Inventory Management Equipment

Abstract

To provide an inventory management device which enables simplification of a structure.SOLUTION: An inventory management device 100 includes a placement stand 1 and an article sensor 3. A beverage container P is placed on the placement stand 1. The article sensor 3 determines whether or not the beverage container P is placed on the placement stand 1. The placement stand 1 has a translucent part 11 which transmits light. The article sensor 3 has a light emitting part 31, a light receiving part 32, and a detection part 33. The light emitting part 31 emits light to the translucent part 11. The light receiving part 32 receives light from the translucent part 11. The detection part 33 detects information of the light received by the light receiving part 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to inventory control equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] The refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an egg sensor and a drink sensor to function as an inventory management device. The egg sensor and the drink sensor are weight sensors that measure the weight of eggs and drinks in stock, respectively. [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] If an item in the refrigerator is not placed correctly on the weight sensor, for example, if it is caught on another item or a partition member and floating, or if an adjacent item is hanging on the weight sensor, the weight sensor may not be able to correctly determine the item. In addition, using multiple weight sensors to make the refrigerator less susceptible to the effects of the item placement state could be considered, but this would result in a complex configuration.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an inventory management device that can be simplified in configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inventory management device includes a mounting table and an item sensor. An item is placed on the mounting table. The item sensor determines whether an item is placed on the mounting table. The mounting table has a light-transmitting portion that transmits light. The item sensor has a light-emitting portion, a light-receiving portion, and a detection portion. The light-emitting portion emits light to the light-transmitting portion. The light-receiving portion receives the light from the light-transmitting portion. The detection portion detects information about the light received by the light-receiving portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the inventory management device of the present invention, the configuration can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an inventory management device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the inventory management device when the mounting base is square in plan view. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the inventory management device when the mounting base is rectangular in plan view. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the inventory management device when the mounting base is circular in plan view. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a door pocket of a refrigerator in which the inventory management device is installed. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an inventory management device installed in a door pocket of a refrigerator. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an inventory management device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the support guide portion of the inventory management device when the bottom surface is a curved surface. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line SS in FIGS. 7 and 8, showing a cross-sectional view of the support guide portion having a circular cross section. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line SS in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in which the cross section of the support guide portion is cross-shaped. [Figure 11] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line SS in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in which the cross section of the support guide portion is asterisk-shaped. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an inventory management device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an inventory management device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the inventory management device where an upper member is fixed to a lower member. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the inventory management device where an upper member is fixed to a lower member. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inventory management device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inventory management device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description will not be repeated. In the following description, terms meaning specific positions and directions, such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," or "rear," may be used. However, these terms are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the contents of the embodiments, and do not relate to the directions when actually implemented. [Embodiment 1]

[0010] A first embodiment of the inventory management device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the inventory management device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the inventory management device 100 when the mounting base 1 is square in plan view. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the inventory management device 100 when the mounting base 1 is rectangular in plan view. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the inventory management device 100 when the mounting base 1 is circular in plan view. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a door pocket 91 of a refrigerator 90 in which the inventory management device 100 is installed. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the inventory management device 100 installed in the door pocket 91 of the refrigerator 90.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the inventory management device 100 includes a mounting table 1 and an article sensor 3. A beverage container P (an example of an article) is placed on the mounting table 1. The article sensor 3 determines whether or not a beverage container P is placed on the mounting table 1. The mounting table 1 has a light-transmitting section 11 that transmits light. The article sensor 3 has a light-emitting section 31, a light-receiving section 32, and a detection section 33. The light-emitting section 31 emits pulsed light to the light-transmitting section 11. The light-receiving section 32 receives the light from the light-transmitting section 11. The detection section 33 detects information about the light received by the light-receiving section 32. The detected information may be, for example, whether or not the delay time from when the light-emitting section 31 emits light to when the light is received by the light-receiving section 32 is less than a predetermined value. Less than the predetermined value may be, for example, a range of values ​​within which it can be determined that the light from the light-emitting section 31 has been reflected by the beverage container P and received by the light-receiving section 32.

[0012] Light from the light-emitting unit 31 is reflected by the bottom surface of the beverage container P placed on the platform 1. The reflected light is received by the light-receiving unit 32. The detection unit 33 detects whether the delay of the light received by the light-receiving unit 32 (hereinafter referred to as the delay amount) is less than a predetermined value. If the detection unit 33 detects that the delay amount is less than the predetermined value, the item sensor 3 determines that a beverage container P is placed on the platform 1. If the detection unit 33 detects that the delay amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the item sensor 3 determines that a beverage container P is not placed on the platform 1. Therefore, the inventory management device 100 can have a simple configuration, as the item sensor 3 determines whether a beverage container P is placed on the platform 1.

[0013] The article sensor 3 is, for example, a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the presence or absence of an article may be determined from the position or amount of light received by the light receiving unit 32. When the presence or absence of an article is determined based on the position or amount of light received by the light receiving unit 32, the information detected by the detection unit 33 is whether the position or amount of light is within a predetermined position or equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the article sensor 3 is a reflective light detection sensor, an optical distance measuring sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, or the like. The light emitting unit 31 of the ToF sensor emits pulsed light. The light emitting unit 31 of the infrared sensor emits infrared light (light with a wavelength range of 780 nm to 100,000 nm). The light emitting unit 31 of the laser sensor emits laser light. Alternatively, an ultrasonic sensor may be used instead of light.

[0014] Inventory management device 100 further includes wireless transmitter 4. Wireless transmitter 4 transmits the result of the determination made by item sensor 3. That is, wireless transmitter 4 wirelessly transmits the result of the determination as to whether or not a beverage container P is placed on mounting table 1. Therefore, inventory management device 100 does not need to be connected to an external device by wire, which further simplifies the configuration.

[0015] The light-transmitting portion 11 is located at a position other than the centroid 1C (center of gravity) on the upper surface of the mounting table 1. When the beverage container P is a bottle-shaped container (such as the shape of the beverage container P indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1), the distance between the upper surface of the mounting table 1 and the beverage container P may be large at the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1. However, the distance between the upper surface of the mounting table 1 and the beverage container P is small at positions other than the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1. If the distance between the upper surface of the mounting table 1 and the beverage container P is small, the light from the light-emitting portion 31 reflected by the beverage container P can be more easily received by the light-receiving portion 32. Therefore, by positioning the light-transmitting portion 11 at a position other than the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, the light from the light-emitting portion 31 reflected by the beverage container P can be more easily received by the light-receiving portion 32. As a result, by positioning the light-transmitting portion 11 at a position other than the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, the reliability of the determination by the article sensor 3 can be improved.

[0016] Here, the light-transmitting portion 11 is, for example, a through-hole 12 and a light-transmitting sheet 13. The through-hole 12 passes through the mounting table 1 from top to bottom.

[0017] The light-transmitting sheet 13 covers the through-hole 12. The light-transmitting sheet 13 is provided below or inside the through-hole 12. The light-transmitting sheet 13 and the mounting base 1 (specifically, the periphery of the through-hole 12) are in close contact with each other without any gaps. Therefore, even if liquid such as a beverage contained in a beverage container P drips into the through-hole 12, the liquid will not seep between the light-transmitting sheet 13 and the mounting base 1, thereby improving reliability.

[0018] The light-transmitting sheet 13 is positioned so as not to reflect light from the light-emitting unit 31 toward the light-receiving unit 32. Therefore, the light-transmitting sheet 13 is disposed in a position close to the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32. Specifically, the light-transmitting sheet 13 covers the through-hole 12 from the underside of the mounting table 1. The light-transmitting sheet 13 prevents light from the light-emitting unit 31 from being reflected toward the light-receiving unit 32, thereby improving the reliability of the determination by the article sensor 3. Instead of the light-transmitting sheet 13, a light-transmitting material may cover the surface of the mounting table 1. In this case, the light-transmitting material is provided on the through-holes 12. The light-transmitting material may be glass or resin. In the case of a transparent resin, the light-transmitting material may be molded integrally with the colored resin that forms the mounting table 1 by two-color molding. In this case, too, it is preferable to position the light-transmitting material close to the light-emitting section 31 and the light-receiving section 32, for example, by inserting the light-emitting section 31 and the light-receiving section 32 into the through-holes 12.

[0019] The light-transmitting portion 11 is located 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less from the centroid 1C (center of gravity) on the upper surface of the mounting table 1. The bottom surface of a beverage container P often has a deep recess within a radius of 10 mm from the center of the bottom surface. Therefore, by positioning the light-transmitting portion 11 10 mm or more from the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, the distance between the light-transmitting portion 11 and the bottom surface of the beverage container P becomes relatively small. On the other hand, the bottom surface of a beverage container P often falls within a radius of 70 mm or less from the center of the bottom surface. Therefore, by positioning the light-transmitting portion 11 70 mm or more from the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, the light-transmitting portion 11 is located below the bottom surface of the beverage container P. As a result, by positioning the light-transmitting portion 11 10 mm or more and 70 mm or less from the centroid 1C on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, the reliability of determination by the article sensor 3 can be improved. Preferably, the light-transmitting portion 11 is located 10 mm or more from the periphery of the upper surface of the mounting base 1. This allows the bottom surface of the beverage container P to be positioned on the light-transmitting portion 11 when the beverage container P is stably placed.

[0020] 2, the top surface of the mounting base 1 has, for example, a square shape in plan view. The square shape in plan view is suitable for beverage containers P having a substantially circular cross section (such as medium-sized or smaller plastic bottles or cans) and beverage containers P having a substantially square cross section (such as paper containers). Although the light-transmitting portion 11 is illustrated as being located between one side of the mounting base 1 and the centroid 1C in plan view, it may be located anywhere, such as between a corner of the mounting base 1 and the centroid 1C.

[0021] 3, the top surface of the mounting base 1 has, for example, a rectangular shape in plan view. The rectangular shape in plan view is suitable for beverage containers P (such as large PET bottles) with a substantially rectangular cross section. Although the light-transmitting portion 11 is illustrated as being located between a corner of the mounting base 1 and the centroid 1C in plan view, it may be located anywhere, such as between the long side (or short side) of the mounting base 1 and the centroid 1C.

[0022] 4, the top surface of the table 1 has, for example, a circular shape in a plan view. The circular shape in a plan view is suitable for beverage containers P having a substantially circular cross section.

[0023] The top surface of the mounting table 1 is not limited to a square, rectangle, or circle in plan view, and may have any planar shape. Examples of planar shapes include polygons and various circular shapes. Polygons include, for example, quadrilaterals such as rhombus or parallelograms, triangles such as isosceles triangles or equilateral triangles, or pentagons or more. Various circular shapes include, for example, ellipses, ovals, egg shapes, polygons with rounded corners, etc.

[0024] The location where inventory management device 100 is installed is a location where inventory management of items is required. If the items are food or beverage containers P, the location where inventory management device 100 is installed is, for example, a food shelf or a refrigerator. A specific location where inventory management device 100 is installed is, for example, inside door pocket 91 of refrigerator 90, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom 92 of the door pocket 91 is lower on the side from which the beverage container P is removed (the left side in FIG. 6). The light-transmitting portion 11 is preferably located lower than the centroid 1C. Therefore, the inventory management device 100 in the door pocket 91 is positioned so that the light-transmitting portion 11 is located closer to the removal side of the beverage container P than the centroid 1C. With this positioning, the beverage container P placed on the mounting table 1 is likely to be biased toward the removal side. By biasing the beverage container P toward the removal side, even if the beverage container P is small, the light-transmitting portion 11 is located below the bottom surface of the beverage container P. As a result, the reliability of the determination by the item sensor 3 can be improved. [Embodiment 2]

[0026] Next, a second embodiment of the inventory management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the inventory management device 100 includes a weight sensor 7 in addition to the item sensor 3.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an inventory management device 100 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inventory management device 100 when the bottom surface 22 of the support guide section 21 is a curved surface. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the SS cross-sections of FIGS. 7 and 8 when the cross-section of the support guide section 21 is circular. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the SS cross-sections of FIGS. 7 and 8 when the cross-section of the support guide section 21 is cross-shaped. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the SS cross-sections of the SS cross-sections of FIGS. 7 and 8 when the cross-section of the support guide section 21 is asterisk-shaped.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7, the inventory management device 100 comprises an upper member 10, a lower member 50, and one weight sensor 7. The upper member 10 has a mounting base 1. The weight sensor 7 supports the upper member 10. The lower member 50 has one weight sensor 7 disposed thereon. The lower member 50 has a cylindrical body 60. The upper member 10 has a guide portion 20 that is guided by the cylindrical body 60. The upper end of the cylindrical body 60 does not contact the upper member 10, even if a beverage container P is placed on the mounting base 1 and the weight of the beverage container causes the upper member 10 to move slightly downward.

[0029] Because the upper end of the cylindrical body 60 is not in contact with the upper member 10, the cylindrical body 60 does not support the upper member 10 from below. Therefore, even if the side surface of the cylindrical body 60 is in contact with the upper member 10, most of the weight of the upper member 10 can be supported by a single weight sensor 7. In other words, multiple weight sensors 7 are not required to support the weight of the upper member 10. As a result, the inventory management device 100 can be further simplified in configuration. In addition, because the item sensor 3 and the weight sensor 7 determine whether or not a beverage container P is placed on the mounting table 1, reliability can be further improved.

[0030] The lower member 50 has a bottom plate 51 in addition to the cylindrical body 60. The bottom plate 51 has the cylindrical body 60 provided on the upper surface thereof. The lower member 50 may have a cushion 71 placed under the weight sensor 7. The cushion 71 is not limited to being placed under the weight sensor 7, but may also be placed on top of the weight sensor 7. The cushion 71 has a thickness of, for example, about 0.5 mm±0.2 mm.

[0031] The weight sensor 7 is a sensor that measures the weight being received. The weight sensor 7 is, for example, a film-like load cell or a pressure-sensitive sensor that enables weight measurement. The wireless transmitter 4 also transmits the weight measured by the weight sensor 7.

[0032] Here, the distance between the upper end of the cylindrical body 60 and the portion of the upper member 10 facing the upper end of the cylindrical body 60 is defined as distance A. That is, distance A is the distance between the upper end of the cylindrical body 60 and the portion of the upper member 10 facing the upper end of the cylindrical body 60. Furthermore, the distance between the cylindrical body 60 and the guide portion 20 is defined as distance B. That is, distance B is the distance between the cylindrical body 60 and the guide portion 20. It is preferable that distance A is greater than distance B (distance A > distance B).

[0033] Because distance A is greater than distance B, even if the upper member 10 tilts, the upper end of the cylindrical body 60 and the upper member 10 are reliably kept out of contact (distance A>0). Therefore, even if the upper member 10 tilts, the cylindrical body 60 does not support the upper member 10 from below. As a result, even if the upper member 10 tilts, most of the weight of the upper member 10 is borne by one weight sensor 7, further improving reliability.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the cylindrical body 60 is an inner cylindrical body 61. The inner cylindrical body 61 is provided closer to the centroid 1C of the mounting table 1. One weight sensor 7 is disposed inside the inner cylindrical body 61. The guide portion 20 guided by the inner cylindrical body 61 is a support guide portion 21. The support guide portion 21 runs along the inner surface of the inner cylindrical body 61. The support guide portion 21 serves both to be guided by the inner cylindrical body 61 and to be received by the weight sensor 7. Because the guide portion 20 is the support guide portion 21, a separate support body to be received by the weight sensor 7 is not required. This makes it possible to further simplify the configuration.

[0035] The item sensor 3 is disposed at a location other than the centroid 1C on the top surface of the mounting table 1. On the other hand, the single weight sensor 7 is disposed inside the inner cylindrical body 61, that is, closer to the centroid 1C of the mounting table 1. In other words, the item sensor 3 and the weight sensor 7 are disposed at different positions in a plan view. This allows for effective use of the space within the inventory management device 100. As a result, the inventory management device 100 can have a simpler configuration.

[0036] 7, distance A is the distance between the upper end of the inner cylindrical body 61 and the portion of the upper member 10 that faces the upper end of the inner cylindrical body 61. Distance B is the distance between the inner surface of the inner cylindrical body 61 and the outer surface of the support guide part 21. Distance A is greater than distance B (distance A>distance B).

[0037] Next, we will explain modified examples of the bottom surface 22 of the support guide portion 21. The bottom surface 22 of the support guide portion 21 is flat in the example shown in Fig. 7, and is a curved surface in the example shown in Fig. 8. The curved surface (bottom surface 22 of the support guide portion 21) shown in Fig. 8 becomes convex downwards towards the center.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, because the bottom surface 22 of the support guide portion 21 is a curved surface, even if the upper member 10 tilts, the pressure from the curved surface to the weight sensor 7 is unlikely to change. Therefore, even if the upper member 10 tilts, the weight measured by the weight sensor 7 is unlikely to change. As a result, the reliability of the weight sensor 7 can be further improved.

[0039] Next, modified examples of the support guide portion 21 and the inner cylindrical body 61 in cross section (SS cross section in FIGS. 7 and 8) will be described.

[0040] 9, the support guide portion 21 has a circular cross section. In other words, the support guide portion 21 has a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the inner cylindrical body 61 has an annular cross section. In other words, the inner cylindrical body 61 has a cylindrical shape.

[0041] 10, the cross section of the support guide portion 21 is cross-shaped. In other words, the support guide portion 21 is a radial column radiating at equal intervals in four directions. Meanwhile, the inner cylindrical body 61 is cylindrical, as in FIG. 9.

[0042] 11, the cross section of the support guide portion 21 is asterisk-shaped. In other words, the support guide portion 21 is a radial column radiating at equal intervals in eight directions. On the other hand, the inner cylindrical body 61 is cylindrical, as in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0043] The cylindrical body 60 including the inner cylindrical body 61 is not limited to the shape (cylindrical) shown in Figures 9 to 11, and may be another cylindrical shape such as a rectangular tube. The support guide part 21 is not limited to the shape (cylindrical and radial pillar) shown in Figures 9 to 11, and may have any shape that can be guided by the inner cylindrical body 61. [Embodiment 3]

[0044] Next, a third embodiment of the inventory management device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the shapes of the guide section 20 and the cylindrical body 60. Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the inventory management device 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0045] 12 is an outer cylindrical body 64. The outer cylindrical body 64 is provided on the edge of the upper surface of the bottom plate 51. The guide portion 20 guided by the outer cylindrical body 64 is an outer guide portion 24. The outer guide portion 24 fits along the outer surface of the outer cylindrical body 64.

[0046] Unlike the support guide portion 21 of embodiment 2, the outer guide portion 24 cannot be received by the weight sensor 7. Therefore, the upper member 10 of embodiment 3 has a support 15 that can be received by the weight sensor 7. The support 15 is provided on the underside of the mounting table 1, closer to the centroid 1C. The bottom surface 16 of the support 15 is a curved surface. This curved surface (bottom surface 16 of the support 15) becomes convex downwards towards the center. The lower member 50 has a raised portion 82. The raised portion 82 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate 51 directly below the support 15. One weight sensor 7 is disposed at the upper end of the raised portion 82.

[0047] Bulky portion 82 is used as a battery case. That is, a battery (not shown) is placed inside bulky portion 82 used as a battery case. By using bulky portion 82 as a battery case, the space inside inventory management device 100 is used effectively. Therefore, inventory management device 100 can have a simpler configuration.

[0048] Here, the distance between the lower end of the outer guide part 24 and the part of the lower member 50 facing the lower end of the outer guide part 24 is defined as distance C. That is, distance C is the distance between the lower end of the outer guide part 24 and the part of the lower member 50 facing the lower end of the outer guide part 24. Furthermore, the distance between the outer cylindrical body 64 and the outer guide part 24 is defined as distance D. That is, distance D is the distance between the outer surface of the outer cylindrical body 64 and the inner surface of the outer guide part 24. It is preferable that distance C is greater than distance D (distance C > distance D).

[0049] Because distance C is greater than distance D, non-contact between the lower end of outer guide portion 24 and lower member 50 is reliably maintained (distance C>0) even if upper member 10 tilts. Therefore, even if upper member 10 tilts, bottom plate 51 of lower member 50 does not support upper member 10 from below. As a result, even if upper member 10 tilts, most of the weight of upper member 10 is borne by one weight sensor 7, further improving reliability. [Embodiment 4]

[0050] Next, a fourth embodiment of the inventory management device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The fourth embodiment is a combination of the second and third embodiments. Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the inventory management device 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0051] 13, the cylindrical body 60 is an inner cylindrical body 61 and an outer cylindrical body 64. The guide portions 20 guided by the inner cylindrical body 61 and the outer cylindrical body 64 are a support guide portion 21 and an outer guide portion 24, respectively. The upper member 10 does not have the support body 15 and bulky portion 82 of the third embodiment, because the support guide portion 21 functions as the support body 15 of the third embodiment.

[0052] The cylindrical body 60 is the inner cylindrical body 61 and the outer cylindrical body 64, and the guide portion 20 is the support guide portion 21 and the outer guide portion 24, so that the guide portion 20 is appropriately guided by the cylindrical body 60. Therefore, reliability can be further improved.

[0053] In the second to fourth embodiments, the description of the fixing of the upper member 10 to the lower member 50 has been omitted. Therefore, the fixing will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion where the upper member 10 is fixed to the lower member 50 of the inventory management device 100. Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion where the upper member 10 is fixed to the lower member 50 of the inventory management device 100.

[0054] 14, the upper member 10 has a screw boss 26 and a housing fixing screw 68. The screw boss 26 is provided on the lower surface of the mounting table 1. The housing fixing screw 68 is screwed into the screw boss 26 from below.

[0055] The lower member 50 has a countersunk tube 65. The countersunk tube 65 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate 51. The countersunk tube 65 communicates with a hole formed in the bottom plate 51. The countersunk tube 65 has an upper countersunk tube 66 and a lower countersunk tube 67. The upper countersunk tube 66 guides the screw boss 26. Therefore, the upper countersunk tube 66 has a larger diameter than the screw boss 26 and a smaller diameter than the head of the housing fixing screw 68. The lower countersunk tube 67 accommodates the head of the housing fixing screw 68. Therefore, the lower countersunk tube 67 has a larger diameter than the head of the housing fixing screw 68.

[0056] Because the screw boss 26 is guided by the upper countersunk cylinder 66, the upper countersunk cylinder 66 functions as the cylindrical body 60, and the screw boss 26 functions as the guide portion 20. Therefore, by employing at least the screw boss 26 and the upper countersunk cylinder 66, most of the weight of the upper member 10 can be supported by a single weight sensor 7. As a result, the configuration can be further simplified and reliability can be further improved.

[0057] 15, the lower member 50 may have a compression spring 69. The compression spring 69 is disposed around the upper countersunk cylinder 66. The lower end of the compression spring 69 presses downward against the step between the upper countersunk cylinder 66 and the lower countersunk cylinder 67. Meanwhile, the upper end of the compression spring 69 presses upward against the lower surface of the mounting table 1.

[0058] 14 or 15 are preferably located at two or four diagonal corners in plan view when inventory management device 100 is rectangular in shape. This is because such locations allow for stable fixation of upper member 10 to lower member 50. However, the number and locations of the components shown in FIG. 14 or 15 are not particularly limited. [Embodiment 5]

[0059] Next, a fifth embodiment of the inventory management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The fifth embodiment is a specific embodiment of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 13. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the inventory management device 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 16.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 17, the lower member 50 further includes a substrate 5, a battery cover 86, and a cover attachment / detachment screw 87.

[0061] The substrate 5 is fixed to the outer cylindrical body 64. The inner cylindrical body 61 and the support guide portion 21 are inserted through the substrate 5. The substrate 5 supplies power from a battery (not shown) to the article sensor 3 and the weight sensor 7. The substrate 5 transmits the results of determination and measurement by the article sensor 3 and the weight sensor 7 to the wireless transmitter 4 (not shown).

[0062] The battery cover 86 holds a battery (not shown). The cover attachment / detachment screws 87 are screwed to attach the battery cover 86 to the bottom plate 51.

[0063] The through holes 12 of the light-transmitting portion 11 have upper through holes 12U and lower through holes 12L. The upper through holes 12U are larger than the lower through holes 12L. The lower through holes 12L are covered with a light-transmitting sheet 13 from below.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 11, the support guide portion 21 is a radial pillar that radiates at equal intervals in eight directions.

[0065] The mounting table 1 has a square shape with rounded corners in a plan view, as shown in Fig. 16. The screw bosses 26, the housing fixing screws 68, and the countersunk cylinders 65 shown in Fig. 14 are arranged at two diagonal corners of the mounting table 1, although not shown. [Embodiment 6]

[0066] Next, a sixth embodiment of the inventory management device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. The sixth embodiment is a specific embodiment of the third embodiment shown in Figure 12. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the inventory management device 100 according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in Figure 18.

[0067] 19, the bulky portion 82 of the lower member 50 is used as a battery case. Therefore, inside the bulky portion 82, a button-type battery 8 is placed.

[0068] The lower member 50 further includes a case fixing cylinder 83 and a case fixing screw 84. The case fixing cylinder 83 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate 51. The case fixing screw 84 fixes the bulkhead portion 82 to the case fixing cylinder 83 by screwing.

[0069] The battery cover 86 has a battery support ring 81. The battery support ring 81 supports the button-type battery 8 from below.

[0070] The mounting table 1 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners in a plan view, as shown in Fig. 18. The screw bosses 26, the housing fixing screws 68, the countersunk cylinders 65, and the compression springs 69 shown in Fig. 15 are arranged at four diagonal corners of the mounting table 1, although not shown.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 19 , the mounting base 1 has a transparent upper lid 18 and a lower base 19. The transparent upper lid 18 transmits light. Therefore, the transparent upper lid 18 functions as a light-transmitting sheet 13. The transparent upper lid 18 is placed over the lower base 19. The lower base 19 has a through-hole 12. Therefore, the through-holes 12 in the transparent upper lid 18 and the lower base 19 function as a light-transmitting portion 11.

[0072] 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 of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0073] (1) The inventory management devices 100 of embodiments 2 to 6 have been described as including an item sensor 3 and one weight sensor 7. However, the inventory management devices 100 of embodiments 2 to 6 do not have to include the item sensor 3. Regardless of the item sensor 3, the inventory management devices 100 of embodiments 2 to 6 allow the cylindrical body 60 and guide section 20 to support most of the weight of the upper member 10 with one weight sensor 7. Therefore, the inventory management devices 100 of embodiments 2 to 6 can have a simpler configuration even without including the item sensor 3.

[0074] (2) Although not shown in the inventory management device 100 of embodiments 1 to 6, rubber feet (not shown) may be provided at the four corners of the underside of the bottom plate 51. When countersunk cylinders 65 are located at the four corners of the underside of the bottom plate 51, the rubber feet are fitted into the countersunk cylinders 65 from below. The rubber feet function as anti-slip devices, further improving the reliability of the inventory management device 100.

[0075] (3) In the inventory management device 100 of the first to sixth embodiments, no description has been given of the destination to which the wireless transmitter 4 transmits. The destination to which the wireless transmitter 4 transmits is, for example, a wireless communication device installed in a location where inventory management is required, such as a food shelf or a refrigerator 90. This wireless communication device may transmit the information received from the inventory management device 100 to a smartphone, a server, or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The present invention provides an inventory management device and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] P Beverage container 1. Mounting table 1C centroid 4 Radio transmitter 5. Substrate 7 Weight Sensor 8 Button Cell Batteries 10 Upper member 11 Translucent part 12 Through holes 12U upper through hole 12L lower through hole 13 Translucent sheet 15 Support 16 Bottom of support 18 Transparent top lid 19 Lower platform 20 Information Department 21 Support guide section 22 Bottom surface of support guide 24 Outer guide section 26 Screw boss 31 Light-emitting part 32 Light receiving part 33 Detection unit 50 Lower part 51 Bottom plate 60 Cylindrical body 61 Inner tubular body 64 Outer tubular body 65 Counterbore 66 Upper counterbore 67 Lower counterbore 68 Housing fixing screw 69 Compression Spring 71 Cushion 81 Battery support ring 82 Bulk part 83 Case fixing tube 84 Case fixing screw 86 Battery cover 87 Cover attachment screw 90 Refrigerator 91 Door pocket 92 Bottom 100 Inventory Management Equipment

Claims

1. A platform on which a single item is placed; an article sensor that determines whether an article is placed on the placement table; Equipped with the mounting table has a light-transmitting portion that transmits light, the light-transmitting portion is located at a position other than the center of gravity on the top surface of the mounting table, The article sensor a light emitting section that emits light to the light transmitting section; a light receiving portion that receives light from the light transmitting portion; a detection unit that detects information about the light received by the light receiving unit; Inventory control equipment.

2. The inventory control device of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transmitter for transmitting results determined by the item sensor.

3. The article includes a bottle-shaped container, The inventory management device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-transmitting portion is located 10 mm to 70 mm from the center of gravity on the top surface of the table.

4. an upper member having the mounting table; a weight sensor that receives the upper member; a lower member on which the weight sensor is disposed; Furthermore, At least a portion of the weight sensor is provided at the center of gravity. The inventory control device of claim 1 .

5. The weight sensor is a pressure-sensitive sensor, The inventory control device according to claim 4 , wherein the surface of the upper member that contacts the weight sensor is a curved surface that is convex toward the weight sensor.

6. The lower member has a cylindrical body in which the weight sensor is disposed, The upper member is A guide portion that is guided by the cylindrical body and The inventory management device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the upper end of the cylindrical body is not in contact with the upper member.

7. The inventory management device according to claim 6 , wherein the distance between the upper end of the cylindrical body and the portion of the upper member facing the upper end of the cylindrical body is greater than the distance between the cylindrical body and the guide portion.

8. 8. The inventory management device according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the lower end of the guide portion and the portion of the lower member facing the lower end of the guide portion is greater than the distance between the cylindrical body and the guide portion.

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