EP0685096B1 - Device for compacting returnable packages - Google Patents

Device for compacting returnable packages Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0685096B1
EP0685096B1 EP94907763A EP94907763A EP0685096B1 EP 0685096 B1 EP0685096 B1 EP 0685096B1 EP 94907763 A EP94907763 A EP 94907763A EP 94907763 A EP94907763 A EP 94907763A EP 0685096 B1 EP0685096 B1 EP 0685096B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
compacting
wall
tubular element
movable wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94907763A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0685096A1 (en
Inventor
Lars Bertram
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canmatic Recycling AB
Original Assignee
Canmatic Recycling AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canmatic Recycling AB filed Critical Canmatic Recycling AB
Publication of EP0685096A1 publication Critical patent/EP0685096A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0685096B1 publication Critical patent/EP0685096B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B9/00—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes
    • B30B9/32—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for consolidating scrap metal or for compacting used cars
    • B30B9/321—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for consolidating scrap metal or for compacting used cars for consolidating empty containers, e.g. cans
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for compacting recyclable packages in general and beverage containers, such as metal cans or so-called PET bottles, in a recycling system in particular.
  • Efficient collection means, for instance, that the consumer is offered the opportunity to return beverage containers in several optional places. As a rule, this means that it should be possible to return the cans and bottles close to the point of sale, e.g. a supermarket, local shop, filling station or kiosk. Efficient collection also involves the use of efficient equipment for receiving beverage containers, i.e. cans or bottles, for handling the containers and for printing out a refund slip or paying out cash for the number of cans and bottles returned and accepted. Moreover, the returned packages are suitably compacted in the recycling apparatus itself or in equipment adjacent to it, since this will lengthen emptying intervals.
  • the weight of the can is measured as a function of the moment of inertia occasioned by the can when the cradle is rotated.
  • the compacting equipment is of the chain type, in which returned, accepted bottles are crushed and perforated.
  • Document EP-A-0515835 discloses a device for compacting recyclable beverage cans wherein the can is to be guided into an infeed unit, which decides whether the can is to be guided to a pressing chamber or to a non pressing chamber.
  • the pressing chamber consists of two parallel walls, one of which is moveable.
  • An object of the present invention therefore is to provide a device for compacting recyclable packages, such as aluminium cans or plastic bottles, in compliance with a certain, predetermined requirement profile.
  • a second object of the present invention is to provide a device having a compact and robust as well as energy-efficient compacting unit.
  • a third object of the present invention is to provide a device for compacting recyclable beverage containers, which has such a size and involves such costs and is so reliable that it can be employed also at minor points of sales, such as filling stations and kiosks.
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a device for compacting recycled beverage containers according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the inventive device.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the inventive device.
  • Figs 1-3 show an embodiment of an inventive device 2 for sorting beverage containers, such as metal cans or plastic bottles (not shown), and subsequent compaction of packages complying with a certain, predetermined requirement profile and thus qualifying as accepted packages.
  • the device 2 has an infeed unit 4, a checking unit 6 and a compacting unit 8, which will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
  • a returned can or bottle is deposited in the infeed unit 4, which has a space with a substantially vertical opening 10' and a substantially horizontal opening 10", below which there is provided a tubular element 14 which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal shaft 12 and having an internal diameter which slightly exceeds the external diameter of ordinary recyclable beverage cans or bottles currently existing on the market.
  • one end of the tubular element 14 substantially connects with the substantially horizontal opening 10" of the above-mentioned space.
  • a first primary sorting is carried out of the objects to be deposited in the inventive device.
  • a metal detector 15 of inductive or capacitive type is arranged at the tubular element 15. Such detectors are well-known in the art and, therefore, will not be described in more detail here.
  • a dividable bottom plate 16 obstructing or exposing the upper end of the tubular element 14 for reasons which will be stated below.
  • the plate 18 is driven by a drive unit 20, i.e. a motor, which drives the plate 18, either directly or via a transmission means, such as a belt.
  • a drive unit 20 i.e. a motor, which drives the plate 18, either directly or via a transmission means, such as a belt.
  • the plate 18 and the whole or parts of the drive unit 20 are suspended in pendulum fashion from a pin 22.
  • a counterweight 24 is so adjusted as to balance the plate 18, the drive unit 20 and an aluminium can or plastic bottle accepted in accordance with the above-mentioned requirement profile, which is placed on the plate 18.
  • a limit switch (not shown).
  • the limit switch When an object not complying with the requirement profile by having an excessive weight is placed on the plate 18, this is pivoted downwards so as to actuate the limit switch, which in turn entails that the tubular element 14 is rotated to a first end position, in which it makes an angle of e.g. +45° with the vertical plane, thus passing the object on to e.g. an ejector.
  • the plate 18 comprises a load cell for establishing the weight of the load placed on the plate.
  • the processing of the above-mentioned signals nonetheless takes place in the aforementioned central control unit which is in the form of e.g. a microcomputer.
  • the plate 18 preferably is rotary.
  • the reason for this is that there is provided beside the plate 18 a bar-code reader 26, which also is connected to the above-mentioned microcomputer.
  • the bar-code reader is used for identifying a bar code which is applied on the can or the bottle and which may contain information about manufacturing/recycling country, type of package, size of refund and so forth.
  • the beverage container is deposited and passes through the tubular element 14, it will pass the metal detector 15 and land on the plate 18.
  • the beverage container is turned by the rotating plate 18 past the reader 26 for establishing e.g. the type of package, i.e. whether the package is a metal can or a plastic bottle, the size of the refund etc., this information being stored in the microcomputer.
  • the microcomputer activates the actuating means 28 and 30 which rotate the tubular element 14 through an angular range of +45° and -45°, respectively.
  • the microcomputer activates the actuating means 28 and 30 which rotate the tubular element 14 through an angular range of +45° and -45°, respectively.
  • deposited but rejected packages are conveyed e.g. to an ejector, which is achieved by the corresponding actuating means 28 causing the tubular element 14, partly surrounding the returned can, to rotate approximately +45° about the substantially horizontal shaft 12.
  • the accepted package is moved onwards by actuation of the corresponding actuating means 30 so as to rotate the tubular element 14 through -45°, to the compacting unit 8.
  • a shearing-type compacting unit essentially comprises a fixed rigid wall 32 and a wall 34 which is movable between substantially two end positions, in parallel with and towards the rigid wall 32, such that in a first end position it is located spaced from the rigid wall 32, the distance between the walls 32, 34 slightly exceeding the diameter of a can or bottle complying with the aforementioned requirement profile, while in a second end position it substantially makes contact with the rigid wall 32.
  • the displacement of the movable wall 34 is brought about by an eccentric/lever mechanism, see especially Fig. 1.
  • a disc 36 rotatably mounted in its centre, is driven by a motor 38.
  • one revolution of the disc 36 corresponds to a compacting motion of the compacting unit 8.
  • a contact means 50 actuable by the transmission arm 40 and one end 48 thereof.
  • the contact means 50 can be actuated by direct contact, for example being a microswitch, or be e.g. of magnetic type.
  • the signal from the contact means 50 is supplied to the aforementioned microcomputer which, responsive to this signal, controls the opening and the closure of the dividable bottom plate 16, so that more than one can or bottle is never passed on to the compacting unit 8.
  • the other end of the lever 42 is displaced through a substantially quarter-circle-shaped path 44 when the transmission arm 40 is moved upwards.
  • the movable wall 34 during its displacement is parallel to the fixed wall 32,.
  • a can or bottle located between the walls, and possibly supported by a bottom pin 46, see Fig. 2 is compacted in a shear motion, i.e. is crushed substantially in the longitudinal direction. This shear motion requires considerably less energy and force than other known compacting techniques.
  • the present invention is intended for use in a recycling machine for refund-type beverage containers complying with a certain requirement profile.
  • the invention is especially well suited for use in a small-size compactor in local shops, filling stations, kiosks and the like.
  • the paying-out unit necessary for printing out refund slips or for paying out the refund is suitably connected to the aforementioned microcomputer, which calculates the amount to be refunded. It is understood that a person skilled in the art may find alternative embodiments and other means which bring about the technical effect aimed at and which fall within the scope of the inventive concept. All such alterations and modifications are therefore intended to be encompassed by the claimed scope of protection.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
EP94907763A 1993-02-17 1994-02-17 Device for compacting returnable packages Expired - Lifetime EP0685096B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9300527A SE9300527D0 (sv) 1993-02-17 1993-02-17 Anordning foer sortering av metallburkar
SE9300527 1993-02-17
PCT/SE1994/000131 WO1994019776A1 (en) 1993-02-17 1994-02-17 Device for compacting returnable packages

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0685096A1 EP0685096A1 (en) 1995-12-06
EP0685096B1 true EP0685096B1 (en) 1998-01-07

Family

ID=20388930

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94907763A Expired - Lifetime EP0685096B1 (en) 1993-02-17 1994-02-17 Device for compacting returnable packages

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0685096B1 (sv)
AT (1) ATE161991T1 (sv)
AU (1) AU6120094A (sv)
DE (1) DE69407761T2 (sv)
DK (1) DK0685096T3 (sv)
FI (1) FI116489B (sv)
NO (1) NO953176L (sv)
SE (1) SE9300527D0 (sv)
WO (1) WO1994019776A1 (sv)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8606633B2 (en) 2010-03-15 2013-12-10 ReMag, LLC Periodical recycling and reward distribution systems and methods

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10132771A1 (de) * 2001-07-11 2003-01-30 Zentek Ges Fuer Kreislaufwirts Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Rücknahme von Gegenständen, insbesondere zur Rücknahme von Gebinden der Getränkeindustrie
DE10209504A1 (de) * 2002-02-22 2003-09-18 Rur Elektro Gmbh Verfahren zum Sammeln von Pfandverpackungen, Preßvorrichtungen und Sammelbehältnis
GB2449213B (en) 2007-05-18 2011-06-29 Kraft Foods R & D Inc Improvements in or relating to beverage preparation machines and beverage cartridges

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4519307A (en) * 1983-12-08 1985-05-28 Aluminum Company Of America Container recycling apparatus using scanning means to read code markings on containers
FI903419A (fi) * 1990-07-06 1992-01-07 Halton Oy Foerfarande och anordning vid sortering av returfoerpackningar av returflaskor, burkar m.m.
JPH05123898A (ja) * 1991-05-27 1993-05-21 Shizukou Kk 缶処理機及び缶処理方法

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8606633B2 (en) 2010-03-15 2013-12-10 ReMag, LLC Periodical recycling and reward distribution systems and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE161991T1 (de) 1998-01-15
EP0685096A1 (en) 1995-12-06
AU6120094A (en) 1994-09-14
DK0685096T3 (da) 1998-09-07
NO953176D0 (no) 1995-08-14
NO953176L (no) 1995-10-03
DE69407761T2 (de) 1998-08-06
SE9300527D0 (sv) 1993-02-17
FI953869A0 (sv) 1995-08-16
FI116489B (sv) 2005-11-30
DE69407761D1 (de) 1998-02-12
FI953869A (sv) 1995-10-04
WO1994019776A1 (en) 1994-09-01

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