Sorting system and sorting method

Abstract

The sorting system of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sorting device that sorts a mixture containing a plurality of types of materials by the types of the materials, a first arithmetic device that includes a first acquisition unit that acquires mixture information, operation state information, and sorting result information, a first arithmetic unit that performs a first arithmetic process on the mixture information, the operation state information, and the sorting result information, and a first transmission unit that transmits information obtained by the first arithmetic process, and a second arithmetic device that includes a second arithmetic unit that calculates a sorting condition of the sorting device on the basis of the information transmitted from the first arithmetic device, and a second transmission unit that transmits information indicating the sorting condition of the sorting device calculated by the second arithmetic unit to the first arithmetic device. The first arithmetic device includes a reception unit that receives the information indicating the sorting condition transmitted by the second arithmetic device, and a control unit that controls the sorting device on the basis of the sorting condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sorting system and sorting method. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for sorting mixtures containing multiple types of objects according to their type are known. In such sorting techniques, for example, there are electrostatic sorting devices that charge the multiple types of objects contained in the mixture and then sort specific objects as recyclable objects through electrostatic sorting. As a technique for improving the accuracy of sorting by electrostatic sorting, for example, the electrostatic sorting device described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an electrostatic sorting device that stirs a mixture of various types of plastic sheets to charge each sheet, then causes the charged sheets to fall in an electrostatic field formed by a pair of electrodes, collecting the fallen sheets into a collection bin. This electrostatic sorting device includes a camera unit between the electrodes and the collection bin to capture images of the falling plastic sheets. The device binarizes the images captured by the camera unit, calculates the weight ratio of the plastic sheets in the image, and creates a falling distribution based on the weight ratio of the plastic sheets corresponding to the falling position. Furthermore, the electrostatic sorting device optimizes the position of the separator plates in the collection bin for separating plastic sheets according to their type.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022-195712 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the aforementioned electrostatic sorting device, sufficient data needs to be collected in order to optimally control the position of the separator plates, etc. However, when a customer has just introduced the electrostatic sorting device and there are significant changes in the materials used in the device, data collection takes time to optimally control the position of the separator plates, etc., resulting in a decrease in sorting efficiency during the period until sufficient data is collected.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the following circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a sorting system and sorting method that can improve the sorting efficiency of a sorting device by utilizing sorting conditions obtained from an external source.

[0009] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. One aspect of this disclosure provides a sorting system having: The sorting device sorts a mixture containing multiple types of materials according to the type of materials. The first processing unit includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring mixture information related to the mixture, operation status information indicating the operation status of the sorting device, and sorting result information indicating the sorting result of the sorting device; a first processing unit for performing a first processing operation on the mixture information, the operation status information, and the sorting result information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a transmission unit for transmitting the information obtained by the first processing operation performed by the first processing unit. The second processing unit includes: a second processing unit that calculates the sorting conditions of the sorting device based on information sent from the first processing unit; and a transmitting unit that sends information representing the sorting conditions of the sorting device calculated by the second processing unit to the first processing unit. The first computing device includes: a receiving unit for receiving information representing the sorting conditions sent by the second computing device; and a control unit for controlling the sorting device according to the sorting conditions.

[0010] Other aspects of this disclosure provide a sorting method, including: A sorting device that sorts a mixture containing multiple types of materials according to the types of materials generates mixture information related to the mixture in response to a mixture supplied for sorting; The first processing unit performs a first processing operation on the mixture information and sends the information obtained from the first processing operation. The steps include: the second processing unit calculating the sorting conditions of the sorting device based on the information sent from the first processing unit; and sending information representing the sorting conditions of the sorting device to the first processing unit; and... The first computing device controls the steps of the sorting device in a manner that sorts the mixture of objects to be sorted according to the sorting conditions of the sorting device.

[0011] According to this disclosure, the sorting efficiency of a sorting device can be improved by utilizing sorting conditions obtained from external sources. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrostatic sorting system in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the learning unit 308 in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the electrostatic sorting apparatus 100 in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the first arithmetic unit 204 in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the electrostatic sorting system 1 in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the first arithmetic unit 200 and the second arithmetic unit 300 in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the gravity sorting device 500 in the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the optical sorting device 600 in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the sorting system and sorting method of the present invention will be described.

[0021] (First Embodiment)

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the electrostatic sorting system 1 in the first embodiment. The electrostatic sorting system 1 includes, for example, multiple electrostatic sorting devices 100A, 100B, 100C, ..., multiple first arithmetic units 200A, 200B, 200C, ..., a second arithmetic unit 300, and a database device 400. Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to the multiple electrostatic sorting devices collectively, it will be referred to as "electrostatic sorting device 100," and when referring to the multiple first arithmetic units collectively, it will be referred to as "first arithmetic unit 200."

[0023] The electrostatic sorting device 100, the first computing unit 200, the second computing unit 300, and the database device 400 have communication interfaces (not shown) such as NICs (Network Interface Cards) or wireless communication modules for connecting to a communication network NW, such as the Internet. The communication network NW may include, for example, a general network such as the Internet and a proprietary network such as local 5G or WiFi (registered trademark).

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an electrostatic sorting apparatus 100 is described that uses electrostatics to separate recyclable objects from mixtures containing multiple types of resins, but it is not limited to this. The electrostatic sorting system 1 of this embodiment can be a sorting apparatus that separates mixtures containing multiple types of materials according to their type. For example, the electrostatic sorting system 1 of this embodiment can be applied to sorting apparatuses that separate specific objects from mixtures containing metals or glass, as well as sorting apparatuses that separate specific objects from mixtures containing food.

[0025] The electrostatic sorting device 100 sorts recyclable materials from a mixture containing multiple types of resins (plastics) (hereinafter also referred to as raw materials). The recyclable materials include various plastic sheets with different electrical properties. The electrostatic sorting device 100 includes, for example, a detection unit 102, a sorting unit 104, a receiving unit 106, and a transmitting unit 108. The detection unit 102 detects sensing data. The sensing data is data indicating the state of the mixture. The sorting unit 104 performs the operation of sorting plastic sheets from the mixture. The receiving unit 106 receives control commands from a first processing unit 200. The transmitting unit 108 transmits the sensing data to the first processing unit 200.

[0026] The first computing device 200 is, for example, an information processing device with functions referred to as an edge server. The first computing device 200 is, for example, installed in conjunction with an electrostatic sorting device 100 installed in a factory. The first computing device 200 and the electrostatic sorting device 100 are connected, for example, via a communication line such as a LAN line installed within the factory.

[0027] The first arithmetic unit 200 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 202, a first arithmetic unit 204, a receiving unit 206, a transmitting unit 208, and a control unit 210. The first arithmetic unit 204 and the control unit 210 are functional units implemented by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a program memory. The acquisition unit 202 is connected to the electrostatic sorting device 100, for example, via a LAN line. The acquisition unit 202 acquires mixture information, operating status information, and sorting result information. The mixture information is information related to the mixture in the electrostatic sorting device 100. The mixture information may include, for example, information including at least one of the material type, composition, and particle size. The operating status information is information indicating the operating status of the electrostatic sorting device 100. The sorting result information is information indicating the sorting result of the electrostatic sorting device 100.

[0028] The first calculation unit 204 performs a first calculation process on at least one of the mixture information, operation status information, and sorting result information acquired by the acquisition unit 202. The first calculation process may be, for example, the process of extracting at least a portion of the mixture information, operation status information, and sorting result information. The first calculation process may also be, for example, the process of reducing the amount of data sent to the second calculation device 300 by organizing the mixture information, operation status information, and sorting result information. The transmission unit 208 transmits the information obtained by the first calculation process performed by the first calculation unit 204.

[0029] The receiving unit 206 receives sorting conditions from the second arithmetic unit 300. The control unit 210 controls the electrostatic sorting device 100 based on the sorting conditions received by the receiving unit 206. The sorting conditions are information that serves as target values ​​for causing the electrostatic sorting device 100 to operate. Specifically, the sorting conditions include target values ​​for the voltage applied to the electric field generating unit 130, target values ​​for the position of the separator plates, etc.

[0030] The second processing unit 300 is, for example, an information processing device that functions as a server to process requests from the first processing unit 200 and send processing results to the first processing unit 200. The second processing unit 300 is, for example, one second processing unit corresponding to a plurality of first processing units 200.

[0031] The second processing unit 300 includes, for example, a receiving unit 302, a second processing unit 304, a learned model 306, a learning unit 308, and a transmitting unit 310. The second processing unit 304 and the learning unit 308 are functional units implemented by a processor such as a CPU executing a program stored in a program memory. The receiving unit 302 receives information sent from the first processing unit 200. The second processing unit 304 calculates the sorting conditions of the electrostatic sorting device 100 based on the information sent from the first processing unit 200. The learned model 306 is a machine learning model used in the second processing step. The learning unit 308 performs processing to enable the learned model 306 to learn. The transmitting unit 310 sends the sorting conditions of the electrostatic sorting device 100 calculated by the second processing unit 304 to the first processing unit 200.

[0032] The second calculation unit 304 inputs the information sent from the first calculation device 200 into the learned model 306, and calculates the sorting conditions based on the output of the learned model 306. The learned model 306 learns using the mixture information, operation status information, and sorting result information sent by each of the multiple first calculation devices 200 as learning data. Furthermore, the second calculation unit 304 does not need to use the learned model 306, but can calculate the sorting conditions by using calculation processing of formulas and calculation processing of rule bases.

[0033] Database device 400 is an information processing device equipped with a data storage device and a processor for constructing a database (DB). Database device 400 stores, for example, a user database 410, a sorting device database 412, and a learned model 414. User database 410 is, for example, a database that maps user information (such as the user, business type, and product of the electrostatic sorting device 100) to the learned model 414. Sorting device database 412 is a database that maps mixture information, operational status information (sensing data), and sorting result information of each electrostatic sorting device 100. Learned model 414 contains information representing learning data, processing parameters used to determine the machine learning model, and other information used to determine the learned model. Learned model 414 can be constructed according to the type of resin sheet, its composition, and its particle size. Learned model 414 can be constructed for each user, each industry, and each product.

[0034] The electrostatic sorting system 1 in this embodiment includes multiple electrostatic sorting devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, multiple first arithmetic units 200A, 200B, and 200C corresponding to each of the multiple electrostatic sorting devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, and one second arithmetic unit 300 corresponding to each of the multiple first arithmetic units 200A, 200B, and 200C. The second arithmetic unit 304 calculates the sorting conditions of one electrostatic sorting device 100 based on multiple sorting conditions sent by the multiple first arithmetic units 200A, 200B, and 200C. The electrostatic sorting system 1 is not limited to this; for example, there may be only one electrostatic sorting device 100, one first arithmetic unit 200, and one second arithmetic unit 300.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the learning unit 308 in the first embodiment. The learning unit 308 takes the sorting conditions of an electrostatic sorting device 100 as input as learning data, based on sensing data obtained from multiple first processing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C, the processing results of the first processing, and the sorting conditions calculated by the second processing unit 304. It then updates the processing parameters of the learned model 306 based on the output from the learned model 306. The processing parameters are, for example, filters (also called weights or biases) included in a neural network, but are not limited to these. The machine learning method in the learned model 306 can be commonly used deep learning or random forest, etc.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the electrostatic sorting device 100 in the first embodiment. The electrostatic sorting device 100 includes, for example, an input-side detection unit 110A, a recycling-side detection unit 110B, a flashlight 120, a vibrating feeder 122, an electric field generator 130, a recycling bin 140, and a control device 150.

[0037] A raw material (mixture) comprising multiple types of plastic sheets to be sorted is supplied to the flashlight 120. A predetermined amount of raw material is fed into the flashlight 120, for example, per unit time. The raw material in this embodiment may, for example, comprise recycled plastic sheets obtained by crushing the frames of household appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, and containing a mixture of multiple materials. The plastic sheets in this embodiment are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) sheets and PS (Polystyrene) sheets, which have different electrical properties. The plastic sheets are, for example, 5 mm square.

[0038] The charged cylinder 120 agitates the raw material by rotation. Plastic sheets A and B, contained within the raw material, become charged through friction within the charged cylinder 120 due to rotational agitation. The charged plastic sheets A and B each possess a polarity and charge quantity corresponding to the triboelectric charging sequence. Specifically, plastic sheet A (e.g., ABS) is positively charged, and plastic sheet B (e.g., PS) is negatively charged.

[0039] The charged plastic sheets A and B, energized by the flashlight 120, are discharged into the vibrating feeder 122. The positively charged plastic sheet A and the negatively charged plastic sheet B are attracted to each other by electrostatic force. The vibrating feeder 122 pushes the plastic sheets A and B towards the electric field generating section 130 while simultaneously causing them to separate and fall from the front end of the vibrating feeder 122. A portion of the plastic sheets A and B in the vibrating feeder 122 is extracted and fed into the separation and feeding device 124.

[0040] An electric field generating unit 130 generates an electrostatic field. The electric field generating unit 130 includes, for example, a pair of electrodes 131 and 132, and a DC power supply 133. The electrodes 131 and 132 are each formed, for example, in a plate-like shape. The electrodes 131 and 132 are arranged facing each other in a manner that clamps the paths of falling plastic sheets A and B. A grounding voltage is applied to electrode 131. The DC power supply 133 generates an electrostatic field between the electrodes 131 and 132 by applying a DC voltage between them. The DC voltage between electrodes 131 and 132 is adjusted by a control signal output from the control device 150.

[0041] Plastic sheets A and B falling from the vibrating feeder 122 are attracted to either side of a pair of electrodes 131 and 132 by electrostatic forces corresponding to their charged states, such as polarity and charge. That is, plastic sheets A and B fall at different positions depending on their charged state. In this embodiment, plastic sheet A, being positively charged, is attracted to electrode 131 and falls. Plastic sheet B, being negatively charged, is attracted to electrode 132 and falls.

[0042] The fallen plastic sheets A and B are collected into recycling bin 140. Recycling bin 140 collects plastic sheets A and B. Recycling bin 140 includes, for example, dividers 141 and 142 and a divider drive device 143. Dividers 141 and 142 are movable, for example, in the direction of the arrow in the figure. By moving dividers 141 and 142, the width of the three areas formed by dividers 141 and 142 is adjusted. Divider drive device 143 includes a drive mechanism such as a motor. Divider drive device 143 provides driving force to dividers 141 and 142 according to a control signal supplied from control device 150.

[0043] Furthermore, the movement of partition plates 141 and 142 can be performed manually. In this embodiment, partition plates 141 and 142 are described as partitions that separate areas containing materials induced by electrostatic force, but their shape is not limited to that of the plates and can be other shapes.

[0044] Plastic sheets A and B falling from the vibrating feeder 122 are recycled into one of the three regions formed by separators 141 and 142 according to their charged state. Positively charged plastic sheet A is primarily recycled to the region on the side of separator 141. Negatively charged plastic sheet B is primarily recycled to the region on the side of separator 142. Insufficiently charged plastic sheets are recycled to the region between separators 141 and 142. The recycled plastic sheets are transported by a conveyor (not shown) and housed in individual containers. The electrostatic sorting device 100 can also return the plastic sheets recycled to the region between separators 141 and 142 to the supply unit 220 for further sorting.

[0045] The input-side detection unit 110A includes, for example, a plastic type identification sensor 111, a charge sensor 112, a plastic type identification sensor 113, and a quality sensor 114.

[0046] The plastic type identification sensor 111 detects sensing data used to identify the type of plastic sheet thrown into the flashlight 120. The plastic type identification sensor 111 can be, for example, an optical sensor that captures an image of the mixture. The optical sensor can be, for example, a near-infrared camera, a visible light camera, or a device that generates image information. Alternatively, the plastic type identification sensor 111 can also be a sensor used to detect particle size or foreign objects.

[0047] The charge sensor 112 is, for example, a pass-through Faraday cage type sensor. The charge sensor 112 drops a charged plastic sheet from above and detects the electrostatic induction voltage waveform (sensing data) generated when the plastic sheet falls. The electrostatic induction voltage waveform is analyzed by the first arithmetic unit 204 and converted into a charge. The plastic type identification sensor 113 is, for example, an optical sensor that captures images of a mixture. The plastic type identification sensor 113 detects sensing data used to identify the type of plastic sheet that has passed through the charge sensor 112. The mass sensor 114 detects sensing data used to determine the mass of the plastic sheet that has passed through the charge sensor 112.

[0048] The recycling-side detection unit 110B includes, for example, a plastic type identification sensor 115 and a mass sensor 116. The plastic type identification sensor 115 is, for example, an optical sensor that captures images of the mixture. The plastic type identification sensor 115 detects sensing data to identify the type of plastic sheet in each of the three areas formed by the separators 141 and 142 that are recycled into the recycling bin 140. The mass sensor 116 detects sensing data to determine the mass of the plastic sheet recycled into each of the three areas formed by the separators 141 and 142.

[0049] The control device 150 performs control and various calculations on the various parts of the electrostatic sorting device 100. In response to acquiring sensing data detected by the input-side detection unit 110A and the recycling-side detection unit 110B, the control device 150 immediately sends at least one of the acquired sensing data to the first calculation unit 200. According to the control commands received from the first calculation unit 200, the control device 150 controls the operation of at least one of the following: the flashlight 120, the vibrating feeder 122, the electric field generator 130, and the recycling bin 140.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the first arithmetic unit 204 in the first embodiment.

[0051] As described above, the electrostatic sorting apparatus 100 includes an input-side detection unit 110A, a recycling-side detection unit 110B, and a control unit 150. The input-side detection unit 110A detects near-infrared images or visual images, charge information, and quality information as sensing data, for example. The control unit 150 outputs the sensing data to a first processing unit 204. The first processing unit 204, for example, includes an image processing unit 204a and data conversion units 204b and 204c to process the sensing data detected by the input-side detection unit 110A.

[0052] The electrostatic sorting apparatus 100 includes a plastic type identification sensor 111, which is an optical sensor that captures an image signal of the mixture to be sorted as described above, generating information about the mixture. The image processing unit 204a of the first arithmetic unit 204 generates mixing ratio data representing the mixing ratio of the mixture based on the image signal generated by the plastic type identification sensor 111. For example, the image processing unit 204a can analyze the infrared image signal detected by the plastic type identification sensor 111 and convert it into mixing ratio data representing the mixing ratio of plastic flakes in the mixture. Thus, the image processing unit 204a converts the data into mixing ratio data with a smaller data capacity than the infrared image.

[0053] The electrostatic sorting device 100 includes a plastic type identification sensor 111, which is an optical sensor that captures images of the mixture of sorting objects as described above to generate image signals as information about the mixture. A portion of the image signal generated by the plastic type identification sensor 111 can be extracted by the image processing unit 204a of the first arithmetic unit 204, and the transmission unit 108 transmits a portion of the image signal to the second arithmetic unit 300.

[0054] Furthermore, the first processing unit 204 can analyze the visual image signal and convert it into particle size data and foreign matter data of the mixture. Thus, the first processing unit 204 outputs particle size data and foreign matter data with a data capacity smaller than the visual image. Additionally, the first processing unit 204 can, for example, convert the particle waveform signal detected by the particle sensor (not shown) in the mixture supplied to the flashlight 120 into fluid flow rate and output particle size / foreign matter data.

[0055] The electrostatic sorting apparatus 100 includes a charge sensor 112 that generates a charge signal that changes according to the charge of the mixture being sorted, thus providing information about the mixture. The electrostatic sorting apparatus 100 adjusts the magnitude of the voltage applied to electrodes 131 and 132 (electrode pairs) that supply electrostatic force to the charged mixture, or the position of separators 141 and 142 that separate areas containing the mixture induced by electrostatic force. The data conversion unit 204b of the first arithmetic unit 204 analyzes the charge signal generated by the charge sensor 112 to generate charge data representing the charge of the mixture. The data conversion unit 204b receives an electrostatic induction voltage waveform from the plastic type identification sensor 113 and converts it into charge data. Therefore, the data conversion unit 204b outputs charge data with a data capacity smaller than the electrostatic induction voltage waveform.

[0056] The data conversion unit 204c receives a mass signal from the mass sensor 114 and converts it into mass data. Therefore, the data conversion unit 204c outputs charge data with a data capacity smaller than the mass signal.

[0057] The electrostatic sorting device 100 may include a flow sensor that generates a flow signal as mixture information based on the flow rate change of the mixture being sorted. The flow sensor may be, for example, a sensor that detects the amount of raw material fed into the flashlight 120. It may be a sensor integrated with the plastic type identification sensor 111, or it may be a flow sensor installed independently of the plastic type identification sensor 111. The data conversion unit 204d of the first arithmetic unit 204 can analyze the flow signal generated by the flow sensor and generate flow information representing the flow rate of the mixture, which is then sent to the second arithmetic unit 300.

[0058] The control device 150 outputs operation status information, such as separator position information, voltage information, MID cycle information, flashlight information, and feeder speed information, representing the operation status of the electrostatic sorting device 100, to the data processing unit 204e. The separator position information indicates the positions of separators 141 and 142. The voltage information indicates the voltage between electrodes 131 and 132. The MID cycle information indicates the amount of plastic sheet circulating from the area between separators 141 and 142 to the flashlight 120. The flashlight information indicates the rotational speed of the flashlight 120. The feeder speed information indicates the vibration speed of the vibrating feeder 122. The data processing unit 204e performs predetermined data processing, sending operation status data that associates the separator position information, voltage information, MID cycle information, flashlight information, and feeder speed information to the second processing unit 300 at each time point.

[0059] The first processing unit 204 includes, for example, an image processing unit 204f and a data conversion unit 204g for processing sensing data detected by the recovery side detection unit 110B.

[0060] The image processing unit 204f analyzes the infrared image detected by the plastic type identification sensor 115 and transforms it into composition ratio data representing the composition ratio of the mixture. Therefore, the image processing unit 204f outputs composition ratio data with a smaller data capacity than the infrared image.

[0061] The data conversion unit 204g receives a mass signal from the mass sensor 116 and converts it into mass data. Therefore, the data conversion unit 204c outputs charge data with a data capacity smaller than the mass signal.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the electrostatic sorting system 1 in the embodiment.

[0063] First, when the raw material supply for the object to be sorted begins (step S100), the electrostatic sorting device 100 acquires the sensing data detected by the plastic type identification sensor 111 and sends it to the first computing device 200 (step S102).

[0064] The first processing unit 204 uses the sensing data acquired by the acquisition unit 202 to perform the first processing (step S104). The sending unit 208 sends the processing result of the first processing to the second processing device 300 (step S106).

[0065] In response to acquiring sensing data from the plastic type identification sensor 111, the charge sensor 112, the plastic type identification sensor 113, and the mass sensor 114 respectively, the control device 150 immediately sends the respective sensing data to the first processing unit 200. In response to receiving the multiple sensing data respectively, the first processing unit 204 immediately performs a first processing on each of the multiple sensing data, and sends the multiple processing results corresponding to each of the multiple sensing data to the second processing unit 300.

[0066] The receiving unit 302 of the second processing unit 300 receives the processing result of the first processing, and the second processing unit 304 uses the processing result of the first processing to perform the second processing (step S108), calculating the sorting conditions for the raw materials to be sorted. The sending unit 310 sends information representing the sorting conditions as the processing result of the second processing to the first processing unit 200 (step S110).

[0067] The second calculation unit 304 senses the mixing ratio of the raw materials, the sorting results, and the specific charge distribution of the plastic sheets based on the processing results of the first calculation, thereby performing highly automated sorting. Specific charge is a physical property value obtained by dividing the charge of the plastic sheet energized by friction by its mass. Due to variations in the shape of each plastic sheet and differences in the friction method during energization, even for the same type of plastic sheet, the specific charge is not a constant value and exhibits a distribution. The specific charge distribution is correlated with the distribution of the plastic sheet's falling position after passing between electrodes 131 and 132. Therefore, the second calculation unit 304 calculates the specific charge distribution and predicts the optimal positions of the separators 141 and 142 based on the specific charge distribution.

[0068] The electrostatic sorting device 100 extracts a portion of the mixed plastic that has just been rubbed and charged by the charged tube 120, and feeds it piece by piece into the plastic type identification sensor 113 via the separating feed device 124. Then, the sensing data obtained by the plastic type identification sensor 113 (optical sensor) and the quality sensor 114 are sent to the second processing device 300 via the first processing device 200. The second processing device 300 predicts the distribution of the falling positions of the plastic pieces based on the specific charge distribution, thereby determining the optimal positions (sorting conditions) of the separators 141 and 142, and remotely controls the separating drive device 143.

[0069] The receiving unit 206 of the first arithmetic unit 200 receives information indicating sorting conditions from the second arithmetic unit 300, and the transmitting unit 208 sends the information indicating sorting conditions as a control command to the electrostatic sorting device 100 (step S112).

[0070] The receiving unit 106 of the electrostatic sorting device 100 receives a control command, and the control device 150 controls the sorting unit 104, which includes a flashlight 120, a vibrating feeder 122, an electric field generator 130, and a recycling bin 140, thereby enabling the electrostatic sorting device 100 to sort single plastics (step S114). The recycling-side detection unit 110B detects sensing data, and the control device 150 sends the sensing data obtained from the recycling-side detection unit 110B to the first computing unit 200 (step S116).

[0071] The first arithmetic unit 204 uses the sensing data sent by the first arithmetic device 200 to perform the first arithmetic processing (step S118), and sends the processing result of the first arithmetic processing to the second arithmetic device 300 (step S120).

[0072] The second processing unit 300 performs the second processing by using the processing result of the first processing, thereby updating the sorting conditions (step S122), and sends the updated sorting conditions to the first processing unit 200 (step S124).

[0073] The electrostatic sorting device 100 also acquires sensing data from the plastic sheet, which is recycled into the three regions formed by the separators 141 and 142 after sorting, using the plastic type identification sensor 115 and the quality sensor 116. The second calculation unit 304 calculates the sorting result for each of the three regions formed by the separators 141 and 142. The sorting result includes, for example, purity and recycling volume. The second calculation unit 304 compares the predicted value of the distribution of the plastic sheet's drop position with the measured value of the distribution of the plastic sheet's drop position, and then calculates the optimal positions (sorting conditions) of the separators 141 and 142. Thus, the second calculation unit 304 improves the accuracy of determining the positions of the separators 141 and 142 due to changes in raw materials.

[0074] The receiving unit 206 of the first processing unit 200 receives information indicating updated sorting conditions from the second processing unit 300, and the sending unit 208 sends the information indicating the sorting conditions as a control command to the electrostatic sorting device 100 (step S126). The receiving unit 106 of the electrostatic sorting device 100 receives the control command, and the control unit 150 controls the sorting unit 104, which includes a flashlight 120, a vibrating feeder 122, an electric field generator 130, and a recovery box 140. Thus, the electrostatic sorting device 100 sorts the raw materials to be sorted (step S128).

[0075] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the first arithmetic unit 200 and the second arithmetic unit 300 in the embodiment.

[0076] The first processing unit 200 determines whether the electrostatic sorting device 100 is operating (step S200). If the electrostatic sorting device 100 is operating (step S200: "Yes"), the first processing unit 200 performs a reference... Figure 5 The processing described (step S202).

[0077] When the electrostatic sorting device 100 stops operating (step S200: "No"), the first processing unit 200 determines whether there is any untransmitted data (step S204). Untransmitted data refers to image signals other than a portion of the image signals generated by the plastic type identification sensor 111 and the plastic type identification sensor 113. If the electrostatic sorting device 100 transmits calculation result information obtained from the first calculation process performed by the first processing unit 204 while it is operating, the untransmitted data can be source information used to perform calculations on the calculation result information.

[0078] The first processing unit 204 acquires untransmitted data from the electrostatic sorting device 100 (step S206). The first processing unit 204 can acquire source information for the first processing from the internal storage device. The transmitting unit 208 transmits the acquired untransmitted data to the second processing unit 300 (step S208). The receiving unit 302 of the second processing unit 300 receives the untransmitted data, and the learning unit 308 uses the received untransmitted data to enable the learned model 306 to learn (step S210).

[0079] As explained above, the electrostatic sorting system 1 according to the embodiment includes: a plurality of electrostatic sorting devices 100; a plurality of first arithmetic units 200 that send information obtained by performing a first arithmetic processing on mixture information, operation status information and sorting result information obtained by the electrostatic sorting devices 100; and a second arithmetic unit 300 that calculates the sorting conditions of the electrostatic sorting devices 100 based on the information sent from the first arithmetic units 200, and controls the electrostatic sorting devices 100 by the first arithmetic units 200 based on the sorting conditions sent from the second arithmetic units 300.

[0080] According to this electrostatic sorting system 1, by utilizing sorting conditions obtained from outside the electrostatic sorting device 100, even in situations where there is limited sensing data or sorting condition data immediately after the electrostatic sorting device 100 is introduced, sensing data and sorting condition data from other electrostatic sorting devices 100 can be utilized, thus improving the sorting efficiency of the electrostatic sorting device 100. Furthermore, according to the electrostatic sorting system 1, compared to directly transmitting data from the electrostatic sorting device 100 to the second processing unit 300, the computational load on the electrostatic sorting device 100 and the second processing unit 300 can be reduced, and communication delays can be suppressed.

[0081] (Second Implementation)

[0082] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the gravity sorting device 500 in the second embodiment.

[0083] The sorting device in the first embodiment described above is an electrostatic sorting device 100, but the sorting device can be a gravity sorting device 500. The gravity sorting device 500 is a sorting device that uses the difference in specific gravity corresponding to the type of resin flakes contained in the mixture to be sorted to perform sorting. For example, the gravity sorting device 500 sorts plastic flakes contained in the mixture by wet gravity separation. The gravity sorting device 500, for example, includes a flotation sorting section 510 and a jigging sorting section 520.

[0084] The flotation and sedimentation separation unit 510 uses water as the medium, separating plastic sheets by causing lighter-than-water PP to float and heavier-than-water PS, ABS, and other plastics to settle. The plastic sheets floating on the water in the flotation and sedimentation separation unit 510 are recycled. The plastic sheets that have settled in the flotation and sedimentation separation unit 510 are transported to the jigging separation unit 520.

[0085] The jigging sorting unit 520 transmits piston motion to the water, thereby creating a turbulent water flow and forming layers according to specific gravity. The jigging sorting unit 520 sorts the materials into lightweight PS and ABS mixtures and heavyweight flame-retardant plastics, respectively recycling the lightweight plastic sheets and the heavyweight plastic sheets.

[0086] The gravity sorting device 500 is connected to the first processing unit 200 and the second processing unit 300 as described above. The first processing unit 204 performs a first arithmetic processing on at least a portion of information including mixture information related to the mixture in the gravity sorting device 500, operation status information indicating the operation status of the gravity sorting device 500, and sorting result information indicating the sorting result of the gravity sorting device 500, and sends the processing result of the first arithmetic processing to the second processing unit 300. The second processing unit 300 calculates the sorting conditions of the gravity sorting device 500 through the second arithmetic processing, and sends the calculated sorting conditions to the first processing unit 200. The first processing unit 200 controls the gravity sorting device 500 according to the sorting conditions received from the second processing unit 300.

[0087] (Third implementation)

[0088] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the optical sorting device 600 in the third embodiment.

[0089] The sorting device in the first embodiment described above is an electrostatic sorting device 100, but the sorting device can be an optical sorting device 600. The optical sorting device 600 is an optical sorting device equipped with optical sensors (X-ray source 620, detector 622) that capture images of resin sheets containing a mixture of sorting objects, and that sorts the resin sheets based on differences in light absorption characteristics corresponding to the type of resin sheet. The optical sorting device 600, for example, includes a conveyor unit 610, an X-ray source 620, a detector 622, an air gun unit 630, recovery units 640 and 642, and a control device 650.

[0090] The optical sorting device 600 irradiates the mixture conveyed by the conveyor unit 610 with X-rays from the X-ray source 620 and detects the transmitted light by the detector 622. This generates an X-ray transmission image signal of the mixture to be sorted. The X-ray transmission image signal is, for example, an image showing the shadow cast by bromine-containing plastics. The control device 650 sends the X-ray transmission image signal as sensing data to the first processing unit 200. The first processing unit 204 sends the processing result of the first processing of the sensing data to the second processing unit 300. Based on the processing result of the first processing, the second processing unit 300 sends sorting conditions indicating the operation of the air gun unit 630 to the first processing unit 200. The first processing unit 200 controls the air gun unit 630 based on the sorting conditions received from the second processing unit 300. Thus, the optical sorting device 600, for example, sorts plastics containing bromine-based flame retardants to the recycling unit 642 and plastics without bromine-based flame retardants to the recycling unit 640.

[0091] Furthermore, although various embodiments and modifications have been described, they are examples and not limited to these. For example, any one of the embodiments, modifications, a part of the embodiments, or a part of the modifications may be combined with one or more other embodiments or modifications to implement one aspect of the present invention.

[0092] (Symbol Explanation)

[0093] 1: Electrostatic sorting system; 100, 100A, 100B, 100C: Electrostatic sorting device; 102: Detection unit; 104: Sorting unit; 106: Receiving unit; 108: Sending unit; 110A: Input-side detection unit; 110B: Recycling-side detection unit; 111, 113, 115: Plastic type identification sensor; 112: Charge sensor; 114, 116: Mass sensor; 120: Flashlight; 122: Vibrating feeder; 124: Separating input device; 130: Electric field generating unit; 131, 132: Electrodes; 133: DC power supply; 140: Recycling bin; 141, 142: Separator; 143, 150: Drive unit; 200, 200A, 200B, 200C: First calculation unit; 202: Acquisition unit; 204: First calculation unit; 204 a, 204f: Image processing unit; 204b, 204c, 204d, 204g: Data conversion unit; 204e: Data processing unit; 206: Receiving unit; 208: Transmitting unit; 210: Control unit; 220: Supply unit; 300: Second arithmetic unit; 302: Receiving unit; 304: Second arithmetic unit; 306: Learned model; 308: Learning unit; 310: Transmitting unit; 400: Database device; 410: User database; 412: Sorting device database; 414: Learned model; 500: Gravity sorting device; 510: Float-sink sorting unit; 520: Jigging sorting unit; 600: Optical sorting device; 610: Conveyor unit; 620: X-ray source; 622: Detector; 630: Air gun unit; 640, 642: Recovery unit; 650: Control device.

Claims

1. A sorting system, comprising: The sorting device sorts a mixture containing multiple types of materials according to the type of materials. A first processing unit includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring mixture information related to the mixture, operation status information indicating the operation status of the sorting device, and sorting result information indicating the sorting result of the sorting device; a first processing unit for performing a first processing operation on the mixture information, the operation status information, and the sorting result information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a transmission unit for transmitting the information obtained by the first processing operation performed by the first processing unit. The second computing device includes: a second computing unit that calculates the sorting conditions of the sorting device based on information sent from the first computing device; and a transmitting unit that sends information representing the sorting conditions of the sorting device calculated by the second computing unit to the first computing device. The first computing device includes: a receiving unit for receiving information representing the sorting conditions sent by the second computing device; and a control unit for controlling the sorting device according to the sorting conditions.

2. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, have: Multiple sorting devices; The plurality of first computing devices corresponding to the plurality of sorting devices respectively; and One second computing device corresponding to one of the plurality of said first computing devices, The second arithmetic unit calculates the sorting conditions of one of the sorting devices based on information received from the plurality of the first arithmetic units.

3. The sorting system according to claim 2, wherein, The second processing unit inputs the information sent from the first processing device into the learned model, and calculates the sorting conditions based on the output of the learned model. The learned model learns from the mixture information, the action state information, and the sorting result information sent by each of the multiple first computing devices as learning data.

4. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting device includes an optical sensor that captures an image of the mixture of objects to be sorted, generating an image signal as information about the mixture. The first arithmetic unit generates mixing ratio data representing the mixing ratio of the mixture based on the image signal generated by the optical sensor.

5. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting device includes an optical sensor that captures an image of the mixture of objects to be sorted, generating an image signal as information about the mixture. The first processing unit extracts a portion of the image signal generated by the optical sensor. The transmitting unit sends a portion of the image signal to the second processing device.

6. The sorting system according to claim 5, wherein, When the sorting device stops operating, the transmitting unit sends information other than a portion of the image signal to the second processing unit.

7. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The transmitting unit transmits the calculation result information obtained by the first calculation unit in the first calculation process when the sorting device is operating, and transmits the source information for calculating the calculation result information when the sorting device stops operating.

8. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting device includes a flow sensor that generates a flow signal that varies according to the flow rate of the mixture being sorted, serving as information about the mixture. The first arithmetic unit analyzes the flow signal generated by the flow sensor and generates flow information representing the flow rate of the mixture.

9. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting device is an electrostatic sorting device, which includes a charge sensor that generates a charge signal that varies according to the charge of the mixture being sorted, serving as information about the mixture. The electrostatic sorting device adjusts the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrode pairs that provide electrostatic force to the charged mixture, or the position of the separating portion that distinguishes the areas containing the mixture sensed by the electrostatic force. The first arithmetic unit analyzes the charge signal generated by the charge sensor and generates charge information representing the charge of the mixture.

10. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting device is a gravity sorting device that uses the difference in specific gravity corresponding to the type of resin flakes contained in the mixture to be sorted. The first calculation unit performs a first calculation on at least a portion of the information relating to the mixture in the gravity sorting device, the operation status information indicating the operation status of the gravity sorting device, and the sorting result information indicating the sorting result of the gravity sorting device.

11. The sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sorting device is an optical sorting device, which includes an optical sensor that captures images of the resin flakes contained in the mixture to be sorted, and performs sorting based on the difference in light absorption characteristics corresponding to the type of resin flake captured by the optical sensor. The first arithmetic unit performs a first arithmetic processing on at least a portion of information relating to the mixture in the optical sorting device, information indicating the operating state of the optical sorting device, and information indicating the sorting result of the optical sorting device.

12. A sorting method, comprising: A sorting device that sorts a mixture containing multiple types of materials according to the types of materials generates mixture information related to the mixture in response to a mixture supplied for sorting; The first processing unit performs a first processing operation on the mixture information and sends the information obtained from the first processing operation. The steps include: the second processing unit calculating the sorting conditions of the sorting device based on information sent from the first processing unit; and sending information representing the sorting conditions of the sorting device to the first processing unit; and... The first computing device controls the steps of the sorting device in a manner that sorts the mixture of objects to be sorted according to the sorting conditions of the sorting device.

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