DE102018208581A1 - Bottle stand, reverse vending machine and sorting system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bottle display with a transport element, with a feed chute for supplying empties containers, in particular bottles, in a feed to the transport element, and with a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt for further transport of the empties container, wherein the transport element is adapted to Optionally deliver empty containers to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bottle stand and a reverse vending machine and a sorting system with such a bottle stand.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Automatic reverse vending machines or return systems serve to receive empty beverage packaging and to pay or credit a corresponding deposit to the user. Various types of beverage containers are intended for redemption, such as individual bottles, cans, or cups, etc. Generally, such empty beverage containers are also referred to as empty containers.

In general, empties can be divided into different classes based on their characteristics, to which different deposit values are assigned. For example, in the case of bottles, the characteristics are the external shape, the weight, any damage or residual filling present or a closure on the bottle. Automatic reverse vending machines are designed to determine the characteristics of a bottle introduced into the vending machine, to decide on the acceptance or rejection of the bottle and to issue a corresponding deposit. Assumed bottles can then be forwarded within the system and set up and collected for example by means of a bottle stand on a bottle table or in a corresponding intermediate storage area for further processing by the staff. Optionally, a presorting of the bottles take place in the course of the bottle withdrawal, in order to be able to further process these as efficiently as possible according to their characteristics or properties.

In typical bottle stands, the bottles are fed lying over a feed chute, then set up and optionally transported further, see for example the publication DE 100 61 462 C2 ,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention has the object to find the most efficient solutions for the return and / or sorting process of empties containers.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a bottle display with the features of claim 1, by a reverse vending machine with the features of claim 14 and / or by a sorting system with the features of claim 15.

• - Ein Flaschenaufsteller mit einem Transportelement, mit einer Zuführrutsche zur Zuführung von Leergutgebinden, insbesondere Flaschen, in einen Zuführbereich an das Transportelement, und mit einem ersten Förderband und einem zweiten Förderband zum Weitertransport des Leergutgebindes, wobei das Transportelement dazu ausgebildet ist, das Leergutgebinde wahlweise an das erste Förderband oder das zweite Förderband zu übergeben.
• - Ein Rücknahmeautomat mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsteller.
• - Eine Sortieranlage mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Flaschenaufsteller.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• - A bottle display with a transport element, with a feed chute for supplying empties containers, in particular bottles, in a feed to the transport element, and with a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt for further transport of the empties container, wherein the transport element is adapted to the empties container optionally to hand over the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt.
• - A reverse vending machine with a bottle stand according to the invention.
• - A sorting system with a bottle display according to the invention.

The idea on which the present invention is based consists of selectively transferring an emptied container fed via a feed chute by means of a transport element to one of at least two conveyor belts and subsequently transporting it further thereon. Unlike typical bottle stands, a (pre-) sorting of the empties containers is thus already possible within the bottle stand. For example, the bottle stand and / or the reverse vending machine or the sorting system can be designed to determine predetermined characteristics of the empties container. The transport element can now be designed to transfer the empties container either to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt depending on the feature. The bottle stand can therefore also fulfill a sorting function in addition to a set-up and transport function. Furthermore, it can be provided to pass empty containers regardless of their specific characteristics on one of the conveyor belts. For example, each of the conveyor belts can lead to a separate (intermediate) storage area for the empty containers. If, for example, one of the storage areas is currently filled, all the following empty containers can be routed via an alternative conveyor belt to a storage area that is not yet fully utilized. It is also possible that the empties containers are redirected in case of failure of one of the conveyor belts and / or in case of failure of one of these subsequent conveyor belt components via an alternative conveyor belt. The system according to the invention is thus more comfortable, more versatile and less error-prone than known systems of the prior art.

The bottle stand according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in Automatic reverse vending machines and / or sorting systems or similar devices in which a very large number of empties containers can be picked up, transported and / or sorted as efficiently and as faultlessly as possible. The bottle stand according to the invention can not only serve for the installation, transport and sorting of bottles in the actual sense. Rather, general empties containers, such as cans, cups, barrels, containers, etc. can be processed, which can be disposable containers or reusable containers.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the other dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to a development, the transport element can be designed as a rotational body to pass the empties container by means of self-rotation. In this particularly efficient and space-saving development, an empties container is thus supplied via the feed chute and then moved by means of rotation of the transport element.

According to a development, the transport element can be designed to transfer the empties container to the first conveyor belt by self-rotation in a direction of rotation. For example, the transport element can rotate as a rotational body over at least a portion of the first conveyor belt, which is stopped during the rotation of the transport element. As soon as the empties container is on the first conveyor belt, the rotation of the transport element can be stopped and in return the first conveyor belt is started, which then carries the empties container away.

According to a development, the transport element can be designed to transfer the empties container to the second conveyor belt by self-rotation counter to the direction of rotation. In this development, a particularly compact and efficient bottle stand is thus created, which implements the stabilization, transport and sorting of empties containers with a minimum number of system components. The transport element serves simultaneously as a means of transport and as a sorting aid and optionally beyond as a stabilization object or stabilization barrier.

According to a development, the transport element may be formed with at least one empties compartment for the transport of the empties container. For example, the feed chute be arranged and designed such that the empties container in the empties compartment, so to speak slips into it itself and is transported there. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a stabilizer or the like may be configured to push the supplied empties container into the at least one empties compartment. In a concrete example, the stabilizer may be designed to push the supplied empty containers in the feed area against the transport element to bring the empties container in a static rest position. The transport element can be designed to further transport the inserted empties container in the at least one empties compartment. In this development, the stabilizer pushes the empties container first in the empties compartment and there against the transport element, e.g. against a back wall of the empties compartment. For example, the stabilizer may be configured to press the empties container for a predetermined period of time to the transport element, in which this is sufficiently stabilized in its rest position. Subsequently, the empties container is moved by the transport element on. In a concrete example, the stabilizer may be formed as a horizontal, linearly movable pressing member. The pressing member may be configured to push the supplied empties container from the feed chute against the transport element and to stabilize such. Afterwards, the pressing part can be returned again before the empty container is moved over the transport element. The empties compartment can be dimensioned accordingly, so that the empties containers to be transported remain safe and stable in the empties compartment when they are transported by the transport element. In a concrete example, the bottle stand can be designed for the transport of returnable bottles, wherein the empties compartment is dimensioned such that a standing upright in the empties compartment bottle can not tip over.

According to a development, the transport element can be designed as a turnstile with several empties compartments. For example, the turnstile may have two, three, four, five, six or more empties compartments. The empties compartments may be arranged one behind the other in a circumferential direction around the turnstile, wherein the empties compartments may be formed to be open radially outwardly. For example, the scope of the turnstile can be divided into identically designed and dimensioned empties compartments, for example, four empties compartments, each occupying an angular range of about 90 °. In this specific example, the turnstile may have four identical rotary blades, which are oriented radially from a center of the turnstile to the outside in the form of a cross, with two rotary blades defining an empties compartment in the circumferential direction. Because of the provision of multiple empties compartments it is For example, it is possible to simultaneously transport several empties containers through the bottle stand and the transport element.

The transport element may be designed to rotate continuously and / or stepwise. For example, the transport element may be designed to rotate an angular range corresponding to the number of empties compartments, e.g. In the case of four identical empties compartments, a 90 degree incremental rotation may be provided. In principle, however, the transport element may also be formed with a plurality of empties compartments covering different angular ranges, e.g. a total of three subjects with twice 90 ° and once 180 °, etc., so that a rotation can be carried out accordingly in variable or different steps. Alternatively, the transport element can also rotate continuously about its axis, wherein the rotational speed can be selected, for example, so low that an empties container can be introduced into an empties compartment, without this being in conflict with the movement of the transport element. For example, the empties container can be inserted via a pressing member or a stabilizer in an empties compartment and stabilized there, with the pressing member retracts again before the transport element is significantly further rotated.

According to a development, the transport element may be formed with three empties compartments. The transport element may be designed to rotate incrementally by 120 °. In principle, the transport element may alternatively or additionally be designed to rotate continuously. For example, the bottle display can be designed with different operating modes in which the transport element is operated differently, e.g. optionally rotated continuously or stepwise.

According to a further development, the transport element can be configured to selectively transfer the empties container to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt on the basis of identified empties characteristics of the empties container. For example, the reverse vending machine, the sorting system and / or the bottle stand can have a sensor device, by which one or more empties characteristics of the empties container can be detected. For example, an emptying feature may be the outer shape and weight of a bottle, any damage or residue left over, an existing bar or bar code, or a closure on the bottle. The sensor device may be connected to a control device, which is designed to evaluate the emptying feature detected by the sensor device. The control device can further control the bottle stand and / or the transport element accordingly, so that the transport element is caused after the evaluation of the emptying feature to pass the empties container to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt.

In a specific example, a reverse vending machine may have an acceptance area in which empties containers can be inserted via an insertion opening attached to the outside of a housing of the reverse vending machine. In the case of a reverse vending machine for individual bottles, this insertion opening may be, for example, circular and the acceptance area may be formed as a hollow-cylindrical area. The acceptance area can furthermore comprise a conveyor belt which forwards an emptied container introduced into the acceptance area to a sensor device by which one or more empties characteristics of the empties container are detected. The reverse vending machine can now include a control device which is connected to the sensor device. The control device may be a central control device of the reverse vending machine. However, the control device may also be provided in the bottle stand, e.g. in the feed area of the bottle stand. Accordingly, the sensor device or the sensor can be provided in or at the feed region. The control device of the reverse vending machine or the bottle stand can now be designed to instruct the transport element accordingly to sort the empties container according to its identified empties characteristics.

According to a development, a control device for controlling the transport element can furthermore be provided. The control device can be designed to determine the empties characteristics of the empties container and, based on this, to cause the transport element to transfer the empties container to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt. For example, the control device may receive or request otherwise identified empties characteristics of the empties package, e.g. by means of communication with a central control device of a reverse vending machine and / or a sorting system, wherein the empties features, for example, in an acceptance area of the reverse vending machine and / or the sorting system may already have been detected. Based on these empties features, the control device can now cause a corresponding sorting of the empties container on a specific conveyor belt. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may be coupled to sensors of the bottle stand, which in turn are designed to detect the empties characteristics of the empties container and forward them to the control device.

According to a development, the control device can be coupled to a presence sensor in the feed region. The control device may be configured to detect the presence of a supplied empties container in the feed region by means of the presence sensor and, based on this, to cause the transport element to transfer the empties container to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt.

According to a development, the presence sensor can be designed as an optical sensor and / or weight sensor or the like. For example, the presence sensor may be formed as a laser barrier, which is arranged below the feed chute in the feed region. Alternatively or additionally, the presence sensor may comprise a weight sensor in the feed area, e.g. in and / or on a floor below the feed chute.

According to a development, the presence sensor can be designed to detect the empties characteristics of the empties container. For example, the occupancy sensor may be designed to detect empties characteristics on the basis of identifiers attached to the empties container and / or on the basis of external features of the empties container, such as its weight, its external shape and / or its size or the like. For this purpose, the presence sensor may be formed, for example, as an optical sensor and / or as a weight sensor.

According to a development, the feed chute can be designed for the substantially vertical supply of the empties package. For example, the empties containers can be moved on a conveyor belt in a lying manner on the feed chute, at which they then slide obliquely and / or vertically down or fall so that they impinge in an approximately upright and / or approximately vertical position in the feed region. In principle, the empties containers can be provided here obliquely and / or tumbling over the feed chute in the feed region, with the empties containers subsequently being brought into a vertically stabilized rest position via a stabilizer or the like. Alternatively, the feed chute, feed area and / or transport element may be configured accordingly so that supplemental stabilization is not necessary, e.g. because the empties container is brought directly into an empties compartment of the transport element, wherein a tumbling is prevented due to the walls of the empties compartment.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired.

Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

list of figures

• 1a-d schematische Draufsichten auf einen Flaschenaufsteller gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung während des Transports eines Leergutgebindes,
• 2a-e schematische Draufsichten auf einen Flaschenaufsteller gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung während des Transports eines Leergutgebindes,
• 3 schematische Perspektivansicht eines Rücknahmeautomaten von schräg vorne mit dem Flaschenaufsteller aus 1a-d oder 2a-e, und
• 4 schematische Perspektivansicht einer Sortieranlage von schräg vorne mit dem Flaschenaufsteller aus 1a-d oder 2a-e.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

• 1a-d schematic plan views of a bottle display according to an embodiment of the invention during the transport of an empties container,
• 2a-e schematic plan views of a bottle display according to another embodiment of the invention during the transport of a container empties,
• 3 schematic perspective view of a reverse vending machine from diagonally forward with the bottle stand off 1a-d or 2a-e , and
• 4 schematic perspective view of a sorting from diagonally front with the bottle stand off 1a-d or 2a-e ,

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to convey a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

In the figures of the drawing are the same, functionally identical and same-acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - each provided with the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1a-d show schematic plan views of a bottle stand 1 according to a Embodiment of the invention during the transport of an empties container 4 ,

The bottle stand shown 1 is a machine that is used to set up, transport and sort empties 4 like bottles and the like. The empty containers 4 can be processed in different shapes, sizes and materials. The basic principle of the bottle stand is the empty containers 4 via a feed chute 3 to feed and to a transport element 2 to transfer these to different conveyor belts 8a . 8b sorted where they are subsequently transported. In a further step, for example downstream machines with the transported empties containers 4 be loaded and / or stored, eg on a collecting table (see. 3 and 4 ). The exact procedure of the transport is described below with reference to 1a-d explained.

Specifically, the bottle stand includes 1 a transport element 2 and a feed chute 3 , about which empty containers 4 , eg bottles, in a feed area 5 be fed (indicated by arrows on the feed chute 3 in 1a) , For example, the empty containers 4 via a conveyor belt (not shown) or the like in a lying manner on the feed chute 3 are moved, at which they then slid or fall down or down so that they are in a more or less upright or oblique position in the feed 5 incident.

The transport element 2 the bottle stand 1 is adapted to the supplied empties container 4 optionally to the first conveyor belt 8a or the second conveyor belt 8b to hand over. For this purpose, the transport element 2 designed as a hub, which the empties container 4 by means of self-rotation passes. The turnstile has three identically designed empties compartments 7 on, which each occupy an angular range of 120 °. Specifically, the empties container 4 to the first conveyor belt 8a by self-rotation in a direction of rotation 9 and to the second conveyor 8b by self-rotation against the direction of rotation 9 to hand over. This is the empties container 4 inside the empties compartment 7 taken along (cf. 1b) , The transport element 2 is so on or on a first conveyor belt 8a positioned that empties container 4 due to the rotation of the transport element 2 on the conveyor belt 8a is moved and from this in a conveying direction 16 can be carried along (cf. 1c ). Due to the symmetrical design of the transport element 2 is again an empties compartment after a rotation of 120 ° 7 in the direction of the feed chute 3 aligned so that another container of empties 4 can be supplied. In principle, this can already be done during the rotation of the transport element 2 happen.

The empty container 4 can, as already described optionally instead of the first conveyor belt 8a as well to the second conveyor belt 8b be handed over. For this purpose, the transport element 2 by self-rotation in a counter-rotation direction 9 ' rotate counterclockwise (cf. 1d ). The second conveyor belt 8b can now the empties container 4 similar to the first conveyor belt 8a in a conveying direction 16 continue to move, with the conveying direction 16 as in 1e shown identical to the conveying direction 16 of the first conveyor belt 8a can be. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that different arrangements are conceivable, for example in which the two conveyor belts 8a . 8b run in different directions or are aligned. In principle, more than two conveyor belts are possible, for example, three, four or more conveyor belts, the expert will train the transport element in these cases accordingly, so that empty containers can be optionally transferred to the conveyor belts.

In the example shown, the transport element 2 trained to the empties container 4 Based on identified empties characteristics of the empties container 4 optionally to the first conveyor belt 8a or the second conveyor belt 8b to hand over. For this purpose, the bottle stand 1 a control device 12 for controlling the transport element 2 on which the empties characteristics of the empties container 4 determines and building on the transport element 2 causes the empties package 4 to the first conveyor belt 8a or the second conveyor belt 8b to hand over. The control device 12 is with a presence sensor 13 in the feed area 5 communicatively connected. The presence sensor 13 is adapted to the presence of a supplied empties container 4 in the feed area 5 determine. For this purpose, the presence sensor 13 For example, as an optical sensor, such as a laser barrier or the like, and / or be configured as a weight sensor. Once an empty container 4 is supplied, represents the presence sensor 13 this fixed and transmits this information to the control device 12 which in turn based on a rotation of the transport element 2 causes.

For the sorting or selection of empty containers 4 Different designs are conceivable. For example, the presence sensor 13 and / or another sensor (not shown) in the feed area 5 be designed to one or more empties characteristics of the empties container 4 capture. For example, an empties feature the outer shape and weight of the empties container 4 be, one eventually existing damage or residual filling, an existing bar or bar code or a closure located on the empty container, etc. The control device 12 may be designed to evaluate the identified by the sensor empties feature and building on the transport element 2 either in the direction of rotation 9 or alternatively in the counter-rotation direction 9 ' to rotate around the empties container 4 either on the first conveyor belt 8a or the second conveyor belt 8b continue to transport.

Alternatively or additionally, the empties characteristics of the supplied empties container 4 but also before feeding to the bottle stand 1 be detected, for example by a sensor of a parent or upstream machine, and following the control device 12 the bottle stand 1 have been transmitted. For this purpose, the control device 12 with a higher-level control, such as a reverse vending machine or the like, in communication (see. 3 and 4 ).

As a result, a comfortable and versatile bottle display with sorting function is thus created, which is less error-prone than known systems of the prior art.

Regarding 2a-e becomes a bottle stand 1 explained according to another embodiment. This bottle stand 1 is basically similar to the one in 1a-d educated. In addition to this, the bottle stand has 1 however, a stabilizer 6 on, which is adapted to the supplied empty containers 4 in the feed area 5 against the transport element 2 to push around the empties container 4 to bring into an upright static rest position, ie vertically stabilized rest position (see. 2 B) , For this purpose, the bottle stand 1 a control device 12 on, among other things, the stabilizer 6 controls. The control device 12 is with a presence sensor 13 in the feed area 5 communicatively connected. The presence sensor 13 is adapted to the presence of a supplied empties container 4 in the feed area 5 determine. For this purpose, the presence sensor 13 For example, as an optical sensor, such as a laser barrier or the like, and / or be configured as a weight sensor. Once an empty container 4 is supplied, represents the presence sensor 13 this fixed and transmits this information to the control device 12 , which in turn building on the stabilizer 6 causes the empties package 4 against the transport element 2 to push. The stabilizer 6 For example, it can be designed as a horizontally displaceable pressing part, which extends in a straight line between the feed chute 3 and transport element 2 can be moved back and forth. The stabilizer 6 is driven in the embodiment shown by a drive, such as an electric motor such as a servomotor or the like, and with a pressing force 15 against the empty container 4 pushed.

To take into account that different empties 4 may have different characteristics, eg weight and / or diameter, is the stabilizer 6 with a compensating spring mechanism 14 for providing a variable pressure force 15 educated. The stabilizer 6 pushes the empties container 4 such against the transport element 2 that the empties container 4 assumes a static rest position. For example, an embodiment is possible, in which the empties container 4 for a certain period of time to the transport element 2 is pressed. In embodiments, a force gauge, such as a piezoelectric element, may be provided to determine if the empty container 4 with a predetermined force against the transport element 2 is pressed. In principle, however, just as easily trained variants are possible in which the stabilizer 6 for example, is extended by a servomotor by a predetermined distance, wherein the compensating spring mechanism 14 different outer dimensions of the empties 4 compensated. Subsequently, the control device 12 cause the stabilizer 6 is moved back to its original position.

The transport element 2 is also in this version as a hub with three identically designed empties compartments 7 formed, which each occupy an angular range of 120 °. The transport element 2 is thus designed as a rotary body to the empties container 4 continue to transport by means of self-rotation. The stabilizer 6 pushes the empty container 4 in one of the empties compartments 7 until it reaches the transport element 2 butts and is stabilized in its rest position. Then the stabilizer moves 6 back to his starting position. In a next step, the transport element rotates 2 gradually by 120 ° in a direction of rotation 9 clockwise. This is the empties container 4 inside the empties compartment 7 taken along (cf. 2c ).

The transport element 2 is so on or on a first conveyor belt 8a positioned that empties container 4 due to the rotation of the transport element 2 on the conveyor belt 8a is moved and from this in a conveying direction 16 can be carried along (cf. 2d ). Due to the symmetrical design of the transport element 2 is again an empties compartment after a rotation of 120 ° 7 in the direction of the feed chute 3 aligned so that another container of empties 4 can be supplied. In principle, this can already be done during the rotation of the transport element 2 happen.

The bottle stand 1 is not just for setting up and transporting empty containers 4 In addition, they can be sorted according to their characteristics, as described below with reference to FIG 1e is explained.

Accordingly, a second conveyor belt 8b for further transport of the empties container 4 provided on which the transport element 2 the calm empties container 4 optionally instead of the first conveyor belt 8a can pass. For this purpose, the transport element 2 by self-rotation in a counter-rotation direction 9 ' rotate counterclockwise (cf. 2e) , The second conveyor belt 8b can now the empties container 4 similar to the first conveyor belt 8a in a conveying direction 16 continue to move, with the conveying direction 16 as in 1e shown identical to the conveying direction 16 of the first conveyor belt 8a can be.

For the sorting or selection of empty containers 4 again different designs are conceivable. For example, the presence sensor 13 and / or another sensor (not shown) in the feed area 5 be designed to one or more empties characteristics of the empties container 4 capture. For example, an empties feature the outer shape and weight of the empties container 4 be, any existing damage or residual filling, an existing bar or bar code or on the empties container befindlicher closure, etc. The control device 12 can continue to control the transport element 2 be educated. The control device 12 may be designed to evaluate the identified by the sensor empties feature and building on the transport element 2 either in the direction of rotation 9 or alternatively in the counter-rotation direction 9 ' to rotate around the empties container 4 either on the first conveyor belt 8a or the second conveyor belt 8b continue to transport.

Alternatively or additionally, the properties of the supplied empties container 4 but also before feeding to the bottle stand 1 be detected, for example by a sensor of a parent or upstream machine, and following the control device 12 the bottle stand 1 have been transmitted. In principle, the control of the transport element 2 also be taken over by a higher-level control, such as a reverse vending machine or the like (see. 3 and 4 ).

The result is a bottle stand 1 created, which empties container 4 as bottles or the like in the most efficient manner sets up, sorted and transported. The transport element 2 serves as a stabilizing barrier for the installation of the empties container 4 and as a rotary lock for the selection of empty containers 4 based on given characteristics. The bottle stand 1 is characterized by a particularly simple and robust construction with a minimum number of individual parts. Thus, the bottle stand 1 Particularly cost, maintenance and installation efficiency. This is partly due to the design of the transport element 2 as a two-sided rotatable, three-part turnstile reached, about which empties container 4 on two different conveyor belts 8a . 8b can be issued.

3 and 4 show two exemplary uses of the bottle maker 1a-d and or 2a-e , on the one hand as a component of a reverse vending machine 10 in 3 and on the other hand as a component of a sorting plant 11 in 4 ,

The exemplary reverse vending machine 10 in 3 is intended for the return of bottles. The reverse vending machine 1 comprises a housing with an insertion opening embedded in its front 17 , which is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape for receiving empty bottles. Furthermore, outside the front of the housing, the usual components, such as a display panel and / or a dispensing opening may be attached. The reverse vending machine 10 includes a conveyor belt (not shown) which inserts into the insertion opening 17 introduced bottle to a sensor device (also not shown), by which one or more empties characteristics of the bottle are detected. For example, an emptying feature may be the outer shape and weight of the bottle, any damage or residue left over, an existing bar or bar code, or a closure on the bottle. The reverse vending machine further comprises a control device (not shown) connected to the conveyor belt and the sensor device. This is designed to evaluate the identified by the sensor device empties feature. After the evaluation of the bottle entered, the control device either - in case the bottle is accepted - causes the further transport of the bottle through the conveyor belt or - in case the bottle is rejected - the return of the bottle. If the bottle is accepted, this is via a transport device 18 to a bottle stand 1 forwarded. The bottle stand 1 for example, corresponds to that in 1a-d and / or that in 2a-e , Accordingly, the bottle is placed here and depending on the features either on the first conveyor belt 8a or the second conveyor belt 8b forwarded. Thereafter, the bottle is placed on a collecting table, depending on Features and used conveyor belt 8a . 8b on different sides of the collection table 19 is turned off (by arrows in 3 indicated). The sorting underlying characteristics can, for example, by the sensor device of the reverse vending machine 10 be determined so that the transport element 2 the bottle stand 1 Based on this can make a corresponding selection.

The sorting system 11 in 4 also has a bottle stand 1 on top of a transport device 18 is charged and the bottles following on a collecting table 19 passes. The bottles are in the sorting plant 11 via a roller conveyor 20 delivered. Such a sorting system 11 can in principle be part of a reverse vending machine, eg like the one in 3 , In principle, however, further applications are possible, for example within a production line production or the like, in which containers are to be set up and selected or sorted before they are possibly filled, for example.

Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but is modifiable in a variety of ways. In the foregoing detailed description, e.g. Various features for improving the stringency of the presentation have been summarized in one or more examples. It should be understood, however, that the above description is merely illustrative and not restrictive in nature. It serves to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be immediately and immediately apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the skill of the art in light of the above description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Unscrambler

2

transport element

3

feed chute

4

empty containers

5

feeding

6

stabilizer

7

empties specialist

8a

first conveyor belt

8b

second conveyor belt

9

direction of rotation

9 '

Against the direction of rotation

10

reverse vending machine

11

sorting

12

control device

13

presence sensor

14

Balancing spring mechanism

15

pressing force

16

conveying direction

17

insertion

18

transport device

19

collecting table

20

roller conveyors

21

drive

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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 assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10061462 C2 [0004]

Claims (15)

Bottle stand (1), with a transport element (2), with a feed chute (3) for feeding empties containers (4), in particular bottles, into a feed region (5) to the transport element (2), and with a first conveyor belt (8a) and a second conveyor belt (8b) for further transport of the empties container (4), wherein the transport element (2) is designed for selectively transporting the empties container (4) to the first conveyor belt (8a) or the second conveyor belt (8). 8b). Bottle stand (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the transport element (2) is designed as a rotational body to pass the empties container (4) by means of self-rotation. Bottle stand (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the transport element (2) is adapted to pass the empties container (4) to the first conveyor belt (8a) by self-rotation in a direction of rotation (9). Bottle stand (1) after Claim 3 , characterized in that the transport element (2) is adapted to pass the empties container (4) to the second conveyor belt (8b) by self-rotation counter to the direction of rotation (9). Bottle stand (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (2) with at least one empties compartment (7) for the transport of the empties container (4) is formed. Bottle stand (1) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the transport element (2) as a turnstile with a plurality of empties compartments (7) is formed. Bottle stand (1) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the transport element (2) with three empties compartments (7) is formed and is stepwise rotatable by 120 °. Bottle stand (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (2) is adapted to the empties container (4) based on detected empties characteristics of the empties container (4) optionally to the first conveyor belt (8a) or the second conveyor belt (8b). Bottle stand (1) after Claim 8 , characterized in that there is further provided a control device (12) for controlling the transport element (2), wherein the control device (12) is designed to detect the empties characteristics of the empties container (4) and, based on this, to cause the transport element (2) to pass the empties container (4) to the first conveyor belt (8a) or the second conveyor belt (8b). Bottle Stand (1) Claim 9 characterized in that the control device (12) is coupled to a presence sensor (13) in the feed region (5), wherein the control device (12) is adapted to detect the presence of an added empties package (4) in the feed region (5) ascertaining the presence sensor (13) and, based on this, causing the transport element (2) to transfer the empties container (4) to the first conveyor belt (8a) or the second conveyor belt (8b). Bottle stand (1) after Claim 10 , characterized in that the presence sensor (13) is designed as an optical sensor and / or weight sensor. Bottle stand (1) after Claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the presence sensor (13) is adapted to detect the empties characteristics of the empties container (4). Bottle stand (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed chute (3) is designed for substantially perpendicular feeding of the empties container (4). Automatic reverse vending machine (10) with a bottle stand (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Sorting system (11) with a bottle display (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13 ,

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