EP4357035A1 - Method and system for automatically processing reusable containers - Google Patents
Method and system for automatically processing reusable containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4357035A1 EP4357035A1 EP22202776.5A EP22202776A EP4357035A1 EP 4357035 A1 EP4357035 A1 EP 4357035A1 EP 22202776 A EP22202776 A EP 22202776A EP 4357035 A1 EP4357035 A1 EP 4357035A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- module
- reusable
- container
- reusable containers
- loading
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 23
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 47
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013024 troubleshooting Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/0821—Handling or manipulating containers, e.g. moving or rotating containers in cleaning devices, conveying to or from cleaning devices
- B08B9/0826—Handling or manipulating containers, e.g. moving or rotating containers in cleaning devices, conveying to or from cleaning devices the containers being brought to the cleaning device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/0065—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware specially adapted for drinking glasses
- A47L15/0071—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware specially adapted for drinking glasses the glasses being placed on conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/02—Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
- B08B3/022—Cleaning travelling work
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/0804—Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums
- B08B9/0813—Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums by the force of jets or sprays
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
- B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
- B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
- B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
- B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
- B08B9/32—Rotating conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
- B08B9/42—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus being characterised by means for conveying or carrying containers therethrough
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
- B08B9/42—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus being characterised by means for conveying or carrying containers therethrough
- B08B9/44—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus being characterised by means for conveying or carrying containers therethrough the means being for loading or unloading the apparatus
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to container processing, and, more particularly, to method and system for automatically processing reusable containers.
- Disposable containers have been widely used due to convenience, however, more and more use of disposable containers has incurred both huge waste of materials and serious pollution to the environment. Therefore, the use of reusable containers is becoming more and more preferred and in some cases it is even mandatory in bars and quick service restaurants.
- the processing of reusable containers is usually operated by an operator, i.e. the operator manually collects dirty containers, puts them into a dishwasher and then takes them to the beverage distribution area after they are washed in the dishwasher. This is inefficient and needs high labor cost.
- an automatic system for processing reusable containers comprises a loading and batching module for loading and collecting the reusable containers to be processed, a washing and rinsing module for washing and rinsing the reusable containers from the loading and batching module, a drying module for drying the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module, a stacking module for stacking the reusable containers from the drying module, and at least one transferring module for enabling the transferring of the reusable containers between the loading and batching module, the washing and rinsing module, the drying module and the stacking module.
- the present invention is based on an idea of providing a system which can automatically collect, wash, sanitize, dry, sort and stack reusable containers without manual handling from the operator.
- the loading and batching module comprises a loading area and a batching area.
- the loading area comprises a scanning system, an user interface display and a door, wherein the scanning system comprises a reader for reading identification information registered on a used container; the user interface display is configured to display information of the automatic system; and the door is configured to open automatically after the used container is recognized as a reusable container by the scanning system.
- the batching area comprises a rotating platform for collecting all recognized reusable containers. Due to the arrangement of the scanning system and the door, the used containers which are recognized as reusable containers can be collected automatically in the loading area.
- the washing and rinsing module comprises a cavity for washing and rinsing the reusable containers, and a washing rack or a movable belt equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers.
- the drying module comprises a carousel belt equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers, the carousel belt being configured to move the reusable containers along a ventilated tunnel with hot air.
- the stacking module is equipped with sensors for notifying an operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold.
- the at least one transferring module comprises an operating arm equipped with suction cups or grippers.
- the identification information is registered in at least one of a bar code, QR code and a RFID tag.
- a method for automatically processing reusable containers comprises the steps of scanning identification information registered on a used container in a scanner, recognizing whether the used container is a reusable container, loading and batching the used container in a loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container, automatically transferring the reusable containers from the loading and batching module to a washing and rinsing module, washing and rinsing the reusable container in the washing and rinsing module, automatically transferring the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module to a drying module, drying the reusable container in the drying module, automatically transferring the reusable containers from the drying module to a stacking module, and stacking the reusable container in the stacking module.
- the identification information comprises information about at least a type and a size of the reusable container.
- the loading and batching the used container comprises automatically opening a door after the container code is recognized as a reusable container and loading the reusable container in a loading area and then collecting the reusable container in a batching area with a rotating platform.
- the method further comprises a pre-rinse step.
- the method further comprises notifying an operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold.
- the method further comprises stopping working when the stacking module is full.
- the drying the reusable container comprises driving a carousel belt with vertical supports for the reusable containers to move the reusable containers along a tunnel ventilated with hot air.
- the method further comprises indicating an error message on a display when the used container is not recognized as a reusable container.
- the present invention has the advantages of reducing labor cost and improving efficiency of processing reusable containers, thus there are fewer fatiguing operations by operators and the system is easy to use, which on another hand helps to make the use of reusable containers more popular thus the waste of materials is significantly reduced and is more environment friendly.
- Fig. 1 schematically shows a front overview of the system 100
- Fig. 2 schematically shows a front view of the system 100 with a left outer door being open
- Fig. 3 schematically shows a front view of the system 100 with the left outer door and a left inner door being open
- Fig. 4 schematically shows a front view of the system 100 with the left outer door and a right door being open according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention.
- the system 100 comprises a housing 101 and is provided with three doors: the left outer door 103, the right door 105 and the left inner door 107. As shown in Figs.
- the left outer door 103 is arranged at the left front side of the system 100, when the left outer door 103 is open, an operator may access a stacking module 108, a detergent tank 1041 and a rinse aid tank 1042.
- the left inner door 107 is arranged inside the system 100 and is behind the stacking module 108, when the left inner door 107 is open, the operator may access all modules in the system 100.
- the right door 105 is arranged at the right front side of the system 100, when the right door 105 is open, the operator may access all modules in the system 100.
- Fig. 5 schematically shows a rear view of the system 100 without panels according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 6 schematically shows the modules included in the system according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement of all the modules of the system will be described according to Figs. 5 and 6 in combination with Figs. 2 to 4 .
- the system 100 comprises at least one transferring module 110, a loading and batching module 102, a washing and rinsing module 104, a drying module 106 and a stacking module 108.
- the washing and rinsing module 104 and the drying module 106 are arranged at the bottom of the system 100 inside the housing 101, the loading and batching module 102 is arranged above the drying module 106, the stacking module 108 is arranged on the left inner door 107.
- the function of the each module will be described in details below.
- the system 100 comprises at least one transferring module 110 for automatically transferring the reusable containers.
- Fig. 7 schematically shows an overview of the transferring module 110 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
- the transferring module 110 may comprise an operating arm equipped with suction cups such that the reusable containers may be sucked up by the suction cups 1101 and transferred from one module to another module of the system.
- the transferring module 110 may comprise a robot with grippers such that the reusable containers may be gripped by the grippers and transferred from one module to another module of the system 100.
- the system 100 further comprises a loading and batching module 102 for loading and collecting reusable containers to be processed.
- the loading and batching module 102 comprises a loading area 1021 and a batching area 1022.
- Fig. 8A-8E schematically show the arrangement of the loading area 1021
- Fig. 9A schematically shows the arrangement of the batching area 1022 in the system 100.
- the loading area 1021 is The loading area 1021 comprises a scanning system 1023, a user interface display 1024 and a door 1025.
- the scanning system 1023, the user interface display 1024 and the door 1025 are arranged on the right door 105 as shown in Figs 2-4 .
- the used container may be any suitable type of containers such as a container for liquid, a container for food etc..
- the information of the used container is identification information and the scanning system 1023 comprises a reader, the user scans the identification information printed on the used container using the reader.
- the identification information may be registered in any suitable form such as a bar code, a QR code or a RFID tag.
- the identification information may include at least one of a unique ID of the container, the type of the container, a size of the container, loading time to the system 100 and removing time from the system 100 etc..
- the loading and batching module 102 may recognize whether the scanned container is a reusable container according to the information scanned in the scanning system 1023, if the used container is recognized as a reusable container, the door 1025 may open automatically, and the recognized reusable container may be loaded in the loading area 1021 when the user drops down the container, and then the container loaded in the loading area 1021 is collected in the batching area 1022 which is below the loading area 1021 inside the housing 101 as shown in Fig. 4 .
- the door 1025 may be any suitable type of door such as a sliding door, a hinged door etc.
- the batching area 1022 may comprise a rotating platform 1026 with vertical supports for the reusable containers, after one container is collected on the rotating platform 1026, the rotating platform 1026 rotates a certain distance such that the next container in the loading area 1021 can be collected on the next support on the rotating platform 1026.
- the used container may not be recognized as a reusable container, an error message may be shown on the user interface display 1024 in such case.
- the information shown on the user interface display 1024 is not limited to the above mentioned, it may further include information such as visual and/or audio instruction for the operator on how to operate the system 100, visual and/or audio feedback for scanned information, visual and/or audio notification of opening the door 1025, visual and/or audio notification of closing the door 1025; a total count number of containers loaded in the system 100, visual and/or audio indication and alarm when the containers in the stacking module 108 is full, troubleshooting information on how to process the reusable containers in a right way or solve impediments due to wrong operations, and status of the system 100 such as turning off, tuning on, processing phase of the reusable containers etc..
- Figs. 9A and 9B schematically show a pre-rinsing phase according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
- a pre-rinsing phase for the containers in the batching area 1022.
- the transferring module 110 may grasp at least one container each time from the batching area 1022, turns it upside down and places it over a water jet 114 for the pre-rinsing phase as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B .
- the system 101 is further provided with a waste basket 112 which is placed under the batching and pre-rinse zones to collect residuals and pre-rinse water.
- the reusable containers are transferred by the transferring module 110 to a washing and rinsing module 104 which will be described in details below.
- the system 100 further comprises the washing and rinsing module 104 for washing and rinsing the reusable containers from the loading and batching module 102.
- Figs. 10A and 10B schematically shows a structure of the washing and rinsing module according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
- the washing and rinsing module 104 may comprise a cavity 1041 for washing and rinsing the reusable containers, rinsing and washing arms 1042, a washing rack or a carousel belt 1043 equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers, a drawer door 1044, a tech compartment 1046 and a steam evacuation chimney 1047.
- the carousel belt 1043 when the carousel belt 1043 is provided in the washing and rinsing module, it may be driven by a motor.
- each container is positioned on one of the vertical supports of the washing rack 1043 by the transferring module 110.
- the washing and rinsing module 104 will be pushed into the cavity 1041 by the transferring module 110 and the washing phase starts.
- the drawer 1044 opens automatically, and the containers are transferred by the transferring module 110 to a drying module 106 which will be described in details below.
- the system 100 further comprises the drying module 106.
- Figs. 11A and 11B schematically show a structure of the drying module 106 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
- a carousel belt 1061 which runs inside a tunnel ventilated with hot air flow is provided in the drying module 106, the carousel belt 1061 is provided with vertical supports 1067 for the containers such that when the carousel belt 1061 moves along the ventilated tunnel with hot air, the containers are dried by the hot air flow.
- the carousel belt 1061 may move more than one turn inside the tunnel to ensure good drying of the containers.
- the drying module 106 is equipped with fans 1063 for air ventilation, electrical heating elements 1064, working temperature control sensors 1065, safety temperature sensors 1066, electrical brushless motor 1067 for driving the carousel belt 1061, electrical box 1068 for control and power supply.
- the fans 1063 are axial fans, the hot air ventilation is thus produced by the axial fans and the electrical heating elements 1064.
- the carousel belt 1061 may be the same carousel belt arranged in the washing and rinsing module 104 or it may be a separately arranged carousel belt.
- the system 100 further comprises the stacking module 108.
- Fig. 12A schematically shows a structure of the stacking module 108 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.
- the stacking module 108 may be arranged to allow the transferring module 110 to stack the dried containers according to their sizes.
- their size information is obtained from the scanned identification information.
- sensors may be provided to detect the size of the containers.
- the system 100 may be arranged to notify the operator when the containers in the stacking module is about to be full.
- a container counter may be arranged in the stacking module to notify the operator.
- the notification may be indicated when the number of the containers exceeds a preset threshold.
- the notification may be indicated when the sensor detects that the storage of the container exceeds a preset threshold.
- the notification is indicated on the user interface display in the form of audio and/or video.
- the notification is indicated by LED lights 116 arranged on the right door 105.
- the filling percentage of the containers in the stacking module may be shown to the operator on the user interface display or by the LED lights 116 as shown in Fig. 12B .
- the processing comprises the steps of: scanning 1301 identification information registered on the used container in the scanning system; determining 1303 whether the used container is a reusable container; loading and batching 1305 the used container in the loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container; automatically transferring 1307 the reusable containers from the loading and batching module to the washing and rinsing module; washing and rinsing 1309 the reusable container in the washing and rinsing module; automatically transferring 1311 the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module to the drying module; drying 1313 the reusable container in the drying module; automatically transferring 1315 the reusable containers from the drying module to the stacking module; and stacking 1317 the reusable container in the stacking module.
- the method further comprises indicating 1319 an error message on the user interface display in any suitable form such as audio and/or video.
- the loading and batching 1305 the used container in the loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container may comprising automatically opening 1321 the door after the used container is recognized as a reusable container and the container is loaded into the loading area when the operator drops down the container and then collecting the reusable container in the batching area with the rotating platform.
- each of the containers is collected on a vertical support arranged on the rotating platform.
- the drying the reusable container may further comprise driving a carousel belt with vertical supports for the reusable containers to move the reusable containers along a tunnel ventilated with hot air.
- the carousel belt begins moving as soon as the transferring module 110 places the first container on the carousel belt and the following containers are placed on empty vertical supporters while the carousel belt moves.
- the method may further notify the operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold or may stop working when the stacking module is full.
- the method may further comprise a pre-rinsing step.
- the used containers are transferred 1323 from the batching area to a pre-rinsing area.
- the transferring module 110 may grasp at least one container each time from the batching area 1022, turns it upside down and places it over a water jet 114 for the pre-rinsing phase.
- the method further comprises determining 1325 whether the reusable containers in the stacking module exceeds a threshold, if yes, notifying 1327 the operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceeds a threshold.
- the method further comprises determining 1329 whether the stacking module is full, if it is full, the system will stop work 1331 until the stack module is emptied 1333 by the operator.
- the notification of the stack module is about to be full is displayed on the user interface display or shown with LED lights.
- the fill percentage of the stack module is shown with LED lights on the right door.
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Abstract
An automatic system (100) for processing reusable containers comprising: a loading and batching module (102) for loading and collecting the reusable containers to be processed; a washing and rinsing module (104) for washing and rinsing the reusable containers from the loading and batching module; a drying module (106) for drying the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module; a stacking module (108) for stacking the reusable containers from the drying module; and at least one transferring module (110) for enabling the transferring of the reusable containers between the loading and batching module, the washing and rinsing module, the drying module and the stacking module.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to container processing, and, more particularly, to method and system for automatically processing reusable containers.
- Disposable containers have been widely used due to convenience, however, more and more use of disposable containers has incurred both huge waste of materials and serious pollution to the environment. Therefore, the use of reusable containers is becoming more and more preferred and in some cases it is even mandatory in bars and quick service restaurants. The processing of reusable containers is usually operated by an operator, i.e. the operator manually collects dirty containers, puts them into a dishwasher and then takes them to the beverage distribution area after they are washed in the dishwasher. This is inefficient and needs high labor cost.
- In the light of the above, it is of interest to provide alternative solutions in order to improve the efficiency of processing the reusable containers. These and other objects are achieved by providing an automatic system and method for processing reusable containers having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
- Hence, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic system for processing reusable containers. The automatic system comprises a loading and batching module for loading and collecting the reusable containers to be processed, a washing and rinsing module for washing and rinsing the reusable containers from the loading and batching module, a drying module for drying the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module, a stacking module for stacking the reusable containers from the drying module, and at least one transferring module for enabling the transferring of the reusable containers between the loading and batching module, the washing and rinsing module, the drying module and the stacking module.
- Thus, the present invention is based on an idea of providing a system which can automatically collect, wash, sanitize, dry, sort and stack reusable containers without manual handling from the operator.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the loading and batching module comprises a loading area and a batching area. The loading area comprises a scanning system, an user interface display and a door, wherein the scanning system comprises a reader for reading identification information registered on a used container; the user interface display is configured to display information of the automatic system; and the door is configured to open automatically after the used container is recognized as a reusable container by the scanning system. The batching area comprises a rotating platform for collecting all recognized reusable containers. Due to the arrangement of the scanning system and the door, the used containers which are recognized as reusable containers can be collected automatically in the loading area.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the washing and rinsing module comprises a cavity for washing and rinsing the reusable containers, and a washing rack or a movable belt equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drying module comprises a carousel belt equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers, the carousel belt being configured to move the reusable containers along a ventilated tunnel with hot air.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stacking module is equipped with sensors for notifying an operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one transferring module comprises an operating arm equipped with suction cups or grippers.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, the identification information is registered in at least one of a bar code, QR code and a RFID tag.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatically processing reusable containers. The method comprises the steps of scanning identification information registered on a used container in a scanner, recognizing whether the used container is a reusable container, loading and batching the used container in a loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container, automatically transferring the reusable containers from the loading and batching module to a washing and rinsing module, washing and rinsing the reusable container in the washing and rinsing module, automatically transferring the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module to a drying module, drying the reusable container in the drying module, automatically transferring the reusable containers from the drying module to a stacking module, and stacking the reusable container in the stacking module.
- According to an embodiment, the identification information comprises information about at least a type and a size of the reusable container.
- According to an embodiment, the loading and batching the used container comprises automatically opening a door after the container code is recognized as a reusable container and loading the reusable container in a loading area and then collecting the reusable container in a batching area with a rotating platform.
- According to an embodiment, the method further comprises a pre-rinse step.
- According to an embodiment, the method further comprises notifying an operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold.
- According to an embodiment, the method further comprises stopping working when the stacking module is full.
- According to an embodiment, the drying the reusable container comprises driving a carousel belt with vertical supports for the reusable containers to move the reusable containers along a tunnel ventilated with hot air.
- According to an embodiment, the method further comprises indicating an error message on a display when the used container is not recognized as a reusable container.
- The present invention has the advantages of reducing labor cost and improving efficiency of processing reusable containers, thus there are fewer fatiguing operations by operators and the system is easy to use, which on another hand helps to make the use of reusable containers more popular thus the waste of materials is significantly reduced and is more environment friendly.
- Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.
- This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.
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Fig. 1 schematically shows a front overview of the system according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Fig. 2 schematically shows a front view of the system with a left outer door being open according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Fig. 3 schematically shows a front view of the system with the left outer door and a left inner door being open according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, -
Fig. 4 schematically shows a front view of the system with the left outer door and a right door being open according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Fig. 5 schematically shows a rear view of the system without panels according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Fig. 6 schematically shows modules included in the system according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Fig. 7 schematically shows an overview of the transferring module according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Figs. 8A-8E schematically show the arrangement of the loading area in different statuses according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, -
Figs. 9A schematically shows the arrangement of the modules in the system according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, -
Fig. 9B schematically shows the transfer of containers from the batching area to the pre-rinsing area according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Figs. 10A-10B schematically show a structure of the washing and rinsing module according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Figs. 11A-11B schematically show a structure of the drying module according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, -
Fig. 12A schematically shows a structure of the stacking module according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 12B schematically shows a filling percentage of the containers in the stacking module indicated with LED lights according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 13 schematically show a workflow of processing the reusable containers according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 1 schematically shows a front overview of thesystem 100,Fig. 2 schematically shows a front view of thesystem 100 with a left outer door being open,Fig. 3 schematically shows a front view of thesystem 100 with the left outer door and a left inner door being open andFig. 4 schematically shows a front view of thesystem 100 with the left outer door and a right door being open according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. According to some embodiments, thesystem 100 comprises ahousing 101 and is provided with three doors: the leftouter door 103, theright door 105 and the leftinner door 107. As shown inFigs. 2 to 4 , the leftouter door 103 is arranged at the left front side of thesystem 100, when the leftouter door 103 is open, an operator may access astacking module 108, adetergent tank 1041 and arinse aid tank 1042. As shown inFig. 3 , the leftinner door 107 is arranged inside thesystem 100 and is behind thestacking module 108, when the leftinner door 107 is open, the operator may access all modules in thesystem 100. Further as shown inFig. 4 , theright door 105 is arranged at the right front side of thesystem 100, when theright door 105 is open, the operator may access all modules in thesystem 100. -
Fig. 5 schematically shows a rear view of thesystem 100 without panels according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 6 schematically shows the modules included in the system according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement of all the modules of the system will be described according toFigs. 5 and6 in combination withFigs. 2 to 4 . According to some embodiments as shown inFig. 6 , thesystem 100 comprises at least onetransferring module 110, a loading andbatching module 102, a washing andrinsing module 104, adrying module 106 and a stackingmodule 108. According to some embodiments as shown inFig.5 , the washing andrinsing module 104 and thedrying module 106 are arranged at the bottom of thesystem 100 inside thehousing 101, the loading andbatching module 102 is arranged above thedrying module 106, the stackingmodule 108 is arranged on the leftinner door 107. The function of the each module will be described in details below. - The
system 100 comprises at least onetransferring module 110 for automatically transferring the reusable containers.Fig. 7 schematically shows an overview of thetransferring module 110 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the transferringmodule 110 may comprise an operating arm equipped with suction cups such that the reusable containers may be sucked up by thesuction cups 1101 and transferred from one module to another module of the system. According to some other embodiments, the transferringmodule 110 may comprise a robot with grippers such that the reusable containers may be gripped by the grippers and transferred from one module to another module of thesystem 100. - The
system 100 further comprises a loading andbatching module 102 for loading and collecting reusable containers to be processed. According to some embodiments, the loading andbatching module 102 comprises aloading area 1021 and abatching area 1022.Fig. 8A-8E schematically show the arrangement of theloading area 1021,Fig. 9A schematically shows the arrangement of thebatching area 1022 in thesystem 100. Theloading area 1021 is Theloading area 1021 comprises ascanning system 1023, auser interface display 1024 and adoor 1025. Thescanning system 1023, theuser interface display 1024 and thedoor 1025 are arranged on theright door 105 as shown inFigs 2-4 . According to some embodiments, when a user approaches thesystem 100 with a used container, he may follow instructions on theuser interface display 1024 or choose an operation from a menu shown on theuser interface display 1024, and then scan information of the used container using thescanning system 1023. According to some embodiments, the used container may be any suitable type of containers such as a container for liquid, a container for food etc.. According to some embodiments, the information of the used container is identification information and thescanning system 1023 comprises a reader, the user scans the identification information printed on the used container using the reader. According to some embodiments, the identification information may be registered in any suitable form such as a bar code, a QR code or a RFID tag. Further according to some embodiments, the identification information may include at least one of a unique ID of the container, the type of the container, a size of the container, loading time to thesystem 100 and removing time from thesystem 100 etc.. According to some embodiments, the loading andbatching module 102 may recognize whether the scanned container is a reusable container according to the information scanned in thescanning system 1023, if the used container is recognized as a reusable container, thedoor 1025 may open automatically, and the recognized reusable container may be loaded in theloading area 1021 when the user drops down the container, and then the container loaded in theloading area 1021 is collected in thebatching area 1022 which is below theloading area 1021 inside thehousing 101 as shown inFig. 4 . According to some embodiments, thedoor 1025 may be any suitable type of door such as a sliding door, a hinged door etc.. According to some embodiments, thebatching area 1022 may comprise arotating platform 1026 with vertical supports for the reusable containers, after one container is collected on therotating platform 1026, therotating platform 1026 rotates a certain distance such that the next container in theloading area 1021 can be collected on the next support on therotating platform 1026. According to some other embodiments, the used container may not be recognized as a reusable container, an error message may be shown on theuser interface display 1024 in such case. The information shown on theuser interface display 1024 is not limited to the above mentioned, it may further include information such as visual and/or audio instruction for the operator on how to operate thesystem 100, visual and/or audio feedback for scanned information, visual and/or audio notification of opening thedoor 1025, visual and/or audio notification of closing thedoor 1025; a total count number of containers loaded in thesystem 100, visual and/or audio indication and alarm when the containers in the stackingmodule 108 is full, troubleshooting information on how to process the reusable containers in a right way or solve impediments due to wrong operations, and status of thesystem 100 such as turning off, tuning on, processing phase of the reusable containers etc.. -
Figs. 9A and9B schematically show a pre-rinsing phase according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments, there is provided a pre-rinsing phase for the containers in thebatching area 1022. The transferringmodule 110 may grasp at least one container each time from thebatching area 1022, turns it upside down and places it over awater jet 114 for the pre-rinsing phase as shown inFigs. 9A and9B . According to some embodiments, thesystem 101 is further provided with awaste basket 112 which is placed under the batching and pre-rinse zones to collect residuals and pre-rinse water. - According to some embodiments, after the pre-rinsing phase, the reusable containers are transferred by the transferring
module 110 to a washing andrinsing module 104 which will be described in details below. - The
system 100 further comprises the washing andrinsing module 104 for washing and rinsing the reusable containers from the loading andbatching module 102.Figs. 10A and10B schematically shows a structure of the washing and rinsing module according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the washing andrinsing module 104 may comprise acavity 1041 for washing and rinsing the reusable containers, rinsing andwashing arms 1042, a washing rack or acarousel belt 1043 equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers, adrawer door 1044, atech compartment 1046 and asteam evacuation chimney 1047. According to some embodiments, when thecarousel belt 1043 is provided in the washing and rinsing module, it may be driven by a motor. - According to some embodiments, after the pre-rinsing phase, each container is positioned on one of the vertical supports of the
washing rack 1043 by the transferringmodule 110. When the rack is full, the washing andrinsing module 104 will be pushed into thecavity 1041 by the transferringmodule 110 and the washing phase starts. Once the washing phase is finished, thedrawer 1044 opens automatically, and the containers are transferred by the transferringmodule 110 to adrying module 106 which will be described in details below. - The
system 100 further comprises thedrying module 106.Figs. 11A and11B schematically show a structure of thedrying module 106 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments, acarousel belt 1061 which runs inside a tunnel ventilated with hot air flow is provided in thedrying module 106, thecarousel belt 1061 is provided withvertical supports 1067 for the containers such that when thecarousel belt 1061 moves along the ventilated tunnel with hot air, the containers are dried by the hot air flow. According to some embodiments, thecarousel belt 1061 may move more than one turn inside the tunnel to ensure good drying of the containers. According to some embodiments, there is provided anopening 1062 on the top of thedrying module 106 such that the containers are allowed to be put into or taken out of thedrying module 106. According to some embodiments, thedrying module 106 is equipped withfans 1063 for air ventilation,electrical heating elements 1064, workingtemperature control sensors 1065,safety temperature sensors 1066,electrical brushless motor 1067 for driving thecarousel belt 1061,electrical box 1068 for control and power supply. According to some embodiments, thefans 1063 are axial fans, the hot air ventilation is thus produced by the axial fans and theelectrical heating elements 1064. According to some embodiments, thecarousel belt 1061 may be the same carousel belt arranged in the washing andrinsing module 104 or it may be a separately arranged carousel belt. - The
system 100 further comprises the stackingmodule 108.Fig. 12A schematically shows a structure of the stackingmodule 108 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments, the stackingmodule 108 may be arranged to allow thetransferring module 110 to stack the dried containers according to their sizes. According to some embodiments, their size information is obtained from the scanned identification information. According to some other embodiments, sensors may be provided to detect the size of the containers. Thesystem 100 may be arranged to notify the operator when the containers in the stacking module is about to be full. According to some embodiments, a container counter may be arranged in the stacking module to notify the operator. According to some other embodiments, the notification may be indicated when the number of the containers exceeds a preset threshold. According to some other embodiments, the notification may be indicated when the sensor detects that the storage of the container exceeds a preset threshold. According to some embodiments, the notification is indicated on the user interface display in the form of audio and/or video. According to some other embodiments, the notification is indicated byLED lights 116 arranged on theright door 105. According to some other embodiments, the filling percentage of the containers in the stacking module may be shown to the operator on the user interface display or by the LED lights 116 as shown inFig. 12B . - Now some workflow of processing the reusable containers according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described in details according to
Fig. 13 . According to some embodiments, the processing comprises the steps of: scanning 1301 identification information registered on the used container in the scanning system; determining 1303 whether the used container is a reusable container; loading andbatching 1305 the used container in the loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container; automatically transferring 1307 the reusable containers from the loading and batching module to the washing and rinsing module; washing and rinsing 1309 the reusable container in the washing and rinsing module; automatically transferring 1311 the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module to the drying module; drying 1313 the reusable container in the drying module; automatically transferring 1315 the reusable containers from the drying module to the stacking module; and stacking 1317 the reusable container in the stacking module. - According to some embodiments, when the used container is not recognized as a reusable container in the determining
step 1303, the method further comprises indicating 1319 an error message on the user interface display in any suitable form such as audio and/or video. - According to some embodiments, the loading and
batching 1305 the used container in the loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container may comprising automatically opening 1321 the door after the used container is recognized as a reusable container and the container is loaded into the loading area when the operator drops down the container and then collecting the reusable container in the batching area with the rotating platform. According to some embodiments, each of the containers is collected on a vertical support arranged on the rotating platform. - According to some embodiments, the drying the reusable container may further comprise driving a carousel belt with vertical supports for the reusable containers to move the reusable containers along a tunnel ventilated with hot air. According to some further embodiments, the carousel belt begins moving as soon as the
transferring module 110 places the first container on the carousel belt and the following containers are placed on empty vertical supporters while the carousel belt moves. - According to some embodiments, the method may further notify the operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold or may stop working when the stacking module is full.
- According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise a pre-rinsing step. The used containers are transferred 1323 from the batching area to a pre-rinsing area. According to some embodiments, the transferring
module 110 may grasp at least one container each time from thebatching area 1022, turns it upside down and places it over awater jet 114 for the pre-rinsing phase. - According to some embodiments, the method further comprises determining 1325 whether the reusable containers in the stacking module exceeds a threshold, if yes, notifying 1327 the operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceeds a threshold. The method further comprises determining 1329 whether the stacking module is full, if it is full, the system will stop
work 1331 until the stack module is emptied 1333 by the operator. According to some embodiments, the notification of the stack module is about to be full is displayed on the user interface display or shown with LED lights. According to some other embodiments, the fill percentage of the stack module is shown with LED lights on the right door. - The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- An automatic system (100) for processing reusable containers comprising:a loading and batching module (102) for loading and collecting the reusable containers to be processed;a washing and rinsing module (104) for washing and rinsing the reusable containers from the loading and batching module;a drying module (106) for drying the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module;a stacking module (108) for stacking the reusable containers from the drying module; andat least one transferring module (110) for enabling the transferring of the reusable containers between the loading and batching module, the washing and rinsing module, the drying module and the stacking module.
- The automatic system for processing reusable containers according to claim 1, wherein the loading and batching module comprises a loading area (1021) and a batching area (1022), wherein the loading area comprises:a scanning system (1023) comprising a reader for reading identification information registered on a used container;an user interface display (1024) for displaying information of the automatic system; anda door (1025) configured to open automatically after the used container is recognized as a reusable container by the scanning system; andthe batching area comprises a rotating platform for collecting all recognized reusable containers.
- The automatic system for processing reusable containers according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the washing and rinsing module comprises a cavity (1041) for washing and rinsing the reusable containers, and a washing rack (1043) or a movable belt equipped with vertical supports for the reusable containers.
- The automatic system for processing reusable containers according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying module comprises a carousel belt (1061) equipped with vertical supports (1067) for the reusable containers, the carousel belt being configured to move the reusable containers along a ventilated tunnel with hot air.
- The automatic system for processing reusable containers according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stacking module is equipped with at least one of sensors and container counters for notifying an operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold.
- The automatic system for processing reusable containers according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one transferring module comprises an operating arm equipped with suction cups (1101) or grippers.
- The automatic system for processing reusable containers according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is registered in at least one of a bar code, a QR code and a RFID tag.
- A method for automatically processing reusable containers, comprising the steps of:Scanning (1301) identification information registered on a used container in a scanning system;determining (1303) whether the used container is a reusable container;loading and batching (1305) the used container in a loading and batching module when the used container is recognized as a reusable container;automatically transferring (1307) the reusable containers from the loading and batching module to a washing and rinsing module;washing and rinsing (1309) the reusable container in the washing and rinsing module;automatically transferring (1311) the reusable containers from the washing and rinsing module to a drying module;drying (1313) the reusable container in the drying module;automatically transferring (1315) the reusable containers from the drying module to a stacking module; andstacking (1317) the reusable container in the stacking module.
- The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to claim 8, wherein the identification information comprises information about at least a type of the reusable container.
- The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the loading and batching the used container comprises:
automatically opening (1321) a door after the container is recognized as a reusable container and loading the reusable container in a loading area and then collecting the reusable container in a batching area with a rotating platform. - The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to any one of claims 8-10, further comprising a pre-rinsing step.
- The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to any one of claims 8-11, further comprising notifying (1327) an operator when the reusable containers in the stacking module exceed a threshold.
- The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to any one of claims 8-12, further comprising stopping working (1331) when the stacking module is full.
- The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the drying the reusable container comprises:
driving a carousel belt with vertical supports for the reusable containers to move the reusable containers along a tunnel ventilated with hot air. - The method for automatically processing reusable containers according to any one of claims 6-14, further comprising:
indicating (1319) an error message on a display when the used container is not recognized as a reusable container.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22202776.5A EP4357035A1 (en) | 2022-10-20 | 2022-10-20 | Method and system for automatically processing reusable containers |
PCT/EP2023/078763 WO2024083784A1 (en) | 2022-10-20 | 2023-10-17 | Method and system for automatically processing reusable containers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP22202776.5A EP4357035A1 (en) | 2022-10-20 | 2022-10-20 | Method and system for automatically processing reusable containers |
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EP4357035A1 true EP4357035A1 (en) | 2024-04-24 |
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ID=83902742
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP22202776.5A Pending EP4357035A1 (en) | 2022-10-20 | 2022-10-20 | Method and system for automatically processing reusable containers |
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EP (1) | EP4357035A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2024083784A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3100364A3 (en) * | 2019-09-04 | 2021-03-05 | Vemar 2012, S.L. | DISTRIBUTION MACHINE FOR CUPS AND OTHER CONTAINERS |
US20210259509A1 (en) * | 2020-02-24 | 2021-08-26 | Sperry Product Innovation, Inc. | Reusable food or beverage container washing system |
US20210298558A1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-09-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Counter system for transferring in particular at least partially unpackaged foodstuffs, and method for receiving customer-specific and in particular personalized orders in a counter system |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE9303765U1 (en) * | 1993-03-15 | 1993-05-13 | Mueller, Jochen, Dipl.-Designer, 4300 Essen, De | |
IT1282937B1 (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1998-04-01 | Zanussi Vending Spa | APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GLASSES, CUPS AND SIMILAR |
-
2022
- 2022-10-20 EP EP22202776.5A patent/EP4357035A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-10-17 WO PCT/EP2023/078763 patent/WO2024083784A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3100364A3 (en) * | 2019-09-04 | 2021-03-05 | Vemar 2012, S.L. | DISTRIBUTION MACHINE FOR CUPS AND OTHER CONTAINERS |
US20210259509A1 (en) * | 2020-02-24 | 2021-08-26 | Sperry Product Innovation, Inc. | Reusable food or beverage container washing system |
US20210298558A1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-09-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Counter system for transferring in particular at least partially unpackaged foodstuffs, and method for receiving customer-specific and in particular personalized orders in a counter system |
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