Beverage container recycling machine

Abstract

To provide a beverage container recycling machine that separates feeding and compression, ensures safety, has a compact overall structure, and is suitable for small-scale supermarkets, etc. [Solution] The beverage container recycling machine includes an input port for inputting beverage containers, a rotatable identification box having an identification box inlet, an identification box outlet, and a rotation axis, a rotation drive mechanism for rotating the identification box around the rotation axis, and a volume reduction mechanism having a volume reduction mechanism inlet, a volume reduction mechanism outlet, and a compression device.By controlling the rotation and switching of the identification box, in state 1, the identification box inlet is aligned with the input port, the identification box outlet and the volume reduction mechanism inlet are misaligned with each other, and the identification box outlet and the volume reduction mechanism inlet are closed, and in state 2, the identification box entrance is misaligned with the input port after the identification box has been rotated by the rotation drive mechanism by a predetermined angle, and the identification box outlet is aligned with the volume reduction mechanism inlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of environmental protection equipment, and more particularly to a beverage container recycling machine with a compact structure suitable for small supermarkets and convenience stores. [Background technology]

[0002] As people's environmental awareness increases, beverage container recycling is attracting more and more attention. In places such as small supermarkets and convenience stores, consumers often throw away empty beverage containers after purchasing beverages, which not only wastes resources but also puts a strain on the environment. Therefore, installing beverage container recycling machines in places such as small supermarkets is of great significance in promoting resource recycling and improving the environment.

[0003] However, in places such as small supermarkets, space is relatively limited, especially the depth of the store is relatively narrow, so conventional beverage container recycling equipment is often large in size and deep, making it difficult to meet the installation requirements in such places.

[0004] Therefore, there is a strong demand in the market for a beverage container recycling machine that is suitable for places such as small supermarkets. This equipment must have features such as a compact structure and a small occupied space to meet the special needs of places such as small supermarkets for a beverage container recycling machine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a beverage container recycling machine that separates feeding and compression by controlling the rotation and switching of the recognition chamber, ensuring safety while making the overall structure compact and suitable for recycling beverage containers in places such as small supermarkets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0007] This invention is an insertion port for inserting a beverage container; a rotatable identification chamber provided with an identification chamber entrance, an identification chamber exit, and a rotation axis; a rotation drive mechanism for rotating the drive recognition unit around a rotation axis; a volume reduction mechanism provided with a volume reduction mechanism inlet, a volume reduction mechanism outlet, and a compression device for physically compressing the beverage container to reduce its volume; In state 1, the entrance of the recognition chamber is aligned with the insertion port so that the beverage container enters the recognition chamber through the insertion port. At the same time, the exit of the recognition chamber and the entrance of the volume reduction mechanism are misaligned with each other, and the exit of the recognition chamber and the entrance of the volume reduction mechanism are closed. A beverage container recycling machine is provided in which, in state 2, the entrance of the recognition chamber is misaligned with the insertion port after the recognition chamber is rotated by a preset angle by a rotation drive mechanism, and at the same time, the exit of the recognition chamber is aligned with the entrance of the volume reduction mechanism so that the beverage container enters the volume reduction mechanism from the recognition chamber.

[0008] a recognition module, preferably located above the recognition cabinet, for detecting the recyclability of beverage containers; The system further includes a transport mechanism provided below the identification cabinet, passing through the identification cabinet entrance and the identification cabinet exit, for transporting the beverage container from the identification cabinet entrance to the identification cabinet exit.

[0009] Preferably, the recognition module comprises: An AI image recognition unit installed in the recognition vault to detect the recyclability of beverage containers; a metal sensor installed in the recognition chamber for detecting the material of the beverage container; a weight sensor attached to the conveying mechanism for detecting the weight of the beverage container.

[0010] Preferably, the conveying mechanism is a belt conveyor or a screw conveyor, the conveying direction of which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the identification box, and the compression device of the volume reduction mechanism is a group of compression rollers or a hydraulic compression device.

[0011] Preferably, the system further includes a control system connected to the recognition module and the rotary drive mechanism, and when the recognition module detects a recyclable beverage container, the control system controls the rotary drive mechanism to switch to state 2.

[0012] Preferably, the system further includes a closing member, and the recognition chamber outlet and the volume reduction mechanism inlet are locked by the closing member in state 1, and the input port is locked by the closing member in state 2.

[0013] Preferably, the closing member includes a first closing member for closing the identification cabinet outlet and a second closing member for closing the volume reduction mechanism inlet and the input port, and in state 1, the second closing member closes the volume reduction mechanism inlet, and in state 2, the second closing member closes the input port, and in the intermediate process between state 1 and state 2, the volume reduction mechanism inlet and the input port are both closed by the second closing member, the second closing member is provided at the bottom of the identification cabinet, and the first closing member is provided on a cabinet located behind the identification cabinet outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the closing member is an arc-shaped baffle plate whose radian coincides with the rotation trajectory of the identification chamber, and further, a sealing layer is provided on the surface of the arc-shaped baffle plate.

[0015] Preferably, the rotary drive mechanism includes a rotary drive motor and a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly is connected to the identification cabinet and is used to rotate the identification cabinet 30° to 90° around its rotation axis, and the rotation axis is fixed to the frame via a pedestal bearing.

[0016] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes a drive shaft, a drive handle, a link, and a transmission shaft, the drive handle and the drive shaft being fixedly connected to each other, the drive shaft being connected to a rotary drive motor, and two links being provided on both sides of the recognition chamber, one end of each link being hingedly connected to one end of the drive handle and the other end being connected to the transmission shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] (1) Small supermarkets and convenience stores have limited space, especially in the depth direction, and conventional recycling equipment is large and difficult to adapt to the needs of these locations. This invention designs a rotatable identification cabinet. In state 1, the identification cabinet entrance is aligned with the input port, and the identification cabinet exit and the volume reduction mechanism entrance are misaligned and closed. In state 1, when the identification cabinet rotates, the entrance is misaligned with the input port, and the exit (22) is aligned with the volume reduction mechanism entrance. This design allows the equipment to occupy only the necessary space during the input phase, preventing excessive expansion of the equipment in the depth direction. This significantly improves the equipment's space utilization rate and makes it more suitable for space-limited locations such as small supermarkets and convenience stores.

[0019] (2) In State 1, the input port is aligned with the recognition chamber inlet, allowing users to safely insert beverage containers, while the recognition chamber outlet and volume reduction mechanism inlet are closed. In State 2, the input port is closed by a closure at the bottom of the recognition chamber, preventing users from inserting new beverage containers and preventing users from contacting the operating compressor. The rotation process from State 1 to State 2 involves three states: "The recognition chamber inlet is aligned with the input port, and the recognition chamber outlet is misaligned with the volume reduction mechanism inlet" → "The recognition chamber inlet is misaligned with the input port, and the recognition chamber outlet is misaligned with the volume reduction mechanism inlet" → "The recognition chamber inlet is misaligned with the input port, and the recognition chamber outlet is aligned with the volume reduction mechanism inlet." Regardless of the state, the compressor always operates in a sealed, safe space. Through state switching and structural design, this device significantly improves safety, reduces the possibility of user malfunction, and improves the user experience.

[0020] (3) Dynamic switching between the recognition chamber and the volume reduction mechanism is achieved by a rotary drive mechanism, resulting in a high level of automation and reduced manual intervention. In State 1, beverage containers can smoothly enter the recognition chamber and be recognized. In State 2, the recognition chamber and the volume reduction mechanism are aligned, allowing beverage containers to directly enter the volume reduction mechanism for compression processing, achieving a seamless connection between the recognition process and the recycling process and improving recycling efficiency.

[0021] (4) The conveying mechanism runs through the entrance and exit of the recognition cabinet. Users simply insert beverage containers into the insertion port, and the equipment automatically completes the entire conveying and recognition process. This allows beverage containers to be continuously sent to the recognition cabinet, realizing an automated and continuous recognition process. There is no need to wait for the container to come to a standstill during the recognition process, greatly improving recognition efficiency. This allows users to insert containers more quickly, shortening waiting times and improving the user experience.

[0022] (5) The recognition chamber outlet and the volume reduction mechanism inlet are locked by a closing member. In state 1, the recognition chamber and the volume reduction mechanism are completely isolated, preventing the user from coming into contact with the moving parts inside the equipment during the loading process.

[0023] (6) The closing member is an arc-shaped baffle plate whose radian matches the rotation trajectory of the recognition cabinet. This not only effectively prevents the user's hands from entering the danger zone, but also allows smooth avoidance when the rotation of the recognition cabinet is recognized, without affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

[0024] (7) By rationally designing the structure and layout of the drive shaft, drive handle, and link, the rotary drive mechanism can achieve efficient power transmission and rotation control in a smaller space. Furthermore, by symmetrically arranging the links on both sides of the recognition chamber, the transmission stability is further improved and the equipment's depth is reduced, making the equipment more suitable for places with limited space, such as small supermarkets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The drawings described herein are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention, and the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are merely for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to unduly limit the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the overall structure of the device in state 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a structural cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along the line DD in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire mechanism of the device in State 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along line GG in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic diagram of the left-hand three-dimensional structure in State 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic diagram of the right-side three-dimensional structure in State 1. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the front portion in State 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along the line FF in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along the line EE in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view of the entire device structure in State 2. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire device in State 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along the line HH in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic diagram of the left-hand three-dimensional structure in State 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic diagram of the right-side three-dimensional structure in State 2. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the front portion in State 2. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a structural cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along the line KK in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure taken along the line JJ in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In order to make the technical problems, technical means, and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer and more obvious, the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are for illustrating the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] In this embodiment, an insertion port 10 for inserting a beverage container; a rotatable identification chamber 20 provided with an identification chamber entrance 21, an identification chamber exit 22, and a rotation axis 24; a rotation drive mechanism 60 for rotating the identification chamber 20 around the rotation axis 24; A volume reduction mechanism 50 including a volume reduction mechanism inlet 51, a volume reduction mechanism outlet 53, and a compression device 52 for physically compressing the beverage container to reduce its volume, in this embodiment, the compression device 52 of the volume reduction mechanism 50 being a group of compression rollers or a hydraulic compression device; a recognition module 30 disposed above the recognition cabinet 20 for detecting the recyclability of beverage containers; A beverage container recycling machine having a compact structure is provided, which includes a conveying mechanism 40 that is provided below the recognition storehouse 20, passes through the recognition storehouse entrance 21 and the recognition storehouse exit 22, and conveys the beverage containers from the recognition storehouse entrance 21 to the recognition storehouse exit 22.

[0029] The recognition module 30 integrates multiple sensors to achieve comprehensive detection and accurate recognition of beverage containers. In this embodiment, the recognition module 30 includes: An AI image recognition unit that is installed in the recognition cabinet 20 and is used to detect the recyclability of beverage containers, and is preferably installed above or on the side of the beverage container conveying path, and can directly collect images of the passing beverage containers; A metal sensor is installed in the identification cabinet 20 and is used to detect the material of the beverage container, and is preferably installed on the side or bottom of the beverage container conveyance path and can directly detect the material of the container; and a weight sensor attached to the conveying mechanism 40 and used to detect the weight of the beverage container, and preferably provided on the support structure of the belt conveyor or screw conveyor and capable of detecting the weight of the passing beverage container in real time.

[0030] The AI ​​image recognition unit can achieve the following functions when combined with conventional AI recognition software.

[0031] Appearance detection: The AI ​​image recognition unit uses a high-resolution camera to capture images of the appearance of beverage containers, recognizing the container's shape, color, label information, and whether it is damaged or deformed, and can determine whether the container meets recycling standards.

[0032] Brand and type recognition: The AI ​​image recognition unit can quickly recognize the brand and type of beverage container using deep learning algorithms. For example, the equipment can recognize text, patterns, or barcodes on the label to determine whether the container belongs to a recyclable beverage brand and packaging type.

[0033] Other detections: For example, image recognition technology can also detect whether there is residual liquid in a beverage container, helping to determine whether the container is suitable for recycling.

[0034] Metal sensors use the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect whether a beverage container contains metal components, which can, on the one hand, determine whether the beverage container is suitable for recycling or not, and, on the other hand, can distinguish between different types of metal materials, such as aluminum, iron, and stainless steel, so that different materials can be classified and processed. For example, aluminum beverage cans and plastic bottles need to be recognized separately because they are recycled in different ways.

[0035] The weight sensor detects the weight of the beverage container using high-precision weighing technology and is crucial for determining whether the container is an empty bottle or contains residual liquid. For example, if the container weighs significantly more than the weight of a standard empty bottle, there may still be residual liquid in the container and it requires special handling. The weight sensor data can also be combined with data from other sensors to further improve recognition accuracy.

[0036] The conveying mechanism 40 is a belt conveyor or a screw conveyor, and its conveying direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis 24 of the identification cabinet 20. A belt conveyor can be used for relatively large or heavy beverage containers, and a screw conveyor can be used for relatively small or light beverage containers. Due to the vertical layout, the conveying mechanism and the identification cabinet are spatially independent from each other, thereby reducing the volume of the entire equipment, especially the occupied space in depth.

[0037] In this embodiment, the system further includes a closure member, and in state 1, the identification store outlet 22 and the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 are locked by the closure member, and in state 2, the input port 10 is locked by the closure member. Specifically, the closure member includes a first closure member 23 for closing the identification store outlet 22 and a second closure member 54 for closing the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 and the input port 10. In state 1, the second closure member 54 closes the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51, and in state 2, the second closure member 54 closes the input port 10. Between states 1 and 2, both the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 and the input port 10 are closed by the second closure member 54, and the second closure member 54 is provided at the bottom of the identification store 20, and the first closure member 23 is provided on a cabinet located behind the identification store outlet 22. In this embodiment, the closing member is an arc-shaped baffle plate whose radian coincides with the rotation trajectory of the identification chamber 20, and further, a sealing layer is provided on the surface of the arc-shaped baffle plate.

[0038] The rotation drive mechanism 60 includes a rotation drive motor 61 and a transmission assembly, and the transmission assembly is connected to the identification cabinet 20 and is used to rotate the identification cabinet 20 by 30° to 90° around its rotation axis 24, and the rotation axis 24 is fixed to the frame via a pedestal bearing 63. In this embodiment, the transmission assembly includes a drive shaft 62, a drive handle 64, a link 65, and a transmission shaft 66. The drive handle 64 is connected to the rotary drive motor 61. There are two links 65, one on each side of the sensor cabinet 20. One end of the link 65 is hinged to one end of the drive handle 64, and the other end is connected to the transmission shaft 66. That is, the two links 65 are connected to both ends of the transmission shaft 66. Alternatively, the rotary drive mechanism 60 may be directly connected to the rotation shaft 24 of the sensor cabinet 20 via the drive motor 61 to rotate the sensor cabinet 20, or may be indirectly rotated by a chain, timing belt, etc.

[0039] The operating principle of this invention is outlined as follows:

[0040] As shown in Figures 1-9, in State 1, The identification box entrance 21 is aligned with the insertion port 10 and is used by the user to insert a beverage container; The beverage container enters the identification box 20 through the insertion port 10, and is sent to the identification box 20 by the conveying mechanism 40, where it is identified by the identification module 30.

[0041] The identification chamber outlet 22 and the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 are offset from each other, and the identification chamber outlet 22 and the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 are each closed.

[0042] A closing member is further provided, and in state 1, the recognition storehouse outlet 22 and the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 are locked by the closing member.

[0043] As shown in Figures 10-18, in State 2, If the container is recognized as a recyclable beverage container, the recognition chamber 20 rotates as a whole to a preset angle, After the recognition cabinet 20 is rotated by a preset angle by the rotation drive mechanism 60, the recognition cabinet entrance 21 is misaligned with the insertion port 10.

[0044] The insertion port 10 is closed by a second closing member 54 at the bottom of the identification chamber, and at this time, the user cannot insert a beverage container.

[0045] The identification chamber outlet 22 is aligned with the volume reduction mechanism inlet 51 so that the beverage container can enter the volume reduction mechanism 50 from the identification chamber 20.

[0046] The beverage containers are sent by the conveying mechanism 40 to the volume reduction mechanism 50, which further compresses the beverage containers.

[0047] In this embodiment, the system further includes a control system connected to the recognition module 30 and the rotation drive mechanism 60, and when a recyclable beverage container is detected by the recognition module 30, the control system controls the rotation drive mechanism 60 to switch to state 2.

[0048] The above description shows and describes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as stated above, the present invention is not limited to the form disclosed herein, and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments, but can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be modified by the above teachings or the skill or knowledge of those in the relevant fields within the concept of the invention described herein. All modifications and changes made by those skilled in the art should be within the scope of protection of the utility model registration claims attached to the present invention, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Inlet 20 Recognition store 21 Recognition warehouse entrance 22 Recognition warehouse exit 23 First Closure Member 24 Recognition Library Rotation Axis 30 Recognition Module 31 Recognition module mounting holder 40 Conveyor mechanism 50 Volume reduction mechanism 51 Volume reduction mechanism entrance 52 Compression device 53 Volume reduction mechanism outlet 54 Second closure member 60 Rotation drive mechanism 61 Rotational drive motor 62 Drive shaft 63 Pedestal bearing 64 Drive handle 65 Links 66 Transmission shaft

Claims

1. A beverage container recycling machine, comprising: an inlet (10) for inserting a beverage container; a rotatable identification chamber (20) provided with an identification chamber entrance (21), an identification chamber exit (22), and a rotation axis (24); a rotation drive mechanism (60) for rotating the identification chamber (20) around a rotation axis (24); a volume reduction mechanism (50) provided with a volume reduction mechanism inlet (51), a volume reduction mechanism outlet (53), and a compression device (52) for physically compressing the beverage container to reduce its volume; In state 1, the identification chamber inlet (21) is aligned with the input port (10) so that the beverage container enters the identification chamber (20) from the input port (10), and at the same time, the identification chamber outlet (22) and the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51) are misaligned with each other, and the identification chamber outlet (22) and the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51) are each closed; The beverage container recycling machine is characterized in that, in state 2, the recognition store inlet (21) is misaligned with the insertion port (10) after the recognition store (20) has been rotated by a preset angle by the rotation drive mechanism (60), and at the same time, the recognition store outlet (22) is aligned with the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51) so that the beverage containers enter the volume reduction mechanism (50) from the recognition store (20).

2. a recognition module (30) disposed above the recognition chamber (20) for detecting the recyclability of beverage containers; 2. The beverage container recycling machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a conveying mechanism (40) provided below the identification cabinet (20), passing through the identification cabinet entrance (21) and the identification cabinet exit (22), for conveying the beverage containers from the identification cabinet entrance (21) to the identification cabinet exit (22).

3. The recognition module (30) an AI image recognition unit mounted in the recognition cabinet (20) for detecting the recyclability of beverage containers; a metal sensor installed in the identification chamber (20) for detecting the material of the beverage container; and a weight sensor attached to the conveying mechanism (22) for detecting the weight of the beverage container. The beverage container recycling machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. 3. The beverage container recycling machine according to claim 2, wherein the conveying mechanism (40) is a belt conveyor or a screw conveyor, the conveying direction of which is perpendicular to the rotation axis (24) of the identification chamber (20), and the compression device (52) of the volume reduction mechanism (50) is a group of compression rollers or a hydraulic compression device.

5. 3. The beverage container recycling machine of claim 2, further comprising a control system connected to the recognition module (30) and the rotation drive mechanism (60), wherein when the recognition module (30) detects a recyclable beverage container, the control system controls the rotation drive mechanism (60) to switch to state 2.

6. 2. The beverage container recycling machine of claim 1, further comprising a closure member, wherein the recognition chamber outlet (22) and the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51) are locked by the closure member in state 1, and the input port (10) is locked by the closure member in state 2.

7. The beverage container recycling machine of claim 6, characterized in that the closure members include a first closure member (23) for closing the identification chamber outlet (22) and a second closure member (54) for closing the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51) and the input port (10), wherein in state 1, the second closure member (54) closes the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51), and in state 2, the second closure member (54) closes the input port (10), and in an intermediate process between state 1 and state 2, both the volume reduction mechanism inlet (51) and the input port (10) are closed by the second closure member (54), the second closure member (54) is provided at the bottom of the identification chamber (20), and the first closure member (23) is provided on a cabinet located behind the identification chamber outlet (22).

8. The beverage container recycling machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the closing member is an arc-shaped baffle plate whose radian coincides with the rotation trajectory of the identification chamber (20), and further, a sealing layer is provided on the surface of the arc-shaped baffle plate.

9. The beverage container recycling machine of claim 1, characterized in that the rotation drive mechanism (60) includes a rotation drive motor (61) and a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly being connected to the identification cabinet (20) and used to rotate the identification cabinet (20) by 30° to 90° around its rotation axis (24), the rotation axis (24) being fixed to the frame via a pedestal bearing (63).

10. 10. The beverage container recycling machine of claim 9, wherein the transmission assembly includes a drive shaft (62), a drive handle (64), a link (65), and a transmission shaft (66), the drive handle (64) and the drive shaft (62) being fixedly coupled to each other, the drive shaft (62) being connected to a rotary drive motor (61), two links (65) being provided on both sides of the recognition chamber (20), one end of each link (65) being hingedly connected to one end of the drive handle (64) and the other end being connected to the transmission shaft (66).

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