Container recovery device

Abstract

This makes it possible to easily retrieve the containers. [Solution] The container recovery device 1 comprises a storage section 13, an input section 11, a volume reduction section 12, and a connecting processing section 15. The storage section 13 stores the containers 10. The input section 11 is for inputting the containers 10 into the storage section 13. The volume reduction section 12 reduces the volume of the containers 10 that have been input from the input section 11. The connecting processing section 15 processes the containers 10 that have been reduced in volume by the volume reduction section 12 so that they are connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a container recycling device.

Background Art

[0002] The importance of efficiently recycling various resource materials such as PET bottles, empty cans, used newspapers, food trays, and waste oil, and reusing or recycling them is increasing. Fundamentally, there are global-scale social issues such as climate change associated with global warming, depletion of the earth's resources due to unregulated mass production and mass consumption, and food shortages due to population growth. To solve this problem, a transition to a circular economy society is desired, and the use of new earth resources is minimized, and the construction of a social system for recycling the earth resources that have already been utilized is progressing.

[0003] <00000?12>Under such circumstances, various methods have been conventionally tried and practiced for the method of recycling resource materials. Garbage containing resource materials discharged by general consumers is mostly discharged at collection locations and times determined by local governments, and is collected by collection companies and processing companies. In recent years, the number of unmanned collection BOXes installed in a corner of a supermarket or commercial facility, or on the roadside in the city or suburbs has also increased. In particular, since the distribution volume of PET bottles for beverages is also large, many retail companies are promoting an increase in collection opportunities.

[0004] For containers for beverages represented by PET bottles, collection devices for in-store collection are widespread for the collection of empty containers after use. In this collection device, the empty containers compressed and reduced in volume are stored in the storage section inside the device and are collected regularly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, when empty containers were removed from the storage unit during collection, they sometimes spilled out, spilled when being loaded onto transport trucks, or scattered, requiring manual collection. Additionally, some collection devices use collection bags to store empty containers, but closing the bags could sometimes result in spills or other inconveniences.

[0007] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a container recovery device that can easily recover containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the container recovery device comprises a storage section, an input section, a volume reduction section, and a connecting section. The storage section stores containers. The input section is for inputting containers into the storage section. The volume reduction section reduces the volume of containers input from the input section. The connecting section processes the containers that have been reduced in volume by the volume reduction section so that they are connected to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of container volume reduction control by the processing circuit of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of adhesive application control by the processing circuit of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of container storage in the storage section of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates the removal of a container from the storage section of the container recovery device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a container recovery device according to a modified version of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of container storage in the storage section of a container recovery device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section of the container recovery device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section of the container recovery device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates the removal of a container from the storage section of a container recovery device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a container recovery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of a container recovery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of thermal energy supply control by the processing circuit of the container recovery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 illustrates the supply of thermal energy by the connection processing unit of the container recovery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a container recovery device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of the configuration of the rollers of a container recovery device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing control of a container by a processing circuit of a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a container processed by a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one type of protrusion formed on a container by a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating one type of protrusion formed on a container by a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating one type of protrusion and one type of notch formed on a container by a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. <C000095>FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating two types of protrusions formed on a container by a container recycling apparatus according to the third embodiment. <00C0097>

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [[ID=2G]]Hereinafter, some embodiments for processing so that containers are connected to each other will be described with reference to the drawings. The connection of containers to each other means that the containers are integrated and connected so as to act on each other. The fact that containers act on each other means that one container moves following the movement of the other container. Whether or not the containers are fixed to each other is not questioned in the connection of containers to each other.

[0011] Note that the scales of the respective parts in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be appropriately changed. Also, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may show the configuration with some parts omitted for the sake of explanation.

[0012] <The First Embodiment> The first embodiment is an embodiment in which an adhesive is used so that the reduced-volume containers are connected to each other.

[0013] (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the container recovery device 1. The container collection device 1 is a device for collecting containers 10. For example, container 10 is an empty PET bottle used for beverages. The container recovery device 1 comprises an input section 11, a volume reduction section 12, a storage section 13, a sensing section 14, and a connection processing section 15.

[0014] The input section 11 is a mechanism for inserting the container 10 into the storage section 13. The input section 11 includes a guide 111, an inspection section 112, a support section 113, and a sensing section 114.

[0015] The guide 111 is a component that assists in placing the container 10 into the inspection section 112. For example, the guide 111 has a surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. As a result, the container 10 placed on the guide 111 rolls along the guide 111, passing through the opening of the inspection section 112 and entering the internal space of the inspection section 112.

[0016] The inspection unit 112 is a unit that houses the container 10 for inspection before it is placed into the storage unit 13. The inspection is to determine whether the container 10 is a recoverable container. The inspection unit 112 includes a housing with an internal space. The inspection unit 112 has an opening into which the container 10 can be placed. The opening of the inspection unit 112 is an input port for placing the container 10 into the storage unit 13.

[0017] The support unit 113 is a unit whose position can be changed between a first position and a second position. The support unit 113 includes a drive unit consisting of a motor or the like for changing its position. The first position is a position in which the container 10 can be supported so as to be placed in the inspection unit 112. When the support unit 113 is in the first position, the support unit 113 supports the container 10 so as to be placed in the inspection unit 112. The second position is a position in which the container 10 supported by the support unit 113 can be moved from the input unit 11 to the volume reduction unit 12. When the support unit 113 is in the second position, the support unit 113 does not support the container 10. Therefore, the inspection unit 112 does not place the container 10 inside. As the position of the support unit 113 changes from the first position to the second position, the container 10 supported by the support unit 113 moves from the input unit 11 to the volume reduction unit 12 by natural fall due to its own weight.

[0018] The sensing unit 114 is a unit that senses the inside of the inspection unit 112 and acquires sensing data from within the inspection unit 112. The sensing data from within the inspection unit 112 is used to determine whether the container 10 housed in the inspection unit 112 is a recoverable container. The sensing unit 114 is installed inside the inspection unit 112. The sensing unit 114 includes one or more sensors capable of acquiring sensing data from within the inspection unit 112.

[0019] The sensing unit 114 may include a sensor capable of acquiring sensing data used to determine the material type of the container 10, as sensing data used to determine whether the container 10 is a recyclable container. In this example, the sensor may be an infrared sensor. The material type of the container 10 is, but is not limited to, PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate), metal, or a resin other than PET. If the container 10 is a PET bottle, the material type of the container 10 is PET. If the material type of the container 10 is PET, the container 10 is a recyclable container. If the container 10 is a can or a container made of a resin other than PET, the material type of the container 10 is a material other than PET. If the material type of the container 10 is a material other than PET, the container 10 is a non-recyclable container.

[0020] The sensing unit 114 may include a sensor capable of acquiring sensing data used to determine the state of the container 10, as sensing data used to determine whether the container 10 is a recoverable container. In this example, the sensor may be a camera capable of acquiring images captured in the inspection unit 112 as sensing data. The camera included in the sensing unit 114 is an example of an imaging unit that images the inside of the inspection unit 112. The state of the container 10 is either suitable for recovery or unsuitable for recovery. A state suitable for recovery is, but is not limited to, a state with no leftover liquid or a state that has been sufficiently washed and is not very dirty. An unsuitable state for recovery is, but is not limited to, a state with leftover liquid or a state that has been insufficiently washed and is very dirty. If the state of the container 10 is suitable for recovery, the container 10 is a recoverable container. If the state of the container 10 is unsuitable for recovery, the container 10 is an unrecoverable container.

[0021] The volume reduction unit 12 is a mechanism for reducing the volume of the container 10 that is inserted from the input unit 11. Volume reduction means reducing the volume. For example, the volume reduction unit 12 reduces the volume of the container 10 by deforming it through compression. The volume reduction unit 12 comprises a support unit 121, a compression plate 122, an arm 123, and a drive unit 124.

[0022] The support unit 121 is a unit whose position can be changed between a third position and a fourth position. The support unit 121 includes a drive unit consisting of a motor or the like for changing its position. The third position is a position in which the container 10 can be supported after it has moved from the input section 11 to the volume reduction section 12. When the support unit 121 is in the third position, the support unit 121 supports the container 10 for volume reduction by the compression plate 122. The fourth position is a position in which the container 10 supported by the support unit 121 can be moved from the volume reduction section 12 to the storage section 13. When the support unit 121 is in the fourth position, the support unit 121 does not support the container 10. After the container 10 has been reduced in volume by the compression plate 122, the position of the support unit 121 changes from the third position to the fourth position. As the position of the support portion 121 changes from the third position to the fourth position, the container 10 supported by the support portion 121 moves from the volume reduction portion 12 to the storage portion 13 by natural fall due to its own weight.

[0023] The compression plates 122 are a pair of plates that reduce the volume of the container 10 supported by the support portion 121 by deforming them through compression. For example, one of the compression plates 122 is a plate whose position can be changed. The other compression plate 122 is a plate whose position is fixed, but it may also be a plate whose position can be changed. The volume reduction portion 12 only needs to be configured to reduce the volume of the container 10. Therefore, the volume reduction portion 12 may be equipped with rollers for reducing the volume of the container 10 instead of the compression plates 122.

[0024] The arm 123 is an extendable and retractable member used to change the position of one of the compression plates 122. One end of the arm 123 is attached to one of the compression plates 122. The other end of the arm 123 is attached to the drive unit 124.

[0025] The drive unit 124 is a drive unit consisting of a motor and the like for extending and retracting the arm 123.

[0026] The storage unit 13 is a unit that houses the container 10 that has been inserted from the input unit 11. The storage unit 13 includes a housing that has space inside. For example, the storage unit 13 houses the container 10 after it has been reduced in volume by the volume reduction unit 12 after being inserted from the input unit 11.

[0027] The sensing unit 14 is a unit that senses the inside of the storage unit 13 and acquires sensing data from within the storage unit 13. The sensing data from within the storage unit 13 is used to determine the contact points between the reduced-volume containers 10. The contact points between the reduced-volume containers 10 are the parts where the reduced-volume containers 10 are in contact with each other. The sensing data from within the storage unit 13 is also used to determine whether the amount of containers 10 stored in the storage unit 13 is the maximum amount that can be stored. The sensing unit 14 includes a sensor capable of acquiring sensing data from within the storage unit 13. The sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, or a camera capable of acquiring images captured inside the storage unit 13 as sensing data. If the sensor is a camera, the sensing unit 14 is an example of an imaging unit that images the inside of the storage unit 13. The sensing unit 14 is assumed to be installed above the inside of the storage unit 13. The sensing unit 14 senses the inside of the storage unit 13 from above to below. This allows the sensing unit 14 to sense the multiple reduced-volume containers 10 housed in the storage unit 13.

[0028] The connecting processing unit 15 is a mechanism that processes the containers 10 whose volume has been reduced in the volume reduction unit 12 so that they can be connected to each other. The connecting processing unit 15 is installed inside the storage unit 13. The processing performed by the connecting processing unit 15 is the application of adhesive to the volume-reduced containers 10. For example, the connecting processing unit 15 applies adhesive to the contact points between the volume-reduced containers 10. The adhesive can be any material that can bond containers 10 made of PET together. For example, the adhesive can be a hot melt material or a solvent adhesive, but is not limited to these. The connecting processing unit 15 includes a nozzle 151 and a drive unit 152.

[0029] The nozzle 151 is a component that discharges adhesive. For example, the nozzle 151 discharges a predetermined amount of adhesive to the contact point between the two reduced-volume containers 10, thereby applying an appropriate amount of adhesive to the contact point between the two reduced-volume containers 10. The nozzle 151 is attached to the drive unit 152.

[0030] The drive unit 152 is a drive unit consisting of a motor or the like for moving the position of the nozzle 151. For example, the drive unit 152 moves the position of the nozzle 151 along any direction, such as up, down, left, or right.

[0031] The coupling processing unit 15 is not limited to comprising a nozzle 151 and a drive unit 152. The coupling processing unit 15 may also be provided with one or more nozzles located on any part of the housing unit 13, such as the side or top surface, instead of or together with the nozzle 151. This allows one or more nozzles to discharge adhesive to the contact points between the reduced-volume containers 10, even when many containers 10 are housed in the housing unit 13 and it is difficult to move the nozzles.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system for the container recovery device 1. The container recovery device 1 includes a processing circuit 161, a memory 162, a display device 163, a first drive circuit 164, a second drive circuit 165, a third drive circuit 166, a fourth drive circuit 167, a first interface 168, and a second interface 169.

[0033] The processing circuit 161 corresponds to the central part of the container retrieval device 1. The processing circuit 161 is an element that constitutes the computer of the container retrieval device 1. The processing circuit 161 includes one or more arithmetic circuits that perform multiple processes by performing multiple functions. For example, the arithmetic circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 161 loads the program stored in memory 162 into memory 162. By executing the program loaded into memory 162, the processing circuit 161 makes various processes executable.

[0034] Memory 162 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the container retrieval device 1. Memory 162 is an element that constitutes the computer of the container retrieval device 1. Memory 162 may include ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area for storing an operating system or programs. Memory 162 may include RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processing circuit 161. Memory 162 may include storage as a non-volatile memory area for storing programs or data. For example, the storage is a semiconductor storage medium, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] The display device 163 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 161. For example, the display device 163 is a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this. The display device 163 is an example of a display unit that displays images.

[0036] The first drive circuit 164 is a circuit for driving the drive unit included in the support portion 113 of the input portion 11. The second drive circuit 165 is a circuit for driving the drive unit 124 of the volume reduction unit 12. The third drive circuit 166 is a circuit for driving the drive unit included in the support portion 121 of the volume reduction portion 12. The fourth drive circuit 167 is a circuit for driving the drive unit 152 of the coupling processing unit 15.

[0037] The first interface 168 is an interface for sending and receiving signals with the sensing unit 114 of the input unit 11. The second interface 169 is an interface for sending and receiving signals with the sensing unit 14.

[0038] The hardware configuration of the container recovery device 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. The container recovery device 1 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0039] (Example of processing) An example of processing performed by the processing circuit 161 will be described. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0040] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of volume reduction control of container 10 by the processing circuit 161. Here, the discharger places the container 10 on the guide 111 in order to put it into the storage section 13. The container 10 placed on the guide 111 rolls along the guide 111 and enters the space inside the inspection section 112. The discharger is the user of the container recovery device 1. The position of the support part 113 of the input section 11 is the first position, so the support part 113 supports the container 10 that has been placed in the inspection section 112 by the discharger.

[0041] The processing circuit 161 determines whether the container 10 housed in the inspection unit 112 is a recoverable container based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 114 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 161 determines the material type of the container 10 based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 114. Based on the material type of the container 10, the processing circuit 161 determines whether the container 10 is a recoverable container. If the material type of the container 10 is PET, the processing circuit 161 determines that the container 10 is a recoverable container. If the material type of the container 10 is a material other than PET, the processing circuit 161 determines that the container 10 is a non-recoverable container.

[0042] In another example, the processing circuit 161 determines the state of the container 10 based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 114. If the sensing data is an image, the processing circuit 161 can determine the state of the container 10 by image recognition. Based on the state of the container 10, the processing circuit 161 determines whether the container 10 is recoverable. If the state of the container 10 is suitable for recovery, the processing circuit 161 determines that the container 10 is recoverable. If the state of the container 10 is not suitable for recovery, the processing circuit 161 determines that the container 10 is not recoverable.

[0043] If container 10 is determined to be a recoverable container (ACT1, YES), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT3. If container 10 is determined to be an unrecoverable container (ACT1, NO), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT2. In this case, the processing circuit 161 maintains the position of the support part 113 in the first position. Therefore, the container recovery device 1 stops its operation to recover container 10.

[0044] The processing circuit 161 causes the display device 163 to display an alert (ACT2). The display device 163 displays an alert indicating that container 10 is a non-recoverable container. The alert may be a message or mark indicating that container 10 is a non-recoverable container. Upon confirming the alert, the person disposing of the container can remove container 10 from the inspection unit 112.

[0045] The processing circuit 161 controls the position of the support portion 113 to change its position (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, if it is determined that the container 10 is a recoverable container, the processing circuit 161 controls the position of the support portion 113 to change it from the first position to the second position. As a result, the container 10 supported by the support portion 113 passes the inspection in the inspection unit 112 and moves from the input unit 11 to the volume reduction unit 12 by natural fall due to its own weight. Since the position of the support portion 121 in the volume reduction unit 12 is the third position, the support portion 121 supports the container 10 that has moved from the input unit 11 to the volume reduction unit 12.

[0046] The processing circuit 161 controls the position of the support portion 113 to change from the first position to the second position, and then to change the position of the support portion 113 back to the first position. This allows the discharger to place another container 10 into the space inside the inspection portion 112 of the input portion 11.

[0047] The processing circuit 161 controls the volume reduction unit 12 to reduce the volume of the container 10 that was inserted from the input unit 11 (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 161 controls the compression plate 122 to reduce the volume of the container 10 supported by the support unit 121 by deforming it through compression. As a result, the container 10 inserted from the input unit 11 becomes a reduced-volume state.

[0048] The processing circuit 161 controls the position of the support portion 121 after the volume of the container 10 has been reduced (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 161 controls the position of the support portion 121 to change from the third position to the fourth position. As a result, the volume-reduced container 10 moves from the volume reduction section 12 to the storage section 13 by natural fall due to its own weight. The storage section 13 houses the container 10 that has moved from the volume reduction section 12.

[0049] The processing circuit 161 controls the position of the support portion 121 to change from the third position to the fourth position, and then to change the position of the support portion 121 from the fourth position to the third position. As a result, the volume reduction portion 12 awaits another container 10 moving from the input portion 11.

[0050] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of adhesive application control by the processing circuit 161. The processing circuit 161 can start controlling the application of adhesive at any time. The processing circuit 161 may also start controlling the application of adhesive by detecting a predetermined number of containers 10 stored in the storage unit 13 based on sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 14. The predetermined number is roughly the number of containers that can be laid out in one layer on the bottom surface of the storage unit 13, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The processing circuit 161 determines the contact points of the reduced-volume containers 10 based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 14 (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, if the sensing data is an image, the processing circuit 161 can determine the contact points of the reduced-volume containers 10 by image recognition. The processing circuit 161 can determine the contact points of the reduced-volume containers 10 arranged horizontally. The processing circuit 161 can determine the contact points of the reduced-volume containers 10 arranged vertically. The processing circuit 161 may also determine the contact points among the contact points of the reduced-volume containers 10 that are suitable for connection.

[0052] The processing circuit 161 controls the connecting processing unit 15 to apply adhesive to the reduced-volume containers 10 (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 161 controls the nozzle 151 to apply adhesive to the contact points between the reduced-volume containers 10. As a result, the contact points and vicinity of the contact points between the reduced-volume containers 10 are coated with adhesive. The reduced-volume containers 10 are connected by being fixed in place by the applied adhesive.

[0053] The container retrieval device 1 repeats ACT11 and ACT12. The container retrieval device 1 can apply adhesive to the contact points of the multiple containers 10 in the first layer stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. As a result, the containers 10 in the first layer are connected to each other. When a second layer is formed by the multiple containers 10 stacked on top of the first layer, the container retrieval device 1 can apply adhesive to the contact points of the multiple containers 10 in the second layer. As a result, the containers 10 in the second layer are connected to each other. The container retrieval device 1 can apply adhesive to the contact points between the containers 10 in the first layer and the containers 10 in the second layer. As a result, the containers 10 in the first layer and the containers 10 in the second layer are connected. The container retrieval device 1 repeats the same operation for each layer until the amount of containers 10 stored in the storage section 13 reaches the maximum amount that can be stored. In this way, the container retrieval device 1 can apply adhesive to the contact points of containers 10 in the same layer. The container retrieval device 1 can apply adhesive to the contact points between adjacent containers 10. The amount of adhesive applied to the contact points between adjacent containers 10 may be greater than the amount of adhesive applied to the contact points between containers 10 in the same layer. This allows the container retrieval device 1 to reliably connect adjacent containers 10.

[0054] Figure 5 shows an example of how the container 10 is stored in the storage section 13. If a container 10 placed in the inspection section 112 of the input section 11 is determined to be a recoverable container, it moves from the input section 11 to the volume reduction section 12. The volume reduction section 12 reduces the volume of the container 10. The reduced-volume container 10 moves from the volume reduction section 12 to the storage section 13. The storage section 13 accommodates the containers 10 stacked from bottom to top.

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section 15. Figure 6 shows a horizontal view of the container 10 housed in the storage section 13. Figure 6(a) shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. Figure 6(b) shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13, similar to Figure 6(a). As illustrated in Figure 6(b), the connecting section 15 applies adhesive to the contact points between the first layer of containers 10. Figure 6(c) shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 and a second layer of multiple containers 10 on top of the first layer. As illustrated in Figure 6(c), the connecting section 15 applies adhesive to the contact points between the second layer of containers 10. The connecting section 15 applies adhesive to the contact points between the first layer of containers 10 and the second layer of containers 10.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section 15. Figure 7 shows a view of the container 10 housed in the housing section 13, looking vertically downwards. Figure 7(a), similar to Figure 6(a), shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. Figure 7(b), similar to Figure 6(b), shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. The application position 171 is the portion to which the adhesive has been applied. The application position 171 corresponds to the contact point between the containers 10.

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates the removal of the container 10 from the storage section 13. The collector opens the storage compartment 13 and removes the cluster of multiple containers 10. Since the multiple containers 10 are fixed together with adhesive, the cluster can be treated as a single solid mass. When the collector removes the containers 10 from the storage compartment 13 for collection, the cluster of multiple containers 10 can be easily removed without the individual containers 10 scattering. When the collector transports the containers 10 by vehicle, the cluster of multiple containers 10 can be transported without using storage bags or the like. Therefore, the collector can reduce the effort required for collecting and transporting the containers 10 and increase transportation efficiency.

[0058] As described above, the container recovery device 1 can process the reduced-volume containers 10 so that they connect to each other. For example, the container recovery device 1 can apply an adhesive to the containers 10 so that they connect to each other. This allows the container retrieval device 1 to connect the containers 10 together so that they do not disperse. For example, the container retrieval device 1 can connect the containers 10 together by fixing them with an adhesive. Therefore, the container retrieval device 1 makes it possible to easily retrieve the containers 10. Furthermore, the container retrieval device 1 can easily fix the containers 10 together by using an adhesive.

[0059] (modified version) A modified example of the container recovery device 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the container recovery device 1. The container recovery device 1 includes an input section 11, a volume reduction section 12, a storage section 13, a sensing section 14, and a connection processing section 15, in addition to a holding section 18.

[0060] The holding unit 18 is a mechanism for moving the container 10. The holding unit 18 is installed inside the storage unit 13. The holding unit 18 comprises a tip 181 and a drive unit 182.

[0061] The tip portion 181 is a component capable of holding and releasing the container 10. The tip portion 181 is attached to the drive unit 182. The drive unit 182 is a drive unit composed of a motor for moving the position of the tip portion 181 and a motor for switching between holding and releasing the container 10 by the tip portion 181. For example, the drive unit 182 moves the position of the tip portion 181 along any direction, such as up, down, left, or right.

[0062] Figure 10 shows an example of how the container 10 is stored in the storage section 13. If a container 10 placed in the inspection unit 112 of the input unit 11 is determined to be a recoverable container, it moves from the input unit 11 to the volume reduction unit 12. The volume reduction unit 12 reduces the volume of the container 10. The reduced-volume container 10 moves from the volume reduction unit 12 to the storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 accommodates the containers 10 stacked from the bottom to the top. The holding unit 18 repeatedly holds, moves, and releases the container 10, adjusting the placement of the containers 10 so that they are most densely packed in the storage unit 13. The holding unit 18 is controlled by the processing circuit 161 based on sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 114.

[0063] Figure 11 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section 15. Figure 11 shows a view of the container 10 housed in the housing section 13, viewed at an oblique angle. Figure 11(a) shows multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. Figure 11(b) shows the state in which the arrangement position of the containers 10 is being adjusted by the holding section 18. Figure 11(c) shows the first layer of multiple containers 10 laid out on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. As illustrated in Figure 11(c), the holding section 18 adjusts the arrangement position of the containers 10 so that they are stored most densely in the storage section 13. Figure 11(d) shows the first layer of multiple containers 10 laid out on the bottom surface of the storage section 13, similar to Figure 11(c). As illustrated in Figure 11(d), the connecting section 15 applies adhesive to the contact points between the containers 10 of the first layer.

[0064] When a predetermined number of containers 10 are stacked on the first layer, the holding unit 18 adjusts the placement of the containers 10 on the first layer so that they are packed most densely into the storage unit 13. As a result, the container retrieval device 1 forms a second layer of multiple containers 10 laid out on top of the first layer. The holding unit 18 holds the containers 10 of the second layer and moves the held containers 10 upward. The holding unit 18 holds the containers 10 in a suspended state. The connecting unit 15 applies adhesive to the containers 10 of the first layer at the bottom of the location where the suspended containers 10 were placed. After applying the adhesive, the holding unit 18 returns the suspended containers 10 to their original positions. As a result, the containers 10 of the first layer and the containers 10 of the second layer are connected. The container retrieval device 1 sequentially connects the multiple containers 10 of the second layer laid out on top of the first layer to the containers 10 of the first layer. The container retrieval device 1 can apply adhesive to the contact points between the multiple containers 10 in the second layer. As a result, the containers 10 in the second layer become connected to each other. The container retrieval device 1 repeats the same operation for each layer until the amount of containers 10 stored in the storage section 13 reaches the maximum amount that can be stored.

[0065] Figure 11(e) shows multiple containers 10 arranged in the storage section 13 in layers 1 through 4. As illustrated in Figure 11(e), the connecting section 15 applies adhesive to the contact points between the containers 10 in the fourth layer.

[0066] Figure 12 illustrates the application of adhesive by the connecting section 15. Figure 12 shows a view of the container 10 housed in the storage section 13, looking vertically downwards. Figure 12(a), similar to Figure 11(a), shows multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. Figure 12(b), similar to Figure 11(c), shows the first layer of multiple containers 10 laid out on the bottom surface of the storage section 13. Figure 12(c) shows the first layer of connected multiple containers 10. The application position 171 is the area to which the adhesive has been applied.

[0067] Figure 13 illustrates the removal of the container 10 from the storage section 13. The recoverer opens the storage compartment 13 and removes the cluster of multiple containers 10. Since the multiple containers 10 are fixed together with adhesive, the cluster can be treated as a single solid mass. Furthermore, in the cluster of multiple containers 10, many containers 10 are arranged in a line. Therefore, when the recoverer removes the containers 10 from the storage compartment 13 for recovery, the cluster of multiple containers 10 can be easily removed without the individual containers 10 scattering.

[0068] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment is one in which thermal energy is used to connect the reduced-volume containers together. In the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0069] (Example configuration) Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the container recovery device 2. The container recovery device 2 is a device for recovering the container 10.

[0070] The container recovery device 2 includes an input section 21, a volume reduction section 22, a storage section 23, a sensing section 24, and a connection processing section 25.

[0071] The input section 21 is a mechanism for loading the container 10 into the storage section 23. The input section 21 includes a guide 211, an inspection section 212, a support section 213, and a sensing section 214.

[0072] Guide 211 is a component that assists in placing container 10 into inspection section 212. Guide 211 is configured similarly to guide 111.

[0073] The inspection unit 212 is a unit that houses the container 10 for inspection before it is placed into the storage unit 13. The inspection unit 212 is configured similarly to the inspection unit 112.

[0074] The support unit 213 is a unit whose position can be changed between a first position and a second position. The support unit 213 is configured in the same way as the support unit 113. The first position is a position in which the container 10 can be supported so as to accommodate the container in the inspection unit 212. The second position is a position in which the container 10 supported by the support unit 213 can be moved from the input unit 21 to the volume reduction unit 22.

[0075] The sensing unit 214 is a unit that senses the inside of the inspection unit 212 and acquires sensing data from within the inspection unit 212. The sensing unit 214 is configured in the same way as the sensing unit 114.

[0076] The volume reduction unit 22 is a mechanism for reducing the volume of the container 10 that is inserted from the input unit 21. The volume reduction unit 22 is configured in the same way as the volume reduction unit 12. The volume reduction unit 22 includes a support unit 221, a compression plate 222, an arm 223, and a drive unit 224.

[0077] The support unit 221 is a unit whose position can be changed between a third position and a fourth position. The support unit 221 is configured in the same way as the support unit 121. The third position is a position in which the container 10 that has moved from the input section 21 to the volume reduction section 22 can be supported. The fourth position is a position in which the container 10 supported by the support unit 221 can be moved from the volume reduction section 22 to the storage section 23.

[0078] The compression plates 222 are a pair of plates that reduce the volume of the container 10 supported by the support portion 221 by deforming them through compression. The compression plates 222 are configured in the same way as the compression plates 122. The volume reduction portion 22 only needs to be configured to reduce the volume of the container 10. Therefore, the volume reduction portion 22 may be equipped with rollers for reducing the volume of the container 10 instead of the compression plates 222.

[0079] Arm 223 is an extendable and retractable member used to change the position of one of the compression plates 222. Arm 223 is configured similarly to arm 123.

[0080] The drive unit 224 is a drive unit consisting of a motor and the like for extending and retracting the arm 223. The drive unit 224 is configured in the same way as the drive unit 124.

[0081] The storage section 23 is a unit that houses the container 10 that has been inserted from the input section 21. The storage section 23 is configured in the same way as the storage section 13.

[0082] The sensing unit 24 is a unit that senses the inside of the storage unit 23 and acquires sensing data from within the storage unit 23. The sensing unit 24 is configured in the same way as the sensing unit 14.

[0083] The coupling processing unit 25 is a mechanism that processes the containers 10 whose volume has been reduced by the volume reduction unit 22 so that they are connected to each other. The coupling processing unit 25 is installed inside the storage unit 23. The processing performed by the coupling processing unit 25 is the supply of thermal energy to the volume-reduced containers 10. For example, the coupling processing unit 25 supplies thermal energy to the contact points between the volume-reduced containers 10. The coupling processing unit 25 comprises a supply unit 251 and a drive unit 252.

[0084] Thermal energy is an external stimulus that generates heat for welding. Welding is one method of joining resins together. Joining is an example of connecting by fixing. When heat is generated at the contact point of the resins to be joined, the resins melt. As the molten resin solidifies, the resins to be joined together. For example, thermal energy can be laser light, ultrasound, vibration, high frequency, or heat, but is not limited to these.

[0085] The supply unit 251 is a unit that supplies thermal energy. The supply unit 251 may supply laser light to the container 10 by oscillating laser light for laser welding. The supply unit 251 may supply ultrasonic waves to the container 10 by outputting ultrasonic waves for ultrasonic welding. The supply unit 251 may supply vibrations to the container 10 by outputting vibrations for vibration welding. The supply unit 251 may supply high frequency to the container 10 by outputting high frequency for high frequency welding. The supply unit 251 may supply heat to the container 10 with a plate for hot plate welding.

[0086] Here, we will explain using laser light as an example. The supply unit 251 may be an oscillator that emits laser light with a wavelength of 2 μm. In this case, heat can be generated in the area irradiated with the laser light without using an absorbent. Therefore, it is suitable for bonding resins together. If the container to be recovered by the container recovery device 2 is made of absorbent resin, the supply unit 251 may be an oscillator that emits laser light with a wavelength of 1 μm.

[0087] The drive unit 252 is a drive unit consisting of a motor or the like for moving the position of the supply unit 251. For example, the drive unit 252 moves the position of the supply unit 251 along any direction, such as up, down, left, or right.

[0088] The coupling processing unit 25 is not limited to comprising a supply unit 251 and a drive unit 252. The coupling processing unit 25 may also include one or more supply units provided on any part of the housing unit 23, such as the side or top surface, instead of or together with the supply unit 251. This allows one or more supply units to supply thermal energy to the contact points between the reduced-volume containers 10, even when many containers 10 are housed in the housing unit 23 and it is difficult to move the supply units.

[0089] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system for the container recovery device 2. The container recovery device 2 includes a processing circuit 261, a memory 262, a display device 263, a first drive circuit 264, a second drive circuit 265, a third drive circuit 266, a fourth drive circuit 267, a first interface 268, and a second interface 269.

[0090] The processing circuit 261 corresponds to the central part of the container recovery device 2. The processing circuit 261 is configured in the same way as the processing circuit 161. Memory 262 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the container retrieval device 2. Memory 262 is configured similarly to memory 162. The display device 263 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 261. The display device 263 is configured in the same way as the display device 163.

[0091] The first drive circuit 264 is a circuit for driving the drive unit included in the support portion 213 of the input unit 21. The second drive circuit 265 is a circuit for driving the drive unit 224 of the volume reduction unit 22. The third drive circuit 266 is a circuit for driving the drive unit included in the support portion 221 of the volume reduction portion 22. The fourth drive circuit 267 is a circuit for driving the drive unit 252 of the coupling processing unit 25.

[0092] The first interface 268 is an interface for sending and receiving signals with the sensing unit 214 of the input unit 21. The second interface 269 is an interface for sending and receiving signals with the sensing unit 24.

[0093] The hardware configuration of the container recovery device 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. The container recovery device 2 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0094] (Example of processing) An example of processing performed by the processing circuit 261 will be described. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0095] The volume reduction control of the container 10 by the processing circuit 261 is the same as the example described with reference to Figure 3 in the first embodiment, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0096] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of thermal energy supply control by the processing circuit 261. The processing circuit 261 can start controlling the supply of thermal energy at any time. The processing circuit 261 may also start controlling the supply of thermal energy by detecting a predetermined number of containers 10 housed in the housing section 23 based on sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 24. The predetermined number is, but is not limited to, the number of containers that can be roughly laid out in one layer on the bottom surface of the housing section 23.

[0097] The processing circuit 261 determines the contact points between the volume-reduced containers 10 based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 24 (ACT21). The processing of ACT21 may be the same as that of ACT11.

[0098] The processing circuit 261 controls the coupling processing unit 25 to supply thermal energy to the volume-reduced containers 10 (ACT22). In ACT22, for example, the processing circuit 261 controls the supply unit 251 to supply thermal energy to the contact points between the volume-reduced containers 10. The supply unit 251 can supply thermal energy by irradiating the contact points between the volume-reduced containers 10 with laser light. The supply unit 251 irradiates with laser light until the volume-reduced containers 10 are joined together. The resin at the contact points and in the vicinity of the contact points of the volume-reduced containers 10 melts. The volume-reduced containers 10 are joined together as the molten resin solidifies. In this way, the volume-reduced containers 10 are joined together by being fixed in place by the supplied thermal energy.

[0099] The container retrieval device 2 repeats ACT21 and ACT22. The container retrieval device 2 can supply thermal energy to the contact points of the multiple containers 10 in the first layer stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 23. As a result, the containers 10 in the first layer become connected to each other. When a second layer is formed by the multiple containers 10 stacked on top of the first layer, the container retrieval device 2 can supply thermal energy to the contact points of the multiple containers 10 in the second layer. As a result, the containers 10 in the second layer become connected to each other. The container retrieval device 2 can supply thermal energy to the contact points between the containers 10 in the first layer and the containers 10 in the second layer. As a result, the containers 10 in the first layer and the containers 10 in the second layer become connected. The container retrieval device 2 repeats the same operation for each layer until the amount of containers 10 stored in the storage section 23 reaches the maximum amount that can be stored. In this way, the container retrieval device 2 can supply thermal energy to the contact points of containers 10 in the same layer. The container retrieval device 2 can supply thermal energy to the contact points between adjacent containers 10. At least one of the amount and duration of thermal energy supplied to the contact points between adjacent containers 10 may be greater than the amount of thermal energy supplied to the contact points between containers 10 in the same layer. This allows the container retrieval device 2 to reliably connect adjacent containers 10.

[0100] Figure 17 illustrates the supply of thermal energy by the connection processing unit 25. Figure 17 shows a horizontal view of the container 10 housed in the storage section 23. Figure 17(a) shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 23. Figure 17(b) shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 stacked on the bottom surface of the storage section 23, similar to Figure 17(a). As illustrated in Figure 17(b), the connecting section 25 supplies thermal energy to the contact points between the first layer of containers 10. Figure 17(c) shows a first layer of multiple containers 10 and a second layer of multiple containers 10 on top of the first layer. As illustrated in Figure 17(c), the connecting section 25 supplies thermal energy to the contact points between the second layer of containers 10. The connecting section 25 supplies thermal energy to the contact points between the first layer of containers 10 and the second layer of containers 10.

[0101] As described above, the container recovery device 2 can process the reduced-volume containers 10 so that they connect to each other. For example, the container recovery device 2 can supply thermal energy to the containers 10 so that they connect to each other. This allows the container collection device 2 to connect the containers 10 together so that they do not disperse. For example, the container collection device 2 can connect the containers 10 together by fixing them together using thermal energy. Therefore, the container collection device 2 makes it possible to easily collect the containers 10. Furthermore, by using thermal energy, the container collection device 2 can connect the containers 10 together without using any materials. Therefore, the container collection device 2 makes it possible to collect the containers 10 in a way that facilitates recycling without containing any unwanted materials.

[0102] In addition, the container retrieval device 2 may, as a modified example, be equipped with a holding part similar to the holding part 18 described in the first embodiment.

[0103] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is an embodiment in which a shape is processed into the container to connect the reduced-volume containers together. In the third embodiment, components similar to those in the first or second embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0104] (Example configuration) Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the container recovery device 3. The container recovery device 3 is a device for recovering the container 10.

[0105] The container recovery device 3 comprises an input section 31, a processing section 32, a storage section 33, and a sensing section 34.

[0106] The input section 31 is a mechanism for loading the container 10 into the storage section 33. The input section 31 includes a guide 311, an inspection section 312, a support section 313, and a sensing section 314.

[0107] Guide 311 is a component that assists in placing container 10 into inspection section 312. Guide 311 is configured similarly to guide 111.

[0108] The inspection unit 312 is a unit that houses the container 10 for inspection before it is placed into the storage unit 33. The inspection unit 312 is configured similarly to the inspection unit 112.

[0109] The support unit 313 is a unit whose position can be changed between a first position and a second position. The support unit 313 is configured in the same way as the support unit 113. The first position is a position in which the container 10 can be supported so as to be placed in the inspection unit 312. The second position is a position in which the container 10 supported by the support unit 313 can be moved from the input unit 31 to the processing unit 32. As the position of the support unit 313 changes from the first position to the second position, the container 10 supported by the support unit 313 moves from the input unit 31 to the processing unit 32 by natural fall due to its own weight.

[0110] The sensing unit 314 is a unit that senses the inside of the inspection unit 312 and acquires sensing data from within the inspection unit 312. The sensing unit 314 is configured in the same way as the sensing unit 114.

[0111] The processing unit 32 is a mechanism for processing the containers 10 that are fed in from the input unit 31. The processing unit 32 comprises a support unit 321, a roller 322, an arm 323, and a drive unit 324. Processing the fed containers 10 includes reducing the volume of the fed containers 10. Therefore, the processing unit 32 is an example of a volume reduction unit that reduces the volume of the fed containers 10. Processing the fed containers 10 also includes processing them so that the containers 10 whose volume has been reduced by the processing unit 32 are connected to each other. Therefore, the processing unit 32 is an example of a connection processing unit that processes the containers 10 whose volume has been reduced to connect to each other.

[0112] The processing for connection by the processing unit 32 involves processing the inserted containers 10 into one or more predetermined shapes. The processing of predetermined shapes includes forming predetermined shapes on the inserted containers 10. The predetermined shapes are shapes for connecting the reduced-volume containers 10 together.

[0113] The predetermined shape may be a protrusion. The protrusion is a shape formed on the surface of the container 10 into which it is placed by mechanical semi-punching. The protrusion may project outward from the surface of the container 10 into which it is placed. The protrusion may project inward from the surface of the container 10 into which it is placed. In this case, the container 10 into which it is placed will have multiple protrusions and multiple openings formed in conjunction with the formation of the multiple protrusions. There may be only one type of protrusion, or there may be multiple types that are different from each other.

[0114] The predetermined shape may be a notch. The notch is a shape formed by mechanical processing on the surface of the container 10 into which the contents are placed. For example, the notch may be cross-shaped, but is not limited to this. The notch may be straight or curved. In this case, the container 10 into which the contents are placed will have multiple notches. There may be one type of notch, or there may be multiple different types of notches.

[0115] An example of forming multiple protrusions of one type on a container 10 into which the processing unit 32 is placed will be described. In this example, the containers 10 are connected by a protrusion formed on one container 10 hooking onto the other container 10 through an opening corresponding to a protrusion formed on the other container 10. In this example, the protrusions have a shape that allows their tip to hook onto other elements. The protrusions are hook-shaped or arrowhead-shaped, but are not limited to these. The protrusions may be formed linearly or curvedly. All protrusions formed on the placed container 10 may protrude outward from the surface of the placed container 10. Some of all protrusions formed on the placed container 10 may protrude outward from the surface of the placed container 10, while the rest may protrude inward from the surface of the placed container 10.

[0116] In another example, the two containers 10 are connected by a projection formed on one container 10 catching on a projection formed on the other container 10. In this example, the projection is shaped such that its tip can hook onto the tip of another projection of the same shape. The projection may be comb-shaped, but is not limited to these. The projection may be formed in a straight line or a curved shape. All projections formed on the inserted container 10 may protrude outward from the surface of the inserted container 10.

[0117] An example of forming multiple protrusions of one type and multiple notches of one type on the container 10 into which the processing unit 32 is placed will be described. The containers 10 are connected to each other by the protrusions formed on one container 10 hooking onto the other container 10 via the notches formed on the other container 10. In this example, the protrusions have a shape that allows their tips to hook onto other elements. The protrusions are hook-shaped or arrowhead-shaped, but are not limited to these. The protrusions may be formed linearly or curvedly. All protrusions formed on the placed container 10 may protrude outward from the surface of the placed container 10.

[0118] An example of forming multiple protrusions of multiple types on a container 10 into which the processing unit 32 is placed will be described. Here, the description assumes that there are two types, a first type and a second type, but there may be three or more types. In this example, the containers 10 are connected by the first type of protrusion formed on one container 10 catching on the second type of protrusion formed on the other container 10. In this example, the first type of protrusion has a shape that allows its tip to catch on the second type of protrusion. The first type of protrusion is hook-shaped or arrowhead-shaped, etc., but is not limited to these. The first type of protrusion may be formed linearly or curved. All first type protrusions formed on the placed container 10 may protrude outward from the surface of the placed container 10. The second type of protrusion has a shape that includes an opening into which the first type of protrusion enters. The second type of protrusion is a semi-ring shape with an opening, but is not limited to this. The second type of protrusion may be formed linearly or curved. All of the second type of protrusions formed on the inserted container 10 may protrude outward from the surface of the inserted container 10.

[0119] The support unit 321 is a unit whose position can be changed between a third position and a fourth position. The support unit 321 includes a drive unit consisting of a motor or the like for changing its position. The third position is a position in which the container 10 that has been moved from the input unit 31 to the processing unit 32 can be supported. When the position of the support unit 321 is the third position, the support unit 321 supports the container 10 for processing by the rollers 322. The fourth position is a position in which the container 10 supported by the support unit 321 can be moved from the processing unit 32 to the storage unit 33. When the position of the support unit 321 is the fourth position, the support unit 321 does not support the container 10. After the container 10 has been processed by the processing unit 32, the position of the support unit 321 changes from the third position to the fourth position. As the position of the support portion 321 changes from the third position to the fourth position, the container 10 supported by the support portion 321 moves from the processing portion 32 to the storage portion 33 by natural fall due to its own weight.

[0120] The rollers 322 are a pair of rollers used to process the container 10 supported by the support section 321 by deforming it through compression. The container 10 supported by the support section 321 is the container 10 that is fed in from the input section 31. For example, one roller 322 is rotatable and its position can be changed. The other roller 322 is rotatable but its position is fixed. Alternatively, the other roller 322 may be rotatable and its position can be changed.

[0121] The arm 323 is an extendable and retractable member used to change the position of one of the rollers 322. One end of the arm 323 is attached to one of the rollers 322. The other end of the arm 323 is attached to the drive unit 324.

[0122] The drive unit 324 is a drive unit consisting of a motor and the like for extending and retracting the arm 323.

[0123] The storage unit 33 is a unit that houses the container 10 that has been inserted from the input unit 31. The storage unit 33 includes a housing that has space inside. For example, the storage unit 33 houses the container 10 that has been processed by the processing unit 32 after being inserted from the input unit 31.

[0124] The sensing unit 34 is a unit that senses the inside of the storage unit 33 and acquires sensing data from within the storage unit 33. The sensing data from within the storage unit 33 is used to determine whether the amount of container 10 stored in the storage unit 33 is the maximum amount that can be stored. The sensing unit 34 is configured in the same way as the sensing unit 14.

[0125] Figure 19 shows an example of the configuration of the roller 322. The roller 322 is a roller having a semi-punching structure on its surface for forming one or more predetermined shapes on the container 10. The roller 322 is capable of mechanically forming one or more predetermined shapes on the container 10. For example, roller 322 is a roller for forming a first type of protrusion and a second type of protrusion on the container 10. Roller 322 comprises a plurality of first structures 3221 for forming the first type of protrusion on the container 10. Roller 322 comprises a second structure 3222 for forming a second type of protrusion on the container 10.

[0126] Figure 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system for the container recovery device 3. The container recovery device 3 includes a processing circuit 361, a memory 362, a display device 363, a first drive circuit 364, a second drive circuit 365, a third drive circuit 366, a first interface 367, and a second interface 368.

[0127] The processing circuit 361 corresponds to the central part of the container recovery device 3. The processing circuit 361 is configured in the same way as the processing circuit 161. Memory 362 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the container retrieval device 3. Memory 362 is configured similarly to memory 162. The display device 363 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 361. The display device 363 is configured in the same way as the display device 163.

[0128] The first drive circuit 364 is a circuit for driving the drive unit included in the support portion 313 of the input portion 31. The second drive circuit 365 is a circuit for driving the drive unit 324 of the machining unit 32. The third drive circuit 366 is a circuit for driving the drive unit included in the support portion 321 of the processing portion 32.

[0129] The first interface 367 is an interface for sending and receiving signals with the sensing unit 314 of the input unit 31. The second interface 368 is an interface for sending and receiving signals with the sensing unit 34.

[0130] The hardware configuration of the container recovery device 3 is not limited to the configuration described above. The container recovery device 3 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0131] (Example of processing) An example of processing performed by the processing circuit 361 will be described. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0132] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of processing control of container 10 by processing circuit 361. Here, the discharger places the container 10 on the guide 311 in order to put it into the storage section 33. The container 10 placed on the guide 311 rolls along the guide 311 and enters the space inside the inspection section 312. Since the position of the support part 313 of the input section 31 is the first position, the support part 313 supports the container 10 that has been placed in the inspection section 312 by the discharger.

[0133] The processing circuit 361 determines whether the container 10 housed in the inspection unit 312 is a recoverable container based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit 314 (ACT31). The processing in ACT31 may be the same as in ACT1.

[0134] If container 10 is determined to be a recoverable container (ACT31, YES), the process transitions from ACT31 to ACT33. If container 10 is determined to be an unrecoverable container (ACT31, NO), the process transitions from ACT31 to ACT32. In this case, the processing circuit 361 maintains the position of the support part 313 in the first position. Therefore, the container recovery device 3 stops its operation to recover container 10.

[0135] The processing circuit 361 causes the alert to be displayed on the display device 363 (ACT32). The processing in ACT32 may be the same as in ACT2.

[0136] The processing circuit 361 controls the position of the support portion 313 to change (ACT33). The processing in ACT33 may be the same as in ACT3. As a result, the container 10 supported by the support portion 313 passes inspection in the inspection portion 312 and moves from the input portion 31 to the processing portion 32 by natural fall due to its own weight. Since the position of the support portion 321 in the processing portion 32 is the third position, the support portion 321 supports the container 10 that has moved from the input portion 31 to the processing portion 32.

[0137] The processing circuit 361 controls the position of the support portion 313 to change from the first position to the second position, and then to change the position of the support portion 313 from the second position back to the first position. This allows the discharger to place another container 10 into the space inside the inspection portion 312 of the input portion 31.

[0138] The processing circuit 361 controls the processing unit 32 to process the container 10 that has been fed in from the input unit 31 (ACT 34). In ACT 34, for example, the processing circuit 361 controls the roller 322 to reduce the volume of the container 10 supported by the support unit 321 and to form protrusions. As a result, the container 10 fed in from the input unit 11 becomes reduced in volume and has protrusions formed on it.

[0139] The processing circuit 361 controls the position of the support portion 321 after the container 10 has been processed (ACT 35). In ACT 35, for example, the processing circuit 361 controls the position of the support portion 321 to change from a third position to a fourth position. As a result, the processed container 10 moves from the processing portion 32 to the storage portion 33 by natural fall due to its own weight. The storage portion 33 houses the container 10, which has been reduced in volume and has protrusions formed on it.

[0140] The processing circuit 361 controls the position of the support portion 321 to change from the third position to the fourth position, and then to change the position of the support portion 321 from the fourth position to the third position. As a result, the processing unit 32 awaits another container 10 moving from the input unit 31.

[0141] Figure 22 is an example of a container 10 processed by the container recovery device 3. The container 10 is in a reduced volume state and has been processed into one or more predetermined shapes.

[0142] Figure 23 illustrates one type of protrusion 100 formed on the container 10 by the container recovery device 3. The container 10 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 100 of one type and a plurality of openings 101 formed in conjunction with the formation of the plurality of protrusions 100. The protrusions 100 are arrowhead-shaped. Some of the protrusions 100 protrude outward from the surface of the container 10, as shown by the solid line, and some protrude inward from the surface of the container 10, as shown by the dashed line. In this case, the outwardly protruding protrusions 100 formed on one container 10 catch on the other container 10 through the openings 101 formed on the other container 10, thereby connecting the two containers 10.

[0143] Figure 24 illustrates one type of protrusion 102 formed on the container 10 by the container recovery device 3. The container 10 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 102 of one type and a plurality of openings 103 formed in conjunction with the formation of the plurality of protrusions 102. The protrusions 102 are comb-shaped. The protrusions 102 project outward from the surface of the container 10. In this case, the containers 10 are connected to each other by the protrusions 102 formed on one container 10 catching on the protrusions 102 formed on the other container 10.

[0144] Figure 25 illustrates one type of protrusion 104 and one type of notch 106 formed on the container 10 by the container recovery device 3. The container 10 is provided with a plurality of projections 104 of one type and a plurality of openings 105 formed in conjunction with the formation of the plurality of projections 104. The projections 104 are arrowhead-shaped. The projections 104 protrude outward from the surface of the container 10. The container 10 is provided with a plurality of notches 106. The notches 106 are cross-shaped. In this case, the containers 10 are connected by the projections 104 formed on one container 10 catching on the other container 10 through the notches 106 formed on the other container 10. Alternatively, the containers 10 may also be connected by the projections 104 formed on one container 10 catching on the other container 10 through the openings 105 formed on the other container 10.

[0145] Figure 26 illustrates two types of protrusions formed on the container 10 by the container recovery device 3. Container 10 comprises a plurality of protrusions 107 of a first type and a plurality of openings 108 formed in conjunction with the formation of the plurality of protrusions 107. The protrusions 107 are arrowhead-shaped. The protrusions 107 project outward from the surface of container 10. Container 10 also comprises a plurality of protrusions 109 of a second type and a plurality of openings 110 formed in conjunction with the formation of the plurality of protrusions 109. The protrusions 109 are semi-ring-shaped with openings. The protrusions 109 project outward from the surface of container 10. In this example, the containers 10 are connected by the protrusions 107 formed on one container 10 catching on the protrusions 109 formed on the other container 10 through the openings of the protrusions 109.

[0146] Furthermore, the container retrieval device 3 may be equipped with a mechanism for bringing the containers 10 housed in the storage section 33 into close contact with each other. This allows the container retrieval device 3 to facilitate the connection of the containers 10.

[0147] As described above, the container recovery device 3 can process the reduced-volume containers 10 so that they connect to each other. For example, the container recovery device 3 can process the containers 10 to create a shape that allows the reduced-volume containers 10 to connect to each other. This allows the container retrieval device 3 to connect the containers 10 together so that they do not disperse. For example, the container retrieval device 3 can connect the containers 10 together by processing them into a predetermined shape. Therefore, the container retrieval device 3 makes it possible to easily retrieve the containers 10. Furthermore, the container retrieval device 3 can achieve both volume reduction and processing into a predetermined shape of the containers 10 with a common configuration. Therefore, the container retrieval device 3 can simplify processing and configuration.

[0148] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, empty PET beverage bottles were used as an example of containers to be collected by the container collection device, but the invention is not limited to these. The containers to be collected may be empty beverage containers made of cans or resins other than PET, or food trays.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the container 10 is not limited to having a reduced volume. The container 10 does not need to have a reduced volume.

[0150] The embodiments described above may be applied to methods performed by the device. The embodiments described above may also be applied to a program that can cause the device's computer to perform each function.

[0151] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0152] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0153] Some of the embodiments described above may be expressed as follows: (1) A storage section for housing the container, An input section for inserting a container into the aforementioned storage section, A volume reduction unit for reducing the volume of the container inserted from the input unit, A connecting processing unit that processes the containers whose volume has been reduced in the volume reduction section so that they are connected to each other, A container recovery device equipped with the following features. (2) The processing by the connecting section is the application of adhesive to the volume-reduced container. (1) The container recovery device described above. (3) The processing by the connecting processing unit is the supply of thermal energy to the volume-reduced container. (1) The container recovery device described above. (4) The processing by the connecting processing unit is the processing of the inserted containers into a shape that allows the reduced-volume containers to be connected to each other. (1) The container recovery device described above. (5) A sensing unit that acquires sensing data within the housing unit, A processing circuit that determines the contact points between the volume-reduced containers based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit, The container recovery device described in (1) further comprises the following: [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1...Container recovery device, 2...Container recovery device, 3...Container recovery device, 10...Container, 11...Input section, 12...Volume reduction section, 13...Storage section, 14...Sensing section, 15...Connecting processing section, 18...Holding section, 21...Input section, 22...Volume reduction section, 23...Storage section, 24...Sensing section, 25...Connecting processing section, 31...Input section, 32...Processing section, 33...Storage section, 34...Sensing section, 100...Protrusion, 101...Opening, 102...Protrusion, 103...Opening, 104...Protrusion, 105...Opening, 106...Notch, 107…Protrusion, 108…Opening, 109…Protrusion, 110…Opening, 111…Guide, 112…Inspection section, 113…Support section, 114…Sensing section, 121…Support section, 122…Compression plate, 123…Arm, 124…Drive section, 151…Nozzle, 152…Drive section, 161…Processing circuit, 162…Memory, 163…Display device, 164…First drive circuit, 165…Second drive circuit, 166…Third drive circuit, 167…Fourth drive circuit, 168…First interface, 1 69...Second interface, 171...Application position, 181...Tip, 182...Drive unit, 211...Guide, 212...Inspection unit, 213...Support unit, 214...Sensing unit, 221...Support unit, 222...Compression plate, 223...Arm, 224...Drive unit, 251...Supply unit, 252...Drive unit, 261...Processing circuit, 262...Memory, 263...Display device, 264...First drive circuit, 265...Second drive circuit, 266...Third drive circuit, 267...Fourth drive circuit, 268...First Interface, 269...Second interface, 311...Guide, 312...Inspection unit, 313...Support unit, 314...Sensing unit, 321...Support unit, 322...Roller, 323...Arm, 324...Drive unit, 361...Processing circuit, 362...Memory, 363...Display device, 364...First drive circuit, 365...Second drive circuit, 366...Third drive circuit, 367...First interface, 368...Second interface, 3221...First structure, 3222...Second structure.

Claims

1. A storage section for housing the container, An input section for inserting a container into the aforementioned storage section, A volume reduction unit that reduces the volume of the container that has been inserted, A connecting processing unit that processes the reduced-volume containers so that they are connected to each other, A container recovery device equipped with the following features.

2. The processing performed by the aforementioned connecting section involves applying adhesive to the reduced-volume container. The container recovery device according to claim 1.

3. The processing performed by the aforementioned connecting unit is the supply of thermal energy to the volume-reduced container. The container recovery device according to claim 1.

4. The processing performed by the aforementioned connecting section is the shaping of the inserted containers to allow them to be connected to each other. The container recovery device according to claim 1.

5. A sensing unit that acquires sensing data within the aforementioned storage unit, A processing circuit that determines the contact points between the volume-reduced containers based on the sensing data acquired by the sensing unit, The container recovery device according to claim 1, further comprising:

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