EP3886062A1

EP3886062A1 - Rvm (reverse vending machine) infeed indicator

Info

Publication number: EP3886062A1
Application number: EP20164854.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fredrik PETTERSEN; Tom Lunde
Original assignee: Tomra Systems ASA
Current assignee: Tomra Systems ASA
Priority date: 2020-03-23
Filing date: 2020-03-23
Publication date: 2021-09-29
Also published as: WO2021191231A1

Abstract

There is provided an RVM comprising: an infeed opening (1100), a receiving compartment (1200), an infeed passage (1300) connecting said infeed opening (1100) to said receiving compartment (1200), one or more infeed indicators (1400), each infeed indicator (1400) comprising a plurality of light areas (1410), which plurality of light areas (1410) within at least one of said infeed passage (1300) and said receiving compartment (1200) and which light areas (1410) are visible to a user from outside of the RVM (1000),
wherein each the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to alter the intensity and/or colour of the light areas (1410) in sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM (1000) to the user.

Description

Technical field

The present inventive concept relates to devices for receiving, validating and/or sorting used objects, such as used beverage and food containers.

Background and Summary

Devices for receiving, validating and/or sorting used objects, such a used beverage and food containers, and thereafter paying a refund to the user are commonly used in supermarkets. When using the machines, also known as Reverse Vending Machines or RVMs, the user feeds the used containers to the machine, which process the received objects to determine if they are valid and if so gives a receipt to the user stating the amount to be refunded. Such a machine is e.g. described in WO 2009041825 (WO'825) as well as in DE 20 2014 002 768 U1 (DE '768) In both WO'825 and DE '768 the machines are configured to receive the used containers one by one. Besides RVMs that receive the objects one by one, there are also RVMs configured to receive the object in bulk, as e.g. described in WO 2018/007524 (WO '524). Moreover, there are RVMs of different sizes, some are small occupying a floor area of about 1 m², others comprise backroom sorting stations and occupies more than 5 m², more than 10 m² or even more than 20 m².
The number of status messages that may be given by use of the arrangement described in DE '768 is limited, and therefore may lead to a interpretation and therefore an improper or misuse use of the machine; which in turn may lead to a technical malfunction of the RVM.
In view of the above, a general object of the present invention is to provide an RVM which is more flexible and/or has the capacity to convey a larger number of status messages to the user to avoid an improper use of the machine which may lead to technical malfunction thereof.
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a reverse vending machine RVM, configured to receive used containers such as empty food and beverage containers, comprising:

an infeed opening arranged in the front of the RVM;
a receiving compartment arranged to support and process a used container which has been fed through said infeed opening by a user,
an infeed passage connecting said infeed opening to said receiving compartment,
one or more infeed indicators, each infeed indicator comprising a plurality of light areas, which plurality of light areas are arranged along an infeed direction for said empty containers within at least one of said infeed passage and said receiving compartment and which light areas are visible to a user from outside of the RVM,

In relation to the RVM described herein the receiving compartment is a site where the used containers are received and processed by the machine. The processing in the receiving compartment may comprise analyzing the container to determine one or more properties thereof such as the weight, profile, validity etc. Additionally or alternatively, the processing may e.g. comprise supporting, holding and/or carrying the container until and/or while it is transported further by the machine. According to one example, the receiving compartment comprises a conveyor for receiving one or a plurality of containers and transporting the container(s) further to e.g. an inspection station for determining one or more properties of the containers. Optionally, the receiving compartment may comprise a receptacle configured to receive a bulk of containers before these are transported further in the machine.
In relation to the RVM described herein the infeed passage comprises a front opening (also referred to as infeed opening) facing the user and a rear opening facing the receiving compartment. When the containers are returned they are fed by the user through the front opening via the infeed passage to the receiving compartment. The length of the infeed passage may vary, it can be as thin as the front panel of the RVM i.e. about 5 - 10 mm, or within the range of 5 mm to 750 mm. It may e.g. be at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 50 mm, or at least 100 mm, or at least 300 mm. Additionally or alternatively, it may be at most 750 mm, or at most 500 mm, or at most 300 mm, or at most 200 mm, or at most 100 mm. The length is measured along the infeed direction. According to one embodiment, the infeed passage extends between the infeed opening and the receiving compartment of the RVM. The infeed passage may have any shape, e.g. cylindrical or a truncated conical shape. In general, the infeed passage may be made of any of or any combination of plastic, glass and or metal, preferably metal and/or plastic. The material forming the walls of the infeed passage may have a thickness in the range of e.g. 5 to 100 mm.
The infeed passage may comprise at least one infeed passage wall, which fully or partly define/defines the extension of the infeed passage in the infeed direction and/or circumferential direction. In e.g. a bulk sorter according to WO '524, item 105 of Fig 16 fully defines the extension of the infeed passage in the circumferential direction but only partly in the infeed direction, whereas item 2'" of Fig 4A may fully define the infeed passage in the infeed direction, but only partly in the circumferential direction and item 8 of Fig 1 and item 2'" of Fig 4A only partly defines the infeed passage both in the infeed direction as well as in the circumferential direction. According to one embodiment, the RVM is configured to receive containers in bulk and comprises a receptacle into which the user feeds the containers; wherein the at least one infeed passage wall fully or partly coincides with the side wall/walls of the receptacle. Optionally, the at least one infeed passage wall may form a tunnel extending along the full length of the infeed passage, or along a portion of the infeed passage. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one infeed passage wall may form a slide by which said containers may be conveyed into said infeed compartment, the slide may extend along the full length of the infeed passage, or along a portion of the infeed passage. According to one example, a first part the infeed passage wall/walls forms a tunnel, and a second part of infeed passage wall/walls forms a slide, wherein the first part of the infeed passage wall/walls is preferably arranged closer to the infeed opening compared to the second part; i.e. the first part of the infeed passage wall/walls is arranged upstream of the second part.
According to one exemplifying embodiment the diameter of the infeed opening is within the rage of 100 mm to 600 mm, or with in the rage of 120 mm to 160 mm e.g. for single feed RVM and within the range of 250 mm to 1200 mm or within the rage of 300 to 700 mm for e.g. bulk feed RVM. According to one embodiment the infeed opening is at least 100 mm, or at least 120 mm, or at least 250 mm, or at least 300 mm, or at least 500 mm, or at least 700 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the infeed opening is at most 1500 mm, or at most 1200 mm, or at most 1000 mm, or at most 700 mm, or at most 500 mm, or at most 200 mm.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed opening is the smallest area comprising the rim of infeed passage or the rim of the infeed passage wall/walls.
In relation to the RVM described herein the phrase "in a time and space sequential manner" refers to that the intensity of the different light areas are altered sequentially one after another so as to create a sense of direction e.g. inwards or outwards; and thereby e.g. indicating in which direction the user is to move the container so as to prevent malfunction. This may e.g. be achieved by sequentially illuminate, brighten, dim and/or unilluminated adjacent light areas along the infeed indicator. This is advantageous i.a. because the message may be understood also by someone who is colorblind.
According to one example, the time difference from peak-to-peak intensity of two adjacent set of light areas is within a first predetermined interval. During this time difference the intensity of a light area may be gradually increased over time until the peak intensity is reached, which gradual increase may be discernable to the naked eye of the user. Alternatively, the light area reaches the peak intensity instantaneously, i.e. during a time interval which is not discernable to the naked eye of the user. The first predetermined interval may range from at least 5 ms, at least 10 ms, or at least 100 ms, or at least 500 ms. Additionally or alternatively the first predetermined interval may range to at most 10 sec, at most 5 sec, at most 1 sec, at most 500 ms, or at most 100 ms.
Additionally or alternatively, adjacent set of light areas may be unilluminated or dimmed in a sequential manner, and the time between each unillumination or dimming is within a second predetermined interval. The second predetermined interval may range from at least 5 ms, at least 10 ms, or at least 100 ms, or at least 500 ms. Additionally or alternatively the second predetermined interval may range to at most 10 sec, at most 5 sec, at most 1 sec, at most 500 ms, or at most 100 ms. During the second time interval the intensity of a light area may be gradually decreased over time until the minimum intensity, e.g. 0%, is reached, which gradual decrease may be discernable to the naked eye of the user. Alternatively, the light area reaches the minimum intensity instantaneously, i.e. during a time interval which is not discernable to the naked eye of the user
Additionally or alternatively, a light area may be illuminated at peak intensity during a third predetermined interval. The third predetermined interval may range from at least 0.5 ms, or at least 1 ms or at least 5 ms, or at least to 10 ms, or at least to 50 ms, or at least to 100 ms sec, or at least to 500 ms, or at least to 1 sec. Additonally or alternatively, the third predetermined interval may range to at most 20 sec, at most 10 sec, at most 5 sec, at most 1 sec, at most 500 ms, at most 100 ms, at most 50 ms, at most 10 ms, or at most 1 ms.
Additionally or alternatively, the cycle time or the time for completing a sequence of illumination patterns(e.g. moving a dark area from the front to the rear end of the infeed passage) may be within a fourth predetermined interval. The fourth predetermined interval may range from at least 0.1 s, or at least 0.5 s or at least 1 s, or at least 5 s, or at least 10 s, or at least 60. Additonally or alternatively, the fourth predetermined interval may range to at most 10 min, or at most 5 min, or at most 1 min, at most 1 sec, at most 500 ms, at most 100 ms, at most 50 ms, at most 10 ms, or at most 1 ms.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed indicator is configured to brighten or dim the light areas, preferably one light area after another, in a both space and time sequential manner and preferably along said infeed direction, to indicate a status of the RVM to the user, and/or
wherein the infeed indicator is configured to illuminate or unilluminate the light areas in a both space and time sequential manner and preferably along said infeed direction, to indicate a status of the RVM to the user.
Additionally or alternatively, the infeed indicator is configured to alter the colour of the light areas, preferably one light area after another, in a both space and time sequential manner and preferably along said infeed direction, to indicate a status of the RVM to the user.
According to one example, the plurality of light areas are arranged adjacent to each in a one, two or three dimensional pattern extending along the infeed direction and the infeed indicator is configured to move an illuminated or dark area from one set of light areas to another set of light areas and further to another set of light areas in the direction from one end of the pattern towards another end of the pattern; each set of light areas comprising e.g. between 1 -10 or 1 - 100 light areas. The illuminated or dark area is moved along the infeed direction, if the direction of motion or the perceived direction of motion or the resulting direction of motion in which the illuminated or dark area is moved is directed inwards into the machine. The illuminated or dark area is also moved along the infeed direction, if the direction of motion or the perceived direction of motion or the resulting direction of motion in which the illuminated or dark area is moved is directed outwards out of the machine.

According to a non-limiting one example the following scheme is used:

Machine state	User action	Description of machine state	"Plan A / Alternative 2" modes: Visual output from infeed cone
Idle/Standby	Start session. Identify yourself or feed object to start session.	Waiting for the consumer to start a new session	Brightness: Medium
			Color: White
			Movement: Inwards motion
In session. Ready for new objects.	Feed objects	Consumer session in progress. Feed objects	Brightness: Medium
			Color: White
			Movement: Inwards motion. 30% faster than idle.
Processing / Busy	Pause feeding objects until processing is complete	RVM busy. Pause feeding objects.	Brightness: Off
			Color:
			Movement: No
Object reject	Remove object	Object rejected. User to remove object.	Brightness: Medium
			Color: White
			Movement: Outwards motion
Fault	Wait or contact store personnel	Error causing session-stop detected (E.g., Bin full).	Brightness: Medium
			Color: Red
			Movement: No, flashing

According to one example, in the Idle state at least one light area is illuminated and at least one light area is unilluminated at each perceivable instance in time. The inwards motion is created by moving the set of illuminated light areas inwards, and e.g. after the inner most light area has been reached repeating the process of moving the set of illuminated light areas inwards starting from the outer most light area.
According to one example, in the Object reject state at least one light area is illuminated and at least one light area is unilluminated at each perceivable instance in time. The outwards motion is created by moving the set of illuminated light areas outwards, and e.g. after the outer most light area has been reached repeating the process of moving the set of illuminated light areas outwards starting from the inner most light area.
A light area is illuminated e.g. when the light source is switched on, and/or a light blocking element is removed from the light path. Further, a light area is unilluminated e.g. when the light source is switched off, and/or a light blocking element is introduced in the light path. The ways to illuminate/unilluminate a light area are given as illustrative examples, but there are of course many different ways in which an illumination/unillumination of the light areas may be achieved.
In relation to the RVM described herein the "infeed direction" is a direction that coincides with the path(s) that the containers should follow after having passed entered through the opening. This direction may vary at different position within the RVM. In other words, if the channel is slightly curved or even S-shaped, the infeed direction will point in different directions along the infeed passage, at least when described by a cartesian coordinate system- practice be many alternative paths a container may follow towards the receiving compartment. However, they may be summed up to one resulting infeed direction or mean infeed direction or main infeed direction e.g. following the center path and/or the path taken by most containers.
In relation to the RVM described herein that the light areas are visible to a user from outside the RVM, means that a user standing in front of the RVM can see the light areas, either directly or via e.g. a reflective surface mounted within the machine.
In relation to the RVM described herein, the light areas are arranged along the infeed direction when the light areas are arranged in a pattern extending inwards into the machine.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed indicator comprises illumination means configured to emit light along a respective first optical path towards a respective one of said light areas, wherein said light areas are transparent or translucent openings arranged within at least one of said infeed passage and said receiving compartment, which translucent opening is configured to transmit at least a portion of the light emitted from said illumination means along said respective first optical path, which transmitted light is transmitted along a respective second optical path towards the infeed opening of the RVM.
According to one embodiment, the illumination means is configured to emit light within the visible spectrum. According to one example the illumination means may be selected from a group comprising: LEDs and lasers. The illumination means may have a linear or matrix configuration. According to one example the illumination means comprises a laser dot matrix or LED matrix or one or more displays.
In relation to the RVM described herein the optical path from the illumination means to a respective light area and from the respective light area towards the user or infeed opening may be straight or bent by e.g. use of changes in refractive index at interfaces in e.g. a light guide and/or between the light guide and its surrounding, and/or by use of separate optical components such as lenses and reflective surfaces etc, and/or by use of surfaces integrated in the surfaces/inner walls of the RVM
The translucent openings may e.g. be formed of a material selected from the group ambient air, air, plastic, glass or a combination of the same. According to one example, the light areas are arranged in the wall of the infeed passage and the light is guided through a gas, such as air, from the light source to the light area, optionally being reflected by one or more surfaces while passing from the light source to the light area.
According to one exemplifying embodiment the infeed indicator comprises illumination means configured to emit light along a respective first optical path towards a respective one of said light areas, wherein said light areas are reflective surfaces arranged within at least one of said infeed passage and said receiving compartment, which reflective surfaces are configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted from said illumination means along said respective first optical path, which reflected light is reflected along a respective second optical path towards the infeed opening of the RVM.
The infeed indicator may further comprise one or more light guides arranged between said illumination means and said light areas and wherein each of said light guides defines a respective portion of said first optical path, wherein said light guide is preferably a unitary and/or homogenous element, which unitary and/or homogenous element is preferably clear or diffusive.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the illumination means comprises a rotatable reflective element configured to receive light from at least one of said light sources and to sequentially redirect the light to different light areas upon rotation of the rotatable reflective element, wherein said illumination means preferably comprises a single light source.
In relation to the RVM described herein, said single light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting sub-units, which sub-units are all switched on and of simultaneously, i.e. the sub-units of a single light source are not individually controllable.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the light areas arranged along said infeed direction are further arranged partially transverse to the infeed direction, e.g. in a curved and/or spiral pattern.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the RVM according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement of the light areas describes a pattern selected from a group comprising dots, lines, arrows, spirals or combinations thereof.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed indicator is arranged partly to side of the infeed opening on the front of the RVM and extends into the infeed passage.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, all light areas are arranged spaced apart from each other, preferably separated by an opaque and/or non-reflective material; or
wherein at least two adjacent light areas are arranged side-by-side in a continuous arrangement, preferably without any separation in between.
According to one example, said opaque material is opaque to the extent that it fully prevents the portion of the light reaching the material (after having been emitted by the illumination means) from being transmitted through the material, or at least prevents the portion of the light reaching the material (after having been emitted by the illumination means) from being transmitted through the material to the extent that it is not discernable to the user.
According to one example, said non-reflective material is non-reflective to the extent that it fully prevents the portion of the light reaching the material (after having been emitted by the illumination means) from being reflected by the material, or at least prevents the portion of the light reaching the material (after having been emitted by the illumination means) from being reflected by the material to the extent that it is not discernable to the user.
The use of opaque and/or non-reflective material in-between the light areas is advantageous as is enhances the contrast and/or reduces the illuminated area may reduces the number of light sources or at least the power used to drive these light sources.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the RVM comprises two or more infeed indicators preferably arranged symmetrically around the infeed direction. Alternatively, the two or more infeed indicators are arranged asymmetrically around the infeed direction.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, one or more of said light areas are arranged in the wall of said infeed passage. Additionally or alternatively,
said receiving compartment comprises conveyor means, for transporting said used container which has been fed through said infeed passage, and one or more of said light areas are arranged along said conveyor means. Optionally said conveyor means is a detachable conveyor module detachably arranged in said receiving compartment, and said detachable conveyor module preferably comprises said one or more light areas.
The conveyor means may be selected from a group comprising: belt-conveyors; V-conveyor, rotating discs, rotating wheels, and/or paddles or other pushing means. Examples of belt-conveyors are fabric belt conveyors and modular belt conveyors.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed indicator comprises a plurality of light sources and the infeed indicator is configured to sequentially turn on a sub-set of the light sources and thereby move an illuminated area along or against the infeed direction, dependent on the status of the RVM; or
wherein the infeed indicator comprises a plurality of light sources and the infeed indicator is configured to sequentially turn off a sub-set of the light sources and thereby move a dark area along or against the infeed direction, dependent on the status of the RVM.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed indicator comprises a single light source and the infeed indicator is configured to sequentially move the illuminated area along or against the infeed direction, dependent on the status of the RVM.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the infeed indicator is configured to illuminate the light areas according to a first predetermined illumination pattern, which first predetermined illumination pattern is repeatedly moved in a first predetermined direction to indicate a first status of the machine, and
wherein the infeed indicator is also configured to illuminate the light areas according to a second predetermined illumination pattern, which second predetermined pattern is repeatedly moved in a second predetermined direction to indicate a second status of the machine, which second direction is different from said first direction. Said said first and second predetermined illumination patterns may e.g. be the same or mirror images of each other. Moreover said first and second predetermined illumination pattern may each comprise the relative intensity and/or colour of the different light areas.
In essence, there is provided an RVM comprising: an infeed opening, a receiving compartment, an infeed passage connecting said infeed opening to said receiving compartment, one or more infeed indicators, each infeed indicator comprising a plurality of light areas, which plurality of light areas within at least one of said infeed passage and said receiving compartment and which light areas are visible to a user from outside of the RVM,
wherein each the infeed indicator is configured to alter the intensity and/or colour of the light areas in sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM to the user. According to one embodiment, the infeed indicator is arranged to indicate in which direction the status of the machine requires the user to move the container in order to e.g. avoid malfunction.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an infeed passage configured for being mounted in an RVM. The infeed passage is provided with at least one infeed indicator attached to said infeed passage, which infeed indicator is arranged as described herein and comprises one or more light areas arranged in the passage wall.
According to a third aspect, the invention relates to conveyour means for mounting in an RVM, which is provided with an infeed indicator attached to said conveyour means and wherein the infeed indicator is arranged as described herein and comprises one or more light areas arranged in the casing of the conveyour means.

Brief description of the drawings

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventive concept, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawings like reference numerals will be used for like elements unless stated otherwise.

Fig. 1a schematically illustrates a front view of an RVM.
Fig. 1b schematically illustrates a side view of parts of the RVM shown in Fig. 1a.
Figs. 2a-c schematically illustrate perspective and front views of an example of an infeed passage of an RVM.
Figs. 3a and b schematically illustrates a side view and a perspective view of another infeed passage, respectively.
Figs. 4a and b schematically illustrate a perspective view and a front view of yet another infeed passage, respectively.
Figs 5a-h show schematic illustrations of several infeed passages comprising a single or a plurality of light sources.
Figs. 6a and b schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of a portion of an infeed passage comprising an infeed indicator.
Figs. 7a and b schematically illustrate perspective views of another infeed passage and an infeed indicator being attachable to the infeed passage.
Figs. 8a-d schematically illustrate various components of an infeed indicator.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of parts of another RVM comprising an illumination means.
Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of parts of yet another RVM comprising an illumination means and a rotatable reflective element.
Fig. 11a-c schematically illustrate perspective views of three infeed passages comprising infeed indicators arranged partly to side of the infeed opening on front of an RVM.
Fig. 12a and b schematically illustrate perspective back views of parts of yet two other RVMs comprising light areas arranged along conveyor means.

Detailed description

An RVM comprising one or more infeed indicators indicating a status of the RVM to a user will now be described with reference to Fig. 1-12.
Fig. 1a shows a front view of an RVM 1000. The RVM 1000, shown in Fig. 1a, is configured to receive used containers such as empty food and beverage containers. Fig. 1a shows that the RVM 1000 comprises an infeed opening 1100. The infeed opening 1100 is arranged in the front 1120 of the RVM 1000. Fig. 1a shows that the front 1120 of the RVM 1000 extends along a lateral direction, shown by Z, and a vertical direction, shown by Y. Direction X shown in Fig. 1a indicates a perpendicular direction to the Z and Y directions. The front 1120 of the RVM 1000 may be formed of one or more surfaces. The one or more surfaces of the front 1120 of the RVM 1000 may be flat and/or curved surfaces. The front 1120 of the RVM 1000 may be formed of one or more panels. The one or more panels are e.g. formed of a material selected from a group comprising plastics, metal, glass and combinations thereof. The infeed opening 1100 may be formed by e.g. making a hole in one or more front panels of the front 1120 of the RVM 1000. A user may insert the used containers into the infeed opening 1100 of the RVM 1000.
Fig. 1a further shows that the RVM 1000 comprises an infeed passage 1300. The infeed passage 1300 connects the infeed opening 1100 to a receiving compartment 1200, shown in Figs. 2a-c and discussed below. Fig. 1a shows that the infeed passage 1300 has an extension in X direction. The infeed passage 1300 may have any shape, e.g. cylindrical or a truncated conical shape. In general, the infeed passage 1300 may be made of any of or any combination of plastic, glass and or metal, preferably metal and/or plastic. The material forming the walls of the infeed passage 1300 may have a thickness in the range of e.g. 5 to 100 mm.
Fig. 1b shows a side view of parts of the RVM 1000 shown in Fig. 1a. Fig. 1b shows a receiving compartment 1200, arranged after the infeed passage. Fig. 1b shows that the receiving compartment 1200 has an extension in X, Y and Z direction. The receiving compartment 1200 is arranged to support and process a used container which has been fed through the infeed opening 1100 by a user. Fig. 1b shows an infeed direction 1500 for used containers, as illustrated in Fig 1b by arrow 1500' the initial infeed direction at the infeed opening has the coordinates (c1', -c2', 0), while the rear infeed direction, illustrated in Fig 1b by arrow 1500" has the coordinates (c1", 0, 0), where c1', c1" and c2' all are positive numbers. The receiving compartment 1200 may e.g. receive, recognize, transport and sort the used container. The receiving compartment 1200 may comprise one or more conveyor means 1600 for transporting the used container which has been fed through the infeed passage 1300. The receiving compartment 1200 may be connected to a further inspection site and or sorting site. The recognizing and sorting of the used containers may be performed in a manner which per se is known in the art.
Figs. 2a and b show two perspective views of an example of an infeed passage 1300 of an RVM 1000. Fig. 2c shows a front view of the infeed passage 1300 shown in Figs. 2a and b. The infeed passage 1300 shown in Figs. 2a and b has a hollow cylindrical shape. The RVM 1000 comprises one or more infeed indicators 1400. Each infeed indicator 1400 comprises a plurality of light areas 1410. The plurality of light areas 1410 are arranged along the infeed direction 1500 for the empty containers. The plurality of light areas 1410 are arranged within the infeed passage 1300 and the receiving compartment 1200. Figs. 2a-c show that the plurality of light areas 1410 are arranged within the infeed passage 1300. However, the plurality of light areas 1410 may be arranged only within the receiving compartment 1200 or within both the infeed passage 1300 and the receiving compartment 1200. In any case, the light areas 1410 are visible to a user from outside of the RVM 1000. One or more of the light areas 1410 may be arranged in the wall of the infeed passage 1300. Figs. 2a-c show that all light areas 1410 are arranged in the infeed passage wall 1300. Arrangement of the light areas may describe a pattern selected from a group comprising dots, lines, arrows, spirals or combinations thereof. The plurality of light areas 1410, shown in Figs. 2a and b, are arranged in a triangular pattern and/or in the shape of an arrow. The pattern of the plurality of light areas 1410 shown in Figs. 2a-c is formed of a plurality of dots. The plurality of light areas 1410 are arranged along the X and Z directions. Figs. 2a-c show that the light areas 1410 are arranged along the Z direction and at X1, X2, X3 and X4. Examples of such light areas 1410 are solid-state lightings such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic LEDs (OLEDs). The light areas 1410 may be formed of LEDs and/or OLEDs with the same color or different colors such as white, red, green and blue.
Still in connection with Figs. 2a-c, the infeed indicator 1400 is configured to alter the intensity and/or color of the light areas 1410 in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM 1000 to the user. The infeed indicator 1400 may e.g. comprise an electronic circuit for controlling the light areas 1410. The electronic circuit may be configured to alter the intensity and/or color of the light areas 1410 in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM 1000 to the user.
Examples of the status of the RVM 1000 may include "standby", "ready", "inserting", "processing", "rejecting", and "fault". The "standby" status may indicate to the user that the RVM 1000 is waiting for the user to start a new session. For example, the light areas 1410 may be illuminated in white color having a medium brightness. The light areas 1410 may further indicate a wavy inward motion. For instance, the intensity of the light areas 1410 may be altered in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate the wavy inward motion. The "ready" status may indicate to the user that the RVM 1000 is in progress and that the user may insert used container. For example, the light areas 1410 may be illuminated in white color having a medium brightness. The light areas 1410 may further indicate a faster wavy inward motion e.g. 10%-50% faster motion than the "standby" status. The "processing" status may indicate to the user that the RVM 1000 is in progress. For example, the light areas 1410 at the "processing" status may be unilluminated. The "fault" status may indicate to the user that the RVM 1000 has an error. For example, the light areas 1410 at the "fault" status may be unilluminated. Examples of such errors may be that a bin collecting the used containers is full. The RVM 1000 may notify the user to contact a personal for help. The "inserting" and "rejecting" status are further described below.
Still in connection with Figs. 2a-c, the infeed indicator 1400 may be configured to brighten or dim the light areas 1410 in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM 1000 to the user. The brightening or dimming may e.g. be performed by the electronic circuit of the infeed indicator 1400 when the RVM 1000 is in use. The brightening or dimming may be performed by changing the intensity of the light areas 1410 e.g. in accordance with an illumination pattern which describes for each light area when in time that light area is to be adjusted, to which intensity level and optionally to which color. The intensity level ranging from 0% - 100%. 0% means that it is unilluminated and 100% means maximum intensity. According to one example, the intensity level has only two states corresponding to two different intensity levels, e.g. only on or off, where on corresponds to a predetermined value larger than 0% and at most 100%. According to another example the intensity level has more than two different states each state corresponding to a respective intensity level.
In relation to this application, that two light areas are lit simultaneously means that they are perceived by the naked eye of the user to be lit at the same time. In the following, two examples of indicating an "inserting" status of the RVM 1000 to the user by brightening and dimming the light areas 1410 are described. Example 1: all the light areas 1410 shown in Figs. 2a-c may be unilluminated or off in the beginning or set in any other state. The infeed indicator 1400 may first brighten or illuminate the light areas 1410 in a time and space sequential manner from X1 to X4, and the time between each brightening or illumination is within a first predetermined interval. In other words first the light areas arranged at X1 are illuminated or brighten and the other light areas X2-X4 are unilluminated; after a time within a first predetermined interval the light areas at X2 are illuminated or brighten, the light areas at X3-X4 still being unilluminated; after a time within said first predetermined interval the light areas at X3 are illuminated or brighten, the light areas at X4 still being unilluminated; after a time within said first predetermined interval the light areas at X4 are illuminated or brighten. All light areas X1-X4 may thereafter be unilluminated or dimmed simultaneously, e.g. after a time within said first predetermined interval measured from when the light areas at X4 were illuminated all light areas are unilluminated or dimmed simultaneously. Alternatively, the light areas may be unilluminated or dimmed in a sequential manner, the rows X1-X4 are unilluminated or dimmed one after another, either from X1 to X4, or from X4 to X1, and the time between each unillumination or dimming is within a second predetermined interval. The time each row is illuminated at peak intensity before being dimmed or unilluminated is within a third predetermined interval, and the time may be the same or different for different rows. Moreover, the illumination of the rows may overlap, so only two, only three or four rows are illuminated or bright simultaneously. According to one example only two rows are illuminated or bright simultaneously; in other words, the first row X1 is unilluminated or dimmed after the second row X2 has been illuminated or brightened but before the third row is illuminated or brightened; the second row X2 is unilluminated or dimmed after the third row X2 has been illuminated or brightened but before the fourth row X4 is illuminated or brightened; and the third row X3 is unilluminated after the fourth row X4 has been illuminated or brightened.
The first predetermined interval may be between 5 ms to 5 sec, or between 10 ms to 1 sec, or between 10 ms to 500 ms, i.e. the time difference from peak-to-peak intensity of two adjacent set of light areas, e.g. X1 and X2, is within the first predetermined interval. During the first predetermined interval the intensity of a light area may be gradually increased over time until the peak intensity is reached, which gradual increase may be discernable to the naked eye of the user. Alternatively, the light area reaches the peak intensity instantaneously, i.e. during a time interval which is not discernable to the naked eye of the user.
The second predetermined interval may be between 5 ms to 5 sec, or between 10 ms to 1 sec, or between 10 ms to 500 ms. During the second predetermined interval the intensity of a light area may be gradually decreased over time until the minimum intensity, e.g. 0%, is reached, which gradual decrease may be discernable to the naked eye of the user. Alternatively, the light area reaches the minimum intensity instantaneously, i.e. during a time interval which is not discernable to the naked eye of the user.
The third predetermined interval, during which the illumination is at peak intensity, may range from at least 0.5 ms, or at least 1 ms or at least 5 ms, or at least to 10 ms, or at least to 50 ms, or at least to 100 ms sec, or at least to 500 ms, or at least to 1 sec. Additonally or alternatively, the third predetermined interval may range to at most 20 sec, at most 10 sec, at most 5 sec, at most 1 sec, at most 500 ms, at most 100 ms, at most 50 ms, at most 10 ms, or at most 1 ms.
Accroding to one example, an illumination pattern describes that each row X1-X4 is to be illuminated with green colour at 80% intensity, and the illumination pattern is moved inwards from X1 to X2 to X3 to X4 to indicate that the RVM is ready to receive more containers.
Figs. 3a and b show a side view and a perspective view of another infeed passage 1300, respectively. Figs. 3a and b show that the light areas 1410 arranged along said infeed direction 1500 (as the light areas are arranged in a pattern extending inwards along the infeed direction) are arranged partially transverse to the infeed direction 1500. Figs. 3a and b show that the light areas 1410 are arranged in a line pattern. The light areas 1410 may be arranged in any other pattern such as a curved line and/or spiral pattern. Figs. 3a and b further show that all light areas 1410 are arranged spaced apart from each other. A typical distance D between two adjacent light areas 1410 may be in the range of 1 mm to 200 mm, or 5 mm to 50 mm apart. The light areas 1410 may preferably be separated by an opaque and/or non-reflective material. For example, the infeed passage 1300 may itself be formed of an opaque and/or non-reflective material. Another example, the infeed passage 1300 may completely or partially be covered by an opaque and/or non-reflective material such as an opaque and/or non-reflective coating material.
Example 1: all the light areas 1410 shown in Figs. 3a,b may be unilluminated or off in the beginning or set in any other state. The infeed indicator 1400 may brighten or illuminate the light areas 1410 in a time and space sequential manner along the infeed direction 1500, in this case along the extension of the light areas starting at the light area closest to the infeed opening. According to this example adjacent sets of light areas are brightened or illuminated in a time and space sequential manner, and the time between each brightening or illumination of respective set is within a first predetermined interval; wherein each set of light areas may contain e.g. 1, 2, 3 or more light areas which are illuminated or brightened simultaneously, In other words, adjacent sets of light areas are brightened or illuminated in a time and space sequential manner, in the same way as described in relation Figs 2a-c where adjacent rows X1-X4 are brightened or illuminated in a time and space sequential manner. Moreover, adjacent sets of illumination areas may share one or a plurality of illumination areas; i.e. a first set of illumination areas may consist of the first three illumination areas; the second set of illumination areas may consist of the second to fourth illumination area; the third set of illumination areas may consist of the third to fifth illumination area etc. According to another example, a first set of illumination areas may consist of the first three illumination areas; the second set of illumination areas may consist of the fourth to seventh illumination area; the third set of illumination areas may consist of the eight to eleventh illumination area etc.
Additionally or alternatively, the infeed indicator may be configured to illuminate or brighten the set of light areas in the same way but in the opposite direction compared to what is described above. The infeed indicator 1400 may brighten or illuminate the light areas 1410 in a time and space sequential manner against the infeed direction 1500, in this case along the extension of the light areas starting at the light area most remote from the infeed opening.
Example 2: The infeed indicator may be configured to sequentially illuminate or brighten all light areas and thereafter turn off or dim a set of light areas and thereby move a dark area along or against the infeed direction dependent on the status of the RVM 1000. According to one embodiment Example 2 is equal to Example 1, except that when the intensity is increased in Example 1 it is decreased in Example 2, and when the intensity is decreased in Example 1 it is increased in Example 2.
In all embodiments described above relating to Fig 3a and Fig 3b the illumination pattern, or the illuminated or brightened light area or the unilluminated or dimmed light area, is moved along the infeed direction 1500 for said empty containers.
Figs. 4a and b show a perspective view and a front view of another infeed passage 1300, respectively. The infeed passage shown in Figs. 4a and b comprises two infeed indicators 1400' and 1400". Figs. 4a and b show that each infeed indicator 1400' or 1400" comprises a plurality of light sources 1421 such as light sources 1421'-1, 1421'-2, and 1421'-3 shown in Fig. 4a. The infeed indicators 1400' and 1400" may be configured to sequentially turn on a sub-set of the light sources 1421 and thereby move an illuminated area along or against the infeed direction 1500, dependent on the status of the RVM 1000. For instance, to indicate the "inserting" status, the infeed indicators 1400' and 1400"may first illuminate the light sources 1421 '-1 and 1421 "-1. The infeed indicators 1400' and 1400" may after a first time within said second predetermined interval, unilluminate the light sources 1421'-1 and 1421"-1. The infeed indicators 1400' and 1400" may simultaneously or sequentially, after a second time within said first predetermined interval, illuminate the light sources 1421 '-2 and 1421 "-2 and so on. Alternatively, the infeed indicators 1400' or 1400" may be configured to sequentially turn off a sub-set of the light sources 1421 and thereby move a dark area along or against the infeed direction 1500, dependent on the status of the RVM 1000.
Figs. 5a-h show several other examples of infeed passages 1300. Fig. 5a shows an infeed passage 1300 comprising one infeed indicator 1400. The infeed indicator 1400, shown in Fig. 5a, comprises a plurality of light areas which if illuminated at the same time would form a continuous illuminated area 1421, which may have a varying intensity along its longest extension. The infeed indicator 1400 may be configured illuminate a sub-set of the light areas 1421. The infeed indicator 1400 may sequentially move the illuminated portion of the infeed indicator along or against the infeed direction 1500, dependent on the status of the RVM 1000. Alternatively, the infeed indicator 1400 may be configured to sequentially turn off a portion of the light sources 1421 and thereby move an unilluminated portion along or against the infeed direction 1500, dependent on the status of the RVM 1000. As described above, the infeed indicator 1400 may additionally or alternatively be configured to alter color or intensity of a portion of the illuminated areas 1421 in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM 1000 to the user. The single illuminated areas 1421 shown in Fig. 5a has a spiral pattern. The single light source 1421 may have any of or any combination of dots, lines, arrows, spirals patterns. The light sources may be formed of LEDs e.g. arranged in linear or a matrix pattern.
Figs. 5b-h show several infeed passages 1300 each comprising an infeed indicator 1400,arranged as described in relation to Fig 5a except that the number and extension of the light areas varies between the Figures. The infeed indicator 1400 comprises a plurality of light areas 1421. The infeed indicator 1400 may be configured to sequentially turn on a sub-set of the light sources 1421 and thereby move an illuminated area along or against the infeed direction 1500, dependent on the status of the RVM 1000. Alternatively, the infeed indicator 1400 may comprise a plurality of light sources 1421. The infeed indicator 1400 may be configured to sequentially turn off a sub-set of the light sources 1421 and thereby move a dark area along or against the infeed direction 1500, dependent on the status of the RVM 1000. As described above, the infeed indicator 1400 may be configured to alter color or intensity of a sub-set of the light areas or light sources 1421 in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM 1000 to the user. The light sources 1421 may describe a pattern selected from a group comprising dots, lines, arrows, spirals or combinations thereof. For instance, the light areas 1421'-1 and 1421 "-1 shown in Fig. 5b have curved line patterns i.e. represent a curved line. The light sources 1421' and 1421 "shown in Fig. 5c have area patterns i.e. represent an area. The area pattern may e.g. be formed of a plurality of line and/or dot patterns. The light sources 1421'-1 and 1421 "-1 shown in Fig. 5d have arrow patterns i.e. represent arrows. The light sources 1421' and 1421 "shown in Fig. 5e have line patterns. The light sources 1421', 1421" and 1421"' shown in Fig. 5f also have line patterns. The light sources 1421-1, 1421-2 and 1421-3 shown in Fig. 5g have curved line patterns. The light sources 1421' and 1421 "shown in Fig. 5h also have zigzag line patterns. The light sources 1421 may be arranged symmetrically around the X, Y and/or Z directions. The light sources 1421 may not be arranged symmetrically around the X, Y and/or Z directions. The light sources 1421 may be arranged at lower, middle and/or upper portion of the infeed passage 1300 along the Y direction.
Figs. 6 a and b show two cross-sectional views of a portion of an infeed passage 1300. The infeed passage 1300 shown in Figs. 6a and b comprises a plurality of feed indicators 1400. Each infeed indicator 1400 comprises a plurality of light areas 1410. Figs. 6 a and b show that the light areas 1410 are arranged in the wall of the infeed passage 1300. The light areas 1410, shown in Figs. 6 a and b, are arranged in a line pattern. The line pattern of the plurality of light areas 1410 shown in Figs. 6 a and b is formed of a plurality of dots. The plurality of light areas 1410 are arranged along the X direction. Figs. 6 a and b further shows that the infeed indicator 1400 comprises illumination means 1420. Figs. 6 a and b show that the illumination means 1420 is arranged on a back surface of the infeed passage 1300 i.e. the illumination means do not face the infeed opening 1100. The illumination means 1420 may be configured to emit light along a respective first optical path towards a respective one of said light areas 1410. Examples of the illumination means 1420 are LED stripes and printed circuit boards (PCBs) having lighting means. The illumination means 1420 may be configured to emit light within the visible spectrum which is visible for the user. The light areas 1410 may be transparent or translucent openings arranged within at least one of the infeed passage 1300 and the receiving compartment 1200. Fig. 4 shows that the light areas 1410 are arranged within the infeed passage 1300. The transparent or translucent openings may be configured to transmit at least a portion of the light emitted from the illumination means 1420 along the respective first optical path 1431. The first optical path 1431 may e.g. be along the Y direction, as shown in Fig. 6. The material provided in the translucent opening may be air or plastic. The transmitted light may be transmitted along a respective second optical path 1432 towards the infeed opening 1100 of the RVM 1000. The transmitted light may further undergo reflections e.g. at the infeed passage 1300 wall.
Still in connection with Figs. 6 a and b, the infeed indicator 1400 comprises one or more light guides 1440. The light guides 1440 may be arranged between the illumination means 1420 and the light areas 1410. Fig. 6a shows that the light guide 1440 is arranged on a back surface of the infeed passage 1300 and above the illumination means 1420. The light guide 1440 shown in Fig. 6a is configured as a layer covering the illumination means 1420. Whereas the light guide 1440 shown in Fig. 6b comprises a plurality of light guides configured on the lighting means 1422 e.g. LEDs of the illumination means 1420. Fig 6b further shows that the lighting means 1422 are arranged on a lower board 1424 e.g. LED board and are separated by an upper board e.g. bracket LED board. Each of the light guides 1440 may define a respective portion of the first optical path 1431. Each light guide 1440 may preferably be a unitary and/or homogenous element. The unitary and/or homogenous element may preferably be clear or diffusive. The light guides 1440 may be made of a material comprising glass and/or plastic. The light guide 1440 may be any conventional and commercially available light guide 1440.
Figs. 7a and b show two perspective views of another infeed passage 1300. Figs. 7a and b show an infeed indicator 1400 being attachable to the infeed passage 1300. The infeed indicator 1400 comprises a plurality of light areas 1410. The infeed passage 1300, shown in Figs. 7a and b, comprises a plurality of openings being configured to receive the plurality of light areas 1410. The openings of the infeed passage 1300 may be holes i.e. air. The openings of the infeed passage 1300 may be holes covered by a transparent or a translucent layer such as a plastic layer. Various parts of the attachable infeed indicator 1400 shown in Figs. 7a and b are illustrated in Figs. 8a-d and described in relation to Figs 8a-d.
Figs. 8a-d show one detailed example of an infeed indicator 1400. Fig. 8a shows an opaque cover unit 1450 of the infeed indicator 1400. The opaque cover unit 1450 of the infeed indicator 1400 may be configured to receive a light guiding unit 1460 of the infeed indicator 1400. Fig 8a shows that the opaque cover unit 1450 of the infeed indicator 1400 comprises a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of light guides 1440 of the light guiding unit 1460 of the infeed indicator 1400. Fig. 8c shows a connection unit 1470 of the infeed indicator 1400. Fig. 8c shows that the connection unit 1470 comprises a first connector 1475'. The first connector 1475' of the connection unit 1470 may be a male or a female component of an electrical connector. Fig. 8d shows an illumination unit 1420 of the infeed indicator 1400. The illumination unit 1420 shown in Fig. 8d comprises a PCB. The PCB shown in Fig. 8d comprises a plurality of illumination means 1422 in the form of LEDs. Fig. 8d further shows a second connector 1475" arranged on a back side of the PCB. The second connector 1475" may be a male or a female component of an electrical connector, different from the first connector 1475'. The four components or units of the infeed indicator 1400 may be arranged as following. The light guiding unit 1460 of the infeed indicator 1400, shown in Fig. 8b, may be inserted into the opaque cover unit 1450 of the infeed indicator 1400, shown in Fig. 8a, such that the plurality of openings of the cover unit 1450 may receive the plurality of light guides 1440 of the inserting compartment 1460. The illumination unit 1420 of the infeed indicator 1400, shown in Fig. 8d, may be inserted into the light guiding unit 1460 of the infeed indicator 1400 such that the illumination means 1422 may be placed adjacent to the light guides 1440 and facing the light guides 1440 of the inserting compartment 1460. The connection unit 1470 of the infeed indicator 1400, shown in Fig. 8d, may be placed on a back side of the illumination means 1420 such that the first connector 1475' connects to the second connector 1475" i.e. the male components connects to the female component. Thereby, the connectors 1475 may provide electricity to the illumination means 1420 shown in Fig 8d. It should be noted that Figs. 8a-d show an exemplary illustration of various compartments of the infeed indicator 1400 and various compartments of the infeed indicator 1400 may have other designs and shapes.
Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of parts of another RVM 1000. Fig. 9 shows that the RVM 1000 comprises an infeed indicator 1400 which is arranged in the back of the RVM 1000. In Fig. 9, the infeed indicator 1400 is arranged above the conveyor means 1600 of the receiving compartment 1200. The conveyor means 1600 may optionally be a detachable conveyor module 1650. The detachable conveyor module 1650 may be detachably arranged in the receiving compartment 1200. Fig. 9 shows that the receiving compartment 1200 comprises a detachable conveyor module 1650. In Fig. 9, the infeed indicator 1400 is arranged above the detachable conveyor module 1650. The infeed indicator 1400 shown in Fig. 9 comprises an illumination means 1420. The illumination means 1420 shown in Fig. 9 is configured to emit light along a respective first optical path 1431 towards a respective one of said light areas 1410. Examples of illumination means 1420 may be one or more LEDs and/or lasers. The light areas 1410 may be reflective surfaces arranged within at least one of said infeed passage 1300 and said receiving compartment 1200. Fig. 9 shows that the light areas 1410 are reflective surfaces arranged within the conveyor means 1600 of the receiving compartment 1200. The reflective surfaces may be configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted from the illumination means 1420 along said respective first optical path 1431. Fig. 9 shows that the first optical path 1431 extends opposite to the Y direction. The reflected light may be reflected along a respective second optical path 1432 towards the infeed opening 1100 of the RVM 1000. The second optical path 1432 is viewable by the user of the RVM 1000.
Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of parts of yet another RVM 1000. Fig. 10 shows that the RVM 1000 comprises an infeed indicator 1400 which is arranged in the back of the RVM 1000. In Fig. 10, the infeed indicator 1400 is arranged above the detachable conveyor module 1650. The detachable conveyor module 1650 shown in Fig. 10 comprises two conveyor means 1600' and 1600". The infeed indicator 1400 shown in Fig. 10 comprises an illumination means 1420. The illumination means 1420 may preferably comprise a single light source 1421. The illumination means 1420 may comprise a plurality of sub-units, configured to be turned on and off at the same time. Fig. 10 shows that the illumination means 1420 comprises a rotatable reflective element 1425. The rotatable reflective element 1425 may be pivotable around an axis. The pivotable axis of the rotatable reflective element 1425, shown in Fig. 10, is along the Z direction. The rotatable reflective element 1425 may rotate 360°C around the pivotable axis. The rotatable reflective element 1425 may rock back and forth around the pivotable axis. The rotatable reflective element 1425 may be configured to receive light from at least one of the light sources. Fig. 10 shows that the rotatable reflective element 1425 has a hexagonal shape. At least one of the facets of the rotatable reflective element 1425 may receive light from at least one of the light sources. The rotatable reflective element 1425 may be configured to sequentially redirect the light to different light areas 1410 upon rotation of the rotatable reflective element 1425. The redirected
may be reflected along a second optical path 1432 towards the infeed opening 1100 of the RVM 1000. The second optical path 1432 is viewable by the user of the RVM 1000.
Figs. 11a and b show perspective views of yet other two infeed passages 1300. Figs. 11a and b show that two infeed indicators 1400', 1400" are arranged around the infeed direction 1500. There may be more than two infeed indicators 1400', 1400" arranged around the infeed direction 1500. The two or more infeed indicators 1400', 1400" may preferably be arranged symmetrically around the infeed direction 1500, as shown in Fig. 11a and b. Fig. 11a and b show that each infeed indicator 1400 is arranged partly to side of the infeed opening 1100 on the front of the RVM 1000 and extends into the infeed passage 1300. The infeed indicators 1400', 1400" may have various shapes and sizes. The infeed indicators 1400', 1400" shown in Fig. 11b extend further away from the infeed passage 1300, along the Z direction, than the infeed indicators 1400', 1400" shown in Fig. 11a. In other words, the infeed indicators 1400', 1400" shown in Fig. 11b have a larger dimension along the Z direction than the infeed indicators 1400', 1400" shown in Fig. 11a. At least two adjacent light areas 1410 may be arranged side-by-side in a continuous arrangement. The two adjacent light areas 1410 may be arranged side-by-side preferably without any separation in between. Fig. 11a and b show that the light areas 1410 are arranged side-by side and in a continuous arrangement. Fig. 11a and b show that there is no separation in between the two adjacent light areas 1410. Fig 11c shows a perspective view of the front of the RVM 1000 comprising the infeed passage 1300 shown in Fig. 11b. Fig. 11c shows that the infeed indicators 1400', 1400" extend into the front of the RVM 1000.
As illustrated in Fig 12a and 12b, there is provided a conveyour means (2650) for mounting in an RVM, which conveyor means is provided with an infeed indicator (1410) attached to said conveyour means and wherein the infeed indicator comprises one or more light areas arranged in the casing of the conveyour means.
In more detail, Fig. 12a and b show perspective back views of parts of yet two other RVMs 1000. Fig. 12a and b show receiving compartments 1200 of the respective RVMs 1000. Fig. 12a and b show that each respective receiving compartments 1200 comprises conveyor means 1600 for transporting said used container which has been fed through said infeed passage 1300. Fig. 12a and b further show that the plurality of light areas 1410 are arranged within the receiving compartment 1200 and that the one or more of the light areas 1410 are arranged along the conveyor means 1600. Optionally the conveyor means 1600 may a detachable conveyor module 1650. The detachable conveyor module 1650 may be detachably arranged in the receiving compartment 1200. The detachable conveyor module 1650 may preferably comprise the one or more light areas 1410. Fig. 12a shows that the one or more of the light areas 1410 are arranged in the middle and along the conveyor means 1600. Fig. 12a further shows that there are one or more of the light areas 1410' arranged with the infeed passage 1300. Fig. 12b shows that the one or more of the light areas 1410 are arranged on sides and along the conveyor means 1600. The infeed indicators 1400 of Fig 12a and b are configured to illuminate, unilluminated, or alter the intensity and/or color of the light areas 1410 in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM 1000 to the user.
In the above the inventive concept has mainly been described with reference to an RVM. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the infeed indication is equally suitable for machines that does not give a refund, but accepts and optionally validates other types items e.g. used consumer products such as empty/used shampoo bottles or empty/used glass jars for jam.
Furthermore, other examples than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A reverse vending machine (1000), RVM, configured to receive used containers such as empty food and beverage containers, comprising:
- an infeed opening (1100) arranged in the front (1120) of the RVM (1000);

- a receiving compartment (1200) arranged to support and process a used container which has been fed through said infeed opening (1100) by a user,

- an infeed passage (1300) connecting said infeed opening (1100) to said receiving compartment (1200),

- one or more infeed indicators (1400), each infeed indicator (1400) comprising a plurality of light areas (1410), which plurality of light areas (1410) are arranged along an infeed direction (1500) for said empty containers within at least one of said infeed passage (1300) and said receiving compartment (1200) and which light areas (1410) are visible to a user from outside of the RVM (1000),
wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to alter the intensity and/or colour of the light areas (1410) in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM (1000) to the user.
The RVM (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to brighten or dim the light areas (1410) in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM (1000) to the user, and/or
wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to illuminate or unilluminate the light areas (1410), preferably one area after another, in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM (1000) to the user.
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to alter the colour of the light areas (1410), preferably one light area after another, in a both space and time sequential manner to indicate a status of the RVM (1000) to the user.
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) comprises illumination means (1420) configured to emit light along a respective first optical path towards a respective one of said light areas (1410), wherein said light areas (1410) are transparent or translucent openings arranged within at least one of said infeed passage (1300) and said receiving compartment (1200), which transparent or translucent openings are configured to transmit at least a portion of the light emitted from said illumination means (1420) along said respective first optical path, which transmitted light is transmitted along a respective second optical path towards the infeed opening (1100) of the RVM (1000).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) comprises illumination means (1420) configured to emit light along a respective first optical path (1431) towards a respective one of said light areas (1410), wherein said light areas (1410) are reflective surfaces arranged within at least one of said infeed passage (1300) and said receiving compartment (1200), which reflective surfaces are configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted from said illumination means (1420) along said respective first optical path (1431), which reflected light is reflected along a respective second optical path (1432) towards the infeed opening (1100) of the RVM (1000).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) further comprises one or more light guides (1440) arranged between said illumination means (1420) and said light areas (1410) and wherein each of said light guides (1440) defines a respective portion of said first optical path, wherein said light guide (1440) is preferably a unitary and/or homogenous element, which unitary and/or homogenous element is preferably clear or diffusive.
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination means (1420) comprises a rotatable reflective element (1425) configured to receive light from at least one of said light sources and to sequentially redirect the light to different light areas (1410) upon rotation of the rotatable reflective element (1425), wherein said illumination means (1420) preferably comprises a single light source (1421).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light areas (1410) arranged along said infeed direction (1500) are further arranged partially transverse to the infeed direction (1500), e.g. in a curved and/or spiral pattern.
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement of the light areas describes a pattern selected from a group comprising dots, lines, arrows, spirals or combinations thereof.
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is arranged partly to side of the infeed opening (1100) on the front of the RVM (1000) and extends into the infeed passage (1300).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all light areas (1410) are arranged spaced apart from each other, preferably separated by an opaque and/or non-reflective material; or
wherein at least two adjacent light areas (1410) are arranged side-by-side in a continuous arrangement, preferably without any separation in between.
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises two or more infeed indicators (1400', 1400") preferably arranged symmetrically around the infeed direction (1500).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of said light areas are (1410) are arranged in the wall of said infeed passage (1410).
and/or
wherein said receiving compartment (1200) comprises conveyor means (1600) for transporting said used container which has been fed through said infeed passage (1300), and wherein one or more of said light areas (1410) are arranged along said conveyor means (1600), and wherein optionally said conveyor means (1600) is a detachable conveyor module (1650) detachably arranged in said receiving compartment (1200) and said detachable conveyor module (1650) preferably comprises said one or more light areas (1410).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) comprises a plurality of light sources (1421) and the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to sequentially turn on a sub-set of the light sources (1421) and thereby move an illuminated area along or against the infeed direction (1500), dependent on the status of the RVM (1000); or
wherein the infeed indicator (1400) comprises a plurality of light sources (1421) and the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to sequentially turn off a sub-set of the light sources (1421) and thereby move a dark area along or against the infeed direction (1500), dependent on the status of the RVM (1000).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-13, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) comprises a single light source (1421) and the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to sequentially move the illuminated area along or against the infeed direction (1500), dependent on the status of the RVM (1000).
The RVM (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is configured to illuminate the light areas according to a first predetermined illumination pattern, which first predetermined illumination pattern is moved in a first predetermined direction to indicate a first status of the machine, and
wherein the infeed indicator (1400) is also configured to illuminate the light areas according to a second predetermined illumination pattern, which second predetermined pattern is moved in a second predetermined direction to indicate a second status of the machine, which second direction is different from said first direction.
The RVM (1000) according to claim 16, wherein said first and second predetermined illumination pattern each comprises the relative intensity and/or colour of the different light areas, wherein optionally said first and second predetermined illumination patterns are the same or mirror images of each other.