Apparatus for determining type of object to be measured

Abstract

An apparatus for determining a type of an object to be measured according to the present invention emits light toward the object to be measured to recognize and determine the type of the object to be measured and includes: a light detection unit formed by stacking multiple plates and detecting multiple reflection lights reflected from the object to be measured; and a sensor connected to the light detection unit and determining the type of the object to be measured through the reflection lights detected by the light detection unit.

Description

Device for determining the type of measurement object

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for determining the type of a measurement object, and more specifically, to a device for determining the type of a measurement object that can recognize as many measurement objects as possible using optical fibers and determine the type of the recognized measurement objects.

[0002] Representative plastics used for recycling include PET, PE, PP, ABS, and PVC.

[0003] In general, the order in which plastic or plastic materials are utilized is briefly explained as follows.

[0004] First, a waste disposal company collects plastic and delivers it to a collection company. Next, a sorting company separates recyclable plastic. Then, extrusion and injection molding companies transform the separated plastic into its desired form.

[0005] Here, plastic is standardized as a raw material.

[0006] A conventional measurement target type determination device is a device that individually recognizes a measurement target, such as a plastic flake, as a single material, and determines that, for example, out of 1,000, 900 are PET, 50 are PS, and 50 are PE.

[0007] However, when using a type-determining device to determine the type of plastic being measured, the filter net often traps a large amount of impurities, reducing the ability to identify the type of plastic and, consequently, the efficiency of plastic recycling. This, in turn, reduces the time and economic feasibility of recycling plastic.

[0008] In addition, in the case of conventional measurement target type determination devices, it was difficult to examine a large amount of plastic at once.

[0009] Ultimately, when a large amount of plastic is subjected to a comprehensive investigation (sorting process), there is a problem of reduced productivity, which reduces the efficiency of identifying the type of plastic and recycling it.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need to develop a type determination device capable of recognizing as many plastics as possible and determining the type of the recognized plastic.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for determining the type of a measurement object, such as plastic, using a minimum number of sensors.

[0012] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for determining the type of a measurement object, which can determine the mixing ratio by using a minimum number of sensors as the determination proceeds for more detailed types of a measurement object, such as plastic.

[0013] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0014] The above object can be achieved by a type determination device for a measurement object, which is formed by stacking a plurality of plates and includes a light detection unit that detects a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement object, and a sensor that is connected to the light detection unit and determines the type of the measurement object through the reflected light detected by the light detection unit, in accordance with the present invention, a determination device for recognizing and determining the type of the measurement object by generating light toward the measurement object.

[0015] Here, the light detection unit may be configured to detect a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement target, and transmit the detection results for the measurement target to the sensor by passing some of the detected reflected lights through the sensor.

[0016] The light detection unit may include a first plate to which a plurality of optical fibers are connected so as to detect a plurality of reflected lights reflected from a measurement target, and a second plate positioned on the upper side of the first plate and transmitting a detection result for the measurement target to the sensor by passing a smaller number of reflected lights compared to the plurality of reflected lights detected by the first plate.

[0017] At this time, a through hole may be formed through the second plate to allow the reflected light detected by the first plate to pass through.

[0018] The second plate may be provided to be rotatable, and the second plate may be provided to rotate in a preset direction so that only the reflected light that matches the through hole among the plurality of reflected lights detected by the first plate passes through.

[0019] Additionally, the second plate may be arranged to rotate together with the sensor.

[0020] Meanwhile, the second plate may further include a rotational driving member that is connected to the second plate and rotates the second plate in a preset direction, and the second plate may be arranged to allow only the reflected light that matches the through hole among a plurality of reflected lights to pass through while being rotated in the preset direction by the rotational driving member.

[0021] Here, the rotary driving member may be provided as a step motor to enable adjustment of the rotation speed of the second plate.

[0022] Furthermore, a light collecting member that collects reflected light passing through the through hole may be additionally provided in the through hole.

[0023] Meanwhile, the light detection unit may additionally include an alignment housing for aligning a plurality of optical fibers connected to the first plate in a straight line.

[0024] At this time, the sensor may be arranged to be connected to the second plate by at least one optical fiber.

[0025] Furthermore, the third plate may be disposed on the upper side of the second plate and may be connected to the sensor to transmit reflected light passing through the second plate to the sensor.

[0026] At this time, the third plate is connected to the sensor by an optical fiber, and the optical fiber may include a first connection portion connected to the sensor and a second connection portion branched into multiple portions from the first connection portion and connected to the third plate.

[0027] Such a light sensing unit is positioned inside a sensing unit casing having a space therein, and at least one end of the upper or lower end of the casing may be provided so that one or more optical fibers are exposed.

[0028] The optical fiber exposed to the upper part of the casing may be connected to a sensor, and the optical fiber exposed to the lower part of the casing may be arranged to detect a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement target.

[0029] Meanwhile, the above-described sensor may include a near-infrared sensor.

[0030] The device for determining the type of a measurement object of the present invention, which comprises a light-sensitive section configured with a structure in which multiple plates are stacked, can more effectively determine the type of a measurement object, such as plastic, than conventional devices for determining the type of a measurement object. Furthermore, by determining the type of measurement object, such as plastic, in greater detail, the device has the advantage of being able to efficiently determine the mixing ratio within a short period of time using a minimal number of sensors.

[0031] In addition, the device for determining the type of a measurement object of the present invention can reduce noise generated in the process of determining the measurement object since the light detection unit is formed in a laminated structure, thereby improving the reliability of determining the measurement object.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for determining the type of a measurement target according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a state in which the type determination device for the measurement object illustrated in Figure 1 is accommodated in a casing.

[0035] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the type determination device for the measurement object illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a device for determining the type of measurement target according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the type determination device for the measurement target shown in Fig. 4.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a modified example of the measurement target type determination device illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0039] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the type determination device for the measurement object shown in Fig. 6.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] Please note that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The relative dimensions and proportions of parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for clarity and convenience, and any dimensions are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. In addition, identical structures, elements, or components appearing in more than one drawing are designated by the same reference numerals to indicate similar features.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention specifically illustrate ideal embodiments of the present invention. Consequently, various modifications to the drawings are anticipated. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific form of the illustrated area, and include, for example, modifications resulting from manufacturing processes.

[0043] Hereinafter, a device for determining the type of a measurement object (100,100-1; hereinafter referred to as “determination device”) according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044] First, the determination device (100, 100-1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is for determining the type of a measurement object (102) such as plastic, and for determining the mixing ratio of the determined measurement object (102).

[0045] At this time, the measurement target (102) is placed on a table (101; table) or the like and is judged by the judgement device (100, 100-1).

[0046] In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the measurement target (102) may be measured by being positioned inside a box-shaped member with at least one side closed, or may be determined by the determination device (100) while placed on the upper side of a conveyor belt or the like moving in a predetermined direction.

[0047] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a determination device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] The determination device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a light detection unit (110) and a sensor (120).

[0049] The light detection unit (110) is a part that detects multiple reflected lights reflected from the measurement target (102).

[0050] Here, light generated from a light generating unit (not shown) including halogen and LED is irradiated to the measurement target (102). The light generated from the light generating unit toward the measurement target (102) is reflected in the opposite direction to the irradiation direction after striking one surface of the measurement target (102).

[0051] In this way, the light irradiated from the light generating unit toward the measurement target (102) is reflected from multiple measurement targets (102) as well as from multiple surfaces of one measurement target (102), thereby generating multiple lights.

[0052] At this time, the light detection unit (110) detects a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement target (102).

[0053] Here, the light detection unit (110) can detect all reflected light from the measurement target (102) located within the detection area between A and A' as shown in the drawing.

[0054] The light detection unit (110) has a structure in which multiple plates (111, 113) are stacked.

[0055] A sensor (120) can be connected to the light detection unit (110).

[0056] In particular, the sensor (120) can be connected to the uppermost side of the light detection unit (110).

[0057] Among the multiple plates (111, 113) included in the light detection unit (110), the plate (111) located at the lowest side detects the reflected light reflected from the measurement target (102), and the detected reflected light is transmitted to the plate (113) located at the highest side and the sensor (120) connected to the uppermost plate (113).

[0058] As described above, the sensor (120) is connected to the light detection unit (110) and can be used to determine the measurement target (102) by receiving the reflected light detected by the light detection unit (110).

[0059] For reference, in the determination device (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor (120) may be provided as a near-infrared sensor (NIR sensor), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0060] Here, the sensor (120) may be connected to the light detection unit (110) using an optical fiber, but is not necessarily limited thereto. Meanwhile, the determination device (100) according to embodiments of the present invention may further include a control unit (130).

[0061] The control unit (130) can be connected to the light detection unit (110) and the sensor (120).

[0062] Accordingly, the control unit (130) receives the detection result of the measurement target (102) detected by the light detection unit (110) and transmitted to the sensor (120). In addition, the control unit (130) can also determine the type and mixing ratio of the measurement target (102) based on the received detection result of the measurement target (102).

[0063] Moreover, the control unit (130) can also control the operation of the light detection unit (110) formed by stacking a plurality of plates (111, 113).

[0064] For example, among the multiple plates (111, 113) of the light detection unit (110), at least one plate is rotated, and the control unit (130) may control the rotational force of the plate.

[0065] Meanwhile, in the determination device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the light detection unit (110, 110-1) may vary depending on the number of stacked plates (111, 113).

[0066] Here, the light detection unit (110) detects a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement target (102), and transmits the detection result for the measurement target (102) to the sensor (120) by allowing only some of the detected reflected lights to pass through.

[0067] Specifically, the light detection unit (110) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include two plates (111, 113).

[0068] The light detection unit (110) may include one first plate (111) and one second plate (113).

[0069] The first plate (111) is a portion for detecting multiple reflections from the measurement target (102).

[0070] For this purpose, a plurality of optical fibers (112) can be connected to the first plate (111).

[0071] A plurality of optical fibers (112) can be connected to the lower portion of the first plate (111).

[0072] The number of optical fibers (112) may vary, and preferably, about 10 may be provided. At this time, the measurement range of the measurement target (102) placed on the table (101) may vary depending on the number of optical fibers (112) provided.

[0073] For reference, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the measurement range by 10 optical fibers (112) may be an AA' area including the entire area of ​​the measurement target (102) placed on the table (101), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0074] The optical fiber (112) may be coupled so as to penetrate the first plate (111), but may be coupled so as to be exposed only to the lower portion of the first plate (111) and not to the upper portion.

[0075] A second plate (113) is positioned on the upper side of the first plate (111).

[0076] The second plate (113) passes a smaller number of reflected lights compared to the number of reflected lights detected by the first plate (111), and the passing detection results are transmitted to the sensor (140).

[0077] For this purpose, at least one through hole (114) may be formed in the second plate (113).

[0078] The through hole (114) allows only the reflected light that matches the through hole (114) to pass through when any one of the multiple reflected lights detected by the first plate (111) matches the through hole (114).

[0079] Meanwhile, a rotation driving member (140) can be connected to the second plate (113).

[0080] The rotary driving member (140) is a member that rotates the second plate (113) in a preset direction.

[0081] The rotary driving member (140) may be provided as a motor, etc., but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be changed to a member having a driving force capable of rotating the second plate (113).

[0082] Additionally, the rotary driving member (140) may be provided as a step motor to facilitate controlling the rotation speed of the second plate (113).

[0083] For reference, although not shown in the drawing, the rotary drive member (140) may be directly connected to the second plate (113) to directly rotate the second plate (113). In addition, the rotary drive member (140) may be indirectly connected to the second plate (113) via a motion transmission member (not shown) such as a belt to generate a rotational force in the second plate (113).

[0084] Accordingly, when the second plate (113) is rotated in a preset direction by the rotation driving member (140), only the reflected light that matches the through hole (114) among the multiple reflected lights detected by the first plate (111) passes through and is transmitted to the sensor (120).

[0085] That is, in the light detection unit (110) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the first plate (111) may be fixed without being rotated, and the second plate (113) may be rotated differently from the first plate (111).

[0086] At this time, the first plate (111) and the second plate (113) are axially coupled, and in this state, in order to rotate only the second plate (113), a member such as a ball bearing (not shown) may be additionally formed on the coupled shaft, and the driving force may be transmitted from the rotational driving member (140) to enable rotation.

[0087] Additionally, when the second plate (113) rotates, the sensor (120) connected to the second plate (113) can also be formed together with the second plate (113).

[0088] Meanwhile, a light collecting member (160) may be additionally provided on the second plate (113).

[0089] The light collecting member (160) is intended to reduce the loss of reflected light passing through the through hole (114) by collecting multiple reflected lights into one.

[0090] For this purpose, the light collecting member (160) may be positioned inside the through hole (114) of the second plate (113), or may be positioned adjacent to either the lower or upper portion of the through hole (114).

[0091] In addition, the light collecting member (160) may be provided as an optical fiber lens, a convex lens, etc., but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the type may vary depending on the shape of the second plate (113) and the through hole (114).

[0092] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the light detection unit (110) may additionally include an alignment housing (not shown).

[0093] The alignment housing is for aligning a plurality of optical fibers (112).

[0094] The alignment housing may be formed in the form of a pipe with a hollow interior, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0095] Accordingly, a plurality of optical fibers (112) can be aligned in a straight line by being inserted into the internal space of the alignment housing.

[0096] Meanwhile, the light detection unit (110) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be accommodated inside the casing (150).

[0097] In other words, the light detection unit (110) can accommodate the first plate (111), the second plate (113), and the sensor (120) inside the casing (150) except for some areas of the plurality of optical fibers (112) exposed at the lower end of the first plate (111).

[0098] For this purpose, the interior of the casing (150) may include a hollow receiving space (not shown). Here, the receiving space of the casing (150) may vary depending on the shape and size of the light detection unit (110).

[0099] For reference, although the drawing shows that the sensor (120) is not accommodated inside the casing (150), it is not limited thereto and may or may not be accommodated inside the casing (150) as needed.

[0100] Meanwhile, in the case of the determination device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of optical fibers (112) may be exposed at the lower end of the casing (150).

[0101] A plurality of optical fibers (112) exposed to the lower part of the casing (150) detect a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement target (102).

[0102] For reference, optical fibers (not shown) may be exposed at the top of the casing (150).

[0103] At this time, the optical fiber exposed to the upper part of the casing (150) is the part connected to the sensor (120).

[0104] Additionally, as described above, the sensor (120) may be positioned inside the casing (150) without being exposed to the upper portion of the casing (150). In this case, no components are positioned at the upper portion of the casing (150).

[0105]

[0106] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, a determination device (100-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0107] The determination device (100-1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the first embodiment described above, except for the structure of the light detection unit (110-1), and therefore the same names and drawing symbols are given to the same components, and the description thereof will be based on the first embodiment described above.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the determination device (100-1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a light detection unit (110-1) and a sensor (120).

[0109] Here, the light detection unit (110-1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a structure in which a plurality of plates (111, 113, 115) are stacked, and in particular, may include three plates (111, 113, 115).

[0110] The light detection unit (110-1) can be formed in a structure in which a first plate (111), a second plate (113), and a third plate (115) are sequentially stacked.

[0111] The third plate (115) can be placed on the upper side of the second plate (113) and connected to the sensor (120). That is, the third plate (115) transmits the reflected light that has passed through the through hole (114) of the second plate (113) among the plurality of reflected lights detected by the first plate (111) to the sensor (120).

[0112] Here, the third plate (115) can be connected to the sensor (120) by an optical fiber (121).

[0113] For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the third plate (115) is connected to the sensor (120) by one optical fiber (121).

[0114] As another example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the third plate (115) may be connected to a sensor (120) by branching one optical fiber (121) into multiple pieces.

[0115] At this time, the optical fiber (121) may include a first connection portion (1211) connected to the sensor (120) and a second connection portion (1212) branched into multiple portions from the first connection portion (1211) and connected to a third plate (115).

[0116] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the second connection part (1212) is illustrated as being branched into 10 from the first connection part (1211), but this is not necessarily limited to this, and the number of optical fibers branched from the second connection part (1212) may vary.

[0117] Meanwhile, the second connection (1212) branched into 10 optical fibers is connected to the third plate (115).

[0118] The second connecting portion (1212) is provided to penetrate the upper portion of the third plate (115), but may be connected so as not to penetrate the lower portion.

[0119] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, in the case of the determination device (100-1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, at least one optical fiber (112, 121) may be exposed to each of the upper and lower portions of the casing (150).

[0120] The optical fiber (121) exposed to the upper part of the casing (150) can be connected to the sensor (120). Conversely, the optical fiber (112) exposed to the lower part of the casing (150) can be arranged to detect a plurality of reflected lights reflected from the measurement target (102).

[0121]

[0122] By the above configuration, the measurement target type determination device (100, 100-1) according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively determine the type of the measurement target (102), such as plastic, as compared to a conventional measurement target type determination device, since the light detection unit (110, 110-1) is provided in a structure in which multiple plates (111, 113, 115) are stacked. Furthermore, as determination is made for a more detailed type of the measurement target (102), there is an advantage in that the known mixing ratio can be efficiently determined in a short period of time using a minimum number of sensors (120).

[0123] In addition, the type determination device (100, 100-1) of the measurement object of the present invention can reduce noise generated in the process of determining the type of the measurement object (102) as the light detection unit (110, 110-1) is formed in a laminated structure, thereby improving the reliability of determination of the measurement object (102).

[0124] As described above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described with specific details such as specific components and limited examples and drawings, these are provided only to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations based on this description. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all things that are equivalent or equivalent to the claims below as well as the claims are considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] According to a device for determining the type of a measurement object related to one embodiment of the present invention, the type of a measurement object can be effectively determined by a light detection unit provided in a structure in which multiple plates are stacked.

Claims

1. In a determination device for recognizing and determining the type of a measurement target by generating light toward the measurement target, A light detection unit formed by stacking multiple plates and detecting multiple reflected lights reflected from a measurement target; and A sensor connected to a light detection unit and used to determine the type of measurement target through reflected light detected by the light detection unit; A device for determining the type of measurement object, including:

2. In paragraph 1, The light detection unit is A device for determining the type of a measurement object, which detects a plurality of reflected lights reflected from a measurement object and transmits the detection results for the measurement object to a sensor by passing some of the detected reflected lights through the sensor.

3. In paragraph 1, The light detection unit is A first plate to which a plurality of optical fibers are connected to detect a plurality of reflected lights reflected from a measurement target; A second plate positioned above the first plate and allowing a smaller number of reflected lights to pass through compared to the number of reflected lights detected by the first plate; and A third plate is disposed on the upper side of the second plate and is connected to the sensor so that reflected light passing through the second plate is transmitted to the sensor. The third plate is connected to the sensor by optical fiber, A device for determining the type of a measurement target, wherein the optical fiber includes a first connection portion connected to a sensor, and a second connection portion branched into a plurality of portions from the first connection portion and connected to a third plate.

4. In paragraph 3, A device for determining the type of measurement target, in which a through hole is formed through the second plate to allow the reflected light detected by the first plate to pass through.

5. In paragraph 4, The second plate is provided to be rotatable, A device for determining the type of measurement target, wherein the second plate is rotated in a preset direction so as to pass only the reflected light that matches the through hole among the multiple reflected lights detected by the first plate.

6. In paragraph 5, It further includes a rotational driving member connected to the second plate and rotating the second plate in a preset direction, A device for determining the type of measurement target, wherein the second plate is rotated in a preset direction by a rotating driving member and is designed to pass only the reflected light that matches the through hole among a plurality of reflected lights.

7. In paragraph 6, A device for determining the type of measurement object, wherein the rotating driving member is provided with a step motor to enable adjustment of the rotation speed of the second plate.

8. In paragraph 5, In the through hole, A device for determining the type of measurement target, with an additional light collecting member that collects reflected light passing through a through hole.

9. In paragraph 3, The light detection unit is A device for determining the type of a measurement target, further comprising an alignment housing for aligning a plurality of optical fibers connected to the first plate in a linear shape.

10. In paragraph 3, The light sensor is located inside the sensor casing having a space inside, A device for determining the type of a measurement object, wherein at least one optical fiber is exposed at at least one end of the upper or lower end of the casing.

11. In paragraph 10, A device for determining the type of measurement target, wherein the optical fiber exposed to the upper part of the casing is connected to a sensor, and the optical fiber exposed to the lower part of the casing is designed to detect multiple reflected lights reflected from the measurement target.

12. In paragraph 3, The sensor is a device for determining the type of measurement target, including a near-infrared sensor.

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