Item recovery device

Abstract

To provide an article collection device capable of compactifying the article collection device including an imaging unit.SOLUTION: An article collection device comprises a placing part for placing an article and an inner door disposed in a passage leading from the placing part to the inside of a device body part. The inner door comprises an imaging unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A container collection processor for collecting containers such as plastic bottles is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above container collection processor captures an image of a container with a camera and inputs the image signal to an image recognition device to determine the material of the container. However, when the camera is arranged inside the container collection processor, there is a problem that the outer shape of the device becomes large.

[0005] Therefore, in view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an article collection device that can be made more compact when configuring an article collection device including an imaging unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The article collection device of the present invention includes at least the following configuration. A placement unit for placing an article, an imaging unit for imaging the article placed on the placement unit, an inner door provided in a passage leading from the placement unit into the device main body, and an outer door that can move forward and backward to expose the placement unit. The imaging unit provided on the inner door is located between the open outer door and the closed inner door. 。

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall conceptual diagram of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a front conceptual diagram of the article recovery device and (b) is a side conceptual diagram of the article recovery device. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an item recovery device (empty container recovery device). [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an electrical functional block of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a container input section of an item recovery device. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual side view showing an example of a container loading section with the outer door closed and the inner door closed. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a conceptual side view showing an example of a container loading section with the outer door open and the inner door closed, and Figure 6(b) is a conceptual side view showing an example of a container loading section with the outer door closed and the inner door open. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective conceptual diagram (including partially enlarged views A and B) of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device) according to one embodiment of the present invention, including the outer door. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a left-side perspective conceptual view of the container loading section, Figure 8(b) is a right-side perspective conceptual view of the container loading section, and Figure 8(c) is a side view conceptual view showing the inner door according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, those shown in the drawings. In the following descriptions of each drawing, parts that are common with parts already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and some redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of an empty container collection device 100, which is an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, for collecting empty containers (such as PET bottles) to be collected. This empty container collection device 100 is configured to collect empty containers one by one.

[0010] In standby mode, the empty container collection device 100 has an outer door 111 of the item input section in a closed state, and an inner door 112, which is provided to open and close freely between the item input section and the main body of the device (volume reduction section 120, container storage section 140), is also in a closed state. When an item is to be collected, the outer door 111 of the item input section opens, and it is determined 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 to be an item to be collected (an empty container), the outer door 111 closes, the inner door 112 provided between the item input section and the main body of the device opens, and the container is collected by the container storage section 140. In this embodiment, the empty container collection device is equipped with a volume reduction mechanism (volume reduction section 120), and by reducing the volume of the container using the volume reduction mechanism (volume reduction section 120), a large amount of volume-reduced empty containers can be collected in the container storage section 140 of a specified capacity.

[0011] Furthermore, the items collected by the item collection device are not limited to PET bottles, cans, and glass bottles, but can include, for example, milk cartons, trays, ink cartridges, items returned to libraries or rental shops (such as books and DVDs), dry cleaning items, batteries, light bulbs, or any other item that is eligible for collection. In other words, the empty container collection device is one embodiment of the device or item collection device according to the present invention.

[0012] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the empty container collection device 100, an article collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, has a container input section 110 at the top of the main body 100B of the device, and an outer door 111 is provided on the outside of the opening of the container input 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) 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 main body 100B of the device.

[0013] Further, a passage communicating with the inside of the apparatus main body is provided below the container input section 110, and an inner door 112 is provided in a passage 71 from the placement section 116 of the container input section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the empty container recycling apparatus 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 in an open state, the volume reduction section 120 crushes an empty container A from the container input section 110 to reduce its volume, and outputs the volume-reduced container RA to the lower container storage section 140. Moreover, the main body section 100B of the empty container recycling apparatus 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. It is configured such that a key can be inserted into the keyhole 100r for locking and unlocking. Also, the main body section 100B of the empty container recycling apparatus 100 has a locking / unlocking detection section 18, and the locking / unlocking detection section 18 detects locking and unlocking of the keyhole 100r of the drawer 100C.

[0015] In addition, on the front side of the main body section 100B of the apparatus, specifically, on the front side of the drawer 100C, a light-transmitting section 100A (light-transmitting window) is provided, and it is configured such that an empty container stored in the container storage section 140 can be visually recognized from the outside.

[0016] In addition, a moving handle 100g used during transportation is provided on the side surface of the main body section 100B of the apparatus.

[0017] Furthermore, the main body section 100B of the apparatus includes a cap input section 108 on the front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided downward from the cap input section 108 inside the main body section of the apparatus. The cap input into the cap input section 108 is configured to be stored in a cap storage section 145 via the cap passage 72. Note that the passage 72 for the cap may have a mechanism for sorting the cap and those smaller than the cap. Specifically, the passage 72 for the cap may be branched, and at the branch portion, a mesh-like member is provided so that the remaining drink shells, rainwater, etc. are discharged and accumulated through a separate path, and only the cap is accommodated in the cap accommodation portion 145.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the volume reduction portion 120 has, for example, a structure in which a pair of rotating shafts 811 and 911 are rotatably supported. A feeding mechanism 50 is provided above the volume reduction portion 120, and the rotating shaft 51 of the feeding mechanism 50 is rotatably supported by a substantially plate-shaped support member. The feeding mechanism 50 has a plurality of blade portions 52 (made of metal, resin, etc.) as paddles on the rotating shaft 51. When the rotating shaft 51 of the feeding mechanism 50 rotates, the blade portions 52 rotate around the rotating shaft 51 as the rotation center, and guide the empty container A to the volume reduction portion 120.

[0019] The feeding mechanism 50 is attached substantially above the rotating shaft 811 on the downstream side in the container input direction. The structure inside the device is such that the container input from the container input portion is guided to the volume reduction portion 120 by the weight of the container and the internal inclination structure. However, the kinetic energy of the container immediately before the volume reduction portion 120 is large, and the guidance to the volume reduction portion 120 may be insufficient only by the internal inclination structure, and it may stay on other mechanisms or take time to enter the volume reduction portion 120. Due to the above problems, the feeding mechanism 50 is provided immediately before the volume reduction portion 120 to solve these problems. In addition, since it is necessary to guide the container to the volume reduction portion 120 while reducing the kinetic energy of the container, the feeding mechanism 50 is preferably provided above the rotating shaft 811 on the downstream side rather than above the rotating shaft 911 on the upstream side in the container input direction.

[0020] The feeding mechanism 50 rotates clockwise in the side view shown in Figure 2, and the blade portion 52 has a "V" shape. As a result, the blade portion 52 moves in the same direction as the container's motion even while in contact with the container which has energy, thus reducing the repulsive force when the blade portion 52 and the container come into contact, preventing the container from moving violently within the device. Furthermore, after the container's kinetic energy has decreased, the direction of the container's motion is guided towards the volume reduction section 120 along the inner shape of the "V" shape. Since the container placed between the rotating shafts 811 and 911 is pressed down from above by the outer "V" shaped part of the blade 52, the container is stably guided to the volume reduction section 120.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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. The peeling section 32 (peeling member 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, away from the compression rollers 81 and 91.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a first splash prevention section 75 and a second splash prevention section 78 are located above the volume reduction section 120. An empty container collection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a first scattering prevention section 75 between a volume reduction section 120 provided in the main body and an inner door 112. The first scattering prevention section 75 may be, for example, a flexible plate-shaped member or a rigid plate-shaped member. In this embodiment, the first scattering prevention section 75 is made of a flexible material such as PET canvas. In this embodiment, the first scattering prevention section 75 is suspended in the middle of the passage 71 leading from the mounting section 116 to the volume reduction section 120. It is preferable that the first scattering prevention section 75 is configured to move in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the inner door 112. Furthermore, when imaging the state inside the main body of the device (for example, the state of the volume reduction unit 120, the state of items heading toward the volume reduction unit 120, etc.) using the imaging unit 19 described later, the first splash prevention unit 75 can be removed, or the first splash prevention unit 75 can be made of a transparent material to enable imaging inside the main body of the device.

[0025] The second splash-proof section 78 functions as a maintenance door for the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). Specifically, the second splash-proof section 78 is pivotally supported by a hinge on a fixing member provided inside the empty container recovery device 100, allowing the opening to be opened and closed. During maintenance, the operator can open the second splash-proof section 78 by grasping the gripping section 78d (handle) of the second splash-proof section 78 with the outer cover on the top of the empty container recovery device 100 open. The item recovery device may also be configured to be controllable so that the volume reduction section 120 and other operations cannot be performed when the second splash-proof section 78 is not in the closed state.

[0026] Furthermore, the empty container collection 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. When the empty container collection device 100 detects, for example, an operation by an administrator or cleaner to open the container storage section 140, or more specifically, an unlocking operation to pull out the drawer 100C containing the container storage section 140, it performs a process to notify the user to clean the storage section on which the items are placed.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of the electrical functional block of an article recovery device (empty container recovery device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the various functions of the item retrieval device.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the empty container collection device 100 includes a control unit 1 (CPU), a storage unit 2, a display operation unit 3, a transmitting / receiving 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, an illumination unit 20, and a storage volume detection unit 910 as a detection means. Each component is electrically connected by signal lines or the like.

[0029] 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 the empty container recovery device 100, which acts as a computer, for example by executing a control program.

[0030] Memory Unit 2 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, HDD, or SSD. Memory Unit 2 stores control programs and other information. It also stores the characteristics of empty containers of the items to be recovered. Furthermore, Memory Unit 2 stores member identifiers in association with attribute information. Attribute information includes, for example, information about the operator, such as age, membership status (member / non-member), and the number of times the item recovery device has been used.

[0031] 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. The display shows various usage instructions (positioning orientation) related to container insertion, the number of containers collected, and any errors. It also displays information regarding cleaning, maintenance, and bag replacement for the device. Furthermore, it functions as an operation input section, displaying a button for opening the outer door. The device initiates container loading upon touch operation of this reception button or member identification via the reader / writer 17 or code reader described later. Based on these conditions, the outer door is driven and opened.

[0032] The transmitting / receiving unit 4, under the control of the control unit 1, performs predetermined communication with other terminal devices (computers) via a wireless or wired communication path.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 mass contained in the container storage section 140 by accumulating the mass 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.

[0036] The metal detection 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 detection 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 collection. In this embodiment, the metal detection sensor 8 is provided on the inner door 112. Alternatively, the metal detection sensor 8 may be provided on the mounting section 116.

[0037] In this embodiment, the PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, and safety detection sensor 903 are all optical sensors 9. The optical sensor 9 is configured to receive light from a light-emitting unit provided on one of the left or right sides of the mounting unit 116 with a light-receiving unit provided on the other side.

[0038] The PET sensor 901 is configured to receive light from a light-emitting part provided on one of the left and right side walls 116W of the mounting part 116, with a light-receiving part provided on the other side. The PET sensor 901 also includes a polarizing plate and is configured to receive light through the polarizing plate, enabling it to detect 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 the light received through the translucent empty container placed on the container loading area using the light receiving unit (optical sensor 9) of the PET sensor 901, and determines whether or not it is an empty container to be collected based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 9.

[0039] The container detection sensor 902 is configured to receive light from a light-emitting part provided on one of the left or right side walls 116W of the mounting section 116 with a light-receiving part provided on the other side. When an empty container or the like is placed on the mounting section 116 of the container loading section, the control unit 1 determines whether or not an empty container is placed there based on the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving part of the container detection sensor 902.

[0040] The safety detection sensor 903 has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit located on the left and right sides near the input slot. More specifically, it is positioned where the outer door 111 is closed, and is configured to receive light from the light-emitting unit on one side and the light-receiving unit on the other side. The control unit 1 detects, for example, whether a person's hand or other object is in or near the input slot based on the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving unit of the safety detection sensor 903. If the light-emitting unit of the safety detection sensor 903 can receive light, the control unit 1 determines that there is no person's hand or other object in the input slot. If the light-receiving unit cannot receive light, the control unit 1 determines that there is a person's hand or other object in the input slot and, for example, determines that the outer door 111 cannot be safely closed.

[0041] In this embodiment, for example, the PET sensor 901, the container detection sensor 902, and the safety detection sensor 903 are all composed of optical sensors 9. Furthermore, the weighing unit 7, metal detection sensor 8, PET sensor 901, container detection sensor 902, and safety detection sensor 903 are provided near the mounting unit 116 or on the mounting unit 116 itself, and function as a cleaning detection unit 180 that detects whether cleaning has been performed on the mounting unit 116.

[0042] The decision using the above sensors is initiated at the start of use (see paragraph 0044 for details) along with the control to open the outer door. Specifically, when the outer door is opened, the container detection sensor 902 and the weighing unit 7 wait for the container to be detected. When the container detection sensor 902 or the weighing unit 7 detects the placement of a container, the control unit 1 controls the closing of the outer door 111 and performs the above decision on whether or not to collect the container. Of course, the method for detecting that a container has been placed is not limited to the container detection sensor 902 or the weighing unit 7, but may also be used to detect and determine based on the detection results of the PET sensor 901, the safety detection sensor 903, or the metal detection sensor 8. In particular, since the weighing unit 7 and the metal detection sensor 8 do not use a light sensing method, if the weighing unit 7 detects a weight heavier than the threshold or the metal detection sensor 8 detects metal at the same time as identifying the placement of a container, the system can display a message on the display operation unit indicating that the weight is above the threshold or that metal has been detected, without transitioning to the outer door closing control, to inform the user that the item is not subject to collection. The reason for closing the outer door once the container has been identified is to create a stable environment free from disturbances during sensing and decision-making using light by the PET sensor 901 and the imaging unit described later. If the determination determines that the container is not a target object, the inner door is not controlled, the outer door is left open, and the display and operation panel is notified that it is not a target object and detailed information that was sensed. It can also notify the user to insert another container, reposition the container, or remove the cap or label.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The motion sensor 12 is installed, for example, on the main body 100B of the retrieval device 100, and can detect operators or other objects in the vicinity of the main body 100B. The motion sensor 12 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a visible light sensor, or a combination thereof. The motion sensor 12 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 1.

[0047] The volume reduction drive unit 15 controls the drive of the volume reduction unit 120 through control by the control unit 1.

[0048] The reader / writer 17 (card reader / writer) is a transceiver that communicates with a membership card CD, such as a contactless IC card or IC tag, and performs predetermined communication under the control of the control unit 1. Alternatively, the empty container collection device 100 may have a code reader instead of the reader / writer 17 that reads a barcode or 2D code indicating a card identifier (member identifier) ​​recorded on the membership card CD.

[0049] The lock / unlock detection unit 18 is located in the main body 100B of the empty container collection device 100 and detects whether the keyhole 100r of the drawer 100C is locked or unlocked.

[0050] The imaging unit 19 images the items placed on the placement unit 116 (such as empty containers like PET bottles) in order to detect their condition (for example, whether or not there is a cap, whether or not there is a film or label, the direction in which the items were inserted, whether or not the items are subject to collection, etc.). Furthermore, the imaging unit 19 can also image the state inside the main body of the device (for example, the state of the feeding mechanism 50 and the volume reduction unit 120, the state of the items moving toward the volume reduction unit 120, etc.) with the inner door 112 open. Furthermore, the imaging unit 19 also functions as a cleaning detection unit 180 that detects whether cleaning has been performed on the mounting unit 116.

[0051] The illumination unit 20 uses, for example, an LED lamp as its light source and irradiates the object with the necessary illumination light to enable imaging by the imaging unit 19. The light source is not limited to an LED lamp; various light sources can be used. Furthermore, the lighting unit 20 can also illuminate the inside of the main body of the device (for example, the volume reduction unit 120 and the items facing the volume reduction unit 120) with the inner door 112 open.

[0052] The storage volume detection unit 910 detects the current amount of items to be collected stored in the container storage unit 140 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 1. For example, the container storage unit 140 may be equipped with a weighing unit that weighs the mass of the container storage unit 140, and the amount of items to be collected in the container storage unit may be calculated based on the weighing result of the weighing unit. Alternatively, the amount of items to be collected may be detected by an optical sensor installed in the container storage unit 140 at a full position or a predetermined position. Alternatively, the amount of items to be collected may be calculated by image processing of an image acquired by an imaging unit 19 that images the inside of the container storage unit 140.

[0053] Next, we will describe the structure of the item recovery device (empty container recovery device 100). Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a container input section of an item recovery device. Figure 5 is a side conceptual diagram showing an example of a container input section with the outer door closed and the inner door closed. Figure 6(a) is a side conceptual diagram showing an example of a container input section with the outer door open and the inner door closed, and Figure 6(b) is a side conceptual diagram showing an example of a container input section with the outer door closed and the inner door open. Figure 7 is a perspective conceptual diagram (including partially enlarged views A and B) of an item recovery device (empty container recovery device) according to one embodiment of the present invention, including the outer door. Figure 8(a) is a left-side perspective conceptual diagram of the container input section, Figure 8(b) is a right-side perspective conceptual diagram of the container input section, and Figure 8(c) is a side conceptual diagram showing the inner door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the container input section 110 of the empty container recovery device 100, which is an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a mounting section 116, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, an extrusion section 113, 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.

[0055] The mounting section 116 is configured to allow the placement of objects to be collected. For example, the left and right side walls 116W of the mounting section 116 are equipped with light sensors 9, such as a light receiving section 9a and a light emitting section 9b. A weighing section 7 is also provided at the bottom of the mounting section 116.

[0056] 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. This eliminates the need to provide a transport mechanism for sending articles to the container storage section 140, and makes it possible to provide a compact article retrieval device.

[0057] 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 item retrieval device is a container retrieval device 100, 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0060] The weighing unit 7 is positioned between the base 118 and the mounting unit 116, and supports the mounting unit 116.

[0061] The inner door 112 is configured to guide empty containers placed on the mounting section 116 to the volume reduction section 120 when 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 materials 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Furthermore, the outer door 111 is configured to move 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 move from the open position towards the mounting section 116. 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, if 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 unit will change, and the control unit will detect 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.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, 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.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the first restricting part K111 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. Furthermore, the empty container collection 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 recovery device 100 is configured such that when the outer door 111 is open, the inner door 112 remains closed, preventing it from opening. That is, when the outer door 111 is open and an item is placed on the loading section 116, the inner door 112 remains closed and does not open, and regardless of whether the item placed on the loading section 116 is an item to be recovered or not, it is configured not to be placed in the container storage section 140 within the main body 100B of the item recovery device. In other words, in this state, the item (item to be recovered or not) is in contact with the inner door 112, and the inner door 112 also serves as part of the loading section.

[0066] In other words, the empty container recovery device 100 as an article recovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a first restricting part K111 and a second restricting part K112, so that the inner door 112 cannot be opened when the outer door 111 is open, but the inner door 112 can be opened when the outer door 111 is closed.

[0067] Next, the structure of the outer door 111 and inner door 112 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. <Structure of the exterior door> As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer door 111 has a passage section 111A and a light-shielding section 111B.

[0068] (Route section) The pathway section 111A is provided at one end of the outer door 111 (the end on the mounting section 116 side) so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the outer door 111 toward the outside of the empty container collection device 100. When the outer door 111 closes the opening of the container input section 110, it protrudes from the bottom of the opening in an overhang-like manner, creating a pathway for liquids such as rainwater and preventing liquid from entering. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7 (partially enlarged views A and B), the width t1 of the passage section 111A is smaller than the width t2 of the opening of the container loading section. Therefore, when opening and closing the outer door 111, the passage section 111A of the outer door 111 can open and close smoothly without sliding against the opening.

[0069] (Light-blocking part) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the light-shielding portion 111B is formed at one end of the outer door 111 (the end on the mounting portion 116 side) so as to extend toward the mounting portion 116 side, forming the lower edge of the outer door 111. When the outer door 111 closes the opening of the container loading portion, the light-shielding portion 111B is positioned toward the mounting portion 116 side (Figure 6(b)). Also, as shown in Figure 7 (partially enlarged views A and B), the width t3 of the light-shielding portion 111B is larger than the width t2 of the opening of the container loading portion. Therefore, when the outer door 111 is closed, the light-shielding portion 111B is positioned to reliably shield the lower part of the opening from the inside, and sufficient light can be shielded between the path portion 111A and the mounting portion 116.

[0070] <Structure of the inner door> The inner door 112 is provided in the passage 71 between the placement section 116 and the main body of the device (volume reduction section 120) (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 4, the inner door 112 is provided with a guide section 112D that guides the placement of empty containers. The guide section 112D is exposed and positioned so that it can be seen from the main body of the device. The guide section 112D provides information to guide the placement of items (such as empty containers like PET bottles) in a specified orientation and position. This guide section 112D may be a recess, protrusion, sticker, LED display, LCD, etc., provided on the surface of the inner door 112.

[0071] (Imaging Department) Furthermore, the inner door 112 is provided with an imaging unit 19, as shown in Figures 6 and 8. The imaging unit 19 is located in the upper part of the inner door 112, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b). It is an imaging means that images an item (such as an empty container like a PET bottle) placed on the mounting unit 116 and acquires an image for image analysis, and is composed of, for example, a camera equipped with an optical lens. By using a fisheye lens with a wide angle of view as the optical lens, it is possible to acquire a main image (including the cap and label of the empty container) of the item (such as an empty container like a PET bottle) on the mounting section 116 in one go. Furthermore, the optical lens is not limited to a fisheye lens; various types of lenses can be used.

[0072] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), for example, the imaging unit 19 has a first imaging unit 19L positioned on the left side in the width direction of the inner door 112, and a second imaging unit 19R positioned on the right side. The first and second imaging units 19L and R are attached to a pair of left and right window sections 190L and R formed on the inner surface (the surface on the mounting section 116 side) of the inner door 112 via mounting members (not shown). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(c), glass panels 191L ​​and 191R are positioned in front of each window section 190L and 19R, respectively, to protect each imaging section 19L and 19R.

[0073] In this way, by arranging a pair of left and right first imaging units 19L and second imaging unit 19R, it is possible to capture the main images of the items (empty containers such as PET bottles, etc.) placed on the mounting unit 116 from the left and right directions, respectively. This makes it possible to reliably detect the condition of the items (empty containers such as PET bottles, etc.) (for example, whether or not there is a cap, whether or not there is a film or label, the direction in which the items were placed, whether or not the items are subject to collection, the number and size of the containers placed, etc.).

[0074] Furthermore, polarizing filters (not shown) are stacked on the inner surfaces (the surfaces facing the imaging unit 19) of each glass 191L ​​and R. By placing polarizing filters, when illumination light from the illumination unit 20 is shone on the imaging unit 19, reflected light from the object is prevented from directly entering the imaging unit 19, thereby preventing halation (blurring around areas exposed to strong light) in the captured image.

[0075] In this way, by positioning the imaging unit 19 in the upper part of the inner door 112, there is no need to separately secure mounting space for the imaging unit 19, and the item retrieval device can be made more compact.

[0076] Furthermore, the imaging unit 19 can also image the inside of the main body of the device with the inner door 112 open (Figure 6(b)). Specifically, the "main body of the device" refers to each of the paths through which the container passes, from the mounting section 116 to the feeding mechanism 50 and the volume reduction section 120. In particular, fragments of the reduced-volume PET bottles may be scattered around the feeding mechanism 50 and the volume reduction section 120, and these can get stuck in the mechanisms, causing malfunctions. Previously, it was only possible to infer that a certain problem was occurring because the load on the various motors that operate these mechanisms was different from normal, but now, by capturing images of the fragment situation around the feeding mechanism 50 and the volume reduction section 120, as well as the movement of the various mechanisms, it is possible to perform more accurate anomaly analysis. Of course, it is not only possible to determine that a malfunction has occurred, but also to detect signs of malfunction from the motor load and image data, trigger an alert and notification, allowing store staff or manufacturer service technicians to perform maintenance before the malfunction occurs. The decision-making body for these load anomalies and image data analysis can be either the control unit of the device or cloud communication. By displaying image data on the control panel or various terminals via the cloud, maintenance workers can use it as a basis for planning maintenance locations in advance. It is also useful for understanding the situation, such as the extent of scattering of PET bottle fragments, dirt, and foreign matter contamination. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a pair of first and second imaging units 19L and R are arranged on the upper part of the inner door 112. However, the number and position of the imaging units 19 on the inner door 112 are not limited to these, and can be appropriately set considering the position in which an image of the item placed on the mounting unit 116 can be acquired. Furthermore, although the imaging unit 19 is provided on the inner door 112 in the above embodiment, the imaging unit may also be configured to be provided on the outer door 111. Even when the imaging unit 19 is placed on the outer door 111, there is no need to separately secure mounting space for the imaging unit 19, and the item retrieval device can be made more compact.

[0077] (Extrusion section) As shown in Figure 6, the extrusion unit 113 is located at the end of the inner door 112 (on the side of the rotation axis C112). It functions to push items (such as empty containers like PET bottles) that are placed in the input unit (such as the container input unit 110) into the main body of the device. Normally, items are placed horizontally in the input section, but people who are unfamiliar with the input method may force short items vertically or insert items larger than the intended size. Therefore, the extrusion section 113 is configured to push the items into the main body of the device in conjunction with the movement of the inner door 112.

[0078] Furthermore, the extrusion section 113 can also be formed integrally with the inner door 112 around the rotating shaft C112 (configured as an inner door having a portion that functions as an extrusion section). The extrusion section 113 or the inner door having a portion that functions as an extrusion section is provided with an illumination section 20.

[0079] (Lighting Department) The illumination unit 20 is an illumination means for illuminating an article placed on the mounting unit 116, which is imaged by the imaging unit 19, and is provided in the extrusion unit 113. As shown in Figure 6, the illumination unit 20 is positioned in the extrusion unit 113, which is located at one end of the inner door 112 (on the side of the rotation axis C112). Specifically, it is attached to an opening formed in the extrusion unit 113 via a mounting member (not shown). As shown in Figure 8(c), a glass panel 201 is placed in front of the opening to protect the illumination unit 20. In addition, polarizing filters are arranged in a stacked manner on the inner surface of the glass panel 201 (the surface facing the illumination unit 20) to suppress halation, and the illumination light is polarized to irradiate the object (such as an empty container like a PET bottle). In this way, by arranging the lighting unit 20 in the extrusion unit 113, there is no need to separately secure mounting space for the lighting unit 20, and the item retrieval device can be made more compact.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the lighting unit 20 is located in the extrusion unit 113. However, if the inner door 112 is configured to also function as the extrusion unit 113 (i.e., the inner door 112 and the extrusion unit 113 are integrally formed with respect to the rotating shaft C112, so that the inner door has a portion that functions as an extrusion unit), the lighting unit 20 can be located in the portion of the inner door that functions as an extrusion unit (the tip end side).

[0081] Furthermore, the lighting unit 20 can also illuminate the inside of the main body of the device (such as the container path, the feeding mechanism 50, and the volume reduction unit 120) with the inner door 112 open (Figure 6(b)). Furthermore, the number and placement of the lighting units 20 on the inner door having an extrusion unit 113 or a part that functions as an extrusion unit can be arbitrarily and appropriately set. Alternatively, the lighting unit 20 may be configured to be installed on the outer door 111.

[0082] Next, an example of image processing by the imaging unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0083] (Image processing) The imaging unit 19 images the items (empty containers such as PET bottles) that are placed in the empty container collection device 100 and placed on the placement unit 116. The images acquired by the imaging unit 19 are processed by an image processing unit (not shown) using, for example, background subtraction to detect the condition of the items (empty containers such as PET bottles) (for example, whether or not there is a cap, whether or not there is a film or label, the direction in which the item was inserted, whether or not the item is a target for collection, etc.). The procedure is roughly as follows:

[0084] (Retrieving background image) The imaging unit 19 acquires a background image. The background image is captured when no items (such as empty containers like PET bottles) are placed on the mounting unit 116 and when the outer door 111 is closed. The captured image is stored in the recording unit (not shown).

[0085] (Acquiring actual images) The imaging unit 19 acquires a real image. The real image is captured with an item (such as an empty container like a PET bottle) placed on the mounting unit 116 and with the outer door 111 closed. The captured image is stored in the recording unit (not shown).

[0086] (Comparison and judgment of background image and actual image) The image processing unit (not shown) extracts the difference between the real image and the background image by comparing them. Since the real image and the background image represent the same region in real space, the background difference can be extracted by comparing the information (color information) between their pixels.

[0087] The image processing unit (not shown) performs a conversion process from RGB to HSV for the background difference (image) and determines the state of the item (for example, whether or not there is a cap, whether or not there is film or a label, the direction in which the item was put in, whether or not the item is subject to collection, etc.). Specifically, the R (RED), G (Green), and B (Blue) components of the background difference (image) are converted into HSV images (H image: a color space image generated as an image in which only the hue remains, S image: a color space image generated as an image in which only the saturation (chroma) remains, V image: a color space image generated as an image in which only the value (brightness) remains), and the state of the item (empty containers such as PET bottles) is detected and determined from the converted HSV image, for example, whether or not there is a cap, whether or not there is film or a label, the direction in which the item was put in, whether or not the item is subject to collection, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, the system can be configured to provide notification or other alerts if the condition of an item (such as an empty container like a PET bottle) is determined to be unsuitable for collection based on image processing by the image processing unit or detection results from optical sensors, etc. (for example, if the empty container has a cap, has film or a label on it, the item is not subject to collection, or the item is not placed in the correct orientation or position). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 19 is processed using the background subtraction method to detect the state of the article. However, the example of image processing is not limited to this, and the state of the article can be detected by employing various image processing methods. Furthermore, because the number of containers to be inserted can be determined, it is possible to collect two or three containers in a single operation, significantly improving the processing capacity per hour compared to the conventional method of inserting one container at a time. This is particularly useful when offering rewards based on the number of containers inserted. In addition, if the occupancy rate of the container storage section 140 is calculated based on the number or volume of inserted containers, a more accurate value can be calculated. Not only can the occupancy rate be calculated accurately, but it can also be used to help when providing the collected amount and number of containers to recycling companies for a fee, and to accurately calculate the degree of contribution to the environment.

[0089] Furthermore, the imaging unit 19 can capture images of the state inside the main body of the device (for example, the state of the volume reduction unit 120, the state of items heading towards the volume reduction unit 120, etc.) with the inner door 112 open (Figure 6(b)), and by processing the images acquired by the imaging unit 19 using the background subtraction method or the like, it is also possible to detect the state of the volume reduction unit 120 and the state of items heading towards the volume reduction unit 120.

[0090] Furthermore, in order to further improve the imaging accuracy (detection accuracy) of the object by the imaging unit 19, the following configuration can be adopted. (Detected part) As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), each of the left and right side walls 116W of the mounting section 116 is provided with white marks MKL and MKR, which are detectable areas of a different color from the mounting section 116 (including the left and right side walls 116W). Each of the marks MKL and MKR is imaged together with the object on the mounting section 116 by the first imaging unit 19L and the second imaging unit 19R, respectively (resulting in captured images with the mark in the upper right corner and images with the mark in the upper left corner).

[0091] Therefore, the difference in the position of the mark in the captured image (upper right or upper left) makes it possible to clearly determine whether the captured image was taken by the first imaging unit 19L or the second imaging unit 19R, and as a result, the placement status of the article on the mounting unit 116 can be accurately determined. Furthermore, each mark can be used as an indicator for adjusting the exposure of the first imaging unit 19L and the second imaging unit 19R, thereby improving the accuracy of the captured image. Note that the color scheme of marks MKL and MKR is not limited to white, and various color schemes different from those of the mounting unit 116 (including the left and right side walls 116W) can be adopted.

[0092] (Color scheme on the back of the exterior door) By coloring the back of the outer door 111 black (making the background black), it is possible to make it easier to recognize the outline of the object being imaged (such as empty containers like PET bottles). Note that the color scheme is not limited to black and can be set arbitrarily depending on the object being imaged.

[0093] <Summary of Embodiments> [Technical field] This invention relates to an article recovery device. [Background technology] A container collection and processing machine for collecting containers such as PET bottles is known (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-121564). [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] The above-mentioned container collection and processing machine works by photographing containers with a camera and inputting the image signal into an image recognition device to determine the material of the container. However, there was a problem in that placing the camera inside the container collection and processing machine would increase the size of the device. Therefore, in view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an item retrieval device that can be made more compact when an item retrieval device is configured with an imaging unit. [Means for solving the problem] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is The item retrieval device comprises a placement section for placing items, and an inner door provided in a passage leading from the placement section to the main body of the device, wherein the inner door is equipped with an imaging section.

[0094] According to the above configuration, by equipping the inner door with an imaging unit, it is possible to provide an item retrieval device that can be made more compact.

[0095] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the article retrieval device described in (1), wherein the inner door is equipped with an illumination unit at a different position from the imaging unit. According to the above configuration, by including a lighting unit in the inner door, it is possible to provide a compact item retrieval device.

[0096] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the article retrieval device described in (1) or (2), wherein the aforementioned storage unit has a detection unit of a different color from the aforementioned storage unit. With the above configuration, the exposure of the imaging unit can be appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, since the detected unit is captured in the image, the placement of the item on the mounting unit can be clearly determined.

[0097] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is an article retrieval device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the device is equipped with an outer door that moves forward and backward so as to expose the storage unit described above, and the outer door is equipped with a path section that generates a liquid path and a light-shielding section that shields the space between the path section and the storage unit described above from light. According to the above configuration, when the outer door is closed, a path for liquids such as rainwater is created, preventing liquid from entering. In addition, when the outer door is closed, the light-shielding section can sufficiently shield the space between the path section and the mounting section from light.

[0098] (5) In one embodiment of this invention, in the article retrieval device described in (4), the light-shielding portion is provided at the mounting end of the outer door, and the width of the light-shielding portion is longer than the width of the path portion. According to the above configuration, the width of the light-shielding section is longer than the width of the path section, so when the outer door is closed, the light-shielding section can more reliably block light between the path section and the mounting section.

[0099] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is the article retrieval device described in (4) or (5), wherein the outer door is open and an opening is provided that exposes the mounting section, the width of which is greater than the width of the path section and less than the width of the light-shielding section. With the above configuration, the opening width of the opening is larger than the width of the pathway, so that when the outer door is opened and closed, the pathway does not slide against the opening, allowing the outer door to be opened and closed smoothly.

[0100] (7) In one embodiment of this invention, in the article retrieval device described in any one of (1) to (6), the imaging unit can image the article placed on the storage unit described above when the inner door is closed, or image the inside of the device body when the inner door is open. With the above configuration, the imaging unit installed on the inner door can capture images of the items placed on the mounting section and the inside of the main body of the device, thus providing an item retrieval device that can be made more compact.

[0101] (8) One aspect of this embodiment is an article retrieval device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the device is equipped with a volume reduction unit for reducing the volume of the article, and the imaging unit is capable of imaging the volume reduction unit when the inner door is open. With the above configuration, the imaging unit installed in the inner door can image the volume reduction area that reduces the volume of the object. This allows for capturing images of the condition of fragments around the volume reduction area and the movement of various mechanisms, enabling more accurate anomaly analysis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 19…Imaging Department 20…Lighting Department 100... Empty container collection device (item collection device) 111...Outer door 111A... Route section 111B…Light shielding part 112...Inner door 116... Mounting section 120…Volume reduction section 140...Container housing section MKL, MKR... Mark (Detected part)

Claims

1. A mounting section for placing items, An imaging unit for imaging an article placed on the mounting unit, An inner door is provided in the passage leading from the mounting section to the main body of the device, An outer door that moves forward and backward so that the mounting section can be exposed, Equipped with, The imaging unit provided in the inner door is An article retrieval device characterized by being located between the open outer door and the closed inner door.

2. The outer door is A path section that generates a liquid path, and a light-shielding section that shields the space between the path section and the aforementioned placement section, The article recovery device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

3. The article retrieval device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting portion has a detection portion of a different color from the mounting portion described above.

4. The article retrieval device according to claim 2, characterized in that the light-shielding portion is provided at the mounting end of the outer door, and the width of the light-shielding portion is longer than the width of the path portion.

5. The article is provided with a volume reduction section for reducing the volume of the article, The article recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the imaging unit images the volume reduction unit when the inner door is open.

Images