EP2083401A1 - Automatic empty bottle reclamation - Google Patents
Automatic empty bottle reclamation Download PDFInfo
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- EP2083401A1 EP2083401A1 EP08021778A EP08021778A EP2083401A1 EP 2083401 A1 EP2083401 A1 EP 2083401A1 EP 08021778 A EP08021778 A EP 08021778A EP 08021778 A EP08021778 A EP 08021778A EP 2083401 A1 EP2083401 A1 EP 2083401A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- conveyor belt
- inclined plane
- transport direction
- empty containers
- empty
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
- G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
Definitions
- the invention is based on a device for detecting identification features of empties containers in reverse vending machines.
- Empties reverse vending machines serve to receive individual empty containers, especially bottles or cans, and issue a deposit to the user depending on the characteristics of the entered empty containers.
- Empties take-back machines are known from the prior art record the individual empty containers in a horizontal orientation and determine the characteristic features of the individual empty containers in this position by means of a detection device. Characteristic features include, for example, the shape, the material, a bar code and a DPG logo recognition.
- Characteristic features include, for example, the shape, the material, a bar code and a DPG logo recognition.
- the empty containers are rotated about their axis by means of rollers or rollers. Subsequent to the detection of the characteristic features, the empty containers are transported on to collect them or to feed the further processing.
- the empty containers can be taken only individually and examined by means of a detection device. Only when an empty container is scanned and transported away by the detection device, the next empty container can be supplied to the detection device. Since the examination of the individual empty containers takes some time, the speed with which empty containers can be taken up is low. The speed can be increased by a higher sampling rate. However, this is only possible with a complex and expensive lighting.
- the invention has for its object to provide a device for detecting empties containers in reverse vending machines available that allows the determination of the characteristics of the empty containers with less effort, is inexpensive to manufacture, is not prone to wear, and faster with the empty container be picked up and recorded by the reverse vending machine.
- the object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.
- the device is characterized in that it is equipped with an inclined plane and at least one optical detection device for detecting the empty containers.
- the inclined plane is also called inclined plane. It connects a first, higher level with a second, lower level. Due to the inclination, a transport direction of the empty containers is specified.
- the empty containers are aligned at the upper end of the inclined plane with its longitudinal axis horizontal and perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane.
- the slope-down force acting on the oblique plane on the empty containers ensures that the horizontal empty containers are transported downwards in the direction of transport on the inclined plane.
- the inclination and surface of the inclined plane are predetermined so that the empty containers experience a frictional force when moving along the surface of the inclined plane, which causes a rotation about its longitudinal axis in the empty containers.
- the empty containers do not slip down the inclined plane but they roll down the inclined plane. If the inclined plane is long enough, the empty containers make at least one complete turn about their longitudinal axis during their transport on the inclined plane.
- the at least one above the inclined plane arranged optical detection device can scan its entire surface during the transport of an empty container on the inclined plane and thereby capture the characteristic features of the identification of the empty container. This includes in particular a bar code arranged on the empty container. For empty containers that have no have round cross-section, a rotation on the inclined plane can be omitted. In this case, for example, a bar code on the outside of the empty container is not detected by an optical detection device. This can lead to a rejection of the empty container.
- the inclined plane can consist of a rigid plate.
- the surface must have some roughness so that empty containers made of different materials such as glass, metal and plastic, when moved on the inclined plane, experience a frictional force causing the empty containers to rotate about their longitudinal axis.
- the inclination angle of the inclined plane is further to be chosen so that the resulting from the weight of the empty container slope force is not so large that a rotation of the empty containers despite the rough surface of the inclined plane is omitted.
- the weight of the empty containers can be divided into a force component parallel to the surface of the inclined plane and perpendicular to the surface of the inclined plane. The component perpendicular to the surface of the inclined plane ensures that the empty containers experience a frictional force when moving on the inclined plane.
- the force component parallel to the surface of the inclined plane leads to a transport of empty containers along the inclined plane in the transport direction down. Due to the frictional force round empty containers are rotated about their longitudinal axis. If the frictional force is too low, the rotational movement is prevented and the empty containers only slide down the inclined plane.
- the advantage of the device according to the invention is that only an inclined plane is necessary for rotation of the empty container about its longitudinal axis. On rollers and rollers is omitted.
- the device therefore has a much lower structural dimension than known devices, is cheaper to manufacture and less susceptible to wear.
- An essential advantage of the device is also that the scanning of the empty containers can be done in the flow and the simultaneous scanning of several Empty container is possible. Thereby, the speed with which empty containers can be recorded, examined and collected, substantially increased over known devices. All empty containers, which are located in the viewing window of the optical recognition device, can be scanned simultaneously.
- the length of the inclined plane is greater than or equal to the product of ⁇ and the predetermined maximum diameter of a accepted by the reverse vending machine, round empty container.
- the length of the inclined plane corresponds to the extension in the transport direction, which is predetermined by the slope output forces.
- the characteristic data of all empties containers accepted by the reverse vending machine are stored in a storage element of the reverse vending machine. This includes, among other things, the diameter and the height of the accepted empty containers. These diameters are used to determine the largest diameter and the associated circumference.
- the length of the inclined plane is chosen so that it corresponds at least to the circumference of the container with the largest volume.
- the width of the inclined plane is greater than or equal to the maximum height of an empties container accepted by the reverse vending machine.
- the width corresponds to the extent of the inclined plane perpendicular to the transport direction predetermined by the slope output forces. If the width of the inclined plane is greater than the maximum height of one of the reverse vending machines accepted empty container, it is ensured that the empty containers are supported by the inclined plane and can not fall from the inclined plane laterally.
- a first conveyor belt with a first transport direction is arranged on the inclined plane at the higher level.
- the first conveyor belt can be aligned with its first transport direction perpendicular or parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane. If the first transport direction runs perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane, the empty containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis parallel to the first transport direction.
- At the first conveyor belt can be arranged laterally retaining strips, which prevent the empties container leave the first conveyor belt before they have reached the inclined plane. If the first transport direction runs parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane, the empty containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first transport direction.
- holding strips can be integrated into the conveyor belt perpendicular to the first transport direction, which prevent the empty containers on the conveyor belt from rolling in an uncontrolled manner in the first transport direction or in the opposite direction. Moreover, it is advantageous if the empty containers reach each other on the inclined plane with temporal and spatial distance. In this way it is ensured that the optical detection device can scan the entire surface and this is not hindered by further empty containers.
- an impeller for pushing the empty containers is arranged on the inclined plane on the first conveyor belt. This ensures that the empty containers reach the inclined plane from the first conveyor belt.
- the impeller is advantageously equipped with two or three blades. It turns around an axis, which is arranged next to or above the first conveyor belt. The axis is aligned perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane.
- a second conveyor belt with a second transport direction is arranged on the inclined plane on the lower level.
- the second conveyor belt may be arranged with its second transport direction perpendicular or parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane. If the second transport direction runs parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane, then the empties containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the second transport direction.
- retaining strips can be integrated into the second conveyor belt perpendicular to the second transport direction, which prevent the empty containers on the conveyor belt from rolling in an uncontrolled manner in the second transport direction or in the opposite direction.
- the empty containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis parallel to the second transport direction.
- On the second conveyor belt holding iron can be arranged laterally, which prevent the empty containers can leave the conveyor belt due to a rolling motion.
- a collecting device is arranged on the second conveyor belt to decelerate the empties container arriving from the inclined plane.
- This may be, for example, a retaining strip which extends perpendicularly upwards on the second conveyor belt.
- the catching device counteracts the acceleration resulting from the downhill force. It prevents the empty containers from rolling over the second conveyor belt.
- a segregation device is arranged on the second conveyor belt, which removes individual empty containers from the second conveyor belt.
- the empty containers can be sorted as a function of the characteristic features determined by the optical recognition device above the inclined plane.
- the rejection device can be, for example, a drive of the second conveyor belt, which moves the second conveyor belt in two different transport directions, for example in a forward and a return direction.
- the second conveyor belt is mounted at least partially pivotable or rotatable.
- the section of the second conveyor belt arranged directly on the inclined plane is pivoted downwards in order to release the empty container. Subsequently, the second conveyor belt is pivoted back into the horizontal to receive the next empty container. If this meets the criteria for further processing, the pivotable section of the second conveyor belt remains in the horizontal orientation until the respective empty container is fed for further processing.
- an impeller is arranged on the second conveyor belt, which actively pushes the empties containerlitis
- the first and / or second conveyor belt strips to keep the empty containers during their transport on the conveyor belt in a lying position.
- the round empty containers experience in their lying position in a transport direction of the conveyor belt perpendicular to its longitudinal axis a Acceleration that can cause them to roll forward or back on the conveyor belt in the direction of transport. Whether and how strong the roller movement is depends on the one hand on the accelerating force and on the other hand on the frictional force between the empty containers and the conveyor belt.
- the strips integrated into the conveyor belt prevent an uncontrolled rolling movement of the empties containers on the conveyor belt.
- Each of the empty containers can only move in the available space between two adjacent bars. An accumulation of multiple empty containers on the conveyor belt is thereby avoided.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 a first embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empty containers with an inclined plane 1, an optical detection device 2, a first conveyor belt 3 and a second conveyor belt 4 is shown.
- Empty containers 5 are fed on the first conveyor belt 3, the first transport direction is perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane, the inclined plane.
- the first conveyor belt 3 is aligned horizontally.
- the empty containers are on the first conveyor belt 3. Its longitudinal axis is parallel to the first transport direction.
- an impeller 6 is arranged to push the empty container 5 from the first conveyor belt 3 on the inclined plane 1, above the first conveyor belt 3, above the first conveyor belt 3.
- an impeller 6 is arranged to push the empty container 5 from the first conveyor belt 3 on the inclined plane 1, above the first conveyor belt 3, an impeller 6 is arranged. Once the empty containers 5 are on the inclined plane 1, they roll down the inclined plane due to the force acting on them downhill force and the frictional force.
- the above the inclined plane arranged optical detection device 2 has such a large viewing window, or such a large viewing angle 7, that they can scan all empty containers 5, which are located on the inclined plane 1.
- the empty containers fall into a shaft 8, which together with the upwardly projecting retaining strip 9 represents a collecting device for the empty containers 5.
- the second conveyor belt 4 At the bottom of the shaft 8 is the second conveyor belt 4.
- the arranged in extension of the inclined plane 1 section 10 of the second conveyor belt 4 is pivotally mounted.
- the pivotable portion 10 may, as indicated by the arrow in FIG FIG. 1 indicated to be rotated about an axis not visible in the drawing and release a located in the slot 8 empties container down.
- FIG. 1 Although suggests that in the shaft 8, two empty containers 5 are, however, is from the illustration according to FIG. 2 Clear that the two empty containers 5 are located at different positions on the second conveyor belt 4. A downwardly through the pivotable portion 10 of the second conveyor belt 4 segregated empties container 5 passes through a second inclined plane 11 on a third conveyor belt 12, which supplies the segregated empty container 5 further processing. In those empty containers that meet certain criteria according to the result of the scanning by the optical detection device 2, the portion 10 of the second conveyor belt is not pivoted downwards. These empty containers 5 remain rather on the second conveyor belt and we are in FIG. 2 shown supplied for further processing.
- FIG. 4 a second embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empty containers is shown.
- the device corresponds to the inclined plane 1, the optical detection device 2, the first conveyor belt 3, the second conveyor belt 4, the empty containers 5, the impeller 6, the viewing window 7 of the optical detection device 2, the shaft 8, and the retaining strip 9 of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 .
- the second conveyor belt 4 is not pivotally mounted.
- the separation of certain empty containers depending on their Characteristic features determined by the optical recognition device 2 are provided by different transport directions of the second transport belt 4 FIG. 4 shown. If an empties container meets certain criteria with regard to its characteristic features, it is guided by the second conveyor belt in a transport direction. On the other hand, if he does not fulfill these criteria, he will be guided in the opposite direction of transport. This is in FIG. 4 represented by an arrow with two arrowheads.
- FIG. 5 a third embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empty containers is shown.
- This third embodiment is consistent with the first embodiment with respect to the inclined plane 1, the optical detection device 2, the second conveyor belt 4, the empty containers 5, the viewing window 7, the optical detection device 2, the shaft 8, the retaining strip 9, the pivotable portion 10 of second conveyor belt 2, the second inclined plane 11 and the third conveyor belt 12 match.
- the difference from the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 consists in that the first conveyor belt 13 is arranged with its first transport direction not perpendicular as in the first and second embodiments, but parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane.
- the strips also fulfill the task of pushing the empty containers 5 on the inclined plane 1. While in the first and second embodiments, the first transport direction of the first conveyor belt and the second transport direction of the second conveyor belt parallel to each other and perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane, so are in the Third embodiment, the first transport direction of the first conveyor belt and the transport direction of the inclined plane parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second transport direction of the second conveyor belt.
- FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for detecting identification features of empty containers is shown.
- This embodiment corresponds essentially to the third embodiment according to Figures 5 and 6 , It differs only from the third embodiment, that the separation of certain empty containers 5 on the second conveyor belt 15 is not done by a pivotable portion of the second conveyor belt, but by a not shown in the drawing impeller or distributor, which pushes certain empty containers from the second conveyor belt 15 , This is in FIG. 7 indicated by the arrow 16.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 a fifth embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empty containers is shown. It corresponds with respect to the first conveyor belt 13, the inclined plane 1 and the optical detection device 2 according to the third embodiment according to the Figures 5 and 6 , It differs from the third embodiment in that on the second conveyor belt 17, a flap 18 is arranged. The flap is pivotable about an axis 19. If it is vertically aligned, it serves as a catching device and brakes the empties container 5 arriving from the inclined plane 1. These are then on the second conveyor belt 17, as in FIG. 9 shown, transported.
- the empties containers 5 lying on the second conveyor belt 17 can be transported in two different directions as a function of their identification features and thus sorted according to two different criteria. If the flap 18 is in a horizontal orientation, the empties containers 5 arriving from the inclined plane can leave the second conveyor 17 in the direction of transport of the inclined plane and onto a second inclined plane 19 reach. From there, they are fed to a third conveyor belt 20 due to their downgrade force.
- the device according to the fifth embodiment thus makes it possible to assign the empties containers in dependence on the identification features detected by the optical recognition device in three different transport directions.
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Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Erkennungsmerkmalen von Leergutbehältern in Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten.The invention is based on a device for detecting identification features of empties containers in reverse vending machines.
Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten dienen dazu, einzelne Leergutbehälter, insbesondere Flaschen oder Dosen, aufzunehmen und in Abhängigkeit von charakteristischen Merkmalen der eingegebenen Leergutbehälter ein Pfand an den Benutzer auszugeben. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten bekannt, die einzelne Leergutbehälter in liegender Ausrichtung aufnehmen und in dieser Position anhand einer Erkennungseinrichtung die charakteristischen Merkmale der einzelnen Leergutbehälter ermitteln. Zu den charakteristischen Merkmalen zählen beispielsweise die Form, das Material, ein Strichcode und eine DPG-Logoerkennung. Um die liegenden Leergutbehälter so auszurichten, dass bestimmte charakteristische Merkmale, wie beispielsweise ein Strichcode, einer optischen Erkennungseinrichtung zugewandt sind und von dieser abgetastet werden können, werden die Leergutbehälter mittels Rollen oder Walzen um ihre Achse gedreht. Anschließend an die Erfassung der charakteristischen Merkmale werden die Leergutbehälter weiter transportiert um sie zu sammeln oder der weiteren Bearbeitung zuzuführen. Als Nachteil erweist sich, dass die Einrichtung zum Drehen der liegenden Leergutbehälter aus mehreren Bauteilen besteht, was ihren Aufbau aufwendig macht und Anlass zu einem Verschleiß des Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten gibt. Darüber hinaus können die Leergutbehälter nur einzeln aufgenommen und mittels einer Erkennungseinrichtung untersucht werden. Erst wenn ein Leergutbehälter durch die Erkennungseinrichtung abgetastet und abtransportiert ist, kann der nächste Leergutbehälter der Erkennungseinrichtung zugeführt werden. Da die Untersuchung der einzelnen Leergutbehälter einige Zeit beansprucht, ist die Geschwindigkeit, mit der Leergutbehälter aufgenommen werden können, gering. Die Geschwindigkeit kann durch eine höhere Abtastrate erhöht werden. Dies ist jedoch nur mit einer aufwendigen und teuren Beleuchtung möglich.Empties reverse vending machines serve to receive individual empty containers, especially bottles or cans, and issue a deposit to the user depending on the characteristics of the entered empty containers. Empties take-back machines are known from the prior art record the individual empty containers in a horizontal orientation and determine the characteristic features of the individual empty containers in this position by means of a detection device. Characteristic features include, for example, the shape, the material, a bar code and a DPG logo recognition. In order to align the horizontal empty containers so that certain characteristic features, such as a bar code, for example, face and can be scanned by an optical recognition device, the empty containers are rotated about their axis by means of rollers or rollers. Subsequent to the detection of the characteristic features, the empty containers are transported on to collect them or to feed the further processing. A disadvantage proves that the device for rotating the empty container lying consists of several components, which makes their structure consuming and gives rise to wear of the reverse vending machines. In addition, the empty containers can be taken only individually and examined by means of a detection device. Only when an empty container is scanned and transported away by the detection device, the next empty container can be supplied to the detection device. Since the examination of the individual empty containers takes some time, the speed with which empty containers can be taken up is low. The speed can be increased by a higher sampling rate. However, this is only possible with a complex and expensive lighting.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Leergutbehältern in Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten zur Verfügung zu stellen, die die Feststellung der charakteristischen Merkmale der Leergutbehälter mit geringerem Aufwand ermöglicht, kostengünstig herzustellen ist, nicht anfällig gegen Verschleiß ist, und mit der Leergutbehälter schneller durch den Leergut-Rücknahmeautomat aufgenommen und erfasst werden.The invention has for its object to provide a device for detecting empties containers in reverse vending machines available that allows the determination of the characteristics of the empty containers with less effort, is inexpensive to manufacture, is not prone to wear, and faster with the empty container be picked up and recorded by the reverse vending machine.
Die Aufgabe wird durch eine Vorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Die Vorrichtung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass sie mit einer schiefen Ebene und mindestens einer optischen Erkennungseinrichtung zur Erfassung der Leergutbehälter ausgestattet ist. Die schiefe Ebene wird auch als geneigte Ebene bezeichnet. Sie verbindet ein erstes, höheres Niveau mit einem zweiten, niedereren Niveau. Durch die Neigung wird eine Transportrichtung der Leergutbehälter vorgegeben. Die Leergutbehälter werden am oberen Ende der schiefen Ebene mit ihrer Längsachse horizontal und senkrecht zu der Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene ausgerichtet. Die auf der schiefen Ebene auf die Leergutbehälter wirkende Hangabtriebskraft sorgt dafür, dass die liegenden Leergutbehälter in Transportrichtung auf der schiefen Ebene nach unten transportiert werden. Neigung und Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene werden so vorgegeben, dass die Leergutbehälter bei ihrer Bewegung entlang der Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene eine Reibungskraft erfahren, die bei den Leergutbehältern eine Rotation um ihre Längsachse auslöst. Die Leergutbehälter rutschen damit nicht die schiefe Ebene hinunter sondern sie rollen die schiefe Ebene hinunter. Ist die schiefe Ebene lang genug, so vollziehen die Leergutbehälter bei ihrem Transport auf der schiefen Ebene mindestens eine vollständige Drehung um ihre Längsachse. Die mindestens eine oberhalb der schiefen Ebene angeordnete optische Erkennungseinrichtung kann während des Transports eines Leergutbehälters auf der schiefen Ebene seine gesamte Oberfläche abtasten und dabei die charakteristischen Erkennungsmerkmale des Leergutbehälters erfassen. Hierzu zählt insbesondere ein an dem Leergutbehälter angeordneter Strichcode. Bei Leergutbehältern, die keinen runden Querschnitt aufweisen, kann eine Drehung auf der schiefen Ebene ausbleiben. In diesem Fall wird beispielsweise ein Strichcode an der Außenseite des Leergutbehälters nicht durch eine optische Erkennungseinrichtung erfasst. Dies kann zu einer Zurückweisung des Leergutbehälters führen.The object is achieved by a device having the features of
Die schiefe Ebene kann aus einer starren Platte bestehen. Die Oberfläche muss eine gewisse Rauheit aufweisen, damit Leergutbehälter aus unterschiedlichen Materialien, wie beispielsweise Glas, Metall und Kunststoff, bei ihrer Bewegung auf der schiefen Ebene eine Reibungskraft erfahren, die eine Drehung der Leergutbehälter um ihre Längsachse bewirkt. Der Neigungswinkel der schiefen Ebene ist ferner so zu wählen, dass die aus der Gewichtskraft der Leergutbehälter resultierende Hangabtriebskraft nicht so groß wird, dass eine Rotation der Leergutbehälter trotz der rauen Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene unterbleibt. Die Gewichtskraft der Leergutbehälter kann aufgeteilt werden in eine Kraftkomponente parallel zur Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene und senkrecht zur Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene. Die Komponente senkrecht zur Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene sorgt dafür, dass die Leergutbehälter bei der Bewegung auf der schiefen Ebene eine Reibungskraft erfahren. Die Kraftkomponente parallel zur Oberfläche der schiefen Ebene führt zu einem Transport der Leergutbehälter entlang der schiefen Ebene in Transportrichtung nach unten. Aufgrund der Reibungskraft werden runde Leergutbehälter um ihre Längsachse gedreht. Ist die Reibungskraft zu gering, so unterbleibt die Drehbewegung und die Leergutbehälter rutschen nur die schiefe Ebene hinunter.The inclined plane can consist of a rigid plate. The surface must have some roughness so that empty containers made of different materials such as glass, metal and plastic, when moved on the inclined plane, experience a frictional force causing the empty containers to rotate about their longitudinal axis. The inclination angle of the inclined plane is further to be chosen so that the resulting from the weight of the empty container slope force is not so large that a rotation of the empty containers despite the rough surface of the inclined plane is omitted. The weight of the empty containers can be divided into a force component parallel to the surface of the inclined plane and perpendicular to the surface of the inclined plane. The component perpendicular to the surface of the inclined plane ensures that the empty containers experience a frictional force when moving on the inclined plane. The force component parallel to the surface of the inclined plane leads to a transport of empty containers along the inclined plane in the transport direction down. Due to the frictional force round empty containers are rotated about their longitudinal axis. If the frictional force is too low, the rotational movement is prevented and the empty containers only slide down the inclined plane.
Der Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung besteht darin, dass zur Rotation der Leergutbehälter um ihre Längsachse lediglich eine schiefe Ebene notwendig ist. Auf Walzen und Rollen wird verzichtet. Die Vorrichtung weist daher ein wesentlich geringeres Baumaß als bekannte Vorrichtungen auf, ist günstiger herzustellen und weniger verschleißanfällig. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil der Vorrichtung besteht außerdem darin, dass die Abtastung der Leergutbehälter im Durchlauf erfolgen kann und die gleichzeitige Abtastung mehrerer Leergutbehälter möglich ist. Dadurch wird die Geschwindigkeit, mit der Leergutbehälter aufgenommen, untersucht und gesammelt werden können, gegenüber bekannten Vorrichtungen wesentlich erhöht. Sämtliche Leergutbehälter, welche sich im Sichtfenster der optischen Erkennungseinrichtung befinden, können gleichzeitig abgetastet werden.The advantage of the device according to the invention is that only an inclined plane is necessary for rotation of the empty container about its longitudinal axis. On rollers and rollers is omitted. The device therefore has a much lower structural dimension than known devices, is cheaper to manufacture and less susceptible to wear. An essential advantage of the device is also that the scanning of the empty containers can be done in the flow and the simultaneous scanning of several Empty container is possible. Thereby, the speed with which empty containers can be recorded, examined and collected, substantially increased over known devices. All empty containers, which are located in the viewing window of the optical recognition device, can be scanned simultaneously.
Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Länge der schiefen Ebene größer oder gleich dem Produkt aus π und dem vorgegebenen maximalen Durchmesser eines von dem Leergut-Rücknahmeautomat akzeptierten, runden Leergutbehälters. Die Länge der schiefen Ebene entspricht der Ausdehnung in Transportrichtung, welche durch die Hangabtriebskräfte vorgegeben ist. Die charakteristischen Daten sämtlicher von dem Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten akzeptierten Leergutbehälter sind in einem Speicherelement des Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten abgelegt. Hierzu zählt unter anderem auch der Durchmesser und die Höhe der akzeptierten Leergutbehälter. Aus diesen Durchmessern wird der größte Durchmesser und der zugehörige Umfang bestimmt. Die Länge der schiefen Ebene wird so gewählt, dass sie mindestens dem Umfang des Leergutbehälters mit dem größten Umfang entspricht. Dadurch wird gewährleistet, dass der größte, von dem Leergut-Rücknahmeautomat akzeptierte Leergutbehälter bei seinem Transport entlang der Platte eine Drehung um 360° um seine Längsachse vollzieht. Die Erfassung der charakteristischen Merkmale der akzeptierten Leergutbehälter ist damit möglich. Dies gilt auch für einen Strichcode, der sich nur an einer bestimmten Position an der Oberfläche eines Leergutbehälters befindet.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the length of the inclined plane is greater than or equal to the product of π and the predetermined maximum diameter of a accepted by the reverse vending machine, round empty container. The length of the inclined plane corresponds to the extension in the transport direction, which is predetermined by the slope output forces. The characteristic data of all empties containers accepted by the reverse vending machine are stored in a storage element of the reverse vending machine. This includes, among other things, the diameter and the height of the accepted empty containers. These diameters are used to determine the largest diameter and the associated circumference. The length of the inclined plane is chosen so that it corresponds at least to the circumference of the container with the largest volume. This ensures that the largest empties container accepted by the reverse vending machine will rotate 360 ° around its longitudinal axis as it moves along the plate. The detection of the characteristics of the accepted empty containers is thus possible. This also applies to a bar code that is only located at a certain position on the surface of an emptied container.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Breite der schiefen Ebene größer oder gleich der maximalen Höhe eines von dem Leergut-Rücknahmeautomat akzeptierten Leergutbehälters. Die Breite entspricht der Ausdehnung der schiefen Ebene senkrecht zu der durch die Hangabtriebskräfte vorgegebenen Transportrichtung. Ist die Breite der schiefen Ebene größer als die maximale Höhe eines von dem Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten akzeptierten Leergutbehälters, so ist gewährleistet, dass die Leergutbehälter durch die schiefe Ebene abgestützt werden und nicht von der schiefen Ebene seitlich herunterfallen können.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the width of the inclined plane is greater than or equal to the maximum height of an empties container accepted by the reverse vending machine. The width corresponds to the extent of the inclined plane perpendicular to the transport direction predetermined by the slope output forces. If the width of the inclined plane is greater than the maximum height of one of the reverse vending machines accepted empty container, it is ensured that the empty containers are supported by the inclined plane and can not fall from the inclined plane laterally.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist an der schiefen Ebene auf dem höheren Niveau ein erstes Transportband mit einer ersten Transportrichtung angeordnet. Über dieses erste Transportband werden die Leergutbehälter der schiefen Ebene zugeführt. Das erste Transportband kann mit seiner ersten Transportrichtung senkrecht oder parallel zur Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene ausgerichtet sein. Verläuft die erste Transportrichtung senkrecht zur Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene, sind die Leergutbehälter mit ihrer Längsachse parallel zur ersten Transportrichtung ausgerichtet. An dem ersten Transportband können seitlich Halteleisten angeordnet sein, die verhindern, dass die Leergutbehälter das erste Transportband verlassen, bevor sie die schiefe Ebene erreicht haben. Verläuft die erste Transportrichtung parallel zur Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene, so sind die Leergutbehälter mit ihrer Längsachse senkrecht zur ersten Transportrichtung ausgerichtet. In diesem Fall können in das Transportband senkrecht zu der ersten Transportrichtung Halteleisten integriert sein, die verhindern, dass die Leergutbehälter auf dem Transportband in unkontrollierter Weise in die erste Transportrichtung oder in die entgegen gesetzte Richtung rollen. Darüber hinaus ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Leergutbehälter mit zeitlichem und räumlichen Abstand zueinander auf die schiefe Ebene gelangen. Auf diese Weise wird sichergestellt, dass die optische Erkennungsvorrichtung die gesamte Oberfläche abtasten kann und dies nicht durch weitere Leergutbehälter behindert wird.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first conveyor belt with a first transport direction is arranged on the inclined plane at the higher level. About this first conveyor the empty containers are fed to the inclined plane. The first conveyor belt can be aligned with its first transport direction perpendicular or parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane. If the first transport direction runs perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane, the empty containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis parallel to the first transport direction. At the first conveyor belt can be arranged laterally retaining strips, which prevent the empties container leave the first conveyor belt before they have reached the inclined plane. If the first transport direction runs parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane, the empty containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first transport direction. In this case, holding strips can be integrated into the conveyor belt perpendicular to the first transport direction, which prevent the empty containers on the conveyor belt from rolling in an uncontrolled manner in the first transport direction or in the opposite direction. Moreover, it is advantageous if the empty containers reach each other on the inclined plane with temporal and spatial distance. In this way it is ensured that the optical detection device can scan the entire surface and this is not hindered by further empty containers.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist an dem ersten Transportband ein Flügelrad zum Schieben der Leergutbehälter auf die schiefe Ebene angeordnet. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, dass die Leergutbehälter von dem ersten Transportband auf die schiefe Ebene gelangen. Das Flügelrad ist vorteilhafterweise mit zwei oder drei Flügeln ausgestattet. Es dreht sich um eine Achse, die neben oder oberhalb des ersten Transportbandes angeordnet ist. Die Achse ist senkrecht zur Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene ausgerichtet.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an impeller for pushing the empty containers is arranged on the inclined plane on the first conveyor belt. This ensures that the empty containers reach the inclined plane from the first conveyor belt. The impeller is advantageously equipped with two or three blades. It turns around an axis, which is arranged next to or above the first conveyor belt. The axis is aligned perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist an der schiefen Ebene auf dem niedereren Niveau ein zweites Transportband mit einer zweiten Transportrichtung angeordnet. Über dieses Transportband werden die Leergutbehälter nach dem Passieren der schiefen Ebene der weiteren Bearbeitung oder dem Sammeln zugeführt. Das zweite Transportband kann mit seiner zweiten Transportrichtung senkrecht oder parallel zu der Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene angeordnet sein. Verläuft die zweite Transportrichtung parallel zur Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene, so sind die Leergutbehälter mit ihrer Längsachse senkrecht zur zweiten Transportrichtung ausgerichtet. In diesem Fall können in das zweite Transportband senkrecht zu der zweiten Transportrichtung Halteleisten integriert sein, die verhindern, dass die Leergutbehälter auf dem Transportband in unkontrollierter Weise in die zweite Transportrichtung oder in die entgegen gesetzte Richtung rollen. Verläuft die zweite Transportrichtung senkrecht zu der Transportrichtung der schiefen Ebene, sind die Leergutbehälter mit ihrer Längsachse parallel zu der zweiten Transportrichtung ausgerichtet. An dem zweiten Transportband können seitlich Halteleisen angeordnet sein, die verhindern, dass die Leergutbehälter aufgrund einer Rollbewegung das Transportband verlassen können.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second conveyor belt with a second transport direction is arranged on the inclined plane on the lower level. About this conveyor belt, the empty containers are fed after passing the inclined plane for further processing or collecting. The second conveyor belt may be arranged with its second transport direction perpendicular or parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane. If the second transport direction runs parallel to the transport direction of the inclined plane, then the empties containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the second transport direction. In this case, retaining strips can be integrated into the second conveyor belt perpendicular to the second transport direction, which prevent the empty containers on the conveyor belt from rolling in an uncontrolled manner in the second transport direction or in the opposite direction. If the second transport direction runs perpendicular to the transport direction of the inclined plane, the empty containers are aligned with their longitudinal axis parallel to the second transport direction. On the second conveyor belt holding iron can be arranged laterally, which prevent the empty containers can leave the conveyor belt due to a rolling motion.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist an dem zweiten Transportband eine Auffangeinrichtung angeordnet, um die von der schiefen Ebene ankommenden Leergutbehälter abzubremsen. Dabei kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Halteleiste handeln, die sich an dem zweiten Transportband senkrecht nach oben erstreckt. Die Auffangeinrichtung wirkt der aus der Hangabtriebskraft resultierenden Beschleunigung entgegen. Sie verhindert damit, dass die Leergutbehälter über das zweite Transportband hinaus rollen.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a collecting device is arranged on the second conveyor belt to decelerate the empties container arriving from the inclined plane. This may be, for example, a retaining strip which extends perpendicularly upwards on the second conveyor belt. The catching device counteracts the acceleration resulting from the downhill force. It prevents the empty containers from rolling over the second conveyor belt.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist an dem zweiten Transportband eine Aussonderungseinrichtung angeordnet, die einzelne Leergutbehälter von dem zweiten Transportband entfernt. Dadurch können die Leergutbehälter in Abhängigkeit von den durch die optische Erkennungseinrichtung oberhalb der schiefen Ebene ermittelten, charakteristischen Merkmalen sortiert werden. Auf diese Weise können zum Beispiel Einweg- und Mehrwegbehälter voneinander getrennt werden. Außerdem ist eine Sortierung von Glas, Metall und Kunststoffbehältern möglich. Bei der Aussonderungseinrichtung kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Antrieb des zweiten Transportbandes handeln, der das zweite Transportband in zwei unterschiedliche Transportrichtungen bewegt, beispielsweise in eine Hin- und eine Rückrichtung. Bei einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel ist das zweite Transportband zumindest abschnittsweise schwenk- oder drehbar gelagert. Soll ein Leergutbehälter ausgesondert werden, so wird der unmittelbar an der schiefen Ebene angeordnete Abschnitt des zweiten Transportbandes nach unten geschwenkt um den Leergutbehälter freizugeben. Anschließend wird das zweite Transportband wieder in die Horizontale geschwenkt um den nächsten Leergutbehälter aufzunehmen. Erfüllt dieser die Kriterien für die weitere Verarbeitung, so verbleibt der schwenkbare Abschnitt des zweiten Transportbandes in der horizontalen Ausrichtung bis der betreffende Leergutbehälter der weiteren Verarbeitung zugeführt ist. Bei einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel ist an dem zweiten Transportband ein Flügelrad angeordnet, welches die auszusondernden Leergutbehälter aktiv von dem zweiten Transportband schiebt oder passiv für die nicht auszusondernden Leergutbehälter als Auffangeinrichtung dient, während es die auszusondernden Leergutbehälter nicht abbremst und über das zweite Transportband hinausrollen lässt.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a segregation device is arranged on the second conveyor belt, which removes individual empty containers from the second conveyor belt. As a result, the empty containers can be sorted as a function of the characteristic features determined by the optical recognition device above the inclined plane. In this way, for example, disposable and reusable containers can be separated from each other. In addition, a sorting of glass, metal and plastic containers is possible. The rejection device can be, for example, a drive of the second conveyor belt, which moves the second conveyor belt in two different transport directions, for example in a forward and a return direction. In a further embodiment, the second conveyor belt is mounted at least partially pivotable or rotatable. If an empty container is to be discarded, the section of the second conveyor belt arranged directly on the inclined plane is pivoted downwards in order to release the empty container. Subsequently, the second conveyor belt is pivoted back into the horizontal to receive the next empty container. If this meets the criteria for further processing, the pivotable section of the second conveyor belt remains in the horizontal orientation until the respective empty container is fed for further processing. In a third embodiment, an impeller is arranged on the second conveyor belt, which actively pushes the empties container auszusondernden from the second conveyor belt or passively used for the not auszusondernden empty containers as a catcher, while it does not slow down the auszusondernden empties container and roll out over the second conveyor belt.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist das erste und/ oder zweite Transportband Leisten auf, um die Leergutbehälter während ihres Transportes auf dem Transportband in liegender Position zu halten. Die runden Leergutbehälter erfahren in ihrer liegenden Position bei einer Transportrichtung des Transportbandes senkrecht zu ihrer Längsachse eine Beschleunigung, die dazu führen kann, dass sie auf dem Transportband in Transportrichtung vor oder zurück rollen. Ob und wie stark die Rollenbewegung ist, hängt zum einen von der beschleunigenden Kraft und zum anderen von der Reibungskraft zwischen den Leergutbehältern und dem Transportband ab. Die in das Transportband integrierten Leisten verhindern eine unkontrollierte Rollbewegung der Leergutbehälter auf dem Transportband. Jeder der Leergutbehälter kann sich lediglich in dem ihm zur Verfügung stehenden Zwischenraum zwischen zwei benachbarten Leisten bewegen. Eine Anhäufung mehrerer Leergutbehälter auf dem Transportband wird dadurch vermieden.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second conveyor belt strips to keep the empty containers during their transport on the conveyor belt in a lying position. The round empty containers experience in their lying position in a transport direction of the conveyor belt perpendicular to its longitudinal axis a Acceleration that can cause them to roll forward or back on the conveyor belt in the direction of transport. Whether and how strong the roller movement is depends on the one hand on the accelerating force and on the other hand on the frictional force between the empty containers and the conveyor belt. The strips integrated into the conveyor belt prevent an uncontrolled rolling movement of the empties containers on the conveyor belt. Each of the empty containers can only move in the available space between two adjacent bars. An accumulation of multiple empty containers on the conveyor belt is thereby avoided.
Weitere Vorteile und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind der nachfolgenden Beschreibung, der Zeichnung und den Ansprüchen zu entnehmen.Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description, the drawings and the claims.
In der Zeichnung sind mehrere Ausführungsbeispiele einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung dargestellt. Es zeigen:
Figur 1- Erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Erkennungsmerkmalen von Leergutbehältern in Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten in einer Ansicht von der Seite,
Figur 2Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in einer Ansicht von oben,Figur 3- zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Erkennungsmerkmalen von Leergutbehältern in Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten in einer Ansicht von der Seite,
Figur 4Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 in einer Ansicht von oben,Figur 5- Drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Erkennungsmerkmalen von Leergutbehältern in einer Ansicht von der Seite,
Figur 6Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 5 in einer Ansicht von oben,Figur 7- Viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Erkennungsmerkmalen von Leergutbehältern in einer Ansicht von oben,
Figur 8- Fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung zur Erfassung von Erkennungsmerkmalen von Leergutbehältern in einer Ansicht von der Seite,
Figur 9Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 8 in einer Ansicht von oben.
- FIG. 1
- First embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empty containers in reverse vending machines in a view from the side,
- FIG. 2
- Device according to
FIG. 1 in a view from above, - FIG. 3
- second embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empties containers in reverse vending machines in a view from the side,
- FIG. 4
- Device according to
FIG. 3 in a view from above, - FIG. 5
- Third embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empty containers in a view from the side,
- FIG. 6
- Device according to
FIG. 5 in a view from above, - FIG. 7
- Fourth embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empties containers in a view from above,
- FIG. 8
- Fifth exemplary embodiment of a device for detecting identification features of empties containers in a view from the side,
- FIG. 9
- Device according to
FIG. 8 in a view from above.
In den
In den
In den
In
In den
Die Merkmale der fünf Ausführungsbeispiele sind beliebig miteinander kombinierbar.The features of the five embodiments can be combined with each other.
- 11
- schiefe Ebeneinclined plane
- 22
- optische Erkennungseinrichtungoptical detection device
- 33
- erstes Transportbandfirst conveyor belt
- 44
- zweites Transportbandsecond conveyor belt
- 55
- Leergutbehälterempty containers
- 66
- Flügelradimpeller
- 77
- Sichtfenster der optischen ErkennungseinrichtungViewing window of the optical recognition device
- 88th
- Schachtshaft
- 99
- Halteleisteretaining strip
- 1010
- schwenkbarer Abschnitt des zweiten Transportbandespivotable portion of the second conveyor belt
- 1111
- zweite schiefe Ebenesecond inclined plane
- 1212
- drittes Transportbandthird conveyor belt
- 1313
- erstes Transportbandfirst conveyor belt
- 1414
- Trennelement auf dem ersten TransportbandSeparator on the first conveyor belt
- 1515
- zweites Transportbandsecond conveyor belt
- 1616
- Pfeil zur RichtungsangabeArrow indicating the direction
- 1717
- zweites Transportbandsecond conveyor belt
- 1818
- Klappeflap
- 1919
- Achseaxis
- 2020
- zweite schiefe Ebenesecond inclined plane
- 2121
- drittes Transportbandthird conveyor belt
Claims (14)
mit einer schiefen Ebene (1), welche ein höheres Niveau mit einem niederen Niveau verbindet,
mit mindestens einer oberhalb der schiefen Ebene (1) angeordneten, optischen Erkennungseinrichtung (2).Device for detecting identification features of empties containers in reverse vending machines
with an inclined plane (1) connecting a higher level with a lower level,
with at least one above the inclined plane (1) arranged, optical detection device (2).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE200810004479 DE102008004479A1 (en) | 2008-01-16 | 2008-01-16 | Return vending machine for empties |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2083401A1 true EP2083401A1 (en) | 2009-07-29 |
Family
ID=40380033
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08021778A Ceased EP2083401A1 (en) | 2008-01-16 | 2008-12-16 | Automatic empty bottle reclamation |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2083401A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102008004479A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2011089013A1 (en) * | 2010-01-25 | 2011-07-28 | Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh | Device and method for recognizing characteristic features of an empties container |
US8471165B2 (en) | 2009-07-13 | 2013-06-25 | Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh | Device and method for recognizing characteristic features of empty containers |
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US4717026A (en) * | 1986-04-03 | 1988-01-05 | Golden Aluminum Company | Container scanning and accounting device |
US5161661A (en) * | 1991-04-02 | 1992-11-10 | Hammond Nathan J | Reverse vending apparatus having improved article rotating mechanism |
EP0612046A1 (en) * | 1993-02-18 | 1994-08-24 | Halton System Oy | Method and device for handling and recycling packages, such as bottles and cans |
BE1009279A3 (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1997-01-07 | Rg & Partners | Device for receiving and sorting miscellaneous objects, particularly discarded containers |
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Also Published As
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DE102008004479A1 (en) | 2009-07-23 |
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