DE102021107748B4 - Food packaging take-back machine and method for taking back food packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic return machine for food packaging, comprising: - a pivoted input compartment (1) into which a food packaging (500) to be returned can be entered, - a locking mechanism (2) for the pivoted input compartment (1), with a locked initial state in which pivoting of the input compartment (1) is blocked, and a released state in which the input compartment (1) can be pivoted in such a way that the food packaging (500) that has been put in falls out of the input compartment (1) into a collection area- a computer (3) set up for Controlling the locking mechanism (2), - at least one with the computer (3) connected scanner (4, 4 '), for scanning the in the input compartment (1) entered food packaging (500), wherein the computer (3) is set up, the releasing the locking mechanism (2) when at least one of the at least one scanners (4, 4') detects an input food packaging so that the input compartment (1) can be pivoted, - a light barrier device (5) connected to the computer (3), which is arranged such that the food packaging (500) falling from the input compartment (1) into the collection area passes a light barrier of the light barrier device (5) to check whether the food packaging (500) falls into the collection area.

Description

The invention relates to an automatic return machine for food packaging and a method for taking back food packaging.

In terms of environmental protection, deposit systems are increasingly being used for food packaging. For example, canteens, supermarkets or delivery services that offer ready-made meals use so-called “food trays”, which are usually designed as reusable packaging. Currently, returns are typically carried out by staff who have to accept the food packaging and record the receipt in a system.

Automatic return systems have been known for returnable bottles for years.

The pamphlet EP 3 584 196 A1 shows a compact article recovery apparatus which has a simple structure. It determines whether an inserted object is to be recovered without taking the object into an apparatus main body. At this time, items other than the item to be recovered are not accommodated in the device main body, and only the item to be recovered is accommodated in the device main body. The device is provided with: a device main body provided with a receiving part for receiving objects; a placement part in which the items can be placed; and an outer door provided on the outside of the placing part; an inner door provided at a passage leading from the placing part to the receiving part in the device main body; an inner door driving unit for driving opening and closing of the inner door; detecting means which is provided on the placing part and which detects an object placed in the placing part; and a control unit. The control unit is provided with a determination unit for determining whether the object is the object to be recovered based on the detection results of the detection means.

The pamphlet DE 44 15 082 A1 describes a device for the automatic return and storage of deposit cups. A removable magazine basket is provided with stacking shafts which are arranged parallel to one another and are open at the top. Above the magazine basket is a cup collecting device that can be moved by means of a compound slide and has stacking shafts that are open at the top and can be released at the bottom. A microcomputer together with the associated peripheral devices controls the compound slide in such a way that the stacking shafts of the cup collecting device can be positioned in line with a releasable drop-through opening of a cup input space arranged above the cup collecting device for filling, or in line with any stacking shafts of the magazine basket for magazining. This means that stacks of cups up to the height of the magazine basket can be stored easily and without any problems in the smallest of spaces.

The pamphlet U.S. 8,523,050 B1 shows an apparatus for collecting containers that includes a storage container with an access door and a tray. The storage case has an opening through which a case is inserted for receiving on the receiving tray. The tray has an essentially horizontal starting position. A scanner detects the presence of the container on the receiving tray. A collection bin is housed in the bottom of the storage bin and is used to hold a plurality of bins. The collection container is accessible via the access door. A mechanism responds to the scanner detecting the presence of the canister to release the canister from the carrier plate to allow it to fall into the collection bin. Release of the container is accomplished by pivoting the tray from a generally horizontal position to an angled position to allow the container to fall into the collection bag.

The pamphlet JP H11-193 106 A shows an empty container collecting machine which sorts empty containers by type and collects them in a predetermined bucket. It comprises a type recognition device comprising at least a device for recognizing the weight of the container, a device for recognizing the material of the container and a bar code reading device for reading the bar code device written on the container in order to recognize the type of the container. It comprises a pressing machine for pressing the iron and aluminum cans obtained from the type recognition and a separating device for separating the pressed containers into predetermined buckets according to iron and aluminum. The bar code reading device comprises a device for rotating the empty container loaded in a fixed position and an upper part toward the container cylinder for reading the bar code written on the empty container.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a return system that the special requirements of Food packaging meets, which are intended in particular for food.

This is achieved by a reverse vending machine according to independent claim 1 and by a method according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the following description and figures.

Accordingly, an automatic return machine for food packaging is proposed. This comprises a pivotably mounted input compartment into which a food packaging to be returned can be input.

The reverse vending machine also includes a locking mechanism for the pivotally mounted input compartment, with a locked initial state in which pivoting of the input compartment is blocked, and a released state in which the input compartment can be pivoted in such a way that the food packaging that has been entered falls out of the input compartment into a collection area .

The reverse vending machine has a computer that is set up to control the locking mechanism.

The reverse vending machine includes at least one scanner for scanning the food packaging entered into the input compartment. The at least one scanner is connected to the computer. The computer is set up to release the locking mechanism when at least one of the at least one scanners has detected an input food packaging, so that the released input compartment can be pivoted.

The reverse vending machine can have a light barrier device connected to the computer, which is arranged such that the food packaging falling from the input compartment into the collection area passes a light barrier of the light barrier device to check whether the food packaging falls into the collection area.

In the method for taking back food packaging, a pivotably mounted input compartment is provided, into which food packaging to be returned can be input.

A locking mechanism for the input tray is also provided, with an initial locked state in which pivoting of the input tray is blocked and a released state in which the input tray is pivotable such that the input food package falls out of the input tray into a collection area.

• - Erfassen, ob eine Lebensmittelverpackung in das Fach eingegeben wird,
• - Freigeben des Arretiermechanismus für das schwenkbar gelagerte Eingabefach, wenn eine eingegebene Lebensmittelverpackung erkannt ist,
• - Erfassen, ob die eingegebene Lebensmittelverpackung aus dem Eingabefach in einen Sammelbereich fällt.

The procedure includes the steps:

• - detecting whether a food package is fed into the compartment,
• - Releasing the locking mechanism for the pivoting input compartment when an input food packaging is recognized,
• - Detect whether the input food packaging falls from the input tray into a collection area.

In particular, the steps are carried out in this order, with further steps being able to take place before, in between or after.

On the one hand, the return machine and the method enable a controlled return, in which the food packaging entered can be checked by the scanner or scanners. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can largely prevent rubbish or other objects from being put into the reverse vending machine. In addition, by detecting whether the food packaging has actually fallen into the collection area, it can be checked whether it was not removed again before it was pivoted.

The return machine can have appropriate technical means for detecting whether the food packaging has actually fallen into the collection area. For example, the light barrier device mentioned.

In particular, the method can be carried out using the reverse vending machine described herein. The reverse vending machine described herein can in turn be set up to carry out the method. It should be emphasized that features that are described in connection with the reverse vending machine can also be claimed for the method and vice versa.

In particular, the return machine and/or the method can be provided for the return of food packaging that has contained food.

The reverse vending machine can, for example, comprise two or more scanners. Provision can be made, for example, for a first scanner connected to the computer to be set up to scan an upper side of the food packaging placed in the input compartment. Alternatively or additionally, a second scanner connected to the computer can be set up for Scanning one side of the food pack fed into the input tray.

The scanner or scanners can include a camera and/or be designed as a barcode scanner.

The arrangement and design of the scanners can take account of the design freedom of different manufacturers of food trays, who, for example, attach barcodes to their trays, which they can optionally attach to the top or side. The scanners can also be set up for other detection options.

The reverse vending machine may include a cooling device for cooling the collection area. The cooling device can include a refrigerator, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the input compartment can be integrated or can be integrated into a refrigerator door. As will be explained later in connection with the figures, an assembly of the reverse vending machine can be designed in such a way that integration into a conventional refrigerator door is made possible, for example by means of a correspondingly designed clamping frame.

The cooling device or the method can be arranged such that the collection area is cooled to 8°C or less, or to 5°C or less, or to 3°C or less.

This takes into account the special requirements of trays that have contained food. In particular, the formation of mold can be avoided.

The reverse vending machine can include a collection container that can be removed, for example. This can be arranged in the collection area in such a way that the food packaging falls into the collection container when it falls into the collection area. The collection container can be placed in the possible refrigerator.

The return machine can be designed in such a way that the food packaging can be entered into the input compartment from the front and the released input compartment can be swiveled backwards, so that the food packaging falls out of the input compartment into the collection area at the back. For example, designs are also possible in which the input compartment is pivoted forward and the food packaging falls out of the front of the compartment.

The pivotably mounted input compartment can be arranged, for example, in a rotatable lying drum. In one possible embodiment, the drum can be designed in such a way that, after pivoting, it pivots back into an original state under its own weight. The initial state is the state in which the infeed tray can be locked and the food package can be loaded into the infeed tray.

End position sensors for the input compartment or for the possible drum can be provided in the return machine for detecting compartment positions.

The return machine can, for example, comprise a screen with a recess, the pivotably mounted input compartment being arranged behind the screen, so that the food packaging to be returned can be entered into the input compartment through the cut-out in the screen. The reverse vending machine may include a handle for pivoting the compartment by a user, the handle extending through the aperture of the panel, the handle including a horizontal bar, for example. In one embodiment, it is provided, for example, that the user, in order to operate the return machine, presses the handle arranged on the drum upwards in order to pivot the compartment.

These possible configurations enable safe operation for the user. The execution of the panning by the user himself can also have a pleasant psychological effect on the user.

The computer can be set up in such a way that it keeps the locking mechanism open for a predetermined time after the release and closes it again after the predetermined time has elapsed or stops keeping it open.

For example, the locking mechanism may include at least one bolt for locking the input tray. Alternatively or additionally, it can include at least one magnetic switch.

The bolt can interact with the input compartment or with the drum in which the input compartment is arranged. For example, the drum can have a recess for the bolt.

Provision can be made for the at least one bolt to be pretensioned in the locked state. The computer can, for example, be set up in such a way that it opens the at least one bolt by means of the at least one magnetic switch against the bias and releases it again after a preset time, thus ending the holding open. After the compartment has been swiveled back, the bolt can then be used to lock the compartment again lock, for example by snapping back into the recess of the drum.

The reverse vending machine may include a display connected to the computer. The status or success of the return steps can be shown to the user via the display and/or instructions can be issued.

In the case of the reverse vending machine, the computer can have an Internet connection. The computer can be set up for real-time communication with a server. The return can be booked, for example, via server communication, with a user account being provided for the user, for example, to which a deposit can be credited to him. It is also possible to set up the return machine for printing deposit receipts, for example by providing a corresponding printer.

In one possible embodiment of the reverse vending machine, a second light barrier connected to the computer can also be included for monitoring an opening of the input compartment. In particular for monitoring the recess of the front panel. This makes it possible to monitor, for example, whether a return process is being initiated or whether the input compartment is being manipulated after it has been input.

The method can include communicating with a server or the return machine can be set up to communicate with the server, to transmit recorded information on the food packaging to the server and/or to compare recorded information on the food packaging with data on a server. In particular, a barcode of the food packaging can be recorded and, for example, the information that can be taken from this barcode can be compared with data on the server.

For example, the food packaging can be uniquely identified.

For example, a return time at which it was recorded that the food packaging entered had fallen into the collection area can be transmitted to the server.

For example, a purchase date of the food packaging or the meal contained therein can be checked.

The release of the locking mechanism and/or a chargeback or payment of a deposit can depend on the unique identification of the food packaging and/or the time of return.

In the case of the return machine or in the case of the method, communication with a mobile phone of a user can be provided, in particular via the server.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are presented by way of example with reference to figures.

• 1 eine Übersichtsansicht eines Rücknahmeautomaten,
• 2a-c drei verschiedene Ansichten einer Baugruppe für den Rückgabeautomaten,
• 3 eine Explosionszeichnung mit Teilen der Baugruppe,
• 4 eine Trommel der Baugruppe, und
• 5 illustriert ein Verfahren zum Zurücknehmen von Lebensmittelverpackungen.

Show in the figures

• 1 an overview view of a reverse vending machine,
• 2a-c three different views of an assembly for the return machine,
• 3 an exploded drawing with parts of the assembly,
• 4 a drum assembly, and
• 5 illustrates a process for taking back food packaging.

1 shows an overview of a reverse vending machine for food packaging. In this case, an assembly 100 is integrated into a refrigerator 200 in which a removable collection container 300 is located.

The assembly 100 and its components and their functionality or use are particularly in connection with the following 2 until 5 explained in more detail.

The assembly 100 has a pivotably mounted input compartment 1 into which the food packaging to be returned can be input by a user.

The input compartment 1 is designed in such a way that when the input compartment 1 is pivoted, the food packaging located therein falls into a collection area and thus into the collection container 300 which is arranged in the collection area.

The refrigerator 200 cools the collection area and collection bin to 3°C or less to prevent mold of possible leftover food in the food packages.

2a shows a perspective view of the assembly 100 obliquely from the front, 2 B shows a side view of the assembly 100, and 2c shows a perspective view of the assembly 100 obliquely from behind.

The assembly 100 includes a panel 8 with a recess behind which the input tray 1 is arranged so that the food packaging to be returned can be entered into the input compartment 1 through the recess in the panel 8 . The input compartment 1 is arranged in a pivotably mounted drum 6, which will be explained in more detail later.

The food packaging can be entered into the input compartment 1 in the drum 6 from the front. The input compartment 1 can be pivoted backwards, so that the food packaging can fall out of the input compartment 1 into the collecting area at the back.

A handle 9 for pivoting the input tray 1 by the user is arranged on the drum 6 and extends through the recess of the panel 8. The handle 9 comprises a horizontal rod.

There is a display 7 on the panel 8, via which information relating to the return of the food packaging can be displayed to the user.

A clamping frame 10 is arranged behind the screen 8, so that the assembly can be integrated into the refrigerator door or another possible front panel provided for the return machine.

At the rear, the assembly 100 has a frame 15 that carries other components of the assembly 100 .

A computer 3 is arranged on the frame 15 and is set up to control controllable components of the assembly 100 .

A locking mechanism 2 for the pivotally mounted input compartment 1 has a locked initial state in which the pivoting of the input compartment 1 is blocked, and a released state in which the input compartment 1 can be pivoted in such a way that the input food packaging falls out of the input compartment 1 into the collection area .

The locking mechanism 2 is connected to the computer 3 and is controlled by it.

The locking mechanism 2 includes multiple bolts for locking the input tray 1 with magnetic switches. The bolts interact with the drum 6 and are biased into the condition locking the drum 6 and thus the input tray 1 in place. The computer 3 controls the magnetic switch to release the input compartment 1 and opens the bolts against the bias. After a preset time, the bolts are loosened again and, due to the preload, push back into their initial state. When the drum 6 is in its home position, the bolts snap back into the drum 6 and lock it.

In addition, two scanners 4, 4' are arranged on the frame 15 in the assembly, which are each connected to the computer 3. These are set up to scan the food packaging entered into the input compartment 1. The computer receives corresponding signals from the scanners 4, 4' and is set up in such a way that it releases the locking mechanism 2 when an input food packaging is recognized by means of one of the two scanners 4, 4' and by the computer 3. The input compartment 1 can then be pivoted by the user. A first of the scanners 4 is set up and arranged for scanning an upper side of the food packaging entered into the input compartment 1 and a second of the scanners 4 ′ is set up and arranged for scanning one side of the food packaging entered into the input compartment 1 . The scanners 4, 4' each include barcode scanners. For example, they may include cameras.

A light barrier device 5 is also connected to the computer 3 . This is arranged in such a way that the food packaging falling from the input compartment 1 into the collection area passes a light barrier of the light barrier device 5 . This verifies that the food wrap falls into the collection area.

The assembly 100 includes end position sensors 11 for the drum 6, which are also connected to the computer 3. A position of the input compartment 1 or of the drum 6 can thus be checked.

The status or success of the return steps can be shown to the user via the display 7, which is also connected to the computer 3, and instructions can be issued.

The reverse vending machine or the assembly 100 can include a second light barrier device connected to the computer for monitoring the opening of the aperture 8.

3 shows an exploded view with components of assembly 100.

An insert frame 18 carries the panel 9 and also has a receptacle for the drum 6 . The receptacle also holds the end position sensors 11. The insert frame can be connected to the clamping frame 10 for arranging the assembly 100 on the refrigerator door, for example.

The frame 15 and a carrier 17 are connected to the insert frame 18 for attachment of further components. The locking mechanism 2 and the light barrier device 5, an upper disk 13 for the upper scanner 4 and a rear disk 14 for the rear scanner 4' are arranged on it. The computer 3 and the scanners 4, 4' are also fastened to the frame 15 and/or the carrier.

A hood 16 is provided to cover and protect the components of assembly 100 .

4 shows the rotatable lying drum 6 in which the input compartment 1 is arranged. It comprises two side parts 19 on which axles 23 are arranged, which fit into the receptacle of the insert frame 18 . The side parts 19 also form projections between which the crossbar of the handle 9 is arranged. The drum 9 also has a base plate 20 and a cover plate 21, insert plates 24 and a curved cover plate 22.

The drum 6 is designed in such a way that, after pivoting, it pivots back into an original state under its own weight. For this purpose, a correspondingly front-heavy weight distribution for the drum 6 together with the handle 9 is given by the design shown here.

5 FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a method for recovering food packages using the previously described reverse vending machine with assembly 100. FIG.

The computer 3 of the return machine has an internet connection and is set up for real-time communication with a server 400 .

First, the locking mechanism 2 of the input compartment 1 is in its locked initial state, in which the pivoting of the input compartment 1 is blocked.

The user enters a food package 500 with a barcode 501 into the input compartment 1 in an initial step S1.

Then, in order to detect whether a food package has been put into the input compartment 1, the barcode 501 is first read by the scanner 4 (if the barcode were on the side, it would be recognized by the scanner 4' instead).

In a step S2, the computer 3 determines whether the food packaging 500 is intended for return. For this purpose, information contained in the barcode in particular, which was recorded via the scanner 4 and which is processed in the computer 3, can be transmitted to the server 400 and compared with data stored there. However, the evaluation can also take place locally, without communication with the server 400 taking place here.

If the computer 3 determines that the food packaging 500 that has been entered is intended for return, the locking mechanism 2 is released by the computer 3 in a step S3.

After the release in step S3, in a step S4 the user can pivot the compartment 1 by moving the handle 9 upwards. Due to the design of the drum 6 and the input compartment 1 explained above, the food packaging 500 falls from the rear of the input compartment 1 into the collection area and is detected by the light barrier in a step S5. Furthermore, as part of step S5, a confirmation is sent to the computer 3 connected to the light barrier device 5 that the food packaging has actually fallen into the collection area.

The locking mechanism 2 is released again after a predetermined time after the opening S3 in a step S6 and the bolts thus push back into the state in which they can lock the drum 6 . At the latest when this predetermined time has expired and the drum 6 is back in its original state, the bolts snap back into the drum 6 and lock it.

In a step S7, information about the return that has taken place is transmitted to the server 400 if it has been determined in step S5 that it has fallen into the collection area. In particular, the time of return is transmitted to the server 400 .

In the method, in particular, a clear identification of the food packaging can take place.

Feedback on at least some of the steps and prompts to the user is provided via the display.

Reference List

1

input tray

2

locking mechanism

3

computer

4

scanner (top)

4'

scanner (rear)

5

light barrier device

6

drum

7

screen

8th

cover

9

Handle

10

clamping frame

11

end position sensor

12

swivel bearing

13

upper disc

14

rear disc

15

Frames for cameras and disc

16

Hood

17

carrier

18

deployment frame

19

side part

20

floor pan

21

cover plate

22

fairing panel

23

axis

24

insert plate

100

module

200

Refrigerator

300

collection container

400

server

500

food packaging

501

barcode

Claims (17)

Food packaging reverse vending machine comprising: - a pivoted input compartment (1) into which a food packaging (500) to be returned can be input, - A locking mechanism (2) for the pivotally mounted input compartment (1), with a locked initial state in which pivoting of the input compartment (1) is blocked, and a released state in which the input compartment (1) can be pivoted in such a way that the entered food packaging (500) from the input compartment (1) falls into a collection area - a computer (3) set up to control the locking mechanism (2), - At least one scanner (4, 4') connected to the computer (3) for scanning the food packaging (500) entered into the input compartment (1), the computer (3) being set up to release the locking mechanism (2) when at least one of the at least one scanners (4, 4') detects an input food package, so that the input compartment (1) can be pivoted, - A light barrier device (5) connected to the computer (3), which is arranged in such a way that the food packaging (500) falling from the input compartment (1) into the collection area passes a light barrier of the light barrier device (5), for checking whether the food packaging (500) falls into the gathering area. return machine after claim 1 , wherein a first scanner (4) connected to the computer (3) is set up for scanning an upper side of the food packaging entered into the input compartment (1) and/or wherein a second scanner (4') connected to the computer (3) is set up for scanning one side of the food packaging (500) placed in the input compartment (1), the scanner or scanners (4, 4') comprising a camera and/or being designed as a barcode scanner. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling device for cooling the collection area, wherein the cooling device preferably comprises a refrigerator (200) and/or wherein the input compartment (1) is integrated into a refrigerator door and/or wherein the cooling device is set up to Cool collection area to 3°C or less. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the food packaging (500) can be inserted into the input compartment (1) from the front and the released input compartment (1) can be pivoted to the rear, so that the food packaging (500) can be removed from the input compartment (1) at the rear the collection area falls. Reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pivotably mounted input compartment (1) is arranged in a rotatable lying drum (6). return machine after claim 5 , wherein the drum (6) is formed so that it pivots back to an original state by its own weight after pivoting. Automatic reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking mechanism (2) comprises at least one bolt for locking the input compartment and/or at least one magnetic switch. return machine after claim 7 , wherein the at least one bolt is biased into the locked state, and wherein the computer (3) is preferably set up, to release the locking mechanism (2), open the at least one bolt by means of the at least one magnetic switch against the bias and open again after a preset time to release. Reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display (7) connected to the computer (3). Automatic reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the computer (3) has an Internet connection and is preferably set up for real-time communication with a server (400). Reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a collection container (300) which is preferably removable. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a panel (8) with a recess, wherein the pivotably mounted input compartment (1) is arranged behind the panel (8), so that the food packaging (500) to be returned can be passed through the recess of the panel into the Input compartment (1) can be entered. return machine after claim 12 , further comprising a handle (9) for pivoting the input tray (1) by a user, wherein the handle (9) extends through the recess of the panel (8), and wherein the handle (9) preferably comprises a horizontal bar. Return machine after one of the Claims 12 or 13 , further comprising a second light barrier device connected to the computer (3) for monitoring the recess of the diaphragm (8). Process for taking back food packaging, wherein a pivotably mounted input compartment (1) is provided, into which a food packaging (500) to be returned can be input, and a locking mechanism (2) for the input tray (1) is provided, with an initial locked state in which pivoting of the input tray (1) is blocked, and a released state in which the input tray (1) is pivotable such that the entered food packaging (500) falls from the input compartment (1) into a collection area, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting whether a food package (500) is inserted into the compartment, - Releasing the locking mechanism (2) for the pivoted input compartment (1) when an input food packaging (500) is recognized, - Detect whether the food packaging (500) entered falls out of the input compartment (1) into a collection area. procedure after claim 15 , further comprising communicating with a server (400), for the transmission and/or comparison of recorded information on the food packaging (500), wherein in particular a barcode (501) on the food packaging (500) is recorded and/or a unique identification of the food packaging ( 500) takes place. procedure after Claim 16 , A return time at which it was detected that the input food packaging (500) fell into the collection area is transmitted to the server (400).

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