Item recovery device

Abstract

To provide an article recovery device which prevents empty containers from being stacked in an unbalanced manner in a storage part, where the empty containers are stored, of the article recovery device and moving reversely to a container input port.SOLUTION: An article recovery device includes: a storage part which is detachably attached to a body part of the article recovery device and in which empty containers are stored; and a leveling mechanism which levels the empty containers stacked in the storage part. The leveling mechanism is provided at the body part and sways the empty containers in the storage part from a lower part of the storage part. Further, the leveling mechanism includes a vibration part which swings around a position offset from a center of the storage part in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0004] , Then, shake the empty container from the bottom of the storage section. , , [Figure 2] ,

[0005] , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an article collection device.

Background Art

[0002] An empty container volume reduction recovery machine for recovering empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This empty container volume reduction recovery machine reduces the volume by sandwiching and crushing an empty container between compression rollers and stores it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] The empty container collection device as an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is detachable from the main body of the device, and has a storage part for storing empty containers, and a leveling mechanism for leveling the empty containers stacked in the storage part. The leveling mechanism is provided in the main body part, and is configured to rock the empty containers in the storage part from the lower part of the storage part. Specifically, for example, the leveling mechanism has a vibrating part that rocks with a position deviated from the center of the storage part in plan view as the rocking center.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the present invention include the illustrated contents, but are not limited thereto. In the description of each figure hereinafter, parts common to the parts already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are partially omitted. Note that, as an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, an empty container collection device will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an empty container collection device 100 (also referred to as a container volume reduction device) that collects empty containers (such as PET bottles) to be collected as an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the empty container collection device 100 has, when in standby mode, the outer door of the item input section (container input section) is closed, and the inner door, which is provided between the item input section and the storage section so as to be openable and closable, is also closed. When an item is to be collected, the outer door of the item input section is opened, and the control unit (discrimination unit) determines whether the item placed on the placement section of the item input section is an item to be collected (for example, an empty resin container such as a PET bottle). If it is determined that the item is an item to be collected (an empty container), the outer door is closed, the inner door provided between the item input section and the storage section is opened, and the container is collected by the storage section. In this embodiment, the empty container collection device is equipped with a volume reduction mechanism, and by reducing the volume of the container using the volume reduction mechanism, a large amount of reduced-volume empty containers can be collected in a storage section of a specified capacity.

[0010] Furthermore, the items collected are not limited to PET bottles, cans, and glass bottles; for example, milk cartons, trays, ink cartridges, items returned to libraries and rental shops (such as books and DVDs), dry cleaning items, batteries, light bulbs, or any other items that are eligible for collection. In other words, an empty container collection device is one embodiment of a container volume reduction device or an item collection device that collects goods.

[0011] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the empty container collection device 100, as an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, has a container input section 110 at the top of the device body 100B (also referred to as the main body 100B), and an outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the opening of the container input section 110. The device body 100B has a display operation section 3 and a transmitting / receiving section 4 (communication section) on the front side near the top of the outer door 111. In addition, a luggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the device body 100B.

[0012] Furthermore, below the container input section 110, there is a passage that communicates with the container storage section 140 (also referred to as the storage section 140), and an inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 from the mounting section 116 of the container input section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0013] In this embodiment, the empty container collection device 100 is provided with a volume reduction unit 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage unit 140. When the inner door 112 is open, the volume reduction unit 120 crushes the empty container A from the container input unit 110 to reduce its volume, and outputs the reduced-volume empty container RA to the container storage unit 140 below. Furthermore, the main body 100B of the empty container collection device 100 has a drawer section 100C (also called a drawer 100C) on which the container storage section 140 is placed, and a drawer handle 100e and a keyhole 100r are provided on the front side, and it is configured to be lockable and unlockable by inserting a key into the keyhole 100r.

[0014] Furthermore, a light-transmitting section 100A (light-transmitting window) is provided on the front side of the main body 100B of the device, more specifically on the front side of the drawer section 100C, allowing the empty containers stored in the container storage section 140 to be visible from the outside.

[0015] Furthermore, a handle 100g for transport is provided on the side of the main body 100B of the device.

[0016] Furthermore, the main body of the device 100B is equipped with a cap insertion section 108 on its front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided extending downward from the cap insertion section 108 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. Furthermore, 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-like material may be used at the branching point to allow leftover cigarette butts, rainwater, etc., to be discharged and accumulated via a separate route, so that only caps are placed in the cap storage section 145.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the volume reduction section 120 has a structure in which a pair of rotating shafts 811 and 911 are rotatably supported by two roughly plate-shaped support members (not shown).

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

[0019] Furthermore, at the top of the volume reduction section 120, inclined plate-shaped restricting members 60, 61, and 62, which have an inverse slope relative to the restricting member 61, are provided to guide the empty container A to the center of the volume reduction section 120, thereby restricting the movement of the empty container A to other locations. These regulating members 60 and 61, which serve as guides, are physically separated from the mounting section provided in the container input section and form a path from the mounting section 116 to the volume reduction section 120.

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

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

[0022] The peeling section 32 (peeling means 30) is configured to peel the container, whose volume has been reduced by the compression rollers 81 and 91 of the volume reduction section 120, from the compression rollers 81 and 91.

[0023] Furthermore, the empty container collection device 100 may have a splash prevention section 78 above the volume reduction section 120. The splash prevention section 78 functions as a maintenance door for the container volume reduction device (empty container collection device 100). Specifically, the splash prevention section 78 is pivotally supported by a hinge 78a on a fixing member provided inside the empty container collection device, allowing its opening to be opened and closed. The operator opens the outer cover 100K on the top of the empty container collection device 100, and then grasps the gripping portion 78d (handle) of the splash prevention section 78 to open the splash prevention section 78. The outer cover 100K may be a door-type cover or may be made of other cover material.

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

[0025] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the container input section 110 of the empty container recovery device 100 includes a mounting 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, and the like.

[0026] The mounting section 116 is configured to allow objects to be collected to be placed on it. The mounting section 116 is equipped with light sensors 9, such as a light receiving section 9a and a light emitting section 9b, as well as metal sensors. A weighing section 7 is also provided at the bottom of the mounting section 116. The weighing section 7 weighs the mass (weight) of the item (empty container, etc.) placed on the mounting section 116.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting section 116 is not horizontal, but is inclined so that the container storage section 140 side is lower than the article input side (the opening side when the outer door 111 is open). In other words, the mounting section 116 is configured to encourage the inserted articles to fall towards the container storage section 140 side (or the volume reduction section 120 side) due to their own weight. As a result, there is no need to provide a transport mechanism to send the articles (input items) to the container storage section 140, and a compact container volume reduction device can be provided. Furthermore, the mounting section 116 has a surface treatment applied to the surface of the mounting surface, forming an uneven surface, which prevents the placed items from sticking to the mounting section. When the container volume reduction device is an empty container recovery device, even if the container is wet, the contact area between the container surface and the uneven surface of the mounting section is relatively small, so the surface tension due to wetness is reduced, and the container moves easily towards the container storage section 140. In other words, it is possible to prevent problems such as wet containers not falling into the container storage section.

[0028] The outer door 111 is located on the outside of the mounting section 116. The outer door drive unit 5 drives the outer door 111 so that it can be opened and closed. The inner door 112 is located in the passage 71 between the placement section 116 and the volume reduction section 120. The inner door drive unit 6 drives the inner door 112 to open and close. As shown in Figure 6, the inner door 112 is provided with a placement guide section 112D that guides the placement of empty containers. The placement guide section 112D is exposed and located in a position visible from the main body of the device. The placement guide section 112D provides information to guide the placement of items (empty containers such as PET bottles) in a specified orientation and position (for example, 350ml, 500ml, 2000ml, etc.). This placement guide section 112D may be a recess, protrusion, sticker, LED display, LCD, etc., located on the surface of the inner door 112. Furthermore, the container volume reduction device may be equipped with a detection means, such as an imaging unit, to determine whether the item is correctly placed at the placement position indicated by the placement guide unit 112D. Additionally, if the placement orientation and position are incorrect, the device may provide notification or other alerts using imaging processing or detection units such as optical sensors.

[0029] In this embodiment, the empty container collection device 100 has a base 118, which has outer door support parts S118, S111 that support the outer door 111 and the outer door drive unit 5. Specifically, the outer door drive unit 5 and a rotating 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 mounted on the rotating shaft C111, and the outer door 111 is supported by the fan-shaped outer door support part S111. One of the two rotating shafts C111 is connected to the rotating 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 axis C112 of the inner door 112 passes.

[0030] The weighing unit 7 is positioned between the base 118 and the mounting unit 116, and supports the mounting unit 116.

[0031] Furthermore, the inner door 112 is configured to guide the empty container placed on the mounting section 116 to the volume reduction section 120 when it is in the open position. In this embodiment, the inner door drive unit 6 and the inner door 112 are supported by an inner door support section S112, which is positioned on the weighing section 7 and extends from between the weighing section 7 and the mounting section 116. The inner door drive unit 6 is provided with a rotation shaft C112 for the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 is mounted on this rotation shaft C112. By opening the inner door 112, the material to be recovered can be guided to the container storage section 140 inside the main body of the device. The inner door support section S112 also has a hole S112h through which the rotation shaft C111 passes.

[0032] In other words, 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 a mounting part 116 is provided on top of the weighing unit 7 which is positioned on the base 118. Therefore, the weighing unit 7 can accurately weigh the mass of objects to be recovered that are placed on the mounting part 116. More specifically, since the weighing unit 7 does not support the outer door 111 or the outer door drive unit 5, the weighing unit 7 is less susceptible to vibrations from the outer door 111 and the outer door drive unit 5, and can accurately weigh the mass of objects to be recovered on the mounting part 116.

[0033] Furthermore, the outer door 111 of the empty container recovery device 100, which is a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, is configured to be movable between an open position that exposes the mounting section 116 and a closed position that covers the mounting section 116. When the outer door 111 is closed, it is configured to be movable from the open position towards the mounting section 116 to the closed position. In other words, since the outer door 111 is configured to move from the open state towards the mounting section 116 and close, for example, when a user's hand or arm gets caught between the outer door 111 and the mounting section 116, the metering value measured by the metering section changes, and the control unit detects this change, making it easy to detect that a user's hand or arm, foreign object, etc., is caught between the outer door 111 and the mounting section 116.

[0034] Furthermore, in the empty container recovery device 100 as a container volume reduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer door 111 is provided with a first restricting part K111 that restricts the movement of the inner door 112. The inner door 112 is provided with a second restricting part K112 that restricts the movement of the outer door 111. The first restricting part K111 and the second restricting part K112 provide a mechanism that prevents both the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 from being in an open state. In other words, the empty container collection device 100 has a first restricting section K111 provided on the outer door 111 and a second restricting section K112 provided on the inner door 112, so it has a mechanically simple structure and can restrict the opening and closing operation of each door according to the open and closed state of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112, respectively.

[0035] Furthermore, the first restricting part K111 of the empty container recovery device 100, which acts as a container volume reduction device, is configured to respond to the movement of the outer door 111. The second restricting part K112 is configured to respond to the movement of the inner door 112. In addition, the empty container recovery device 100 is configured such that when the outer door 111 is open, the first restricting part K111 restricts the movement of the inner door 112, and when the inner door 112 is open, the second restricting part K112 restricts the movement of the outer door 111. In detail, in this embodiment, the empty container collection device 100 is configured such that when the outer door 111 is open, the inner door 112 remains closed and is prevented from opening. That is, when the outer door 111 is open and an object is placed on the loading section 116, the inner door 112 remains closed and does not open, and regardless of whether the object placed on the loading section 116 is an object to be collected or not, it is configured not to be placed in the container storage section 140 within the main body 100B of the device. In other words, in this state, the object (object to be collected or not) is in contact with the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 also serves as part of the loading section.

[0036] Furthermore, the first restricting portion K111 and the second restricting portion K112 are configured such that their movement paths overlap. In this embodiment, when one of the first restricting portion K111 and the second restricting portion K112 restricts the movement of the other, the empty container collection device 100 has a structure in which the first restricting portion K111 and the second restricting portion K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight gap in an arc shape. In detail, in this embodiment, the first restricting portion K111 is formed in a substantially fan shape. The first restricting portion K111 has a convex arc-shaped portion K111a and a concave portion K111b. The second restricting portion K112 is also formed in a substantially fan shape. In detail, the second restricting portion K112 has a convex arc-shaped portion K112a and a concave portion K112b.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, when the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is closed, the empty container collection device 100 has means to maintain the edge 116a of the mounting section 116 and the end face of the inner door 112 in a non-adherent state. More specifically, for example, the empty container collection device 100 has regulating means (regulating section 40) that maintains a predetermined distance Ls between the edge 116a of the mounting section 116 and the end face of the inner door 112. This predetermined distance Ls is preferably, for example, a distance that is too small for a finger to fit through. In this embodiment, the regulating means (regulating part 40) has a protrusion 41 (40) on the edge 116a of the mounting part 116 on the inner door 112 side, and / or a protrusion 42 (40) on the portion 116Wa of the side wall 116W (side cover) of the mounting part 116 on the inner door side. In other words, even when the inner door 112 is closed, the edge 116a of the mounting section 116 and the end face 112a of the inner door 112 can be maintained at a predetermined distance Ls, and residual liquid can be discharged through the gap between the mounting section 116 and the inner door 112. The protrusion 42(40) may also be provided on the inner door 112 side. Furthermore, the following configurations can be used as means to maintain a non-adherent state between the edge 116a of the mounting portion 116 and the end face of the inner door 112. For example, the surface of the area where the inner door 112 and the mounting portion 116 are in contact may have water-repellent properties that make it difficult for liquids to adhere, or the surface of the protrusion 42(40) may have water-repellent properties. Alternatively, instead of the protrusion 42(40), the surface of the area where the inner door 112 and the mounting portion 116 are in contact may have water-repellent properties that make it difficult for liquids to adhere. If the surface has water-repellent properties instead of the protrusion 42(40), this water-repellent surface is the regulating means. The water-repellency of the surface may be obtained, for example, by forming a surface with a fine uneven structure having a lotus effect, or by applying a water-repellent material such as fluororesin, silicone resin, or silicone oil to the surface to form a water-repellent film.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the outer door 111 is open and the inner door 112 is closed, and the first restricting part K111 restricts the movement of the second restricting part K112, the convex arc-shaped part K111a of the first restricting part K111 and the concave arc-shaped part K112b of the second restricting part K112 are adjacent to each other with a slight gap in the arc shape. In other words, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, when the outer door 111 is open, the inner door 112 is closed, and the movement of the second restricting part K112 is restricted by the first restricting part K111, so the inner door 112 remains closed and does not open.

[0039] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), in this embodiment, the restricting means (restricting part 40) has a protrusion 41(40) on a portion of the edge 116a on the inner door 112 side of the mounting part 116, which protrudes toward the inner door, and / or a protrusion 42(40) on a portion of the inner door side portion 116Wa of the side wall 116W (side cover) of the mounting part 116, which protrudes toward the inner door. The restricting means may have only one of the protrusions 41 and 42, or it may have multiple protrusions. In other words, since the regulating part 40 is provided, the inner door 112 can be easily opened from a closed state in which the edge 116a of the mounting part 116 and the end face 112a of the inner door 112 are maintained at a predetermined distance Ls.

[0040] In other words, in the empty container recovery device as a container volume reduction device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the outer door 111 is closed and the inner door 112 is open, the movement of the first restricting part K111 is restricted by the second restricting part K112, so that the outer door 111 remains closed and does not open.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the empty container recovery device 100 may have a prohibition means for prohibiting the movement of one or both of the first limiting portion K111 and the second limiting portion K112. In particular, the prohibition means may include, for example, a solenoid. This solenoid has a structure in which, for example, a metal movable pin (plunger) is arranged inside a coil, and when the coil is not energized, the movable pin (plunger) is positioned to protrude from the end of the coil by a biasing portion, and is configured to move inside the coil when the coil is energized. For example, as a means of preventing movement of the outer door 111 from a closed state to an open state, the movable pin (plunger) of the solenoid for the outer door may be configured to engage with a hole provided in the first restricting part K111. The control unit controls the system so that when the closed state of the first restricting part K111 is maintained and movement to the open state is prohibited, the movable pin is engaged with the hole, and when movement is not prohibited, the movable pin is disengaged. In other words, the means of preventing movement of the first restricting part K111 from a closed state to an open state can be prevented with a simple structure. Furthermore, as a means of preventing the inner door 112 from moving from the closed state to the open state, the movable pin (plunger) of the solenoid for the inner door may be configured to engage with a hole provided in the second restricting part K112. The control unit controls the system so that when the closed state of the second restricting part K112 is maintained and movement to the open state is prohibited, the movable pin is engaged with the hole, and when movement is not prohibited, the movable pin is disengaged. In other words, the means of preventing movement of the second restricting part K112 from the closed state to the open state can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0042] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of attaching the movable bottom member 161 (tray, etc.) and bag to the drawer section 100C of the empty container collection device 100, which is an item collection device. In detail, Figure 10(a) is a left side view of the empty container collection device 100, and Figure 10(b) is a right side view. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of how to attach a bag (plastic bag) to the storage section (container storage section) of an item collection device (empty container collection device).

[0043] Figure 12 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of the state in which the drawer section 100C is pulled out from the main body of the item retrieval device (the state in which the movable bottom member 161 is removed). Figure 13 is a conceptual plan view showing an example of an item retrieval device in which a movable bottom member 161 is detachably provided in the drawer section 100C.

[0044] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the leveling mechanism and a movable bottom member detachably provided on the drawer. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the leveling mechanism. Figure 16 is a planar conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a leveling mechanism with a detachably provided movable bottom member. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the leveling mechanism and movable bottom member (tray) of an item retrieval device.

[0045] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the empty container collection device 100, which serves as an item collection device, has a collection section (container storage section 140) for collecting items. In this embodiment, the collection section (container storage section 140) is a pull-out section 100C, and the pull-out section 100C is configured to be able to be stored and pulled out through an opening on the front side of the main body 100B of the empty container collection device 100.

[0046] This drawer section 100C has a front panel section 100Ca (decorative panel section), a pair of left and right side panels 143, a bottom panel section 144, etc., and is formed in the shape of a box with a bottom that opens upwards. In the example shown in Figure 12, the bottom panel section 144 has an opening 144h formed in at least a part of it. More specifically, an opening 144h is formed in the central part of the bottom panel section 144, and when the drawer section 100C is housed in the main body section 100B, the leveling mechanism 260, which will be described later, is configured to protrude slightly upwards from the opening 144h. Furthermore, bottom plates of a predetermined width are provided near both the left and right ends of the bottom plate portion 144, and the movable bottom member 161 is detachably mounted on them. In this embodiment, the movable bottom member 161 is formed, for example, in a U-shaped cross-section. The movable bottom member 161 is also configured to vibrate by a leveling mechanism 260, which will be described later. Furthermore, a bottomed bag BB (a bag for collecting items) with an upward opening is detachably positioned in the drawer section 100C, with the movable bottom member 161 placed on top.

[0047] The collection section (container housing section 140, etc.) is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, has no top surface, and more specifically has an opening at the top, and consists only of a frame that lacks at least a portion of the top edge.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drawer section 100C is described as an item retrieval device in which the front panel section 100Ca (decorative panel section) and the retrieval section (container storage section 140) are integrated, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the front panel section 100Ca may be a sliding door type (left-opening or right-opening type) that is rotatably mounted on the main body section 100B of the item retrieval device by a hinge or the like. When the sliding door type front panel section 100Ca is open, the retrieval section (container storage section 140) may be configured to slide freely in the front-rear direction.

[0049] In the examples shown in Figures 10 to 14, three or more columnar sections 141 are erected on the rectangular bottom plate section 144 of the collection section (container storage section 140, etc.). More specifically, in this embodiment, columnar sections 141 are erected at the four corners of the bottom plate section 144. A roughly spherical hooking portion 142 is provided at or near the top of the column portion 141. The upper end of the bag BB for collecting items (empty container A, etc.) is hooked onto this hooking portion 142. The hooking portion 142 is made of, for example, an elastomer, and more specifically, an elastic material such as rubber or other resin, or a non-slip material. By using such a shape and material, attaching and detaching the bag becomes safe and easy, and furthermore, by using a material with good adhesion such as rubber, the upper opening of the bag can be hooked without sagging. Furthermore, the latching portion 142 has a shape that protrudes outward, making it easy to latch onto the bag BB. In addition, the tip of the latching portion 142 is formed in a roughly spherical shape, making it difficult for the bag BB to tear.

[0050] Furthermore, the collection section (container storage section 140) includes left and right side plates 143, a rear plate 147, and a front plate (not shown), and the upper ends of these may be set to a position lower than, for example, the latching portion 142, and in this embodiment to be about half the height of the column portion 141. When empty containers or fragments have fallen behind (towards the rear) of the bag BB, the worker can reach out from the side plate 143 to pick them up. Also, since the upper half of the side plate is absent, the collection capacity is relatively large. Furthermore, a notch (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the rear plate 147. When the drawer section 100C slides in the front-rear direction, the leveling mechanism 260 provided in the main body section 100B is configured to be able to move in and out of the opening 144h of the drawer section 100C via the notch (not shown).

[0051] This explains one example of how to attach the BB bag for collecting items. First, as shown in Figures 10(a), 11, and 13, the movable bottom member 161 is placed on the collection section (container storage section 140). With the movable bottom member 161 placed on the drawer section 100C, notches 161C are formed at positions corresponding to the bag hanging section (column section 141, latching section 142). In other words, the movable bottom member 161 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, with notches 161C formed at each corner. In detail, the drawer section 100C has a rectangular bottom plate with column sections 141 and latching sections 142 formed at the four corners as bag hanging sections. A roughly spherical latching section 142 is provided on the upper part of the column section 141.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13, 16, and 17, a magnet 161m is provided on the back surface of the movable bottom member 161. This magnet 161m is located at the opening 144h of the drawer section 100C, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. More specifically, in a plan view, the magnet 161m is positioned so as to overlap the opening 144h of the drawer section 100C. The magnet 161m is configured to be detachably attached to, for example, a metal leveling mechanism 260.

[0053] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the ends (top ends) of the item collection bag BB (plastic bag or other resin bag) are hooked onto the rubber balls (hooking parts 142) at the four corners of the collection section (container storage section 140). Next, place the bag BB (plastic bag, etc.) for collecting items along the wall (side panel 143, etc.) and spread it out firmly to the bottom (bottom panel 144). In other words, the BB bag can be easily attached to the collection unit. Furthermore, by printing or displaying a diagram on the movable bottom member 161, such as the one shown in Figure 11, which illustrates "how to attach the plastic bag (bag BB)," the operator can easily attach the bag BB to the collection section of the drawer unit 100C by referring to the diagram.

[0054] The bag BB can be easily removed by detaching the upper end of the bag BB, which is attached to the fastening part 142, from the fastening part 142.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 12, the collection section (container storage section 140) is provided with a cap storage section 145. In this embodiment, the cap storage section 145 has a cap bag holder 1451 for holding a cap storage bag BS (small bag (such as a plastic bag or other resin bag)). This cap bag holder 1451 is rotatably or detachably provided in the collection section (container storage section 140).

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 14, in this embodiment, a plate-shaped member 241 is provided on the rear side of the collection section (container storage section 140) so as to be tiltable by a specified angle (for example, θ = approximately 30°, with the vertical state being 0°). The lower end of the plate-shaped member 241 is provided on the rear side of the collection section 140 via a hinge 243.

[0057] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), when the collection section (container storage section 140) is pulled forward from the main body section 100B of the item collection section, the upper end portion 241a of the plate-shaped member 241 is inclined toward the rear. As shown in Figure 14(c), when the collection unit (container housing unit 140) is housed in the main body unit 100B of the item collection device, the plate-shaped member 241 is in an upright position.

[0058] In other words, even when the drawer section 100C is pulled out when the collection section (container storage section 140) is full of empty containers, the plate-shaped member 241 tilts backward, so that the empty containers that spill out of the bag BB can be held by the plate-shaped member 241, and when the bag is removed the empty containers fall to the bottom of the collection section by their own weight, making it easy to remove them.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the leveling mechanism 260 is provided in the main body 100B of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). The movable bottom member 161 is detachably provided in the drawer section 100C. More specifically, as shown in Figure 14(a), when the drawer section 100C is extended, the movable bottom member 161 is spaced apart from the leveling mechanism 260.

[0060] As shown in Figures 14(b), 14(c), and 17, when the drawer section 100C is moved toward the main body section 100B of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) and the drawer section 100C is housed in the main body section 100B, the movable bottom member 161 is placed on the leveling mechanism 260. The plate-shaped member 241's upper end 241a comes into contact with the rear member 100Bb on the rear side of the main body section 100B of the item recovery device, and slides to become upright. More specifically, the movable bottom member 161 is detachably mounted so that the recess 161u on the back surface of the movable bottom member 161 contacts the upper surface of the vibrating part 261 of the leveling mechanism 260, which is provided on the main body 100B of the container recovery device. Furthermore, even when the vibrating part 261 of the leveling mechanism 260 vibrates, the coupling force between the magnet 161m and the metal vibrating part 261 is specified so that the movable bottom member 161 does not separate from the vibration of the vibrating part 261 and continues to operate.

[0061] Furthermore, when the drawer section 100C is pulled out from the main body section 100B of the empty container collection device, the rear plate of the drawer section 100C presses against the movable bottom member 161 (tray), thereby causing the movable bottom member 161 (tray) to move away from the vibrating part 261 of the leveling mechanism 260, against the coupling force of the magnet 161m on the vibrating part 261 of the leveling mechanism 260.

[0062] As shown in Figure 14, the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) has a storage state detection unit 12 that detects the storage state of empty containers in the recovery unit (container storage unit 140) provided in the drawer unit 100C. The storage state detection unit 12 is, for example, one or more of the following: an optical sensor, an imaging unit (camera), an ultrasonic sensor, etc., and is installed in the main body 100B of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). It detects the storage state of empty containers in the recovery unit (container storage unit 140). Specifically, the storage state detection unit 12 detects the quantity of empty containers, the mountain-like shape of the stored empty containers, their unevenness, height, etc.

[0063] The leveling mechanism 260 levels the empty containers stacked in the storage section 140. More specifically, the leveling mechanism 260 levels the empty containers in the storage section by vibrating the movable bottom member 161. As shown in Figures 15, 16, and 17, the leveling mechanism 260 includes a fixed base 260B, a drive motor 260M, a vibrating unit 261, a connecting member 260L (link member), and the like.

[0064] The fixed base section 260B is composed of a rectangular frame or the like and is fixed to the main body section 100B of the empty container collection device 100. The drive motor 260M is fixed to the base 260B and the main body 100B, and the rotating shaft 260Ma is configured to rotate under the control of the control unit.

[0065] The vibrating unit 261 is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 265 relative to the fixed base 260B, and is configured to swing freely relative to the fixed base 260B. In the examples shown in Figures 13, 15, 16, and 17, the pivot axis 265 is defined to be aligned along the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 16, the pivot axis 265 is located at a predetermined distance from the center CP of the housing in a plan view. In other words, the leveling mechanism 260 has a vibrating part 261 that oscillates with a pivot center at a position offset from the center of the housing in a plan view.

[0066] The vibrating section 261 more specifically includes a vibrating plate 2611 (such as a receiving plate) and a movable base member 2612 (such as a base member for mounting the receiving plate). The diaphragm 2611 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape, with dimensions smaller in length and width than the movable bottom member 161 and larger in length and width than the movable base member 2612. The diaphragm 2611 is fixed to the movable base member 2612 by fastening members such as screws.

[0067] In the examples shown in Figures 15, 16, and 17, the movable base member 2612 is composed of a roughly rectangular frame and is smaller in length and width than the vibrating section 261. More specifically, the movable base member 2612 has a hole formed in the center in a plan view, and a beam section 2612a is installed in the center of the hole along the left-right direction.

[0068] A circular member 266 is provided on the rotating shaft 260Ma of the drive motor 260M, and one end of a connecting member 260L (link) is rotatably connected to the circular member 266, eccentrically with respect to the rotating shaft 260Ma. The other end of the connecting member 260L is rotatably provided on the beam portion 2612a of the movable base member 2612. In other words, the connecting member 260L (link) is connected to the circular member 266 and the movable base member 2612. In other words, as the rotating shaft 260Ma of the drive motor 260M rotates, force is transmitted to the movable base member 2612 and the diaphragm 2611 of the vibrating unit 261 via the circular member 266 and the connecting member 260L (link mechanism), causing the vibrating unit 261 to oscillate around the pivot shaft 265 as the pivot point.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 17, the circular member 266 is provided with a projection 260F (also called a sensor flag 260F) that protrudes radially outward. The fixed base 260B is equipped with a rotation position detection unit 260S (such as an optical sensor), which can detect the position (rotation position) and rotation speed of the rotation axis 260Ma of the drive motor 260M by detecting the projection 260F (sensor flag). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the components of the leveling mechanism 260 are configured such that when the projection 260F (sensor flag) which is linked to the rotating shaft 260Ma is at the detection position of the rotation position detection unit 260S, the diaphragm 2611 (receiver) and the movable base member 2612 are in a horizontal position. If the projection 260F (sensor flag) is located anywhere other than the detection position, the diaphragm 2611 and the movable base member 2612 of the vibrating unit 261 rotate around the pivot axis 265 and become tilted. The rotating shaft 260Ma of the drive motor 260M (leveling mechanism drive unit) rotates, causing the vibrating part 261 to oscillate via the connecting member 260L (link mechanism). A portion of the vibrating part 261 that is sufficiently far from the oscillation shaft 265, such as the right end of the vibrating part 261, vibrates in the vertical direction. The amplitude is specified to a value within a range of approximately 3 cm to 20 cm. Furthermore, this amplitude may be controlled by the control unit to be variable according to, for example, the amount of empty containers housed in the storage section. For instance, the larger the amount of empty containers housed in the storage section, the larger the amplitude will be set.

[0070] Furthermore, if a DC motor is used as the drive motor 260M, for example, the rotation speed of the DC motor's rotating shaft will decrease when the load is heavy. Therefore, by detecting the change in the rotation speed of the DC motor's rotating shaft, the control unit can roughly calculate the amount of empty containers stored in the storage unit 140 based on that change in rotation speed.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, if a full error occurs and a collection bag full of empty containers is replaced with a new, empty collection bag, the control unit can determine whether or not the collection bag has actually been replaced with an empty one based on the change in the rotational speed of the drive motor 260M by driving the drive motor 260M. Specifically, for example, if the control unit detects a button operation indicating that the replacement is complete on the confirmation screen after the collection bag has been replaced, it can drive the drive motor 260M and determine whether the collection bag has been replaced based on the change in the rotational speed of the drive motor 260M. For example, if the control unit determines that the collection bag has not been replaced, it may perform a process to notify the user via a display unit or the like that the collection bag has not been replaced, or to notify the user via a display unit or the like that the collection bag needs to be replaced.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figure 18, an example of the operation of the leveling mechanism 260 of the empty container collection device as an item collection device will be described. As shown in Figure 18(a), before the leveling mechanism of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) operates, empty containers (reduced volume empty containers RA) are stored in a pile-like arrangement in the storage section 140. In the example shown in Figure 18, the empty containers whose volume has been reduced in the volume reduction section move from the volume reduction section to the lower storage section 140, and are characterized by being piled up in a mountain-like shape at a position offset from the center of the storage section 140.

[0073] For example, if it is determined that leveling is necessary based on the storage state of the empty containers stored in the storage section 140, the control unit of the item retrieval device vibrates the vibrating section 261 and the movable bottom member 161 using the leveling mechanism 260. As shown in Figure 18(b), the piles of empty containers RA are leveled, resulting in a nearly uniform height within the storage section 140. In the example shown in Figure 18, the pivot point is defined as being offset from the center of the housing section 140. Alternatively, the pivot point may be defined as being offset from the position of the peak of the empty container.

[0074] Next, with reference to Figure 19, an example of the electrical configuration of the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The empty container recovery device 100 includes a control unit 1 (CPU), a storage unit 2, a display and operation unit 3, a transmitting and receiving unit 4, an outer door drive unit 5, an inner door drive unit 6, a weighing unit 7, a metal sensor 8, a light sensor 9, a door position sensor 10, a door lock unit 11, a storage state detection unit 12, a volume reduction drive unit 15, a drive motor 260M (leveling mechanism drive unit), etc. Each component is electrically connected by signal lines, etc.

[0075] The control unit 1 (CPU) comprehensively controls each component of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). The control unit 1 implements the functions according to the present invention in a computer, for example, by executing a control program.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit 1 has a leveling mechanism control unit 101. The leveling mechanism control unit 101 controls the leveling mechanism 260 to perform a leveling operation if it determines, for example, that the empty containers in the storage section 140 are unevenly arranged in a pile-like shape. The leveling mechanism control unit 101 controls the leveling mechanism 260 to perform a leveling operation when a leveling instruction is input from, for example, the display operation unit 3.

[0077] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism control unit 101 may control the leveling mechanism 260 to perform a leveling operation when, for example, the amount of empty containers collected by the empty container collection device reaches a predetermined amount, such as half of the maximum capacity of the storage section 140. Alternatively, the leveling mechanism control unit 101 may control the leveling mechanism 260 to perform a leveling operation every time a predetermined number or amount of empty containers, such as 10, are collected thereafter.

[0078] Furthermore, even if the leveling mechanism control unit 101 detects, for example, the input of the leveling instruction mentioned above or the unevenness of the empty containers stored in the storage unit, if it determines that the current time is within a preset leveling prohibition period (for example, at night, specifically between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.), it will perform control to prohibit the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260. With a simple configuration, the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 can be prohibited during quiet times (environments) such as at night. Furthermore, the empty container collection device may allow manual switching of the control to prohibit leveling operation during the leveling prohibited time period, or depending on the installation location. Specifically, for example, in the case of an empty container collection device installed outdoors near a residential area, the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 is prohibited during the leveling prohibited time period at night, but in the case of an empty container collection device installed indoors in an office building or shopping mall, it is not necessary to prohibit leveling operation at night.

[0079] Memory unit 2 is a memory device such as RAM or ROM. Memory unit 2 stores control programs and other information. It also stores the characteristics of empty containers of the items to be recovered. These characteristics include, for example, the range of container mass and whether or not the container is made of resin.

[0080] The display operation unit 3 performs predetermined displays under the control of the control unit 1. The display operation unit 3 also outputs signals to the control unit 1 in response to user operations. The display operation unit 3 is, for example, a touch panel display device.

[0081] The transmitting / receiving unit 4 is a transmitting / receiving device that communicates with contactless IC cards, IC tags, etc., and performs predetermined communications under the control of the control unit 1. The transmitting / receiving unit 4 also performs predetermined communications with other terminal devices (computers) via a wireless or wired communication channel under the control of the control unit 1.

[0082] The outer door drive unit 5 is a motor or the like for opening and closing the outer door 111, and its drive is controlled by the control unit 1.

[0083] The inner door drive 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 either the open or closed state.

[0084] The weighing unit 7 weighs the mass of the empty container or non-recoverable object placed on the placement section 116 of the container input section 110. The weighing unit 7 is a weighing device such as a load cell. Furthermore, the weighing unit 7 is used as a sensor to determine whether or not a container can be recovered by detecting any remaining liquid inside the container placed on the placement section 116 of the container input section 110. The weighing unit 7 is also configured to determine the total weight of the containers stored in the container storage section 140 by accumulating the weight values ​​of the containers that have been determined to be recoverable. This function eliminates the need to provide a weighing unit in the container storage section 140, allowing for a larger capacity container storage section 140, and also allows the weighing unit 7 itself to be made smaller. Because the objects to be weighed are relatively small, there is no need to provide a large weighing unit 7.

[0085] The metal sensor 8 detects whether an object placed on the placement section 116 of the container input section 110 is metallic or non-metallic. In this embodiment, if the metal sensor 8 detects that an object placed on the placement section 116 is metallic, the control unit 1 determines that the object placed on the placement section 116 is not subject to recovery.

[0086] Furthermore, the light sensor 9 has a light receiving unit 9a that receives light from a light-emitting unit 9b provided in the container input unit 110. The light sensor 9 is configured to receive light through a polarizing plate, for example, and is capable of detecting empty containers to be collected by detecting polarized light that has passed through a translucent empty container such as a PET bottle. The control unit 1 detects light transmitted through a translucent empty container placed on the container loading area using a light sensor 9, and determines whether or not it is an empty container to be collected based on the detection signal from the light sensor 9.

[0087] Furthermore, the item retrieval device is equipped with the aforementioned sensors around the placement area to determine whether or not an item needs to be retrieved. For example, in conventional retrieval devices, items are taken into the device, a determination is made as to whether or not they are items to be retrieved, and non-items are discharged from an outlet different from the input port. Since the device is equipped with a determination unit, an outlet is required. On the other hand, the article recovery device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured such that it is not necessary to take the items to be recovered into the device, as sensors for determining whether or not recovery is necessary are provided in the mounting section which is the input port of the device. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an outlet, and a compact article recovery device can be provided.

[0088] The door position sensor 10 detects the position of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112, and outputs signals related to the positions of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112 to the control unit 1. Based on these signals, the control unit 1 controls the opening and closing states of the outer door 111 and the inner door 112.

[0089] The door locking unit 11 has a locking device such as a solenoid, and locks the movement of the outer door 111 or inner door 112 as needed under control from the control unit 1.

[0090] The storage state detection unit 12 is located in the main body 100B of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100), detects the storage state of empty containers in the recovery unit (container storage unit 140), and outputs the detection result to the control unit 1.

[0091] The volume reduction drive unit 15 rotates the compression rollers 81 and 91 of the volume reduction unit 120 under the control of the control unit 1.

[0092] The drive motor 260M (leveling mechanism drive unit) is a drive unit that drives the leveling mechanism 260 and is controlled by the control unit 1.

[0093] Next, an example of the operation of the empty container collection device 100 as an item collection device will be explained with reference to Figure 20, etc.

[0094] The control unit 1 performs the processing from step ST101 onward, provided that the drawer unit 100C is housed in the main body 100B of the empty container recovery device 100.

[0095] In step ST101, the control unit 1 determines whether the detection unit has detected that the empty containers in the storage unit 140 are unevenly stored. If it has detected this, it proceeds to step ST102. The control unit 1 also determines whether there is a leveling instruction. If there is a leveling instruction, it proceeds to step ST102. Furthermore, if no unevenness is detected, or if there is no instruction to level, the control unit 1 terminates the processing related to the leveling operation.

[0096] In step ST102, the control unit 1 determines whether the current time is a prohibited time (or prohibited time zone). If it is a prohibited time (or prohibited time zone), it proceeds to the process in step ST103; otherwise, it proceeds to the process in step ST104.

[0097] In step ST103, the control unit 1 performs a process to prohibit the leveling operation (oscillation prohibition) and terminates the process related to the leveling operation.

[0098] In step ST104, the control unit 1 performs the leveling operation described above using the leveling mechanism 260.

[0099] In step ST105, the control unit 1 performs a process to stop the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 after a specified time has elapsed or when leveling is completed.

[0100] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 1 performs the processing related to step ST101 periodically or irregularly.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 1 forcibly stops the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 and the volume reduction operation by the volume reduction unit when, for example, a key is inserted into the keyhole 100r of the drawer unit 100C and unlocked, or when the drawer unit 100C is pulled out from the main body unit 100B, while the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 is in progress.

[0102] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device) is not limited to the embodiment described above. Another embodiment of the leveling mechanism of the item recovery device will be described below. Figure 21 is a top view showing an example of an item retrieval device equipped with a leveling mechanism 260A, with the storage section 140A (drawer section) pulled out from the main body 100B of the item retrieval device. Figures 22 to 24 illustrate an example of the operation of the leveling mechanism 260A of the item retrieval device.

[0103] In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 above, the storage section 140 had a movable bottom member 161. However, the leveling mechanism 260A of the article retrieval device shown in Figures 21 to 23 has, instead of the movable bottom member 161, a movable bottom member 165C provided in the storage section 140A and a driving means 600 provided in the main body 100B of the article retrieval device. In detail, the housing section 140A has bottom plate sections 165L and 165R on both the left and right sides, spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In other words, a hole 165h is formed in the center of the housing section 140A, and a roughly rectangular movable bottom member 165C is positioned in this hole 165h. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 21-23, the housing section 140A has a horizontal support shaft 166 (oscillating shaft) arranged along the left-right direction near the front of the bottom, and the left and right ends of the horizontal support shaft 166 are connected to the lower part of the side wall of the housing section 140A. The front end or vicinity of the front end of the movable bottom member 165C is connected to this horizontal support shaft 166. The movable bottom member 165C is configured such that its rear end can move vertically around the horizontal support shaft 166 by a maximum of approximately 5 to 20 cm, preferably a maximum of approximately 10 to 15 cm. Furthermore, the movable bottom member 165C has a restricting member 165K extending in the left-right direction to restrict its rear end from moving below the horizontal position.

[0104] In detail, the leveling mechanism 260A has a movable bottom member 165C provided in the storage section 140A, and a driving means 600 in the main body 100B of the item recovery device that moves the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C up and down. A specific example of this driving means 600 will be described later. During the leveling operation, the driving means 600 causes the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A to vibrate up and down, thereby leveling the pile-shaped empty containers stored in the storage section 140.

[0105] The driving means 600 includes a movable member 601, a drive motor 602, a link member 603, and the like. As shown in Figure 22(a), the main body 100B of the item retrieval device is provided with a movable member 601 (slider) that can move up and down. The movable member 601 (slider) has an engaged portion 601C formed thereon that can engage with the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C. As shown in Figures 22(a) and 22(b), the main body 100B of the item retrieval device is provided with a drive motor 602 above the storage compartment 140A where the items are stored. The drive motor 602 is equipped with a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor's rotating shaft 602a into the vertical motion of the movable member 601 (slider). In this embodiment, an eccentric member 602b is provided on the rotating shaft 602a of the drive motor 602, and one end of a rod-shaped link member 603 is movably connected to the eccentric member 602b via a joint 602j. The other end of the link member 603 is connected to a joint 601j on or near the upper part of the movable member 601. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, restricting members 601g (guide members) may be provided on both the left and right sides of the movable member 601, allowing the movable member 601 to move only in the vertical direction.

[0106] Furthermore, the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C has an engaging portion 1651 that protrudes toward the rear. This engaging portion 1651 is detachably attached to the engaged portion 601C of the movable member (slider) on the main body side of the item retrieval device. More specifically, as shown in Figure 22(a), when the storage section 140A is pulled out relative to the main body 100B of the item retrieval device, the engaged portion 601C of the vertically movable member 601 (slider) and the engaged portion 1651 of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A are separated.

[0107] As shown in Figure 22(b), when the storage section 140A is fully housed in the main body 100B of the item retrieval device, the engaged portion 601C of the vertically movable member 601 (slider) and the engaged portion 1651 of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A become engaged.

[0108] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the leveling mechanism of the item recovery device. For example, as shown in Figures 23(a) and 24(a), in the standby state (initial state), the vertically movable member 601 (slider) and the rod-shaped link member 603 are positioned at their lowest position.

[0109] When the control unit drives the rotation shaft 602a of the drive motor 602 to rotate, as shown in Figures 24(a), 24(b), 24(c), and 24(d), the eccentric member 602b provided on the rotation shaft 602a rotates, and the movable member 601 moves up and down via the rod-shaped link member 603. Then, as shown in Figures 23(a) and 23(b), with the engaging portion 1651 engaged with the engaged portion 601C of the movable member 601, the rear end of the movable bottom member 165C moves up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the movable member 601. In other words, in this embodiment, the leveling mechanism 260A can shake the rear part of the movable bottom member 165C of the storage section 140A up and down significantly relative to the front part. Therefore, even if empty containers (bottles) are arranged in a pile-like fashion towards the rear of the storage section 140A due to the arrangement or structure of the container input section or volume reduction section, the empty containers can be leveled throughout the entire storage section 140A.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the fixed bottom plate portion of the housing has a rectangular hole in the center, and the movable bottom plate portion is positioned in this hole, so the housing is relatively lightweight. In the above embodiment, the fixed bottom plate portion of the housing had a hole formed in the center, and the movable bottom plate portion was placed in that hole. However, for example, it is not necessary to provide a hole.

[0111] <Summary of Embodiments> [Technical field] This invention relates to an article recovery device. [Background technology] A device for collecting empty containers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This device reduces the volume of empty containers by crushing them between compression rollers and then stores them. [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-153019 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, within the storage compartment of the recovery machine, the recovered empty containers may pile up unevenly, and there is a risk that the empty containers may flow back into the compression rollers before the maximum storage capacity of the compartment is reached. [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) that is detachably attached to the main body (device main body 100B) of the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100), and has a storage section (container storage section 140) for storing empty containers, and a leveling mechanism 260 for leveling the empty containers stacked in the storage section (container storage section 140), wherein the leveling mechanism 260 is provided on the main body (device main body 100B) and shakes the empty containers in the storage section (container storage section 140) from the bottom of the storage section (container storage section 140).

[0112] According to the above configuration, with the storage section (container storage section 140) housed in the main body of the item recovery device (device main body 100B), the leveling mechanism 260 provided in the main body (device main body 100B) shakes the empty containers stacked in the storage section (container storage section 140) from below. Thus, with a simple structure, it is possible to provide an item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) that can level the empty containers, which are unevenly stacked in a mountain-like shape inside the container storage section 140, to a nearly uniform height.

[0113] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) described in (1), which has a vibrating part 261 that swings with a pivot point offset from the center of the plan view of the storage part (container storage part 140).

[0114] In other words, with a simple configuration, it is possible to provide an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) that can use a vibrating unit 261 to level empty containers, which are unevenly stacked in a mountain-like shape within the container storage unit 140, to a substantially uniform height. Furthermore, compared to a comparative example (comparative example) in which the diaphragm has a pivot point in the center and swings both ends of the diaphragm up and down like a seesaw around the pivot point, the vibrating part 261 of this embodiment swings with a pivot point offset from the center of the storage part (container storage part 140) in plan view. Therefore, it is easier to increase the vertical amplitude at the ends farther from the pivot point, and can effectively break down and level the pile of empty containers. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, empty containers are loaded into the container input section of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) towards either the left or right side of the device. As a result, the pile of empty containers stored in the storage section becomes biased to either the left or right side, and the left-right position of the pivot center is set accordingly.

[0115] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container collection device 100 as an article collection device as described in (1) or (2), wherein the storage section (container storage section 140) has a drawer section 100C with at least a part of its bottom surface open, and a movable bottom member 161 (tray) placed on the bottom of the drawer section 100C, and the leveling mechanism 260 is provided on the main body section 100B of the article collection device and vibrates the movable bottom member 161 (tray). The leveling mechanism 260 may vibrate the movable bottom member 161 in the vertical direction.

[0116] In other words, with a simple configuration, an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) can be provided in which the leveling mechanism 260 vibrates the movable bottom member 161 to level the empty containers piled up in a mound inside the container storage section 140. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bag BB is detachably placed on the movable bottom member 161, and the empty containers with reduced volume are piled up in the bag BB, so the leveling mechanism 260 can easily level them by vibrating the movable bottom member 161.

[0117] The leveling mechanism 260 may also be used to locally and directly vibrate the bottom portion of the bag BB containing the empty container.

[0118] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism 260 may be equipped with a projection that can move up and down, and by moving the vicinity of the end of the movable bottom member 161 up and down with this projection, the empty container inside the storage section may be leveled.

[0119] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container collection device 100 as an article collection device as described in (3), wherein the movable bottom member 161 (tray) is detachably provided with respect to the leveling mechanism 260. In the embodiment described above, the leveling mechanism 260 is provided on the main body 100B of the empty container collection device 100, which serves as an article collection device. The movable bottom member 161 (tray) of the drawer section 100C is magnetically attracted to the leveling mechanism 260 so that it can be attached to or removed by a magnet.

[0120] According to the above configuration, when the leveling mechanism 260 is in operation, the movable bottom member 161 moves in accordance with the leveling mechanism 260, thereby reducing unnecessary noise and achieving low noise levels during operation. This provides an empty container collection device 100 that can be used as an item collection device.

[0121] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container collection device 100 as an article collection device as described in (3) or (4), wherein the drawer section 100C has bag-hanging sections (column sections 141, latching sections 142) at the four corners, and the movable bottom member 161 (tray) has notches 161C formed at positions corresponding to the bag-hanging sections (column sections 141, latching sections 142) when it is placed on the drawer section 100C. In detail, the movable bottom member 161 (tray) is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and has notches 161C at each of the four corners corresponding to the four corners of the drawer portion 100C. In detail, the drawer section 100C has columnar sections 141 erected from each of the four corners of its rectangular base. Furthermore, a movable bottom member 161 (tray) is detachably provided on the bottom of the drawer section 100C, and a bag for collecting empty containers is detachably placed on the movable bottom member 161.

[0122] With the above configuration, the movable bottom member 161 (tray) can be placed on the drawer section 100C without coming into contact with the bag hanging section (column section 141, latching section 142), and when the drawer section 100C is housed in the main body section 100B, it can be vibrated smoothly by the leveling mechanism 260.

[0123] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is an empty container collection device 100 as an article collection device as described in any of (1) to (5), which has a leveling mechanism control unit 101 (control unit) that controls the leveling mechanism 260 not to operate during a preset time period.

[0124] According to the above configuration, the leveling mechanism control unit 101 can prevent complaints about operating noise by not operating the leveling mechanism 260 during prohibited hours, such as at night, and performing the leveling operation at other times, thereby providing an empty container collection device 100 as an item collection device.

[0125] (7) In one aspect of this embodiment, the article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) is equipped with a volume reduction section 120, and the storage section (container storage section 140) is positioned below the volume reduction section 120 and stores the empty containers from the volume reduction section 120. In other words, even if empty containers are stacked unevenly in the storage section that holds the empty containers of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100), it is possible to provide an item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) that can prevent the empty containers in the storage section (container storage section 140) from flowing back into the volume reduction section 120. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container input section has a mark (guide display section) that instructs the user to bring the tip of an empty PET bottle towards either the left or right side of the empty container collection device. In other words, even if empty containers that have moved from the container input section to the volume reduction section and then to the container storage section 140 are piled up unevenly in the container storage section 140, an item collection device (empty container collection device 100) can be easily leveled to a nearly uniform height.

[0126] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the figures above can be combined, provided there are no particular inconsistencies or problems in their purpose, structure, etc. Furthermore, each figure can represent an independent embodiment, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a single embodiment formed by combining each figure.

[0127] In the embodiment described above, the empty container collection device collected empty containers such as PET bottles, but it may also be configured to collect aluminum cans, steel cans, etc., or it may be a device that collects PET bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans in combination.

[0128] Furthermore, although the empty container collection device according to the embodiment of the present invention had an outer door and an inner door, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, the outer door may be omitted.

[0129] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism may be provided in the main body of the item retrieval device or at the bottom of the drawer.

[0130] The item recovery device is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 may be performed at specified intervals during the operating hours (excluding prohibited hours). Furthermore, after the volume reduction operation by the volume reduction unit 120 is performed a specified number of times (N times, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more), the leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260 may be performed.

[0131] Furthermore, if it is detected that a specified amount (or number of empty containers) less than the maximum capacity has been stored in the storage section 140, more specifically, if it is detected that empty containers have been stored up to, for example, half, one-third, or two-thirds of the capacity of the storage section 140, the leveling mechanism 260 may perform a leveling operation. After that, the leveling mechanism 260 may perform a leveling operation every time a specified number of empty containers (for example, five) have been recovered. Furthermore, the magnitude of vibration caused by the vibrating part of the leveling mechanism 260, the length of time the vibration occurs, etc., may be set as appropriate. In detail, for example, when the amount of empty containers collected is 0, and the empty containers are collected sequentially until the amount of collected containers reaches a specified amount, the control unit 1 may drive and control the system to make the magnitude of vibration caused by the vibrating part of the leveling mechanism 260 relatively large when the leveling operation is performed for the first time, and then make the magnitude of vibration relatively small when the leveling operation is performed for the next time and beyond. Furthermore, for example, starting from a state where the number of empty containers collected is 0, empty containers may be collected sequentially, and in the first leveling operation by the leveling mechanism 260, the length of time the vibrating part of the leveling mechanism 260 vibrates may be made relatively long, and in subsequent operations, the control unit 1 may drive and control the system to make the length of time the vibrating part vibrates relatively short.

[0132] Furthermore, the material recovery device may have a common drive unit (drive motor) for driving the volume reduction unit and the drive unit (drive motor) for the leveling mechanism 260, and a single drive unit (drive motor, etc.) may drive both the volume reduction unit and the vibrating part of the leveling mechanism 260 via a power transmission body such as a belt. In other words, instead of providing separate drive units (drive motors) for the volume reduction unit and the leveling mechanism, a single common drive unit (drive motor) can drive the vibration parts of both the volume reduction unit and the leveling mechanism.

[0133] Furthermore, the leveling mechanism 260 may be configured to swing either forward or backward (towards the rear) rather than from side to side when viewed from the front. In other words, the pivot axis may be arranged along the front-to-back direction or along the left-to-right direction.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vibrating part of the leveling mechanism 260, such as the diaphragm, vibrated. However, the embodiment is not limited to this one, and instead of the diaphragm, for example, a vertically movable projection (such as a pin) may be provided, and the leveling operation may be performed by the projection (such as a pin) pushing up a predetermined position on the movable bottom member.

[0135] The drawer section 100C is not limited to the above embodiment, and may also be of the hinged door type.

[0136] In the embodiment described above, the leveling mechanism 260 was provided in the main body 100B of the item retrieval device, but it is not limited to this embodiment and may be provided in, for example, the drawer section 100C. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 1…Control Unit 100... Empty container recovery device (also called item recovery device or container volume reduction device) 100B...Main unit of the device 100C...Drawer section (drawer) 101... Leveling mechanism control unit 110...Container input section (goods input section) 111...Outer door 112...Inner door 116... Mounting section 120...Volume reduction section (volume reduction mechanism) 140...Container storage section (also called storage section or collection section) 141...Column part 142...Latching part 161...Movable bottom component (tray, etc.) 260... Leveling mechanism 261...Vibrating part 2611... Diaphragm (receptacle) 2612...Movable base member (base member for installing tray) BB…bag

Claims

1. It is detachably attached to the main body of the item recovery device, and includes a storage section for accommodating empty containers, It has a leveling mechanism for leveling the empty containers stacked in the storage section, The leveling mechanism is provided in the main body and is located at the back of the storage section, and shakes the empty container from the bottom of the storage section. A device for recovering items characterized by the following features.

2. The leveling mechanism includes a drive source and a link member, The link member is provided extending from the bottom of the device to the drive source. The article recovery device according to feature 1.

3. The leveling mechanism is located approximately at the center of the device in a plan view. The article recovery device according to feature 1 or 2.

4. One end of the leveling mechanism is fixed above the housing portion. The article recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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