EP1540604A1

EP1540604A1 - Return station for refundable or borrowed objects

Info

Publication number: EP1540604A1
Application number: EP03794744A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sven-Erik Carlson
Original assignee: Trion AG
Current assignee: Trion AG
Priority date: 2002-09-16
Filing date: 2003-08-26
Publication date: 2005-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-26
Also published as: ATE445207T1; DE50312006D1; EP1540604B1; AU2003250726A1; WO2004025579A1; CN1682252A; CA2497170A1; EP1398738A1; US20080277467A1; AU2010203005A1; US20060016737A1

Abstract

Arrangement for the collection of returnable objects (9) that have at least one readable identification code, comprises: a return area (1) for the input and positioning of the returnable objects; a reading unit (2) for checking the object; a transport arrangement (3) that interacts with the reading unit; and a blocking element (4) with which objects that are positively identified are transported through the reader unit.

Description

Return station for objects with a deposit or borrowed

The present invention relates to an arrangement for the repossession of objects which are or can be occupied with a pledge and / or objects associated with a lending system according to the preamble of claim 1, a use of the arrangement and a method for the repossession of a pledge or assignable objects and / or objects belonging to a loan system.

When taking back objects with a pledge as well as objects belonging to a lending system, there is the problem that once taken back objects are stolen without authorization. In the case of objects with a deposit, this usually happens in order to again benefit from a deposit, and with objects from loan systems, such as library books, videos, etc., to steal them unnoticed, since the object is already registered as returned ,

In known systems, such as in particular

Library lending systems, such as the one described in WO00 / 64974, as a rule, the greatest attention is paid to the recording of lending and returning, the registration of users, etc., but not misuse when returning or taking back the objects. For example, the arrangement in Wo99 / 64974 for taking back books in libraries is easy to manipulate, ie, for example, by tying a cord to the object and pulling the object back after it has been registered, the user can easily find his object steal even though the object is registered as returned.

Of course, there is an analogous problem with deposit systems, where bottles with a deposit or other containers, for example, can be stolen in a simple manner after they have been returned, so that a return arrangement can then be entered again. In this way, the deposit can be collected several times for one and the same object, which is of course abusive.

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose an arrangement or a device which takes into account the problems outlined above and by means of which abuses in returning or taking back objects from deposit systems or loan systems can be largely prevented. Another object of the present invention is to enable the returned objects to be sorted quickly and efficiently. Yet another task is a quick one

To enable entry of the return authorization or a swift processing of a person returning an object. According to the invention, an arrangement is proposed according to the wording, in particular according to claim 1.

It is proposed that the arrangement according to the invention for the return of objects which are or can be used with a deposit and / or objects associated with a loan system and which are provided with at least one legible identification code is characterized by a receiving station or a receiving area for input or positioning of the withdrawing object by a consumer or a user. Furthermore, at least one reading device is provided, which is provided to determine the belonging of the object to a specific deposit or loan system. Also provided is a means of transport which is operatively connected to the aforementioned reading device in such a way that, if the object is associated with a positive determination, the means of transport is activated in order to transport the object away. Finally, a shut-off device is provided, through which the object is transported if membership is positively determined.

So if the reading device does not determine the affiliation of the object inserted at the receiving station, the means of transport is not activated at all or the object is transported to a location intended for objects that are not associated, whereby neither a deposit payment nor a return of the object is effected or registered. Means are preferably provided on the shut-off device to at least make it more difficult for the object to move backward after it has passed through. In addition or alternatively, it is also possible to provide monitoring means on the shut-off device in order to detect a backward movement of the object.

Both measures are suitable for preventing the abuses mentioned at the outset, for example to prevent withdrawal by means of a cord or another suitable means by the consumer returning the object or by the user of the loan system.

The monitoring means can be, for example, at least one position sensor, which indicates whether an object is in the area of the shut-off device or in which direction the object is being moved.

A further identification sensor is preferably provided, for the identification of the withdrawn object, in order, for example, in the case of a deposit-entitled object. enter the corresponding deposit amount or, in the case of a loan system, to register the return of the property and, if applicable, the property itself.

According to one embodiment variant, it is possible that the identification sensor (s) and the reading device are identical or are arranged in one and the same component.

According to a further embodiment variant, it is possible for the reading device in front of the shut-off device and the or the identification sensor (s) is or are arranged after the shut-off device.

Again, according to a further embodiment variant, it is possible for the identification sensor (s) to additionally include a writing device in order, if necessary, to write data to a rewritable code or label arranged or integrated on the object, such as an RFID label (RFID = Radio frequency identification data) to change and / or to transmit to this or this.

Preferably, both the reading device, the identification sensor (s) and the writing device work in the radio frequency range in order to read or record and / or transmit data. Often you want to sort the objects taken back by a return machine, for example according to material, color, type or any other criteria. The objective is therefore to determine how each object is to be sorted, and then to carry out the appropriate sorting. For this reason, it is further proposed according to the invention to electrically and / or logically connect the automatic take-back device or the receiving station to a subsequent sorting system. This sorting system receives the information for each returned object, for example from the acceptance station, in order to then assign it to a corresponding sorting route. Ie the corresponding sorting route is preferably activated automatically when the respective Object has reached the corresponding point in the sorting system or on the sorting route.

The detection of the objects and their position to enable correct sorting can be carried out using a wide variety of sensor types. For example, if information about an object is stored on its RFID label, whether the object is a book, a CD, a video, etc., it is e.g. possible to arrange an RFID reader for each sorting route in order to detect or recognize the object or its position. According to a further embodiment variant, however, it is also possible to determine the position and object using light sensors and / or position encoders, for example on the drive motor of a conveyor belt. It is proposed, for example, that the objects are sorted out by means of a swivel arm, guide, lever arm, etc. at the respectively assigned location of the sorting system or at the correct sorting path. It is particularly preferred to propose a tipping sorter unit which is cascaded, i.e. the sorters are arranged one after the other. The tilt sorters are preferably electrically and logically connected to one another and can be controlled electrically and / or logically by the return machine, such as the acceptance station. A preferred embodiment variant of the tilt sorter proposed according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

In the arrangement for taking back objects defined according to the invention, it can be important that the Objects with regard to return authorization must be recorded quickly, or that a person returning an object can be dispatched quickly. This can be particularly difficult if a return machine or an arrangement according to the invention has to fetch and interpret information from an external database for each object entered, which in the case of poor response times in the IT network, in the event of a system failure, or temporary connection difficulties leading to unreasonable waiting times for customers can lead.

For this reason, it is further proposed according to the invention that a database is provided on the arrangement or recording station, which can, for example, periodically download information from the external database relating to all objects in the system. In the off-line mode, the local database can be accessed in the take-back arrangement, and it can be verified at lightning speed, if necessary, whether an object is eligible for acceptance and how the sorting should take place, etc.

Further preferred design variants of the arrangement are characterized in the dependent claims.

The arrangement defined according to the invention is particularly suitable for deposit systems, for example of consumer goods, such as bottles, containers filled with a deposit,

Bowls, trays, etc. or also for loan systems, such as libraries for loaning books, CDs, computer games, videos, magazines and the like. Both reading and possibly also writing are preferably carried out in the radio frequency range, the objects to be identified preferably being provided with a so-called RFID label or tag. Finally, a method is proposed for taking back objects that are or can be used with a deposit and / or objects that are associated with a loan system and that are provided with at least one at least legible identification code according to the wording of claim 28.

Further preferred methods and uses of the arrangement according to the invention are characterized in subclaims and dependent claims.

The invention will now be explained in more detail, for example, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

Show:

1 shows schematically in longitudinal section an arrangement according to the invention,

2 shows the arrangement of FIG. 1 with an object located in the shut-off area,

3 shows the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 with an object after it has passed through the shut-off device,

4 shows schematically in cross section, based on the arrangement of FIGS. 1-3, a possible embodiment variant of the shut-off element, 5 shows a further embodiment variant of the arrangement according to FIG. 1, having a lock on the shut-off device,

6 again shows a further embodiment variant of the arrangement according to the invention,

7 - 9 schematically show possible devices for preventing inadmissible manipulations when objects are returned,

10 shows a further embodiment variant of the shut-off element in an analogous representation to FIG. 4,

11 shows a further embodiment variant of the arrangement according to the invention,

12 schematically shows in section a device for preventing inadmissible manipulations and forwarding a withdrawn object,

13 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 12, schematically illustrating the further transport of the withdrawn object,

14 analogously to FIGS. 12 and 13, a further embodiment variant of an arrangement for preventing inadmissible manipulation and for forwarding a withdrawn object,

15 schematically, in section, a further embodiment variant of the arrangement according to the invention, designed as a lock chamber,

16 shows schematically in longitudinal section a further embodiment variant of a return arrangement a sorting system for sorting the withdrawn objects,

17 as a detail from FIG. 16 or from the sorting system, two tilt sorters arranged one behind the other in enlargement, and

18 shows a tilt sorter according to FIG. 17 in cross section.

The arrangement according to the invention is designed in such a way that only objects that are entitled to take back are accepted and that objects from customers or. cannot be withdrawn by manipulation after the object has already been registered and, for example, a receipt has been printed. The arrangement should be able to be used both for objects of deposit systems and loan systems which are provided with readable RFID tags only, as well as for objects which are provided with an RFID tag with at least one rewritable field which, for example, shows the status of objects describes how "lien", "no longer lien"; "stored in the library" or "borrowed", etc.

According to the invention, an arrangement or a take-back module according to FIG. 1 is therefore proposed. Here, the object 9 is guided into the input opening 1. The object is detected by interrogator 2. If the object 9 is identified as having the right to return, the conveyor belt 3 starts and the door 4 opens so that the object can be conveyed past the door 4.

The object now moves according to FIG. 2 on the conveyor belt in the direction of the arrow, passes through doors 4 and is detected by the interrogator 5. Interrogator 5 now, if present, changes the content of an information field on the RFID tag to record that the object has been accepted. This is done to prevent abuse. If the RFID tag does not have one

Instead, it is preferably proposed according to the invention that the identification number of the object is stored in a list for each withdrawn object and that number is blocked for withdrawal within a reasonable time. This block can only affect the corresponding take-back device or, advantageously, a group of take-back devices that jointly manage a block list via data exchange. For example, if there are several parallel return stations, it is ensured that an object stolen again by incorrect manipulation at one station cannot be entered at a return station arranged in parallel in order to trigger a new registration. For borrowed objects in libraries, a blocking period of 24 hours seems reasonable. For reusable objects (such as bottles, containers, containers, etc.), a longer blocking period of approx. 14 days seems reasonable. These times are of course dependent on the expected speed of the object type and must be defined accordingly.

When the data is taken back, the data stored on the RFID tag or parts thereof (e.g. identification number, name, etc.) are recorded by the computer for subsequent receipt printing and for any statistics. If, according to FIG. 3, the object has completely passed the door 4, the door 4 closes immediately in a first embodiment, provided that no new return-authorized object is detected by the interrogator 2. If no new object is detected, an acknowledgment is printed. If a new object is identified during the entry, the above-mentioned process is repeated until all objects that are authorized to return have been entered by the user. Only then will the receipt be printed out. In a second embodiment, the door 4 always closes after an object has passed the door 4, regardless of whether a new object with return authorization is detected by the interrogator 2. The door opens again after a certain delay. This sequence has the consequence that the input speed is reduced compared to the first execution, but has the advantage that a minimum distance is guaranteed between the withdrawn objects, which simplifies or automatically sorting the withdrawn objects. allows. The variant with position sensor (s) 6 is preferred when entering 1 (in front of door 4), so that door 4 is only opened when interrogator 2 detects an object authorized to return and the position sensor (s) 6 additionally indicates (-on) that an object is in the opening 1 or. is entered. For the sequence control, it is important to know whether the object is in front of, under or behind the door 4. At the same time, it is important to secure the door so that it does not close if a person inserts their hand should. We achieve this function with a preferred variant:

A position sensor 15 can monitor the door 4 according to FIG. According to FIG. 4, the position sensor 15, consisting, for example, of a photoemitter 11, a detector 12 and the light beam 13 close to the conveyor belt 3, is arranged either immediately before, immediately after the door 4 or directly in the area of the door. In the latter case, the closing movement of the door 4 can begin immediately when the light beam 13 is no longer interrupted; which normally means that the entered object 9 is over at the door 4. If the light beam 13 is interrupted, there is some object under the door 4 and the door 4 must not continue to close until the interruption of the light beam is canceled again. If the light beam 13 is interrupted for longer than a certain time, the band 3 can be switched off or driven backwards, so that it is ensured that people cannot be injured by the closing movement of the door 4. With this variant, the movement sequence of object 9 can be followed very well. For example, the door 4 can be closed again if, despite an object by the interrogator 2 and sensor 6, no object reaches the sensor 15 within a certain time. It is also possible to measure how long an object interrupts the light beam 13 and thus use the belt speed to draw conclusions about the object length and possible attempts at manipulation. Comment: The placement of the position sensor after the door is less favorable, since in this case theoretically one Object can be directly under the door without this being detected by the position sensor.

Personal security can be increased further by securing door 4 separately, e.g. through the use of pressure sensors, through a ground coupling on the door operator or through a current limiter on the drive motor. It is also possible to integrate the position sensor into the door itself, as shown in FIG. 10.

In any case, an embodiment of the door 4 according to FIG. 5 is preferred which is difficult to open with external force. For this purpose, a lock 20 is provided which, as soon as the door is closed, with e.g. a magnetic switch is locked.

The door can also be a swing door / flap, with e.g. a lock that opens when a redeemable object is entered and closes and locks again when the object is over at the door.

Avoid using built-in parts with electrical properties that differ from those of the

Interrogator antennas 2 and 5 affect generated electric fields, and therefore change / deteriorate the read / write properties. This is important to ensure optimal reading properties. The electrical fields 20 and 21 from the antennas are described in Figure 6. In this area, materials that influence the electrical fields should be avoided. This means that preferably plastic rollers for the drive and deflection roller are to be used that the Support plate for the tape is made of wood or plastic, and that no components that significantly affect the electrical field are placed in the magnetic field described. Some examples of possible cases of misuse or attempted fraud when returning objects are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Case A: If, before the receipt is issued (i.e. before door 4 is closed), the object entered using e.g. withdrawn with a cord, this is registered by the interrogator 2 and possibly also by position sensors 6 and 15. In this case, the withdrawal transaction already made is reversed by the data processing unit and the operator does not receive a receipt. In this case, the attempted manipulation is in one

The machine log is documented and recorded and an appropriate manipulation message is sent to the operator and / or operator.

Case B: If the operator tries to retract the n-1 previously entered objects using a cord, the return movement is also detected by the interrogator 2 and 5, possibly also by the position sensor 6 and 15. The withdrawal transaction is carried out in this case reverses and the operator receives no receipt. In this case, the attempted manipulation is documented and recorded in a machine log and an appropriate manipulation message is given to the operator and / or operator. Case C: Should the manipulator first enter n-1 objects that can be withdrawn with a cord and for which a receipt has been printed, and then use a nth object that can be taken back to ensure that the conveyor belt starts and door 4 opens , the operator may be able to withdraw the previously entered n-1 objects. However, the retraction is detected by interrogator 2 and 5 and possibly by position sensor 6 and 15. In this case a theft alarm is triggered and the door 4 is closed as quickly as possible if it is free. (Checked by position sensor 15).

In order to complicate / prevent theft attempts according to case C, it is proposed that the door 4 is only open as long as is necessary at all. According to the second embodiment variant, the door 4 is closed immediately when the light path 13 is interrupted, and according to the first embodiment variant when there are no additional objects which are authorized to be taken back. The door 4 is also closed regardless of the presence of further objects that are authorized to take back, if an attempted theft is detected by the system.

An alarm to the operator is generated immediately if the light path 13 is interrupted for longer than a time Y. The time Y can be calculated using the maximum length of an object and the transport speed of the conveyor belt. The door 4 closes (if possible) immediately when there is a backward movement from any interregator or position sensor is detected. It is accordingly proposed that a position sensor 7 be mounted on the output 8, which is the first to detect the backward movement. The position sensor 7 does not have to be mounted on the machine itself, but can also be mounted in connection with the entry in a collection container, a sorting system or conveyor system. In addition, according to FIGS. 7 and 8, it is proposed that a mechanical arrangement be used which makes it impossible or at least severely hinders the retraction of objects which have left the conveyor belt 3. This is illustrated on the basis of object 9, which slides on a slide 31 with guides 32 and is either transferred to a conveyor belt 51 according to FIG. 8 or, according to FIG. 7, is entered into a collecting container 41. The idea is, according to FIGS. 7 and 8, that the object must pass through a flap 52, which is designed in such a way that it can only open in one direction, at the slightest pressure. This means that an object 9, which has passed through the flap 52 and is pulled back with a cord, is in contact with the flap 52 and can no longer be pulled back. This flap can be arranged at various suitable locations, such as, for example, according to FIG. 8, on a conveyor belt 51, fastened by a suitable holder frame 54, on a slide 31 or according to FIG. 7 at the opening 43 of a lid 42 on a collecting container 41.

The withdrawal from a collecting container 41 can alternatively also be prevented by arranging mechanical guides in the opening which are like Handles act. When pulling back, it is then unlikely that the objects can go back through the opening.

In addition, according to FIG. 9, it is proposed that a knife 32 be mounted on a slide 31 so that a cord is cut when it is pulled back. The knife should preferably be spring-loaded so that it yields under the weight of an object 9 and, when unloaded, jumps into the original position, which corresponds to the optimal cutting angle. Knives can be mounted where it is assumed that an attempt to pull an object back creates a contact edge from the cord. An additional benefit of the knife 32, according to FIG. 9, is that the original position of the knife basically prevents it from being withdrawn, since when the object is withdrawn the object will be in contact with the knife when it is withdrawn.

In addition, it is proposed that the belt 3 be switched off and possibly moved backwards if the sensor 15 is interrupted for longer than a certain time and the door is prevented from being closed by an object.

It is the object of this invention to refuse to accept unauthorized objects or, if necessary, to immediately return such an object to the operator. If an object 9 is identified by the interrogator 2 as being entitled to take back and the

Position sensor 6 confirms the entry, door 4 opens and an object can be transported past door 4. Should it now turn out that operator manipulation is a non-returnable object is transported, this is determined when the object at the door 4 has completely passed through and the interrogator 5 does not see the object read at the interrogator 2. In this case, the belt only moves forward until any other objects in the system have left the belt. This is determined by position sensors and / or by the interrogator 5. Then tape 3 is reversed and the object mentioned is transported back to input 1. The door 4 closes as soon as the object has been transported past. The belt stops when the object is positioned on the belt so that it is easy for the customer to remove / take it back. This is controlled by the position sensor 6. On the screen or another appropriate display, the customer is asked to remove the object from the input.

In a further variant, according to FIG. 11, a door 74 in an embodiment analogous to door 4 is also installed at the exit. The distance between the doors is at least as long as the length of the largest redeemable object. The idea now is that at least one of doors 4 or 74 is always closed. In this way, a lock is realized, which prevents any kind of manipulation. The process is as follows: The door 4 opens when an object 9 authorized to return is identified during the input 1 and closes when that

Object is conveyed past door 4. The interrogator 5 registers the transaction and opens the door 74 so that the object is dispensed. As soon as the object has been successfully issued, door 74 closes. As soon as it is successfully closed, door 4 becomes the Possibility to open again. If a non-returnable object passes through the door 4, this is detected in the lock by the interrogator 5, the belt 3 is reversed and the door 4 is opened again in order to return the object to the customer.

In FIG. 12, according to a further embodiment variant of the arrangement according to the invention, it is proposed that a reclosable door 34 is already arranged at the input opening 1, through which the object 9 is input into an input area. The object 9 now lies on a swiveling slide 27, which e.g. is attached to the hinge 28.

FIG. 13 shows the same arrangement as FIG. 12 and the further processing and

Transport process for object 9 shown. The user now closes the door 34 so that the input opening 1 is closed. The door 34 is locked. The interrogator 2 now reads the object 9 and if it is authorized to take back or is detected as belonging to the loan system, the following actions are triggered. The slide 27 is pivoted downward, for example by means of a motor, so that the object 9 falls down into a collecting container or onto a transport / sorting system. When the slide 27 is free again, it is swung open again immediately and brought back to its original state. This can be determined, for example, by a limit switch 29. The repositioning triggers that the locking of the door 34 is released and the door can be opened again. The door can be operated fully, semi-automatically or manually. In any case, there is a signal to the user when a new object can be introduced and when the door can be opened again or locked.

The pivoting slide according to Figures 12 and 13 can of course be realized in different types. The hinge can e.g. can be mounted on four possible sides, or the slide can be divided into two swiveling flaps with two opposite ones

Hinges. However, as shown in Figure 14, the swiveling slide, e.g. Swing back and forth around a centrally arranged axis, so that you have the possibility to have the slide swiveled in two directions. In this way, identified objects can be sorted in one direction or another based on their identity.

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment variant of the arrangement according to the invention similar to that shown in FIG. 11, in that the object is first introduced into a lock-like chamber 46 via the input opening 1 by opening a first flap 44 which can be pivoted about an axis 43. The flap 44 is then firmly locked and the object 9 inserted into the chamber 46 is detected by the interrogator 2. If the object 9 is detected as having a deposit or belonging to the loan system, a second door 47, which in turn can be pivoted, for example, about the axis 43 is opened, so that the object 9 emerges from the lock-like chamber 46 in Arrow direction can be transported away. The further interrogator 5 can now be used to identify or further process the RFID tag on the object 9. Of course, it is also possible to arrange the interrogator 5 and possibly a writing device in the region of the chamber 46.

Often you want to sort the objects taken back by a return machine or a return station, for example by material, color, type, affiliation or any other criteria. The objective is therefore to determine how each object is to be sorted and then to carry out the sorting. A sorting system of this type is shown schematically in longitudinal section in FIG. 16, which is suitable for separating the withdrawn objects or for feeding them to separate containers. An object 1 is again used to enter an object into the acceptance station 100, where it is detected or detected by the interrogator 2 and possibly 5. The interrogator 2 and / or 5 can also, for example, record information about an intended sorting, which is stored, for example, on an RFID label. This could include information about whether the object is a book, a CD, a video, etc. There can then be an assignment table in the take-back machine, which states where the various objects are being transported to and how they are to be sorted, such as books in a container 52, CDs in a container 54, videos in a container 56. However, it is also conceivable for sorting information or specifications to be retrieved from an external server with a database, such as a library server. This has the advantage that, for example, pre-reserved books can be sorted out separately and fed to a special container. It is also conceivable that both information from an RFID label and from an external server are used to define the sorting route. If, for example, the sorting or the sorting route is clearly defined by means of an assignment table in the return machine, the object can then, for example, as with reference to the preceding figures, pass through the defined door 4 in order to control a so-called sorting system with one or more sorting routes. Using an assignment table is an inexpensive and efficient method, since the sorting information only has to be recorded, checked and processed once per object. As shown in FIG. 16, the sorting system has several sorting units 51, 53, 55, each with 2 or more sorting paths. Since the sorting system is electrically and / or logically connected to the input station or the interrogator 2 and / or 5, the corresponding sorting path can be activated automatically when the respective object has reached the corresponding sorting unit or the corresponding sorting path.

The detection of the position of the object for the purpose of correct sorting can be done using a wide variety of sensor types respectively. For example, it is possible to use an interrogator for each sorting unit 51, 53, 55, etc. in order to verify the position of the object. However, this can possibly be unnecessarily expensive and the position may not be able to be precisely determined, since the RFID tag can be placed anywhere on the object. For this reason, it is proposed according to a further embodiment variant to determine the position from the object through the sorting system to the sorting path by means of light sensors and / or with position encoders, the encoder being arranged on the drive motor or the drive motors of the sorting system or the sorting unit, for example. For example, a light sensor can be arranged with each sorting unit, such as a light guide device of the type FVDK 10P83Y0 with a simplex light guide from Baumer Electric AG or a photo cell, such as type FPDK 14P5101 / S35A from Baumer Electric AG, arranged around the Detect position of the respective objects. In addition, it is proposed that the motor drive wheel of the entire sorting system or possibly on each individual sorting unit be equipped with position encoders so that the positions of the objects on the belt are known at all times. The objects can then be sorted out by means of a swivel arm, guides, such as screens, etc., lever arms or special drive mechanisms, for example in order to be guided into the respective collecting container. If the object is not assigned to any of these sorting routes, it is simply transported on the conveyor belt. 17 and 18 show a preferred embodiment of a sorting system or a sorting unit. FIG. 17 shows two sorting units 51 and 53 arranged one behind the other, corresponding to the first two sorting points according to FIG. 16. These are so-called tilting sorting units which are cascaded, that is to say arranged one after the other. The tipping sorters are electrically and / or logically connected to one another and of course also with the return machine, which controls the tipping sorter 51 or 53, as shown in FIG. 17, or communicates with them. The connection between the tipping sorter and the redemption machine can also be made wirelessly, for example, using a so-called WLAN connection. In the normal position, each tilt sorter transports the object to the next tilt sorter using a treadmill 63, provided that the object is not assigned to this sorting unit. When a certain object has reached the tipping sorter to which it is assigned, the object is replaced by a

Swivel mechanism tilted either right or left, depending on the specified sorting route. The operation of the tilt sorter proposed according to the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the two FIGS. 17 and 18, FIG. 18 showing the sorting unit 51 in cross section. If the object to be tipped away is on the sorting unit 51, the conveyor belt 63, which is part of the tilting unit 64, is pivoted either to the left or to the right by means of a tilting motor 67 such that the object either into the container 52 or into the container 52 ' slip. The conveyor belt 63 is preferably stopped by switching off the drive motor 65 and the angle of inclination must be large enough to ensure that the object slips into the containers 52 or 52 'provided. After the object has slipped off, the tilting unit 64 is pivoted back again in order to pivot the conveyor belt 63 back into the conveying plane. This can be horizontal or also slightly inclined, depending on the objects to be conveyed, requirements for the conveyance, etc. The control of the tilting unit can be arranged, for example, in a control cabinet 69 which is carried or supported by a frame 61 together with the tilting and transport mechanism is held. The light guides are advantageously mounted on the front and / or rear of the tilt sorter. The exact position of the object can also be tracked on the belt if an additional position encoder is used on the treadmill motor 65. The swivel motor is also advantageously equipped with a position encoder so that the belt returns to the horizontal or the desired operating inclination after swiveling.

So that the optimal position of the object on the tilt sorter is reached when swiveling out, for example in order to optimally fill a sorting container 52 or 52 ', the length of the object is advantageously recorded in the acceptance point 100. This length can be determined, for example, by detecting the distance covered during which the object interrupts, for example, a light beam 13 (FIG. 4). This interruption then gives the length of the object. The longitudinal extent determined in this way then becomes the sorting unit transmitted. By means of the light guide arranged on the respective sorting unit and the position decoder from the drive motor, the position determination can be carried out on the respective sorting unit, ie the length can be used to determine exactly at which position of the respective sorting unit the object is to be removed. This makes it possible to tip small books away in one and the same container, for example, and large books at the other end.

The individual sorting units can be controlled centrally by the individual sorting units being controlled directly by the return arrangement. This means that position sensors monitor the movement of each individual object on the sorting system and the

Provide information of the return arrangement and that the return arrangement triggers the actions at each sorting unit directly so that the object entered or transported along the sorting device is processed correctly, e.g. tilt to the right, left, transport to the next sorting unit, etc.

However, it is also possible that the individual sorting units are equipped with more intelligence so that they can take on and manage tasks independently / autonomously. In contrast to the central control, this is a decentralized control or a decentralized mode. The return arrangement or the interrogators 2 and / or 5 or the sensor 6 can, for example, sort information, the object 9 concerning, transmitted to the first sorting unit 51 when the object 9 arrives at this unit. This information can include, for example: link sorting with sorting unit 55, object length 30 cm, etc. Based on this sorting information, sorting unit 51 knows independently what is to be done with the object or what has to be done with this sorting unit. According to the example mentioned, the object is conveyed further to the subsequent sorting unit 53, the sorting information being passed on to this unit. Similarly, sorting unit 53 conveys object 9 to sorting unit 55 and also transmits the corresponding sorting information to it. In the sorting unit 55 or the sorter 55, the left sorting is triggered as soon as the object 9 has assumed the correct position on this unit.

There is every conceivable interim solution between the modes mentioned, such as central and decentralized mode. For example, it is conceivable that the return arrangement not only transmits sorting information to the first sorting unit, but to all connected sorting units. By means of information about the movement sequence, which the sorting units exchange with one another, the sorting units can then autonomously take care of the correct or predetermined action for themselves or as a whole.

As already mentioned above, the sorting units can be wired to one another and also to the return arrangement, such as in particular the interrogators 2 and / or 5 and / or the sensor 6, or a wireless one Connection can be used, such as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). A variety of cabling and / or protocols can be used. One possibility is to equip the return arrangement with a microprocessor card, which is connected to the microprocessors for controlling the tilt sorters via a serial RS232 connection and / or a so-called CAN bus. It should also be mentioned that, in the case of a return arrangement according to the invention with the sorting units mentioned, the logic / control components or the microprocessors connected to and controlling the arrangement can of course also be attached outside the return arrangement or the housing. The arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 to 18 are of course only examples which serve to explain the present invention in more detail. Of course, it is possible to change the arrangement x arbitrarily, to adapt it, to add further elements, etc. For example, it is also possible to use the arrangement for the simultaneous withdrawal of several lienable objects or loaned objects. Again, several objects, for example provided with an RFID label, are entered on a conveyor belt upon acceptance and guided past the first reading device. The codes or labels are read again by the reading device, such as the interrogator 2, and it is determined how many of the objects entered are entitled to return or belonging to the deposit or loan system. The number of objects whose codes or labels meet the requirements are shown on a display, for example, and the user or the consumer can check whether the number detected by the interrogator matches his ideas. If so, he can confirm the detected number and the acceptance process continues accordingly, as described above with reference to the various figures. However, if the idea of the consumer or user does not match the information, the latter has the option of not confirming the acceptance, to which all objects or, for example, a

Bottle harrass, must be removed from the system and the conveyor mechanism is not even put into operation or the harass is returned to the consumer. If it is necessary to determine or verify whether an object entered in the return station is authorized to accept or whether data from outside the return station must be fetched to determine the sorting route, for example from an external database, the acceptance speed of the return system can be significantly impaired , In this case, the return station must fetch and interpret information from the database of an external server for each individual returned object, which is the case in the event of poor response times, for example in the IT network or in the

Internet, for which customers can lead to unreasonable waiting times.

For this case, it is further proposed according to the invention to define a so-called off-line mode, ie that the customer can enter objects, for example when entering 1, without an external database being checked after being recorded by the interrogator 2. A comparison with the external database is only made later after the customer has been served. However, there is now a risk that objects that are not entitled to return, such as books from another library, or containers that do not belong to the deposit system, will be accepted and / or that sorting will not be possible due to missing sorting information. For this reason, in order to ensure a better and more reliable function in the mentioned off-line mode, it is proposed that periodically, such as once or twice a day, information from an external database relating to all objects in the system or as

Alternatively, all borrowed or issued objects can be downloaded to the respective return machine or the specific return station. In this way, the locally stored database in the return station can be accessed in offline mode and, if necessary, it can be verified at lightning speed whether an object is authorized, how the sorting should be carried out, the title of the book, etc. However, the return transaction should be completed as soon as possible after the return and operation of the

Customers are compared with the external database so that the external server is always as up-to-date as possible and the staff can provide correct information, such as about the availability of individual objects. An example of such a library information system with One such external database is the SISIS system, which libraries can obtain and use from Sisis Informationssysteme GmbH (www.sisis .de). So-called depositable objects do not necessarily have to be reusable objects, but the arrangement described according to the invention is also suitable for one-way objects, which should be returned to a suitable location, for example for environmental reasons. However, the arrangement or method defined according to the invention can also be used to prevent objects that are no longer used from being dumped wildly by introducing waste charges. On account of a raised deposit, it is in any case worthwhile to return an object to the corresponding collection point provided for this purpose, such as, for example, an arrangement according to the invention intended for the return of such objects, instead of being disposed of in the wild. For example, when a television set is sold, a deposit can be levied, which is at least partially repaid if the television set is returned to the appropriate location and disposed of if the television set is no longer used. It is also conceivable that a certain amount will not be paid out or credited when taking back objects, but that it is also possible to credit the stake directly to a non-profit institution or to use it as a bet. It is also possible to pay an additional bonus, such as a loyalty voucher, if ten or a number of objects are returned at the same time. Furthermore, a keyboard can be provided at the return station, for example, on which the consumer can enter how the deposit is to be paid out or used.

In other words, the present invention is in no way limited to any particular object or to a type of deposit or loan, but can be used wherever a clear identification or designation of a returned object or a returned object is necessary or Return, correct disposal or recycle of a given object is desirable, sensible or necessary.

It is also possible to issue the user with vouchers for certain products or to draw attention to certain products. These can relate to known user behavior patterns. So you know, e.g. often captured by customers who are shopping habits or who

Books References. Thus, e.g. in a combined library / bookstore, be made aware of books that should correspond to personal taste and are on sale.

Claims

claims

1. Arrangement for accepting or taking back objects (9) and / or objects (9) associated with a deposit system, provided at least with an at least legible identification code, characterized by an acceptance area (1) for the input or positioning of the withdrawing objects (9), a reading device (2) to determine the belonging of the object to a specific deposit or loan system, a transport device (3) which is operatively connected to the reading device in such a way that in the case of positive Determination of the affiliation of the object, which is transported further, and at least one shut-off device (4, 27) through which the object is transported by the reading device if the determination is positive.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that means are provided on the shut-off element (4, 27), such as a

Locking element, an automatic closure or the like. At least to complicate a backward movement of the object after passage.

3. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that on the shut-off device (4, 27)

Monitoring means (15), such as light barriers, pressure sensors, position sensors, etc. are provided in order to Control shut-off device (4, 27) and to detect a backward movement of the object.

4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one shut-off element (4, 27) has a pivoting element which only in

Swinging transport direction can be actuated and not in the opposite transport direction.

5. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an identification sensor (5) is further provided to identify the withdrawn object (9) and in the case of a lienable object to record the corresponding deposit amount, or in the case of a Loan system to take back the property and, if necessary, register the property itself.

6. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the identification sensor and the reading device are identical or are arranged in one and the same component.

7. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reading device (2) is arranged in the transport direction of the transport device in front of the shut-off device (4), and the

Identification sensor (5) is arranged after the shut-off device.

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the monitoring means (15) in the region of the shut-off element (4) comprise at least one position sensor, such as a light barrier or a pressure sensor, etc., which indicates whether an object is in the Area of the shut-off device is located, and which if necessary further detects whether the object is stopped or moving backwards.

9. Arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the identification sensor (5) additionally contains a writing device in order to change data on a rewritable code or label arranged on the object, such as an RFID tag, and / or or to transfer to this or to this.

10. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the reading device (2) and the

Identification sensor (5) or, if appropriate, the writing device in the radio frequency range read / record or transmit data.

11. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, that in the area of the identification sensor (5) or in

Direction of transport, where appropriate, an output area is subsequently provided for the identified or registered object, in which output area at least one further position sensor (11) is provided in order to detect the output of the object to a subsequent location or to determine a backward movement of an object.

12. The arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that a further shut-off element (74) is provided in the output area in order to detect or prevent a backward movement of the object.

13. Arrangement according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that a cutting device (32) is provided in the output area, which at Transport of an object in the direction of the transport device can be folded away or swiveled away, and can be activated when the object is transported in the opposite direction, for example by means of a spring, in order to sever take-back aids, such as cords, ropes and the like, in order to transport the object in the opposite direction.

14. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that an alarm transmitter is provided which can be activated in the event of improper use of the arrangement.

15. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least two shut-off elements (4.74) are provided which are operatively connected to one another in such a way that one of the two shut-off elements always locks in the sense of a lock or for the passage of an object is closed.

16. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that an additional shut-off device (34) is provided in the acceptance area for the input or positioning of the withdrawing objects (9), and in the area of the reading device (2) or. if necessary, the identification sensor (5) has a base (27) which can be pivoted downward, such as a pivotable slide which, due to a positive determination, can be unlocked by the reading device and can be pivoted downward.

17. The arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the additional arranged in the acceptance area Shut-off device (34) is operatively connected to the bottom which can be pivoted downwards in such a way that the further shut-off device is closed or locked when the bottom is folded out.

18. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the arrangement has a lock-like chamber (46) into which the object to be detected (9) can be inserted and in which the object can be identified by means of the reading device (2), and that at least two reclosable chamber walls or shut-off devices (44, 47) are arranged on the lock-like chamber (46), which are operatively connected to one another in such a way that at least one shut-off device is always closed, and if the object is positively determined or recognized by the reading device (2), the shut-off device (47) connected downstream of the chamber-like lock (46), can be unlocked in order to enable further transport of the object (9), which can be identified by the identification sensor (5) if necessary.

19. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that a sorting device is provided next to the acceptance area (1), comprising one or more sorting units (51, 53, 55) to sort the withdrawn objects.

20. The arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that the sorting system preferably comprises largely autonomously operating sorting units (51, 53, 55), each having a conveyor belt (63), preferably each driven by a drive motor (65), each Sorting area is assigned to at least one sensor for detecting the object and, if appropriate, its position, each sensor and / or a sorting unit controller preferably being electrically and / or logically, optionally wirelessly, for example by means of WLAN (wireless local area network) at least with the return arrangement or with which a reading device (2) and / or an identification sensor (5) is connected.

21. Arrangement according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that preferably each sorting unit is provided with an RFID reader or interrogator and / or with at least one light sensor and / or a position encoder, arranged on the respective drive motor of each sorting unit ,

22. Plant according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that each sorting unit comprises at least one so-called tilting sorter unit, which cascade in the case of several units, i.e. are placed one after the other.

23. The arrangement according to claim 22, characterized in that at each tilt sorter, the respective conveyor belt, viewed in the transport direction, can be swiveled either to the left or to the right, in such a way that an object arranged on the conveyor belt is either left or right, for example in a container or a container (52, 52 ') to pivot away.

24. Arrangement according to one of claims 22 or 23, characterized in that both drive motor (65) of the respective conveyor belt (23) of each tilt sorter, as well a tilting motor (27) provided for inclination, each provided or connected with a position encoder in order to be able to detect the position of the object on the belt and the swivel angle to be selected or the reset angle in order to move the conveyor belt to the starting position zurückzuschwenken.

25. Arrangement according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that in the receiving area (1) in addition to the reading device (2), a light guide (11) and a position encoder on the transport device (3) are arranged for detecting the length of the withdrawn object, to pass on the measured length to a controller at the respective sorting unit for the correct sorting or tipping of the withdrawn object.

26. Arrangement according to one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the sorting units (51, 53, 55) are logically and / or electronically connected to one another and to the return arrangement and thus to the reading device (2), the connection using CAN -Bus can be done.

27. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the return arrangement and thus also functionally the sorting units are provided with a database or are connected to a local database on which the data relevant to the arrangement or return station and / or those of borrowed or issued objects are saved.

28. Procedure for accepting or taking back objects that can be pledged or / and / or pledged Objects associated with the loan system, at least provided with an at least readable identification code, characterized in that the acceptance of an object for a particular deposit or loan system is determined by means of a reading device at an acceptance area for the input or positioning of the objects to be taken back, then one with the reading device operatively connected transport device is activated when the object is associated with a positive determination, in order to transport the object away by a shut-off device, which is unlocked or opened by the reading device for the transport of the object upon positive determination.

29. The method according to claim 28 for the acceptance or withdrawal of a plurality of objects and / or an object containing a plurality of object units, characterized in that the reading device detects the number of objects or object units accepted or returned and this number visually and / or acoustically Indicates what the person entering the objects or units or the consumer confirms or rejects the recorded number, whereupon the rejection of the further transport or further processing of the object and / or the units and / or the object or the units is interrupted are returned to the person or the consumer.

30. The method according to any one of claims 28 or 29, characterized in that the object or objects received or returned on the basis of the data which exclusively identify the respective object, such as serial number, Identification code, etc. are recorded and this data is stored in a negative list, i.e. no longer authorized to accept, and this data is compared or exchanged with other return arrangements, if necessary, the period of validity of the entries in the negative list being defined in accordance with the respective purpose.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30 and / or for operating an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that if for the

Verification that the object entered into the revenue station is authorized to accept or data to be retrieved from an external database for the determination of a subsequent sorting of the object, to shorten the data retrieval or in the event of poor response times in an EDP network or if there is temporarily no connection, the return order or the acceptance area can be operated in the off-line mode by periodically downloading information from the external database relating to all objects recorded in the database, or alternatively all information relating to loaned / issued objects, to a local return database on the return arrangement.

32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that the object or objects at positive

Determination are passed by the reading device to a sorting device, comprising one or more sorting units, in order to sort the withdrawn or accepted objects, and that the individual sorting units are controlled by the return arrangement or reading device in such a way that any sorting action is triggered at the respective sorting unit in order to process or sort out the objects to be sorted at the respective sorting unit.

33. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 32, characterized in that an intelligent control is provided on at least one or more sorting units, and that these sorting units are operated largely independently or autonomously, such that one of the return arrangement or the reading device Sorting information relating to the object to be processed is transmitted to the sorting units and, based on the sorting information at the respective sorting unit, the object is processed or sorted out independently or is conveyed to a further sorting unit.

34. Use of the arrangement according to one of claims 1-27 for a loan system, such as for a library system for the loan of books, CDs, cassettes, videos, maps, magazines, etc.

35. Sorting system for sorting different types of objects, particularly suitable for a return arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized by several preferably largely autonomously operating

Sorting units (51, 53, 55) with at least two sorting paths for sorting out the objects, each sorting unit having at least one conveyor belt (63), preferably driven by a drive motor (65), as well as a tilting sorter device for each sorting unit, provided to tilt the conveyor belt to the left or to the right, as seen in the transport direction, in order to tip a container to be sorted out on a specific sorting unit, for example, into a container.

36. Sorting system according to claim 31, characterized in that each sorting unit is assigned at least one sensor, which is preferably electrically and / or logically connected to a reading device and / or a further sensor in an input area of the sorting system, the sensor being an identification sensor , such as a light sensor, an RFID reader or interrogator, as well as a position encoder, arranged on the respective drive motor of the conveyor belt of each sorting unit.