EP1306198A1 - Method for collecting empty plastic containers and press for implementing the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Containers (17) are pressed to a bale (18) and wrapped or tied, for transport. <??>Baling takes place in a single stage. Optionally the bale is built up by successively, by adding and compressing further packages. Individual containers are pressed before baling, or during bale formation. A cubic or cylindrical bale is produced. Once pressed, a cord or band is wound around it, whilst in the compressed state. An Independent claim is also included for the baling press.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to Preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates a press for plastic containers according to the generic term of claim 16 and a package of pressed Plastic containers according to claim 22.

While in Switzerland in the areas of paper, Glass, metals and organic waste are already one there is a longstanding recycling tradition and the material markets have more or less brought in is Recycling of plastic waste always comparatively still rare. The separate collection and recycling of However, plastic packaging is ecological when it burns think. So that the recovery is considered sufficient minimum quantity must be available similar plastics are available. In the field of PET beverage packaging is the case. An essential one The advantage of PET over many other plastics consists in recycling this material processed into high-quality products can be, i.e. there is no downcycling.

Due to the rapid spread worldwide, PET gained great importance in the packaging industry and has become a sought-after raw material. For this There is a great demand for recycled PET, PET is one of the plastics with a low environmental impact in the manufacture and disposal. For There is PET recyclate, among other things. following possible uses: in the textile sector as fillers for pillows, fibers for Sports and fleece jackets, backpacks, sports shoes, carpets etc. In the packaging area as a yogurt cup, margarine and biscuit bowls etc.

For the production of PET recyclate the decentrally collected PET bottles to logistics centers transported where it is sorted by color and quality and processed into 100 to 300 kg bales that can be stored temporarily. After that is done the processing of the sorted bottles into recyclate, checking by hand and by machine whether all foreign substances are excreted. Then be the labels peeled off with steam and removed. In a Mill the bottles (including the cap) Shredded shreds. These are prewashed to then adhering in a second wash Residues of glue to be cleaned. The wash liquor can can be used again for further washing processes. The clean cutlets are made according to the plastic types PET (Bottle body) and polyethylene (lid) due to their different density separated (PET sinks in water, Polyethylene, on the other hand, floats) and then dried, dusted as well as any remaining metal parts. In a last step, the schnitzel in large mixers to batches with precisely defined values homogenized, filled into transport bags and the fed to respective work areas.

The decentralized collection and the subsequent one Transporting the empty PET bottles requires a corresponding one Expenditure. Over 82% of all sales in Switzerland PET beverage bottles are currently in one of the over 42,000 collection containers distributed throughout Switzerland or are returned to retailers in Harassen. Collective containers are at retail stores, in restaurants, offices or in leisure facilities placed. There are also collection points in individual communities set up. To the return channel in Switzerland organized by the PET Recycling Association to relieve large retail chains manage the return flow of PET beverage bottles to her via her own transport network Distribution centers. All collected PET beverage bottles are then transported to one of the PET logistics centers by transport companies brought in which the recycling production he follows.

For the least possible transport effort from the collection points to the logistics centers is the reduction the volume of the PET bottles returned essential. With this measure the number of transports is reduced, which affects the entire logistics chain and thus the price of the PET recyclate cost-effective. PET bottles can pressed together at all stages of the disposal chain become. Ideally, however, the flattening is done this way early as possible.

The PET bottles are state of the art either not at all or by hand or with different ones Types of presses compressed and loose in large, e.g. 110 liter plastic bags filled. Depending on the type of pressing of the bottles, this results in Total degrees of compaction of those made ready for transport Bottles from 0% to approx. 40%. Figure 1 shows schematically different types of provision for transportation in Sacks and the degree of compaction or Transport volume, whereby loose, unpressed bottles in the Bag with a degree of compaction of 0%. It can be seen that compression by pressing of the bottles before they are filled into the sack there is a significant reduction in the transport volume.

The invention is based on the object further significant increase in the overall degree of compaction bottles ready for transport or the corresponding considerable To achieve a reduction in the transport volume.

This task is the procedure of the beginning mentioned type by the characteristic features of claim 1 solved.

By the fact that the pressed or compressed Containers no longer loose or unordered, but pressed into packages and made available, there is a further significant increase in Degree of compaction to approx. 70 to 80%, and that is one Reduction of the transport volume to approximately that Half of the previous transport volume possible.

The package is preferably formed gradually adding more containers to one already pressed part package, which is preferably in pressed State is kept to be added. Doing so preferably the container to be added directly the partial package pressed together. But it is also possible intact the desired amount of containers in one step or previously compressed containers to press a package.

The package is held together by the encircling means, making it a transportable unit forms. The enclosing means preferably holds the package in a pressed state so that the compression of the finished package as a transport unit largely that corresponds to the pressing of the container to the package. Cords or are preferably used as the enclosing means Tapes in question, which are pressed around the container in the package State to be arranged.

The packet formation is preferably carried out in one Container press before or during package formation individual container pressed together. The packet formation is but also possible in a separate press.

The packages are preferably cuboid or cubic, for transport units to be arranged close together to accomplish. The packages point to the easy one Handling preferably a weight of 10 kg to 20 kg on.

The invention is further based on the object to create a press through which a substantial Increasing the total degree of compaction of a large number of containers and thus a significant reduction in Transport volume of a container amount can be achieved.

This task is done with a press assembly solved with the characterizing features of claim 16.

Because the press next to the press to compress individual containers, or at most several containers at the same time, has further means, through the one pressed out of the pressed containers and includes held package can be generated a significantly increased overall degree of compression or a correspondingly significantly reduced transport volume achieved become.

The invention is further based on the object a transport unit for empty, compressed To create PET bottles, which compared to the previous ones used, loosely filled bags a smaller volume needed.

Such a transport unit is represented by a Package created according to claim 22.

Figur 1 schematisch das Vorgehen nach Stand der Technik;

Figur 2 ebenfalls schematisch das Vorgehen gemäss der Erfindung;

Figur 3 bis Figur 10 ein Beispiel für das Pressen eines Paketes mit einer Handpresse;

Figur 11 eine schematische Ansicht zur Erläuterung des Überpressens des Paketes;

Figur 12 eine Detailansicht der Pressplatte und der Haltemittel;

Figur 13 eine vereinfachte Gesamtansicht einer handbetriebenen Presse;

Figur 14 eine vereinfachte Ansicht einer motorgetriebenen Presse;

Figur 15 eine vereinfachte Ansicht der Rückseite der Presse;

Figur 16 eine Detailansicht der unteren Pressplatte; und die

Figuren 17 bis 22 ein Beispiel für das Umwikkeln des Paketes in der Presse.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It shows

Figure 1 shows schematically the procedure according to the prior art;

Figure 2 also schematically shows the procedure according to the invention;

Figure 3 to Figure 10 shows an example of pressing a package with a hand press;

Figure 11 is a schematic view for explaining the overpressing of the package;

Figure 12 is a detailed view of the press plate and the holding means;

Figure 13 is a simplified overall view of a hand operated press;

Figure 14 is a simplified view of a motorized press;

Figure 15 is a simplified view of the back of the press;

Figure 16 is a detailed view of the lower press plate; and the

Figures 17 to 22 an example of the wrapping of the package in the press.

Figure 1 shows the procedure roughly according to the state of the art for the provision of collection points collected, unsorted PET bottles for return transport to a recycling center. In the boxes 1 to 3 shows that when collecting bottles 1 not compressed in bags 2 an overall degree of compression of 0%. To a certain one Transport amount of PET bottles in this way e.g. 10 transport units 4, e.g. Truck, needed. The procedure is that the bottles of Squeezed by hand or foot or with a simple wave press and the squeezed bottles also be collected in a sack, like this in the Boxes 1 'and 2' is indicated, results in Box 3 'has a total compression ratio of approximately 10-25 %. Expressed in transport units 4, one results Reduction to about eight trucks. According to the best State-of-the-art procedures are carried out using a hand or plate press to about 40% of their volume squeezed and these bottles are also collected loose in a sack, what with the boxes 1 " and 2 "is indicated. This results in accordance with box 3 "a degree of compaction of approximately 40%, which in transport units 4 expressed to a transport volume of leads six trucks. It can be seen that a significant A significant increase in the overall degree of compaction Reduction of transportation effort and costs recycling and thus also the PET recyclate would provide.

Figure 2 now shows the procedure schematically according to the invention. The empty PET bottles 17 compressed into a package 18 like this is shown schematically in Figure 2 and the package is by enclosing means, shown in FIG. 2 as bands 28, kept so that there is a transportable unit results. It has been shown that this way a total compression of about 70-80% can be achieved is what, in terms of transportation units, only three Truck 4 corresponds. The preferred embodiment according to the invention relates to the provision of transport of PET bottles. But the invention is is not limited to this example, but is general suitable for compressible plastic containers. The following is an example of PET bottles spoken.

The formation of a compressed package can be done in a variety of ways from the bottles. Preferred and subsequently in detail using a press is a procedure according to which the individual Bottles are squeezed in a press and pressed into a package in this press at the same time become. The embracing means is also in this press attached around the finished package so that out the finished package can be removed from the press. On However, proceeding in another way to form packages is also possible: single or multiple Bottles are compressed in a first press. Immediately afterwards or after an interim storage bottles already pressed in another press, the has a press room according to the desired package shape, compressed into a package and with the surrounding means held together to the package. The one used for this Press can e.g. a cuboid press room have, which on its top by a press plate completed, which after filling the press room with one of the desired package size or desired package weight corresponding amount of bottles manually or motor-driven the press room downsized so that the bottles into a package Block are pressed together. This block will then e.g. wrapped with ribbons or cords so that the package is formed. The wrapping is still below explained in more detail using an example.

A different approach could also do so done that the unpressed bottles in sufficient Number in a press with one of the desired package shape appropriate press room are filled, after which a Press plate presses both the bottles together in one operation as well as from the compressed bottles the package shapes. In this case too, again the encapsulation means stabilizes the package in its form, so that it forms a transport unit.

The packets formed are preferably cuboid and have a weight of approximately 10-20 kg on, which is an easy-to-use form of transport for the bottles results. Of course there are also others, e.g. cubic or cylindrical shapes for the package possible. ever after filling the bottles into the press room a more or less orderly position of the bottles within the package. Often there are large, i.e. 1 Liters to 2 liters of bottles in the longitudinal direction of a cuboid Arranged package. Find smaller bottles also arranged in the longitudinal direction, but also in Lateral or sloping. The bottles can be provided with a lid or without a lid, it being it is preferred if means on the respective press plate e.g. needle or spike-shaped elements are provided, that can puncture closed bottles. Such a piercing is always guaranteed if described as follows, the bottles individually be pressed together.

As mentioned, tapes can be used as a means of encapsulation or cords are used to hold the package. Holding is understood to mean that there is a transportable Unity gives what is usually guaranteed when wrapping is done with the package compressed. Due to the resilience of the compressed Bottles result in an effect on the encasing means Force, which is a loosening of the embracing means prevented. This keeps the package compressed Status. Instead of ribbons or cords it is also possible to use a film, e.g. to use a shrink wrap that is packaged compressed bottles holds together. A sack too can be used, but this is not how includes loose bottles in the prior art, but the bottles pressed in package form so that the pressed package shape is retained.

The following is a preferred method or a preferred press for producing the packet-shaped Transport units from the PET bottles described in more detail. Figures 3-10 show different ones Steps of pressing a bottle and adding the same to the package. In Figure 3 is part of a press 20 shown, which comprises a support frame 10, on the Top of a hand press 11 is arranged. The hand press 11 in this example is a manually operated toggle press, which only partially depicted Has hand lever 14, by means of which the pressure is feasible. From the hand lever 14 act not shown Toggle lever on a press plate 15, this Press plate preferably from a large number of individual, spaced-apart pressing members 15 '(FIG 12) is formed, which form openings 15 ″ between them. One opposite the press plate 15 below Press plate 19 forms a support for an already formed Partial package 18 'made of PET bottles, which only as Block is shown. This package is all around Side walls of the press, not shown, limited these side walls together with the lower press plate 19th form the actual press room, the one at its top is limited by the upper press plate 15, which in can immerse the press room. Can in the press room further engage holding means 16 in its upper region, which in this example is of a large number of circular sections Disks are formed, each are pivotable about a pivot axis 16 ', and which are arranged so that they are in the area of the openings 15 '' of the press plate 15. Figure 3 shows one Starting position in which there is already a partial package 18 'of pressed bottles in the press room, which Part package rests on the lower press plate 19 and pressed by the holding means 16 from above Position is held. Figure 3 further shows that a inserted further bottle 17 to be pressed into the press has been. In the example shown, this is indicated by a lateral insertion into the empty space below the press plate 15 and above the holding means 16. The Bottle 17 lies on the preferably curved End faces 16 '' of the individual discs of the holding means 16 on. Figure 4 shows a first step, the after inserting the bottle 17 by pressing the Hand lever 14 results. This is done by the operator usually from the position shown pressed down. First, the holding means 16 pivoted away from the partial package about the pivot axis 16 ′, so that this is released from the holding means becomes what can be seen in FIG. This stretches the sub-package 18 'due to the restoring force of the therein pressed bottles up to the press plate 15 so that the bottle to be pressed 17 on the Top of the sub-package 18 'rests. It can by the expansion of the partial package, a first one Squeeze bottle 17. By further Pressing down the operating lever 14 is now the Press plate 15 down towards the press plate 19 pressed so that, as in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be seen, both a compression of the bottle 17th and also pushing down the subpackage 18 '. As a result, the bottle becomes compressed 17 added and the partial package is pressed again. In Figure 8, the press plate 15 has reached its bottom dead center and has the partial package, now supplemented by the bottle 17, so far compressed that the top of the sub-package 18 'below the undersides of the holding means 16 lies. These are pivoted again over the partial package 18 ' and locked in this position. The control lever 14 has reached its lowest position. At the Releasing the same is the press plate 15 by the Holding means 16 moved upwards again so that in FIG. 10 again the space above the holding means 16 is free to insert another bottle 17. The holding means hold the subpackage 18 'in the pressed position stuck in the press room. Pressing and adding to the partial package another bottle 17 now runs according to Figures 3 to 9.

So that a package is formed in the press room can, the lower press plate 19 is in the vertical direction arranged movably. Is not a partial package in the Press has been formed, so is the lower press plate 19th all the way up, so the first bottle of the Package between the press plate 15 and the press plate 19 is pressed. The other bottles to come then increase each on the lower press plate 19th force acting at the bottom dead center of the upper press plate 15. The lower press plate 19 is preferably such arranged to move downwards so that when exceeded a predetermined force by a unit length moves downwards, causing the volume of the baling chamber increased. Of course, the volume increase of the press room other than force-dependent e.g. each after a predetermined number Pressing operations. It can then in the enlarged press room more bottles for the sub-package that is now being formed be pressed in, each time again when the increasing number of bottles to reach the release force leads for the lower press floor 19, another Move it down one unit of length takes place. In this way it gradually forms the partial package 18 'in the press room. This process is then completed when the press plate 19 the lowest Has reached the point of its possible travel. The package 18 is then complete or at most continues completed until then the maximum allowed Pressing force is reached. A corresponding display can indicate to the operator that the package is now complete is formed in the press room. It then turns out first a position according to Figure 10, the package 18 now the complete package and no longer a partial package is. The package is pressed Position held by the holding means 16 in this Press room of the press 20. The following are the encompassing means attached around the package what else is explained, and after that the package can be lowered the press plate 19 can be removed from the press.

FIG. 11 shows a preferred partial aspect during pressing, after which when pressing the partial package 18 ' or the package 18 by pressing the pressing plate 15 takes place in which the bottom of the press plate by one predetermined amount d, preferably 10 to 30mm, preferred approx. 20mm, is moved further down than the Bottom edge of the holding means 16. It has been shown that by pressing the package further down than it actually for swiveling in or retracting the holding means the resetting force of the package would be necessary is substantially reduced, approximately 10 times, so that correspondingly the holding means or their storage is lower Must absorb what the construction of the Press significantly simplified.

Figure 12 shows a more detailed view a partially open press 20, in which View the toggle actuation of the press plate 15 and their configuration from individual plates 15 with openings 15 '' in between is more apparent. Also visible are the individual disks of the holding means 16 with its pivot axes 16 'and the insertion opening 21 for empty containers.

Figure 13 schematically shows an overall view the press described so far, in which the same reference numerals designate the same elements as before. The press is surrounded by a formwork, which on the one hand the insertion opening 21 from the outside for those to be pressed Bottles defined. This opening can be activated of the press lever 14 closed by a suitable element to reach into the press too prevent. A door 22 of the formwork can the press room release, whereby the finished or through The package to be held is accessible and after attaching the encasing means from the press can be removed.

Figure 14 schematically shows a view of a motor-driven press, which is basically based on works the same way as the hand press shown so far. Instead of manual operation, there is one motor-driven press provided with a motor 31 and an automated feeder 32 which automatically feeds the bottles from a tub into the press.

Figure 15 shows the rear view of the already described hand press 20, being an exemplary embodiment is shown how the press floor 19 through a roller guide 33 movably mounted on the press frame 10 is. The press plate 19 is also on a chain 34 attached, which is deflected and via a sprocket 35th is connected to a slip clutch 36. The Slip clutch is a commercially available element, which when a predetermined force is exceeded by one rotated predetermined angle of rotation. This way the bottom of the press floor 19 moves down, when a predetermined force acts on it, which the Force setting of the slip clutch 36 exceeds. This then turns until the set force again falls below; thus the press floor moves down as well. Then again Presses take place at this height of the press plate 19 until again the set force of the slip clutch exceeded becomes. The pressing force limitation by the Slipping clutch can also erroneously destroy Prevent glass bottles from entering the press. The slip clutch 36 also essentially allows one free moving up the press floor 19 when the package has been removed from the press room and the formation a new package should start. For this, the Clutch disengaged. On moving the press floor 19 can not be shown by hand or by motor actuatable drive means can be provided. Instead of the one centrally arranged chain according to FIG. 15 could e.g. also two in the respective border areas of the frame arranged chains can be provided, which via sprockets arranged on a common shaft act on the slip clutch, which is still in the center. The movable bearing of the press base 19 can of course be solved differently than with the roller guides 33. Figure 16 further shows a view of the Press floor 19 from the front, its coupling with the Roller guides through corresponding slots in the press frame 10 can be seen.

Figures 17 to 22 show the attachment a surrounding means around the package, this in Example shown is a cord 38, which of a Roll 40 can be removed. In the figures the press is only shown schematically, insofar as this is necessary to understand the scope. Figure 17 shows how the cord 38 or at most several spaced cords 38 arranged in parallel over the press base 19 is pulled in its upper position after an already formed package removed from the press has been. The door 22 of the press is open. The Cord 38 is now pulled over the press floor 19 and then the door 22 of the press closed and the cord 38 pulled further out of the press. This is in Figure 18 seen. In the example shown, the Part 45 of the cord hanging freely at the front of the press and the roller 40 a stock of the enclosing means, the is used to form the package. Figure 19 shows a sub-package 18 'formed, the formation of which lower platen 19 has moved down, so that front and a cord section 41 and 42 in the back of the press chamber pulled from the front free end 45 or from the roller 40 has been. In Figure 20, the package 18 is finished formed and the cord 38 is from behind over the top End of the package, what is drawn in the drawing by a Hook 43 is indicated. Since the upper press plate 15 consists of individual gates, which are between themselves form a void, it is possible to remove the cord 38 from to pull back through the press plate 15 over the package. Figure 21 shows how the two string ends on the front upper side of the package after cutting the cord to be connected to a node 44. The same happens with any other in the manner shown around the package cords around. The node 44 is formed as long as the package is still under the pressure plate 15 Squeeze is. Only after tying the cords move the upper press plate 15 upwards so that the Package 18 is exposed, which can be seen in Figure 22. The Package 18 can then be removed, for which purpose the press base, as explained, is moved down, whereupon the process begins again according to FIG. 17.

Instead of the cords shown, e.g. also plastic tapes are used, which by a Clasp to be closed to a strapping. Appropriate Systems are known and do not need any further here to be described.

Claims (24)

Method for producing a transport unit (18, 28) from essentially empty, compressed plastic containers (17), in particular from unsorted PET bottles, for transporting the same for recycling, characterized in that in each case a plurality of containers (17) form a package (18) pressed and held in package form by a surrounding means (28, 38) and is thus provided as a package ready for transport. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the package is formed in one step. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the package is formed in several steps by adding individual or several containers (17) to an already pressed partial package (18 '). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the containers are pressed together before the formation of the package or the partial package. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the containers are pressed together when the package or partial package is formed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the containers are pressed together in the same press (20) in which the package is formed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the containers are pressed together in a first press and the package is pressed in a second press. Method according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the containers are pressed together in the press between a press plate on the one hand and a partial package of containers on the other. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a partial package is held in the pressed state in the press by holding means (16, 16 ') acting on the partial package. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that when the partial package is pressed, the package is pressed to a smaller package size, preferably to a 10% to 30% smaller partial package height, than is predetermined by the holding means. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the package is cuboid or cube-shaped or cylindrical. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the package has a weight between 5 kg and 30 kg, in particular between 10 kg and 20 kg. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the enclosing means (28) holds the package in a pressed state and is in particular a wrapping means (28) or a wrapping means which is arranged around the package in the pressed state. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one cord (38) or at least one band (28) is used as the wrapping means. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that a shrink film or a sack, in particular a closable sack, is used as the covering means. Press (20) for producing a transport unit (18) from compressed plastic containers (17), characterized in that the press (20) has a pressing chamber and a pressing means (14, 15) for pressing containers (17 ) to form a package (18) and a surrounding arrangement for surrounding the containers pressed into the package with at least one surrounding means (28, 38) remaining on the package. Press (20) according to claim 16, characterized in that the volume of the press space can be changed between a minimum volume and a maximum volume by means of at least one movable, in particular movable, force-dependent limiting element (19). Press (20) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that it has movable holding means (16, 16 ') in such a way that the pressing means can be held and released again under pressure. Press (20) according to claim 18, characterized in that the holding means on at least one upper boundary of the pressing space are designed as holding discs (16) which can be pivoted into or out of the pressing space about a pivot axis (18 '), a plurality spaced from each other by holding disks are each arranged on a common pivot axis. Press (20) according to claim 19, characterized in that the pressing means is a pressing plate (15) which has recesses through which the pressing plate can pass through the holding means. Press (20) according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the enclosing means can be guided from the enclosing arrangement into the pressing space and can be traced from a supply when the pressing space is enlarged. Package (18.28) of compressed, empty plastic containers (17), especially unsorted PET bottles, which are made from a containment agent (28,38) are held together. Package according to claim 22, characterized in that the package is cuboid or cubic and has a weight of 5kg to 30kg, in particular from 10kg to 20kg. Package according to claim 21 or 23, characterized in that the encircling means is formed by at least one cord and / or band section.

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