Goods management device and storage management device

Abstract

To manage presence / absence of an article accurately and suppress a malfunction or failure.SOLUTION: An article management device (100) includes: a first cover (110); a second cover (140); and a range finding sensor (154) surrounded by the first cover (110) and the second cover (140). The first cover (110) includes a transparent member (120) and an opaque member (130). The opaque member (130) is provided with a through-hole (134) corresponding to the range finding sensor (154). The opaque member (130) is covered with the transparent member (120).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management device and a storage management device. [Background technology]

[0002] By managing the inventory of various items in daily life, it is possible to avoid unnecessary purchases of items that are left in stock. For example, a method for mechanically understanding the inventory status of items stored in an item storage unit such as a refrigerator has been studied (Patent Document 1). In the item storage unit of Patent Document 1, a weight sensor measures the weight of each egg to understand the inventory status of eggs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-113818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The item storage cabinet of Patent Document 1 uses a weight sensor to detect the presence and weight of an item. However, in the item storage cabinet of Patent Document 1, the weight sensor has a movable electrode plate that moves according to the weight of the item, so if liquid adheres to the item storage cabinet of Patent Document 1, the liquid will seep into the gap where the movable electrode plate moves, and there is a risk that the weight sensor will malfunction or break down.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an item management device and a storage management device that can manage the presence or absence of items with high accuracy and prevent malfunctions or breakdowns. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The article management device according to the present invention includes a first cover, a second cover, and a distance measuring sensor surrounded by the first cover and the second cover. The first cover has a transparent member and an opaque member covered by the transparent member, the opaque member having a through hole corresponding to the distance measuring sensor.

[0007] The storage management device of the present invention comprises the above-described item management device and a partition device that has a partition structure for separating and arranging items managed by the item management device and can be placed on the item management device.

[0008] The storage management device according to the present invention comprises the above-described item management device and a partition device having a partition structure for separating and arranging items managed by the item management device and capable of storing the item management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress malfunctions or breakdowns of an article management device that can manage the presence or absence of an article with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3A] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the article management device of the present embodiment taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2. [Figure 3B] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the article management device of the present embodiment taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first cover in the article management device of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the article management device of the present embodiment taken along line VV in FIG. 1. [Figure 6A] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a transparent member in the article management device of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6B]2 is a schematic perspective view of an opaque member in the article management device of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator in which an article management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 8A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first partition device that can be used with the article management device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8B] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first partition device that can be used with the article management device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9A] 10 is a schematic perspective view of a second partition device that can be used with the article management device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9B] 10 is a schematic perspective view of a second partition device that can be used with the article management device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a storage management device that uses a first partition device and a second partition device together with the article management device of this embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing a usage mode of the storage and management device of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a storage management device using a second partition device together with the article management device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view showing a usage mode of the storage and management device of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a storage management device using a second partition device together with the article management device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic perspective view showing a usage mode of the storage and management device of FIG. 12A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an article management device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In this specification, to facilitate understanding of the invention, reference may be made to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to one another. Typically, one of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction, and the remaining two are parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0012] First, an article management device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the article management device 100.

[0013] The item management device 100 manages items. The item management device 100 can manage items by detecting the presence or absence of an item placed thereon.

[0014] Here, the item management device 100 has a generally thin plate shape. The item management device 100 has a shape that extends in the Y direction. The length tl of the item management device 100 along the Y direction is greater than the width tw of the item management device 100 along the X direction and the thickness th of the item management device 100 along the Z direction. Furthermore, the width tw of the item management device 100 along the X direction is greater than the thickness th of the item management device 100 along the Z direction.

[0015] The article management device 100 has a main surface 101a, a main surface 101b, a first side surface 102a, a second side surface 102b, a third side surface 102c, and a fourth side surface 102d. Here, the main surface 101a is located on the +Z direction side, and the main surface 101b is located on the -Z direction side. Furthermore, the first side surface 102a is located on the +Y direction side, the second side surface 102b is located on the -X direction side, the third side surface 102c is located on the -Y direction side, and the fourth side surface 102d is located on the +X direction side.

[0016] The article management device 100 includes a first cover 110, a second cover 140, and an electronic component 150 surrounded by the first cover 110 and the second cover 140. The electronic component 150 is housed in the first cover 110 and the second cover 140. As will be described in detail later, the electronic component 150 is disposed in a space surrounded by the first cover 110 and the second cover 140. The electronic component 150 has a distance measurement sensor 154.

[0017] Here, first cover 110 is located on the +Z direction side, and second cover 140 is located on the -Z direction side. First cover 110 and second cover 140 are fitted together, so that electronic component 150 is housed inside first cover 110 and second cover 140.

[0018] The electronic component 150 may be powered by a battery that can be attached to the item management device 100. Alternatively, the electronic component 150 may be powered by a commercial power source that is connected to an external terminal of the item management device 100.

[0019] Next, an article management device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the article management device 100.

[0020] As described above, the item management device 100 includes the first cover 110, the second cover 140, and the electronic component 150. The first cover 110, the electronic component 150, and the second cover 140 are arranged in this order from the +Z direction to the -Z direction. An item is placed on the +Z direction side of the first cover 110.

[0021] The first cover 110 fits into the second cover 140. By fitting the first cover 110 into the second cover 140, the electronic component 150 can be housed in the space surrounded by the first cover 110 and the second cover 140.

[0022] The first cover 110 includes a transparent member 120 and an opaque member 130. In Fig. 2, for the sake of explanation, the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 are shown separated from each other, but it is preferable that the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 are integrally formed.

[0023] The transparent member 120 covers the opaque member 130. Typically, the transparent member 120 is in close contact with the opaque member 130 to cover the opaque member 130. The transparent member 120 is located on the +Z direction side of the opaque member 130. The transparent member 120, the opaque member 130, the electronic component 150, and the second cover 140 are arranged in this order from the +Z direction to the -Z direction.

[0024] The transparent member 120 transmits visible light. For example, the transparent member 120 is made of a translucent or transparent resin. In one example, the transparent member 120 is made of an acrylic resin.

[0025] The opaque member 130 is integrally formed with the transparent member 120. The opaque member 130 is located between the transparent member 120 and the electronic component 150.

[0026] The opaque member 130 does not transmit visible light. Therefore, the opaque member 130 prevents the structure inside the opaque member 130 from being seen. For example, the opaque member 130 is made of resin. The opaque member 130 is made of white resin. However, the opaque member 130 may also be made of a colored resin other than white.

[0027] The transparent member 120 covers the opaque member 130. Therefore, the opaque member 130 can be seen from outside the item management device 100 through the transparent member 120. On the other hand, the opaque member 130 can prevent the inside covered by the opaque member 130 from being seen.

[0028] The opaque member 130 may be a so-called sheet. For example, the opaque member 130 may be an adhesive sheet. In this case, by attaching the opaque member 130 to the transparent member 120, it is possible to prevent the inside of the opaque member 130 from being seen.

[0029] The second cover 140 fits into the first cover 110. By fitting the second cover 140 into the first cover 110, a sealed space surrounded by the first cover 110 and the second cover 140 is formed. In detail, the second cover 140 fits into the transparent member 120 and / or the opaque member 130. A space is formed by the second cover 140 and the transparent member 120 and / or the opaque member 130.

[0030] The electronic component 150 is disposed in a space covered by the first cover 110 and the second cover 140. The electronic component 150 has a substrate 152 and a distance measurement sensor 154. The substrate 152 has a generally thin plate shape. The distance measurement sensor 154 is mounted on the substrate 152.

[0031] Distance measurement sensor 154 measures the distance to an object using electromagnetic waves. Typically, distance measurement sensor 154 emits electromagnetic waves. When an object is placed in a predetermined position, the object reflects the electromagnetic waves. Distance measurement sensor 154 receives the electromagnetic waves reflected by the object. Distance measurement sensor 154 detects the presence or absence of an object that reflects the electromagnetic waves based on the timing of emitting the electromagnetic waves and the timing of receiving the electromagnetic waves, and measures the distance between distance measurement sensor 154 and the object. Distance measurement sensor 154 may also detect the presence or absence of an object that reflects the electromagnetic waves based on the position and / or intensity of the received electromagnetic waves, and measure the distance between distance measurement sensor 154 and the object.

[0032] For example, distance measurement sensor 154 emits infrared rays. Distance measurement sensor 154 also receives infrared rays. Distance measurement sensor 154 detects the presence or absence of an article and measures the distance between distance measurement sensor 154 and the article based on the timing at which it emits infrared rays and the timing at which it receives infrared rays.

[0033] Specifically, the distance measurement sensor 154 has a light-projecting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-projecting unit emits electromagnetic waves. The light-receiving unit receives the electromagnetic waves.

[0034] The transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 may be formed by two-color molding. This makes it possible to prevent changes in the adhesion between the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 even when the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 are placed in a temperature environment different from that at the time of their formation. Because the adhesion between the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 can be maintained regardless of changes in the external temperature, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the design quality of the exterior of the item management device 100 and to prevent liquids from seeping inside.

[0035] The transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 may be formed from materials with approximately the same shrinkage rate. For example, the transparent member 120 may be formed from general-purpose polystyrene, and the opaque member 130 may be formed from high-impact polystyrene. By forming the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 from materials with approximately the same shrinkage rate, the adhesion between the transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 can be maintained regardless of changes in the external temperature.

[0036] The opaque member 130 may also be attached to the transparent member 120. The transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 may be attached by press-fitting. Alternatively, the opaque member 130 may be adhered to the transparent member 120 by an adhesive sheet. Alternatively, the opaque member 130 itself may be an adhesive sheet.

[0037] The transparent member 120 has a main body portion 122 and a side portion 124. The main body portion 122 is a thin plate having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The side portion 124 is located on the outer edge of the main body portion 122. The side portion 124 extends from the outer edge of the main body portion 122 in the −Z direction.

[0038] The main body portion 122 has a main surface 122a and a main surface 122b. The main surface 122a of the main body portion 122 is located on the +Z direction side, and the main surface 122b of the main body portion 122 is located on the −Z direction side.

[0039] The article is placed on the main surface 122a of the main body portion 122. In this case, the main surface 122a of the main body portion 122 is preferably flat, which allows an article of any shape to be stably placed thereon.

[0040] The side portion 124 has a first side portion 124a, a second side portion 124b, a third side portion 124c, and a fourth side portion 124d. The first side portion 124a is located on the +Y direction side, the second side portion 124b is located on the -X direction side, the third side portion 124c is located on the -Y direction side, and the fourth side portion 124d is located on the +X direction side.

[0041] Here, steps are provided at the −X direction end and +X direction end of first side portion 124a. Also, steps are provided from one end to the other end of each of second side portion 124b to fourth side portion 124d.

[0042] In the transparent member 120, the main surface 122a of the main body 122 is located on the outer surface of the item management device 100. Therefore, the main surface 122a of the main body 122 constitutes the main surface 101a (FIG. 1) of the item management device 100. Furthermore, the first side portion 124a to the fourth side portion 124d of the transparent member 120 are located on the outer surface of the item management device 100. Therefore, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first side portion 124a to the fourth side portion 124d of the transparent member 120 constitute part of the first side surface 102a to the fourth side surface 102d (FIG. 1) of the item management device 100.

[0043] The opaque member 130 has a main body 132, a side portion 133, a through hole 134, and a recess 136. The main body 132 is a thin plate having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The area of the main body 132 when viewed from the Z direction is substantially equal to the area of the main body 122 of the transparent member 120.

[0044] A through hole 134 is provided in the main body 132. Typically, a plurality of through holes 134 are provided in the main body 132. A recess 136 is also provided in the main body 132. When viewed from the Z direction, the recess 136 has a substantially circular shape. The through hole 134 is located in the center of the recess 136.

[0045] The main body portion 132 has a main surface 132a and a main surface 132b. Here, the main surface 132a of the main body portion 132 is located on the +Z direction side, and the main surface 132b of the main body portion 132 is located on the −Z direction side.

[0046] The through holes 134 penetrate the main body portion 132. The through holes 134 connect the main surface 132a and the main surface 132b of the main body portion 132. Here, 14 through holes 134 are provided in the main body portion 132. Of the 14 through holes 134, four through holes 134 are arranged linearly along the Y direction on the −X direction side of the main body portion 132, five through holes 134 are arranged linearly along the Y direction in the center of the main body portion 132 in the X direction, and the remaining five through holes 134 are arranged linearly along the Y direction on the +X direction side of the main body portion 132.

[0047] A depression 136 is provided in the main body portion 132. The depression 136 is provided in the main surface 132a of the main body portion 132. The through hole 134 is located in the center of the depression 136. The main surface 132a of the main body portion 132 is substantially flat except for the through hole 134 and the depression 136. However, the portion of the main surface 132a of the main body portion 132 excluding the through hole 134 and the depression 136 may be slightly inclined.

[0048] The side portion 133 has a first side portion 133a, a second side portion 133b, a third side portion 133c, and a fourth side portion 133d. The first side portion 133a is located on the +Y direction side, the second side portion 133b is located on the -X direction side, the third side portion 133c is located on the -Y direction side, and the fourth side portion 133d is located on the +X direction side.

[0049] Here, steps are provided at the −X direction end and +X direction end of first side portion 133a, and steps are provided from one end to the other end of each of second side portion 133b to fourth side portion 133d.

[0050] In the opaque member 130, the main surface 132a of the main body portion 132 faces and contacts the main surface 122b of the main body portion 122 in the transparent member 120. In addition, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first side portion 133a to the fourth side portion 133d in the opaque member 130 face and contact the inner peripheral surfaces of the first side portion 124a to the fourth side portion 124d in the transparent member 120.

[0051] As described above, electronic component 150 includes substrate 152 and distance measurement sensor 154. Substrate 152 has a generally thin plate shape. Substrate 152 has main surface 152a, main surface 152b, first side surface 152c, second side surface 152d, third side surface 152e, and fourth side surface 152f. Here, main surface 152a is located on the +Z direction side, and main surface 152b is located on the -Z direction side. Furthermore, first side surface 152c is located on the +Y direction side, second side surface 152d is located on the -X direction side, third side surface 152e is located on the -Y direction side, and fourth side surface 152f is located on the +X direction side.

[0052] Distance measurement sensor 154 in electronic component 150 is disposed corresponding to through-hole 134 in opaque member 130. Here, distance measurement sensor 154 has an elongated shape extending in the Y direction, and through-hole 134 also has an elongated shape extending in the Y direction. The length of distance measurement sensor 154 in the Y direction is smaller than the length of through-hole 134 in the Y direction. The length of distance measurement sensor 154 in the X direction is also smaller than the length of through-hole 134 in the X direction.

[0053] The distance measurement sensors 154 are arranged on the main surface 152a of the substrate 152. Here, 14 distance measurement sensors 154 are arranged on the main surface 152a of the substrate 152. Of the 14 distance measurement sensors 154, four distance measurement sensors 154 are arranged linearly along the Y direction on the −X direction side of the substrate 152, five distance measurement sensors 154 are arranged linearly along the Y direction in the center of the substrate 152 in the X direction, and the remaining five distance measurement sensors 154 are arranged linearly along the Y direction on the +X direction side of the substrate 152.

[0054] The second cover 140 has a main body portion 142 and a side portion 144. The main body portion 142 is a thin plate having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The side portion 144 is located on the outer edge of the main body portion 142. The side portion 144 protrudes from the main body portion 142 in the +Z direction at the outer edge of the main body portion 142.

[0055] The main body 142 has a main surface 142a and a main surface 142b. Here, the main surface 142a of the main body 142 is located on the +Z direction side, and the main surface 142b of the main body 142 is located on the -Z direction side. The main surface 142a of the main body 142 faces the main surface 152b of the substrate 152.

[0056] The side portion 144 has a first side portion 144a, a second side portion 144b, a third side portion 144c, and a fourth side portion 144d. The first side portion 144a is located on the +Y direction side, the second side portion 144b is located on the -X direction side, the third side portion 144c is located on the -Y direction side, and the fourth side portion 144d is located on the +X direction side.

[0057] The main surface 142b of the main body 142 is located on the outer surface of the item management device 100. Therefore, the main surface 142b of the main body 142 constitutes the main surface 101b (FIG. 1) of the item management device 100. In addition, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first side portion 144a to the fourth side portion 144d of the second cover 140 constitute part of the first side surface 102a to the fourth side surface 102d (FIG. 1) of the item management device 100.

[0058] The second cover 140 has a protrusion 146a and a protrusion 146b. The protrusions 146a and 146b protrude in the +Z direction from the main surface 142a of the main body 142. The protrusion 146a has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 146b is a cross-shaped pillar when viewed from the front. The protrusion 146b has a pillar portion extending in the +Y direction, a pillar portion extending in the -X direction, a pillar portion extending in the -Y direction, and a pillar portion extending in the +X direction. The length of the protrusion 146a in the Z direction is approximately equal to the length of the protrusion 146b in the Z direction.

[0059] Protrusions 146a and 146b support substrate 152 of electronic component 150. Protrusion 146a supports the +X and −Y direction ends of substrate 152 and the −X and +Y direction ends. Protrusion 146b supports the +X and +Y direction ends of substrate 152 and the −X and −Y direction ends. Protrusion 146b also supports the center of a region located on the +Y direction side and the center of a region located on the −Y direction side when substrate 152 is bisected in the Y direction.

[0060] According to the item management device 100 of this embodiment, the distance measuring sensor 154 detects an item located on the transparent member 120 side through the through-hole 134 provided in the opaque member 130 and the transparent member 120. Therefore, the distance measuring sensor 154 can detect whether or not an item is present on the transparent member 120 side. Furthermore, the through-hole 134 is covered by the transparent member 120. Therefore, the item management device 100 can suppress malfunctions of an item management device that can manage the presence or absence of an item with high accuracy. Furthermore, according to the item management device 100 of this embodiment, the opaque member 130 covers the electronic component 150 and the transparent member 120 covers the opaque member 130, thereby improving design.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the article management device 100 of this embodiment, even if the main surface 122a of the transparent member 120 is flat, the depression 136 is provided on the main surface 132a of the opaque member 130 covered by the transparent member 120, so that the vicinity of the through-hole 134 appears recessed due to the shadow. Therefore, a predetermined article can be placed at a position near the through-hole 134, which is the detection target position of the distance measuring sensor 154.

[0062] Next, the article management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3B. Figure 3A is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the opaque member 130 in the article management device 100 of this embodiment, taken along line IIIA-IIIA in Figure 2.

[0063] 3A, the opaque member 130 has a protrusion 138 in addition to a main body 132, a through-hole 134, and a recess 136. The protrusion 138 protrudes in the −Z direction from a main surface 132b of the main body 132. The protrusion 138 surrounds the periphery of the through-hole 134.

[0064] 2 , when the transparent member 120, the opaque member 130, the electronic component 150, and the second cover 140 are arranged one on top of the other, the main body 132 of the opaque member 130 extends substantially parallel to the substrate 152 of the electronic component 150. The protrusion 138 of the opaque member 130 contacts the substrate 152. Therefore, the protrusion 138 protruding from the main body 132 in the −Z direction defines the gap between the main body 132 of the opaque member 130 and the substrate 152 of the electronic component 150. Therefore, the length of the protrusion 138 along the Z direction is the gap between the main body 132 of the opaque member 130 and the substrate 152 of the electronic component 150.

[0065] Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the article management device 100 of this embodiment taken along line IIIB-IIIB in Fig. 1A. Fig. 3B shows the configuration of the article management device 100 in the vicinity of the through-hole 134.

[0066] 3B, the transparent member 120, the opaque member 130, and the electronic component 150 are arranged one on top of the other. The transparent member 120 and the opaque member 130 are in close contact with each other. Specifically, the main surface 122b of the main body portion 122 of the transparent member 120 is in close contact with the main surface 132a of the main body portion 132 of the opaque member 130.

[0067] The distance measurement sensor 154 of the electronic component 150 is disposed in the opaque member 130 in correspondence with the through-hole 134. The distance measurement sensor 154 is surrounded by the protrusion 138 of the opaque member 130. The protrusion 138 of the opaque member 130 contacts the substrate 152 of the electronic component 150. Since the protrusion 138 of the opaque member 130 surrounds the distance measurement sensor 154, the distance from the distance measurement sensor 154 to the main surface 122a of the main body 122 of the transparent member 120 can be maintained constant. This reduces variation among the distance measurement sensors 154. Furthermore, since the protrusion 138 of the opaque member 130 surrounds the distance measurement sensor 154, stray light is prevented from entering the distance measurement sensor 154 from the side, and the distance measurement accuracy of the distance measurement sensor 154 can be maintained.

[0068] 3B, the upper surface (surface on the +Z direction side) of the distance measurement sensor 154 may be located on the +Z direction side of the lower surface (surface on the -Z direction side) of the through-hole 134 of the opaque member 130. In this case, the side surface of the distance measurement sensor 154 through which electromagnetic waves enter and exit enters the through-hole 134 of the opaque member 130. This further prevents stray light from entering from the side of the distance measurement sensor 154.

[0069] As described above, the opaque member 130 has the depression 136 formed around the through-hole 134. For this reason, the thickness (length along the Z direction) of the main body portion 132 is not constant in the opaque member 130. Here, the main surface 132b of the main body portion 132 is a flat surface, while the main surface 132a of the main body portion 132 has the depression 136 formed around the through-hole 134, and the main surface 132a is depressed in the -Z direction.

[0070] Furthermore, in the transparent member 120, the main surface 122a of the main body 122 is a flat surface, but the thickness (length along the Z direction) of the main body 122 is not constant. The main surface 122b of the main body 122 bulges in the -Z direction in accordance with the depression 136 of the opaque member 130.

[0071] For example, in the main body 132 of the opaque member 130, the thickness tb1 of a region different from the depression 136 is greater than the thickness tb2 of the region where the depression 136 is provided. On the other hand, in the main body 122 of the transparent member 120, the thickness ta1 of a region not corresponding to the depression 136 is smaller than the thickness ta2 of the region corresponding to the depression 136. In this case, it is preferable that the sum of the thickness ta1 of the transparent member 120 in the region not corresponding to the depression 136 of the opaque member 130 and the thickness tb1 of the opaque member 130 is approximately equal to the sum of the thickness ta2 of the transparent member 120 in the region corresponding to the depression 136 of the opaque member 130 and the thickness tb2 of the opaque member 130. This makes it possible to easily form the main surface 122a of the main body 122 of the transparent member 120 flat.

[0072] Furthermore, the transparent member 120 facing the through-hole 134 of the opaque member 130 has a uniform thickness, and the main surface 122b of the main body 122 of the transparent member 120 exposed from the through-hole 134 of the opaque member 130 is flat. This prevents the electromagnetic waves of the distance measuring sensor 154 passing through the transparent member 120 from being unnecessarily refracted, and maintains the distance measurement accuracy of the distance measuring sensor 154.

[0073] Next, the article management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the first cover 110 in the article management device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the fitting portion of the first cover 110 and the second cover 140 in the article management device 100 of this embodiment.

[0074] 4, in first cover 110, transparent member 120 and opaque member 130 are in close contact with each other. Protrusions 138 are provided on main surface 132b of main body 132 of opaque member 130 and positioned around through-hole 134. Protrusions 137 are also provided on main surface 132b of main body 132 to position substrate 152 of electronic component 150. Protrusions 137 protrude in the −Z direction from main surface 132b of main body 132. Protrusions 137 are preferably provided on main surface 132b of main body 132 on the +X direction side, +Y direction side, −X direction side, and −Y direction side, respectively.

[0075] Furthermore, the protruding portion 137 is connected to the third side portion 133c via the reinforcing portion 137p. The reinforcing portion 137p selectively connects the protruding portion 137 and the third side portion 133c.

[0076] 5, third side 133c of opaque member 130 faces third side 124c of transparent member 120. Opaque member 130 further has protrusion 133p protruding in the -Z direction from third side 133c. When first cover 110 is removed from second cover 140, protrusion 133p of opaque member 130 is exposed when viewed from the -Y direction to the +Y direction.

[0077] A recess 144q is provided in the third side portion 144c of the second cover 140. The recess 144q is formed by partially recessing the surface of the third side portion 144c on the +Z direction side. The height (length along the Z direction) of the protrusion 133p of the opaque member 130 is approximately equal to the depth (length along the Z direction) of the recess 144q. When the first cover 110 is fitted to the second cover 140, the protrusion 133p of the opaque member 130 is inserted into the recess 144q.

[0078] Although Figures 4 and 5 describe the ends of the first cover 110 and the second cover 140 on the -Y direction side, the first cover 110 and the second cover 140 also have similar configurations at the ends on the +X direction side, the +Y direction side, and the -X direction side.

[0079] Next, the item management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6B. Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of a transparent member 120 in the item management device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 6B is a schematic perspective view of an opaque member 130 in the item management device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 6A is a perspective view of the transparent member 120 as seen from the -Z direction side, and Figure 6B is a perspective view of the opaque member 130 as seen from the -Z direction side.

[0080] 6A, when transparent member 120 is viewed from the -Z direction, side portions 124 protrude in the -Z direction from edges of main body portion 122. Specifically, first side portion 124a, second side portion 124b, third side portion 124c, and fourth side portion 124d protrude in the -Z direction from edges of main body portion 122 in the +Y direction, -X direction, -Y direction, and +X direction.

[0081] Furthermore, a step 124w is provided on the inside of the first side portion 124a, the second side portion 124b, the third side portion 124c, and the fourth side portion 124d. The height (length along the Z direction) of the step 124w is smaller than the heights (length along the Z direction) of the first side portion 124a to the fourth side portion 124d. The step 124w extends from one end to the other end of each of the second side portion 124b, the third side portion 124c, and the fourth side portion 124d. However, the step 124w is provided separately on the +X direction side and the −X direction side of the first side portion 124a, and a recess 124q is provided in place of the step 124w in the center of the first side portion 124a. A battery storage section is provided at a position of the opaque member 130 and the second cover 140 facing the recess 124q.

[0082] Furthermore, a protrusion 126 is provided on the main surface 122b of the main body 122. The protrusion 126 corresponds to the depression 136 of the opaque member 130. In the main body 122, the thickness of the main body 122 at the protrusion 126 is greater than the thickness of the portion other than the protrusion 126.

[0083] 6B , when opaque member 130 is viewed from the −Z direction, side portions 133 protrude in the −Z direction from edges of main body portion 132. Specifically, first side portion 133a, second side portion 133b, third side portion 133c, and fourth side portion 133d protrude in the −Z direction from edges of main body portion 132 in the +Y direction, −X direction, −Y direction, and +X direction.

[0084] Furthermore, a protrusion 139 is provided on the main surface 132b of the main body 132. The protrusion 139 has a protrusion 139a that spreads out in a cross shape and a protrusion 139b that protrudes further in the -Z direction from the center of the protrusion 139a. The protrusion 139a has a portion that extends in the +Y direction, a portion that extends in the -X direction, a portion that extends in the -Y direction, and a portion that extends in the +X direction. The height (length along the Z direction) of the protrusion 139a is approximately equal to the height (length along the Z direction) of the protrusion 138. The protrusion 139b protrudes in the -Z direction from the protrusion 139a. The height (length along the Z direction) of the protrusion 139b is greater than the height (length along the Z direction) of the protrusion 139a.

[0085] Furthermore, a protrusion 139p is provided on the main surface 132b of the main body 132. When the opaque member 130 is attached to the second cover 140, the protrusion 139p is inserted into the hole of the protrusion 146a (FIG. 2).

[0086] 2, when the transparent member 120, the opaque member 130, the electronic component 150, and the second cover 140 are arranged one on top of the other, the protrusion 139a comes into contact with the substrate 152 of the electronic component 150, and the protrusion 139b passes through the through-hole of the substrate 152 of the electronic component 150. This allows the electronic component 150 to be fixed. Furthermore, when the transparent member 120, the opaque member 130, the electronic component 150, and the second cover 140 are arranged one on top of the other, the protrusion 139p is inserted into the hole of the protrusion 146a of the second cover 140. This allows the first cover 110 and the second cover 140 to be fixed.

[0087] A protrusion 138p is provided on the main surface 132b of the main body 132. The protrusion 138p is disposed at a position facing the protrusion 146b provided on the second cover 140. The height (length along the Z direction) of the protrusion 138p is approximately equal to the height of the protrusions 138 and 139a. This makes it possible to maintain a constant distance between the main body 132 and the substrate 152. Furthermore, the protrusions 138p, 139a, and the protrusion 146b provided on the second cover 140 can sandwich the substrate 152 at multiple points from the front and back, thereby suppressing warping of the substrate 152.

[0088] As described above, the item management device 100 can be suitably used for inventory management of items. Typically, the item management device 100 is preferably placed in a location where management of inventory items is required. For example, if the item management device 100 manages food, food containers, or beverage containers as items, the item management device 100 may be placed in a refrigerator or food shelf.

[0089] Next, a usage mode of the article management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator 900 in which the article management device 100 of this embodiment is preferably used.

[0090] 7, the article management apparatus 100 is placed in a door pocket 910 of a refrigerator 900. The article management apparatus 100 may be placed inside the door pocket 910 of the refrigerator 900.

[0091] When the article management device 100 is used in the refrigerator 900, it is preferable that the article management device 100 has a wireless communication unit. Typically, the wireless communication unit is attached to the board 152 (FIG. 2). This allows the article management device 100 to output the management status of the articles to the outside. The article management device 100 may also include a processor. Typically, the processor is attached to the board 152 (FIG. 2). The processor may include a microcomputer.

[0092] It is preferable that the items to be managed by the item management device 100 are stably placed at any position on the main surface 132a of the transparent member 120. However, the items to be managed by the item management device 100 may be placed on the main surface 132a of the transparent member 120 while being separated by other devices.

[0093] Next, a usage mode of the article management device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9B. Figures 8A and 8B are schematic perspective views of a partition device 200 that can be used with the article management device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 8A is a schematic perspective view of the partition device 200 as seen from the +Z direction side, and Figure 8B is a schematic perspective view of the partition device 200 as seen from the -Z direction side.

[0094] 8A and 8B, the partition device 200 has a main body portion 212 and a side portion 214. The main body portion 212 is a thin plate having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The side portion 214 extends from the outer edge of the main body portion 212 in the −Z direction.

[0095] The main body portion 212 has a main surface 212a and a main surface 212b. The main surface 212a of the main body portion 212 is located on the +Z direction side, and the main surface 212b of the main body portion 212 is located on the −Z direction side.

[0096] A plurality of through holes 212h are provided in the main body portion 212. The through holes 212h penetrate the main body portion 212 in the Z direction. The through holes 212h function as a partition structure.

[0097] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the area of the through-holes 212h is preferably approximately the same as the area of the recesses 136 (see FIG. 2, etc.) in the opaque member 130, or larger than the area of the recesses 136. The number of through-holes 212h is preferably equal to the number of distance measuring sensors 154 of the item management device 100. In addition, the positions of the through-holes 212h preferably correspond to the positions of the distance measuring sensors 154 of the item management device 100.

[0098] Specifically, the side portion 214 has a first side portion 214a, a second side portion 214b, a third side portion 214c, and a fourth side portion 214d. Here, the first side portion 214a is located on the +Y direction side, the second side portion 214b is located on the -X direction side, the third side portion 214c is located on the -Y direction side, and the fourth side portion 214d is located on the +X direction side.

[0099] The boundary between first side portion 214a and second side portion 214b is curved, the boundary between second side portion 214b and third side portion 214c is curved, the boundary between third side portion 214c and fourth side portion 214d is curved, and the boundary between fourth side portion 214d and first side portion 214a is curved.

[0100] On the outer peripheral surface of the partition device 200, the length tl1 along the Y direction is greater than the width tw1 along the X direction and the thickness th1 along the Z direction. Also, on the outer peripheral surface of the partition device 200, the width tw1 along the X direction is greater than the thickness th1 along the Z direction.

[0101] 1 and 8B, the length tl1 of the partition device 200 is approximately the same as the length tl of the item management device 100 or slightly smaller than the length tl of the item management device 100, and the width tw1 of the partition device 200 is approximately the same as the width tw of the item management device 100 or slightly smaller than the width tw of the item management device 100. Furthermore, the thickness th1 of the partition device 200 is greater than the height of the step (step 124w shown in FIG. 6A) provided on the side 124 of the item management device 100. Therefore, the partition device 200 can be placed on the steps of the first side surface 102a to the fourth side surface 102d of the item management device 100.

[0102] In the partition device 200, a notch 214n1 is provided in the first side portion 214a. The notch 214n1 is provided in the center in the X direction at the -Z direction end of the first side portion 214a. Furthermore, a notch 214n2 is provided in the third side portion 214c. The notch 214n2 is provided in the center in the X direction at the -Z direction end of the third side portion 214c.

[0103] The length tn1 of the notch 214n1 along the X direction is different from the length tn2 of the notch 214n2 along the X direction. Here, the length tn1 of the notch 214n1 along the X direction is longer than the length tn2 of the notch 214n2 along the X direction.

[0104] As described above with reference to Figure 2, steps are provided at the -X direction end and +X direction end of the first side portion 124a. Here, it is preferable that the length along the X direction of the central portion of the first side portion 124a where no step is provided (corresponding to the length of the recess 124q shown in Figure 6A) is shorter than the length tn1 of the notch 214n1 of the partition device 200 and longer than the length tn2 of the notch 214n2. In this case, the partition device 200 can be placed so as to cover the item management device 100 only from a specific orientation.

[0105] Specifically, when attempting to place the third side 214c of the partition device 200 on the step on the first side surface 102a of the item management device 100 and the first side 214a of the partition device 200 on the step on the third side surface 102c of the item management device 100, the length along the X direction of the central portion of the first side surface 124a of the item management device 100 where there is no step is longer than the notch 214n2 provided in the third side surface 124a of the partition device 200, so the portion of the third side surface 214c outside the notch 214n2 rides up onto the central portion of the first side surface 124a where there is no step. Therefore, the partition device 200 cannot be placed stably on the step on the item management device 100, and the user can notice that the placement direction is incorrect.

[0106] 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views of a partition device 300 that can be used with the article management device 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 9A is a schematic perspective view of the partition device 300 as seen from the +Z direction side, and Fig. 9B is a schematic perspective view of the partition device 300 as seen from the -Z direction side.

[0107] 9A and 9B, the partition device 300 has a side portion 310 and a beam 320. The beam 320 is supported by the side portion 310.

[0108] In detail, the side portion 310 has a first side portion 312, a second side portion 314, a third side portion 316, and a fourth side portion 318. Here, the first side portion 312 is located on the +Y direction side, the second side portion 314 is located on the -X direction side, the third side portion 316 is located on the -Y direction side, and the fourth side portion 318 is located on the +X direction side.

[0109] The boundary between first side 312 and second side 314 is curved, and the boundary between second side 314 and third side 316 is curved. In addition, the boundary between third side 316 and fourth side 318 is curved, and the boundary between fourth side 318 and first side 312 is curved.

[0110] Beam 320 includes beam 322, beam 324, and beam 326. Beam 322, beam 324, and beam 326 are located on the −Z direction side of first side portion 312 to fourth side portion 318. Here, the heights of the −Z direction side surfaces of beam 322, beam 324, and beam 326 and the −Z direction side surfaces of first side portion 312 to fourth side portion 318 are the same (flush).

[0111] Beam 322 connects the center of the first side portion 312 in the X direction to the center of the third side portion 316 in the X direction. Beam 324 connects the +Y direction portion of the second side portion 314, which is divided into thirds in the Y direction, to the +Y direction portion of the fourth side portion 318, which is divided into thirds in the Y direction. Beam 326 connects the -Y direction portion of the second side portion 314, which is divided into thirds in the Y direction, to the -Y direction portion of the fourth side portion 318, which is divided into thirds in the Y direction. Beams 322, 324, and 326 divide the partition device 300 into six regions. Beams 322, 324, and 326 function as a partition structure. The thickness (length along the Z direction) of each of beams 322, 324, and 326 is td.

[0112] On the inner circumferential surface of the partition device 300, the length tl2 along the Y direction is greater than the width tw2 along the X direction and the thickness th2 along the Z direction. Also, on the inner circumferential surface of the partition device 300, the width tw2 along the X direction is greater than the thickness th2 along the Z direction.

[0113] 1, 8B, and 9A, the length tl2 of the partition device 300 is slightly larger than each of the length tl of the item management device 100 and the length tl1 of the partition device 200, and the width tw2 of the partition device 300 is slightly larger than each of the width tw of the item management device 100 and the width tw1 of the partition device 200. In addition, the thickness th2 of the partition device 300 is larger than the thickness th of the item management device 100. Therefore, the partition device 300 can accommodate both the item management device 100 and the partition device 200.

[0114] It is preferable that the thickness th2 of the partition device 300 is at least 1 cm larger than the sum of the thickness td of the beam 320 and the thickness th of the item management device 100. This effectively prevents the items from slipping out of the partition device 300, even when the item management device 100 stores items while housed in the partition device 300.

[0115] For example, the article management device 100 is suitable for use in managing eggs together with the partition device 200. The article management device 100 can manage the presence or absence of eggs according to the number of distance measuring sensors 154.

[0116] Next, egg management using article management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10B. Figure 10A is a schematic perspective view of storage management device 10 using partition devices 200 and 300 together with article management device 100 of this embodiment, and Figure 10B is a schematic perspective view showing a usage mode of storage management device 10 of Figure 10A. In this specification, partition device 200 may be referred to as a first partition device, and partition device 300 may be referred to as a second partition device.

[0117] 10A, the storage management device 10 includes an item management device 100, a partition device 200, and a partition device 300. The partition device 200, the item management device 100, and the partition device 300 are arranged in this order from the +Z direction side to the -Z direction side. Here, the beam 320 of the partition device 300 is located on the -Z direction side.

[0118] Here, the partition device 200 is placed on the item management device 100. The through-hole 212h of the partition device 200 is positioned to correspond to the through-hole 134 of the item management device 100. The through-hole 212h is circular. The center of the through-hole 212h is positioned at approximately the same position as the center of the recess 136 of the item management device 100.

[0119] The item management device 100 and the partition device 200 are housed in a partition device 300. The length (length along the Y direction) and width (length along the X direction) of the outer peripheral surface of the item management device 100 are slightly (approximately 1 to 3 mm) smaller than the length (length along the Y direction) and width (length along the X direction) of the inner peripheral surface of the partition device 300.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 10B, eggs are stored in the storage and management apparatus 10. In this case, the eggs are sorted by the dividing devices 200. In this case, the dividing devices 300 do not need to be laid down.

[0121] The storage and management device 10 is not limited to storing eggs, and may store small condiments and the like.

[0122] Next, container management by the article management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11B. Figure 11A is a schematic perspective view of a storage management device 10 that uses an article management device 100 of this embodiment together with a partition device 300. Figure 11B is a schematic perspective view showing how the storage management device 10 of Figure 11A is used.

[0123] 11A, the storage management device 10 includes an item management device 100 and a partition device 300. The partition device 300 and the item management device 100 are arranged in this order from the +Z direction side to the -Z direction side. The beam 320 of the partition device 300 is located on the +Z direction side of the partition device 300.

[0124] The length (length along the Y direction) and width (length along the X direction) of the outer peripheral surface of the item management device 100 are slightly (approximately 1 to 3 mm) smaller than the length (length along the Y direction) and width (length along the X direction) of the inner peripheral surface of the partition device 300. Therefore, the item management device 100 is placed inside the partition device 300.

[0125] 11B, the partition device 300 can separate the items stored in the storage management device 10. For example, when placing a substantially cylindrical beverage can on the item management device 100, the partition device 300 can separate and arrange the beverage can.

[0126] In this case, the beam 320 of the partition device 300 may be disposed above the plurality of specific distance measuring sensors 154 in the article management device 100. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the beam 322 is disposed directly above five distance measuring sensors 154 that are arranged in a line along the Y direction at the center of the article management device 100 in the X direction. Since the distance from the surface of the article management device 100 to the beam 322 is specified (1 cm or more in the above example), when the distances detected by the plurality of specific distance measuring sensors 154 match the distance to the beam 320, the article management device 100 (more specifically, the microcomputer of the electronic component 150) and / or an external processing device (e.g., a server device) to which the distance information is output by the communication unit can determine that the partition device 300 is installed in the state shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B and can automatically switch the notification screen, etc., of a means for notifying a user of the inventory status (for example, switching from a screen notifying the inventory status of eggs to a screen notifying the inventory status of beverage cans).

[0127] 10B and 11B, the item management device 100 manages items of a specific shape, but the item management device 100 may manage items of any shape.

[0128] Next, a description will be given of how containers are managed by the article management device 100 with reference to Figures 1 to 12B. Figure 12A is a schematic perspective view of a storage management device 10 that uses an article management device 100 of this embodiment together with a partition device 300. Figure 12B is a schematic perspective view showing how the storage management device 10 of Figure 12A is used.

[0129] 12A, the storage management apparatus 10 includes an article management device 100 and a partition device 300. The article management device 100 and the partition device 300 are arranged in this order from the +Z direction side to the -Z direction side.

[0130] The length (length along the Y direction) and width (length along the X direction) of the outer peripheral surface of the item management device 100 are smaller than the length (length along the Y direction) and width (length along the X direction) of the inner peripheral surface of the partition device 300. Therefore, the item management device 100 is placed inside the partition device 300.

[0131] Here, the beam 320 of the partition device 300 is located on the −Z direction side of the partition device 300. The partition device 300 supports the item management device 100. In detail, the beam 320 of the partition device 300 can support the item management device 100.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 12B, any item may be placed on the transparent member 120 of the storage and management device 10. For example, a food storage container may be placed on the item management device 100. Also, eggs may be placed on the item along with their egg cartons. Since egg cartons are often made of transparent plastic resin, the presence or absence of eggs can be detected through the egg cartons in the same manner as in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0133] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding. The thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual components due to the convenience of drawing. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0134] For example, in the above description, the area of the main body 122 of the transparent member 120 is approximately equal to the area of the main body 132 of the opaque member 130, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The transparent member 120 may be configured to partially cover the through-holes 134 provided in the main body 132 of the opaque member 130. For example, the transparent members 120 may be arranged separately so as to selectively cover the multiple through-holes 134 of the opaque member 130.

[0135] In the above description, the multiple distance measuring sensors 154 in the electronic component 150 are attached to the substrate 152 and arranged relative to the through-holes 134, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The multiple distance measuring sensors 154 may be arranged relative to the through-holes 134 separately, without being arranged on the substrate 152. [Industrial Applicability]

[0136] According to the present invention, malfunctions can be suppressed in an article management device that manages the presence or absence of an article with high accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 100 Article management equipment 110 First Cover 120 Transparent parts 130 Opaque material 140 Second Cover 150 Electronic Components

Claims

1. An article management device that manages an article by detecting the presence or absence of the article using a distance measuring sensor, A first cover; A second cover; When the first cover is fitted into the second cover, the distance measuring sensor accommodated in the space surrounded by the first cover and the second cover is Equipped with The first cover is A transparent member; an opaque member provided with a through-hole corresponding to the distance measuring sensor, covered by the transparent member, and positioned between the transparent member and the distance measuring sensor; An article management device having the above.

2. The article management device according to claim 1 , wherein the transparent member and the opaque member are formed by two-color molding.

3. the transparent member includes a transparent resin, The article management device according to claim 1 , wherein the opaque member includes a white resin.

4. The article management device according to claim 1 , wherein a recess is provided in a surface of the opaque member facing the transparent member in an area including the through-hole.

5. The article management device according to claim 1 , further comprising an electronic component having the distance measurement sensor and a board on which the distance measurement sensor is arranged.

6. The opaque member is a main body; a protrusion extending from the main body to surround the distance measuring sensor and contacting the substrate; The article management device according to claim 5 .

7. An article management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a first partitioning device that has a first partitioning structure for partitioning and arranging the items managed by the item management device and that can be placed on the item management device; A storage management device comprising:

8. An article management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a second partitioning device having a second partition structure for partitioning and arranging the items managed by the item management device and capable of accommodating the item management device; A storage management device comprising:

9. The second partition device includes: The side and a beam supported on the side; and The height of the beam is smaller than the height of the side portion, The storage management device according to claim 8 , wherein the beam is connected to one end of the side portion.

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