Item recovery device

Abstract

To provide a volume reduction device that performs efficient volume reduction and can reduce a volume of a greater number of empty containers when empty containers are loaded sequentially and the volume thereof is reduced.SOLUTION: An article recovery device for recovering an article includes: a control unit; and volume reduction means including a plurality of compression rollers. The control unit is configured to be capable of receiving further additional articles by stopping the volume reduction means during reducing a volume of an article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article recovery device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART An empty container recovery device for recovering empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-329422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned recovery device compresses and reduces the volume of empty containers that are placed inside using a volume reduction mechanism consisting of a pair of opposing rollers, and then drops the reduced empty containers into a recovery container installed below the volume reduction mechanism to collect them.However, when multiple empty containers are placed inside in sequence for volume reduction processing, reduction of the volume of a new empty container begins after reduction of the previously placed empty container is completed, so no consideration is given to shortening the processing time for volume reduction, and efficient volume reduction is not achieved.

[0005] Therefore, in consideration of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a volume reduction device that can efficiently reduce the volume of a larger number of empty containers when multiple empty containers are loaded in sequence for volume reduction processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The article recovery device of the present invention has at least the following configuration. An article recovery device for recovering articles, A control unit; a volume reduction means comprising a plurality of compression rollers; The control unit stops the volume reduction means during volume reduction of an article to allow new articles to be received. death, After receiving the new item, the volume reduction means starts reducing the volume of the new item and resumes reducing the volume of the item that is currently being reduced. It is characterized by: The article recovery device of the present invention has at least the following configuration. An article recovery device for recovering articles, A control unit; a volume reduction means comprising a plurality of compression rollers; The control unit is characterized in that it stops the volume reduction means while an item is being reduced in volume, allowing new items to be accepted, and if the new item is not accepted, it resumes reducing the volume of the item being reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed since the volume reduction means was stopped. The article recovery device of the present invention has at least the following configuration. An article recovery device for recovering articles, A control unit; a volume reduction means comprising a plurality of compression rollers; The control unit is capable of selecting between a first process in which the new item is accepted and items are continuously added, and a second process in which the new item is not accepted, and when the first process is selected, the volume reduction means is stopped while the item is being reduced in volume so that the new item can be accepted, and when the second process is selected, the volume reduction of the item continues without stopping the volume reduction means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection system having an article collection device (empty container collection device) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are overall conceptual diagrams of an empty container recovery device as an article recovery device according to one 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 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the drawer of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device) is pulled out. [Figure 5] 1 is a conceptual side view showing an example of a volume reducing section of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device). FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of a volume reducing section of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device). FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an electrical functional block diagram of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a container insertion section of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 9]This is a diagram for explaining the detection section of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device), and in detail, Figure 9(a) is a left oblique view of the container insertion section, Figure 9(b) is a right oblique view of the container insertion section, and Figure 9(c) is a front view of the container insertion section. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an empty container recovery device with the outer door closed and the inner door closed; FIG. [Figure 11] (a) is a conceptual side view showing an example of an empty container recovery device with the outer door open and the inner door closed, (b) is a conceptual side view showing an example of an empty container recovery device with the outer door open and the inner door closed, and (c) is a conceptual side view showing an example of an empty container recovery device with the outer door closed and the inner door open. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the item recovery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display operation unit when it is in initial standby mode, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen after an operation is detected when the display operation unit is in its initial standby mode, (c) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display operation unit related to point donation, (d) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display operation unit that prompts the user to insert items and issues a warning when inserting items, (e) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that warns the user to be careful when the outer door of the display operation unit closes, (f) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display operation unit during volume reduction processing, (g) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that prompts the user to select whether to end or continue inserting items using the display operation unit, and (h) is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display operation unit when item collection is complete. [Figure 14] 10(a) is a flowchart for explaining a first process in the volume reduction means, and FIG. 10(b) is a flowchart for explaining a second process in the volume reduction means. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the volume reduction process operation (receiving empty containers in the first and second processes) in the volume reduction means. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction means (start of volume reduction of the empty container in the first and second processes). [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction means (stopping volume reduction during volume reduction of an empty container in the first process, and receiving a new empty container). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction means (restarting the volume reduction of an empty container in the first process, and starting the volume reduction of a new empty container). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction means (completion of volume reduction (recovery) of an empty container in the first process, and stop of volume reduction while a new empty container is being reduced in volume). [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction means (completion of volume reduction (recovery) of an empty container in the first process). [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction means (completion of volume reduction (recovery) of an empty container in the second process). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[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 apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, an article recovery apparatus, specifically an empty container recovery apparatus, will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection system having an article collection device (empty container collection device) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an empty container collection device 100 (also referred to as a collection device 100) is installed at each of a plurality of stores CS. The collection device 100 may be installed inside the building of the store CS, or may be installed in a location facing outdoors, such as under the eaves, within the premises of the store CS. The stores CS are, for example, stores in the same chain. As a specific example, the stores CS are convenience stores in the same chain.

[0010] The collection device 100 functions as a collection facility for PET bottles as recyclable items. A customer C who visits a store CS inserts an empty PET bottle, for example, after drinking a beverage, into the collection device 100. The collection device 100 of this embodiment reduces the volume of the inserted PET bottle and then stores it inside the collection device.

[0011] The collection device 100 is also connected so as to be able to communicate with the collection management server 200 via a network NT. The collection device 100 may be configured to communicate with the collection management server 200 via, for example, a mobile phone communication network or the like and the network NT. The collection device 100 can communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need to connect a network cable, which increases the degree of freedom in installation, for example. Although an example in which one collection device 100 is installed in one store CS is shown, the number of collection devices 100 installed in one store CS is not particularly limited.

[0012] The collection management server 200 is a server that processes information related to the collection of PET bottles by the collection device 100. The collection management server 200 is operated by a company that provides the collection device 100, for example. Specifically, the collection management server 200 manages collection history information that indicates the history of collection of PET bottles at the collection device 100 of each store CS. Then, the collection management server 200 derives the performance (collection performance) of customer C regarding cooperation in collecting PET bottles using the collection device 100, and notifies customer C of the derived collection performance. The notification of the collection performance to customer C is performed by displaying information related to the collection performance on the customer terminal device 300 of customer C.

[0013] The customer terminal device 300 is a terminal device owned by the customer C. The customer terminal device 300 may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, or may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. The customer terminal device 300 can communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network NT.

[0014] Furthermore, customer C shown in Figure 1 is registered as a member of store CS. Customer C, who is a member of store CS, owns a membership card CD. The card information recorded on the membership card CD includes a membership identifier. The membership identifier is also a card identifier that is assigned to be unique to each membership card CD. Since one membership card CD is provided for each customer C who is a member, the card identifier that is unique to each membership card CD is treated as a membership identifier that uniquely identifies customer C as a member who owns the membership card CD.

[0015] The membership card CD can be used as a prepaid card when making payments at a store CS. It can also be used as a points card. For example, when making payments at a store CS, a customer who is a member presents the membership card CD to the store clerk. When a store clerk operates the POS register 400 installed in the store CS to process the transaction according to the product purchased by the customer, the clerk reads the card information recorded on the member card CD using the card reader of the POS register 400. The membership card CD may be an IC card with wireless communication capabilities, or a card on which a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating a membership identifier is printed. The barcode or two-dimensional code may indicate identification information associated with the membership identifier.

[0016] The POS register 400 executes transaction processing including a product registration process for registering products purchased by a customer and a settlement process according to the registered products. When the POS register 400 reads card information from the membership card CD during transaction processing, it transmits the read card information to the store management server 500. As a result, the store management server 500 performs processing such as payment from the prepaid balance, adding points according to the payment amount, converting points into the prepaid balance, and charging the prepaid amount. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one POS register 400 is installed in one store CS, the number of POS registers 400 installed in one store CS is not particularly limited.

[0017] The store management server 500 is a server that controls and manages the store CS. The store management server 500 is operated by the store CS. Specifically, the store management server 500 manages the prepaid balance, point balance, etc. for each member identifier. The store management server 500 may also be configured to manage information about products for each store CS, for example.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an empty container recovery device 100 that recovers empty containers (PET bottles, etc.) to be recovered, as an article recovery device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] When the empty container recovery device 100 is on standby, the outer door 111 of the article insertion section is closed, and the inner door 112, which is provided between the article insertion section and the container storage section 140 and can be opened and closed, is also closed. When recovering articles, the outer door 111 of the article insertion section is opened, and the discrimination section determines whether an article placed on the loading section of the article insertion section is an article to be recovered (for example, an empty resin container such as a PET bottle). If it is determined to be an article to be recovered (an empty container), the outer door 111 is closed, and the inner door 112, which is provided between the article insertion section and the container storage section 140, is opened, and the container is recovered by the container storage section 140. In this embodiment, the empty container recovery device includes a volume reduction mechanism (volume reduction section 120) as a volume reduction means, and by reducing the volume of the container by the volume reduction mechanism (volume reduction section 120), a large amount of reduced empty containers A can be recovered in the container storage section 140, which has a specified capacity.

[0020] 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 one embodiment of the device or item collection device according to the present invention.

[0021] 2 and 3, an empty container recovery device 100 serving as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a container insertion section 110 provided at the top of a main body 100B of the device, and an outer door 111 provided outside the opening of the container insertion section 110. The main body 100B of the device has a display operation section 3, a transmitting / receiving section 4 (communication section), and a reader / writer 17 (card reader / writer) provided on the front side near the top of the outer door 111. A luggage hook 100f is also provided on the front side of the main body 100B of the device.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 (discharges) the reduced volume empty container A to the container storage section 140 below. In addition, the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100 has a drawer 100C (drawer member) 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. Furthermore, the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100 has a locking / unlocking detection section 18, which detects whether the keyhole 100r of the drawer 100C is locked or unlocked.

[0024] In addition, a translucent section 100A (translucent window) is provided on the front side of the main body 100B of the device, 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.

[0025] A carrying handle 100g is provided on the side of the main body 100B of the device to be used when transporting the device.

[0026] In addition, the main body 100B of the device 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 main body of the device, so that caps inserted into the cap insertion section 108 are 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.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, above the volume reducing section 120, a first scattering prevention section 75 and a second scattering prevention section 78 are provided. The empty container recovery device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a first scattering prevention unit 75 between the volume reduction unit 120 provided in the main body and the inner door 112. In this embodiment, the first scattering prevention unit 75 is suspended midway along the passage 71 leading from the placement unit 116 to the volume reduction unit 120. The first scattering prevention unit 75 is preferably configured to move in response to the opening and closing of the inner door 112.

[0028] The second scattering prevention unit 78 functions as a door for maintenance of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). In detail, the second scattering prevention unit 78 is pivotally supported via a hinge on a fixed member provided inside the empty container recovery device so that the opening can be freely opened and closed. Furthermore, the article recovery device may be configured to be controllable so that the volume reduction unit 120 and other operations cannot be performed when the second scattering prevention unit 78 is not in the closed state.

[0029] Furthermore, the empty container recovery device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a process to notify the user when the container storage section 140 becomes full, etc. When the empty container recovery device 100 detects, for example, an operation by a manager or cleaner to open the container storage section 140, more specifically, an unlocking operation to pull out the drawer 100C equipped with the container storage section 140, the empty container recovery device 100 performs a process to notify the user to clean the placement section on which the items are placed.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the drawer of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is pulled out.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the drawer 100C is configured so as to be retractable and removable through an opening on the front side of the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100. As shown in FIG. The drawer 100C has a front panel 100Ca (decorative panel), a pair of left and right side panels 100Cs, a rear panel (not shown), and a bottom panel (not shown), and is formed in the shape of a box with a bottom that opens upward. A container storage section 140, which is a box with a bottom that opens upward, is removably disposed in the drawer 100C. At the back side (rear side) of drawer 100C, a plate-like member 241 is provided as storage capacity expansion section 240 that can receive containers that overflow from container storage section 140 when drawer 100C is pulled out. This plate-like member 241 has an inclined portion that slopes forward when drawer 100C is pulled out, and is configured to be in a substantially vertical state when drawer 100C is stored in main body section 100B of the device. Note that this plate-like member 241 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic side view showing an example of a volume reduction unit of an empty container recovery device as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a volume reduction unit of an empty container recovery device. 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 each having a substantially plate shape.

[0033] Furthermore, a feed mechanism 50 is provided above the volume reduction section 120 on the upstream side, 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. When 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. In this embodiment, a gear is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 51, and rotational force is transmitted to the gear from a gear provided at the end of the rotating shaft 811 via a power transmission member such as a chain. Therefore, the feed mechanism 50 and the compression roller 81 are interlocked. In another embodiment, the gear provided at the end of the rotary shaft 51 can be configured to be rotated by a separately provided drive motor.

[0034] In addition, at the top of the volume reduction section 120, plate-shaped regulating members 61 and 62 are provided, inclined in opposite directions to guide the empty container A toward the center of the volume reduction section 120, thereby restricting the empty container A from moving to other locations.

[0035] 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 a blade surface 81k or a blade surface 91k on both axial sides, and spacers s, each 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 disposed between the compression rollers provided on the other rotating shaft, and is disposed at a predetermined distance LP from a spacer s provided between the compression rollers provided on the other rotating shaft. Furthermore, the distance LP between the spacer s provided on rotating shaft 811 and the compression roller 91 provided on rotating shaft 911 facing the spacer s is set to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter LAg of the body portion Ag of the empty container A.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 6, a gear 811m is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 811, and is configured to mesh with a gear 911m 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 A is output (discharged) downward.

[0037] The peeling units 31 and 32 are configured to peel the empty containers A, the volume of which has been reduced by the compression rollers 81 and 91 of the volume reducing unit 120, from the compression rollers 81 and 91.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the length LAb (neck length) of the neck Ab of an empty container A such as a PET bottle is the length from the tip Ac on the opening Ah side to the neck ring or the base of the neck.

[0039] An empty resin container A, such as a PET bottle, has a neck Ab that is thicker than the thickness of other parts, specifically the shoulder and body Ag. For example, if the neck Ab of an empty container A is separated from the other parts and becomes a lump smaller than a standard, the empty container may be deemed ineligible for recycling by a recycler. The volume reduction unit 120 reduces the volume of the relatively thick and heavy neck Ab to a flat shape larger than the standard, without separating it from the shoulder and body Ag, so that the empty container is eligible for recycling.

[0040] Furthermore, the distance LT between the spacer s provided on the rotating shaft 911 and the spacer ws(s) provided on the rotating shaft 811 is longer than the outer diameter of the neck portion Ab of the empty container. Furthermore, the distance LC from the inner surface of the support member 871 to the compression roller 81 arranged on the side of the rotary shaft 811 is configured to be longer than the length LAb of the neck portion Ab of the empty container A. In this embodiment, the distance LC is set to be longer than the axial length of the spacer ws(s) arranged on the side of the rotation shaft 811. The axial length (thickness) of the spacer ws(s) is set to be approximately twice the axial length Ls of the other spacers. That is, to prevent the neck portion Ab of the empty container A from being separated from the shoulder portion Af and body portion Ag, the compression roller on the support member 871 side provided on the rotating shaft 811 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the side surface of the support member 871. That is, the volume reduction unit 120 is structured so that, when reducing the volume of a container, the neck portion Ab of the empty container A is reduced while remaining connected to the shoulder portion Af and body portion Ag.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axial thickness L1 of the compression rollers 81, 91 is shorter than the length LAb of the neck portion Ab of the empty container A. For example, even if an empty resin container A such as a PET bottle is placed upside down, specifically, even if the tip Ac of the empty container A where the opening Ah is formed is positioned on the side of the substantially plate-shaped support member 871, the neck portion Ab of the empty container A is not separated from the shoulder portion and body portion Ag when the container is reduced in volume.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram of the container insertion section of the empty container recovery device. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the detection section of the empty container recovery device, and in detail, Fig. 9(a) is a left perspective view of the container insertion section, Fig. 9(b) is a right perspective view of the container insertion section, and Fig. 9(c) is a front view of the container insertion section.

[0043] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an empty container recovery device in which the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is closed. Figure 11(a) is a conceptual side view showing an example of an empty container recovery device in which the outer door is open and the inner door is closed, Figure 11(b) is a conceptual side view showing an example of an empty container recovery device in which the outer door is open and the inner door is closed, and Figure 11(c) is a conceptual side view showing an example of an empty container recovery device in which the outer door is closed and the inner door is open.

[0044] 7, 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 detection sensor 8, a PET sensor 901, a container detection sensor 902, a safety detection sensor 903, a door position sensor 10, a door lock unit 11, a human presence sensor 12, a volume reduction drive unit 15, a reader / writer 17, a lock / unlock detection unit 18, an imaging unit 19, etc. Each component is electrically connected by a signal line or the like. In this embodiment, for example, the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 are configured by the optical sensor 9. In addition, the weighing unit 7, metal detection sensor 8, PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, safety detection sensor 903, and imaging unit 19 are provided near the mounting unit 116 or on the mounting unit 116 itself, and function as a detection unit 180 that detects whether cleaning has been performed on the mounting unit 116.

[0045] The control unit 1 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). The control unit 1, for example, executes a control program to cause a computer to implement the functions according to the present invention.

[0046] The memory unit 2 is a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The memory unit 2 stores control programs and the like. The memory unit 2 also stores the characteristics of the empty containers to be collected. The characteristics of the empty containers are, for example, information on the characteristics of the empty containers, such as the range of container mass and whether they are made of resin material or not. The memory unit 2 also stores member identifiers in association with attribute information. The attribute information is, for example, information on the operator, such as age, whether they are a member or non-member, and the number of times the collection device has been used.

[0047] The display operation unit 3 performs a predetermined display under the control of the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 also functions as an input means, and 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.

[0048] Under the control of the control unit 1, the transmitting / receiving unit 4 performs predetermined communication with other terminal devices (computers) via a wireless communication path or a wired communication path.

[0049] The reader / writer 17 (card reader / writer) is a transmitting / receiving device that communicates with contactless IC cards, IC tags, etc., and performs predetermined communication under the control of the control unit 1. Furthermore, the collection device 100 may have, instead of the reader / writer 17, a code reader that reads a barcode or two-dimensional code that indicates the card identifier (member identifier) ​​recorded on the member card CD.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The metal detection 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 detection 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. 9(c), the metal detection sensor 8 is provided on the inner door 112. The metal detection sensor 8 may also be provided on the placement section .

[0054] In this embodiment, the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 are optical sensors 9. The optical sensors 9 are configured to receive light from a light-emitting unit provided on one of the left and right sides of the mounting unit 116 with a light-receiving unit provided on the other side.

[0055] 9(a) and 9(b), the PET sensor 901 is configured to receive light from a light-emitting unit provided on one of the left and right side walls of the mounting unit 116 with a light-receiving unit provided on the other side. The PET sensor 901 also includes 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, such as PET bottles, by detecting polarized light that has passed through the transparent empty containers. The control unit 1 detects light received through a translucent empty container placed on the loading section of the container insertion section using the light receiving section (optical sensor 9) of PET901, and determines whether the empty container is a target for collection based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 9.

[0056] 9(a) and 9(b), the container detection sensor 902 is configured to receive light from a light-emitting unit provided on one of the left and right side walls of the mounting unit 116 with a light-receiving unit provided on the other side. When an empty container or the like is placed on the mounting unit 116 of the container insertion unit, the control unit 1 determines whether or not an empty container has been placed based on the intensity of light received by the light-receiving unit of the container detection sensor 902.

[0057] 9(a) and 9(b), the safety detection sensor 903 has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided on the left and right sides near the insertion slot. Specifically, the safety detection sensor 903 is provided at a position where the outer door 111 is in a closed state, and is configured so that light from the light-emitting unit provided on one of the left and right sides is received by the light-receiving unit provided on the other side. The control unit 1 detects whether, for example, a human hand or the like is present at the insertion slot or near the insertion slot based on the intensity of light received by the light-receiving unit of the safety detection sensor 903. If the light-receiving unit can receive light from the light-emitting unit of the safety detection sensor 903, the control unit 1 determines that a human hand or the like is not present at the insertion slot. If the light-receiving unit cannot receive light, the control unit 1 determines that a human hand or the like is present at the insertion slot and determines, for example, that the outer door 111 cannot be closed safely.

[0058] For example, an imaging unit 19 that captures an image of the mounting unit 116 may be provided near the mounting unit 116. The imaging unit 19 is used, for example, to determine whether an item placed on the mounting unit 116 is a collection target or a non-collection target. Examples of items that are not a collection target include empty containers such as PET bottles with caps or empty containers such as PET bottles with labels. Furthermore, this imaging unit 19 may be used in cleaning mode to determine whether the placement unit 116 has been cleaned by a cleaner or the like, or may be used in standby mode (including initial standby) to determine the degree of dirt on the placement unit 116.

[0059] The item recovery device is provided with the above-mentioned sensors around the loading section for determining whether or not recovery is required. For example, in a conventional recovery device, an item is taken into the device, a determination is made as to whether or not it is a recovery target, and non-target items are discharged from 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 item recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured so that there is no need to take in the items 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 input port. This means that there is no need to provide an output port, and a small item recovery device can be provided.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The human presence sensor 12 is provided, for example, in the main body 100B of the collection device 100, and can detect an operator or the like near the main body 100B. The human presence sensor 12 is configured, for example, with an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a visible light sensor, or a combination thereof. The human presence sensor 12 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 1.

[0063] The locking / unlocking detection unit 18 is provided in the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100, and detects the locking / unlocking of the keyhole 100r of the drawer 100C.

[0064] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the container insertion section 110 of the empty container recovery device 100 of an embodiment of the present invention 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.

[0065] 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 9a and a light emitting section 9b, for example, on a side wall section 116a of the placing section 116. In addition, a weighing section 7 is provided below the placing section 116.

[0066] 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 opening 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, and makes it possible to provide a compact item recovery device. Furthermore, the surface of the placement surface of the placement unit 116 is surface-treated to form an uneven portion, which has a structure that prevents inserted items from sticking to the placement unit. If the item recovery device is a container recovery device, even if the container is wet, the contact area between the container surface and the uneven surface of the placement unit is relatively small, so the surface tension due to wetting is small, and the container moves easily toward the container storage unit 140. In other words, it is possible to prevent the problem of wet containers not falling into the container storage unit.

[0067] 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 to open and close freely. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the inner door 112 is provided with a guide section 112D that guides the placement of empty containers. The guide section 112D is provided in an exposed position that is visible from the device main body. The 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 (e.g., 350 ml, 500 ml, 2000 ml, etc.). The guide section 112D may be a recess, protrusion, sticker, LED display, LCD, etc. provided on the surface of the inner door 112. The item recovery device may also include a determination unit that uses a detection sensor such as an imaging unit to determine whether an item is correctly placed in the placement position indicated by the guide unit 112D. 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.

[0068] 8, in this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 has a base 118, and this base 118 has outer door support parts S118 and 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.

[0069] The weighing unit 7 is disposed between the base 118 and the placement unit 116 and supports the placement unit 116 .

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Furthermore, the outer door 111 of the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery 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 an 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.

[0073] Furthermore, in the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery 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.

[0074] Furthermore, the first limiting unit K111 of the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device is configured to respond to the movement of the outer door 111. The second limiting unit K112 is configured to respond 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 main body 100B of the recovery device, regardless of whether the object is a recovery object or a non-recovery object. In other words, in this state, the object (a recovery object or a non-recovery 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.

[0075] In other words, the empty container recovery device as an item recovery device of an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a first limiting section K111 and a second limiting section K112, and is configured so that the inner door 112 cannot be opened when the outer door 111 is in an open state, but the inner door 112 can be opened when the outer door 111 is in a closed state.

[0076] Next, an example of the collection operation of the empty container collection device 100 as an article collection device will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the collection operation of the empty container collection device 100. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen etc. of the display operation unit of the article collection device.

[0077] In the standby state (initial state), the insertion port of the empty container recovery device 100 is closed, that is, the outer door 111 is closed. In this embodiment, the human sensor 12 is always in operation. 13(a), the control unit 1 of the empty container recovery device 100 performs processing to display an initial standby state display screen on the display operation unit 3, such as, for example, "Please make sure the label and cap are removed," "Please touch the screen," and "If a bottle other than the above-mentioned PET bottle or a foreign object is inside, points may not be awarded." Also, in the example shown in Fig. 13(a), an image urging the user to peel off the label from the PET bottle is displayed on the display operation unit 3, and operation buttons sw31 and sw32 for switching between Japanese and English are displayed in the upper right corner so that they can be operated.

[0078] Next, as shown in Figure 13(b), the control unit 1 displays an operation button on the display operation unit 3 that is operable and reads, "If you do not have a membership card, touch here," and also performs processing to display, "If you have a membership card, touch your card" and "an arrow pointing to the reader / writer." When a membership card is read by reader / writer 17, control unit 1 performs a process to identify the membership card, which will be described later, and when the operator does not have a membership card, performs a process to regard the operator as a non-member.

[0079] In step ST1 of Figure 12, when the membership card CD held by the operator is touched to or brought close to the reader / writer 17 provided on the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100, an identification process of the membership card CD is performed. In detail, when the control unit 1 reads or acquires the member identifier (identification information of the operator) from the member card CD using the reader / writer 17, it communicates with the collection management server 200 or the store management server 500 via the memory unit of the main body unit 100B or the communication path, performs an identification process based on the pre-registered member identifier, and if it matches the registered member identifier (identification information), proceeds to processing in step ST2 via step ST1, and if it does not match, proceeds to processing in step ST3. When the control unit 1 correctly identifies the operator's member identifier (identification information), it puts the operator into a logged-in state.

[0080] In step ST2, a points donation screen is displayed on the display operation unit 3, as shown in Fig. 13(c). The points donation screen is a screen on which the user can select whether to donate the points generated based on the collection results of the PET bottles collected in this collection run to a donation destination of their choice, or to add the points to their accumulated points without making a donation. The donation destination selection button BT11 is a button used to select a donation recipient who is a candidate for point donation, and the point addition selection button BT12 is a button used to select addition to accumulated points without making a donation.

[0081] A different donation receiver is assigned to each donation recipient selection button BT11, and information indicating the assigned donation receiver is displayed. In other words, by looking at the donation recipient selection button BT11 on the point donation screen, the user can understand what donation receivers are available as donation recipient options. In this embodiment, the donation recipients displayed on the point donation screen are selected in accordance with the location where the empty container recovery device 100 is installed.

[0082] In the figure, three donation destination selection buttons BT11 are arranged on one screen, but the number and arrangement can be set as desired. For example, if there are three or more donation recipients to be presented and it is not possible to arrange donation destination selection buttons BT11 corresponding to all donation recipients on one screen, the point donation screen may have a page structure that allows page forward and page back navigation. Alternatively, donation destination selection buttons BT11 corresponding to all donation recipients may be arranged on a single scrollable point donation screen.

[0083] The user operates the donation destination selection button BT11 of the donation recipient that he or she has selected based on his or her own ideas from among the donation destination selection buttons BT11 arranged on the point donation screen. When a donation recipient is selected as described above, for example, a donation amount corresponding to the number of points generated according to the collection results of the current collection operation is donated. Furthermore, the user may be able to specify the number of points to be donated within the range of the number of points generated according to the collection results of the current collection operation. Alternatively, the user may be able to specify the number of points to be donated within the range of the user's accumulated points, including the number of points generated according to the collection results of the current collection operation.

[0084] After the donation destination selection button BT11 or the point addition selection button BT12 is operated, the process proceeds to step ST4.

[0085] In step ST3, the control unit 1 performs a process of displaying an operation button such as "Next" on the display operation unit 3 in an operable manner, and when the "Next" operation button is operated by the operator, the process proceeds to step ST4.

[0086] In step ST4, the control unit 1 opens the deposit slot by performing a process to open the outer door 111 using the outer door drive unit 5 while the operator is logged in using the operator's member identifier (identification information). Note that in step ST3, if the operator operates the "Next" operation button, the control unit 1 opens the deposit slot by performing a process to open the outer door 111 using the outer door drive unit 5 without logging in. 13(d), the control unit 1 performs processing to display on the screen on the display operation unit 3, for example, a message saying "Please remove the label and cap and put only the PET bottle in," an image encouraging the user to remove the label from the bottle, a message saying "Do not put in crushed PET bottles" or an image showing this, a message saying "Finishing in XX seconds," etc. The remaining seconds displayed as "XX seconds" is the waiting time, and the number of seconds is gradually decremented.

[0087] In step ST5, the control unit 1 performs a process of starting the timer (also called the inlet timer) (turning on the inlet timer). Even if it is the first collection, when the timer in step ST5 has reached a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes), the control unit 1 closes the deposit slot (closes the outer door 111), and if the user is logged in, performs a logoff process and then terminates the collection process; if the user is not logged in (if the user is not a member), the collection process may be terminated as is.

[0088] In step ST6, the control unit 1 performs a process to detect a container to be collected on the placement unit 116 based on detection signals from various detection units (weighing unit 7, metal detection sensor 8, PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, safety detection sensor 903), etc., and if a container to be collected is detected, proceeds to processing of step ST7.

[0089] In step ST7, the control unit 1 performs a process to close the outer door 111 using the outer door drive unit 5, thereby closing the insertion slot (closing the outer door 111). When the outer door 111 is changed from an open state to a closed state, the control unit 1 performs a process to display a screen on the display operation unit 3 as shown in Figure 13(e) to warn the user that "The door is closing. Please be careful."

[0090] In step ST8, the control unit 1 stops (OFF) the timer (insertion port timer).

[0091] In step ST9, the control unit 1 performs a process to open the inner door 112 using the inner door driving unit 6, and performs a process to guide the empty container on the placement unit 116 to the volume reducing unit 120 by its own weight.

[0092] In step ST10, when the empty container on the placement section 116 is guided to the volume reducing section 120, the control section 1 performs a process of causing the inner door driving section 6 to close the inner door 112.

[0093] In step ST11, the control unit 1 drives the volume reduction unit 120 using the volume reduction drive unit 15 to perform a process of reducing the volume of the empty container. Furthermore, during the volume reduction process, the control unit 1 may perform a process to display a screen on the display operation unit 3 recommending resource recycling, such as "Resource: Mixing is garbage, separating is resource," as shown in FIG. 13(f).

[0094] In step ST12, the control unit 1 opens the outer door 111 by causing the outer door drive unit 5 to open the outer door 111, thereby opening the insertion port. The process of opening the outer door 111 in step ST12 can be configured to be performed simultaneously with the volume reduction process in step ST11 or before the volume reduction process. Furthermore, the control unit 1 displays, for example, "End or continue?" on the display operation unit 3. In detail, the control unit 1 performs processing to display, for example, a "Yes" operation button and a "No" operation button in an operable manner on the display operation unit 3. Furthermore, the control unit 1 may perform processing to display on the display operation unit 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 13(g), "Touch the screen to end. Insert a bottle to continue." The control unit 1 may also perform processing to display a screen such as "Ending in XX seconds." This remaining seconds display of "XX seconds" indicates the waiting time, and the number of seconds is gradually decremented. The set value of the remaining seconds shown in FIG. 13(g) may be different from the set value of the remaining seconds shown in FIG. 13(d).

[0095] Although the insertion slot is opened at the timing of step ST12, this is not limited to this embodiment, and the insertion slot may be opened when an instruction to collect an item is received.

[0096] In step ST13, the control unit 1 performs a process of starting a timer (timer ON). The order of steps ST12 and ST13 may be reversed.

[0097] In step ST14, the control unit 1 performs a process to detect an empty container to be collected (the next empty container) on the placement unit 116 based on detection signals from various detection units (weighing unit 7, metal detection sensor 8, PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, safety detection sensor 903), etc., and if a container to be collected is detected, proceeds to processing of step ST7. If no container to be collected is detected, the process proceeds to step ST15.

[0098] In step ST15, the control unit 1 determines whether a specified time (timer set time) has elapsed without detecting an empty container to be collected (next empty container) on the placement unit 116. If it determines that the specified time has elapsed, the control unit 1 proceeds to the processing of step ST16, and performs processing to close the outer door 111 by the outer door drive unit 5, thereby closing the insertion port (closing the outer door 111). Thereafter, the operator who is currently logged on (logged in) is logged off, and the series of collection processes ends. Note that if the collection process is performed without identifying the membership card (in the case of a non-member), the operator is not currently logged on (logged in), so the series of collection processes ends as is. If it is determined in step ST15 that the specified time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step ST14.

[0099] The volume reduction process in the volume reduction section 120 involved in this recovery process will be described in detail later.

[0100] At the end of the collection process, if the donation destination selection button BT11 is operated in step ST2, the control unit 1 performs processing to display that the points generated according to the collection results of the PET bottles in this collection run will be donated to the selected donation recipient (not shown). Furthermore, the control unit 1 performs processing to store information related to the donation destination selection in the memory unit of the item collection device, the collection management server 200, the store management server 500, etc., in association with the membership identifier of the operator's membership card.

[0101] 13(h), for example, the control unit 1 performs processing to display on the display operation unit 3 messages such as "Eligible for member points," "Number of collected items: XX items (1 item in FIG. 13)," and "Thank you for using our service." Furthermore, the control unit 1 performs processing to update the total number of collected items by the operator by adding the number of collected items by the operator this time to the total number of collected items by the operator up to that point, and performs processing to write the updated total number of collected items to the member card and to store the updated total number of collected items in association with the member identifier of the member card in the memory unit of the item collection device, the collection management server 200, the store management server 500, etc.

[0102] Next, we will explain the volume reduction process in the volume reduction section 120 in relation to the recovery process in the empty container recovery device 100. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are flowcharts for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction section 120, and Figures 15 to 21 are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the volume reduction process in the volume reduction section 120. The volume reduction process operation in the volume reduction section 120 can be selected between a first process (step A) in which the volume reduction means is stopped while the volume of a previously inserted empty container is being reduced, allowing new empty containers to be accepted (enabling continuous introduction), and a second process (step B) in which new empty containers are not accepted after the volume of a previously inserted empty container has been reduced. The first process (step A) and the second process (step B) will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 21. Note that Figures 16 to 21 show only the main parts, with some of the configuration in Figure 15 omitted.

[0103] <First process (Step A)> The first process (step A) is a process by the control unit 1 that stops the volume reduction means while reducing the volume of an empty container that was previously inserted, making it possible to accept new empty containers (enabling continuous insertion), and as an example, consists of the processes of steps A1 to A5 shown in Figure 14(a).

[0104] In step A1, after closing the outer door 111, the control unit 1 performs a process to open the inner door 112 using the inner door drive unit 6, and guides the empty container A1 (first container) on the placement unit 116 to the volume reduction unit 120 by its own weight. As an example, as shown in Figure 15, the empty container A1 (first container) is received between multiple blade units 52 (between adjacent blade units 52) provided on the rotation shaft 51 of the feed mechanism 50. Furthermore, when the empty container A1 (first container) on the placement section 116 is guided to the volume reduction section 120, the control section 1 performs a process of closing the inner door 112 using the inner door drive section 6, and then opening the outer door 111. With the outer door 111 in the open state, it becomes possible to insert the empty container A2 (second container).

[0105] In step A2, the control unit 1 drives the volume reduction unit 120 using the volume reduction drive unit 15 to perform a process of reducing the volume of the empty container A1 (first container). As an example, the empty container A1 (first container) is sent between the pair of compression rollers 81, 91 of the volume reduction unit 120 by the blade unit 52 of the feed mechanism 50, and volume reduction begins. Figure 16 shows an empty container A1m being reduced in volume reduction unit 120.

[0106] In step A3, the control unit 1 stops the volume reduction unit 120 while the volume of the empty container A1m (first container) is being reduced, and performs processing to make it ready to accept a new empty container A2 (second container: that which was inserted when the outer door 111 was open). For example, after the volume reduction unit 120 stops, the outer door 111 closes, and then the inner door 112 opens, and the empty container A2 (second container) on the placement unit 116 is guided to the volume reduction unit 120 by its own weight. 17, the feed mechanism 50 stops when the volume reduction section 120 stops, and becomes capable of receiving a new empty container A2 (second container), more specifically, becomes capable of receiving a new empty container A2 (second container) between adjacent blade sections 52. The inner door 112 opens and guides the empty container A2 (second container) on the placement section 116 to the volume reduction section 120. FIG. 17 shows an empty container A1m (first container) in the middle of volume reduction, which is stationary in the stopped volume reduction section 120, and an empty container A2 (second container) being guided to the volume reduction section 120.

[0107] In step A4, the control unit 1 resumes driving the volume reduction unit 120 using the volume reduction drive unit 15, and as shown in Figure 18, starts reducing the volume of a new empty container A2 (the second container) and also performs a process of resuming the volume reduction of an empty container A1m (the first container) that is in the middle of being reduced.

[0108] In step A5, the control unit 1 stops the volume reduction unit 120 while a new empty container A2m (second container) is being reduced in volume, and performs processing to make it possible to accept a new empty container A3 (third container). In this case, the empty container A1m (first container) in the middle of being reduced in volume has completed its reduction and is recovered in the container storage unit 140. Figure 19 shows the empty container A2m (second container) in the middle of being reduced in volume, which is in a stationary state, and the empty container A1f (first container) which has completed its reduction and has been recovered, in the stopped volume reduction unit 120. If a new empty container A3 (third container) is received, the control unit 1 repeats steps A4 and A5 to continue the process of continuously feeding empty containers.

[0109] In the continuous input process, if the first process (step A) is determined to be "ended" in step ST12 of FIG. 12 by operating the operation buttons displayed on the display operation unit 3 (for example, by operating the "Yes" operation button or the "No" operation button displayed along with a message such as "End or continue?", or by touching the screen along with a message such as "Touch the screen to end" as shown in FIG. 13(g)), or if it is determined in step ST15 of FIG. 12 that the "timer setting time" has elapsed (for example, if a new empty container A3 (third container) is not accepted), the volume reduction of the empty container A2m in the middle of volume reduction is resumed to complete the volume reduction and the process is terminated. In this case, the empty container A2f whose volume has been reduced is collected in the container storage unit 140 as shown in FIG. 20.

[0110] According to this first process (step A), when multiple empty containers are loaded in sequence for volume reduction processing, the volume reduction section can be stopped while the volume of the previously loaded empty container is being reduced, making it possible to accept new empty containers.This allows for more efficient volume reduction than conventional empty container recovery devices that start reducing the volume of new empty containers after the volume of the previously loaded empty containers has been reduced, and as a result, more empty containers can be reduced and recovered. This first process (step A) is also applied to the process when the number of inserted items is input as "2" or more by the inserted amount input means described later at the start of use.

[0111] <Second process (Step B)> The second process (step B) is a process by the control unit 1 in which new empty containers are not accepted after the volume of previously inserted empty containers has been reduced, and is, for example, made up of steps B1 to B3 shown in FIG. 14(b).

[0112] In step B1, after closing the outer door 111, the control unit 1 performs a process to open the inner door 112 using the inner door drive unit 6, and guides the empty container A1 (first container) on the placement unit 116 to the volume reduction unit 120 by its own weight. As an example, as shown in Figure 15, the empty container A (first container) is received between multiple blade units 52 (between adjacent blade units 52) provided on the rotation shaft 51 of the feed mechanism 50. Furthermore, when the empty container A1 (first container) on the placement section 116 is guided to the volume reducing section 120, the control section 1 controls the inner door driving section 6 to close the inner door 112.

[0113] In step B2, the control unit 1 drives the volume reduction unit 120 using the volume reduction drive unit 15 to perform a process of reducing the volume of the empty container A1 (first container). As an example, the empty container A1 (first container) is sent between the pair of compression rollers 81, 91 of the volume reduction unit 120 by the blade unit 52 of the feed mechanism 50, and volume reduction begins. Figure 16 shows an empty container A1m being reduced in volume reduction unit 120.

[0114] In step B3, the control unit 1 continues the volume reduction of the empty container A1m (first container) without stopping the volume reduction unit 120, and completes the volume reduction of the empty container A1m (first container) and ends the process. In this case, the empty container A1f whose volume has been reduced is collected in the container storage unit 140, as shown in Figure 21. Explaining with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12, after the volume reduction process of step ST11, the second process (step B) ends. According to this second process (step B), the volume of the empty containers that have been introduced can be reduced quickly. This second process (step B) is applied to the process when the number of inserted items is input as "1" by the inserted amount input means described later at the start of use.

[0115] In another embodiment, the control unit 1 may also have an input quantity input means (not shown) for inputting the number of collection items to be inserted. The input quantity input means processes the input quantity of collection items to be inserted. The input quantity input means displays a soft numeric keypad or the like on the display operation unit 3, such as a touch panel, and the user operates the input quantity of collection items to be inserted. When the input quantity of multiple collection items to be inserted is input by the input quantity input means, the control unit 1 performs a process according to the input quantity of collection items to be inserted. For example, when the number of items to be inserted is input by the input quantity input means at the start of use of the empty container collection device 100, the control unit 1 can select the first process (step A) or the second process (step B) according to the input number of items to be inserted to reduce the volume of the empty containers. Specifically, if the input number of items to be inserted is "1," the control unit 1 selects the second process (step B), and if the input number of items to be inserted is "2" or more, the control unit 1 selects the first process (step A) to reduce the volume of the empty containers. The control unit 1 also performs processing to predict and notify the storage capacity based on the input planned input amount, the specified storage amount, the amount of collectable items, etc. In other words, it is possible to provide a collection device such as the empty container collection device 100 that predicts and notifies the storage capacity with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by notifying the user whether all or a portion of the collection items corresponding to the input amount can be collected, the user can appropriately input the collection items one by one into the collection device according to the notified amount of collection items. The collection device can collect a predetermined amount of collection items one by one.

[0116] As described above, the empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a control unit 1 and a volume reduction unit 120 as a volume reduction means equipped with a plurality of compression rollers 81, and the control unit 1 is configured to stop the volume reduction unit 120 while reducing the volume of an empty container A1 as an item, and to be able to accept an empty container A2 as a new item. Therefore, compared to conventional empty container recovery devices that begin reducing the volume of new empty containers after completing the reduction of the volume of the previously inserted empty container, this device can reduce the volume more efficiently, and as a result, more empty containers can be reduced and recovered.

[0117] Furthermore, the empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured such that the volume reduction section 120 as a volume reduction means starts reducing the volume of the empty container A2 after receiving an empty container A2 as a new item, and resumes reducing the volume of the empty container A1 that is being reduced. This makes it possible to perform volume reduction processes in which the volume reduction of the newly received empty container A2 and the volume reduction of the empty container A1 that is being reduced are balanced with each other in a timely manner, and the volume reduction of both can be carried out efficiently.

[0118] Furthermore, assuming that the empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device in an embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to stop the volume reduction section 120 while reducing the volume of an empty container as an item and accept a new empty container as an item, the control section 1 is configured to resume reducing the volume of the empty container being reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed since the volume reduction section 120 was stopped if no new empty containers are accepted, thereby allowing the empty container recovery device 100 to quickly prepare for the next scheduled recovery process.

[0119] Furthermore, assuming that the empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device in an embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to stop the volume reduction section 120 while the volume of an empty container as an item is being reduced, and to accept an empty container as a new item, the control section 1 can select between a first process in which new empty containers are accepted and empty containers are continuously introduced, and a second process in which new empty containers are not accepted.If the first process is selected, the volume reduction section 120 is stopped while the volume of an empty container is being reduced, and new empty containers can be accepted.If the second process is selected, the volume of the empty container continues to be reduced without stopping the volume reduction section 120.Therefore, the volume of empty containers can be reduced efficiently whether multiple empty containers are reduced in sequence, or, for example, whether a single empty container is reduced in volume.

[0120] In addition, the empty container recovery device 100, which is an item recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, is provided with a feed mechanism 50 for sending empty containers to the volume reduction section 120, which serves as a volume reduction means, and the feed mechanism 50 is configured to work in conjunction with the volume reduction section 120, so that empty containers are reliably sent to the volume reduction section 120 using the feed mechanism 50. Furthermore, since the timing of driving with the feed mechanism 50 can be maintained at a good level, the reduction of the volume of the newly received empty container A2 and the reduction of the empty container A1 that is currently being reduced can be performed in a timely and balanced manner, allowing the reduction of both containers to be performed efficiently.

[0121] Furthermore, the empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device in an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a feed mechanism 50 for sending empty containers to a volume reduction section 120 as a volume reduction means, and assuming that the feed mechanism 50 is configured to work in conjunction with the volume reduction section 120, the control unit 1 stops the volume reduction section 120 when the feed mechanism 50 becomes able to accept a new empty container during the volume reduction of an empty container, thereby ensuring the acceptance of new empty containers A2 and balancing the timing with the volume reduction of empty containers A1 that are currently being reduced, making volume reduction more efficient.

[0122] Furthermore, the empty container recovery device 100 as an item recovery device in an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a feed mechanism 50 for sending empty containers to a volume reduction section 120 as a volume reduction means, and assuming that the feed mechanism 50 is configured to work in conjunction with the volume reduction section 120, the feed mechanism 50 has multiple blade sections 52 on a rotating shaft 51 and is configured to be able to accept empty containers between adjacent blade sections 52.Therefore, empty containers accepted between adjacent blade sections 52 of the feed mechanism 50 are more reliably sent to the volume reduction section 120, allowing the volume of empty containers to be reduced more efficiently.

[0123] 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.

[0124] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to an article recovery device. [Background technology] BACKGROUND ART An empty container recovery device for recovering empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-329422). The above-mentioned recovery device compresses and reduces the volume of empty containers that are placed inside using a volume reduction mechanism consisting of a pair of opposing rollers, and then drops the reduced empty containers into a recovery container installed below the volume reduction mechanism to collect them.However, when multiple empty containers are placed inside in sequence for volume reduction processing, reduction of the volume of a new empty container begins after reduction of the previously placed empty container is completed, so no consideration is given to shortening the processing time for volume reduction, and efficient volume reduction is not achieved. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] Therefore, in consideration of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a volume reduction device that can efficiently reduce the volume of a larger number of empty containers when multiple empty containers are loaded in sequence for volume reduction processing. [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is an item recovery device for recovering items, comprising a control unit and a volume reduction means having a plurality of compression rollers, wherein the control unit stops the volume reduction means while an item is being reduced in volume, thereby enabling the device to accept new items.

[0125] According to the above configuration, volume reduction can be performed more efficiently than with conventional empty container recovery devices that start reducing the volume of new empty containers after completing the reduction of the volume of the previously inserted empty container, and as a result, more empty containers can be reduced and recovered.

[0126] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the item recovery device described in (1), the volume reduction means, after accepting the new item, starts reducing the volume of the new item and resumes reducing the volume of the item that is currently being reduced. According to the above configuration, the volume reduction of newly received items and the volume reduction of items currently being reduced can be performed in a timely and balanced manner, and the volume reduction of both items can be performed efficiently.

[0127] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the item recovery device described in (1) or (2), if no new items are accepted, the control unit resumes reducing the volume of the items being reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed since the volume reduction means was stopped. According to the above configuration, the item recovery device can be quickly prepared for the next recovery process that is scheduled to occur.

[0128] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the item recovery device described in any one of (1) to (3), the control unit can select between a first process in which the new item is accepted and items are continuously input, and a second process in which the new item is not accepted, and when the first process is selected, the volume reduction means is stopped while the item is being reduced in volume so that the new item can be accepted, and when the second process is selected, the volume reduction of the item continues without stopping the volume reduction means. According to the above configuration, the volume of the items can be efficiently reduced, whether the volume of a plurality of items is reduced in sequence or, for example, the volume of a single item is reduced.

[0129] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the item recovery device described in any one of (1) to (4), a feeding mechanism is provided for feeding items to the volume reduction means, and the feeding mechanism is linked to the volume reduction means. According to the above configuration, the articles are reliably fed to the volume reduction means using the feed mechanism. Furthermore, since the timing of the drive of the feed mechanism can be maintained properly, the volume reduction of newly received articles and the volume reduction of articles currently being reduced can be balanced with good timing, and the volume reduction of both articles can be performed efficiently.

[0130] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the item recovery device described in (5), the control unit stops the volume reduction means when the feed mechanism becomes able to accept the new item during the volume reduction of the item. According to the above configuration, new items can be received reliably, and the timing of the volume reduction of items that are currently being reduced is balanced, allowing the volume reduction to be carried out more efficiently.

[0131] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is that, in the item recovery device described in (5) or (6), the feed mechanism has multiple blade portions on a rotating shaft, and is capable of receiving the item between adjacent blade portions. According to the above configuration, the articles received between the adjacent blade portions of the feed mechanism are more reliably sent to the volume reduction means, and the volume of the articles can be reduced more efficiently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1...Control unit 3…Display operation section 50...Feed mechanism 51...Rotation axis 52...Paddle 81...Compression roller 811...Rotation axis 91...Compression roller 911...rotating axis 100...Empty container recovery device (item recovery device) 110...Container input section 111...Outer door 112...Inner door 116...Placement section 120...Volume reduction section (volume reduction means) 140...Container storage section A…Empty container (article)

Claims

1. An article recovery device for recovering articles, A control unit; a volume reduction means comprising a plurality of compression rollers; the control unit stops the volume reduction means during volume reduction of the article to allow a new article to be received; After receiving the new item, the volume reduction means starts reducing the volume of the new item and resumes reducing the volume of the item that is currently being reduced. An article recovery device characterized by:

2. An article recovery device for recovering articles, A control unit; a volume reduction means comprising a plurality of compression rollers; The control unit stops the volume reduction means while the volume of an item is being reduced to allow a new item to be received, and if the new item is not received, resumes the volume reduction of the item being reduced after a predetermined time has elapsed since the volume reduction means was stopped. An article recovery device characterized by:

3. An article recovery device for recovering articles, A control unit; a volume reduction means comprising a plurality of compression rollers; The control unit can select a first process in which the new item is received and items are continuously input, and a second process in which the new item is not received. When the first process is selected, the volume reduction means is stopped during the volume reduction of the item so that the new item can be received. When the second process is selected, the volume reduction of the item continues without stopping the volume reduction means. An article recovery device characterized by:

4. 4. The article recovery device according to claim 1, further comprising a feeding mechanism for feeding articles to the volume reduction means, the feeding mechanism being linked to the volume reduction means.

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