Article recovery device

Abstract

To provide an article recovery device which prevents empty containers from being stacked in an unbalanced manner in a storage part, where the empty containers are stored, of the article recovery device and moving reversely to a container input port.SOLUTION: An article recovery device includes: a storage part which is detachably attached to a body part of the article recovery device and in which empty containers are stored; and a leveling mechanism which levels the empty containers stacked in the storage part. The leveling mechanism is provided at the body part and sways the empty containers in the storage part from a lower part of the storage part. Further, the leveling mechanism includes a vibration part which swings around a position offset from a center of the storage part in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article retrieval device. [Background technology]

[0002] An empty container volume reduction and recovery machine that recovers empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This empty container volume reduction and recovery machine reduces the volume of empty containers by squeezing them between compression rollers, and then stores them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-153019 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a risk that the collected empty containers may pile up unevenly in the storage section of the recovery machine, and the empty containers may flow back into the compression roller before the storage section reaches its maximum capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The article recovery device of the present invention has at least the following configuration. The article recovery device has a storage section that is detachable from a main body of the article recovery device and that stores empty containers; and a leveling mechanism for leveling empty containers stacked in the storage section, The leveling mechanism is provided in the main body and is configured to shake the empty container in the storage section from a lower portion of the storage section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]1A and 1B are overall conceptual diagrams of an empty container recovery device as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view of the empty container recovery device, and (b) is a side view of the empty container recovery device. [Diagram 2] 1 is a conceptual side view of a container recovery device as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a conceptual diagram of a container insertion section of an empty container recovery device serving as an article recovery device. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door and an inner door closed; [Diagram 5] 1 is a conceptual side view showing an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door and an inner door closed. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door in an open state and an inner door in a closed state. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door open and an inner door closed. FIG. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door in a closed state (not shown) and an inner door in an open state, in which (a) is a schematic side view and (b) is a perspective view from the rear side. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view seen from the insertion port side showing an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door in a closed state (not shown) and an inner door in an open state. FIG. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of an operation for attaching a movable bottom member and a bag to a drawer, where (a) is a left side view of the article recovery device, and (b) is a right side view. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for attaching a bag (plastic bag) to a storage section (container storage section) of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of a state in which a drawer is drawn out from a main body of the item recovery device (a state in which a movable bottom member is removed). FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of an article recovery device in which a movable bottom member is detachably provided on a drawer section. [Figure 14] 1A is a conceptual diagram for explaining the leveling mechanism and the movable bottom member detachably provided in the drawer section. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the drawer section is drawn out and the movable bottom member is separated from the leveling mechanism. FIG. 1B is a conceptual side view showing an example of a state in which the movable bottom member overlaps the leveling mechanism and is shifted from a specified position (plan view). FIG. 1C is a conceptual side view showing an example of a state in which the movable bottom member is placed on the leveling mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a leveling mechanism. [Figure 16] 13 is a conceptual plan view illustrating an example of a leveling mechanism in which a movable bottom member is detachably provided. FIG. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of a leveling mechanism and a movable bottom member (tray) of an article recovery device. (a) is a schematic side view showing an example of a movable bottom member. (b) is an exploded schematic view showing an example of a leveling mechanism. (c) is a schematic side view showing an example of a state in which the movable bottom member is placed on the leveling mechanism. (d) is a schematic side view showing an example of a state in which the movable bottom member is swung by the leveling mechanism. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of a leveling mechanism of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device). (a) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of empty containers stored in a storage section in a pile shape. (b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the storage section that has been leveled by the leveling operation of the leveling mechanism. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical function block of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 20] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 21] 1 is a top view showing an example of an item recovery device in which a storage section (drawer section) is drawn out from a main body section of the item recovery device. FIG. [Figure 22] 1A is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of an operation of the item recovery device, in which (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a storage unit is pulled out from a main body of the item recovery device, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the storage unit is stored in the main body of the item recovery device. [Figure 23]1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the article recovery device, in which (a) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a movable bottom plate member in a lower position, and (b) is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a movable bottom plate member in an upper position. [Figure 24] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the driving means. (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the movable member is in a lower position (standby position). (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the driving motor is driven and the movable member is in an intermediate position. (c) is a diagram showing a state in which the driving motor is driven and the movable member is in an upper position. (d) is a diagram showing a state in which the driving motor is driven and the movable member is in an intermediate position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The empty container recovery device as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention is detachable from the main body of the device and has a storage section for storing empty containers and a leveling mechanism for leveling the empty containers stacked in the storage section, the leveling mechanism being provided in the main body and configured to shake the empty containers in the storage section from the lower part of the storage section. In detail, for example, the leveling mechanism has a vibration section that swings around a swing center at a position shifted from the center of the storage section in a plan view.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention includes the contents shown in the drawings, but is not limited thereto. In the following description of each drawing, parts common to parts already described will be given the same reference numerals and some duplicated description will be omitted. As an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, an empty container recovery device will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an empty container recovery device 100 (also called a container volume reduction device) that recovers empty containers (PET bottles and the like) to be recovered, as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the empty container recovery device 100 of this embodiment, when on standby, the outer door of the article input section (container input section) is in a closed state, and the inner door provided between the article input section and the storage section so as to be freely opened and closed is in a closed state. When recovering items, the outer door of the article input section is in an open state, and the control section (discrimination section) determines whether an item placed on the loading section of the article input section is an item to be recovered (e.g., an empty resin container such as a PET bottle) or not. If it is determined to be an item to be recovered (empty container), the outer door is in a closed state, the inner door provided between the article input section and the storage section is in an open state, and the container is recovered by the storage section. In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device is provided with a volume reduction mechanism, and by reducing the volume of the container by the volume reduction mechanism, a large amount of reduced empty containers can be recovered in the storage section with a specified capacity.

[0010] The items are not limited to PET bottles, cans, and bottles, but may be any items that are subject to collection, such as milk cartons, trays, ink cartridges, items to be returned to libraries or rental stores (books, DVDs, etc.), cleaning supplies, batteries, light bulbs, etc. In other words, the empty container collection device is an embodiment of a container volume reduction device or an item collection device that collects items.

[0011] 1 and 2, an empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a container insertion section 110 provided at the top of a device main body 100B (also referred to as main body 100B), and an outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the opening of the container insertion section 110. A display operation section 3 and a transmitting / receiving section 4 (communication section) are provided on the front side of the device main body 100B near the top of the outer door 111. A baggage hook 100f is also provided on the front side of the device main body 100B.

[0012] In addition, a passageway communicating with the container storage section 140 (also called storage section 140) is provided below the container insertion section 110, and an inner door 112 is provided in the passageway 71 from the placement section 116 of the container insertion section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0013] In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 is provided with a volume reduction section 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage section 140. When the inner door 112 is in an open state, the volume reduction section 120 crushes the empty container A from the container input section 110 to reduce its volume, and outputs the reduced empty container RA to the container storage section 140 below. In addition, the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100 has a pull-out section 100C (also called drawer 100C) on which the container storage section 140 is placed, and is provided with a pull-out handle 100e and a keyhole 100r on the front side, and is configured to be able to lock and unlock by inserting a key into the keyhole 100r.

[0014] In addition, a translucent section 100A (translucent window) is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B, specifically, on the front side of the drawer section 100C, so that the empty containers held in the container holding section 140 can be seen from the outside.

[0015] A handle 100g for carrying the device is provided on the side surface of the device main body 100B.

[0016] In addition, the device main body 100B has a cap insertion section 108 on the front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided from the cap insertion section 108 downward within the device main body, and the cap inserted into the cap insertion section 108 is configured to be stored in the cap storage section 145 via the cap passage 72. The cap passage 72 may have a mechanism for separating caps from items smaller than caps. Specifically, the cap passage 72 may be branched, and a mesh member may be provided at the branched portion to separate leftover cigarette butts, rainwater, etc., from the caps and store them in the cap storage section 145.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the volume reducing section 120 has a structure in which a pair of rotating shafts 811, 911 are rotatably supported by two substantially plate-shaped supporting members (not shown).

[0018] Further, a feed mechanism 50 is provided above the volume reduction section 120, and a rotating shaft 51 of the feed mechanism 50 is rotatably supported by the above-mentioned substantially plate-shaped support member. The feed mechanism 50 has a plurality of blade portions 52 (made of metal, resin, etc.) as paddles on the rotating shaft 51. As the rotating shaft 51 rotates, the blade portions 52 of the feed mechanism 50 rotate around the rotating shaft 51 as the center of rotation, and guide the empty container A to the volume reduction section 120.

[0019] In addition, at the top of the volume reduction section 120, inclined plate-shaped regulating members 60, 61, and 62 having an inverse slope to regulating member 61 are provided to guide empty container A to the center of the volume reduction section 120, thereby regulating the empty container A from moving to other locations. The regulating members 60 and 61 serving as guides are provided physically separated from the placement section provided in the container input section, and form a path leading from the placement section 116 to the volume reducing section 120.

[0020] The rotating shafts 811, 911, 51 are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. On each of the pair of rotating shafts 811, 911, compression rollers 81, 91 having blade surfaces on both axial sides and spacers (not shown) having a smaller diameter than the compression rollers 81, 91 and a slightly thicker thickness than the compression rollers 81, 91 are alternately arranged in parallel along the axial direction. The outer periphery of the compression roller provided on one rotating shaft is disposed between the compression rollers provided on the other rotating shaft, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the spacer provided between the compression rollers provided on the other rotating shaft.

[0021] A gear (not shown) is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 811, and is configured to mesh with a gear (not shown) provided at one end of the rotating shaft 911. These rotating shafts 811, 911, 51 are rotated by a drive motor (not shown). When driven, the rotating shafts 811 and 911 rotate in opposite directions, and an empty container A placed in the center is compressed by the compression rollers 81 and 91, and the reduced-volume empty container is output downward.

[0022] The peeling section 32 (peeling means 30) is configured to peel off the container, the volume of which has been reduced by the compression rollers 81, 91 of the volume reducing section 120, from the compression rollers 81, 91.

[0023] Furthermore, the empty container recovery device 100 may have a scattering prevention section 78 above the volume reduction section 120. The scattering prevention section 78 functions as a door for maintenance of the container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100). In detail, the scattering prevention section 78 is pivotally supported by a fixing member provided inside the empty container recovery device via a hinge 78a so that the opening can be freely opened and closed. With the exterior cover 100K on the upper part of the empty container recovery device 100 open, the operator grasps the gripping portion 78d (handle) of the scattering prevention portion 78 to open the scattering prevention portion 78. The exterior cover 100K may be a door-opening type, or may be a cover member of another type.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a container input section 110 of an empty container recovery device serving as a container volume reduction device. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of an empty container recovery device with the outer door 111 closed and the inner door 112 closed. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of an empty container recovery device 100 with the outer door 111 open and the inner door 112 closed. Figures 8 and 9 are conceptual diagrams showing an example of an empty container recovery device with the outer door 111 closed and the inner door 112 open. Note that the outer doors are not shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the container insertion section 110 of the empty container recovery device 100 has a loading section 116, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a base 118, a weighing section 7, an outer door support section S111, an inner door support section S112, an outer door drive section 5, an inner door drive section 6, a first restriction section K111, a second restriction section K112, etc.

[0026] The placement unit 116 is configured so that objects to be collected can be placed thereon. The placement unit 116 is provided with an optical sensor 9 such as a light receiving unit 9a and a light emitting unit 9b, a metal sensor, and the like. In addition, a weighing unit 7 is provided below the placement unit 116. The weighing unit 7 measures the mass (weight) of the article (empty container, etc.) placed on the placement unit 116.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the placement surface of placement unit 116 is not horizontal, but is inclined so that the container storage unit 140 side is lower than the article insertion port side (the opening side when outer door 111 is open). In other words, placement unit 116 is configured to encourage inserted articles to fall to the container storage unit 140 side (or the volume reduction unit 120 side) due to their own weight. This makes it unnecessary to provide a transport mechanism for sending the article (input item) to the container storage unit 140, and makes it possible to provide a small-sized container volume reduction device. In addition, the surface of the mounting section 116 is surface-treated to form an uneven portion, and has a structure that prevents inserted items from sticking to the mounting section. When the container volume reduction device is an empty container recovery device, even if the container is wet, the contact area between the container surface and the uneven surface of the mounting section is relatively small, so the surface tension due to wetting is small, and the container moves easily toward the container storage section 140. In other words, it is possible to prevent the problem that a wet container does not fall into the container storage section.

[0028] The outer door 111 is provided on the outer side of the placement unit 116. The outer door drive unit 5 drives the outer door 111 so as to be freely opened and closed. The inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 between the placement section 116 and the volume reducing section 120. The inner door drive section 6 drives the inner door 112 to open and close freely. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner door 112 is provided with a placement guide section 112D that guides the placement state of the empty container. The placement guide section 112D is provided at a position that is exposed and visible from the device main body. The placement guide section 112D displays information to guide the article (empty container such as a PET bottle, etc.) to be placed in a specified orientation and in a specified position (for example, 350 ml, 500 ml, 2000 ml, etc.). The placement guide section 112D may be a recess, a protrusion, a sticker, an LED display, an LCD, etc. provided on the surface of the inner door 112. The container volume reduction device may also include a determination unit that determines whether an article is correctly placed at the placement position indicated by the placement guide unit 112D using a detection sensor such as an imaging unit. If the placement orientation or position is incorrect, a notification can be issued using a detection unit such as an imaging process or an optical sensor.

[0029] In this embodiment, the empty container recovery apparatus 100 has a base 118, and this base 118 has outer door support parts S118, S111 that support the outer door 111 and the outer door drive unit 5. In detail, the outer door drive unit 5 and a rotation shaft C111 are provided at the upper end parts of the two outer door support parts S118, and a fan-shaped outer door support part S111 is rotatably provided on the rotation shaft C111, and the outer door 111 is supported by the fan-shaped outer door support part S111. One of the two rotation shafts C111 is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor of the outer door drive unit 5. The sector-shaped outer door support portion S111 is provided with a hole S111h through which the rotation shaft C112 of the inner door 112 passes.

[0030] The measuring unit 7 is disposed between the base 118 and the placement unit 116 and supports the placement unit 116 .

[0031] In addition, the inner door 112 is configured to guide an empty container placed on the placement unit 116 to the volume reducing unit 120 in an open state. In this embodiment, the inner door drive unit 6 and the inner door 112 are supported by an inner door support unit S112 that is disposed on the weighing unit 7 and extends from between the weighing unit 7 and the placement unit 116. The inner door drive unit 6 is provided with a rotation shaft C112 for the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 is provided on the rotation shaft C112. By opening the inner door 112, the collection target can be guided to the container storage unit 140 in the device main body. In addition, the inner door support unit S112 has a hole S112h through which the rotation shaft C111 passes.

[0032] That is, the outer door drive unit 5 and the outer door 111 are supported by the outer door support part S111 of the base 118, and the placement part 116 is provided on the upper part of the weighing part 7 arranged on the base 118, so that the weighing part 7 can measure the mass of the collection object and the like placed on the placement part 116 with high accuracy. In detail, since the outer door 111 and the outer door drive unit 5 are not supported on the weighing part 7, the weighing part 7 is structured to be less susceptible to the effects of vibrations of the outer door 111 and the outer door drive unit 5, and the mass of the collection object on the placement part 116 can be measured with high accuracy.

[0033] Furthermore, the outer door 111 of the empty container recovery device 100 as the container volume reduction device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be movable between an open position exposing the mounting section 116 and a closed position covering the mounting section 116, and when the outer door 111 is closed, the outer door 111 is configured to be movable from the open position to a closed position toward the mounting section 116. That is, since the outer door 111 is configured to move from an open state toward the mounting section 116 to close, for example, when a user's hand, arm, or the like is caught between the outer door 111 and the mounting section 116, the weighing value by the weighing section fluctuates, and the control section detects the fluctuation, making it possible to easily detect that the user's hand, arm, foreign object, or the like is caught between the outer door 111 and the mounting section 116.

[0034] Moreover, in the empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer door 111 is provided with a first limiting portion K111 that limits the movement of the inner door 112. The inner door 112 is provided with a second limiting portion K112 that limits the movement of the outer door 111. The first limiting portion K111 and the second limiting portion K112 provide a mechanism for limiting both the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 from being in an open state. In other words, the empty container recovery device 100 has a first limiting section K111 provided on the outer door 111 and a second limiting section K112 provided on the inner door 112, so that with a simple mechanical structure, it is possible to limit the opening and closing operation of each door depending on the opening and closing state of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112, respectively.

[0035] Moreover, the first limiting part K111 of the empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device is configured to respond to the movement of the outer door 111. The second limiting part K112 is configured to respond to the movement of the inner door 112. Moreover, the empty container recovery device 100 is configured such that when the outer door 111 is in an open state, the first limiting part K111 limits the movement of the inner door 112, and when the inner door 112 is in an open state, the second limiting part K112 limits the movement of the outer door 111. In detail, in this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 is configured so that when the outer door 111 is open, the inner door 112 remains in the closed state and is restricted from opening. That is, when the outer door 111 is open and an inserted object is placed on the placement section 116, the inner door 112 is in the closed state and does not open, and is configured so that the object placed on the placement section 116 is not stored in the container storage section 140 in the device main body 100B regardless of whether the object is a collection object or a non-collection object. That is, in this state, the object (a collection object or a non-collection object) is in contact with the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 is configured to also serve as a part of the placement section.

[0036] The first limiting part K111 and the second limiting part K112 are configured to have their movement paths overlapped. In the present embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 has a structure in which, when one of the first limiting part K111 and the second limiting part K112 limits the movement of the other, the first limiting part K111 and the second limiting part K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight gap in an arc shape. In detail, in the present embodiment, the first limiting part K111 is formed in a substantially fan shape. The first limiting part K111 has a convex arc-shaped part K111a and a concave part K111b. The second limiting part K112 is formed in a substantially fan shape. In detail, the second limiting part K112 has a convex arc-shaped part K112a and a concave part K112b.

[0037] 5, when the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is closed, the empty container recovery device 100 has a means capable of maintaining the edge 116a of the mounting section 116 and the end face of the inner door 112 in a non-adhered state. In detail, for example, the empty container recovery device 100 has a regulating means (regulating section 40) capable of maintaining a predetermined distance Ls between the edge 116a of the mounting section 116 and the end face of the inner door 112. This predetermined distance Ls is preferably a distance that prevents, for example, a finger from entering. In this embodiment, the regulating means (regulating portion 40) has a convex portion 41 (40) on the edge portion 116a of the mounting portion 116 on the inner door 112 side, and / or a convex portion 42 (40) on the inner door side portion 116Wa of the side wall portion 116W (side cover) of the mounting portion 116. In other words, even when the inner door 112 is closed, the edge 116a of the mounting portion 116 and the end face 112a of the inner door 112 can be maintained at a predetermined distance Ls, and residual liquid can be drained from the gap between the mounting portion 116 and the inner door 112. The protrusion 42 (40) may be provided on the inner door 112 side. In addition, examples of the means capable of maintaining the edge 116a of the placement portion 116 and the end surface of the inner door 112 in a non-adhered state include the following configurations. For example, the surface of the face where the inner door 112 and the placement portion 116 come into contact may have water repellency to which liquid is unlikely to adhere, or the surface of the convex portion 42 (40) may have water repellency. In addition, instead of the convex portion 42 (40), the surface where the inner door 112 and the placement portion 116 come into contact may have water repellency to which liquid is unlikely to adhere. When the above surface has water repellency instead of the convex portion 42 (40), this water repellent surface is the regulating means. The water repellency of the above surface may be obtained, for example, by forming a surface with a fine uneven structure having a lotus effect, or by applying a water repellent material such as fluororesin, silicone resin, or silicone oil to the surface to form a water repellent film.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the outer door 111 is open and the inner door 112 is closed, and the first limiting portion K111 limits the movement of the second limiting portion K112, the convex arc-shaped portion K111a of the first limiting portion K111 and the concave portion K112b of the second limiting portion K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight gap between them in an arc shape. That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, as described above, when the outer door 111 is in the open state, the inner door 112 is in the closed state, and the first limiting portion K111 restricts the movement of the second limiting portion K112, so that the inner door 112 remains in the closed state and does not open.

[0039] 8(a) and 8(b), in this embodiment, the regulating means (regulating portion 40) has a convex portion 41 (40) protruding toward the inner door on a portion of an edge portion 116a of the placement portion 116 on the inner door 112 side, and / or has a convex portion 42 (40) protruding toward the inner door on a portion of a portion 116Wa of the side wall portion 116W (side cover) of the placement portion 116 on the inner door side. Note that the regulating means may have only one of the convex portion 41 and the convex portion 42, or may have a plurality of them. In other words, since the regulating portion 40 is provided, the inner door 112 can be easily opened from the inner door closed state in which the edge 116a of the mounting portion 116 and the end face 112a of the inner door 112 are maintained at a predetermined distance Ls.

[0040] In other words, in the empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device of an embodiment of the present invention, when the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is open, the movement of the first limiting portion K111 is restricted by the second limiting portion K112, so that the outer door 111 remains closed and does not open.

[0041] In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 may have a prohibiting means for prohibiting the movement of one or both of the first limiting part K111 and the second limiting part K112. In detail, the prohibiting means has, for example, a solenoid. This solenoid has, for example, a structure in which a metallic movable pin (plunger) is arranged in a coil, and when the coil is not energized, the movable pin (plunger) is arranged in a position protruding from the coil end by a biasing part, and is configured so that when the coil is energized, the movable pin moves into the coil. For example, as a prohibition means capable of prohibiting the movement of the outer door 111 from the closed state to the open state, a movable pin (plunger) of a solenoid for the outer door may be configured to be able to engage with a hole provided in the first limiting part K111, and the control part controls the movable pin to engage with the hole when the first limiting part K111 is to be maintained in the closed state and movement to the open state is to be prohibited, and to disengage the movable pin when movement is not to be prohibited. In other words, the prohibition means can prohibit the movement of the first limiting part K111 from the closed state to the open state with a simple structure. As a prohibition means capable of prohibiting the movement of the inner door 112 from the closed state to the open state, a movable pin (plunger) of the solenoid for the inner door may be configured to be engageable with a hole provided in the second limiting part K112, and the control part controls the movable pin to engage with the hole when the second limiting part K112 is to be maintained in the closed state and movement to the open state is to be prohibited, and to disengage the movable pin when the movement is not to be prohibited. In other words, the prohibition means can prohibit the movement of the second limiting part K112 from the closed state to the open state with a simple structure.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for attaching a movable bottom member 161 (tray, etc.) and a bag to a drawer section 100C of an empty container collecting device 100 as an article collecting device. In detail, Fig. 10(a) is a left side view of the empty container collecting device 100, and Fig. 10(b) is a right side view. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for attaching a bag (plastic bag) to a storage section (container storage section) of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device).

[0043] FIG. 12 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of a state in which the drawer 100C is drawn out from the main body of the article recovery device (a state in which the movable bottom member 161 is removed). FIG. 13 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of an article retrieval device in which a movable bottom member 161 is detachably provided on a drawer section 100C.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the leveling mechanism and a movable bottom member detachably provided in the drawer section. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the leveling mechanism. Fig. 16 is a conceptual plan view for explaining an example of the leveling mechanism in which the movable bottom member is detachably provided. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of the leveling mechanism and movable bottom member (tray) of the article recovery device.

[0045] 10 and 11, the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device has a recovery section (container storage section 140) for recovering articles, etc. In this embodiment, the recovery section (container storage section 140) is a pull-out section 100C, which is configured to be able to be stored and pulled out through an opening on the front side of the main body section 100B of the empty container recovery device 100.

[0046] The drawer 100C has a front plate 100Ca (decorative plate), a pair of left and right side plates 143, a bottom plate 144, etc., and is formed in a box shape with a bottom that opens upward. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the bottom plate 144 has an opening 144h formed in at least a part thereof, more specifically, an opening 144h formed in the center of the bottom plate 144, and is configured so that a smoothing mechanism 260, which will be described later, can protrude slightly upward from the opening 144h when the drawer 100C is accommodated in the main body 100B. A bottom plate of a predetermined width is provided near both the left and right ends of the bottom plate portion 144, on which a movable bottom member 161 is detachably placed. In this embodiment, the movable bottom member 161 is formed, for example, with a U-shaped cross section. The movable bottom member 161 is configured to be vibrable by a leveling mechanism 260, which will be described later. In addition, with the movable bottom member 161 placed on the drawer 100C, a bottomed bag BB (a bag for collecting items) that opens upward is detachably placed thereon.

[0047] The recovery section (container storage section 140, etc.) is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, has no top surface, and more specifically has an opening formed at the top, and is composed only of a frame with at least a portion of the top side missing.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drawer 100C is an article recovery device in which the front panel 100Ca (decorative panel) and the recovery section (container storage section 140) are integrated, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the front panel 100Ca may be a sliding door type (left-opening or right-opening type) that is rotatably attached to the main body 100B of the article recovery device by a hinge or the like. When the sliding door type front panel 100Ca is open, the recovery section (container storage section 140) may be configured to slide freely in the front-rear direction.

[0049] In the example shown in Figures 10 to 14, three or more pillars 141 are provided on a rectangular bottom plate portion 144 of the recovery section (container storage section 140, etc.), and more specifically, in this embodiment, the pillars 141 are provided at the four corners of the bottom plate portion 144. A generally spherical hook 142 is provided at or near the top of the column 141. The upper end of a bag BB for collecting items (empty containers A, etc.) is hooked onto this hook 142. The hook 142 has, for example, elastomeric properties, and more specifically, is made of an elastic body or non-slip material made of resin such as rubber. By using such a shape and material, the bag can be safely and easily hooked and removed, and further, by using a material with good adhesion such as rubber, the upper opening of the bag can be hooked without sagging. The hook portion 142 has a shape that protrudes outward, and is structured to easily hook the bag BB. The tip of the hook portion 142 is formed in a substantially spherical shape, so that the bag BB is less likely to break.

[0050] The collection section (container storage section 140) also includes left and right side plate sections 143, a rear plate 147, and a front plate section (not shown), and the upper ends of these may be set, for example, at a position lower than the hook section 142, or in this embodiment, at about half the height of the pillar section 141. When empty containers or broken pieces have fallen behind (to the rear of) the bag BB, the worker can reach out from the side plate section 143 to pick them up. Also, since the upper halves of the side plates are missing, the collection volume is relatively large. In addition, a notch (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the rear panel 147. When the drawer 100C slides in the front-rear direction, the leveling mechanism 260 provided on the main body 100B can be moved in and out of the opening 144h of the drawer 100C through the notch (not shown).

[0051] An example of a method for attaching the bag BB for collecting items will be described. First, as shown in Figures 10(a), 11 and 13, the movable bottom member 161 is placed on the collection section (container storage section 140). When placed on the drawer section 100C, the movable bottom member 161 has cutouts 161C formed at positions corresponding to the bag hanging sections (pillars 141, hooks 142). In other words, the movable bottom member 161 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, with cutouts 161C formed at each corner. More specifically, the drawer 100C has a rectangular bottom plate with pillars 141 and hooks 142 formed at the four corners as bag hanging sections. The pillars 141 are provided at their upper portions with the hooks 142 each having a substantially spherical shape.

[0052] 13, 16 and 17, a magnet 161m is provided on the rear surface of the movable bottom member 161. This magnet 161m is located at the opening 144h of the drawer 100C as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. More specifically, the magnet 161m is located so as to overlap the opening 144h of the drawer 100C in a plan view. The magnet 161m is configured to be detachable from the smoothing mechanism 260, which is made of metal, for example.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the ends (top ends) of the bag BB (a plastic bag or other resin bag) for collecting articles are hooked onto the rubber balls (hooking portions 142) at the four corners of the collecting portion (container storage portion 140). Next, an article collection bag BB (such as a plastic bag) is placed along the wall (such as the side plate portion 143) and is firmly spread out to the bottom surface (the bottom plate portion 144). That is, the bag BB can be easily attached to the collection section. In addition, by displaying an explanatory diagram showing "how to attach a plastic bag (bag BB)" as shown in Figure 11 on the movable bottom member 161 by printing or by using an indication sticker, the operator can easily attach the bag BB to the collection section of the pull-out section 100C by looking at the explanatory diagram.

[0054] The method of removing the bag BB is to remove the upper end of the bag BB, which is hung on the hanging portion 142, from the hanging portion 142, so that the entire bag can be easily removed.

[0055] 10(b) and 12, the recovery section (container storage section 140) is provided with a cap storage section 145. In this embodiment, the cap storage section 145 has a cap bag holding section 1451 for holding a bag BS for storing caps (a small bag (a plastic bag or other resin bag)). This cap bag holding section 1451 is provided in the recovery section (container storage section 140) so as to be rotatable or detachable.

[0056] 10 and 14, in this embodiment, a plate-like member 241 is provided in the recovery section (container storage section 140) so as to be tiltable at a specified angle (e.g., θ=approximately 30°, with the vertical state being 0°) on the rear side. The lower end of the plate-like member 241 is provided at the rear of the recovery section 140 via a hinge 243.

[0057] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), when the recovery section (container storage section 140) is pulled forward from the main body section 100B of the item recovery section, the upper end section 241a of the plate-shaped member 241 is inclined toward the rear. As shown in FIG. 14(c), when the recovery section (container storage section 140) is stored in the main body section 100B of the item recovery apparatus, the plate-like member 241 is in an upright state.

[0058] In other words, even if the collection section (container storage section 140) is full of empty containers and the pull-out section 100C is pulled out, the plate-shaped member 241 tilts backwards, so that the empty containers that have fallen out of the bag BB can be held by the plate-shaped member 241. When the bag is removed, the empty containers fall to the bottom of the collection section under their own weight, making it easy to remove the empty containers.

[0059] 14, the leveling mechanism 260 is provided in the main body 100B of the article recovering apparatus (empty container recovering apparatus 100). The movable bottom member 161 is detachably provided in the drawer 100C. In detail, when the drawer unit 100C is drawn out, the movable bottom member 161 is spaced apart from the leveling mechanism 260, as shown in FIG.

[0060] 14(b), 14(c), and 17, when the drawer 100C is moved toward the main body 100B of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) and accommodated in the main body 100B, the movable bottom member 161 is placed on the leveling mechanism 260. The plate member 241 comes into an upright state with its upper end 241a abutting against and sliding against the back member 100Bb on the back side of the main body 100B of the article recovery device. In detail, the movable bottom member 161 is detachably provided so that the recess 161u on the rear surface thereof abuts against the upper surface of the vibration part 261 of the smoothing mechanism 260 provided in the main body 100B of the container recovery apparatus. Furthermore, even when the vibration part 261 of the leveling mechanism 260 vibrates, the bonding force between the magnet 161m and the metallic vibration part 261 is specified so that the movable bottom member 161 does not separate but moves in response to the vibration of the vibration part 261.

[0061] In addition, when the pull-out section 100C is pulled out from the main body section 100B of the empty container recovery device, the rear plate of the pull-out section 100C presses the movable bottom member 161 (tray), causing the movable bottom member 161 (tray) to move away from the vibration section 261 of the leveling mechanism 260 against the binding force of the magnet 161m to the vibration section 261 of the leveling mechanism 260.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 14, the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) has a storage state detection unit 12 that detects the storage state of empty containers in a recovery section (container storage section 140) provided in a drawer section 100C. The storage state detection unit 12 is, for example, one or more of an optical sensor, an imaging unit (camera), an ultrasonic sensor, etc., and is provided in the main body 100B of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) to detect the storage state of empty containers in the recovery unit (container storage unit 140). In detail, the storage state detection unit 12 detects the amount of empty containers, the mountain-like shape, bias, height, etc. of the stored empty containers.

[0063] The leveling mechanism 260 levels the empty containers stacked in the storage unit 140. In detail, the leveling mechanism 260 vibrates the movable bottom member 161 to level the empty containers in the storage unit. As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, the leveling mechanism 260 includes a fixed base portion 260B, a drive motor 260M, a vibration portion 261, a connecting member 260L (link member), and the like.

[0064] The fixed base portion 260B is configured with a rectangular frame or the like, and is fixed to the main body portion 100B of the empty container recovery device 100. The driving motor 260M is fixed to the fixed base portion 260B and the main body portion 100B, and is configured so that the rotating shaft 260Ma can rotate under the control of the control portion.

[0065] The vibration part 261 is supported by a swing shaft 265 relative to the fixed base part 260B and is configured to be freely swingable relative to the fixed base part 260B. 13, 15, 16, and 17, the oscillation shaft 265 is set to extend along the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 16, the oscillation shaft 265 is provided at a position shifted a predetermined distance from the center CP of the storage unit in a plan view. In other words, the smoothing mechanism 260 has a vibration unit 261 that oscillates around a position shifted from the center of the storage unit in a plan view.

[0066] Specifically, the vibrating section 261 has a diaphragm 2611 (such as a tray) and a movable base member 2612 (such as a base member for mounting the tray). The diaphragm 2611 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, with its length and width smaller than that of the movable bottom member 161 and its length and width larger than that of the movable base member 2612. The diaphragm 2611 is fixed to the movable base member 2612 by fixing members such as screws.

[0067] 15, 16, and 17, the movable base member 2612 is configured with a substantially rectangular frame, and is smaller in length and width than the vibration section 261. In detail, the movable base member 2612 has a hole formed in the center in a plan view, and a beam section 2612a is installed in the center along the left-right direction.

[0068] A circular member 266 is provided on a rotation shaft 260Ma of the drive motor 260M, and one end of a connecting member 260L (link) is rotatably connected to the circular member 266 so as to be eccentric to the rotation shaft 260Ma. The other end of the connecting member 260L is rotatably provided on a beam portion 2612a of the movable base member 2612. In other words, the connecting member 260L (link) is connected to the circular member 266 and the movable base member 2612. That is, as the rotating shaft 260Ma of the driving motor 260M rotates, a force is transmitted to the movable base member 2612 and the vibration plate 2611 of the vibration part 261 via the circular member 266 and the connecting member 260L (link mechanism), and the vibration part 261 swings around the swing axis 265 as the swing center.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 17, a circular member 266 is provided with a protrusion 260F (also referred to as a sensor flag 260F) that protrudes radially outward. The fixed base portion 260B is provided with a rotational position detection portion 260S (such as an optical sensor), which detects the protrusion 260F (sensor flag) to detect the position (rotational position) and rotational speed of the rotation shaft 260Ma of the drive motor 260M. In addition, in this embodiment, each component of the leveling mechanism 260 is configured so that when the protrusion 260F (sensor flag) linked to the rotation axis 260Ma is in the detection position of the rotation position detection unit 260S, the vibration plate 2611 (receiving tray) and the movable base member 2612 are in a horizontal state. When the protrusion 260F (sensor flag) is located at a position other than the detection position, the vibration plate 2611 and the movable base member 2612 of the vibration part 261 rotate around the oscillation shaft 265 and become inclined. The rotation shaft 260Ma of the drive motor 260M (smoothing mechanism drive section) rotates, and the connecting member 260L (link mechanism) oscillates the vibration section 261. A portion of the vibration section 261 sufficiently distant from the oscillation shaft 265, for example the right end section of the vibration section 261, vibrates in the vertical direction. The amplitude is set to a value within a range of, for example, about 3 cm to 20 cm. The amplitude may be controlled by the control unit so as to be variable depending on, for example, the amount of empty containers contained in the container. For example, the greater the amount of empty containers contained in the container, the greater the amplitude is set.

[0070] In addition, when a DC motor is used as the drive motor 260M, the rotation speed of the rotation shaft of the DC motor slows down when the load of the DC motor is large. Therefore, by detecting the change in the rotation speed of the rotation shaft of the DC motor, the control unit can roughly calculate the amount of empty containers collected in the storage unit 140 based on the change in the rotation speed.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, by driving the drive motor 260M after a full error occurs and a collection bag full of empty containers is replaced with a new empty collection bag, the control unit can determine whether the collection bag has actually been replaced with an empty one based on a change in the rotation speed of the drive motor 260M. Specifically, for example, when a button operation indicating that the collection bag has been replaced is detected on the confirmation screen after the collection bag has been replaced, the control unit can drive the drive motor 260M and determine whether the collection bag has been replaced based on a change in the rotation speed of the drive motor 260M. For example, when it is determined that the collection bag has not been replaced, the control unit may perform a process of notifying the user through a display unit or the like that the collection bag has not been replaced, or of notifying the user through a display unit or the like that the collection bag needs to be replaced.

[0072] Next, an example of the operation of the leveling mechanism 260 of the empty container recovery device as the article recovery device will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18(a), it is assumed that empty containers (reduced empty containers RA) are stored in a mountain shape in the storage section 140 before the leveling mechanism of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) operates. In the example shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that the empty containers that have been reduced in volume in the volume reduction section move from the volume reduction section to the storage section 140 below, and are piled up in a mountain shape at a position shifted from the center of the storage section 140.

[0073] For example, when it is determined that a leveling operation is necessary based on the storage state of the empty containers stored in the storage section 140, the control section of the item recovery device causes the leveling mechanism 260 to vibrate the vibration section 261 and the movable bottom member 161. As shown in FIG. 18(b), the pile of empty containers RA is leveled to a substantially uniform height in the storage section 140. 18, the oscillation center is set at a position shifted from the center of the storage section 140. The oscillation center may also be set at a position shifted from the peak position of the mountain shape of the empty container.

[0074] Next, an example of the electrical configuration of the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The empty container recovery device 100 has a control unit 1 (CPU), a memory unit 2, a display operation unit 3, a transmission / reception unit 4, an outer door drive unit 5, an inner door drive unit 6, a weighing unit 7, a metal sensor 8, an optical sensor 9, a door position sensor 10, a door lock unit 11, a storage state detection unit 12, a volume reduction drive unit 15, a drive motor 260M (leveling mechanism drive unit), etc. Each component is electrically connected by a signal line, etc.

[0075] The control unit 1 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). The control unit 1, for example, executes a control program to realize the functions according to the present invention in a computer.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit 1 has a leveling mechanism control unit 101. For example, when it is determined that the empty containers in the storage unit 140 are unevenly stored in a mountain shape, the leveling mechanism control unit 101 controls the leveling mechanism 260 to perform a leveling operation. The smoothing mechanism control unit 101 controls the smoothing mechanism 260 to perform a smoothing operation when a smoothing instruction is input from, for example, the display operation unit 3 or the like.

[0077] Furthermore, the equalizing mechanism control unit 101 may control the equalizing mechanism 260 to perform an equalizing operation when the amount of empty containers collected by the empty container collection device reaches a specified amount, such as half the maximum storage capacity of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the equalizing mechanism control unit 101 may control the equalizing mechanism 260 to perform an equalizing operation every time a specified number or amount, such as 10 empty containers, is collected thereafter.

[0078] Furthermore, even if the leveling mechanism control unit 101 detects, for example, the input of the above-mentioned leveling instruction or unevenness in the empty containers contained in the storage unit, if it determines that the current time is within a preset leveling prohibited time period (for example, at night, specifically, the time period from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.), it controls the leveling mechanism 260 to prohibit the leveling operation. With a simple configuration, the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 can be prohibited during quiet times (environments) such as at night. The empty container recovery device may be capable of switching the enable / disable of the prohibition control of the leveling operation during the leveling prohibition time period manually or according to the installation location, etc. In detail, for example, in the case of an empty container recovery device installed outdoors near a residential area, the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 is prohibited during the leveling prohibition time period at night, but in the case of an empty container recovery device installed indoors such as in an office building or shopping mall, the leveling operation may not be prohibited at night.

[0079] The storage unit 2 is a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The storage unit 2 stores control programs and the like. The storage unit 2 also stores characteristics of empty containers to be collected. The characteristics of the empty containers include, for example, the range of container mass and whether or not the container is made of resin material.

[0080] The display operation unit 3 performs a predetermined display under the control of the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 also outputs a signal corresponding to an operation by a user or the like to the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 is, for example, a touch panel display device.

[0081] The transmitting / receiving unit 4 is a transmitting / receiving device that communicates with non-contact IC cards, IC tags, etc., and performs predetermined communication under the control of the control unit 1. Also, under the control of the control unit 1, the transmitting / receiving unit 4 performs predetermined communication with other terminal devices (computers) via a wireless communication path or a wired communication path.

[0082] The outer door drive unit 5 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the outer door 111, and is drive-controlled by the control unit 1.

[0083] The inner door driving unit 6 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the inner door 112, and is controlled by the control unit 1 to drive the inner door in an open or closed state.

[0084] The weighing unit 7 weighs the mass of an empty container or an object not to be collected placed on the placement unit 116 of the container insertion unit 110. The weighing unit 7 is a weighing device such as a load cell. The weighing unit 7 is also used as a sensor that detects remaining drink in a container placed on the placement unit 116 of the container insertion unit 110, thereby determining whether or not the container can be collected. The weighing unit 7 is also configured to be able to determine the total weight of the containers stored in the container storage unit 140 by accumulating the weight values ​​of the containers that have been determined to be collectable. This function eliminates the need to provide a weighing unit in the container storage unit 140, making it possible to ensure a container storage unit 140 with a large capacity, and allowing the weighing unit 7 itself to be made small. Since the object to be weighed is relatively small, there is no need to provide a large weighing unit 7.

[0085] The metal sensor 8 detects whether an object placed on the placement unit 116 of the container input unit 110 is metallic or non-metallic. In this embodiment, when the metal sensor 8 detects that the object placed on the placement unit 116 is metallic, the control unit 1 determines that the object placed on the placement unit 116 is a non-collection target object.

[0086] The optical sensor 9 also has a light receiving unit 9a that receives light from a light emitting unit 9b provided in the container insertion unit 110. The optical sensor 9 is configured to include, for example, a polarizing plate and receive light through the polarizing plate, and is configured to be able to detect empty containers to be collected by detecting polarized light that has passed through translucent empty containers such as PET bottles. The control unit 1 detects light received through a translucent empty container placed on the loading section of the container insertion section using an optical sensor 9, and determines whether or not the empty container is a collection target based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 9.

[0087] The article recovery device is provided with the above-mentioned sensors around the placement unit for determining whether or not recovery is required. For example, in a conventional recovery device, an article is taken into the device, and it is determined whether or not it is a recovery target, and non-recoverable objects are discharged from a discharge port different from the input port. Since a determination unit is provided in the device, it is necessary to provide a discharge port. On the other hand, the article recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured such that it is not necessary to take in the objects to be recovered because the loading section, which corresponds to the inlet of the device, is provided with sensors that determine whether or not recovery is necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an outlet, and a small-sized article recovery device can be provided.

[0088] The door position sensor 10 detects the positions of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112, and outputs a signal related to the positions of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 controls the open / closed state of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 based on the signal.

[0089] The door lock unit 11 has a locking device such as a solenoid, and under the control of the control unit 1, locks the movement of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 as necessary.

[0090] The storage state detection unit 12 is provided in the main body 100B of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100), detects the storage state of empty containers in the recovery unit (container storage unit 140), and outputs the detection result to the control unit 1.

[0091] The volume reduction drive unit 15 drives the compression rollers 81 and 91 of the volume reduction unit 120 to rotate under the control of the control unit 1.

[0092] The drive motor 260M (smoothing mechanism drive unit) is a drive unit that drives the smoothing mechanism 260, and is drive-controlled by the control unit 1.

[0093] Next, an example of the operation of the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] The control section 1 performs the processes from step ST101 onwards on the condition that the drawer section 100C is housed in the main body section 100B of the empty container recovery device 100.

[0095] In step ST101, the control unit 1 determines whether the detection unit has detected that the empty containers in the storage unit 140 are unevenly stored, and if so, proceeds to the processing of step ST102. The control unit 1 also determines whether there is an equalization instruction, and if there is an equalization instruction, proceeds to the processing of step ST102. If no unevenness is detected or if there is no equalization instruction, the control unit 1 ends the process related to the equalization operation.

[0096] In step ST102, the control unit 1 determines whether the current time is a prohibited time (or a prohibited time period) or not, and if it is a prohibited time (or a prohibited time period), proceeds to processing in step ST103, and otherwise proceeds to processing in step ST104.

[0097] In step ST103, the control unit 1 performs a process to prohibit the leveling operation (prohibition of rocking), and ends the process related to the leveling operation.

[0098] In step ST104, the control unit 1 causes the leveling mechanism 260 to perform the above-mentioned leveling operation.

[0099] In step ST105, the control unit 1 performs a process of stopping the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 after a specified time has elapsed or when the leveling is completed.

[0100] It is preferable that the control unit 1 executes the process related to step ST101 on a regular or irregular basis.

[0101] In addition, the control unit 1 forcibly stops the equalizing operation by the equalizing mechanism 260 or the volume reduction operation by the volume reduction unit during the equalizing operation by the equalizing mechanism 260, for example, when a key is inserted into the keyhole 100r of the drawer unit 100C to unlock it, or when the drawer unit 100C is pulled out from the main body unit 100B.

[0102] The leveling mechanism of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device) is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Another embodiment of the leveling mechanism of the article recovery device will be described below. Fig. 21 is a top view showing an example of an item recovery apparatus in which a storage section 140A (drawer section) is drawn out from a main body section 100B of the item recovery apparatus equipped with a leveling mechanism 260A. Figs. 22 to 24 are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the leveling mechanism 260A of the item recovery apparatus.

[0103] The storage section 140 of the embodiment shown in Figures 13, 14, etc. described above had a movable bottom member 161, but the leveling mechanism 260A of the item recovery device shown in Figures 21 to 23 has, instead of the movable bottom member 161, a movable bottom member 165C provided in the storage section 140A and a driving means 600 provided in the main body section 100B of the item recovery device. In detail, the storage section 140A has a bottom plate portion 165L and a bottom plate portion 165R on both the left and right sides at a predetermined distance from each other, that is, a hole portion 165h is formed in the center of the storage section 140A, and a roughly rectangular movable bottom member 165C is arranged in the hole portion 165h. Also, as shown in Figures 21 to 23, the storage section 140A has a horizontal support shaft 166 (oscillating shaft) arranged along the left-right direction near the front side of the bottom, and the left and right ends of the horizontal support shaft 166 are connected to the lower part of the side wall of the storage section 140A. The horizontal support shaft 166 is connected to the front end or the vicinity of the front end of the movable bottom member 165C. Movable bottom member 165C is configured so that the rear end of movable bottom member 165C can move freely up and down around horizontal support shaft 166 by a maximum of about 5 to 20 cm, preferably a maximum of about 10 to 15 cm. Further, a restricting member 165K is provided extending in the left-right direction on the movable bottom member 165C to restrict the rear end portion thereof from moving downward below the horizontal position.

[0104] In detail, the leveling mechanism 260A has a movable bottom member 165C provided in the storage unit 140A, and a driving means 600 for vertically moving the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C in the main body 100B of the article recovery device. A specific example of the driving means 600 will be described later. During the leveling operation, the driving means 600 vibrates the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage unit 140A in the vertical direction, thereby leveling the pile of empty containers stored in the storage unit 140.

[0105] The driving means 600 includes a movable member 601, a driving motor 602, a link member 603, and the like. 22(a), the main body 100B of the article recovery apparatus is provided with a movable member 601 (slider) that is movable up and down. The movable member 601 (slider) has an engaged portion 601C that is engageable with the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C. 22(a) and 22(b), the main body 100B of the item recovery device is provided with a drive motor 602 above the accommodated storage section 140A. The drive motor 602 is provided with a mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the motor's rotation shaft 602a into the up-down motion of a movable member 601 (slider). In this embodiment, an eccentric member 602b is provided on a rotating shaft 602a of the driving motor 602, and one end of a rod-shaped link member 603 is movably connected to the eccentric member 602b via a joint 602j. The other end of the link member 603 is connected to a joint 601j at or near the upper portion of the movable member 601. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, on both the left and right sides of the movable member 601, regulating members 601g (guide members) may be provided to regulate the movable member 601 only in the up and down direction.

[0106] The rear end of the movable bottom member 165C has an engagement portion 1651 that protrudes rearward. This engaging portion 1651 is detachably provided on an engaged portion 601C of a movable member (slider) on the main body side of the article recovery device. In detail, as shown in FIG. 22(a), when the storage section 140A is pulled out relative to the main body section 100B of the item recovery device, the engaged portion 601C of the movable member 601 (slider) that can move up and down and the engaging portion 1651 of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A are separated from each other.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 22(b), when the storage section 140A is completely stored in the main body section 100B of the item recovery device, the engaged portion 601C of the movable member 601 (slider) that can move up and down and the engaging portion 1651 of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A are engaged.

[0108] Next, an example of the operation of the leveling mechanism of the article recovery device will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 23(a) and FIG. 24(a), in the standby state (initial state), a movable member 601 (slider) that can move up and down and a rod-shaped link member 603 are located at the lowest position.

[0109] When the rotating shaft 602a of the drive motor 602 is driven to rotate under the control of the control unit, as shown in Figures 24(a), 24(b), 24(c), and 24(d), the eccentric member 602b provided on the rotating shaft 602a rotates and the movable member 601 moves up and down via the rod-shaped link member 603. Then, as shown in Figures 23(a) and 23(b), in a state where the engaging portion 1651 is engaged with the engaged portion 601C of the movable member 601, the rear end portion of the movable bottom member 165C moves up and down in response to the up and down movement of the movable member 601. In other words, in this embodiment, the leveling mechanism 260A can swing the rear part of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A up and down relatively more than the front part, so that even if empty containers (bottles) are arranged in a pile near the rear of the storage section 140A due to, for example, the arrangement or structure of the container insertion section or the volume reduction section, the empty containers can be leveled across the entire storage section 140A.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the fixed bottom plate portion of the storage portion has a rectangular hole in the center, and the movable bottom plate portion is disposed in the hole, so that the storage portion is relatively lightweight. In the above embodiment, the fixed bottom plate portion of the storage portion has a hole formed in the center, and the movable bottom plate portion is disposed in the hole. However, for example, the hole does not have to be provided.

[0111] <Overview of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to an article retrieval device. [Background technology] An empty container volume reduction and recovery machine that recovers empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This empty container volume reduction and recovery machine reduces the volume of empty containers by squeezing them between compression rollers, and then stores them. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-153019 A [Summary of the invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there is a risk that the collected empty containers may pile up unevenly in the storage section of the recovery machine, and the empty containers may flow back into the compression roller before the storage section reaches its maximum capacity. [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is an item recovery device (container recovery device 100) that is detachable from the main body part (device main body part 100B) of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100), has a storage section (container storage section 140) for storing empty containers, and a leveling mechanism 260 for leveling empty containers stacked in the storage section (container storage section 140), wherein the leveling mechanism 260 is provided in the main body part (device main body part 100B) and shakes the empty containers in the storage section (container storage section 140) from the bottom of the storage section (container storage section 140).

[0112] According to the above configuration, when the storage section (container storage section 140) is stored in the main body section (device main body section 100B) of the item recovery device, the leveling mechanism 260 provided in the main body section (device main body section 100B) shakes the empty containers stacked in the storage section (container storage section 140) from below, thereby providing an item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) with a simple structure that can level out empty containers that are unevenly stacked in a mountain shape in the container storage section 140 to an approximately uniform height.

[0113] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) described in (1), it has a vibration section 261 that oscillates around a position offset from the center of the planar view of the storage section (container storage section 140).

[0114] In other words, an item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided that, with a simple configuration, can use the vibration unit 261 to level out empty containers that are unevenly stacked in a mountain shape inside the container storage unit 140 to a substantially uniform height. Furthermore, compared to a comparative example (comparative example) in which a fulcrum is located in the center of the vibrating plate and both ends of the vibrating plate swing up and down like a seesaw around the fulcrum, the vibration unit 261 of this embodiment swings around a position that is offset from the center of the container container 140 in a planar view, making it easier to increase the vertical amplitude of the end that is far from the swing center, and effectively breaking down and leveling piles of empty containers. In addition, in the above embodiment, empty containers are loaded into the container loading section of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) on either the left or right side of the device, so that the pile of empty containers stored in the storage section is biased to the left or right, and the left-right position of the swinging center is set accordingly.

[0115] (3) In one aspect of this embodiment, in the empty container recovery device 100 as the article recovery device described in (1) or (2), the storage section (container storage section 140) has a drawer section 100C with at least a part of the bottom surface open and a movable bottom member 161 (tray) placed on the bottom of the drawer section 100C, and the leveling mechanism 260 is provided in a main body section 100B of the article recovery device and vibrates the movable bottom member 161 (tray). The leveling mechanism 260 may vibrate the movable bottom member 161 in the vertical direction.

[0116] In other words, an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided that has a simple configuration and can level empty containers stacked in a mountain shape in the container storage section 140 by having the leveling mechanism 260 vibrate the movable bottom member 161. In addition, in this embodiment, a bag BB is placed on the movable bottom member 161 in a manner that allows it to be freely attached and detached, and the reduced-volume empty containers are stacked in a mountain shape in the bag BB, so that the leveling mechanism 260 can easily level the bag BB by vibrating the movable bottom member 161.

[0117] The leveling mechanism 260 may also directly vibrate locally the bottom portion of the bag BB containing the empty containers.

[0118] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism 260 may be provided with a protrusion that can move up and down, and the empty containers in the storage section may be leveled by using this protrusion to move the vicinity of the end of the movable bottom member 161 up and down.

[0119] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is the empty container recovery device 100 as the article recovery device described in (3), in which the movable bottom member 161 (tray) is provided detachably with respect to the leveling mechanism 260. In the above-described embodiment, the leveling mechanism 260 is provided in the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100 serving as the article recovery device. The movable bottom member 161 (tray) of the drawer 100C is magnetically attracted to the leveling mechanism 260 by a magnet so as to be detachable therefrom.

[0120] According to the above configuration, when the leveling mechanism 260 is operating, the movable bottom member 161 operates in accordance with the leveling mechanism 260, thereby reducing unnecessary noise and providing an empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device that can achieve low-noise operation.

[0121] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the empty container recovery device 100 as the article recovery device described in (3) or (4), the pull-out section 100C has bag hanging portions (pillar portions 141, hook portions 142) at the four corners, and the movable bottom member 161 (tray) has a cutout portion 161C formed at a position corresponding to the bag hanging portions (pillar portions 141, hook portions 142) when placed on the pull-out section 100C. Specifically, the movable bottom member 161 (tray) is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and has cutouts 161C at each of the four corners corresponding to the four corners of the drawer portion 100C. More specifically, the drawer 100C has four columns 141 standing upright at each of the four corners of the rectangular bottom. A movable bottom member 161 (tray) is detachably provided on the bottom of the drawer 100C, and a bag for collecting empty containers is detachably placed on the movable bottom member 161.

[0122] According to the above configuration, the movable bottom member 161 (tray) can be placed on the drawer portion 100C without abutting the bag hanging portion (pillar portion 141, hook portion 142), and when the drawer portion 100C is housed in the main body portion 100B, it can be vibrated smoothly by the leveling mechanism 260.

[0123] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device described in any of (1) to (5), which has a leveling mechanism control unit 101 (control unit) that controls the leveling mechanism 260 not to operate during a preset time period.

[0124] According to the above configuration, the leveling mechanism control unit 101 does not operate the leveling mechanism 260 during prohibited times, such as at night, but performs the leveling operation at other times, thereby providing an empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device that can prevent complaints caused by operating noise, etc.

[0125] (7) In one aspect of this embodiment, the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) is equipped with a volume reduction section 120, and the storage section (container storage section 140) is positioned below the volume reduction section 120 and stores empty containers from the volume reduction section 120. In other words, an item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided that can prevent empty containers in the storage section (container storage section 140) from flowing back into the volume reduction section 120, even if empty containers are unevenly stacked in the storage section of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). In this embodiment, the container input section has a mark (guidance display section) that instructs the user to move the tip of a PET bottle, which is an empty container, toward either the left or right side of the empty container recovery device. In other words, even if empty containers that have been moved from the container input section to the volume reduction section and container storage section 140 are unevenly piled up in the container storage section 140, it is possible to provide an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) that can easily level them to a substantially uniform height.

[0126] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments shown in the above-mentioned drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each drawing may be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to one embodiment obtained by combining the drawings.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the empty container recovery device recovered empty containers such as PET bottles, but it may also be configured to recover aluminum cans, steel cans, etc., or it may be a device that can be used to recover PET bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans.

[0128] Further, the empty container recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention has an outer door and an inner door, but is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the outer door may be omitted.

[0129] Furthermore, the smoothing mechanism may be provided in the main body of the article recovery device, or in the bottom of the drawer.

[0130] The article recovery device is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the smoothing operation by the smoothing mechanism 260 may be performed at regular intervals during a time period during which the smoothing operation is possible (other than the prohibited time period). Furthermore, the leveling mechanism 260 may perform the leveling operation every time the volume reducing operation by the volume reducing unit 120 is performed a specified number of times (N times, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more).

[0131] Furthermore, when it is detected that empty containers have been stored in storage section 140 in a specified amount (or number of empty containers) that is smaller than the maximum storage capacity, in particular when it is detected that empty containers have been stored up to half, 1 / 3, or 2 / 3 of the capacity of storage section 140, an equalization operation is performed by equalization mechanism 260, and thereafter, an equalization operation is performed by equalization mechanism 260 every time the number of empty containers collected reaches a specified number (for example, 5). Furthermore, the magnitude of vibration by the vibration portion of the smoothing mechanism 260, the length of time for which the vibration is performed, etc. may be set appropriately. In detail, for example, starting from a state in which the amount of collected empty containers is zero, empty containers are collected one by one, and when the amount of collection reaches a specified amount and the first leveling operation is performed by the leveling mechanism 260, the control unit 1 may control the drive so that the magnitude of vibration by the vibration unit of the leveling mechanism 260 is made relatively large, and when the next leveling operation is performed thereafter, the magnitude of vibration is made relatively small. In addition, for example, starting from a state in which the amount of collected empty containers is zero, empty containers may be collected one by one, and the control unit 1 may control the drive so that the length of time that the vibration part of the equalizing mechanism 260 vibrates is relatively long the first time the equalizing mechanism 260 performs the equalizing operation, and the length of time that the vibration part vibrates is relatively short from the next time onwards.

[0132] In addition, the item recovery device may be configured so that a single drive unit (drive motor) drives the volume reduction unit and the leveling mechanism 260, and the single drive unit (drive motor, etc.) drives the volume reduction unit and the vibration unit of the leveling mechanism 260 via a power transmission body such as a belt. That is, it is possible to drive the volume reduction unit and the vibration unit of the leveling mechanism with one common drive unit (drive motor) without providing separate drive units (drive motors) for the volume reduction unit and the leveling mechanism.

[0133] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism 260 may be configured so that the rear side of the front or rear (rear) swings instead of swinging left and right when viewed from the front. In other words, the swing shaft may be disposed along the front-rear direction or along the left-right direction.

[0134] In addition, in the above embodiment, the vibrating part such as a vibrating plate of the leveling mechanism 260 vibrated, but this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a protrusion (pin, etc.) that can move up and down may be provided instead of the vibrating plate, and the leveling operation may be performed by the protrusion (pin, etc.) pushing up a predetermined position of the movable bottom member.

[0135] The drawer section 100C is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be of a hinged door type.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the smoothing mechanism 260 is provided in the main body 100B of the article recovery apparatus, but this is not limited to the embodiment, and the smoothing mechanism 260 may be provided in, for example, the drawer 100C. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1...Control unit 100... Empty container recovery device (also called item recovery device or container volume reduction device) 100B...Device main body 100C…Drawer section (drawer) 101...Leveling mechanism control section 110...Container input section (goods input section) 111...Outer door 112…Inner door 116...Placement section 120...Volume reduction section (volume reduction mechanism) 140...Container storage section (also called storage section or recovery section) 141...Column part 142...Latching part 161... Movable bottom member (tray, etc.) 260…Smoothing mechanism 261...Vibration part 2611...Vibration plate (sink) 2612... Movable base member (base member for installing tray) BB…bag

Claims

1. a storage section that is detachable from a main body section of the article recovery device and that stores empty containers; and a leveling mechanism for leveling empty containers stacked in the storage section, The smoothing mechanism is provided in the main body and is located at the rear side within the storage section. An article recovery device characterized by:

2. A drive source and a link member for driving the leveling mechanism, The link member is provided across the bottom of the device to the drive source.

2. The article recovery device according to claim 1.

3. The leveling mechanism is located approximately at the center of the device in a plan view.

3. The article recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One end of the leveling mechanism is fixed above the storage section. The article recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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