and recognition unit 200.

The input unit 400 has an input port 480 formed to facilitate inserting waste containers, and an input presence detection sensor 401 is installed on the side to detect the presence of waste containers.

The location where the input presence detection sensor 401 is installed does not necessarily have to be on the side, and any location in the circumferential direction of the input unit 400 is sufficient.

In addition, the transfer and recognition unit 200 includes a transfer and recognition unit support 210 with open front and rear ends in the transfer direction of the waste container, and a conveyor that passes through the inside of the transfer and recognition unit support 210 in the front and rear directions. A belt 290, a primary transfer detection sensor 202 and a secondary transfer detection sensor 203 installed near the front and rear ends of the transfer and recognition unit support 210 along the transfer direction of the waste container, respectively, the transfer and It may include a camera 220 installed on the top of the recognition unit support 210.

The transfer and recognition unit support 210 has a cross-sectional shape of a right-angled channel or a square shape, but there is no need to limit the cross-sectional shape to a specific shape.

The conveyor belt 290 may be driven by a conveyor belt driving unit (not shown), and the conveyor belt 290 and the conveyor belt driving unit may be supported on the conveyor belt driving support unit 291.

The non-returned discharge unit 700 is a device for separately discharging waste containers determined not to be returned to the user without compressing them, and is located on one side of the transport and recognition unit support 210 centered on the transport direction of the waste container. An unreturned discharge window 760 formed in each, a guide hole 770 formed at a position opposite to the unreturned discharge window 760, and installed on the outside of the transfer and recognition unit support 210 and the guide hole It includes an actuator 740 that is stretchable toward (770) and a push piece (741) connected to the tip of the actuator (740) and movable toward the non-return discharge window (760).

An unreturned waste storage box 600 may be placed below the unreturned discharge window 760 to accommodate non-returned waste containers.

As shown in FIG. 5, a load cell weight application support 272 supported by the load cell 870 is installed at the bottom of the transfer and recognition unit support 210, and the load cell weight application support 272 may be arranged on a line passing vertically through the center of gravity of the transfer and recognition unit 200.

The load cell weight application support unit 272 may be configured to support both sides of the conveyor belt drive support unit 291 in the width direction, and is located at the center of the overall weight of the transfer and recognition unit 200, resulting in minute weight changes due to waste containers. can be easily responded to.

That is, the transfer and recognition unit support 210 and the base unit 800 are supported only by the load cell weight application unit support unit 272 and the load cell 870, so that minute changes in weight of the waste container can be easily measured.

In addition, the recycling collection device 1000 according to the present invention may include payment methods such as payment for the input of waste containers and a communication function that can remotely manage the operating status of these devices in the control unit. Since this can be applied selectively and can simply utilize known techniques in the technical field, illustrations and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In addition, the recycling collection device 1000 of the present invention may be equipped with an operation panel, a touch screen-type operation unit and display unit, a voice guidance unit, etc., which guide the operation method, display the operation status, and control the operation. Since it utilizes techniques known in the technical field, detailed description will be omitted.

Meanwhile, the recycling collection device 1000 according to the present invention will be described in more detail as follows.

First, when the inputted waste container is recognized by the input presence detection sensor 401 installed in the input port installed in the input unit 400, the conveyor belt driver provided in the transfer and recognition unit 200 is activated by the control unit 100. It is driven, and thus the inserted waste container moves toward the compression unit 300 on the conveyor belt 290.

The compression unit 300 is shown to compress the waste container between a pair of rollers 310, but other compression methods may be adopted.

Additionally, the waste container compressed by the compression unit 300 can be accommodated by falling into the compressed waste storage box 500 at the bottom.

At this time, when the frontmost part of the waste container placed on the conveyor belt 290 is detected by the first detection sensor 202 for the input material transfer, the conveyor belt 290 continues to operate and the frontmost part of the waste container placed on the conveyor belt 290 detects the secondary material transfer. When detected by the sensor 203, the control unit 100 stops driving the conveyor belt 290.

Since the distance between the first transfer detection sensor 202 and the second transfer detection sensor 203 is fixed, the front part of the waste container is detected by the first transfer detection sensor 202 and the second transfer detection sensor 203. Once each detected time is measured, the progress speed of the waste container can be calculated.

In addition, after the control unit 100 stops driving the conveyor belt 290, the front and rear passage times of the waste container detected by the primary transport detection sensor 202 are measured and calculated together with the progress speed. Then, the size (length) of the waste container can be easily calculated.

From then on, the control unit 100 utilizes the calculation results for the size of the waste container, and reverse drives the conveyor belt drive unit so that the center of the waste container is located at the position closest to the upper part of the load cell weight application support 272. control so that

Thereafter, the control unit 100 stops the conveyor belt driving unit at the nearest position and controls the transport of the conveyor belt 290 to stop.

Here, when the center of the waste container is located at the position closest to the upper part of the load cell weight application support unit 272, the control unit 100 acquires an image of the waste container through the camera 220 and measures the weight of the weight measuring unit 270. A weight signal is received from the load cell 870.

In this way, the control unit 100 uses the information input from the transfer and recognition unit 200 to determine the image, weight, and dimensions of the input waste container, and creates a database (online) that the control unit 100 can recognize. Used containers with the shape, dimensions, and weight that are most similar to the inserted waste containers stored in a connected third-party server or internal storage devices such as memory are extracted and compared.

To explain this in detail, the control unit 100 selects the shape of the waste container that is closest to or identical to the shape of the waste container recognized through image recognition by the camera 220 of the transfer and recognition unit 200. Extracted from the stored database, and compared with the size information on the shape of the extracted waste container and the size and weight information input from the transfer and recognition unit 200, the error range set by the user or by the manufacturer of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “same or closest”) determine whether the weight and dimensions are within the range.

In the present invention, in order to facilitate understanding, the control unit is explained as controlling using images, weight, and dimensions for input in the transfer and recognition unit 200. However, the control unit controls the image and weight information in the transfer and recognition unit 200. Even when only information is entered, or only information related to images and dimensions is entered, it is possible to determine whether to compress it because it is recyclable, or whether to dispose of it because it is only recyclable. A specific explanation for this is that only one of the weight and dimensions is selectively used in the process of determining whether to be compressed because it is recyclable or to be discharged because it is only recyclable, using both the image and weight and dimension information, which will be described later, so that it is used selectively in the judgment step of the control unit. Since it is merely omitting one of the following, the explanation has been omitted.

As an example of this judgment process, the size of the used container and the used container (in the present invention, it is based on the length, but is not limited to this. It may be the length or diameter depending on the direction of the container being put in) is measured and the extracted container is previously extracted. If there are identical dimensions among waste containers with the same shape and weight information, it is judged to be recyclable. If any of them do not match, it is judged to be non-recyclable and the container is controlled to be returned to the input port so that the user can retrieve it.

In the judgment process, the number of times to measure the shape, size, and weight of the waste containers placed on the conveyor belt 290 is optional, and this is referred to as the step of measuring the put waste containers.

Waste containers that are the same or closest to the shape of the input waste container are extracted from the database, and this is called the shape extraction comparison step.

The waste container that is the same or closest to the weight of the input waste container is extracted from the database, and this is called the weight extraction comparison step.

Waste containers that are the same or closest to the dimensions of the input waste container are extracted from the database, and this is called the size extraction comparison step.

In the above, the order of determining the shape, determining the weight information, and then determining the size information has been described as an example, but the order is not limited to this and the order may be changed. In addition, the process of extracting waste containers that are identical or closest to any of the extracted shapes, weights, and dimensions from the database and sequentially comparing the same or closest waste containers using information that was not used at the time of extraction from the extracted waste containers. You can also do this. For example, if the shape is used as a standard during extraction, it is determined whether the weight information corresponding to the waste container extracted based on the shape is the same or closest to the weight information of the input waste container.

In addition, in the present invention, weight refers to the weight of only the waste container, and the shape, dimension, and weight information of each waste container stored in the database utilizes known data or is provided by the manufacturer of the collection device of the present invention.

In addition, image recognition technology known in the field is used to compare the shape of the input waste container and the waste container stored in the database.

In addition, the control unit 100 determines that the waste container is not recyclable and is returned to the input port by detecting the presence or absence of input material by the sensor 401 for a certain period of time (about 1 minute in the present invention, but not limited to this, and after this time, the waste container is input). (It is considered that there is no intention to return the self-injected waste container.) If it is kept in the input port 400, the conveyor belt drive is driven and the non-returned container is discharged through the non-returned discharge window 260 through the same process as the size measurement process described above. Move the unreturned waste container to a position where it can be used, and operate the actuator 740 to push the push piece 741 to move the unreturned waste container into the non-returned waste container 600 through the unreturned discharge window 760. Let it be invested.

In addition, the present invention includes a camera 220, a conveyor belt drive unit, a conveyor belt 290, a non-returned discharge window 760, a transfer and recognition unit support 210, a lighting unit 230, and an input transfer primary detection sensor 202. and the secondary transfer detection sensor 203 is mechanically coupled to the conveyor belt drive support unit 291 or the transfer and recognition unit support unit 210, and the conveyor belt drive support unit 291 is connected to the load cell weight application support unit 272. ) is mechanically coupled only to the weight measurement load cell 870, and the load cell weight application support portion 272 includes a pair of conveyor belt drive support portions 291 extending from the inlet toward the compression portion (200). ) is located at the center of gravity.

In addition, it is desirable to configure the power supply and signal line 201 of the transfer and recognition unit in a spiral shape so that it is not affected by the weight measurement, and the input unit 400 can be coupled to the base unit 800 and drives the conveyor belt. Can be coupled to the support portion 291.

As a result, it is possible to operate with the camera's focus fixed, and the accuracy of weight measurement can be improved by ensuring that the waste container is always positioned on the load cell, and the load cell of the weight measurement load cell 870 can be connected to the base portion 800. It is used as a fixing means to fix the transfer and recognition unit 200.

Accordingly, assembly is convenient and the precision of weight measurement, dimension measurement, and image recognition can be improved.

The illumination unit 230, which is not described, may be equipped with a lamp such as an LED, and the illuminance may be adjusted to ensure optimal shooting by the camera 220.

The embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible within the scope of the following claims.

100... Control unit
200...Transfer and recognition unit
201... Power supply and signal line of transfer and recognition unit
202... Primary transfer detection sensor
203... Secondary transfer detection sensor
220... Camera
230... lighting department
210... Transfer and recognition unit support
272... Load cell weight application support
290... conveyor belt
291... Conveyor belt drive support
300... compression section
400... input section
480... Inlet
401... Input presence/absence detection sensor
600... Non-returned collection locker
700... unreturned exhaust units
740...actuator
741...Push piece
760... unreturned discharge window
770... guide ball
800... bass part
870... load cell
1000... Recyclables collection device

Claims (9)

In the method of collecting recyclables,
Recognizing the input waste container by the input presence detection sensor 401 installed in the input unit 400;
Driving the conveyor belt driving unit provided in the transfer and recognition unit 200 to move the inserted waste container on the conveyor belt 290 toward the compression unit 300;
A waste container measurement step of measuring the shape and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt 290 while the conveyor belt drive unit is stopped;
A shape extraction comparison step of extracting waste containers that are the same or closest to the shape of the input waste container from the database; and
A weight extraction comparison step of extracting a waste container that is the same or closest to the weight of the input waste container from the database;
Including,
During the waste container measurement step of measuring the shape and weight of the waste container placed on the conveyor belt 290, the weight is measured through the distance between the primary transfer detection sensor 202 and the secondary transfer detection sensor 203. Calculate the passing time of the frontmost part and the passing time of the rear part of the waste container detected by the primary transport detection sensor 202, and drive the conveyor belt drive so that the center of the waste container is connected to the load cell weight application support part 272. A method of collecting recyclables, characterized in that it is carried out in a position closest to the top of the. delete In the method of collecting recyclables,
Recognizing the input waste container by the input presence detection sensor 401 installed in the input unit 400;
Driving the conveyor belt driving unit provided in the transfer and recognition unit 200 to move the inserted waste container on the conveyor belt 290 toward the compression unit 300;
A waste container measurement step of measuring the shape, size, and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt 290 while the conveyor belt drive unit is stopped;
A shape extraction comparison step of extracting waste containers that are the same or closest to the shape of the input waste container from the database;
A weight extraction comparison step of extracting a waste container that is the same or closest to the weight of the input waste container from the database; and
A dimension extraction comparison step of extracting waste containers that are the same or closest to the dimensions of the input waste container from the database;
Including,
During the waste container measurement step of measuring the shape, size, and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt 290, the size measurement is performed by measuring the distance between the primary transfer detection sensor 202 and the secondary transfer detection sensor 203. A method of collecting recyclables, characterized in that it is configured to calculate the size of the waste container by calculating the speed through and calculating the front and rear passage times of the waste container detected by the primary transport detection sensor 202. delete According to paragraph 3,
During the waste container measurement step of measuring the shape, size, and weight of the waste container put on the conveyor belt 290, the weight measurement is performed by driving the conveyor belt drive unit so that the center of the waste container is connected to the load cell weight application support portion 272. A method of collecting recyclables, characterized in that it is carried out in a position closest to the top. In the recycling collection device,
An input unit 400 in which an input sensor 401 for detecting the presence or absence of a waste container is installed;
A transfer and recognition unit 200 that is disposed in front of the input unit 400 in the transfer direction of the waste container and performs a reciprocating movement of the waste container;
A compression unit 300 disposed in front of the waste container in the transport direction to compress and discharge the recyclable waste container;
A non-returnable discharge unit 700 for separately discharging non-recyclable waste containers;
A base unit 800 installed below the transfer and recognition unit 200 and on which a load cell 870 is installed; and
A control unit 100 connected to the transfer and recognition unit 200;
Including,
The transfer and recognition unit 200,
A transfer and recognition unit support unit 210 that is open at the front and rear ends in the transfer direction of the waste container;
A conveyor belt 290 passing inside the transfer and recognition unit support 210 in a forward and backward direction;
A primary transfer detection sensor 202 and a secondary transfer detection sensor 203 installed near the front and rear ends of the transfer and recognition unit support 210 along the transfer direction of the waste container, respectively; and
A camera 220 installed at at least one point around the transfer and recognition unit support 210;
Including,
The non-returned discharge unit 700,
Non-returned discharge windows 760 formed on one side of the transfer and recognition unit support 210 centered on the transfer direction of the waste container;
A guide hole (770) formed at a position opposite to the non-return discharge window (760);
An actuator 740 installed on the outside of the transfer and recognition unit support 210 and expandable toward the guide hole 770; and
A pressing piece 741 connected to the tip of the actuator 740 and movable toward the non-returned discharge window 760;
A recycling collection device comprising a. delete delete According to clause 6,
A load cell weight application support 272 supported by the load cell 870 is installed at the bottom of the transfer and recognition unit support 210, and the load cell weight application support 272 supports the transfer and recognition unit 200. ) A recycling collection device, characterized in that it is arranged on a line passing vertically through the center of gravity of the product.