DK2249320T3 - A method and apparatus for cleaning machines, which receives returned, empty containers. - Google Patents

Description

1

Method and device for cleaning machines receiving returned empty containers Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for cleaning a reverse vending machine which has a number of functional modules with subassemblies, wherein a transport module for conveying a returnable container and/or an input module for introducing the returnable container into the reverse vending machine and/or a detection module for identifying a returnable container and/or a sorting module for feeding said returnable container fed thereto to one of a plurality of sorting paths and/or a compacting module for reducing the size of the returnable container are arranged as a functional module. EP1 150 254 A1 describes a reverse vending machine for empty containers which has at least one input unit, one detection unit and one output unit, as well as transport routes connecting the units. A cleaning apparatus for reverse vending machines is known from DE 103 47 565 B4, which apparatus has a detection module for identifying a returnable container, an input module for introducing the returnable container into the reverse vending machine and at least one transport module for conveying the returnable container. In addition, a cleaning module is configured as a separate structural component. The cleaning module can be introduced into the reverse vending machine in cleaning operation via the input module and conveyed by a conveyor belt of the transport module into the machine. The cleaning module has a closed hollow body with fixed walls filled with a cleaning fluid. The walls of the cleaning module have a perforated design for the outlet of the cleaning liquid. The reverse vending machine and/or the cleaning module also have holding means, by means of which the cleaning module is held on the conveyor belt in a substantially fixed manner when the conveyor belt is switched on. In this way, the circulating conveyor belt is cleaned. The disadvantage of this is that the cleaning module can only be used for cleaning the conveyor belt. Neither other subassemblies of the transport module nor other functional modules of the reverse vending machine can be cleaned using the cleaning module. Moreover, it is disadvantageous for the 2 cleaning module to be configured as a separate structural unit and for it to have to be inserted into the machine manually. There is a risk in this case of the cleaning module being wrongly positioned. In addition, due to the manual gripping, there is no possibility of automatic cleaning of the reverse vending machine, depending on the degree of dirt or the operating time, for example.

The problem addressed by the present invention is that of developing an apparatus and a method for cleaning a reverse vending machine in such a manner that the cleaning of one or a plurality of subassemblies is further simplified and made possible without manual assistance.

In order to solve this problem, the invention in conjunction with the preamble of Patent Claim 1 is characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) interacts with a first drive unit (15) of a functional module of the reverse vending machine via a coupling unit (14), such that the pressure generating device is actuable in dependence on the direction of rotation of the drive unit.

The particular advantage of the invention is that a pressurized fluid, for example a washing fluid or a rinsing fluid, can be fed to one or a plurality of subassemblies distributed in the reverse vending machine. The feeding means in this case may be configured as a line system, for example, with one or a plurality of outlet openings for the fluid. In this way, the fluid can easily reach almost any point of the reverse vending machine. The pressure generating device may be arranged centrally, for example proximate to a storage container supplying the fluid. In addition, the pressure generating device may be actuated via a central drive unit. The cleaning apparatus thereby has a small and compact design.

Through the provision of a central pressure generating device and the distribution of the fluid via feeding means, the cleaning apparatus can also be of modular design, such that depending on the configuration, type and/or intended use of the reverse vending machine, different functional modules can be cleaned. In this way, a standardized pressure generating device can be used through the provision of different variants of feeding means to create a great plurality of cleaning apparatuses. The resulting usability of 3 a standardized pressure generating device means that this can be produced particularly economically in large numbers.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the feeding means has at least one spray nozzle for atomizing the fluid on exiting the feeding means. Through the provision of a spray nozzle for the atomization of the fluid in the form of a spray mist, a good distribution of the fluid in the subassembly to be cleaned is produced. The number of outlet openings for the fluid may be correspondingly small. For example, through the structural configuration of the spray nozzle forming a spray cone, the fluid can exit the feeding means. The spray cone in this case may be formed in such a manner that depending on the geometry of the spray nozzle and the distance between the subassemblies being cleaned and the spray nozzle, a predefined cleaning area is created.

Moreover, the atomization of the fluid in the form of a spray mist means that the amount of fluid required for a cleaning process can be small. This produces economic advantages, on the one hand. On the other hand, the introduction of small amounts of fluid reduces the risk of damage to the reverse vending machine, for example due to corrosion or due to moisture penetrating an electronic component, for example a sensor or a sensor unit.

According to a development of the invention, the at least one spray nozzle is arranged in such a manner that at least part of the subassembly to be cleaned is covered extensively by the fluid atomized in the form of a spray mist. The number of spray nozzles can advantageously be reduced by a distributed arrangement thereof in the reverse vending machine. Each spray nozzle in this case may be formed in such a manner that a surface to be cleaned is completely wetted by the atomized fluid. The spray nozzle in this case may be arranged either fixedly or, in order to enlarge the surface exposed to the spray mist, movably in the reverse vending machine. The movable spray nozzle may either be actively positioned or passively tilted by the pressure of the fluid. According to a development of the invention, the pressure generating device and/or the at least one storage container are integrated spatially in the reverse vending machine. The spatial integration of the cleaning apparatus means that manual insertion thereof 4 can be dispensed with. The cleaning action can therefore take place automatically, for example at predetermined intervals in time, depending on the degree of dirt in the reverse vending machine or after a predetermined number of reverse vending actions. Irrespective of this, it may likewise be possible to start the cleaning action manually, for example through the actuation of a corresponding input element.

According to a development of the invention, a compressed air reservoir for temporarily storing the compressed air generated in the pressure generating device is arranged between the pressure generating device and the storage container. By providing a temporary store, a predetermined and for the cleaning process advantageous amount of compressed air can be supplied and/or exposed to a predetermined pressure. The compressed air reservoir in this case is used as a virtual buffer between the pressure generating device and the fluid stored in the at least one storage container. It balances out pressure fluctuations and pulsations in the compressed air supplied by the pressure generating device. Moreover, the cleaning process may be coupled in time through the provision of the compressed air reservoir by the operation of the pressure generating device. It is therefore possible and under certain circumstances advantageous, but not strictly necessary, for the pressure generating device to be actuated during the application of the fluid to the subassemblies to be cleaned.

According to a development of the invention, the pressure generating device has a pneumatic cylinder for generating compressed air. The pneumatic cylinder may be configured as a single-acting or double-acting pneumatic cylinder and have a piston rod which is drivable via a rotationally acting drive unit and a crank-rocker mechanism by means of a rotationally acting drive unit. Single-acting and/or double-acting pneumatic cylinders are available as standardized components in large numbers at a reasonable price. A choice can be made in this case between different pressure levels and cylinder sizes, so that there is great flexibility in terms of volume flows and the pressure level. In the case of a single-acting pneumatic cylinder, in which a working stroke and an idle stroke are produced per rotation of the drive unit, the sealing expense and also the expenditure on the pneumatic circuit in this case is small. In the case of the double-acting double cylinder, two working strokes are produced per rotation of the drive unit, so that the volume flow - with otherwise identical dimensions - can be se- 5 lected to be correspondingly greater or the installation space - with an otherwise identical volume flow - can be selected to be smaller. By providing a rotational drive movement and a crank-rocker mechanism, a cost-effective, robustly built electric motor available in large numbers can be used. The rotational drive movement in this case is converted via the crank-rocker mechanism into a linear movement. For this purpose, the crank-rocker mechanism and/or the pneumatic cylinder itself can be pivotably mounted.

According to a development of the invention, a coupling unit is arranged between the pressure generating device and the drive unit, such that the pressure generating device can be actuated depending on the direction of rotation of the drive unit. The coupling unit is configured as a freewheel, such that when the drive unit is actuated in normal operation, the pressure generating device is not activated and such that when the drive unit is actuated in cleaning operation, the pressure generating device is activated. In this way, the drive unit can advantageously be used in normal operation, for example, to drive a conveyor belt which is arranged in a transport module for conveying the returnable containers. The same drive unit may actuate the pressure generating device in cleaning operation. If the drive unit rotates in a clockwise direction in normal operation, for example, the returnable container is conveyed in a transport direction on the conveyor belt. In this case, the freewheel ensures that the pressure generating device is uncoupled, in other words the drive movement is not transferred to the pressure generating device. In cleaning operation the drive unit then turns in an anticlockwise direction. The freewheel transmits the movement of the drive unit to the pressure generating device. Moreover, the conveyor belt is moved against the transport direction. Simultaneous transportation of the returnable container in the transport direction and actuation of the pressure generating device is not envisaged in this case.

According to a development of the invention, a plurality of storage containers is arranged with fluid. Via at least one switchable valve that is arranged between the pressure generating device and the storage containers either no, one or a plurality of storage containers can be exposed to compressed air. By providing a plurality of storage containers, different fluids can be supplied for cleaning the reverse vending machine. For example, depending on the structural and functional marginal conditions and the 6 materials to be cleaned, different fluids can be used for different functional modules. In addition, it is conceivable for the cleaning process to be multi-stage, for example two-stage, and for a washing fluid to be applied to the subassemblies to be cleaned first, followed by a rinsing fluid. In addition, it is conceivable that through the mixing of different fluids during the cleaning operation, a special cleaning agent which reacts chemically or is volatile, for example, is processed directly after mixing. Through the provision of a switchable valve between the pressure generating device and the storage container, the storage container or storage containers to be pressurized in this case can be controlled.

According to a development of the invention, the at least one storage container can be exposed to compressed air depending on an operating position of a second drive unit of a functional module of the reverse vending machine. The second drive unit in this case may be used during cleaning operation to actuate the switchable valve or another actuating means. In normal operation, this drive unit can be provided for another purpose, for example for driving a crank-rocker mechanism of a sorting module, a conveyor belt or the mechanical components of a compacting module.

According to a development of the invention, a control unit assigned to the first drive unit and/or the second drive unit is used for controlling the pressure generating device and/or the at least one controllable valve and/or for controlling at least one functional module and/or for controlling the reverse vending machine. Through integration of the control system, a separate control unit for the cleaning apparatus can advantageously be dispensed with. The control units which are in any case present in the reverse vending machine are used in addition to control the pressure generating device and/or the switchable valves, so that the provision of additional hardware components can be dispensed with.

In order to solve the problem, the invention also relates to a method in conjunction with the preamble of Patent Claim 9, characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) is driven via a coupling unit (14) via a first drive unit (15) of a functional module (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of the reverse vending machine (1) in dependence on the direction of rotation of the drive unit. 7

The particular advantage of the invention is that the fluid can be applied in a single cleaning process to one or a plurality of subassemblies to be cleaned and distributed in the reverse vending machine. In this way, extensive and simultaneously time-saving cleaning can be effected, the functional principle not being limited to subassemblies of the reverse vending machine that are accessible from outside or easy to reach in some other way. Because the fluid is pressurized, it may be sprayed mechanically onto the subassemblies to be cleaned, for example, or atomized by means of corresponding nozzles.

According to a development of the invention, in cleaning operation first of all a washing fluid and then a rinsing fluid is applied to at least a part of the subassemblies to be cleaned. With the washing fluid, chemical, biological or mechanical cleaning substances can advantageously be applied to the subassembly to be cleaned. Then, after a given contact time, for example, the cleaning substances are rinsed off the subassemblies through the application of a rinsing fluid, so that no or only small residues of the cleaning substances remain on the subassemblies to be cleaned. The multistage, sequential cleaning process in this case on the one hand guarantees effective cleaning of the functional modules. On the other hand, it is ensured that mechanically, chemically and biologically effective cleaning substances which would sometimes damage the subassembly if they were left in contact for too long are rinsed off.

Further advantages of the invention result from the further dependent claims.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in greater detail below with the help of the figure.

The figure shows a reverse vending machine 1. The reverse vending machine 1 is used in retail businesses, for example, as a self-service unit where customers can return single-use and/or multiple use returnable containers, in particular plastic or glass bottles and also metal cans, without the involvement of staff. In return, they receive the deposit value of the returnable containers in cash and/or as credit (voucher). 8

The reverse vending machine 1 typically has a plurality of functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 which may be designed as structurally, functionally or spatially closed units. Each functional module 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 comprises a number of partial subassemblies which consist of individual parts (e.g. mechanical components, electrical elements) and/or partial subassemblies and form concrete components of the functional module 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Typical functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of the reverse vending machine 1 are one or a plurality of input modules 2 for introducing the returnable containers into the reverse vending machine 1, one or a plurality of transport modules 3 for conveying the returnable containers into or through the reverse vending machine 1, one or a plurality of detection modules 4 for identifying the returnable container, one or a plurality of sorting modules 5 for feeding said supplied returnable container to one of a plurality of sorting paths and/or one or a plurality of compacting modules 6 to reduce the size of the returnable container. The nature and number of the functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in this case may be dependent on the type of reverse vending machine 1, its intended use and its place of use.

For example, two input modules 2 may be provided to receive bottles and/or cans, on the one hand, and to return returnable containers arranged in crates, on the other. It is likewise conceivable for two input modules 2 for bottles and cans to be arranged in parallel, in order to increase the throughput of the reverse vending machine 1.

The number of transport modules 3 may likewise vary depending on the number of input modules 2 and/or the possible sorting paths; in the simplest case, the returnable container fed via the input module 2 will be fed via a single transport module 3 to a collecting container. Complex reverse vending machines 1, by contrast, have a plurality of transport modules 3. For example, reverse vending machines 1 are known in which the returnable containers are fed via a first transport module 3 configured as a feeding belt to a sorting module 5 and are delivered there to one of a plurality of transport modules 2 configured as discharge paths. 9

The sorting module 5 may be used to separate single-use returnable containers, on the one hand, and multiple use returnable containers, on the other. In this case, the singleuse returnable containers may be reduced in size in a compacting module 6 downstream of the sorting module 5, for example squashed and/or cut up. In this way, the volume of returnable containers is reduced, so that storage and return transport of the returnable containers can be arranged more economically.

Typically, but not imperatively, each input module 2 is moreover assigned a separate detection module 4 for identifying the type of returnable container: the type of the returnable container enables on the one hand the deposit value thereof and, on the other hand, a control variable for the sorting module 5 and/or the compacting module 6 to be determined. It is also known in the art that the detection module 4 is functionally and/or structurally integrated in the compacting module 6. The number of input modules 2 does not therefore necessarily correspond to the number of detection modules 4.

In the present case, a reverse vending machine 1 exhibiting an input module 2, a transport module 3, a detection module 4, a sorting module 5 and a compacting module 6 is described simply by way of example. Irrespective of this, the invention also relates to reverse vending machines 1 in which additional functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 not described here or the functional modules described are not arranged or are arranged in a different number.

During use, the individual functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 become dirty due to the return of partially full or dirty returnable containers. The cleaning of individual or all functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 serves to ensure the operation and to prolong the service life. To this end, the reverse vending machine 1 has a cleaning apparatus 7. The cleaning apparatus 7 comprises a pressure generating device 8 and also two storage containers 9, 10 for storing fluids. In addition, a number of feeding means (lines 11, spray nozzles 12, connection valve 20) are arranged, via which the pressure generating device 8 is connected to the storage containers 9, 10 and the storage containers 9, 10 to a plurality of spray nozzles 12. 10

The pressure generating device 8 is connected via a converter 13 and an additional coupling element 14 in the form of a freewheel to a first drive unit 15. The converter 13 is used to adapt the speed of the first drive unit 15 to the operating requirements of the pressure generating device 8, in particular the speed and torque. The freewheel 14 ensures that the drive movement of the first drive unit 15 actuates or does not actuate the pressure generating device 8 depending on the direction of rotation of the same. For example, the freewheel 14 may be configured in such a manner that a rotation of the first drive unit 15 in a clockwise direction actuates the pressure generating device 8, but a rotation in the anticlockwise direction is not transmitted from the freewheel 14 to the pressure generating device 8.

The first drive unit 15 in the present exemplary embodiment is also used as a drive unit for the transport module 3. It is used to drive a conveyor belt 16 and is activated via a control unit 17 of the transport module 3. The first drive unit 15 is assigned a dual function, to the extent that the first drive unit 15 is cleaned during normal operation to transport the returnable containers on the conveyor belt 16 and during cleaning operation to drive the pressure generating device 8.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention which is not shown, a separate drive unit may, irrespectively, be provided for the pressure generating device 8 which is actuable independently of the drive unit 15 of the transport module 3 or of another functional module 2, 4, 5, 6. In addition, the converter 13 and/or the freewheel 14 can be dispensed with. Likewise, rather than the first drive unit 15 which is assigned to the transport module 3 in the present example, a drive unit of another arbitrary functional module 2, 4, 5, 6 can actuate the pressure generating device 8. In particular, a drive unit of the compacting module 6 can be used. This typically provides a high torque. In addition, the compacting module 6 offers the possibility of using large-scale cylinders too. It seems possible in this case for pressures of 5 bars or more to be generated.

Between the pressure generating device 8 and the storage containers 9, 10 are arranged a compressed air reservoir 18 and a switchable valve 19. The compressed air reservoir 18 is used to temporarily store the compressed air generated in the pressure generating device 8. The compressed air stored in the compressed air reservoir 18 can be fed via 11 the switchable valve 19 to neither, one or both storage containers 9, 10, so that the fluids stored in the storage containers 9, 10 are exposed to compressed air. Via the lines 11 downstream of the storage containers 9, 10 and also a connection valve 20, the pressurized fluid or fluids are fed to the spray nozzles 12. The connection valve 20 ensures that the first fluid stored in the first storage container 9 can be conveyed in the direction of the spray nozzles 12, but not in the direction of the second storage container 10. Likewise, the connection valve 20 ensures that the second fluid stored in the second storage container 10 can be conveyed in the direction of the spray nozzles 12, but not in the direction of the first storage container 9.

The switchable valve 19 is actuated via a second drive unit 21. The second drive unit 21 is assigned to the sorting module 5 and is used there primarily to drive a connecting link 22, via which control members of the sorting module 5 which are not shown can be brought into a plurality of sorting positions. The connecting link 22 is configured in such a manner that all sorting positions can be adopted with a setting movement of the second drive unit 21 of less than 360°. This means it is possible for an additional two limit stops to be positioned, against which the connecting link 22 or another component connected thereto can be moved by means of the second drive unit 22.

When actuating the first stop, the first storage container 9 is exposed to compressed air via the switchable valve 19, so that the fluid stored in the storage container 9 can be applied via the spray nozzles 12 to the subassemblies of the functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to be cleaned. Similarly, the storage container 10 is exposed to compressed air and the fluid stored in the second storage container 10 is discharged. When approaching the stops, the switchable valve 19 may be actuated via a mechanical connection means 23. Likewise, the approaching of the stop may be detected by a sensor, for example via a contact switch, or without a sensor, for example with help of an increase in the motor current of the second drive unit 21. The corresponding switching information can be processed in the control unit 24 of the sorting module 5 and fed via a data cable 25 to the actively configured valve 19.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention which is not shown, in order to actuate the switchable valve 19, a separate control member can be arranged. In addi- 12 ion, rather than the second drive unit 22 assigned to the sorting module 5, a drive unit )f any other arbitrary functional module 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 can be used. Rather than the con-rol unit 24 of the sorting module 4, a control unit assigned to the cleaning apparatus 7 and not shown or any other arbitrary control unit of the reverse vending machine 1 nay be used. rhe following procedure is followed in order to clean the functional modules 3, 4, 5, 6 shown. rhe reverse vending machine 1 is changed from normal operation, in which the first irive unit 15 drives the conveyor belt 16 of the transport module 3 in the conveying iirection of the returnable containers and the second drive unit 21 of the sorting mod-ale 5 actuates the control members which are not shown via the connecting link 22, to cleaning operation. This may take place via the central control system of the reverse sending machine 1 or via any other arbitrary control unit 17, 24 of an arbitrary func-ional module 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In cleaning operation, the direction of rotation of the first irive unit 15 is inverted, so that it actuates the pressure generating device 8 via the converter 13 and the freewheel 14. By means of the pressure generating device 8, the compressed air reservoir 18 is filled with compressed air. \fter reaching a predetermined compressed air quantity and/or a predetermined pres-;ure in the compressed air reservoir 18, the connecting link 22 is moved by means of he second drive unit 21 against the first stop which is not shown and the fluid stored in he first storage container 9 is exposed to compressed air via the switchable valve 19. rhe fluid exposed to compressed air therefore flows through the lines 11 and the con-lection valve 20 in the direction of the spray nozzles 12. On exiting the spray nozzles 12, the fluid is atomized in the form of a spray mist, so that at least a part of the subas->emblies to be cleaned of the functional modules 3, 4, 5, 6 are sprayed and wetted ex-ensively with an adequate amount of well distributed fluid. In the first storage con-ainer 9, for example, a washing fluid is stored which contains mechanically, chemical-y or biologically effective cleaning substances. 13

In a further process step, the connecting link 22 is moved via the second drive unit 21 against the second stop which is not depicted. The pressurization of the first storage container 9 is thereby ended. The fluid stored in the second storage container 10 is pressurized via the switchable valve 19, so that it flows in the direction of the spray nozzles 12 and is applied in a known manner to the subassemblies to be cleaned. In the case of the second fluid, this may be rinsing fluid, for example, which is used to rinse off the washing fluid and prevent the reactive cleaning substances from remaining on the subassemblies.

The atomized first and second fluids are collected in collecting means which are not shown and are arranged beneath the subassemblies to be cleaned, said collecting means being connected to one another and/or being capable of opening out in a central collection means which is not shown. In this way, uncontrolled spreading of the fluid in the reverse vending machine 1 is prevented.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the cleaning process takes place in a time-controlled manner. A fixed time interval is provided for the actuation of the pressure generating device 8. Once the time interval has elapsed, the first stop is approached by means of the second drive unit 21. Once a further time interval has elapsed, the second stop is approached in a known manner. In this way, the entire cleaning process can be realized without additional sensor elements or additional control units simply by means of the drive units 15, 21 and control units 17, 24 which are present in any case.

Alternatively, the pressure generating device 8 can be actuated again between the application of the first fluid and the second fluid to the subassembly to be cleaned and the pressure reservoir 18 is filled again. The actuation of the pressure generating device can take place in a time-controlled manner in this case as before.

Alternatively, it is of course possible through additional sensor components to measure the volume flow, for example, or else to determine the pressure in the compressed air reservoir. Likewise, sensors can be used, for example optically acting sensors, in order to control the duration of the cleaning process with the help of the current degree of 14 dirt. Moreover, by means of filling level sensors, the amounts of fluids stored in the storage containers 9, 10 can be determined.

The cleaning process can be controlled in this case by a separate control unit of the cleaning apparatus 7 which is not shown, by one of the control units 17, 24 which are provided in any event or by a control unit which is not shown of the input module 2, of the detection module 4 or of the compacting module 6. In addition, rather than the decentralized control units 17, 24 of the functional modules 3, 5, a central control unit for the entire reverse vending machine 1 may be arranged which firstly controls the functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and secondly the cleaning apparatus 7.

In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, a spray nozzle 12 is assigned in each case to the transport module 3, to the detection module 4, to the sorting module 5 and to the compacting module 6. No spray nozzle 12 is assigned to the input module 2 in the present exemplary embodiment. Irrespective of this, using the cleaning apparatus 7 in an alternative embodiment of the invention, all or a selection other than that depicted of functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 can be cleaned. Likewise, it is possible for more than one spray nozzle 12 to be arranged per functional module 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The spray nozzles 12 of the individual functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 may differ in respect of their number, arrangement and geometric configuration. It is likewise conceivable that through additional valves, the fluid is only fed to selected functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, while other functional modules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to which a spray nozzle 12 is assigned are not cleaned due to the valve position.

The storage containers 9, 10 may be assigned a manual display means as a level indicator, for example a float or an inspection window. In this way, the amount of fluid stored can be determined manually. If there is an insufficient amount of fluid, the storage container 9, 10 can be replaced and/or the fluid topped up. 15

List of reference numbers 1 Reverse vending machine 2 Functional module (input module) 3 Functional module (transport module) 4 Functional module (detection module) 5 Functional module (sorting module) 6 Functional module (compacting module) 7 Cleaning apparatus 8 Pressure generating device 9 Storage container 10 Storage container 11 Line 12 Spray nozzles 13 Converter 14 Coupling means / freewheel 15 First drive unit 16 Conveyor belt 17 Control unit 18 Compressed air reservoir 19 Switchable valve 20 Connection valve 21 Second drive unit 22 Connecting link 23 Mechanical connection means 24 Control unit 25 Data cable

Claims (12)

16 An apparatus for cleaning a return vending machine having a number of function modules with subgroups, thereby providing as a function module a transport module for transporting a return container and / or an input module for introducing the return container into the return vending machine and / or a detection module for identifying a return container and / or a sorting module for supplying the return container which has been passed thereto to one of a number of sorting paths and / or a compacting module for reducing the size of the return container, whereby at least one fluid contained in a storage container (9, 10) by means of a pressure generating device (8) can be subjected to pressure in such a way that the fluid can be supplied to at least one sub-module via feed means, the feed means at least comprising a spray nozzle (12) for atomizing the fluid at the exit from the feed, characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) via a clutch unit (14) cooperates with a first drive unit (15) in a function module of the empty goods return machine, the pressure generating device (8) acts via a clutch unit (14) together with a first drive unit (15) in a function module in the empty goods return machine in such a way that the pressure generating device can be activated depending on the direction of rotation of the drive unit. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one atomizer nozzle (12) is arranged such that at least part of a sub-module over the entire surface is covered by the fluid atomized as a spray mist. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) and / or the at least one storage container is arranged in a manner so that it is spatially integrated in the empty goods return machine (1). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 17, characterized in that a compressed air reservoir (18) for temporary storage of the compressed air produced in the pressure generating device (8) is arranged between the pressure generating device (8). ) and the storage container (9, 10). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) comprises a pneumatic cylinder for producing compressed air, the pneumatic cylinder being designed as a single-acting or a double-acting cylinder. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the pneumatic cylinder comprises a piston rod which can be operated via a rotator-acting drive unit (first drive unit 15) and a crank-rocker mechanism. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coupling unit (14) is configured with a free running, so that when the first drive unit (15) is activated in normal operation, the pressure-generating device (8) does not is activated and so that when the first drive unit (15) is activated for purge operation, the pressure generating device (8) is activated. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sub-module to be cleaned has associated with a collecting means for collecting the at least one fluid after the sub-modules have been cleaned. A method of cleaning an empty goods return machine comprising a plurality of function modules with sub-modules, thereby providing as a function module a transport module for transporting a return-suitable container and / or an input module for introducing the return-suitable container into empty goods. the return dispenser and / or a detection module for identifying the returnable container and / or a sorting module for supplying the returnable container being fed thereto to one of a number of sorting paths and / or a compacting module for the purpose of on reducing the size of the returnable container, whereby, in the purge operation of the empty goods return machine, a) at least one fluid is supplied by compressed air, and b) the at least one fluid is supplied via at least a part of the supply means. of the sub-modules to be cleaned, characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) can be operated depending on the direction of rotation of the drive unit. Process according to claim 9, characterized in that during the cleaning operation a) first a washing fluid is applied and b) then a cleaning fluid on at least part of the sub-modules to be cleaned. Method according to either claim or 10, characterized in that the pressure generating device (8) is driven only in one of two directions of movement of the first drive unit (15). Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a switching valve (19) is arranged between the pressure generating device (8) and the at least one storage container (9, 10) for storing the fluid. , is activated in dependence on the rotational position of another drive unit (21), so that, with compressed air of choice, no, one or a number of stored fluids are supplied.