In the 21st century, with the rapid development of technology, our lives have undergone tremendous changes. Fast food such as hamburgers and beverages frequently appear in our daily meals. According to research, it is estimated that globally 1.4 trillion beverage bottles are produced each year, which highlights the need for rapid recycling and processing of these bottles. The emergence of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) provides an excellent solution to the issues of waste recycling and sustainable development. By using RVMs, people can conveniently participate in sustainable development and environmental practices.
Reverse Vending Machines
In Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), sensors play a crucial role. Sensors are used to detect, identify, and process the recyclable items deposited by users. The following is an explanation of how sensors work in RVMs:
Photoelectric Sensors：
Photoelectric sensors are used to detect the presence and identify the recyclable items. When users deposit the recyclable items into RVMs, the photoelectric sensors emit a beam of light and detect the reflected or scattered signals. Based on the different material types and reflection characteristics, the Photoelectric sensors can real-time detect and identify the various materials and colors of the recyclable items, sending signals to the control system for further processing.
Weight Sensors：
Weight sensors are used to measure the weight of the recyclable items. When the recyclable items are placed into RVMs, the weight sensors measure the weight of the items and transmit the data to the control system. This ensures accurate measurement and categorization of the recyclable items.
Camera and image recognition technology sensors：
Some RVMs are equipped with cameras and image recognition technology sensors, which are used to capture images of the deposited recyclable items and process them using image recognition algorithms. This technology can further enhance the accuracy of identification and categorization.
In summary, sensors play a crucial role in RVMs by providing key functions such as identification, measurement, categorization, confirmation of deposits, and foreign object detection. They contribute to the automation of recyclable item processing and accurate categorization, thereby improving the efficiency and precision of the recycling process.
LANBAO Product Recommendations
PSE-G Series Miniature Square Photoelectric Sensors
- One-key press for 2-5 seconds, dual light flashing, with precise and quick sensitivity setting.
- Coaxial optical principle, no blind spots.
- Blue point light source design.
- Adjustable detection distance.
- Stable detection of various transparent bottles, trays, films, and other objects.
- Compliant with IP67, suitable for use in harsh environments.
- One-key press for 2-5 seconds, dual light flashing, with precise and quick sensitivity setting.
| Specifications | ||
| Detection distance | 50cm or 2m | |
| Light spot size | ≤14mm@0.5m or ≤60mm@2m | |
| Supply voltage | 10...30VDC (Ripple P-P:＜10%) | |
| Consumption current | ＜25mA | |
| Load current | 200mA | |
| Voltage drop | ≤1.5V | |
| Light source | Blue light(460nm) | |
| Protection circuit | Short circuit protection、Polarity protection、Overload protection | |
| Indicator | Green:Power indicator | |
| Yellow:Output indication、Overload indication | ||
| Response time | ＜0.5ms | |
| Anti ambient light | Sunshine ≤10,000Lux;Incandescent≤3,000Lux | |
| Storage temperature | ﹣30...70 ºC | |
| Operating temperature | ﹣25...55 ºC (No condensation, no icing) | |
| Vibration resistance | 10...55Hz,Double amplitude 0.5mm (2.5hrs each for X、Y、Z direction) | |
| Impulse withsand | 500m/s² ,3 times each for X、Y、Z direction | |
| High pressure resistant | 1000V/AC 50/60Hz 60s | |
| Protection degree | IP67 | |
| Certification | CE | |
| Housing material | PC+ABS | |
| Lens | PMMA | |
| Weight | 10g | |
| Connection type | 2m PVC Cable or M8 Connector | |
| Accessories | Mounting Bracket:ZJP-8、Operation manual、TD-08 Reflector | |
| Anti ambient light | Sunshine ≤10,000Lux;Incandescent≤3,000Lux | |
| NO/NC adjustment | Press the button for 5...8s, when the yellow and green light flash synchronously at 2Hz, finish the state switching. | |
| Distance adjustment | The product is facing the reflector,press the button for 2...5s,when the yellow and green light flash synchronously at 4Hz, and lift to finish the distance | |
| setting.If the yellow and green light flash asynchronously at 8Hz, setting fails and the product distance goes to the maximum. | ||
PSS-G / PSM-G Series - Metal / Plastic Cylindrical Photocell Sensors
- 18mm threaded cylindrical installation, easy to install.
- Compact housing to meet the requirements of narrow installation spaces.
- Compliant with IP67, suitable for use in harsh environments.
- Equipped with a 360° visible bright LED status indicator.
- Suitable for detecting smooth transparent bottles and films.
- Stable identification and detection of objects of various materials and colors.
- Available in metal or plastic housing material, offering more options with better cost-effectiveness.
| Specifications | ||
| Detection type | Transparent object detection | |
| Detection distance | 2m* | |
| Light source | Red light (640nm) | |
| Spot size | 45*45mm@100cm | |
| Standard target | ＞φ35mm object with transmittance more than 15%** | |
| Output | NPN NO/NC or PNP NO/NC | |
| Response time | ≤1ms | |
| Supply voltage | 10...30 VDC | |
| Consumption current | ≤20mA | |
| Load current | ≤200mA | |
| Voltage drop | ≤1V | |
| Circuit protection | Short-circuit, overload, reverse polarity protection | |
| NO/NC adjustment | Feet 2 is connected to the positive pole or hang up, NO mode; Feet 2 is connected to the negative pole, NC mode | |
| Distance adjustment | Single-turn potentiometer | |
| Indicator | Green LED: power, stable | |
| Yellow LED: output , short circuit or overload | ||
| Anti-ambient light | Anti-sunlight interference ≤ 10,000lux | |
| Incandescent light interference ≤ 3,000lux | ||
| Operating temperature | -25...55 ºC | |
| Storage temperature | -35...70 ºC | |
| Protection degree | IP67 | |
| Certification | CE | |
| Material | Housing: PC+ABS；Filter: PMMA or Housing: Nickel copper alloy；Filter: PMMA | |
| Connection | M12 4-core connector or 2m PVC cable | |
| M18 nut (2PCS), instruction manual,ReflectorTD-09 | ||
| *This data is the result of the TD-09 test of the reflector of the Lanbao PSS polarized sensor. | ||
| **Smaller objects can be detected by adjustment. | ||
| ***The green LED becomes weaker, which means that the signal is weaker and the sensor is unstable; The yellow LED flashes, which means that the sensor is | ||
| shorted or overloaded; | ||
Post time: Sep-04-2023