EP1235191B1 - 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 disconnecting apparatus. More particularly, it relates to the system for identifying containers to be deconsigned, the reliability of which is increased by the use of a new reading device.

There are various devices for disconnecting containers 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 have problems of technical complexity, reliability and costs of use.

The apparatus described in the patent No. 2,744,272 allows the deconsignation of a container rigid or not liquid or solid products. The identification is ensured by the recognition of a determined marking of this recordable container and is carried out by redundancy of reading.

The apparatus makes it possible to avoid the errors associated with the uniqueness of reading, and therefore the non-return of instructions for products normally recorded, caused by soiling, dirt or partial deterioration of the identification marking or the reading device.

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

This disconnection device, designed to minimize the risk of a user of a returnable container, was found to be unable to distinguish the marking from a container identical to the one to be recognized but affixed illegally a non-returnable cup.

The patent application No. 2,785,702 in the name of the present applicant describes a deconstruction device whose identification containers is provided by recognition of one or two markings of different nature.

In order to ensure the recognition of the registered containers but only of them, the invention combines the graphic marking and its reading method, mentioned in the patent No. 2,744,272, with a marking which is very difficult to reproduce, not detectable to the eye. naked, or else 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 the application No. 2,785,702 is designed so as to ensure all or part of the following steps:

• processing the two signals obtained after comparison by an "AND" logic function generating a recognition signal and therefore delivering a counter value only if the first two signals correspond to an identification of the markings;
• choice of deconsignation or non-deconsignation;
  • - - drop container in the receptacle;
  • - - check the correct routing of the container;
  • - - where applicable, return of the deposit.

As in the case described in Patent No. 2,744,272, the first marking, graphic or screen, of the container, usually a cup, is performed with an ink, conductive or not, by a known method. This first marking may be a decoy to mislead fraud attempts.

The second marking is not reproducible by conventional copying methods. One particularly chooses an invisible marking made in one or two places with a fluorescent material under ultraviolet light. The reason chosen is then more or less complex and depends on the management that is intended to practice recovered containers, and the type of operation is the deconstruction device.

The apparatus for deconnation is of the type described in French Patent No. 2,744,272. Its recognition device is designed in a similar way. However, it has one or two additional reading sites dedicated solely to recognizing the invisible marking made fluorescent under ultraviolet light. This type of site consists of at least one ultraviolet receiving cell. A container scrolling in front of this ultraviolet light sends back to the receiving cell radiation whose nature is a function of the container encountered. In the case of a returnable container, the invisible marking excited by the ultraviolet tube then emits a 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 the 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 only one reading is validated;
• the signal resulting from this treatment and that emitted by the zone corresponding to the fluorescent marking of a returnable container are processed by a logic function "OR" and "AND".

It is the result of the signal processing by this second function which makes it possible to give or not the order of delivery of a counter value. Thus, both markings or the second when unique, must be recognized for the container to be deconsigned. The identification of the only non-fluorescent marking is equivalent to a total absence of recognition and does not lead to any restitution. If the sites are functional and coupled, the identification of the single fluorescent marking does not lead to a return of setpoint.

These successive devices have not proved completely tamper-proof.

In addition, attempts have been made to increase the reliability of the detection system 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 constitué par un émetteur laser et un récepteur sensible à un rayonnement à une longueur d'onde différente de celle de l'émetteur, par exemple le récepteur est une diode sensible à la lumière rouge, bleue ou verte.The deconnection apparatus for rigid or non-rigid container of liquid or solid product by identification of determined parameters comprising:

• a chute for introducing the container, a container receptacle,
• an airlock communicating upstream with the introduction chute and downstream with the receptacle and having a first site IR1 for detecting the passage of the container,
• a counterfeit refund device,
• a control member triggering the countervalue rendering device when the container is in conformity,

is characterized in that the lock comprises means for on-the-fly detection of an "invisible" marking present on the container constituted by 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 light, blue or green.

By on-the-fly detection, means are understood that do not require the stop of the piece in front of the detection means, caused by a mechanical means. This on-the-fly detection reduces the number of moving parts that can be fatigued.

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

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

According to another characteristic, the lock comprises a second and a third detection site of the passage downstream of the marking detection means.

Preferably, the distance separating the second and the third site is related to the size of the container recorded to trigger the payment only for containers whose size is consistent with this value.

According to another feature, the airlock comprises a retractable means for sealing at least partially upstream of said second and third sites when attempting to pass a container in the opposite direction from the downstream of the third site.

The invention also covers the container comprising a marking intended to be read by the apparatus on which the marking is made with one or more infrared inks so that it constitutes a code.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings in which -

Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus for deconnating cups.

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

Only a part of the disconnecting apparatus has been reproduced in FIG. This apparatus, here applied to the decontamination of cups, is arranged near a beverage dispensing apparatus in which, for example, a machine prepares the drink, fills a cup and presents it to the consumer. The consumer has put money in the dispenser to get this drink, the amount of which corresponds to the price plus a deposit. It can recover it by introducing the cup into the deconstruction device. This one after verification restores the counter-value of the deposit. It is seen in the figure a lock forming a guide tube (1) disposed between the chute (G) for introducing the containers, here cups, into the apparatus 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 the upright position. The latter does not get in the way. The tube opens directly into the receptacle. In a particular embodiment, the tube comprises a shutter controlled with the return of the countervalue. If the container is recognized as being in conformity, it is directed towards a crusher otherwise it is directed towards a bin.

The cup has a so-called "invisible" marking, ie made with an ink that is not visible when it is illuminated with white light. On the other hand, it is chosen so as to reflect radiation at a given wavelength. According to one embodiment, an ink is selected which becomes fluorescent when illuminated by ultraviolet light. According to another preferred embodiment, the marking is of the infrared, anti-stokes type, that is to say that it returns a visible light at a determined wavelength, red, blue or green in particular, when a light infra-red is applied to him. The apparatus described below is adapted to operate with a marking of the latter type. The marking may be constituted in such a way that the nature of the container can be determined by combining, for example, two or more different reflection waves or by combining several markings at specific distances on the cup. We understand that we can thus achieve the establishment of a code.

In its trajectory, the cup first passes a first detection barrier (IR1) which comprises a permanent source of infrared light and a receiving diode. The diode sends a signal to an organ or control box, not shown, when the beam is interrupted. According to another 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 receiving diode (LD). The diode is placed below the transmitter. Advantageously, it is a laser emitting infra-red radiation in a specific wavelength. The receiving diode is chosen according to the light reflected by the so-called "invisible" marking of the cup. A marking is preferably chosen which emits light in the visible spectrum, especially green, when it is illuminated by the laser. The diode reacts only at this wavelength, and thus filters the light reflected by the cup at the wavelength of the laser. There is thus a simple and effective way of detecting the passage of a cup having the mark according to the set point. The diode is also connected to the controller.

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 separating 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 controlled finger (D) by electromagnetic means is likely to be placed across the guide tube and prohibit the passage of the cup. It is placed upstream of the detection barrier (IR2). Preferably, it is placed upstream of the detection device (L). According to this embodiment of the invention, it remains in the retracted position during normal operation.

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

There is shown in Figure 2, a flowchart of the operation of the apparatus. The different stages of a cycle break down as follows;

In (10) the device is on standby and continuously reads the values of the three detection barriers. The values remain at 0 pending the passage of the object in the airlock. In (12), Ir1 = 0, one of the two others, Ir2 or Ir3 is set to 1; it means an attempt of fraud because the object does not pass by the top but in opposite sense, a timed alarm is actuated possibly.

In (14), Ir1 = 1 and Ir2 and Ir3 remain at 0, an object is thus detected at the entrance of the lock and the laser is triggered (15). If the diode (LD) detects a marking conforming to (16), Ld = 1, we verify in (18) if Ir2 = 1 with Ir3 = 0 and then Ir2 = 0 with Ir3 = 1. If this is the case then the size is consistent. When Ir3 goes back to 0, playback is commanded at (20) and the system goes back to standby. Otherwise the size is not detected as compliant; then the device is put in waiting cycle without restitution. Note that the object passes through the two barriers, step 22, which allows a return to the waiting phase.

In summary, the set works as follows according to the different presentation assumptions of the cup.

1) The cup is compliant.

It has an "invisible" marking detectable by (L). It is introduced into the inlet chute. It is guided in a vertical position as in the figure. He passes the first barrier that detects it and sends an activation signal of (L). When the cup passes the laser (LE), it is illuminated by the infra-red beam and reflects light of the same wavelength, and the infrared "invisible" marking reflects a green light. The receiving diode recognizes the passage of a conformal cup because it is sensitive to this wavelength. The diode sends a signal to the control box.

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

2) the cup is not compliant because it does not have invisible markings.

The device (L) does not recognize it. The passage 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 spacing between the two detection barriers (IR2 and IR3) corresponding to the height of the returnable cup, the two barriers are not activated in a consistent manner when the cup passes successively. For example if the cup is too big, in its fall, it will cut at one time the two barriers. The signal received by the control box will be negative. Payment is not made. If the cup is too small, it will at one time not cut the barrier (IR3) while it has just left the barrier (IR2). The signal received by the control box is negative.

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

If you try to go up the cup after it has passed the barrier (IR3) once, the system finds that the two barriers are not operated in the right order. The payment is not made and the 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, the anti-fraud device_constate the path in the opposite direction of a container that triggers an audible alarm and causes the return of the deconitor device cycle waiting without refund of deposit. This device makes it possible to prevent the same returnable container from being used for several deconsignation processes.

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

According to another embodiment not shown, there is provided a means of grinding containers whose set has been restored. This saves space and prevents them from being reintroduced into the device. It suffices to provide a flap controlled with the deposit refund device. In one positron he directs the objects towards the crusher in the other he directs them towards a bin.

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

Claims (9)

1. Deposit returning device for rigid or non rigid containers for liquid or solid products by identifying specific parameters including :

   - a container introduction chute, a container receptacle

   - a double entrance communicating upstream with the introduction chute and downstream with the receptacle and offering a first IRI container detection site

   - a deposit return system

   - a control part triggering the deposit return system when the container is conform

   is characterised by the fact that the double entrance including an invisible marking passing detection system made up by a laser emitter (LL) and a receiver (LD) sensitive to a radiation with a different wavelength from the emitter's
2. Device according to claim 1 wherein the said laser emitter (LL) is activated by the container passing through the first detection site
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the laser emitter emits a radiation at a first wavelength and the receiver includes at least one receiving diode sensitive to a wavelength different from the first one
4. Device according to claim 3 wherein
5. Device according to claim 1 wherein the said detection system is an emitter receiver operating in the ultraviolet range
6. Device according to one of the above claims wherein the double entrance include a second and third site (IR2 and IR3) to detect the passing downstream from the marking detection systems (L)
7. Device according to the previous claim wherein the distance between the distance between the second and third sites is relative to the size of the container and triggers payment only for containers whose size is conform to that value
8. Device according to claim 6 wherein the double entrance includes a removable system to close it at least partially upstream from the said second and third sites when a container is forced in the wrong direction from downstream from the third site.
9. Container including marking designed to be read by the device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the invisible marking is done with one or more infrared inks so as to constitute a code.

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