EP1235191A1 - Reverse vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The equipment includes a vertical guide tube (1) with an inlet (G) for the insertion of cups, and a waste bin in which they are received. The cup passes detection bars (IR1-3) to monitor its passage through the chute, which is used for collection of cups after vending of drinks. The collection equipment comprises a guide tube (1) which is mounted vertically, or nearly vertical with an inlet (G) for the insertion of cups, and a waste bin in which they are received. The tube is of a diameter to ensure that the cup is guided down in the upright position, falling into the waste bin at the bottom. The cup includes an invisible marking, formed with an ink which is not seen under normal white light, but may be detected under IR light. The cup passes a first detection bar (IR1) near to the inlet (G), and then passes a light transmitting source (LL) and a light detector (LD) so that its passage can be read. the cup finally reaches two further detectors (IR2 and IR3) near to the bottom of the chute. A pivoting finger (D) controls the access to the tube just beneath the inlet (G).

Description

The invention relates to a disconnection device. More in particular, it relates to the container identification system to discard whose reliability is increased by the use of a new reading device.

We know different devices for the disconnection of containers such such as cups, cans, bottles, etc. Their references are given in French Patent No. 2,744,272 in the name of the present applicant. These devices all present problems of technical complexity, reliability and operating costs.

The apparatus described in patent No. 2,744,272 allows the withdrawal of a rigid or non-rigid container of liquid products or solid. Identification is ensured by the recognition of a marking determined from this returnable container and we proceed by redundancy of reading.

The device avoids errors associated with uniqueness of reading, and therefore the non-return of instructions for products normally returnable, caused by soiling, soiling or deterioration partial identification marking or reading device.

The device comprises at least two means of reading the marking at different sites and uses an inclusive "OR" logic function to decide on the return of the deposit. Thanks to this function, the recognition of the marking by only one of the different sites is sufficient to issue a counter value.

This logging device, designed to avoid as much as possible returnable container user is harmed, however has been found not to be able to distinguish the marking of a container identical to that to recognize but affixed illegally on an unrecorded cup.

Patent application N ° 2,785,702 in the name of the present applicant describes a disconnection device whose container identification is ensured by recognition of one or two markings of a different nature.

To ensure the recognition of returnable containers but only of these, the invention combines graphic marking and its reading process, mentioned in patent N ° 2,744,272, with a marking very difficult to reproduce, not detectable with the naked eye, or else still difficult to detect and reproduce.

• traitement des deux signaux obtenus après comparaison par une fonction logique « ET » ne générant un signal de reconnaissance et donc de délivrance d'une contre-valeur que si les deux premiers signaux correspondent à une identification des marquages ;
• choix de la déconsignation ou de la non déconsignation ;
• - chute du contenant dans le réceptacle ;
• - contrôle du bon cheminement du contenant ;
• - le cas échéant, restitution de la consigne.

The apparatus according to application No. 2.785.702 is designed so as to carry out all or part of the following steps:

• processing of the two signals obtained after comparison by a “AND” logic function generating a recognition signal and therefore of issuing a counter value only if the first two signals correspond to an identification of the markings;
• choice of termination or non-termination;
• - fall of the container into the receptacle;
• - control of the correct progress of the container;
• - if necessary, return of the deposit.

As in the case described in patent No. 2,744,272, the first marking, graphic or screen printing, of the container, generally a cup, is made with an ink, conductive or not, by a process known. This first marking can possibly be a decoy to mislay attempted fraud.

The second marking is not reproducible by the processes copy classics. We particularly choose an invisible marking performed in one or two places with fluorescent material under lighting ultraviolet. The pattern chosen is then more or less complex and depends on the management that we intend to practice with recovered containers, and of the type of operation made of the logging device.

The device for logging out is of the type described in the French Patent No. 2,744,272. Its recognition device is designed to similar way. However, it presents one or two site (s) additional reading (s) dedicated to the sole recognition of the invisible marking made fluorescent under ultraviolet light. This kind of site consists of at least one ultraviolet receptor cell. A container scrolling past this ultraviolet light sends back on the radiation receiving cell whose nature depends on the container meet. In the case of a returnable container, the invisible marking excited by the ultraviolet tube then emits fluorescent radiation corresponding to the marking recognition signal.

• selon le brevet N°2.744.272 les signaux émis par la zone correspondant au premier marquage sont traités par une fonction logique «OU» inclusif permettant d'identifier ce premier marquage même si une seule lecture est validée ;
• le signal résultant de ce traitement et celui émis par la zone correspondant au marquage fluorescent d'un contenant consigné sont traités par une fonction logique « OU » et « ET ».

After reception by the corresponding cells of the light signals emitted by the container, these are processed as follows

• according to patent no. 2.744.272 the signals emitted by the zone corresponding to the first marking are processed by an inclusive "OR" logic function making it possible to identify this first marking even if a single reading is validated;
• the signal resulting from this processing and that emitted by the zone corresponding to the fluorescent marking of a returnable container are processed by a logic function "OR" and "AND".

This is the result of the signal processing by this second function which allows to give or not the order of delivery of a counter value. So the two markings or the second when it's unique, must be recognized for the container to be unrecognized. The identification of the only non-fluorescent marking is equivalent to an absence total recognition and does not entail any restitution. If the sites are functional and coupled, the identification of the only fluorescent marking also does not result in deposit return.

These successive devices have not been found to be completely waterproof to fraud.

In addition, attempts have been made to increase the reliability of the detection by reducing the number of moving parts and not activating them in normal operation without detection of attempted fraud.

According to the invention

• une goulotte d'introduction du contenant, un réceptacle des contenants,
• un sas communiquant en amont avec la goulotte d'introduction et en aval avec le réceptacle et comportant un premier site IR1 de détection du passage du contenant,
• un dispositif de restitution de contre-valeur,
• un organe de commande déclenchant le dispositif de restitution de contre-valeur lorsque le contenant est conforme,

   est caractérisé par le fait que le sas comprend un moyen de détection à la volée d'un marquage « invisible» présent sur le contenant.The de-labeling device for rigid or non-rigid container of liquid or solid product by identification of determined parameters comprising

• a chute for introducing the container, a receptacle for the containers,
• an airlock communicating upstream with the introduction chute and downstream with the receptacle and comprising a first site IR1 for detecting the passage of the container,
• a device for return of equivalent value,
• a control member triggering the counter value return device when the container conforms,

is characterized by the fact that the airlock comprises a means of detection on the fly of an "invisible" marking present on the container.

By detection on the fly, we understand a means which does not require the part stops in front of the detection means, caused by a means mechanical. Thanks to this on-the-fly detection, the number of parts is reduced mobile susceptible to fatigue.

According to a preferred embodiment, the detection means is consisting of a laser transmitter and a receiver sensitive to radiation at a wavelength different from that of the transmitter, for example the receiver is a diode sensitive to red, blue or green light.

In particular the laser transmitter is activated by the passage of the container by the first detection site.

According to another embodiment, the detection means is a transceiver operating in the ultraviolet.

In accordance with another characteristic, the airlock includes a second and third passage detection site downstream of the means of marking detection.

Preferably, the distance between the second and the third site is related to the size of the returnable container so as not to trigger the payment only for containers whose size conforms to this value.

In accordance with another characteristic, the airlock includes a retractable means for closing it at least partially upstream of the said second and third sites when we try to pass a container in the opposite direction from the downstream of the third site.

The invention also covers the container with a marking intended to be read by the device on which the marking is carried out with a or several infrared inks in such a way that it constitutes a code.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description of a nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, with reference to the drawings annexed on which

Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus for disconnection of cups.

Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the device control.

We have reproduced in Figure 1 only part of the apparatus of tagout. This device, here applied to the deconsignation of cups, is arranged near a beverage dispensing apparatus in which, for example, a machine prepares the drink, fills a cup and present to the consumer. The consumer has put money in the distributor to obtain this drink, the amount of which corresponds to the price plus a deposit. He can recover it by inserting the cup into the logging off device. The latter, after verification, returns the setpoint counter value. We see on the figure an airlock forming a tube guide (1) disposed between the chute (G) for introducing the containers, here cups, in the device and a bin in which they are collected. The tube is substantially vertical or slightly inclined and has a diameter ensuring the guiding of the cup in an upright position. The latter is not don't get in the way. The tube opens directly into the receptacle. In a particular embodiment, the tube comprises a controlled flap with the return of the equivalent value. If the container is recognized as being compliant, it is directed towards a grinder otherwise it is directed towards a trash can.

The cup has a marking called "invisible" that is to say made with an ink that is not visible when it is illuminated with light white. On the other hand, it is chosen so as to reflect a radiation to a determined wavelength. According to one embodiment, we choose an ink that becomes fluorescent when it is lit by a light ultraviolet. According to another preferred embodiment, the marking is infrared, anti-stokes type, i.e. it sends out visible light at a specific wavelength, red, blue or green in particular, when an infrared light is applied to it. The device described below is adapted to operate with marking of the latter type. Marking can be set up in such a way that one can determine the nature of the containing by combining for example two or more reflection waves different or by combining several markings at distances determined on the goblet. We understand that we can thus achieve establishing a code.

In its trajectory, the cup first passes a first barrier of detection (IR1) which includes a permanent source of infrared light and a receiving diode. The diode sends a signal to an organ or housing control, not shown, when the beam is interrupted. According to a other embodiment this first barrier can also react to a second marking said visible and can be a decoy. Downstream, there is a device (L) consisting of a light source (LL) and a diode receptor (LD). The diode is placed below the transmitter. Advantageously, it is a laser emitting infrared radiation within a specific wavelength. The receiving diode, is chosen by function of the light reflected by the so-called "invisible" marking of the cup. It is preferable to choose a marking which emits light in the visible spectrum, especially green, when it is lit by the laser. The diode only reacts at this wavelength, thus filtering light reflected by the cup at the wavelength of the laser. So we have a way simple and effective to detect the passage of a cup with the marking in accordance with the instructions. The diode is also connected to the organ of ordered.

Downstream of this device (L), there are two detection barriers (IR2) and (IR3), preferably similar to the first. They are placed one after the other. The distance between the two devices is advantageously exactly that corresponding to the height of the cup, as shown in the figure. The receiver diodes of the two detection barriers are connected to the control box.

A finger controlled (D) by electromagnetic means is likely to be placed across the guide tube and prevent passage of the goblet. It is placed upstream of the detection barrier (IR2). preferably, it is placed upstream of the detection device (L). According to what embodiment of the invention, it remains in the retracted position in normal running.

In normal operation at rest awaiting receipt of cups, the three detection barriers (IR1, IR2 and IR3) are active. The detection device (L) is inactive, laser (LL) off, waiting. The box control consists of an electronic card with a microprocessor which in a simplified embodiment manages, between others, variables Ir1, Ir2 Ir3 corresponding to the three barriers of infrared detection. Their value is set to 1 if the barrier is blocked by an object, otherwise it remains at 0. Similarly, a variable Ld is set to 1 if the diode sends a signal to detect a marking on the cup. other combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention

There is shown in Figure 2, a flow diagram of the operation of the device. The different stages of a cycle break down in the way next ;

In (10) the device is on standby and continuously performs a reading of the values of the three detection barriers. Values remain at 0 waiting for the object to pass through the airlock. In (12), Ir1 = 0, one of the two others, Ir2 or Ir3 is set to 1; it means an attempted fraud because the object does not pass from above but in the opposite direction, a timed alarm is activated if necessary.

In (14), Ir1 = 1 and Ir2 and Ir3 remain at 0, an object is therefore detected at the entrance to the airlock and the laser is triggered (15). If the diode (LD) detects a conforming marking in (16), Ld = 1, we check in (18) if Ir2 = 1 with Ir3 = 0 then if Ir2 = 0 with Ir3 = 1. If this is the case then the size is correct. When Ir3 goes back to 0, the restitution is ordered in (20) and the system returns to standby. Otherwise the size is not detected as compliant; then the device is put on waiting cycle without restitution. We note that the object goes through the two barriers, step 22, which allows a return to the waiting phase.

In summary, the assembly operates as follows according to the different hypotheses of presentation of the goblet.

1) The cup conforms.

It includes an "invisible" marking detectable by (L). We introduces it into the inlet chute. It is guided in vertical position as in the figure. It passes the first barrier which detects it and sends an activation signal of (L). When the cup goes past the laser (LE), it is illuminated by the infrared beam and reflects light in the same way wavelength, and the infrared "invisible" marking reflects a green light. The receiving diode recognizes the passage of a cup compliant because it is sensitive to this wavelength. The diode sends a signal to the control unit.

The cup then passes the barriers (IR2) and (IR3) which trigger the payment of the deposit. In its fall, the cup cuts the two infrared barriers spaced so that (IR2) sends a signal detection and (IR3) no, then (IR2) does not send a signal and (IR3) sends a signal. The disconnection device recognizes the container as valid because it has the appropriate predetermined markings and a size normal, and the setpoint is restored. The device returns to its cycle waiting for a new deconsignation operation,

2) the cup does not conform because it does not have any marking invisible.

The device (L) does not recognize it. Passing through the barrier does not trigger the payment of the deposit because the control unit has not received a positive signal from the diode (LD).

3) the cup does not conform because its dimensions are not.

The distance between the two detection barriers (IR2 and IR3) corresponding to the height of the returnable cup, the two barriers are not not activated correctly when the cup passes them successively. For example if the cup is too large, in its fall, it will cut to a moment the two barriers. The signal received by the control unit will be negative. Payment is not made. If the cup is too small, it goes to for a moment do not cut the barrier (IR3) when it has just left the barrier (IR2). The signal received by the control unit is negative.

4) we are trying to defraud with a cup held by a wire.

If we try to reassemble the cup after it has passed the barrier (IR3), the system finds that the two barriers are not operated in the correct order. Payment is not made and finger (D) is raised. This blocks the rise of the cup. The fraudster is led to release him. It is the same if IR2 or IR3 are activated when IR1 is not not, the anti-fraud device_states the reverse path of a container that triggers an audible alarm and causes the return of the disconnection device in the waiting cycle without setpoint restitution. This device prevents the same returnable container from being used for several deconsignation processes.

According to another embodiment, the marking is of the type fluorescent, and reacts to black light. The device for detecting marking (L ') then consists of a source (LUV) of UV light and the receiver (LD ') is adapted to be sensitive to the reflected wavelength by marking.

According to another embodiment not shown, there is provided a means of grinding the containers whose deposit has been returned. it saves space and prevents them from being reintroduced into the device. It suffices to provide a shutter controlled with the device for restoring setpoint. In a position he directs the objects towards the crusher in the other he directs them towards a dustbin.

According to another simplified embodiment, the barriers IR2 and IR3 are not activated or are absent.

Claims (10)

Designation device for rigid or non-rigid container of liquid or solid product by identification of determined parameters comprising a chute for introducing the container, a receptacle for the containers, an airlock forming a guide tube communicating upstream with the introduction chute and downstream with the receptacle, and comprising a first site (IR1) for detecting the passage of the container, a device for return of equivalent value, a control member triggering the counter value return device when the container conforms, characterized by the fact that the airlock comprises a means of detection on the fly of an "invisible" marking present on the container. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for detection consists of a laser transmitter (LL) and a receiver (LD) sensitive to radiation at a wavelength different from that of the transmitter. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laser transmitter (LL) is activated by the container passing through the first detection site. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transmitter laser emits radiation at a first wavelength and the receiver includes at least one wavelength-sensitive receiver diode different from the first. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the receiving diode is sensitive to red, blue or green light. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for detection is a transceiver operating in the ultraviolet. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, in which the airlock includes a second and a third site (IR2, IR3) for detecting the passage downstream of the marking detection means (L). Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance separating the second and the third site is related to the size of the container consigned to trigger payment only for containers whose size conforms to this value. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the airlock comprises a retractable means for closing it at least partially in upstream of said second and third sites when we try to pass a container in reverse from the downstream of the third site. Container with marking intended to be read by the apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the marking "Invisible" is produced with one or more infrared inks of such way that it constitutes a code.

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