EP4600924A1

EP4600924A1 - Device for receiving a recyclable container

Info

Publication number: EP4600924A1
Application number: EP25153493.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Borg; Kevin Busuttil; Kenneth Caruana
Original assignee: 2kr Designs Ltd
Current assignee: 2kr Designs Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-06
Filing date: 2025-01-23
Publication date: 2025-08-13
Also published as: DE102024000388A1

Abstract

Device for receiving a recyclable container as part of a manual handling machine (12), comprising an aperture (10) to enter a recyclable container into the device (1). At least two panels (24, 26) are arranged for the container to rest on, in the inside (30) of the device (1). The device (1) for receiving the container comprises a flange (28) to be detachably connected to a waste bin (2) receiving the container from the device (1).

Description

The invention relates to a device for receiving a recyclable container as part of a manual handling machine according to claim 1.

State of the art

In the state of the art, container recycling handling machines are known.
Container recycling handling machines usually have at least one aperture in its front side. Container recycling handling machines can also carry at least one camera sensor or other reading means to read a barcode printed on the container to be returned to the vendor.
Camera sensors can also determine a shape of the container.
The sensor can also determine the material family of the container being fed into the container recycling handling machine.
Manual handling machines can have conveyers to carry the container automatically. The container recycling handling machines can rotate the container in the correct orientation.
The container recycling manual handling machine may further comprise a roll mechanism to crush and/or compact the container after it was accepted into the container recycling handling machine.
Inside the machine, a sealable bag captures the container which has been accepted by the container handling machine for recycling.
Typically, the manual handling machine is connected to a backend service. The backend service validates the containers and assigns the user a monetary voucher in the form of a printed voucher. The backend service can validate or credit the customer via an App.
The DE 11 2009 001 618 T5 relates to a container recycling handling machine for empty beverage containers. The manual handling machine comprises a receiving part for inserting beverage containers. It also comprises a device for detecting and/or recognising one or more inserted beverage containers and a device for issuing a deposit return receipt for the beverage containers.

Problem

Standard container recycling handling machines tend to be expensive. They usually require a lot of space.
In the state of the art, container recycling handling machines are heavy to move around. Container recycling handling machines are preferably used in large spaces. In most cases, container recycling handling machines are mounted in a fixed location such as major shopping outlets and/or parking lots.
Smaller retailers normally have only limited space and budget. Therefore, large and expensive container handling machines are not feasible for smaller retailing firms.
Event organisers can also use container recycling handling machines to prevent dirty festival areas after a show. To be used at such events, the container handling machine needs to be mobile and easy to connect. Damage cannot be prevented due to lacking mobility of the standard container recycling handling machines known in the state of the art.
It is the object of the invention to solve the discrepancies of currently known container handling machines referred to above.

Solution

A device for receiving a recyclable container as part of a manual handling machine is provided.
The device comprises an aperture to enter a recyclable container into the device.
At least two panels for the container to rest on are arranged in the inside of the device.
The device for receiving the container comprises a flange.
The device is detachably connected to a waste bin receiving the container from the device.

Manual handling machines

The manual handling machine is a machine that accepts empty and/or old receptacles.
In the following, the receptacle is referred to as a container. The container can be a bottle or a can or a plastic receptacle.
The manual handling machine provides money or other types of incentives to the user (recycler). The amount of money or of other types of incentives can be based on the number of receptacles recycled by the user.
The manual handling machine comprises a device to receive the container.
The device to receive the container is referred to in more detail below.

Device (semi-manual handling machine)

The device for receiving a recyclable container is part of a manual handling machine.
Alternatively, the manual handling machine can also be a semi-manual handling machine.
The semi-manual handling machine combines action of the user with an automated machinery to process the container. In other words, some tasks are performed by the user, while others are completed by the machine itself.
According to the invention the user enters the container through the aperture into the compartment of the device.
Scanning the container to decide, whether or not the container will be processed further within the semi-manual handling machine is done by the semi-manual handling machine itself, however the user orients the barcode in the right direction facing the scanner.
The portable semi-manual handling machine replaces the bin top of a moveable and/or fixed waste bin.
The semi-manual handling machine can also replace the top of one or more multiple standard wheelie bin/s.
The semi-manual handling machine can have a set of handles to aid the user during handling of the semi-manual handling machine.
The semi-manual handling machine can have a weight of 16 kg. Obviously, the semi-manual handling machine can also have a different weight.
The following explanations refer to a manual handling machine.

Waste bin

In the following, the invention refers to a waste bin.
The waste bin is a receiving device used for collecting rubbish before being picked up. Instead of the waste bin, a plastic bag or a bag made from any other material may also be used.
Alternatively, the manual handling machine can be placed on a removable or swivelling basket or frame instead of on a waste bin.
The basket and/or the frame protrudes underneath the device in the direction of a ground on which the manual handling machine is positioned. It goes without saying that the frame may also be fixed to any waste bin off the ground.
Alternatively, the device can be placed on the frame simulating the rim of the waste bin.
According to the invention, the device is portable.
The device can have the shape of a cube. It goes without saying, that the device may also have another geometric shape.

Flange

The device comprises a connection flange.
The connecting flange connects the device to the waste bin.
In the following, by way of example, the connection flange comprises a rim. The rim has a geometry that allows it to be connected to the waste bin.
With the help of the rim, the connection flange can be detachably attached to the waste bin.
The rim can comprise means to which the waste bin can be attached in a detachable manner.
The rim can also comprise means into which the waste bin can be inserted and locked in a detachable manner.
Alternatively, sets of lockable clipping features secure the device to the waste bin.
It goes without saying that the rim can also comprise other technical means with which the waste bin can be detachably attached to the rim.
In addition to the clipping features, other anti-tamper devices and/or anti-theft means can be used as well.

Compartment

If the container is validated in a compartment in the inside of the device a mechanism moves the container into the waste bin.
Then, the compartment of the device is ready to receive the next container.
The mechanism to move the container can be a linear and/or a rotary and/or a combined mechanism.
The device comprises at least one compartment.
The compartment is designed to take the container in approximate axial orientation.
The compartment of the device comprises at least one moving component.
The moving component is separated from an upper part of the compartment by a panel.
The panel protects the user from any injury to his hand or fingers. The panel also prevents the user from easily reaching a container already processed in the compartment of the device.

Barcode sensor

At least one barcode sensor is activated when the user inserts a container through an aperture of the device into the compartment of the device.
The at least one barcode sensor is arranged in the ring to read a barcode carried by the container.
At least part of the aperture can be lined with an illuminable indicator.
The aperture is arranged on at least one side of the device.
At least one barcode reader is arranged on the inner perimeter of the compartment of the device facing the container inside the compartment.
When the barcode sensor reads the information encoded in the barcode, the user is notified by the barcode sensor. The barcode sensor transmits identification and/or information via a light signal.
A red flashing light can signalise that a bottle has been inserted into the compartment that has not been completely emptied.
The user will not receive a deposit and/or his account will be closed.
It goes without saying that other light signals can be employed as well.

Light sensor

The indicator in the aperture of the device can be equipped with at least one light sensor.
The light sensor detects a motion of an object within the aperture of the compartment.
The light sensor detects a motion of an object and/or of a hand into the aperture to wake up the barcode sensor ready for scanning the barcode on the container.
The object may be a container or the hand or a finger of the user inserted into the compartment.
Instead of a light signal, the user may be notified by an audible sound in order to let go the container and remove his hand. The sensor detects that a hand and/or a finger and/or another object to push the container into the aperture of the compartment has been removed from the compartment.

Weight sensor

At least one weight sensor communicates to a backend service to validate the container inserted into the compartment.
At least one weight sensor is mounted between at least two panels arranged within the compartment of the device.
The panels arranged within the compartment of the device can be weighing panels. The weighing panel weighs the weight of the container inside the compartment.
It goes without saying that the panel arranged within the compartment of the device may also be reference panels.

Appliances of the device

The device can further comprise a barcode reader and/or a push button and/or an optional printer.
A secondary passage is arranged inside the device. The secondary passage gives access to a paper roll of the printer. The secondary passage may be secured by means of a lock.

Barcode reader

Preferably, the barcode reader may be used to identify the user by reading the barcode of the user's cell-phone App.
The barcode of the cell-phone of the user is then communicated to a backend service.
The barcode reader can comprise at least one camera. However, the barcode reader can also have other optical devices.

Push button

The user presses a push button, if he does not make use of a cell-phone App.
Using the push button, a manual session can be initiated. Upon using the push button, the user receives a printed voucher and/or a receipt through the printer.
The voucher and/or the receipt show the number of approved re-cycled containers inserted into the compartment of the device.

Control system

The device comprises an electrically powered control system.
The electrically powered control system is run at a low voltage i.e. (less than 42V).
The electricity is supplied to the control system from an external power supply.
The external power supply is connected to the device through an external connector.
Alternatively, the external power supply can be provided from an optional 12V internal backup battery.
The control system receives data communicated from the barcode sensor.
The control system also receives data communicated from the weight sensor.
The control system is equipped with wired and/or non-wired communication methods. The equipped with wired and non-wired communication methods may be ethernet, mobile and/or other methods with a separate back end system.
To approve further actions, in each case the backend system validates the authenticity of the data.

Motor

When a container, inserted into the compartment of the device is approved for recycling, the control module activates at least one motor.
The activated motor activates a through linkage.
The through linkage moves at least one panel mounted on a moveable frame.
The moveable frame slides on at least one guide to allow the container to fall into a space of the waste bin.
The movement and/or fall of the container into the space of the waste bin is detected by the light sensor.

Power supply

The device includes an external power supply.
The external power supply can comprise an optional low voltage back-up battery.
The external power supply and/or the low voltage back-up battery powers up integrated electronic means that can communicate with a backend service via integrated Ethernet and/or WIFI and/or 4G/5G service.

Embodiments of the invention

The flange is part of the device.
The flange of the device can comprise at least one clipping feature to detachably connect the device via the flange to the waste bin.
Alternatively, the device can comprise at least one clipping feature to detachably connect the device to the waste bin.
In either case the device is detachably connected to the waste bin by the flange of the device engaging in the bin. Alternatively, the flange can overlap an edge of the bin.
In this way, the device is designed to be portable compared to the waste bin.
At least part of the aperture of the device can be lined with an illuminable indicator. The indicator can be equipped with a number of signal lights.
At least one light sensor is arranged in the inside of the device. The light sensor can identify the individual container inside the device.
At least one weight sensor is arranged in the inside of the device. This prevents containers that still contain liquids from being processed.
At least one panel slides linearly to form a gap in the compartment in the inside of the device. This allows the space required in the compartment to be reduced even further.

Advantages of the invention

According to the invention, the container that is inserted into the device falls into the waste bin after an inspection. The waste bin is positioned below the connection flange.
Through this invention, moving mechanisms are reduced to a bare minimum thus reducing cost and weight. An improved reliability makes the device mobile and affordable.
The waste bin is placed underneath the device. The invention simplifies emptying of the full waste bin without requiring any further handling of the device.
According to the invention, the manual handling machine does not require a waste bin of its own. The manual handling machine can rather be connected to any commercially available waste bin.
The device can have one or more feedback methods and/or a combination of the feedback methods.
The feedback methods can be one of light and/or a buzzer and/or voice.
The device is portable.
The device replaces the bin top of a moveable and/or fixed waste bin. Thus, the manual handling machines does not require a specific waste bin of its own.
The control system of the device provides at least one interface with an App.
The manual handling machine is a universal system for manual handling of different types of containers.
Fewer moving parts mean that the system is virtually maintenance-free.
The manual handling machine and/or the device can be connected via IOT (internet of things).
The device cannot be tampered with (anti-tamper).
The device also prevents containers from being stolen out of the waste bin (anti-theft).
The weighing panel of the manual handling machine prevents that not emptied containers are entered into the waste bin.
The use of optical and/or acoustic signals renders the use of displays superfluous.
Depending on requirements, waste bins of different shapes and sizes can be used in the manual handling machine.
Using the flange, the device can be adapted to waste bins of different shapes and sizes.

Drawings

Further examples and advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show:

Fig. 1, a manual handling machine with waste bin;
Fig. 2 a side of the device;
Fig. 3 a view of the inside of the device;
Fig. 4 a view of the inside of the device from the front;
Fig. 5 a longitudinal section through Fig. 4 along the compartment of the device;
Fig. 6 a cross-section through Fig. 5 with a view on the compartment;
Fig. 7 an enlarged section of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 a functional block diagram, showing components of the manual handling machine and
Fig. 9 a functional electrical block diagram, showing components of the manual handling machine.

Fig. 1 shows a manual handling machines 12, arranged above a waste bin 2.
The manual handling machines 12 is positioned on a ground 13.
On the side of the waste bin 2 facing away from the ground 13, a device is arranged on top of the waste bin 2.
The device 1 comprises a connecting flange 28.
The connecting flange 28 is detachable positioned on top of the waste bin 2.
To position the device 1 on top of the waste bin 2 the lid 32 of the waste bin 2 is opened.
The connecting flange 28 detachable connects the device 1 to the waste bin 2.
Lockable clipping features 4 secure the device 1 to the waste bin 2.
An aperture 10 on the front 29 of the device 1 provides access to the inside 30 of the device 1.
A panel aperture 5 is shown in the inside 30 of the device 1.
The panel aperture 5 is equipped with at least one light sensor 18.
At least one barcode reader 20 is arranged on the inner perimeter 19 of the compartment 33 of the device 1. The inner perimeter 19 faces the container (not shown) inside the compartment 33.
Inside the compartment 33 panels 24, 26 (not shown) are spaced apart to form a gap 34.
Once the barcode carried by the container is identified by the barcode reader 20 the container is subsequently authorised for inclusion in the waste bin 2.
Once the container is authorised to fall in the waste bin 2, inside the compartment 33 the gap 34 between the two panels 24, 26 (not shown) is increased so that the container fits through the panels 24, 26 (not shown) to fall down into the waste bin 2.
On one side 35 of device 1 that extends at right angles to the front 29 of the device 1 a handle 3 is shown. The handle can be used to lift the device 1 off the waste bin 2.
The aperture 10 is lined partially with an illuminable indicator 6.
The illuminable indicator 6 is fitted with light sources 31 (not shown) that can emit light signals (not shown).
In Fig. 1 the device 1 has the shape of a cube.
On the front 29 of the device 1 an output device of a printer 9 generates a printed voucher and/or a receipt.
To initiate the generation of the voucher and/or of the receipt the user presses a push button 8. The user then receives the printed voucher and/or the receipt through the printer 9.
A barcode reader 7 is positioned on the front 29 of the device 1 to identify the user by reading a barcode preferably from a mobile phone App. The barcode is then transmitted to a backend service (not shown).
Fig. 2 shows a side 36 of the device 1 that is arranged opposite to the side 35 of device 1 shown in Fig. 1.
The side 36 of the device 1 extending at right an gles to the front 29 of the device 1 carries a handle 3 and clipping features 4 of the type as described in connection with Fig. 1.
A secondary passage (not shown) is arranged inside the device 1. The secondary passage gives access to a paper roll 38 (not shown) of the printer 9. The secondary passage may be secured by means of a lock 11.
Fig. 3 shows a view of the inside 30 of the device 1.
A number of moving components (frame 15, (motor 16, through linkage 17) are shown in the inside 30 of the device 1.
Preferably, but not exclusively moving components may be one or more of a frame 15 and/or a motor 16 and/or a through linkage 17.
A panel 27 is arranged inside the device 1 to separate the moving components 15 to 17 from an upper part of the compartment 33. The user can reach into the upper area of the device 1 with his hand or fingers. The panel 27 protects the user from injuries to the hands or fingers caused by him touching moving parts.
The panel 27 also prevents the user from reaching a container (not shown) that is already being processed.
When a container is approved for recycling, a control means 37 activates at least one motor 16.
In the Fig. 3 the aperture 10 is lined partially with an illuminable indicator 6.
The Motor 16 sets a through linkage 17 in operation. Driven by the motor, a through linkage 17 moves at least one panel 24, 26 (not shown).
The panel 24, 26 (not shown) is mounted on the frame 15.
The panel 24, 26 slides on guides 14 of the frame 15.
Sliding on the guides 14 of the frame 15, at least one panel 24, 26 (not shown) widens the gap 34 to allow the container located in the compartment 33 to fall into the waste bin 2.
A light sensor 22 detects when the container falls into the waste bin 2.
Fig. 3 shows the paper roll 38 of the printer 9 (not shown).
Fig. 4 shows a view of the inside 30 of the device 1 from the front.
In the inside 30 of the device 1 the compartment 33 is shown.
On the side of the compartment 33 facing away from the waste bin 2, the compartment 33 carries a barcode reader 20 to read the barcode of the container.
The inner parameter 19 of the compartment 33 faces towards the container (not shown).
The aperture 5 (not shown) towards the compartment 33 is equipped with at least one light sensor 18. The light sensor 18 detects motion of a container and/or motion of a hand or of fingers of the hand pushed through the aperture 5.
At least one of adjacent panels 24, 26 widens the gap 34 between adjacent panels 24, 26 in the compartment 33. The container (not shown) located in the compartment 33 falls through gap 34 into the waste bin 2.
Fig. 5 shows a view of the inside of the device 1 with a view of moving components.
Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section along the compartment 33 of the device 1 shown in Fig. 4.
Underneath the compartment 33, in the direction towards the waste bin 2 the panel 24, 26 widen the gap 34 (not shown) between adjacent panels 24, 26.
The container (not shown) located in the compartment 33 falls through gap 34 (not shown) into the waste bin 2.
The light sensor 22 detects the fall of the container into the waste bin 2.
Fig. 6 shows a cross-section through Fig. 5 with a view on the compartment 33.
Underneath the compartment 33 Fig. 6 shows the panel 27.
The panel 27 is arranged inside the device 1 to separate the moving components 15 to 17 (not shown) from an upper part of the compartment 33. The panel 27 protects the user from injuries to the hands or fingers caused by him touching moving parts. The panel 27 also prevents the user from reaching a container (not shown) that is already being processed
The light sensors 22 detects that the container (not shown) falls into the waste bin 2 (not shown).
Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section AA of Fig. 7.
When a container is approved for recycling, the control means 37 activates at least one motor 16.
The motor 16 sets through linkage 17 in operation. Driven by the motor 16 the through linkage 17 moves at least one panel 24, 26.
The light sensor 18 (not shown) detects motion of a container and/or motion of a hand into the aperture 10 of the compartment 33 (not shown).
Once the motion inside the compartment 33 (not shown) is detected the light sensor 18 (not shown) wakes up the manual handling machine 12 to scan a barcode.
At least one weight sensor 25 is mounted between two panels 24 (weighing panel), 26 (reference panel).
In order to be weighed by the weight sensor 25, the container (not shown) is placed between the weighing panel 24 and the reference panel 26.
The weight sensor 25 detects the weight of the container.
The reference panel 26 provides the reference value (target value) the specific type of container, actually positioned in the compartment, is supposed to have.
If the weight of the weighed container deviates upwards or downwards from the target value within a defined range, the container is not accepted by the manual handling machine 12.
Rather the container is conveyed out of the device 1 by the aperture 10 (not shown) of the compartment 33 (not shown).
Fig. 8 represents a functional block diagram of the manual handling machine 12.
The functional block diagram shows functional components of the manual handling machine 12.
The functional block diagram shows the interfaces between the control means 37 and peripheral devices of the manual handling machine 12.
In the functional block diagram of Fig. 8 the control means 37 is shown as a so called multi criteria decision making means.
In the following the multi criteria decision making means is referred to as MCDM.
The MCDM is linked to a point operator 39. The point operator 39 can be the push button 8.
The MCDM can also be linked to the waste bin 2 by means of a lock 11 and/or a clamp.
As backup or optionally the MCDM can also be linked to a so-called back end 21. The back end 21 can be the Ethernet and/or WIFI and/or 4G or 5G.
Mains supply 23 to the MCDM can be performed via a sealed connector. The MCDM is connected to a low voltage power supply.
Barcodes of containers fed through the aperture 10 (not shown) into the compartment 33 (not shown) are scanned by means of barcode reader 20.
The user can receive receipts through a printer 9.
Cell phones of the user communicate with the MCDM by means of barcode reader 7.
The user can communicate with MCDM by means of predefined APPs.
The user receives information from MCDM by means of light instructions of the indicator 6.
Fig. 8 represents a functional block diagram of the manual handling machine 12.
Fig. 9 shows a functional electrical block diagram (uC, showing electrical elements of the manual handling machine 12.
In the functional electrical block diagram of Fig. 9 the control means 37 is shown as a so called multi criteria decision making means, also referred to as MCDM 37.
The MCDM 12, 37 has an encryption layer 40 with interfaces to WIFI, the Internet and/or a broadband cellular network technology (4G).
To ensure its operability, the device 1 of the manual handling machine 12 has interfaces with operating flaps and/or a commonly known metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and/or the weight sensor 25.
The control means 37 (MCDM) of the device 1 also controls light sources 31 of the indicator 6.
The MCDM can control a connected printer 9. Additional light bars can be connected. The MCDM can be started or stopped manually.
Barcode reader 7, 20 can be connected to the MCDM. The barcode reader 7 can verify the identity of the user.
The barcode reader 20 recognises the type and nature of the container.
Mains supply 23 represents the power supply to the MCDM of the device 1.

List of reference numbers

1: Device
2: Waste bin
3: Handle
4: Clipping features
5: Panel aperture
6: Ring
7: Barcode reader
8: Push button
9: Printer
10: Aperture
11: Lock
12: Manual handling machine
13: Ground
14: Slide guide
15: Moving component/ Frame
16: Moving component/ Motor
17: Moving component/ Through linkage
18: Light sensor
19: Shroud/ Inner perimeter
20: Barcode reader
21: Backend
22: Light sensor
23: Mains supply
24: Weighing panel
25: Weight sensor
26: Reference panel
27: Panel
28: Flange
29: Front
30: Inside of device
31: Light source
32: Lid
33: Compartment
34: Gap
35: Side of device
36: Side of device
37: Control means
38: Paper roll
39: Point operator
40: Encryption layer

Claims

Device for receiving a recyclable container as part of a manual-handling machine (12), comprising
- an aperture (10) to enter a recyclable container into the device (1) and

- at least two panels (24, 26) for the container to rest on in the inside (30) of the device (1),
characterized in that,
- the device (1) for receiving the container comprises a flange (28),

- the flange (28) detachably connects the device (1) to a waste bin (2) receiving the container from the device (1).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange (28) comprises at least one clipping feature (4) to detachably connect the device (1) to the waste bin (2).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one clipping feature (4) to detachably connect the device (1) to the waste bin (2).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the aperture (10) is lined partially with an illuminable indicator (6).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light sensor (16, 22) is arranged in the inside (30) of the device (1).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one weight sensor (25) is arranged in the inside (30) of the device (1).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one panel (24, 26) slides linearly to form a gap (34) in a compartment (33) in the inside (30) of the device (1).