EP2278562A1 - Method and device for identifying characteristics of an empty goods container - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a flat support element (4) to which an empty product container (2) is connected with a generated surface on a contact surface of the support element. A carrier is provided for carrying the empty product container and an optical sensor (5) is provided for optically scanning the empty product container. The carrier is formed through the support element and the support element is rotatably mounted about a horizontal drive axis (3). The empty product container is brought from an input position to another position on the support element. An independent claim is also included for a method for detecting characteristic feature of an empty product container.

Description

The invention relates to a device for detecting characteristic features of an empty container having at least one planar support element on which the empty container with a lateral surface of the same can be applied to a contact surface of the support element, with a carrier for supporting the empty container and at least one optical sensor for detecting at least a characteristic feature of an empties container and with a transport / sorting device, which transports and sorts the empties container after detecting the at least one feature.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for detecting characteristic features of an empty container, wherein a lateral surface of the empty container is scanned by means of an optical sensor and wherein the empty container is guided during the scanning under rotation about its longitudinal axis with a lateral surface on a support element.

Conventional reverse vending machines have an input module for accepting empties containers, for example bottles and / or beverage cans. From a transport module, the entered empty container is transported to a detection module. In the detection module, the empty container is rotated by means of other drives, so that attached to the empty container identification features, eg. As barcode, deposit and / or other special features can be detected by means of an optical sensor. For determining the identification features, at least one sensor, for example a bar code reader and / or a camera, is arranged on the device. It is also possible to provide a plurality of sensors for determining various features. About another transport module is the empty container from the detection module fed to a sorting module. In the sorting module, the empty container is fed to one of several possible conveying elements, which guide the empties to collection stations, depending on the detection features determined by the sensors. Optionally, in addition, it may be provided that the empty container for volume reduction is fed to a compacting module. Such devices are also referred to as crushers.

From the DE 101 44 518 C1 For example, an input module and a transport module for a reverse vending machine are known. The input module has a drainage channel formed from two curved rods, via which the empties container inserted through an input opening in an outer wall of the reverse vending machine is fed to the transport module arranged below the input opening. At the end of the gully facing the transport module, the input module has guide means which ensure that the empties container is placed upright on the subsequent transport module. The transport module is designed here as a substantially horizontally oriented endless conveyor belt.

From the DE 10 2008 018 796 A1 a detection module for reverse vending machines is known, are scanned in the standing on a conveyor belt conveyed empty containers from an optical sensor. Above the conveyor belt, a stationary arranged plate-shaped support member is provided for this purpose, which is aligned perpendicular to the empty container receiving section of the conveyor belt and with the transport direction einschiebt an acute angle. The empty containers supported on the conveyor belt are supported on the stationarily arranged plate during transport. Due to the frictional force acting between the plate and the empty container, the empty container is set in rotation in the transport direction on transport on the conveyor belt. The optical sensor is now arranged and aligned such that it the empty container during its rotation scans on the plate and so fully covers the lateral surface of the empties container. In this way it can be ensured that the barcode, the deposit sign and / or another characteristic feature of the empties container can be reliably identified regardless of its original relative position to the optical sensor.

From the DE 101 17 451 A1 a device for sorting empty containers is known, which are supplied to the device via a transport module. Above an endless conveyor belt of the transport module, the sorting device has a drive shaft extending essentially parallel to the transport direction of the empty container. With the drive shaft sorting arms are rotatably connected, which include a in the effective range of the sorting device incoming container on both sides with distance. By driving the drive shaft in one or the other direction of rotation, the sorting arms convey the empty container to one side or the other of the conveyor belt. The empty containers can thereby be supplied to one of two predetermined conveying elements. If more than two conveying elements are to be realized, several sorting devices can be arranged one behind the other.

A disadvantage of the solutions known from the prior art is that the functions input, transport, detection and sorting are realized by means of separate functional modules. The function modules represent separate units, which are arranged one behind the other and coupled with each other in terms of information technology. Due to this, today's reverse vending machines are relatively large. Furthermore, they are expensive to manufacture and maintain due to the large number of functional modules and relatively error-prone.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a particularly simple, compact and cost-effective device and a simplified method for the return of empty containers available.

To solve this problem, the invention is characterized in connection with the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the carrier is formed by the at least one support member and that the at least one support member is rotatably supported about a substantially horizontal drive axis such that the empty container of a Input position in which the empties container can be placed on the at least one support element, in at least one transfer position, from which the empties container can be transferred to a downstream functional module, can be brought.

The particular advantage of the invention is that the support element supports the empty container and at the same time serves as a carrier of the empty container. A separate transport module for carrying and transporting the empties container is not required. The core idea of the invention here is to execute the input module, the recognition module and the transport / sorting module connecting the input module and the recognition module as a functional and structural unit. This reduces the size of the empties reverse vending machine on the one hand. On the other hand, the entire device can be operated with a single drive, resulting in significant cost advantages. In addition, the risk of faults and failures is reduced because the number of components is reduced and the data-related coupling of separate functional modules for input, transport and detection of the empty container can be dispensed with.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the empties container is guided with its lateral surface rollable on the support element and scanned with rotation about its longitudinal axis of the optical sensor. Advantageously, this allows the lateral surface of the empty container full circumference of be detected by the optical sensor. The characteristic features of the empties container, for example its geometry, its surface texture and its optical material properties, as well as a barcode and / or a token, can be read out independently of the orientation of the empties container during the input. The rotation of the empty container about its longitudinal axis can take place without the provision of an additional drive solely due to the rotational movement of the support element, on which the empty container is rolled out with its lateral surface around the drive axis.

If the characteristic feature is not recognized when the support elements are rotated in one direction, the support elements can be rotated in the opposite direction.

According to a development of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the empty container is oriented parallel to the drive axis in the input position and / or in the transfer position. Due to the parallel arrangement of the longitudinal axis and the drive axle of the empty container rolls in the rotation of the support elements about the drive axis on its lateral surface. Slipping or slipping of the empty container along the support element is avoided.
The drive axle of the support element can be oriented in the direction of the user at an angle between 0 and 180 degrees. The preferred orientation of the drive axle depends on the downstream sorting paths, the structure and the placement of the machine.

According to a development of the invention, the support element carrying the empty container is arranged in the input position and / or in the transfer position rotated by an acute angle downwards. The acute angle here is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °. Preferably, the acute angle is greater than 0 ° and less than 15 °. Advantageously, the empty container is thereby in the input position and / or in the transfer position as a result of acting on him Weight force spent in a defined rest position. The rest position can be realized mechanically here, for example, by a support element itself and by a stationary mounted holding element. Entering empty containers is simplified insofar as the customer does not have to position the empty container exactly. Rather, the container takes its rest position automatically. The transfer of the empty container to a downstream functional module is simplified, since the position of the empty container after detecting the same by the optical sensor is known exactly. By the empty container is brought by the weight alone in the input position and / or the transfer position, can also be dispensed with a separate drive, so that the structure of the device further simplifies and the costs are reduced.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the empties container can be spent in the input position and / or in the transfer position due to the weight acting on it in a defined rest position by a special geometry and orientation of the support element without a stationary mounted holding element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support arms of the support elements are aligned symmetrically in the input position for receiving an empty container to a running through the drive axis vertical plane. This embodiment has the same advantages as the previously described embodiment. However, the construction is considerably simplified by the symmetrical structure.

The support elements can have different geometries.

According to a development of the invention, the support element is at least partially planar and / or curved and / or angled formed. A flat support element is advantageous if the empty container with a predetermined Roll rotation speed on the support element and should be moved from the input position to the transfer position. In addition, a flat support element is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

A bent and / or angled support member has the advantage that the empty container in the input position and / or in the transfer position and / or the same can be set from the input position to the transfer position at predetermined positions on the support element. This geometry offers at least one possible rest position in the input position and / or forwarding position without the need for additional components.

An angled support member makes it possible to tilt a non-circular in cross-section, but for example rectangular empty container by the rotation of the support member about its longitudinal axis and to detect an initially hidden, not detectable by the optical sensor part of the lateral surface.

According to a development of the invention, the support element has at least two structurally identical, angularly offset about the drive axis arranged support arms. The support arms protrude radially from the drive axle. Between adjacent support arms, a support angle of equal to or less than 180 ° is included. Preferably, for example, three identical support arms can be arranged offset by a same support angle to each other about the drive axis. The three support arms can in this case have an equal radial length. Advantageously, the support element hereby takes the form of a rotor. Each revolution of the rotor, a number corresponding to the number of support arms number of empty containers are inserted into the device, scanned in the same and spent in the forwarding position. This increases the throughput of the device. In addition, the support arms form an angled support element with the advantages described.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the support elements are selected such that upon rotation of the empty container about the longitudinal axis of its entire surface with at least one, preferably stationary, optical sensor can be scanned.

According to a development of the invention, the empty container after the optical scanning a predetermined function modules, for example, for collecting, compacting, onward transport, return or for further processing, are supplied. Depending on the given functional module, the support element is rotated at an individually selected rotational speed in and / or counterclockwise about the drive axis. When determining the direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the support element, in particular the position of the functional modules as well as the size and weight of the empty containers are to be considered. Advantageously, this also integrates the sorting function into the device according to the invention. On the provision of a separate sorting module can thus be dispensed with as well as on a sorting module and the detection module connecting second transport module. The compact design of the device is thereby further promoted. Likewise, due to the omission of further drives, guide means or the like, the costs and the susceptibility to failure of the device decrease.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the support arms of the support member are selected such that the empties container is fully scraperable while rolling it on the contact surface of the support member.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, two offset from each other optical sensors are provided. As a result, the area of the surface of an empties container detected by the sensors is increased. The unrolling of the empty container for detecting the lateral surface, in particular the arranged on the lateral surface characteristic features can thus take place to a lesser extent. On the support elements or rolling empties containers are optically scanned by the two sensors from different directions. Moreover, the two sensors can be aligned with their optical axes such that at least one first sensor detects the empty containers, in particular in the input position, and at least one second sensor detects the empty containers when unrolling on the support elements and / or in the transfer position. Advantageously, the angle of rotation of the empties container required for complete detection of the lateral surface is reduced compared to a previous solution by the size of the angle between the optical axes of the sensors. Since the angle of rotation of the path of the empty container during unrolling is proportional, thereby reducing the same time the radial length of the support arms and the dimensions of the support member.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the device is equipped with a reflector unit which deflects light in the direction of the at least one sensor. This light would not get to the sensor without the reflector unit. The reflector unit thus leads to the sensor not only detecting light reflected directly from the surface of an empties container in the direction of the sensor, but also light which is reflected outside an aperture angle of the sensor centered about the optical axis of the sensor. Thus, the sensor can detect, for example, not only the surface facing him an empties container, but also the laterally aligned areas. The reflector unit allows the use of only a single sensor. The reflector unit is introduced into the detection area or the measuring beam of the at least one optical sensor in such a way that the detection area can be divided into partial detection areas or the measurement beam into partial measuring beam, and the empty container can be scanned by at least two detection areas or measuring beam bundles offset by a measuring angle with individual opening angles is. Preferably, the at least one optical sensor and the reflector unit may be positioned such that the detection area or the measuring beam and / or the partial detection areas or partial measuring beam of the sensor are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane extending vertically through the drive axis. In this case, the reflector unit can have a first reflector arranged symmetrically with respect to this plane, with two reflector segments arranged at an angle to one another, which divide the detection area originating from the optical sensor or the measuring beam into two partial detection areas or partial measuring beam. Furthermore, the reflector unit may have two spaced-apart and second symmetrical to the central plane and the drive axis arranged second reflectors for deflecting the two generated on the first reflector part detection or partial measuring beam in the direction of the support elements. As a result, an empties container can advantageously be arranged in two detection regions at the same time or can be optically scanned with two sensors from two different directions. In this case, the angle of rotation of the empties container required for the complete detection of the lateral surface is reduced by the size of the angle between the two observation directions or partial measuring beam bundles. Since the angle of rotation of the path of the empty container during unrolling is proportional, thereby reducing both the radial length of the support elements and the dimensions of the support elements at the same time.

The dimensions of the support element can be further reduced if there is no requirement for a scan of the complete lateral surface, or if there is a request to the user to align the empties container, for example, such that the empties container with the barcode up in Direction of the sensor is inserted. A reduction in the dimensions of the support element is also possible if the empty container has no barcode, but only a shape recognition is performed. In this case, because of the rotational symmetry of the Empties container this not turned at all. The dimensions of the support element can therefore be reduced to the diameter of the empty container.

According to a development of the invention, a distance of the at least one optical sensor from the drive axis is selected such that the measuring beam has a scan field width measured transversely to the center plane in the area of the drive axis which is at least twice as large as the radial length of the at least one support arm. Advantageously, the empty container during its rotation about the longitudinal axis of a single, preferably fixed optical sensor can be detected. If the scan field width of the optical sensor corresponds to twice the radial length of the support arm and the empty container is supported in the input position at a free end of a first support arm and in the transfer position at a free end of the second support arm, the support element has its necessary for complete detection of the empty container minimum diameter. Here, the empty container is detected in the input position and the transfer position of the optical sensor.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the position of the empty container, or the position of the support element, during the detection or sorting movement is constantly analyzed. If all required features are detected, the rotational movement, depending on the downstream sorting process, continues to sort, possibly with a correction of the rotational speed continues or immediately interrupted. In this case, at least one change of direction is required for the further sorting movement. This process substantially increases the throughput of the device.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support member can be rotated back and forth or tilted for the detection of the characteristics of the empty container. This is particularly advantageous in a device in which the rest position is ensured by the geometry of the support element in the input position and / or forwarding position. The scanning field of the sensor widens on both sides of the axis of the rest position. If, during the rotation of the support element in one direction, the features are not detected, the direction of rotation can be changed. Thus, the empty container in the other part, with respect to the axis of the rest position, the scanning field is unrolled and the previously hidden part of the lateral surface is scanned.

To solve the problem, the invention in connection with the preamble of claim 16 as a method, characterized in that the empty container due to rotation of the support member about a substantially horizontal drive axis automatically from an input position, placed in the empty container on the at least one support element is, comes in one or more forwarding position on which the empty container is handed over to a downstream function module.

The particular advantage of the invention is that the rotation of the empty container about its longitudinal axis automatically, that is, without additional drives based solely on the weight acting on the empty container weight. Due to the rotation, another subregion of the lateral surface of the empties container constantly gets into the detection range of the optical sensor. As a result, in the input position, hidden subsections of the outer surface of the empty container, which are not detectable by the optical sensor, can be optically detected during the unwinding from the input position into the transfer position. Accordingly, a barcode or a token is detected by the optical sensor irrespective of the original orientation of the empty container in the input position during the rotation along the support element. By dispensing with separate drives, the detection method is greatly simplified.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further subclaims.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS.

Figuren 1a - 1d

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Funktionsweise einer Vor- richtung zum Erkennung von Leergutbehältern in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figuren 2a - 2b

eine zweite Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung,

Figuren 3a - 3e

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Erfassung von im Quer- schnitt rechteckförmigen Leergutbehältern mittels der Vorrichtung gemäß Figuren 2a und 2b,

Figur 4

eine dritte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung,

Figur 5

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Vorrichtung mit Sortierfunkti- on in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 6

eine Prinzipdarstellung der Vorrichtung mit Sortierfunkti- on in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Figur 7

die Prinzipdarstellung der Vorrichtung mit Sortierfunktion in einer dritten Ausführungsform,

Figur 8

eine vierte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung und

Figur 9

eine fünfte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung.

Figur 10

eine sechste Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung.

Show it:

FIGS. 1a-1d

1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of a device for detecting empties containers in a first embodiment,

Figures 2a - 2b

a second embodiment of the device,

FIGS. 3a-3e

a schematic representation of the detection of rectangular rectangular empties containers by means of the device according to FIGS. 2a and 2b .

FIG. 4

A third embodiment of the device

FIG. 5

1 is a schematic representation of the device with sorting function in a first embodiment,

FIG. 6

2 is a schematic representation of the device with sorting function in a second embodiment,

FIG. 7

the schematic diagram of the device with sorting function in a third embodiment,

FIG. 8

a fourth embodiment of the device and

FIG. 9

a fifth embodiment of the device.

FIG. 10

a sixth embodiment of the device.

A device 1 for detecting characteristic features of a circular in cross-section empty container 2 according to the FIGS. 1a to 1d consists essentially of a support element 4 rotatably mounted about a drive axis 3 and an optical sensor 5 arranged at a radial distance a from the drive axis 3. A measuring beam 6 emanating from the optical sensor 5 serves to empty the empty container 2 resting on the support element 4 a measuring beam bundle 6 which widens up from the optical sensor 5 in the direction of the support element 4.

The device 1 is used, for example, in reverse vending machines, which are set up by the trade to enable the customer to automatically return empty containers 2 having a radius r. In such reverse vending machines, the empties container 2 must first be supplied to a detection unit after being input by the customer. In this recognition unit, it is determined whether it is a returnable empties container 2, for example, a disposable or returnable deposit bottle or can, and which pledge is payable to the customer in returning the empties container 2. After the empties container 2 has been detected in the detection module, the empties container 2 in a downstream sorting module can be fed to one of several conveying elements and / or reduced in volume in a compacting module, for example crushed and / or shredded. Through the automation, the return of empties is designed to be particularly cost-effective and the sales staff is significantly relieved.

The support member 4 is constructed rotor-shaped and has three substantially identical support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3. The support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 protrude radially from the drive shaft 3 and have a same radial length I, so that the free ends 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 on a common, coaxial with the drive axis 3 oriented circular path lie. The support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 are each arranged angularly offset by a same support angle γ of 120 °. Between two adjacent support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 in this case an angle throat 10 is formed. The support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 also have in the radial direction a flat bearing surfaces 11 for guiding the empty container 2. The support element 4 thus forms in the region of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 planar contact surfaces 11. In the region of the angled indentations 10, the support element 4 is formed angled.

The optical sensor 5 is designed, for example, as an image-giving sensor (camera) or as a laser scanner. The optical sensor 5, together with the substantially horizontally oriented drive axis 3 of the support element 4, defines a center plane M of the device 1. With respect to this center plane M, the measuring beam 6 of the optical sensor 5 is symmetrical. The measuring beam 6 of the optical sensor 5 expands, starting from the optical sensor 5 in the direction of the support member 4. At the height of the drive shaft 3, the measuring beam 6 has perpendicular to the center plane M a scan field width w, which is twice as large as the radial length I of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3. On the one hand, the distance a of the optical sensor 5 from the drive axis 3 and, on the other hand, an opening angle δ of the measuring beam 6 are available as free design parameters for selecting the scan field width w. Generally applies that with a smaller opening angle δ, the distance a from the sensor 5 and the drive shaft 3 must be increased. With increasing opening angle δ, the distance a can be reduced. Typical opening angles δ of commercially available optical sensors are in the range between 0 ° and 120 °, for example 30 ° or 60 °.

For detecting the characteristic features of the empties container 2, the following procedure is followed: the empties container 2 is moved in a basic position of the device 1 according to FIG FIG. 1a with a lateral surface 12 of the same on the optical sensor 5 facing contact surface 11 of a first support arm 7.1 of the support element 4 is placed. The support member 4 is in this case positioned so that the first support arm 7.1 is arranged α turned from the horizontal downward by a pointed W ink. The acute angle α is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °. Preferably, the acute angle α is greater than 0 ° and less than 15 °. The empties container 2 can be placed manually by a customer through a recess in a housing, not shown, of the device 1 at any point on the first support arm 7.1. Due to the gravitational force acting on the empty container 2, the empty container 2 is automatically moved in the direction of the free end 8.1 of the first support arm 7.1 until the empty container 2 engages a first, stationarily mounted holding element 13.1 of the reverse vending machine in an input position (first rest position). is held. Here, the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 is located on the optical sensor 5 facing contact surface 11 of the first support arm 7.1 and on the first holding element 13.1. A longitudinal axis 14 of the empty container 2 is arranged in this case oriented parallel to the drive axis 3.

After entering the empty container 2, the support member 4 is rotated by a drive, not shown, about the drive shaft 3 in the counterclockwise direction. As soon as the first support arm 7.1 - as in FIG. 1a shown - sweeps over the horizontal, the empty container 2 moves automatically and under rotation about its longitudinal axis 14 of the free end 8.1 of the first support arm 7.1 in the direction of the drive axle 3. The empty container 2 reaches in accordance Figure 1c the angled throat 10 between the first support arm 7.1 and a second support arm 7.2 at a time at which both the first support arm 7.1 and the second support arm 7.2 are arranged above the drive axle 3. The support member 4 is further rotated counterclockwise until the second support arm 7.2 according to Figure 1d is arranged below the drive axle 3 and with the horizontal an acute angle β includes. The acute angle β is greater than 0 ° and less than 45 °, preferably greater than 0 ° and less than 15 °. The acute angle α and the acute angle β can be chosen to be equal.

As soon as the second support arm 7.2 sweeps over the horizontal, the empty container 2 moves out of the angular throat 10 in the direction of the free end 8.2 of the second support arm 7.2. It rotates about its longitudinal axis 14 and reaches a transfer position (second rest position), as soon as it rests with its lateral surface 12 on the second, also fixedly provided holding element 13.2. To bring the empty container 2 from the input position to the transfer position, a rotation of the support member 4 by less than 90 ° is required. From the forwarding position, the empty container 2 can be supplied to a downstream functional module (not shown), for example a transport module with at least one conveying element 27 or a compacting module or at least one storage container 23, 24, 25, 26.

The rotational speed of the empty container 2 about its longitudinal axis 14 is equal to the angular velocity of the rotating about the drive shaft 3 support member 4, as the empty container 2 at the free ends 8.1, 8.2 of the support arms 7.1, 7.2 or in the angular groove 10 is fixed and no relative movement with respect on the support member 4 performs. As soon as the empty container 2 rolls on the support arms 7.1, 7.2 of the support member 4, the rotation of the empty container 2 is superimposed about its longitudinal axis 14 with the rotational movement of the support member 4 about the drive axis 3. As a result, the rotational speed of the empty container 2 is greater than the angular velocity the support element 4.

The support member 4 comes when detecting the empty container 2 a double function. First, it serves as a support surface on which the empty container 2 rests about its longitudinal axis 14 under rotation. In addition, the support element 4 carries the empty container 2, so that it is possible to dispense with a separate carrier, for example a conveyor belt.

If the scan field width w of the measuring beam 6 at least twice the length I of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 corresponds, the empty container 2 is detected regardless of its position on the support member 4 of the optical sensor 5. The radial length I of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 can be chosen so that the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 is fully detected by the optical sensor 5. The minimum required radial length I of the support arm 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 is defined here by the ratio of the product of the circle number Pi and the maximum radius r of the largest accepted empty container 2 and the required for full detection of the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 rotation angle of the empty container. 2 on the one hand to 360 ° on the other hand. This ensures that the characteristic features of the empties container 2, for example, its outer shape, its surface texture and / or its optical material properties as well as a barcode applied on the outer surface of the empty container 2 barcode or a token regardless of the orientation of the empty container 2 in the input can be detected by the customer with the optical sensor 5.

According to an alternative embodiment of the device 1 according to the FIGS. 2a and 2b For example, the empty container 2 carried on the support element 4 can be scanned by two optical sensors 5, 15. The optical sensors 5, 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center plane M on both sides thereof. The optical sensors 5, 15 and partial measuring beam bundles 16.1, 16.2 emanating from the sensors 5, 15 are offset by a measuring angle ε. The measuring angle ε is greater than 0 ° and less than 180 °, preferably greater than 20 ° and less than 150 ° and in a particularly preferred embodiment greater than 60 ° and less than 120 °.

The same components and component functions are provided with the same reference numerals.

In a known manner, the empty container 2 is moved while being rotated about its longitudinal axis along the first support arm 7.1 and the second support arm 7.2 from the input position to the transfer position. The lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 is in this case detected in the region of the free end 8.1 of the first support arm 7.1 of the Teilmessstrahlbündel 16.1 of the first optical sensor 5 and in the region of the free end 8.2 and the second support arm 7.2 of the Teilmessstrahlbündel 16.2 of the second optical sensor 15. In the area of the angular throat 10 between the first support arm 7.1 and the second support arm 7.2, the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 is covered by the two partial measuring beam bundles 16.1, 16.2 of the optical sensors 5, 15.

By providing two optical sensors 5, 15, the empty container 2 can be scanned particularly advantageously and in a simple manner by means of the two partial measuring beam 16.1, 16.2. Compared to the one-sensor solution, a larger part of the outer surface 12 of the empty container 2 is already detected by the partial measuring beam bundles 16.1, 16.2 due to the measuring angle ε between the sensors 5, 15 without rotation. This reduces the angle of rotation of the empties container 2 necessary for complete detection of the lateral surface by the measuring angle ε between the two partial measuring beam bundles 16.1, 16.2. Since the angle of rotation is proportional to the travel distance of the empties container 2 rolling on the support element 4, this simultaneously reduces the radial length l of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 or the dimensions of the support element 4.

Another advantage is the two-sensor solution according to the FIGS. 2a and 2b in the detection of non-rollable, for example, in cross-section square empty containers 17. According to the FIGS. 3a to 3e in which only the support arms required for the function 7.1 and 7.2 are drawn, the rectangular in cross-section empty container 17 slides under bearing a first side surface 18.1 of the same on the contact surface 11 of the first support arm 7.1 from the input position in the direction of the angled throat 10 between the first support arm 7.1 and the second support arm 7.2. In the input position according to FIG. 3a can be scanned by the first sensor 5 alone, a second side surface 18.2 of the empty container 17. With increasing rotation of the support member 4 in the counterclockwise direction according to FIG. 3b a third side surface 18.3 of the empty container 17 is rotated in the partial measuring beam 16.1 of the first sensor 5 such that a third side surface 18.3 of the empty container 17 can be scanned by the first sensor 5.

Upon further rotation of the support member 4, the empty container 17 reaches the angle throat 10 (FIG. Figure 3c ) and tilts as a result of the force acting on it in the direction of the second support arm 7.2 as soon as a center of gravity of the empty container 17 passes over the median plane M ( 3d figure ). By sliding the empty container 17 in the direction of the angle throat 10 and the tilting thereof in the direction of the second support arm 7.2 reaches, a fourth side surface 18.4 of the empty container 17 in the effective range of the Teilmessstrahlbündels 16.2 of the second sensor 15th

As soon as the second support arm 7.2 has been rotated beyond the horizontal and is located below the drive axle 3, the empty container 17 slips under contact with the second side surface 18.2 of the contact surface 11 of the second support arm 7.2 from the angular throat 10 in the direction of the free end 8.2 of the second support arm 7.2. At the latest when reaching the transfer order according to the FIG. 3e enters the first side surface 18.1, the first the contact surface 11 of the first support arm 7.1 and could not be optically detected, in the detection range of the second partial measuring beam 16.2 of the second optical sensor 15th

An alternative embodiment of the invention according to the FIG. 4 provides that in the measuring beam 6 of the optical sensor 5, a reflector unit 19 is introduced. The reflector unit 19 consists of a first reflector 20 and two second reflectors 21.1, 21.2. Like the sensor 5, the first reflector 20 is arranged in the center plane M and is formed from two reflector segments 20. 1, 20. 2 arranged at an angle to one another. The angled mutually arranged reflector segments 20.1, 20.2 of the first reflector 20 serve to divide the outgoing from the optical sensor 5 measuring beam 6 into two Teilmessstrahlbündel 22.1, 22.2, which spread like the original Meßstrahlbündel 6 symmetrically with respect to the center plane M. The two partial measuring beam bundles 22.1, 22.2 meet the second reflectors 21.1, 21.2 and are reflected from there in the direction of the support element 4. In this case, the partial measuring beam bundles 22.1, 22.2 enclose the measuring angle ε '. The second reflectors 21.1, 21.2 are in this case between the sensor and the support member and laterally spaced from the median plane M arranged that at least the first Teilmessstrahlbündel 22.1 the empty container 2 in the input position and at least the second Teilmessstrahlbündel 22.2 scans the empty container 2 in the forwarding position.

With regard to the advantages and reduction of the dimension of the support element 4, the reflector solution corresponds to FIG FIG. 4 the two-sensor solution according to the FIGS. 2a and 2b , However, since only one sensor 5 is provided, which is arranged in the center plane M, the dimensions of the device 1 relative to the two-sensor solution can be further reduced. For example, it has succeeded in the use of the reflector solution, a To reduce width b to less than 300 mm and a depth t to less than 600 mm.

Compared to the embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 1 can the radial length I of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 in the two-sensor solution after the FIGS. 2a and 2b and in the reflector solution according to FIG. 4 by the ratio of the product of the circle number Pi, the measuring angle ε, ε 'and the radial length I on the one hand and 360 ° on the other hand can be reduced. For example, the length I of the support arm 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 reduces by a third at the measuring angle ε, ε 'of 120 ° and by one sixth at the measuring angle ε, ε' of 60 °.

According to a further embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 5 For example, the device 1 can realize a sorting function. The empty container 2, depending on the direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the support member 4 from the transfer position the predetermined storage container 23, a number of a total of four storage containers 23, 24, 25, 26 respectively. If the support element 4 is rotated slowly from the transfer position counterclockwise about the drive shaft 3, the empty container 2 enters the first storage container 23. In a rapid rotational movement of the support member 4 in the counterclockwise direction of serving as a carrier of the empty container 2 second support arm is 7.2 under the empty container 2 turned away, so that the empty container 2 is no longer supported by the support member 4 and falls due to the force acting on him weight in the second storage container 24. If the support member 4 is rotated clockwise and the second support arm 7.2 sweeps over the horizontal, the empty container 2 rolls from the free end 8.2 of the second support arm 7.2 in the direction of the angular throat 10 and is finally held there. If the support element 4 is slowly rotated further in the clockwise direction, the empties container 2 enters the third storage container 25, which may be arranged, for example, as a return tray for non-returnable empties container 2 and facing the customer. Will the support member 4 after reaching the angle throat 10th instead turned quickly clockwise, the empty container 2 enters the fourth storage container 26th

FIG. 6 shows another way to realize the sorting function. After reaching the transfer position, the support element 4, of which only the relevant for the function support arm 7.2 is drawn here, initially rotated clockwise. The empty container 2 rolls from the free end 8.2 of the support arm 7.2 in the direction of the angle throat 10 and is held therein. Subsequently, the support member 4 is rotated counterclockwise that the empty container 2 depending on the rotational speed of the support member 4 and the Winkelendlage thereof a predetermined of three arranged on a common side of the median plane M storage containers 23, 24, 25 is supplied. Optionally, the weight and the size of the empty container 2 can be determined and used to determine the rotational speed.

Instead of storage container 23, 24, 25, 26 provide, the sampled empty container 2 may according to FIG. 7 be supplied to the conveyor element 27 formed by a conveyor belt, a conveyor chute or the like. Of course, alternatively, a different number of conveying elements 27 and / or storage containers 23, 24, 25, 26 may be arranged. Similarly, storage containers 23, 24, 25, 26 and conveying elements 27 can be combined in a common arrangement.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 8 the input position can be taken in the angled throat 10 instead of at a free edge 8.1 of the first support arm 7.1. The empties container 2 is in this case positioned by the customer in the device 1 such that its bar code and / or pledge mark faces the optical sensor 28. The optical sensor 28 is designed such that it detects the part of the lateral surface 12 of the empties container 2 facing it with a small scan field. After this Scanning the empty container 2, the support member 4 is rotated in a known manner in the counterclockwise direction. The empty container 2 releases from the angular throat 10 as soon as the second support arm 7.2 has swept the horizontal and is arranged below the drive axle 3. It moves under rotation about its longitudinal axis in the direction of the free end 8.2 of the second support arm 7.2 and enters in a known manner in the forwarding position. Advantageously, a particularly inexpensive optical sensor 28 with a small scan field width w can be used in this embodiment alternative. Due to the high integration density and the small number of components, in particular the drives, the already low-cost device 1 is further reduced cost by the cheap sensor 28. Since no rotation of the bottle is required, the support elements and thus the entire machine can be made smaller.

According to a further alternative embodiment according to FIG. 9 the support element 4 is completely flat. In contrast to the previous embodiments according to the FIGS. 1 to 8 is dispensed with the formation of an angular throat. Upon rotation of the support member 4 in the counterclockwise direction, the empty container 2 moves continuously from the input position to the transfer position. Advantageously, the empties container 2 thus arrives at a rotation of the support member 4 by a few degrees in the counterclockwise direction in the forwarding position. In addition, the support element 4 is particularly simple in design and therefore inexpensive to manufacture.

The newly formed support member 4 can of course with the two-sensor solution according to the Figures 2 and 3 and with the reflector solution according to the FIG. 4 be combined.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, the contact surface 11 of the support member 4 may have any contour, in particular be concavely or convexly curved.

According to a further alternative embodiment according to FIG. 10 the support element 4 is formed angled. This angular shape provides a rest position between the support arms of the support element. The scanning field of the sensor widened on both sides of the drive axle, or the rest position. The empties container is hereby manually placed by a customer through a recess in a housing, not shown, of the device 1 at any point of the support element. Due to the weight force acting on the empty container, the empty container is held in its rest position in the rest position. If the characteristic recognition feature is not detected by the optical sensor in this input position, the support member is first clockwise, as in Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b recognizable, turned. The empties roll on a support arm of the support element. If the radial length l of the support arm or the width of the scanning field of the sensor placed to the right of the drive axis is insufficient to detect the features, the support element is rotated counterclockwise beyond the input position (FIG. Fig. 10c and Fig. 10d ) until the characteristic feature is detected.

All features of the invention may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

empty containers

3

drive axle

4

support element

5

optical sensor

6

Measuring beam

7.1, 7.2, 7.3

support arms

8.1, 8.2, 8.3

free ends

9

orbit

10

angle throat

11

contact surface

12

lateral surface

13.1, 13.2

1./2. retaining element

14

longitudinal axis

15

optical sensor

16.1, 16.2

Partial measuring beam

17

rectangular empty container

18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4

side surface

19

reflector unit

20

first reflector

20.1, 20.2

reflector segments

21.1, 21.2

second reflector

22.1,22.2

Partial measuring beam

23

first storage container

24

second storage container

25

third storage bin

26

fourth storage bin

27

impeller

28

optical sensor

a

distance

b

width

l

radial length

r

radius

t

depth

w

Scan Field Width

M

midplane

α, β

acute angle

δ

opening angle

γ

support bracket

ε, ε '

measuring angle

Claims (17)

Device for detecting characteristic features of an empties container with at least one planar support element on which the empties container with a lateral surface of the same can be applied to a contact surface of the support element, with a support for supporting the empties container and at least one optical sensor for optical scanning of the empties container, characterized in that the support is formed by the at least one support element (4), and that the at least one support element (4) is rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontal drive axis (3), that the empties container (2, 17) from an input position in which the empties container (2, 17) can be placed on the at least one support element (4), can be moved to another position on the support element, and after scanning can be transferred to a downstream functional module (23, 24, 25, 26, 27) is. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive axis of the support element is oriented to the user at an angle between 0 and 180 degrees. Apparatus according to claim 1 to 2, characterized in that the empties container (2, 17) with the lateral surface unrolling on the support element (4) is guided and with rotation about its longitudinal axis (14) by means of the optical sensor (5, 15) can be scanned , Apparatus according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the longitudinal axis (14) of the empty container (2, 17) in the input position and / or in the transfer position parallel to the drive axis (3) is arranged oriented. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the empty container (2, 17) supporting support member (4) in the input position and / or in the transfer position is aligned so that its support arms form at least one rest position, the empty container (2, 17) can take due to the weight acting on him. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bearing surface (11) of the support element (4) is at least partially planar and / or bent and / or angled formed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support element (4) for throughput increase at least two identical, angularly offset about the drive axis (3) arranged support arms (7.1, 7.2, 7.3), wherein the support arms (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) protrude radially from the drive axle (3) and wherein between adjacent support arms (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) a support angle (γ) of less than or equal to 180 ° is included. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least three identical support arms (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) to the same support angle (γ) offset from each other about the drive axis (3) are arranged and that the support arms (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) have an equal radial length (I). Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the empties container (2, 17) in the input position by means of a stationary mounted first holding element (13.1) at a free end (8.1) of the first support arm (7.1) and / or in the Transfer position via a stationary mounted second support member (13.2) at a free end (8.2) of the second support arm (7.2) is supported. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the empties container (2, 17) after scanning in dependence on the direction of rotation of the support element (4) and the rotational speed thereof a predetermined function module (23, 24, 25, 26, 27 ) can be fed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the position of the support element (4) during the scanning or sorting movement to optimize the further sorting movement is constantly analyzed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the dimensions of the support arms (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) of the support element (4) are chosen such that the empties container (2, 17) while unrolling the same on the contact surface (11) of the support element (4) is fully scannable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the lateral surface (12) of the empty container (2, 17) by two or more sensors (5, 15) is optically scanned from different directions. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the lateral surface (12) of the empty container (2, 17) by a sensor (5) by means of a reflector unit (19) is optically scanned. Use of a device for detecting the characteristic features of an empties container (2, 17) according to one of claims 1 to 15 in a reverse vending machine for the automatic return of empties containers (2, 17). A method for detecting characteristic features of an empties container, wherein a lateral surface of the empties container is scanned by means of at least one optical sensor and wherein the empties container is guided during the scanning under rotation about its longitudinal axis with a lateral surface on a support element, characterized in that the empties container (2 , 17) as a result of rotation of the support element (4) about a substantially horizontal drive axis (3) automatically from an input position in which the empties container (2) is placed on the at least one support element (4), and after scanning a downstream functional module (23, 24, 25, 26, 27) is handed over. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that the rolling of the empty container (2, 17) during the scanning of the lateral surface (12) for detecting the characteristic feature is subject to a change of direction.

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