DE102022125486A1 - Data carrier return device - Google Patents

Abstract

Return device (1) for returning objects (11) that can be worn on the body and have an electronic data carrier, with a reading device (7) for contactless reading and feeding of the data available on the object (11) to a decision electronics system, wherein the return device (1) has a flap (14) driven by a motor (26), which is opened by a command from the decision electronics when the object (11) is accepted for return and the object (11) passes into a collecting container, wherein the flap (14) can be actuated via a toggle lever mechanism (17) controlled by the motor (26), which blocks the flap (14) in the closed position with a toggle lever (18) extending over a dead center.

Description

The subject of the invention is a return device for data carriers and a method for operating such a return device according to the preamble of claims 1 and 9.

The present invention relates to a device for taking back bracelets or similar articles equipped with electronic data carriers, as well as a sensor system for reading this data. The bracelet or similar article consists of an electronic data carrier, e.g. a microprocessor or a suitable printed circuit, from which the data can be read by means of a sensor system or a reading device.

In most cases, such a return device is installed in a column in the exit area of a swimming pool, thermal bath, fitness studio, museum or similar facility and connected to a turnstile. The system is used for the simple and intuitive return of data carriers.

Once the customer has paid and once the disk is in the return area, a flap opens and the tape falls into a collection container.

The DE 60 2005 004 817 T2 shows a wristband reader/retrieval device as access control, with a first cavity for inserting and reading the wristband. A one-sided flap forms the bottom of the cavity, with the flap having a reading antenna through which the data from the bracelet's electronic data carrier can be read out. After
Once the reading has been completed, the flap opens and the bracelet falls into a second cavity, with the flap then being closed to prevent the bracelet from being removed by the user.

If the wristband is accepted by the return device, it is transported to a collection container via another flap located at the bottom of the second cavity. Otherwise, the flap is pivoted so that the wristband falls onto a removal tray and can be removed by the user.

If the wristband is accepted by the return device, an appropriate device is triggered to grant or deny access to the user.

The disadvantage of this return device is that the pivoting mechanism of the first flap is not tamper-proof, since a user can open it by applying pressure to the flap and thus reach into the second cavity in order to remove the bracelet again.

The DE 600 15 575 T2 also shows a return device for returning bracelets which have an electronic data carrier, with a reading device for contactless reading and feeding of the data available on the data carrier to a decision electronics, wherein the return device has a cavity with a pivoting base driven by a motor, which is opened by a command of the decision electronics when the object is accepted for return and the object falls into a collecting container.

Intervention in the cavity is prevented by closing the cavity with an outer, housing-side flap. Only when this flap is closed does the bottom, which is also designed as a flap, open and allow the bracelet to fall into a collecting container due to gravity.

However, with this return device there is a risk that the user's hand could become trapped in the flap on the housing side, as the device does not detect whether the hand is still in the cavity.

The flap on the housing side can also be opened by exerting force, which makes it possible to manipulate the device

The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a return device for the return of wearable objects which have an electronic data carrier of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a simplified return of the object is possible, taking into account an operation which is as safe and tamper-proof as possible.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a device with the features according to patent claim 1 and a method according to the features of patent claim 9, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

To solve the problem, the invention is characterized in that the flap on which the object is placed can be actuated via a motor-controlled toggle lever mechanism which is located above a dead center extending knee lever blocks the flap in the closed position.

Preferably, the toggle lever of the toggle lever mechanism consists of two lever elements connected to one another via a joint, wherein the end of the upper lever element opposite the joint is connected to the underside of the flap via a further joint and the end of the other lever element opposite the first-mentioned joint is connected to the motor via a shaft.

As with any lever, according to the lever law, a large stroke with low pulling or pushing force is converted into a small stroke with high force or vice versa (force multiplier). The special feature of the toggle lever principle is that the transmission ratio between the force applied and the resulting force or from the primary stroke to the secondary stroke changes continuously during the movement. This makes it possible to swing the flap quickly towards the closed position, to take up the closed position at medium speed and medium pressure and finally to complete the closing process at low speed and very high pressure so that the flap remains closed with high pressure.

The two joints and the shaft of the toggle lever form a dead center when aligned along a common straight line. The present invention makes use of the hyperextension of the toggle lever above the dead center in order to achieve a locking effect of the flap. By extending the toggle lever beyond the dead center, the flap can be locked particularly effectively in the closed position. In mechanics we speak of a dead center when the joints and the acting forces are in one line. At this point, the force only acts on the bearing points of the toggle lever mechanism; movement of the lever elements is not possible without external influence. Only a force transverse to the main axis of the mechanism changes this state. This force is generated by the motor and transmitted to the toggle lever via the shaft.

When bent, the toggle lever produces a high travel transmission with a low force transmission. The further the toggle lever approaches the extended state of the closed position, the more the lifting speed decreases while the actuation speed remains the same, while the pressing force increases. When the knee lever is fully extended, the force theoretically approaches infinity.

The closed flap prevents unauthorized removal of a wristband that has been deposited. In particular, this prevents manipulation of the return device.

• • Eine mechanisch integrierte Verzögerungsrampe bei gleichbleibender Betätigungsgeschwindigkeit.
• • Eine sehr hohe Kraftübersetzung auf den letzten Millimetern des Schließvorgangs.
• • Beim Überstrecken des Kniehebels (über den Totpunkt) kann ein Verriegelungseffekt erreicht werden. Auch wenn die Betätigungskraft abfällt, bleibt die Kraft erhalten und die Klappe kann sich nicht selbsttätig lösen.

The following effects are combined in a knee lever:

• • A mechanically integrated deceleration ramp with constant actuation speed.
• • A very high force transmission in the last millimeters of the closing process.
• • A locking effect can be achieved when the toggle lever is overstretched (above dead center). Even if the actuation force drops, the force remains and the flap cannot release itself.

This ensures that the user no longer has access to the bracelet after it has been inserted and therefore cannot manipulate it or change the process without the process error being discovered and displayed.

The flap is operated by the toggle lever mechanism, which is driven by a motor, e.g. a stepper motor. It should be noted that this only has to generate a small amount of torque to move the flap and therefore does not pose a potential risk of jamming. Due to the gear ratio of the toggle lever, the clamping force when closing only increases significantly in the last few millimeters <4mm or degrees.

A child's finger that could still reach into a gap that is over 4 mm wide can no longer reach into a gap that is smaller than 4 mm wide, so there is no risk of the child's finger being pinched and injured by the increased clamping force.

It is now possible to reliably lock the flap even under heavy loads from the outside, as the toggle lever can be supported on the motor mount and therefore no torque acts on the motor because the toggle lever has previously moved through dead center during the closing process.

When the flap is opened, the motor rotates counterclockwise, for example, and the object falls down into the collection container due to gravity.

The object is preferably a bracelet equipped with an electronic data carrier or a similar ring-shaped article to be worn, such as can be used when swimming in a swimming pool, or for example in the form of a collar for animals or as a watch bracelet or any item that can be put on or attached to another item.

However, the present invention is not limited to a bracelet as a carrier of an electronic data storage device. The return device is also suitable for neck straps or key straps, so-called lanyards, which have a card with an information carrier or a transponder attached to or integrated into the strap. The invention is described below using a bracelet.

The form of the data carrier can be designed in different ways, e.g. as bracelets (silicone bracelets, watch straps) or other forms such as chip cards, key chains, etc. can be included in the system. As well as e.g. RFID key fobs or RFID cards.

Mostly, wristbands are used that have an electronic data carrier or information carrier, in particular a transponder such as an RFID transponder. This RFID transponder contains an identifying code that is read by the reading device, whereby the reading device emits an alternating magnetic field or high-frequency radio waves to couple with the transponder.

The reading device is arranged in or on the insertion chute, in the area of the insertion opening, by means of which information and data from the electronic data carrier attached to the bracelet can be identified and read out automatically and without contact. When approaching the insertion opening, the reading device is activated so that the information stored on the transponder can be read and further processed by the downstream decision electronics. After evaluating the information contained on the transponder, the electronics decide whether the bracelet is accepted or whether the user has to remove the bracelet again, for example to pay an outstanding invoice amount, before the return device releases the exit through a turnstile .

If, for example, an RFID transponder is used as an electronic data carrier, an RFID reading electronics is provided as the reading device.

The reading device contains software (a microprogram) that controls the actual reading process and RFID middleware with interfaces to further decision-making electronics.

The reading device generates a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field to which the RFID transponder on the bracelet is exposed. The high-frequency energy it absorbs via the antenna serves as a power supply for its chip during the communication process. With active transponders, energy can also be supplied by a built-in battery. With semi-active transponders, the battery only supplies the microchip.

The microchip in the RFID tag activated in this way decodes the commands sent by the reader. The RFID tag encodes and modulates the response in the radiated electromagnetic field by field weakening in a contactless short circuit or antiphase reflection of the field emitted by the reader. The tag thus transmits its serial number (UID), further data of the marked object or other information requested by the reader. The tag itself does not generate a field, but rather influences the electromagnetic transmission field of the reader.

In addition to the serial number, which is assigned to the user while using the bracelet, additional information such as payment information such as credit or open amounts is stored.

The reading device can, for example, be arranged immediately adjacent, for example below an insertion opening, so that when the data carrier is inserted, it can be read directly via the reading device.

An RFID antenna is integrated around the insertion slot directly under the glass front. This means that an RFID data carrier can be read or encoded a few centimeters above and up to the flap below the insertion opening. The insertion opening is surrounded by a glass plate, which forms the glass front, and at a distance from the insertion opening there is also a display for displaying information to the user.

The return device has sensors and sensor elements at several positions for measuring and monitoring changes in the technical system. For the sake of simplicity, the application of these sensors and sensor elements is summarized under the term sensor technology.

For example, there are binary, i.e. switching systems (e.g. light barriers) which are used to detect a falling bracelet.

Sensors can also convert non-electrical measurements into electrical signals. For example, the area around the insertion slot is monitored with sensors to prevent manipulation of the data carrier during insertion.

At least one sensor monitors a protective area above the insertion slot in order to detect the presence of a part of the user's body and, if necessary, to keep the flap closed until the user removes his hand.

For example, ToF sensors are used as sensors, which can typically resolve several pixels. This means, for example, that a data carrier that partially protrudes into the sensor area can be recognized and only the surrounding area can be analyzed.

The ToF sensors used here can also detect the direction of movement of the data carriers. If, for example, a data carrier is moved from bottom to top, manipulation is detected, which closes the flap or triggers an alarm. If this is the case, the turnstile controlled by the return device will of course not be opened.

Alternatively, ultrasonic sensors or light barriers can be used.

Another sensor can be used to determine the fill level of the collection container in order to indicate to the operator of the return device or to the staff that the collection container needs to be emptied. If a sensor detects that the collection container is full, the flap is kept closed and the user is shown on the display that another return device should be used to return the wristband.

Preferably, the return device is used in conjunction with an exit device, e.g. a turnstile, whereby the wristband is retained by the return device and the exit is released if the fees due have previously been paid at a pay machine.

However, the exit may remain blocked if, in the situation described above, an insufficient fee has been paid and a supplementary payment has to be made at a pay machine. In this case, the wristband remains on the top of the flap, which does not open automatically.

The deposit system formed by the return device is very compact compared to previous systems and can therefore also be installed flush in a counter or wall terminal. The return device consists of at least three components that can be housed in a housing. The sensor records the identification of the electronic data carrier and transmits this to the decision-making electronics. If authorized, an actuator of the locking technology is activated and access is granted.

Several operating modes are possible in connection with the sensors of the sensor system.

Standard mode:

As soon as a wristband with an electronic data carrier is in the reading range of the reading device, it is checked whether the data carrier is authorized.

If this is the case, the flap is opened and the bracelet falls down due to gravity. A sensor checks whether the data carrier has fallen down past. If this is the case, the flap is immediately closed again and the rotation lock is released.

If the data carrier is not authorized, e.g. because payment has not yet been made, a request for additional payment is shown on the display and the customer can remove the data carrier again and go to the additional payment machine.

If the data carrier is positioned so unfavorably in the reading area that it is not recognized, the user also has the option of repositioning it.

In order to avoid startling the user, the closing of the flap can optionally be delayed using the sensors that monitor the protection area in the area of the insertion opening until the user's hand is no longer in the protection or reading area.

Mode with increased security (e.g. against data carrier theft):

As soon as the data carrier is inserted, at least one sensor, but preferably and not limited to two sensors, in addition to the RFID signal, detects the user's movements in the area of the insertion slot.

This means that the device can be woken up and, for example, an animation can be shown on the display.

This can be done using optical sensors (light barrier, time of flight...) as shown here or using other measuring principles (ultrasonic, capacitive, radar, etc.).

At the same time, RFID technology is used to check whether there is a data carrier in the slot. If this is the case and the person is authorized, the flap is not opened until no more foreign objects, such as hands, are detected. If necessary, the display will indicate that only the wristband with the data carrier should be inserted, but that the hands must be removed.

Only when the data carrier is recognized and at the same time no foreign object is detected in the protected area in and above the insertion opening, the flap opens until the wristband has fallen past a sensor placed in or below the insertion slot and is then immediately closed again. This prevents an authorized wristband from being held onto, for example, or something else from being thrown into the collection container.

Another way to prevent manipulation is to only open the flap for as long as it takes for a data carrier to fall through.

In addition to the motor's fundamentally low torque, the motor can also be equipped with a torque limit. For example, a stepper motor can be controlled in such a way that if a certain torque limit is exceeded, the direction of rotation is changed within a few milliseconds or degrees and the flap is immediately opened completely. This function also serves as anti-pinch protection.

1. a) händische Zuführung des Gegenstands an die Rücknahmevorrichtung durch einen Benutzer;
2. b) Erfassen der Daten des Gegenstandes mit mindestens einer Lesevorrichtung im Bereich der Einwurföffnung eines Einwurfschachts;
3. c) Zuführung der auf dem Gegenstand verfügbaren Daten an eine Entscheidungselektronik,
4. d) Ansteuerung eines Motors zur Betätigung einer Klappe, die durch einen Befehl der Entscheidungselektronik bei Akzeptanz des Gegenstandes geöffnet wird und so der auf der Klappe platzierte Gegenstand in einen Auffangbehälter fällt.

The procedure for operating the return device for the return of wearable objects containing an electronic data carrier comprises the following steps:

1. (a) manual feeding of the article to the return device by a user;
2. b) recording the data of the object with at least one reading device in the area of the insertion opening of a insertion shaft;
3. c) supplying the data available on the object to a decision-making electronic system,
4. d) Control of a motor to operate a flap which is opened by a command from the decision electronics when the object is accepted, so that the object placed on the flap falls into a collecting container.

According to the invention, in step d) the motor acts on the flap via a toggle lever mechanism and selectively opens or closes it, and the toggle lever extending over a dead center blocks the flap in the closed position.

In step d), a sensor system in the edge area or below the insertion chute preferably detects the passing object, whereby the flap is closed again.

When the toggle lever mechanism is set above center, the flap assumes the final closed position.

If the item is not accepted in step d), the user is asked to remove the item and can, for example, be instructed via the display to pay any shortfall at a cash machine before a turnstile located in the area of the return device opens.

The flap is only opened according to step d) when a sensor system, which is arranged in the area of the insertion opening, detects that there is no object other than the authorized object or a body part in the insertion opening or the insertion shaft.

Optionally, another sensor monitors the fill level of the collection container. If the fill level exceeds a limit, the flap can no longer be opened and a staff member is notified to empty the collection container.

In a further embodiment, the insertion slot is illuminated both upwards via the front glass and downwards into the slot so that the user knows intuitively where to insert the data carrier.

Typical colors are blue when disk is ready, green when disk is authorized, or red when disk is not authorized.

The reading device essentially consists of an antenna (the windings are around the insertion opening on the individual layers of a circuit board) and a reader chip (not visible in the figure), which are applied to the circuit board as a circuit.

The subject matter of the present invention arises not only from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from the combination of the individual patent claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial configuration shown in the drawings, could be claimed as essential to the invention, provided that they are new individually or in combination compared to the prior art. The use of the terms "essential" or "according to the invention" or "essential to the invention" is subjective and does not imply that the features so named must necessarily be part of one or more patent claims.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings which merely illustrate one embodiment. Further essential features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the drawings and their description.

• 1: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rücknahmevorrichtung
• 2: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rücknahmevorrichtung
• 3: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rücknahmevorrichtung
• 4: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rücknahmevorrichtung
• 5: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rücknahmevorrichtung
• 6: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rücknahmevorrichtung
• 7: Diagramm der Klappensteuerung [Zeit/Öffnungswinkel]
• 8: eine Schnittdarstellung der Rückgabevorrichtung mit Gehäuse
• 9: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Rückgabevorrichtung nach 8

Show it:

• 1 : a sectional view of the return device
• 2 : a sectional view of the return device
• 3 : a sectional view of the return device
• 4 : a sectional view of the return device
• 5 : a sectional view of the return device
• 6 : a sectional view of the return device
• 7 : Flap control diagram [time/opening angle]
• 8th : a sectional view of the return device with housing
• 9 : a perspective view of the return device 8th

1 shows the feeding of an object, which in the example shown is designed as a bracelet 11 and has an electronic data carrier 12, in the direction of the return device 1. The electronic data carrier 12 is integrated in the bracelet 11 and can be recognized by the thickening on the bracelet.

The wristband is fed to the return area 2 in the direction of arrow 40.

The return area 2 is formed, among other things, by the insertion opening 3, which merges into a insertion shaft 4 inside the return device 1. The insertion opening 3 is surrounded by a glass front 5. Furthermore, a display 6 is arranged away from the insertion opening 3.

Below the glass front 5, two sensors 9 are arranged on both sides of the insertion slot 4. The sensors 9 detect the 6 shown protection area 10.

The reading device 7 is arranged below the glass front 5 and consists of two sensors arranged on both sides of the insertion slot 4. The reading device 7 detects the 6 shown reading area 8.

Special IR-permeable plastic plates are arranged above the sensors, which reduce the reflections of the light emitted or received by the ToF sensors by better guiding the light.

The bottom of the insertion slot 4 is formed by the surface 13 of the flap 14, whereby the bracelet 11 is placed on the surface 13 when inserted.

In a further embodiment, the surface 13 can also have a reading device, for example an RFID antenna.

The flap 14 is actuated via a toggle lever mechanism 17, which engages the underside of the flap 14 via the joint 15.

In the example shown after 1 the flap 14 is pressed by the toggle lever mechanism 17 in the direction of the stop 46. This stop 46 can be in contact with the flap 14 or there can also be a slight gap between the flap and the stop 46. The main stop of the toggle lever mechanism 17 is, however, located on the motor housing.

2 shows the toggle lever mechanism 17 in an over-center position.

The greatest closing force of the flap 14 occurs at the dead center, when the connecting joints 15, 21 and the shaft 24 as well as the acting force vectors lie on a common straight line 45. Then the pressure from below on the flap 14 is greatest.

The toggle lever 18 of the toggle lever mechanism 17 consists of two lever elements 19, 20 connected to one another via a joint 21, the end of the upper lever element 19 opposite the joint 21 being connected to the underside of the flap 14 via a further joint 15 and to the joint 21 opposite end the other lever element 19 is connected to the motor 26 via a shaft 24.

In 2 is shown how the joint 21 connecting the lever elements 19, 20 is pushed to the right, next to the straight line 45 and remains in this stable over-center position. The joint 21 is retracted into a lateral bulge 31 in the block 28.

In the present invention, the term block is understood to mean a device carrier for attaching the motor, the sensor, the flap and is preferably a 3D printed part.

If the flap 14 is loaded in the direction of arrow 40, the joint 21 hits the inner edge of the bulge 31 and blocks movement of the flap 14. The joint 21 or the lever elements 19, 20 can be fixed in this position even without power, e.g. by the starting torque of the motor, in such a way that it is not possible to open the flap from the outside.

In addition, the lever elements could be held in the over-center position, e.g. by magnets or by a spring, which are not shown in the embodiment shown, so that the flap is reliably locked.

The bracelet 11 rests on the upper side 13 of the flap 14, which is pressed by the knee lever 18 in the direction of the stop 46. Opposite the stop 46, the flap 14 has a rotation axis 30, via which the flap 14 can be pivoted in the direction of the arrow 16, which in 3 is shown. Around the axis of rotation 30, the flap 14 has a thickening which is accommodated in a bulge 29.

If the motor is actuated via an opening command from the decision electronics, the shaft 24 rotates in the direction of rotation 23. As a result, due to the connection via the lever element 20, the joint 21 is also moved in the direction of rotation 23 along a circular path. The lever element 19 connected to the joint 21 is taken along and transports the joint 15 connected to it and, as a result, the flap 14, downwards.

The motor 26 is embedded in the block 28 via a motor mount 27 next to the drop shaft 33. Below the motor mount 27 there is a recess 32 into which the knee lever 18 can at least partially retract during an opening movement.

3 shows an opened flap 14, which is pivoted about the axis of rotation 30 in the direction of arrow 16.

The bracelet 11 now falls in the direction of arrow 40 from the insertion shaft 4 into the drop shaft 33.

Due to the bulge 29 and the bulges underneath, such as 31 and 32, the toggle lever mechanism 17 and also the flap 14 can be at least partially pivoted out of the chute 33 into the block 28. This means that no more disturbing components protrude into the chute 33 and the bracelet 11 can fall unhindered through the chute into the collecting container 34 arranged underneath.

In 4 is shown how a sensor 35 is arranged above the collecting container 34 in the area of the block 28, which detects the passage of the bracelet 11.

Next to the sensor 35 there is another sensor 37 which monitors the fill level 39.

When the sensor 35 has detected the insertion of the bracelet 11, the motor control becomes active and the shaft 24 rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow 23, whereby the toggle lever 18 closes the flap again in the opposite direction to the arrow 16.

However, this only happens if the sensor 9 does not detect a hand or an object other than a bracelet in the protective area in or above the insertion opening. If such a foreign body is discovered, the movement of the shaft 24 stops and the flap remains in the current position or opens again in the direction of arrow 16.

6 shows the functionality of the various sensors 9, 35, 37 and the reading device 7. As soon as a data carrier 12 is in the reading area 8, a check is made to see whether the data carrier 12 is authorized. If this is the case, the flap 14 is opened and the data carrier 14 falls downwards in the direction of arrow 40 due to gravity. The sensor 35, which monitors the fall area 36, checks whether the data carrier 12 has fallen past. If this is the case, the flap 14 is immediately closed again and a turnstile is released for the user.

If the data carrier 12 is positioned so disadvantageously in the reading area 8 that it is not recognized, the user also has the option of repositioning it.

In order to avoid scaring the operator, the closing of the flap can optionally be delayed, controlled by the sensor 9, until the user's hand is no longer in the protective area 10.

Out of 6 A mode with increased security, e.g. against data carrier theft and using RFID technology, can also be selected.

As soon as the data carrier 12 is inserted, at least one sensor 9, or as shown here two sensors 9, in addition to the RFID signal of the data carrier 12, detects the movements of the user in the protection area 10 of the insertion slot 4. In this way, the return device 1 can be woken up and, for example, an animation can be shown on the display 6.

As shown here, this can be done by optical sensors 9 (light barrier, time of flight, etc.) or by other measuring principles (ultrasound, capacitive, radar, etc.).

In parallel, the RFID technology of the reading device 7 is used to check whether a data carrier 12 is in the insertion slot 4 and thus in the reading area 8. If this is the case and this is authorized, the flap is now operated until the sensor system (sensors 9) no longer detects foreign objects, such as hands. If necessary, the display 6 indicates that only the bracelet 11 should be inserted, but the hands must be removed.

Only when the data carrier 12 is recognized and at the same time no foreign object is detected in the protection area 10 does the flap 14 open until the bracelet 11 has fallen past the lower sensor 35, which monitors the fall area 36, and is then immediately opened again by the toggle lever 18 closed.

If, for example, a data carrier 12 is moved from bottom to top through the fall area 36, manipulation is detected and the flap 14 can be closed and an alarm is triggered. If this is the case, the turnstile (not shown) will of course not be opened.

The sensor 37 can be used to determine the fill level range 38 and thus the fill level 39 of the collecting container 34, or to further increase the security against manipulation by detecting the insertion of the data carrier.

Another way to prevent manipulation is to only open the flap 14 for as long as it takes a data carrier 12 to fall through.

If the data carrier 12 is not authorized, for example because payment has not yet been made, a request for additional payment is shown on the display 6 and the customer can remove the data carrier again and go to a payment machine (not shown).

As already described, the flap control can be done by a stepper motor. For a quick and silent data carrier return, the 7 The process shown can be realized. In the diagram, the opening angle 22 is plotted against time 25, with 0° corresponding to a closed flap and 90° to an open flap.

As can be seen, the flap is first accelerated to maximum speed in section 47 and decelerated in section 48 until the maximum opening angle of 90° is reached. In the following section 49, the flap is kept open until the data carrier has fallen through and then in section 50 it is slowly closed at an almost constant speed.

In order to avoid noise generation as much as possible, the end stop of the flap 14 at the stop 46, i.e. opening angle 0° (supporting the toggle lever 18 in the bulge 31), is slowly approached in accordance with Section 51.

8th shows the insertion of the bracelet 11 in the direction of arrow 40 into a return device 1 arranged at an angle. This is mounted on the top of the housing 43. Inside the housing 43 there is the collecting container 34, the fill level 39 being detected by the sensor 37, which monitors the fill level area 38. The collecting container 34 rests on a scale 42, which can also detect a weight-related fill level.

If the maximum fill level has been reached, this will be communicated to an operating personnel who can use the in 9 Closure 44 shown can open the housing 43 in order to empty the collecting container 34.

Drawing legend

1

Return device

2

Return area

3

Insertion opening

4

Insertion slot

5

Glass plate

6

Display

7

Reading device

8th

Reading area

9

sensor

10

Protection area

11

bracelet

12

Data carrier

13

surface

14

flap

15

joint

16

Arrow direction

17

Knee lever mechanism

18

Knee lever

19

Lever element

20

Lever element

21

joint

22

Opening angle

23

Arrow direction

24

Wave

25

Time

26

engine

27

Engine mount

28

block

29

bulge

30

Axis of rotation

31

bulge

32

bulge

33

chute

34

Collection container

35

sensor

36

Fall area

37

sensor

38

Level range

39

Fill level

40

Arrow direction

41

 

42

Scale

43

Housing

44

Clasp

45

Straight

46

attack

47

Section

48

Section

49

Section

50

Section

51

Section

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 602005004817 T2 [0005]
• DE 60015575 T2 [0009]

Claims (14)

Take-back device (1) for taking back objects (11) that can be worn on the body and which have an electronic data carrier, with a reading device (7) for contactless reading and feeding of the data available on the item (11) to decision electronics, the take-back device (1 ) has a flap (14) driven by a motor (26), which is opened for return by a command from the decision electronics when the object (11) is accepted and the object (11) goes into a collecting container, characterized in that the flap ( 14) can be actuated via a toggle lever mechanism (17) controlled by the motor (26), which blocks the flap (14) in the closed position with a toggle lever (18) extending over a dead center. Return device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a toggle lever (18) of the toggle lever mechanism (17) consists of two lever elements (19, 20) connected to one another via a joint (21), wherein the end of the upper lever element (19) opposite the joint (21) is connected to the underside of the flap (14) via a further joint (15) and the end of the other lever element (19) opposite the joint (21) is connected to the motor (26) via a shaft (24). Take-back device (1). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the joints (15, 21) and the shaft (24) of the toggle lever (18) form a dead center when aligned along a common straight line (45). Take-back device (1). Claim 3 , characterized in that when the toggle lever (18) is overextended beyond the dead center, the flap (14) is locked in the closed position. Take-back device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that at least one sensor system (9) monitors a protective area (10) above the insertion slot (4) in order to detect the presence of a part of the user's body. Return device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the article is a bracelet (11) equipped with an electronic data carrier (12) or a similar ring-shaped article. Take-back device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the insertion opening (3) is surrounded by a glass plate (5) and that at a distance from the insertion opening (3) there is a display (6) for displaying information to the user. Take-back device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the electronic data carrier (12) is an RFID transponder and contains a identifying code that is read by the reading device (7), and that for coupling to the data carrier (12), the reading device (7) uses an alternating electromagnetic field or emits high-frequency radio waves. Method for operating a return device (1) for taking back objects (11) that can be worn on the body and which have an electronic data carrier (12), comprising the following steps: a) manually feeding the object (11) to the return device (1). a user; b) recording the data of the object (11) with at least one reading device (7) in the area of the insertion opening (3) of an insertion shaft (4); c) feeding the data available on the object (11) to decision electronics, d) controlling a motor (26) to actuate a flap (14), which is opened by a command from the decision electronics when the object (11) is accepted and which The object (11) placed on the flap (14) falls into a collecting container, characterized in that in step d) the motor (26) engages the flap (14) via a toggle lever mechanism 17) and selectively opens or closes it and with a The flap (14) is blocked in the closed position via a toggle lever (18) extending to the dead center. Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that in step e) a sensor (35) in the edge area or below the insertion shaft (4) detects the passing object (11), whereby the flap (14) is closed again. Procedure according to Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that when the toggle lever mechanism (17) is set beyond the dead center, the flap (14) assumes the final closed position. Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that if the object (11) is not accepted in step d), the user is asked to remove the object (11). Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 - 12 , characterized in that the flap (14) according to step d) only opens when a sensor system (9), which is arranged in the area of the insertion opening (3), recognizes that there is no object other than the authorized object (11) or a body part in the insertion opening (3) or the insertion shaft (4). Method according to one of the Claims 9 until 13 , characterized in that a sensor (37) monitors the filling level (39) of the collecting container (34) and, if a limit value of the filling level (39) is exceeded, the flap (14) no longer opens.

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