BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a separation apparatus and a separation method for
separating small pieces consisting of a specific constituent substance from a group
of the small pieces in which plural small pieces obtained by crushing the used household
electric appliances and the like are mixed.
Related art of the Invention
[0002] In recent years, economic activities represented by mass production, mass consumption,
and mass disposal have been causing environmental problems on a global scale, such
as global warming and depletion of resources.
[0003] Under such circumstance, it is obliged to recycle the used air conditioners, televisions,
refrigerators/freezers, and washing machines by paying attention to the recycling
household electric appliances so as to build a recycling society.
[0004] The unneeded household electric appliances become small pieces by crushing and then
these crushed small pieces are separated for the constituent substance by using magnetism,
wind, oscillation, and the like in household electric appliance-recycling plants,
so as to reuse them.
[0005] As to metal materials, the high recycling rate is realized because these small pieces
are separated for the constituent substance such as iron, copper, aluminum and the
like at high purity by using a specific gravity separation device or a magnetism separation
device.
[0006] As to resin materials, polypropylene (hereinafter denoted as PP), which has a low
specific gravity, is separated from a component having a high specific gravity through
specific gravity segregation using water and thus recovered with a relatively high
degree of purity.
[0007] However, in the case of the specific gravity segregation using water, an enormous
amount of wastewater is produced and it is difficult to separate with high accuracy,
for example, polystyrene (hereinafter denoted as PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(hereinafter denoted as ABS) and the like, which have similar specific gravities,
from each other.
[0008] Further, the separation apparatus, which can separate the resin materials at high
accuracy by using a jet of air and is useful for the recycling of the resin materials,
has been known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2009-279553).
[0009] In the following, such conventional separation apparatus 100 will be described, referring
to Fig. 5.
[0010] Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the conventional separation apparatus 100.
[0011] In the case of the conventional separation apparatus 100, the constituent substance
of the resin small piece 101 conveyed by the conveyor 104 is distinguished by the
distinguishing device 106 when the resin small piece 101 passes the front of the distinguishing
device 106.
[0012] According to the distinguishing result of the distinguishing device 106, air is jetted
from the jetting nozzle 110 in the direction intersecting for a flight direction of
the resin small piece 101 which falls from the lower end of the shooter 105, when
constant time passes after the resin small piece 101 passes through a detection position
of the passing detection sensor 111
[0013] By means of this, it is decided into which side of separation board 130 the resin
small piece 101 falls depending on the constituent substance, so that the resin small
pieces 101 are separated each other
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The inventors of the present invention, however, have noticed that the conventional
separation apparatus 100 cannot separate the resin small pieces 101 at accuracy high
enough.
[0015] Then the inventors think that the cause is that the air is jetted from the jetting
nozzle 110, when constant time which is decided uniformly passes after the resin small
piece 101 passes through a detection position of the passing detection sensor 111.
[0016] That is to say, in the case of the conventional separation apparatus 100, many resin
small pieces 101 are continuously supplied to the conveyor 104, the constituent substances
of the resin small pieces 101 are distinguished, respectively, and air is jetted according
to the distinguishing result.
[0017] The shapes and sizes of the resin small pieces 101 are various. When the size of
the resin small piece 101 is large for the detection resolution (the minimum size
of the detectable resin small piece) of the passing detection sensor 111, plural detection
positions exist for the single resin small piece 101. Therefore, plural detection
results corresponding to the plural detection positions, respectively, can be obtained
with respect to the single resin small piece 101.
[0018] Under such a situation, in many cases, the air jetted first hits only the edge part
of the resin small piece 101.
[0019] As a result, the resin small piece 101 which should be separated may not be blown
off successfully, because a posture of the resin small piece 101 is changed by rotation
due to the shape and size of the resin small piece 101.
[0020] Next, more concrete explanation will be described, referring to Figs. 6(a) to 6(c).
[0021] Here, Fig. 6(a) is a schematic perspective view of the other conventional separation
apparatus 150. Figs. 6(b) and 6(c) are explanation views of plural distinguishing
results (hereinafter referred to as the group of distinguishing results) by the distinguishing
device 3 of the other conventional separation apparatus 150.
[0022] As shown in Fig. 6(a), a small piece 2A as a separation target is conveyed by the
conveyor 1, and the constituent substance of the small piece 2A is distinguished when
the small piece 2A passes under the distinguishing device 3.
[0023] As shown in Fig. 6(b), when the size of the small piece 2A is large for the detection
resolution of the distinguishing device 3, plural distinguishing results 9 are obtained
with respect to the single small piece 2A.
[0024] As shown in Fig. 6(b), the plural distinguishing results 9 denoted by black round
marks are distinguishing results of the constituent substances distinguished at a
constant interval when the small piece 2A passes under the distinguishing device 3,
and the group of distinguishing results is formed by the plural distinguishing results
9. Further, these positions of the black round marks denote the distinguishing positions
on the small piece 2A.
[0025] The small piece 2A which is conveyed in a conveying direction X (see Fig. 6(a)) by
the conveyor 1 is thrown out the conveying end portion 4 of the conveyor 1 and flies.
[0026] The group of nozzles 5 provided in order to separate the small piece 2A, which is
made from the specific constituent substance, from the flying path of the small piece
2B made from the other constituent substance is allowed to jet air according to the
distinguishing results 9, and the small piece 2A made from the specific constituent
substance is shot down into the side near the conveyor 1 with reference to the separation
board 7, so as to be separated from the small piece 2B made from the other constituent
substance.
[0027] However, it is thought that the air jetted from the group of nozzles 5 hits only
an edge part 2A1 of the board-shaped small piece 2A, because the air is jetted from
the group of nozzles 5, based on the distinguishing results 9 (that is, the distinguishing
results 9 located in the right end in Fig. 6(b)) obtained at the first timing in the
group of the distinguishing results for the small piece 2A obtained by the distinguishing
device 3.
[0028] As a result, a posture of the small piece 2A is changed by rotation due to the influence
of the air that has hit the edge part 2A1 of the small piece 2A.
[0029] In this case, the air is jetted continuously or intermittently based on the other
distinguishing results 9 in the group of the distinguishing results, however, the
air from the group of nozzles 5 does not hit the small piece 2A correctly, because
the posture of the small piece 2A has been changed already.
[0030] As a result, the small piece 2A, which should be shot down into the side near the
conveyor 1 with reference to the separation board 7, is not shot down into the side,
flies the course denoted by the arrow, and falls to a place distant from the conveyor
1 with reference to the separation board 7 as shown in Fig. 6(a).
[0031] By the way, there is a case where erroneous decision, in which the distinguishing
results which are obtained on the same small piece 2A differ, occurs. That is, as
shown in Fig. 6(c), the distinguishing result 9B which should be the same as the distinguishing
result 9A may be obtained as a distinguishing result which is different from the distinguishing
result 9A by the erroneous decision due to an electric noise or a shape of material.
Here, it is supposed that the distinguishing result 9A denotes a correct distinguishing
result and the distinguishing result 9B denotes an incorrect distinguishing result.
[0032] In this case, the air is jetted based on the incorrect distinguishing result 9B.
Therefore, the small piece 2A, which should be separated from the small piece 2B made
from the other constituent substance, is not separated correctly, and as a result,
the small piece 2A made from the specific constituent substance, which should be separated,
is mixed in the group of the small piece 2B made from the other constituent substance.
[0033] An object of the present invention is, in view of the above-mentioned conventional
problems, to provide a separation apparatus and a separation method, which can recover
the separation target at higher accuracy.
[0034] The 1
st aspect of the present invention is a separation apparatus which analyzes constituent
substances of separation targets and recovers the separation target having a predetermined
constituent substance, and
the separation apparatus characterized by comprising:
a conveying unit (1) which conveyors plural separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) having
plural kinds of constituent substances (A, B);
a distinguishing unit (3) which distinguishes whether the separation targets (2A,
2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not on the conveying unit (1), and analyzes the constituent substances
of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C,
2D) exist on the conveying unit (1); and
a recovering unit (5, 6) which distinguishes shape, size and position of the separation
target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), based on a distinguishing
result by the distinguishing unit (3), calculates a center of gravity (11) of the
separation target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), based on
the shape, the size and the position of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined
constituent substance (A), which is distinguished, and recovers the separation target
(2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A) by jetting air or gas to at
least the center of gravity (11) of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined
constituent substance (A).
[0035] The 2
nd aspect of the present invention is the separation apparatus according to the 1
st aspect of the present invention, wherein
the distinguishing unit (3) has lattice-like plural distinguishing points at a predetermined
position for the conveying unit (1), distinguishes whether the separation targets
(2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not every each the distinguishing point, and analyzes the
constituent substances of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) every each the distinguishing
point when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and
the recovering unit (5, 6) distinguishes shape, size and position of the separation
targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) by analyzing an adjacency state of the distinguishing points
where the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and specifies the separation
target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), to which the air or
gas is to be jetted, based on a score which is given to each of the plural kinds of
constituent substances (A, B).
[0036] The 3
rd aspect of the present invention is the separation apparatus according to the 1
st aspect of the present invention, wherein
[0037] the distinguishing unit (3) has lattice-like plural distinguishing points at a predetermined
position for the conveying unit (1), distinguishes whether the separation targets
(2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not every each the distinguishing point, and analyzes the
constituent substances of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) every each the distinguishing
point when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and
the recovering unit (5, 6) distinguishes the shape, the size and the position of the
separation target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance by analyzing
an adjacency state of the distinguishing points where the constituent substances of
the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) are the same.
[0038] The 4
th aspect of the present invention is the separation apparatus according to the 1
st aspect of the present invention, wherein
the distinguishing unit (3) has lattice-like plural distinguishing points at a predetermined
position for the conveying unit (1), distinguishes whether the separation targets
(2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not every each the distinguishing point, and analyzes the
constituent substances of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) every each the distinguishing
point when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and
the recovering unit (5, 6) distinguishes shape, size and position of the separation
targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) by analyzing an adjacency state of the distinguishing points
where the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and specifies the separation
target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), to which the air or
gas is to be jetted, based on the constituent substance (A, B) of each separation
target (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) on the distinguishing point which is located in a central
part of each shape of the distinguished separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D).
[0039] The 5
th aspect of the present invention is the separation apparatus according to any one
of the 1
st to 4
th aspects of the present inventions,
wherein the recovering unit (5, 6) jets the air or gas to a circumference of the center
of gravity (11) of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined constituent
substance (A) as well as the center of gravity (11).
[0040] The 6
th aspect of the present invention is a separation method of analyzing constituent substances
of the separation targets and recovering the separation target having a predetermined
constituent substance, and
the separation method characterized by comprising steps of:
calculating a center of gravity (11) of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined
constituent substance (A), and
jetting air or gas to at least the center of gravity (11) of the separation target
(2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A).
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0041] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a separation apparatus
and a separation method, which can recover the separation target at higher accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042]
Figs. 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are schematic side views of a separation apparatus according
to Embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a separation apparatus according to Embodiment
of the present invention;
Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic perspective views of a separation apparatus according
to Embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 3(c) and 3(d) are explanation views of the group of distinguishing results by
the distinguishing device according to Embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 4(d) are explanation views of the groups of distinguishing
results obtained by the distinguishing device of the separation apparatus according
to Embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4(e) is an explanation view of a distinguishing application area shown in Fig.
4(d);
Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the conventional separation apparatus;
Fig. 6(a) is a schematic perspective view of the other conventional separation apparatus;
and
Figs. 6(b) and 6(c) are explanation views of group of distinguishing results by the
distinguishing device of the other conventional separation apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described, referring
to drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
[0044] A configuration and operation of a separation apparatus 200 according to the present
Embodiment 1 will be described, mainly referring to Figs. 1(a) to 1(c) and Fig. 2.
[0045] Here, Figs. 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are schematic side views of a separation apparatus
200 according to the present Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic
plan view of the separation apparatus 200 according to the present Embodiment 1 of
the present invention.
[0046] By the way, the following Embodiment is merely one example of the present invention,
and the present invention is not limited to the Embodiment.
[0047] In this Embodiment 1, one example of the separation method according to the present
invention will also be described, while describing the operation of the separation
apparatus 200.
[0048] According to the present Embodiment 1, since the constituent substances of small
pieces 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are analyzed by a distinguishing device 3 having an optical
device which analyzes the constituent substances of the small pieces 2A to 2D, based
on the distributions of intensity of reflected light which are detected by irradiating
the small pieces 2A to 2D with light, it is possible to separate the small pieces
2A to 2D consisting of the resin material, which cannot be separated by the conventional
specific gravity separation device.
[0049] The optical device of the distinguishing device 3 has plural light emitting/light
receiving elements (not shown) which are disposed in the direction perpendicular to
the conveyance direction X of the conveyor 1 (see Fig. 2). In this Embodiment, since
the conveyor 1 is allowed to have another distribution of intensity of reflected light
that is different from each of the unique distributions of intensity of reflected
light of the resin materials, it becomes possible to distinguish whether the small
pieces 2A to 2D exist or not and analyze the constituent substances thereof as described
below.
[0050] More specifically, the distinguishing device 3 analyzes the constituent substances
of the small pieces 2A to 2D as the separation targets which are conveyed by the conveyor
1, and the analyzed small piece 2A made from the specific constituent substance is
separated from the flying paths of the other small pieces 2B to 2D which are thrown
out the conveying end portion 4 of the conveyor 1.
[0051] That is, the separation apparatus 200 specifies the small piece 2A which should be
separated, based on information about the constituent substances analyzed by the distinguishing
device 3, determines the timing at which air is allowed to jet pulsingly from nozzles
which are disposed above or below the flying path, and blows off the small piece 2A
made from the specific constituent substance by jetting the air pulsingly based on
the timing in order to separate the small piece 2A from the other small pieces 2B
to 2D.
[0052] In this Embodiment, as described below, the air is jetted at least to a position
of a center of gravity of the small piece 2A.
[0053] In Figs. 1(a) to 1(c), the small pieces 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D denote the small pieces
before passing under the distinguishing device 3, and the small pieces 2A', 2B', 2C'
and 2D' denote the small pieces after passing under the distinguishing device 3. Here,
the small pieces 2A' to 2D' are the same as the small pieces 2A to 2D, respectively.
[0054] First, a configuration of a separation apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 will
be described more concretely, referring to Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 2.
[0055] A group of nozzles 5 is provided with plural nozzles which jet air in order to separate
the small piece 2A made from the specific constituent substance from the flying path
of the small pieces 2A to 2D as separation targets which are conveyed and are thrown
out the conveying end portion 4 of the conveyor 1, and the plural nozzles are disposed
in a width direction of the conveyor 1.
[0056] A calculation part 6 specifies the small piece 2A which should be separated, based
on information about the constituent substances analyzed by the distinguishing device
3, and determines the timing at which the air is allowed to jet pulsingly from the
group of nozzles 5.
[0057] A separation board 7 is a member which is disposed so as to separate the small piece
2A made from the specific constituent substance, which has been separated from the
flying paths of the other small pieces 2B to 2D.
[0058] Each size of the small pieces 2A to 2D is about 10 to 100 mm with respect to a lengthwise
direction and a lateral direction, and is about 0.5 to 2 mm with respect to a thickness
direction.
[0059] A conveyance speed of the conveyor 1 is about 2 to 3 m/sec.
[0060] The interval between the nozzles of the group of nozzles 5, which are disposed in
the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction X of the conveyor 1, is about
5 to 10 mm.
[0061] Next, operation of the separation apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 1 will be
described more concretely, referring to Figs. 1(a) to 1(c).
[0062] As shown in Fig. 1(b), the distinguishing device 3 distinguishes whether the small
piece 2A' as one of the separation targets, which passed under the distinguishing
device 3, exists or not, and analyzes the constituent substance of the small piece
2A' when the distinguishing device 3 judges that the small piece 2A' exists.
[0063] As shown in Fig. 1(c), the small pieces 2A' to 2D' which have been distinguished
by the distinguishing device 3 are thrown out the conveying end portion 4 of the conveyor
1.
[0064] When the small piece 2A' made from the specific constituent substance, which should
be separated, passes under the group of nozzles 5, the air is jetted pulsingly from
the nozzle corresponding to the position of the small piece 2A'.
[0065] Then, the small piece 2A' made from the specific constituent substance, which should
be separated, is blown off and separated from the flying paths of the other small
pieces 2B' to 2D'.
[0066] The typical flying paths of the small pieces 2B' to 2D' which have been thrown out
the conveying end portion 4 of the conveyor 1 are indicated by a solid line, a dotted
line and a chain line.
[0067] Next, it will be described more concretely how the small piece 2A made from the specific
constituent substance, which should be separated, is specified, based on information
about the constituent substances analyzed by the distinguishing device 3, and how
the timing, at which the air is allowed to jet pulsingly from the group of nozzles
5, is determined.
[0068] When the small pieces 2A to 2D as the separation targets which are conveyed by the
conveyor 1 pass under the distinguishing device 3, the distinguishing device 3 distinguishes
whether the small pieces 2A to 2D exist or not and analyzes the constituent substances
thereof.
[0069] That is, the distinguishing device 3 distinguishes whether the small pieces 2A to
2D exist or not and analyzes the constituent substances thereof at a constant cycle
or a constant interval with respect to the parallel and perpendicular directions with
reference to the conveyance direction X of the conveyor 1.
[0070] Therefore, for example, when the size of the small piece 2A is large for the detection
resolution of the distinguishing device 3, plural distinguishing results are obtained
for the single small piece 2A.
[0071] As for this point, more concrete explanation will be described as follows, referring
to Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b).
[0072] Here, Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b) are schematic perspective views of the separation apparatus
200 according to Embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3(c) and Fig. 3(d) are
explanation views of the groups of distinguishing results by the distinguishing device
3 of the separation apparatus 200 according to Embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] As shown in Fig. 3(a), for example, as for the small piece 2A conveyed by the conveyor
1, the constituent substances corresponding to the distinguishing positions 8C to
8E are analyzed, respectively.
[0074] Since the small piece 2A does not exist at the distinguishing positions 8A, 8B, 8F
and 8G, data indicating that small piece 2A does not exist is obtained. Here, the
distinguishing positions 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F and 8G denote the positions where
the distinguishing device 3 distinguishes whether the small pieces exist or not and
analyzes the constituent substances thereof by using the plural light emitting/light
receiving elements which the distinguishing device 3 is provided with.
[0075] Next, as shown in Fig. 3(b), when a certain period of time passes and the small piece
2A is further conveyed in the conveyance direction X by the conveyor 1, the constituent
substances at the distinguishing positions 8B to 8F are analyzed, respectively.
[0076] Since the small piece 2A does not exist at the distinguishing positions 8A and 8G,
data indicating that small piece 2A does not exist is obtained.
[0077] Thus, as shown in Fig. 3(c), distinguishing operation at the distinguishing positions
8A to 8G is repeated at a constant interval, and plural distinguishing results 9 are
obtained with respect to the single small piece 2A.
[0078] That is, the distinguishing device 3 has the plural light emitting/light receiving
elements as an optical device disposed one-dimensionally, which correspond to the
distinguishing positions 8A to 8G, and repeats the distinguishing operation with respect
to the conveyance direction X of the conveyor 1. Thus, the lattice-like plural distinguishing
results 9 which are arranged two-dimensionally for the conveyor 1 are obtained.
[0079] By the way, the distinguishing device 3 may have an optical device which, for example,
has plural light emitting/light receiving elements arranged two-dimensionally, and
may collectively obtain many distinguishing results arranged two-dimensionally.
[0080] When the constituent substance is distinguished continuously with respect to the
parallel or perpendicular direction with reference to the conveyance direction X,
the calculation part 6 judges that the small piece 2A exists as a single lump on a
figure which is formed by the distinguishing positions 8A to 8G.
[0081] That is, the calculation part 6 analyzes an adjacency state of the plural distinguishing
results 9, and judges that the plural distinguishing results 9, which correspond to
the distinguishing positions on the same figure, are the distinguishing results that
should be dealt with as distinguishing results with respect to the single small piece
2A.
[0082] Here, when the adjacency state of the plural distinguishing results 9 is analyzed
by the calculation part 6, the adjacency state is analyzed by distinguishing whether
the small piece exists or not at the distinguishing positions 8A to 8G without taking
the constituent substance of the small piece into consideration.
[0083] Further, when the calculation part 6 judges that the small piece 2A which should
be blown off and be separated exists on the figure described above, the calculation
part 6 performs quadrature and calculates the position of the center of gravity of
the figure.
[0084] For example, as shown in Fig. 3(d), a solid line 10 which encloses plural distinguishing
results 9 is created, the quadrature is performed for the figure which is formed by
the solid line 10 and considered the shape of the small piece 2A, and the position
of the center of gravity 11 of the figure is calculated.
[0085] Then, when the center of gravity 11 passes under the group of nozzles 5, air is jetted
from the corresponding nozzle which corresponds to the position of the center of gravity
11, so that the small piece 2A' is blown off and separated.
[0086] By the way, one nozzle that is the nearest to the position of the center of gravity
11 may be used as the corresponding nozzle, or two or more nozzles around the position
of the center of gravity 11 may be used as the corresponding nozzles, according to
the size of the small piece 2A.
[0087] The length of an air injection period may be adjusted according to the size of the
small piece 2A. More concretely, when the weight of the small piece 2A and/or the
conveyance speed of the conveyor 1 are large, the air may be jetted not only at the
timing when the center of gravity 11 passes under the group of nozzles 5 but also
continually or intermittently at least until the center of gravity 11 passes under
the group of nozzles 5 from the upper stream side of the position of the group of
nozzles 5.
[0088] Accordingly, even when the weight of the small piece 2A and/or the conveyance speed
of the conveyor 1 are large, the small piece 2A can be separated correctly from the
small pieces 2B to 2D, because the air also hits a front side portion of the small
piece 2A, which is away from the center of gravity 11 by a desired distance with respect
to the conveyance direction X of the conveyor 1.
[0089] By the way, also in this embodiment, erroneous decision resulting from an electric
noise, a shape of material, and the like may occur.
[0090] That is, as described above, since the optical device is used in the distinguishing
device 3, the erroneous decision due to the shape of the material, the surface condition
of the material, and the like may occur.
[0091] For example, when the small piece 2A of PS should be separated, there is a case where
the distinguishing results 9 which show that PS exists in the small piece 2B of PP
are obtained. If the air is jetted according to such distinguishing results 9, the
small piece 2B of PP may be separated.
[0092] Next, more concrete explanation will be described, referring to Figs. 4(a) to 4(e).
[0093] Figs. 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 4(d) are the explanation views of the groups of distinguishing
results obtained by the distinguishing device 3 of the separation apparatus 200 according
to Embodiment of the present invention, respectively, and Fig. 4(e) is the explanation
view of the distinguishing application area shown in Fig. 4(d).
[0094] There is a case where the group of distinguishing results with respect to the single
small piece 2A which should be separated, as shown in Fig. 4(a), has been formed only
by the distinguishing result 9A which indicates the constituent substance A of the
small piece 2A correctly. And also, there is a case where the group of distinguishing
results with respect to the single small piece 2A which should be separated, as shown
in Fig. 4(b), has been formed by the distinguishing result 9A which indicates the
constituent substance A of the small piece 2A correctly and the distinguishing result
9B which indicates the constituent substance B rather than the constituent substance
A of the small piece 2A incorrectly.
[0095] Further, as shown in Fig. 4(c), there is a case where it is judged that the two overlapping
small pieces 2A and 2B exist as a single lump.
[0096] Therefore, it may be determined whether the jetting of air is carried out or not,
by simply ignoring the distinguishing results except the distinguishing result 9A
being a large majority, or it may be determined whether the jetting of air is carried
out, by using an evaluation function, based on a score which is given to each of the
plural kinds of constituent substances.
[0097] Here, an example, in which it is determined by using evaluation functions whether
the jetting of air is carried out or not, will be described. That is, the evaluation
functions are expressed by the following (Expression 1) and (Expression 2). A determination
value J
OK which denotes a permission degree of blowing off is defined by the (Expression 1)
and a determination value J
NG which denotes a disapproval degree of blowing off is defined by the (Expression 2).
According to this example, in the case of J
OK<J
NG, the jetting of air is not carried out, and in the case of J
OK ≥J
NG, the jetting of air is carried out.
Here, p(A) is a constant showing the probability of a distinguishing result with respect
to the constituent substance A, and
p(B) is a constant showing the probability of a distinguishing result with respect
to the constituent substance B.
[0098] For example, if it is known beforehand that the erroneous decision about the constituent
substance A occurs easily, p(A) is set smallish.
[0099] Next, q(A) is an area ratio (%) about the constituent substance A, and
[0100] q(B) is an area ratio (%) about the constituent substance B.
[0101] For example, q(A) is a numerical value which is obtained by dividing the number of
the distinguishing result 9A, which correctly indicates the constituent substance
A about a figure which is considered a shape of the small piece 2A, by the summation
of the number of all the distinguishing results 9A, 9B and the like about the same
figure.
[0102] As shown in Fig. 4(c), when the number of the distinguishing result 9A, which indicates
the constituent substance A, is 15, and the summation of the number of all the distinguishing
results 9A and 9B is 23 (=15+8), q(A) is about 65%.
[0103] Further, α
OK(A) is a predetermined constant about the constituent substance A, which shows the
degree of promoting the blowing off of the small piece,
α
OK(B) is a predetermined constant about the constituent substance B, which shows the
degree of promoting the blowing off of the small piece,
α
NG(A) is a predetermined constant about the constituent substance A, which shows the
degree of suppressing the blowing off of the small piece, and
α
NG(B) is a predetermined constant about the constituent substance B, which shows the
degree of suppressing the blowing off of the small piece.
[0104] Regarding the constituent substance A, for example, in a case where importance thereof
is high and then an increase in recovering quantity of the constituent substance A
is desired, α
OK(A) is set largish, and for example, in a case where the accuracy of separation thereof
is required and mixing reduction of the constituent substance B is desired, α
NG(A) is set largish.
[0105] Regarding the constituent substance B, for example, in a case where importance thereof
is high and then an increase in recovering quantity of the constituent substance B
is desired, α
NG(B) is set largish, and for example, in a case where the accuracy of separation thereof
is required and mixing reduction of the constituent substance A is desired, α
CK(B) is set largish.
[0106] Incidentally, in this case, the constituent substance A is recovered by carrying
out the jetting of air, and the constituent substance B is recovered by not carrying
out the jetting of air.
[0107] Regarding the constituent substance A, for example, in a case where, although the
importance thereof is high, the accuracy of separation thereof is not required so
much, the constants indicated by the following (Expression 3) are set.

[0108] Further, regarding the constituent substance A, for example, in a case where, although
the importance thereof is not so high, the accuracy of separation thereof is required,
the constants indicated by the following (Expression 4) are set.

[0109] Similarly, regarding the constituent substance B, for example, in a case where, although
the importance thereof is high, the accuracy of separation thereof is not required
so much, the constants indicated by the following (Expression 5) are set.

[0110] Further, regarding the constituent substance B, for example, in a case where, although
the importance thereof is not so high, the accuracy of separation thereof is required,
the constants indicated by the following (Expression 6) are set.

[0111] From the above, for example, in a case where, although the importance of the constituent
substance A is high, the accuracy of separation thereof is not required so much and,
although the importance of the constituent substance B is not so high, the accuracy
of separation thereof is required, the constants indicated by the (Expression 3) and
(Expression 6), respectively, are adopted.
[0112] By the way, if it is known beforehand that the erroneous decision occurs easily near
the edge part of the small piece 2A, it may be determined whether the jetting of air
is carried out or not, based on the distinguishing results in the center portion of
the small piece 2A.
[0113] As shown in Fig. 4(d), if it is known beforehand that the erroneous decision occurs
easily near the edge part 2A1 of the small piece 2A, it may be determined whether
the jetting of air is carried out or not, by applying the above-mentioned evaluation
function to the distinguishing results 9 which exist in a distinguishing application
area 12 in the center portion of the small piece 2A except the neighborhood of the
edge part 2A1.
[0114] Here, the distinguishing application area 12 is an area which is constituted only
by the below-mentioned distinguishing positions Pc, as shown in Fig. 4(e). That is,
when the data of four distinguishing results which indicate the existence of the small
piece 2A is obtained at the four distinguishing positions Pu, Pd, Ps1 and Ps2, which
exist around the distinguishing position Pc, the distinguishing application area 12
is set up. As shown in Fig. 4(e), the distinguishing position Pc is between the distinguishing
positions Pu and Pd with reference to an arrow direction Y perpendicular to the conveyance
direction X of the conveyor 1, and the distinguishing position Pc is between the distinguishing
positions Ps1 and Ps2 with reference to an arrow direction X' parallel to the conveyance
direction X of the conveyor 1.
[0115] By means of this, the bad influence resulting from the erroneous decision becomes
small. As a result, the phenomenon, in which the material which should be separated
cannot be separated, decreases more, and the phenomenon, in which the material which
should not be separated is separated, decreases more.
[0116] By the way, the conveyor 1 of the present Embodiment is one example of a conveying
unit of the present invention. The distinguishing device 3 of the present Embodiment
is one example of a distinguishing unit of the present invention. The constitution
which includes the group of nozzles 5 and the calculation part 6 is one example of
a recovering unit of the present invention. Each of the small pieces 2A to 2D of the
present Embodiment is one example of separation targets of the present invention.
And the air is one example of air or gas of the present invention.
[0117] For example, a part of the function of the distinguishing device 3 may be carried
out by the calculation part 6, and a part of the function of the calculation part
6 may be carried out by the distinguishing device 3.
[0118] The calculation part 6 may distinguish the shape, size and position of the small
piece 2A by analyzing the adjacency state of the plural distinguishing results 9 in
which the constituent substances of the small pieces 2A to 2D are the same rather
than, as described above, by distinguishing whether the small piece exists or not
at the distinguishing positions 8A to 8G without taking the constituent substance
of the small piece into consideration, to analyze the adjacency state of the plural
distinguishing results 9 (see Figs. 4(a) to 4(e)).
[0119] For example, the adjacency state of all the plural distinguishing results 9 may be
analyzed first, while disregarding the constituent substances of the small pieces
2A to 2D, and after that, the constituent substances of the small pieces 2A to 2D
may be analyzed. By contrast, the constituent substances of the small pieces 2A to
2D may be analyzed first, and after that, the adjacency state of the plural distinguishing
results 9 may be analyzed for every constituent substance.
[0120] In the latter case where the constituent substances of the small pieces 2A to 2D
are analyzed first, and after that, the adjacency state of the plural distinguishing
results 9 is analyzed for every constituent substance, there are few bad influences
resulting from the erroneous decision because the constituent substances of the small
pieces 2A to 2D are analyzed first.
[0121] Accordingly, since the extremely high separation precision and separation efficiency
are realized and the separation purity and recovering yield of the small piece made
from the constituent substance which should be separated can be raised, the range
of the separation target products for recycling is enlarged and the small pieces of
the specific constituent substances included in the general wastes can be recycled.
As a result, improvement of the recycling quality and productivity can be expected,
and also the resources circulation can be promoted.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0122] A separation apparatus and a separation method of the present invention, with which
it is possible to recover the separation target in higher separation precision, are
useful for utilizing as a separation apparatus and a separation method, for example,
for separating small pieces consisting of a specific constituent substance from a
group of the small pieces in which plural small pieces obtained by crushing the used
household electric appliances and the like are mixed.
Reference Signs List
[0123]
- 1
- Conveyor
- 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2A', 2B', 2C', 2D'
- Small piece
- 3
- Distinguishing device
- 4
- Conveying end portion
- 5
- Group of nozzles
- 6
- Calculation part
- 7
- Separation board
- 200
- Separation apparatus
1. A separation apparatus which analyzes constituent substances of separation targets
and recovers the separation target having a predetermined constituent substance, and
the separation apparatus
characterized by comprising:
a conveying unit (1) which conveyors plural separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) having
plural kinds of constituent substances (A, B);
a distinguishing unit (3) which distinguishes whether the separation targets (2A,
2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not on the conveying unit (1), and analyzes the constituent substances
of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C,
2D) exist on the conveying unit (1); and
a recovering unit (5, 6) which distinguishes shape, size and position of the separation
target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), based on a distinguishing
result by the distinguishing unit (3), calculates a center of gravity (11) of the
separation target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), based on
the shape, the size and the position of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined
constituent substance (A), which is distinguished, and recovers the separation target
(2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A) by jetting air or gas to at
least the center of gravity (11) of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined
constituent substance (A).
2. The separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distinguishing unit (3)
has lattice-like plural distinguishing points at a predetermined position for the
conveying unit (1), distinguishes whether the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D)
exist or not every each the distinguishing point, and analyzes the constituent substances
of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) every each the distinguishing point when
the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and
the recovering unit (5, 6) distinguishes shape, size and position of the separation
targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) by analyzing an adjacency state of the distinguishing points
where the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and specifies the separation
target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), to which the air or
gas is to be jetted, based on a score which is given to each of the plural kinds of
constituent substances (A, B).
3. The separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the distinguishing unit (3) has lattice-like plural distinguishing points at a predetermined
position for the conveying unit (1), distinguishes whether the separation targets
(2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not every each the distinguishing point, and analyzes the
constituent substances of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) every each the distinguishing
point when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and
the recovering unit (5, 6) distinguishes the shape, the size and the position of the
separation target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance by analyzing
an adjacency state of the distinguishing points where the constituent substances of
the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) are the same.
4. The separation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the distinguishing unit (3) has lattice-like plural distinguishing points at a predetermined
position for the conveying unit (1), distinguishes whether the separation targets
(2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist or not every each the distinguishing point, and analyzes the
constituent substances of the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) every each the distinguishing
point when the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and
the recovering unit (5, 6) distinguishes shape, size and position of the separation
targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) by analyzing an adjacency state of the distinguishing points
where the separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) exist, and specifies the separation
target (2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A), to which the air or
gas is to be jetted, based on the constituent substance (A, B) of each separation
target (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) on the distinguishing point which is located in a central
part of each shape of the distinguished separation targets (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D).
5. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the recovering unit (5, 6) jets the air or gas to a circumference of the center
of gravity (11) of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined constituent
substance (A) as well as the center of gravity (11).
6. A separation method of analyzing constituent substances of the separation targets
and recovering the separation target having a predetermined constituent substance,
and
the separation method
characterized by comprising steps of:
calculating a center of gravity (11) of the separation target (2A) having the predetermined
constituent substance (A), and
jetting air or gas to at least the center of gravity (11) of the separation target
(2A) having the predetermined constituent substance (A).