PET bottle volume reduction device

Abstract

To provide a container volume reduction device which can prevent fragments etc. of an empty bottle from clogging a gap between a placement part and a guide part with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A container volume reduction device includes: a container placement part having a placement part; a volume reduction part which is provided physically separated from the placement part and reduces a volume of an empty container; a guide part which is provided physically separated from the placement part and forms a path extending from the placement part and reaching the volume reduction part; and an inner door provided between the placement part and the guide part. The inner door shields a gap between the placement part and the guide part when viewed from at least the volume reduction part side in a closed state. Further, in the container volume reduction device, a gap is provided between a volume reduction part side end of the placement part and a placement part side end of the guide part and a tip (a lower end) of the inner door is located near the placement part side end of the guide part in the closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides plastic bottles Regarding volume reduction equipment. [Background technology]

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-153019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, for example, in the empty container volume reduction and recovery machine described in Patent Document 1, if the path taken by the inserted empty container to the compression roller is clogged with foreign matter such as fragments of empty containers crushed by the compression roller, there is a risk of malfunction, such as the inserted empty container not moving normally to the compression roller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The PET bottle volume reduction device of the present invention comprises a PET bottle input section having a placement section, a volume reduction section that is physically separated from the placement section and reduces the volume of PET bottles, a guide section that is physically separated from the placement section and forms a path from the placement section to the volume reduction section, and an inner door that is provided between the placement section and the guide section, and the inner door, when closed, shields a gap between the placement section and the guide section at least when viewed from the volume reduction section side. The inner door is configured to cover the gap by extending beyond the end of the guide section on the side of the placement section and positioned on the side of the volume reducing section. It is characterized by: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are overall conceptual diagrams of an empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view of the empty container recovery device and (b) is a side view of the empty container recovery device. [Figure 2] 1 is a side conceptual view of a container recovery device as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a container insertion section of an empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) with the outer door closed and the inner door closed. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a side conceptual diagram showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) with the outer door closed and the inner door closed. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) with an outer door open and an inner door closed. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a side conceptual diagram showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) with the outer door open and the inner door closed. FIG. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) with the outer door in a closed state (not shown) and the inner door in an open state, where (a) is a conceptual side view and (b) is an oblique view from the back side. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view from the rear side showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) with the outer door in a closed state (not shown) and the inner door in an open state. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) having a protrusion on the inner door, where (a) is a conceptual side view of the container volume reduction device when the inner door is closed, and (b) is a conceptual side view of the container volume reduction device when the inner door is open. [Figure 11] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a placement section and a guide section of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 12] 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) in a maintenance mode. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an electrical function block of the container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 15] A figure showing an example of a notification screen when the container volume reduction device is in maintenance mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a container input section having a mounting section, a volume reduction section that is physically separated from the mounting section and reduces the volume of empty containers, a guide section (bottle guide) that is physically separated from the mounting section and forms a path from the mounting section to the volume reduction section, and an inner door that is provided between the mounting section and the guide section, and when in a closed state, the inner door shields the gap between the mounting section and the guide section, at least when viewed from the volume reduction section side.

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

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an empty container recovery device 100 that recovers empty containers (PET bottles, etc.) to be recovered, as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the empty container recovery device 100 of this embodiment, when on standby, the outer door of the article input section (container input section) is closed, and the inner door provided between the article input section and the storage section, which can be opened and closed, is also closed. When recovering items, the outer door of the article input section is opened, and the control section (discrimination section) determines whether an item placed on the loading section of the article input section is an item to be recovered (e.g., an empty plastic container such as a PET bottle). If it is determined to be an item to be recovered (an empty container), the outer door is closed, and the inner door provided between the article input section and the storage section is opened, and the container is recovered by the storage section. In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device is equipped with a volume reduction mechanism, and by reducing the volume of the container using the volume reduction mechanism, a large number of reduced empty containers can be recovered in a storage section with a specified capacity.

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

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

[0012] A passage communicating with the container storage section 140 is provided below the container insertion section 110, and an inner door 112 is provided in a passage 71 leading from the placement section 116 of the container insertion section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0013] In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 is provided with a volume reduction section 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage section 140. When the inner door 112 is open, the volume reduction section 120 crushes and reduces the volume of the empty container A from the container input section 110, and outputs the reduced container RA to the container storage section 140 below. In addition, the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100 has a drawer 100C on which the container storage section 140 is placed, and a drawer handle 100e and a keyhole 100r are provided on the front side, so that the device can be locked and unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole 100r.

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

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

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

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the volume reducing section 120 has a structure in which a pair of rotary shafts 811 and 911 are rotatably supported by two support members (not shown) each having a substantially plate shape.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting surface of the mounting section 116 is not horizontal, but is inclined so that the container storage section 140 side is lower than the item insertion port side (the opening side when the outer door 111 is in the open state). In other words, the mounting section 116 is configured to encourage inserted items to fall to the container storage section 140 side (or the volume reduction section 120 side) due to their own weight. This eliminates the need to provide a conveying mechanism for sending the items (input items) to the container storage section 140, making it possible to provide a compact container volume reduction device. Furthermore, the surface of the mounting section 116 is surface-treated to form an uneven portion, which prevents inserted items from sticking to the mounting section. If the container volume reduction device is an empty container recovery device, even if the container is wet, the contact area between the container surface and the uneven surface of the mounting section is relatively small, so the surface tension due to wetting is small, and the container moves easily toward the container storage section 140. In other words, this prevents the problem of wet containers not falling into the container storage section.

[0028] The outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the placement section 116. The outer door drive section 5 drives the outer door 111 so as to be able to open and close freely. The inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 between the placement section 116 and the volume reduction section 120. The inner door drive section 6 drives the inner door 112 so that it can be opened and closed freely. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner door 112 is provided with a placement guide section 112D that guides the placement of empty containers. The placement guide section 112D is provided in an exposed position that can be seen from the device main body. The placement guide section 112D displays information to guide the user to place the item (empty container such as a PET bottle) in a specified orientation and in a specified position (for example, 350 ml, 500 ml, 2000 ml, etc.). This PlacementThe guide portion 112D may be a recess, a protrusion, a sticker, an LED display, an LCD, or the like provided on the surface of the inner door 112. The container volume reduction device may also include a determination means for determining whether an item is correctly placed in the placement position indicated by the placement guide unit 112D using a detection sensor such as an imaging unit. Also, a detection unit such as an imaging process or an optical sensor can issue a notification if the placement orientation or position is incorrect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] The first limiting portion K111 and the second limiting portion K112 are configured so that their movement paths overlap. In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 is configured so that, when one of the first limiting portion K111 and the second limiting portion K112 limits the movement of the other, the first limiting portion K111 and the second limiting portion K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight gap in an arc shape. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first limiting portion K111 is formed in a substantially fan shape. The first limiting portion K111 has a convex arc-shaped portion K111a and a concave portion K111b. The second limiting portion K112 is formed in a substantially fan shape. More specifically, the second limiting portion K112 has a convex arc-shaped portion K112a and a concave portion K112b.

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device) having a protrusion on the inner door according to one embodiment of the present invention. In detail, Fig. 10(a) is a conceptual side view of the container volume reduction device with the inner door in a closed state, and Fig. 10(b) is a conceptual side view of the container volume reduction device with the inner door in an open state.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the outer door 111 is in a closed state (not shown) and the inner door 112 is in a closed state, the empty container recovery device 100 has a regulating means (regulating section 40) that can maintain a predetermined distance Ls between the edge 116a of the loading section 116 and the end face of the inner door 112. 10(a) and 10(b), in this embodiment, the restricting means (restricting portion 40) may have a protrusion 43 (40) on a portion of the end surface 112a of the inner door 112 that abuts against the edge portion 116a of the mounting portion 116, and / or may have a protrusion 44 (40) on a portion 116Wa of the end surface 112a of the inner door 112 that abuts against the side wall portion 116W (side wall cover) of the mounting portion 116. Even when the inner door 112 is closed, the edge portion 116a of the mounting portion 116 and the end surface 112a of the inner door 112 can be maintained at a predetermined distance Ls, and residual liquid can be discharged from the gap between the mounting portion 116 and the inner door 112.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the placement section, guide section, inner door, etc. of an empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining that the end of the guide section can move when the inner door is half-open during maintenance.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11, the empty container collecting device has a container input section 110 with a placing section 116 . The volume reducing section 120 that reduces the volume of the empty container is located below the placement section 116 and is provided physically separated from the placement section 116. The guide portion (referred to as the restricting members 60, 61 or bottle guides) is provided physically separated from the placing portion 116 and forms a path leading from the placing portion 116 to the volume reducing portion 120. In detail, a gap 65 is formed between the placing portion 116 and the guide portion (restricting member 60). The inner door 112 (shutter) is provided between the placement portion 116 and the guide portion (regulating members 60, 61), and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis C112. In addition, the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is configured to be located near the loading section side end 60c of the guide section (regulating member 60) when the inner door 112 is in a closed state, and is configured to shield the gap 65 between the loading section 116 and the guide section (regulating member 60).

[0046] 11, when the inner door 112 is in the closed state, the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is located closer to the volume reduction section than the loading section side end 60c of the guide section (regulating member 60). Specifically, the empty container recovery device is configured so that when the inner door 112 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 overlaps with the loading section side end 60c in the vertical direction. The inner door 112 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but is merely required to be configured to shield the gap 65 at least when viewed from the volume reduction section 120 side, thereby preventing foreign matter such as debris that flies off from the volume reduction section 120 during volume reduction from getting stuck (stuck) in the gap 65.

[0047] In this embodiment, the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is formed in a bent shape so as to extend toward the volume reduction section 120. The length of this bent portion is specified to be the same as or slightly larger than the length of the gap 65. In the above-described embodiment, the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is formed in an L-shape, but this is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, the inner door 112 may be formed to have a thickness sufficient to prevent foreign matter such as debris from the volume reduction section 120 from getting stuck (stuck) in the gap 65.

[0048] Furthermore, a protrusion is formed on the volume reducing section side end 116c of the mounting section 116, protruding toward the regulating member 60 from a position that is a predetermined height lower than the mounting surface of the mounting section 116. This protrusion is inclined at an angle equivalent to that of the regulating member 60, for example, and faces the mounting section side end 60c of the regulating member 60. The inner door 112 is configured so that, when the inner door 112 is closed, the bent portion of the leading end 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is located between the placement surface of the placement section 116 and the volume reduction section side end 116c. As shown in Fig. 11 , when the inner door 112 is closed, the bent portion of the leading end 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is located below the placement surface of the placement section 116 and above the gap 65, and shields the gap 65 without coming into contact with the placement section side end 60c of the guide section and the volume reduction section side end 116c of the placement section 116. In this case, foreign matter is less likely to enter the gap 65 from either the volume reduction section 120 side or the placement surface side of the placement section 116.

[0049] The guide section (regulating member 60) is formed in a plate shape, and an end 60b on the volume reducing section side or its vicinity is supported by a rotation shaft 60d, and an end 60c on the container insertion section side of the regulating member 60 (also referred to as the placing section side end 60c) is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotation shaft 60d. The regulating member 61 is arranged closer to the volume reducing section than the regulating member 60. The restricting member 60 also has a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring that biases the restricting member 60 so that the end 60c of the restricting member 60 rotates from the lower position to the initial position (the position shown in FIG. 11) which is the upper position.

[0050] For example, when a foreign object or the like is caught in the gap 65 and maintenance is performed to remove the foreign object, the inner door 112 is half-opened as shown in Fig. 12. When viewed from the placement section 116 side, the end 60c (tip) of the guide section (regulating member 60) and the gap 65 are exposed. For example, an operator removes the foreign object caught in the gap 65 from the placement unit 116 side using his / her hand, a cleaning tool, or the like. Alternatively, the foreign object may be removed from the gap 65 by moving the end 60c (tip) of the guide unit (regulating member 60) up and down. Alternatively, the foreign object may be moved to the container storage unit 140 through a passage 67 provided below the guide unit (regulating member 60).

[0051] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, an example of the electrical configuration of the empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The empty container recovery device 100 includes a control unit 1 (CPU), a memory unit 2, a display operation unit 3, a transmission / reception unit 4, an outer door drive unit 5, an inner door drive unit 6, a weighing unit 7, a metal sensor 8, an optical sensor 9, a door position sensor 10, a door lock unit 11, and a volume reduction drive unit 15. Each component is electrically connected by a signal line or the like.

[0052] The control unit 1 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100). The control unit 1, for example, executes a control program to cause a computer to realize the functions of the container volume reduction device according to the present invention. The control unit 1 includes a determination unit 101. The determination unit 101 determines whether or not a foreign object is trapped (clogged) in the gap 65 based on the weighing result from the weighing unit 7, for example.

[0053] The memory unit 2 is a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The memory unit 2 stores control programs and the like. The memory unit 2 also stores characteristics of empty containers to be collected. The characteristics of empty containers include, for example, the range of container mass and whether or not they are made of resin material.

[0054] The display operation unit 3 performs a predetermined display under the control of the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 also outputs a signal according to an operation by a user or the like to the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 is, for example, a touch panel display device.

[0055] The transmitting / receiving unit 4 is a transmitting / receiving device that communicates with contactless IC cards, IC tags, etc., and performs predetermined communications under the control of the control unit 1. Also, under the control of the control unit 1, the transmitting / receiving unit 4 performs predetermined communications with other terminal devices (computers) via a wireless communication path or a wired communication path.

[0056] The outer door driving unit 5 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the outer door 111, and is controlled by the control unit 1.

[0057] The inner door driving unit 6 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the inner door 112, and is controlled by the control unit 1 to drive the inner door to an open state or a closed state.

[0058] The weighing unit 7 measures the mass of an empty container or an object not to be collected placed on the placement unit 116 of the container insertion unit 110. The weighing unit 7 is a weighing device such as a load cell. The weighing unit 7 is also used as a sensor that determines whether or not a container placed on the placement unit 116 of the container insertion unit 110 is recyclable by detecting any remaining drink in the container. The weighing unit 7 is also configured to be able to determine the total weight of the containers stored in the container storage unit 140 by accumulating the weight values ​​of the containers that are determined to be recyclable. This function eliminates the need to provide a weighing unit in the container storage unit 140, allowing the container storage unit 140 to have a large capacity, and allows the weighing unit 7 itself to be made smaller. Because the object to be weighed is relatively small, there is no need to provide a large weighing unit 7.

[0059] The metal sensor 8 detects whether an object placed on the placement section 116 of the container insertion section 110 is metallic or non-metallic. In this embodiment, when the metal sensor 8 detects that the object placed on the placement section 116 is metallic, the control section 1 determines that the object placed on the placement section 116 is not a target object for collection.

[0060] The optical sensor 9 also has a light receiving unit that receives light from a light emitting unit provided in the container insertion unit 110. The optical sensor 9 is equipped with, for example, a polarizing plate and is configured to receive light through the polarizing plate, and is configured to be able to detect empty containers to be collected by detecting polarized light that has passed through translucent empty containers such as PET bottles. The control unit 1 detects light received through a translucent empty container placed on the loading section of the container insertion section using an optical sensor 9, and determines whether the empty container is a target for collection based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 9.

[0061] The container volume reduction device is provided with the above-mentioned sensors around the mounting section for determining whether or not collection is necessary. For example, in a conventional collection device, an item is taken into the device, a determination is made as to whether or not it is to be collected, and non-collection items are removed from the device through a discharge port different from the input port. Since a determination section is provided within the device, a discharge port is required. On the other hand, the container volume reduction device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured so that there is no need to take in the material to be recovered because sensors that determine whether or not recovery is required are provided in the loading section, which corresponds to the device's inlet. This eliminates the need for a discharge outlet, making it possible to provide a compact container volume reduction device.

[0062] The door position sensor 10 detects the positions of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112, and outputs a signal relating to the positions of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 controls the open / closed state of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 based on the signal.

[0063] The door lock unit 11 has a locking device such as a solenoid, and is controlled by the control unit 1 to lock the movement of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 as necessary.

[0064] The volume reduction drive unit 15 is a motor that rotates and drives a pair of rollers of the volume reduction unit 120, and is controlled by commands from the control unit 1.

[0065] Next, an example of the operation of the empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and other figures.

[0066] In step ST1, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a foreign object is stuck (clogging) in the gap 65. In detail, the control unit 1 determines that a foreign object is stuck (clogging) in the gap 65 when, for example, the weighing unit 7 outputs an abnormal value. If the control unit 1 determines that a foreign object is stuck (clogging) in the gap 65, the control unit 1 proceeds to the process of step ST3, and otherwise proceeds to the process of step ST2.

[0067] In step ST2, the control unit 1 performs a normal volume reduction process. Specifically, in the initial state, the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is closed. When a button or the like indicating the start of empty container loading is operated, the control unit 1 opens the outer door. An empty container loaded from the container loading unit is placed on the loading unit, and the weighing unit measures the mass of the empty container loaded on the loading unit. When the control unit 1 determines that the empty container is a collection target based on signals from the optical sensor, metal sensor, weighing unit, etc., it opens the inner door 112. The empty container moves from the placement section through the guide section (regulating members 60, 61) to the volume reduction section 120, and the empty container is reduced in volume by the volume reduction section 120 and stored in the container storage section 140 located below the volume reduction section 120.

[0068] In step ST3, if a foreign object is clogged (jammed) in the gap 65, the control unit 1 performs a process to notify the fact. More specifically, in step ST4, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying a screen on the display unit prompting the user to perform maintenance (see FIG. 15), and then transitions to the maintenance mode (step ST5). 15, an image such as "Please slightly widen the gap of the shutter (inner door 112) and remove debris" is displayed on the display operation unit 3 such as a touch panel. Also, a completion button 301, which is operated when maintenance is completed, is displayed in an operable manner on the display operation unit 3.

[0069] In step ST6, the control unit 1 performs control to put the inner door 112 (shutter) into a half-open state. As shown in FIG. 12, when the inner door 112 (shutter) is in a half-open state, the gap 65 and the end 60c of the regulating member 60 as a guide portion are exposed from the container insertion portion side.

[0070] In step ST7, cleaning is performed. In detail, the inner door 112 (shutter) is half-opened, and foreign matter such as pieces of empty containers stuck (jammed) in the gap 65 is removed. Also, for example, an operator (user or the like) presses the tip of the restricting member 60 downward to move it downward, thereby widening the gap, thereby removing foreign matter such as debris. Furthermore, when the pressing force is stopped, the tip of the restricting member 60 moves to the initial position (the position before pressing) due to the biasing force of the biasing means such as a spring. Furthermore, the above-described pressing and non-pressing may be repeated multiple times to remove debris and other foreign matter. Although the above-mentioned cleaning was performed manually by an operator, the container volume reduction device may be provided with a drive unit such as a motor that moves the end 60c (end on the side of the mounting portion) of the regulating member 60 up and down, and debris and other foreign matter may be removed by driving the drive unit against the regulating member 60.

[0071] In step ST8, the maintenance mode is ended. In detail, for example, as shown in Fig. 15, when the completion button 301 (in the example shown in Fig. 15, the display operation unit 3 such as a touch panel) is operated, the maintenance mode is ended, and the control unit 1 drives the inner door 112 to the closed state (step ST9).

[0072] The process of the control unit 1 when a foreign object is stuck in the gap 65 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, when detecting that a foreign object is stuck (jammed) in the gap 65, the control unit 1 may first perform an "automatic removal operation" in which the inner door drive unit 6 automatically moves (opens and closes) the inner door 112 (shutter) several times to remove the foreign object. In this case, if the container volume reduction device is equipped with a drive unit that moves the end 60c (the end on the placement section side) of the regulating member 60 up and down, the "automatic removal operation" may also include moving the end 60c (the end on the placement section side) of the regulating member 60 up and down by this drive unit. Then, if the jam is still not cleared after the "automatic removal operation," the control unit 1 may issue an alert to prompt manual cleaning as shown in steps ST3 and ST4 of the flowchart in FIG. 14.

[0073] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a container volume reduction device. [Background technology] An empty container volume reduction and recovery machine that recovers empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This empty container volume reduction and recovery machine reduces the volume of empty containers by squeezing them between compression rollers and storing them. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-153019 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, for example, in the empty container volume reduction and recovery machine described in Patent Document 1, if the path taken by the inserted empty container to the compression roller is clogged with foreign matter such as fragments of empty containers crushed by the compression roller, there is a risk of malfunction, such as the inserted empty container not moving normally to the compression roller. [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device comprising a container loading section 110 having a mounting section 116, a volume reduction section 120 that is physically separated from the mounting section 116 and reduces the volume of empty containers, a guide section (regulating member 60 or bottle guide) that is physically separated from the mounting section 116 and forms a path from the mounting section 116 to the volume reduction section 120, and an inner door 112 (shutter) that is provided between the mounting section 116 and the guide section (regulating member 60), and the inner door 112 is configured to, when closed, shield the gap 65 between the mounting section 116 and the guide section (regulating member 60) at least when viewed from the volume reduction section side.

[0074] In other words, according to the above configuration, when the inner door 112 is in a closed state, the inner door 112 is configured to block the gap 65 between the loading section 116 and the guide section (regulating member 60), so that a container volume reduction device can be provided that can prevent foreign matter such as flying debris from clogging the gap 65 when, for example, an empty container is reduced in volume by the volume reduction section 120. Furthermore, since the above-mentioned gap 65 is configured so that foreign matter does not get stuck therein, it is possible to provide a container volume reduction device that prevents problems caused by foreign matter getting stuck in the gap when the inner door is opened and closed. Furthermore, since the gap 65 is configured so that foreign matter does not become clogged, it is possible to provide a container volume reduction device in which empty containers can move smoothly from the placement section 116 to the guide section (regulating members 60, 61).

[0075] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device described in (1), in which a gap 65 is provided between the volume reduction section side end 116c of the loading section 116 and the loading section side end 60c of the guide section (regulating member 60), and the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is configured to be located near the loading section side end 60c of the guide section (regulating member 60) when in the closed state.

[0076] In other words, according to the above configuration, a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided in which, when the inner door 112 is in a closed state, the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 can shield the above-mentioned gap 65 from the volume reduction section side.

[0077] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the container volume reduction device described in (2), in which, when closed, the tip 112c (lower end) of the inner door 112 is located closer to the volume reduction section than the loading section side end 60c of the guide section (regulating member 60).

[0078] In other words, with the above configuration, it is possible to provide a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100) that can prevent foreign matter such as debris from the volume reduction section 120 from clogging the gap 65 using the inner door 112.

[0079] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device described in any one of (1) to (3), in which the guide portion (regulating member 60) is configured so that at least the end portion 60c on the loading portion side can move in the detachment direction relative to the loading portion 116.

[0080] According to the above configuration, even if foreign matter or the like becomes lodged in the gap 65, the end 60c of the regulating member 60 moves in the removal direction, thereby increasing the spacing of the gap 65, and a container volume reduction device can be provided that can easily remove the foreign matter lodged in the gap 65. Furthermore, when it is detected that foreign matter such as debris has become lodged in the gap 65, the movable part of the regulating member 60 moves in the removal direction or alternately moves in the opposite direction to the removal direction, thereby providing a container volume reduction device that can easily remove the foreign matter from the gap 65. In addition, in this embodiment, the container volume reduction device has a passage 67 below the gap 65 through which foreign matter can move to the container storage section (storage section) etc. when the end 60c of the regulating member 60 moves in the removal direction. In other words, a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided that has a simple configuration and allows foreign matter removed from gap 65 to move by its own weight through passage 67 to container storage section 140.

[0081] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device described in any one of (1) to (4), in which the guide section (regulating member 60) is formed in a plate shape, and an end 60b on the volume reduction section side or its vicinity is supported by a rotating shaft 60d, and an end 60c on the placement section side of the regulating member 60 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotating shaft 60d. This rotating shaft 60d is provided at the end of the regulating member 61 on the placement section side. The regulating member 61 is arranged closer to the volume reduction section than the regulating member 60. In this embodiment, the container volume reduction device has a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring that biases the regulating member 60 so that the end 60c of the regulating member 60 rotates from the lower position to the initial position (the position shown in FIG. 11), which is the upper position. This biasing means is provided, for example, on or near the rotation shaft 60d.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the end 60c of the restricting member 60 is configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis 60d, so that foreign matter or the like that has become lodged in the gap 65 can be easily removed.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the guide portion (regulating member 60) is configured to rotate around the rotation axis 60d as the center of rotation, but this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the rotation axis 60d may not be necessary, and the volume reduction portion side end 60b of the member such as sheet metal serving as the guide portion (regulating member 60) may be fixed to the device main body, and the placement portion side end 60c may be configured to be movable in the vertical direction due to the elasticity of the member.

[0084] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device described in any one of (3) to (5), which has a determination unit 101 (control unit, weighing unit 7, etc.) that determines whether a foreign object is caught (clogged) in the gap 65 between the volume reduction unit side end 116c of the mounting unit 116 and the mounting unit side end 60c of the guide unit (regulating member 60). In detail, for example, the determination unit 101 makes the above determination based on the weighing result by the weighing unit. The inner door 112 can be moved from a closed state to an open state by rotating horizontally toward the volume reduction section side. In the closed state, the inner door 112 is configured so that the guide section (regulating member 60) is not exposed on the container insertion section side. When the determining unit 101 determines that a foreign object is caught (clogging) in the gap 65, the drive unit rotates the inner door 112 so as to expose a part of the guide portion on the container insertion unit side. In detail, the control unit 1 controls the drive unit to rotate the inner door 112 slightly in the opening direction, exposing the gap 65 and the tip (tip on the container insertion section side) of the guide section (regulating member 60) from the container insertion section side.

[0085] According to the above configuration, for example, when a foreign object or the like is caught (clogged) in the gap 65, the lower end of the inner door 112 rotates to open slightly so as to expose the gap 65 and the tip (the tip on the container insertion section side) of the guide section (regulating member 60).Therefore, a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided with a simple configuration that can easily remove foreign object caught (clogged) in the gap 65.

[0086] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device described in (6), which has a weighing unit 7 that weighs items (empty containers, etc.) placed on the placement unit 116, and the judgment unit 101 judges whether a foreign object is trapped (clogged) in the gap 65 based on the weighing result by the weighing unit 7. In detail, when an item such as an empty container is not placed on the placement section 116, a signal indicating the weighing result by the weighing section 7 is input to the control section 1, and when the weighing result is an abnormal value, the control section 1 determines that a foreign object is caught (clogged) in the gap 65. Specifically, when the signal indicating the weighing result exceeds an error range centered on 0 (zero), the determination unit 101 determines that a foreign object is caught (clogged) in the gap 65. Furthermore, when the determination unit 101 detects, by a sensor or the like, that an article (empty container, etc.) has changed from a state in which it is not placed on the placement unit 116 to a state in which it is placed on the placement unit 116, the determination unit 101 may determine that a foreign object is caught (clogged) in the gap 65 if there is no fluctuation in the weighing value by the weighing unit 7 or if the fluctuation is smaller than a specified range.

[0087] According to the above configuration, a container volume reduction device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided that can easily determine whether or not a foreign object is trapped (clogged) in the gap 65 based on the weighing results by the weighing unit 7. It is also possible to provide an imaging unit such as a camera in the container insertion unit 110 and determine whether a foreign object is caught (clogged) in the gap 65 based on an image obtained by imaging the gap 65.

[0088] Furthermore, the container volume reduction device according to the embodiment of the present invention may send the above-mentioned notification to a computer or the like outside the container volume reduction device via a communication path such as a communication network using the transceiver 4. That is, the container volume reduction device can send the above-mentioned notification to, for example, a higher-level server (computer) or a computer within a store.

[0089] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above-described drawings can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each drawing may be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment obtained by combining the drawings.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the empty container recovery device recovered empty containers such as PET bottles, but it may also be configured to recover aluminum cans, steel cans, etc., or it may be a device that can be used to recover PET bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans.

[0091] Furthermore, although the container volume reduction device according to the embodiment of the present invention has an outer door and an inner door, it is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, the outer door may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 60...Regulating member (also called guide portion or bottle guide) 101…Judgment section 110...Container input section (goods input section) 111...Outer door 112...Inner door 116...Placement section 120...Volume reduction section (volume reduction mechanism) 140...Container storage section (storage section) 100... Empty container recovery device (also called container volume reduction device or item recovery device)

Claims

1. a PET bottle insertion section having a placing section; a volume reducing unit that is physically separated from the placement unit and reduces the volume of the PET bottle; a guide section that is physically separated from the placement section and forms a path from the placement section to the volume reducing section; an inner door provided between the placement section and the guide section, In a closed state, the inner door shields the gap between the placement section and the guide section when viewed at least from the volume reduction section side, and the tip of the inner door extends beyond the placement section side end of the guide section and is positioned on the volume reduction section side, thereby covering the gap. A PET bottle volume reduction device.

2. The guide section is provided so as to be rotatable or movable in a detachable direction relative to the placement section, and when a foreign object gets stuck in the gap, the foreign object can be discharged.

2. The PET bottle volume reduction device according to claim 1.

3. The guide portion is formed in a plate shape, and the end portion on the volume reducing portion side is supported by a rotating shaft and configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotating shaft.

3. The PET bottle volume reduction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide portion can be manually rotated in the detaching direction during maintenance operations by an operator, and is configured so that debris and foreign matter trapped in the gap can be discharged by the rotation.

4. The PET bottle volume reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the PET bottle volume reduction device is a device for reducing the volume of a PET bottle.

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