FI97201B - Method and apparatus for processing returned packaging, such as bottles and jars - Google Patents

Description

97201

Method and apparatus for handling returnable packaging such as bottles and cans Förfarande och anordning vid behandling av returförpackningar, säsom flaskor och burkar 5

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for handling returnable packaging, such as bottles and cans.

10

Return machines are known in the art, in which a return bottle or can is directed to a scanning reader which reads a code mark on the surface of the product and on the basis of it identifies the product and transfers said product for further processing / rejection. However, the known hardware solutions have not made it possible to receive versatile return-15 packages. Hardware solutions in general are only for one return product, e.g. return cans or return plastic bottles.

This application discloses a new method and apparatus solution which solves the above-mentioned problem related to the type of return package. In the device structure 20 according to the invention, both return cans and return bottles are received. The return cans are fed to their own crusher device, preferably a press, which presses the can into a smaller volume. Correspondingly, the plastic bottles are directed to their own crusher device, which presses the plastic bottles into a smaller volume. Returned packaging placed in a smaller volume is further transferred to the collection warehouse.

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In the device solution according to the invention, a return machine receiving return packages, preferably plastic bottles and cans, comprises in connection with the frame structure and its front panel an receiving opening into which the return package, such as a bottle or can, is placed. The receiving space comprises a sloping inclined base on which the return package is placed 30 and under which the return package is guided by gravity against the end wall of the space by gravity.

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In the device solution according to the invention, the base part is articulated to pivot on the hinge means and if the weight of the return package exceeds a certain maximum weight, the limit switch is switched on. In this case, the device does not move the return package. This eliminates the need to process full packages. The photocell detects the return package at the lifting station. 5 In addition, there is a light curtain at the entrance to the reception space A. When the light curtain does not recognize the object, e.g. the hand of the person returning the package in the receiving space A, and when the pressure switch associated with the bottom part of the space A is not in the closed position, the return package is moved upwards through the hole in the base plate. The groove part is attached to the belt and the belt is passed through three pulleys. The return package is moved by moving the belt 10 onto two adjacent rollers, which rollers are rotated to read the bar code.

Once the return unit has identified the return package as either aluminum cans or plastic bottles, a receipt corresponding to the identification information or a sum of money is given to the returner and the return package is transferred from the rolls to the plastic bottle press or can press-15. If the package is not recognized, it is moved to a wreck. In this case, the return package is brought back to the outlet near the front panel of the device, from where the returner can pick up the discarded package. In the case of a plastic bottle, the package is transferred from the rollers to the side and through the trough to a plastic bottle handling device, preferably a crusher device, between which the return package is flattened to a smaller volume.

’· If the CPU has identified the return package as an aluminum mine based on the read bar code, the can is moved forward along the longitudinal axis of the rollers away from the upper end of the rolls and further to the discharge chute and through it 25 to the can presser.

The apparatus according to the invention thus comprises a separate press for return cans and a separate press for plastic bottles. The apparatus comprises a single motor adapted to drive both the press drum of the can crusher and the press drums of the plastic bottle crusher. Thus, two crusher units are used in one motor drive.

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The method according to the invention is mainly characterized in that in the method the return package is placed on a base part inclined with respect to the horizontal of the receiving space, which base part is adapted to move to the position determined by the weight of the return package against the spring force of the spring and has a sensor recognizable. forwarding of packages on a conveyor.

The device solution according to the invention is mainly characterized in that the receiving space comprises a bottom part inclined with respect to the horizontal, whereby the bottom part is used to position the return package at the end of the receiving space and that there is a spring device coupling to the bottom part against which the bottom part is moved. the device can be used to identify the complete package and prevent it from entering the crusher device through identification.

The invention will now be described with reference to some preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings, to which, however, the invention is not intended to be exclusively limited.

Figure 1A illustrates a device solution according to the invention seen from the direction of the front panel 20.

Figure 1B illustrates the basic structures of the device according to the invention.

Figure 1C shows the mobility of the slide body R 'with respect to the base body R.

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Figure ID is a section I-I of Figure 1C.

Figure IE shows in principle a view of a crusher for cans.

Figure 1F is a schematic view of a crusher for plastic bottles.

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Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the slide body and associated package transfer means.

Figure 3A is an illustrative axonometric view of the structure of the receiving space of the return packages of the device 5 according to the invention.

Figure 3B shows a section II-II of Figure 3A. Shown is the placing of the return package on the bottom of the receiving space, after which the notch associated with the belt raises the package in the direction L}.

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Figure 3C shows the passage of a coulter associated with the belt between the end walls of the receiving space through a diffuser structure arranged in the space between the end walls.

Figure 4A shows the transfer of the package onto the rolls.

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Figure 4B shows the rotation of the package.

Fig. 4C is a view from the direction Kj of Fig. 4B.

Fig. 4D shows the removal of the return package after rotation either directly forward (arrow Lj) displaced by the conveyor or deflected sideways (arrow L1).

Fig. 5 shows a view from the direction K2 of Fig. 2. Shown is a device arrangement 25 for removing the return package from the rotating rollers to the other side of the rollers.

•; Figure 6 shows the solenoid mechanism associated with the sidewall movement from Figure 5. 1 I!

Figure 7 shows a sorting arrangement related to package rejection.

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Figure 8A shows a top view of the lifting part associated with the belt.

Figure 8B is a section III-III of Figure 8A.

Figure 9 shows IV-IV from Figure 2.

Figure 10 shows the crusher of cans and plastic bottles, the use of the crusher-töjäijestely the direction of the arrow K3 in Fig 2 a top view.

Figure 1A is a top perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention in an axonometric illustration. The apparatus 10 is suitable for receiving both return plastic bottles and return cans, preferably aluminum cans, as well as glass bottles. The apparatus 10 comprises a return package receiving space A, which space A opens from the surface level of the front panel E of the device inside the device. The front panel Q can be turned to the open-15 position on the hinge means G1, G2.

The front panel Q comprises, in addition to the receiving space A, a discharge space T from which an unapproved return package can be removed; can or plastic bottle or glass bottle. When all return packages have been entered into the device, the reset button Uj. A receipt for the returned package quantity and / or the amount of money corresponding to the return is received from the receipt opening U2 20 and the return money from the money chute U3. Pulling on the handles U4, the storage containers S1 and S2 of the crushed packages can be pulled out for further transport.

Figure 1B illustrates various parts of a device according to the invention. The apparatus 25 comprises a crusher Dj for cans, preferably in connection with the press, a storage tank Sj below the press, in which the crushed cans brought into a smaller space are assembled. The apparatus comprises a second crusher D2, preferably a press, by means of which the plastic bottles are brought into a smaller volume when the storage container S2 of the crushed packages is located in the crusher D? below.

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The apparatus comprises a slide body R 1 movably arranged in the frame R, which comprises all the essential means necessary for the transfer of the package to the sensor device H. Thus, the slide body R 'can be brought into the pushed-forward position by opening the front panel E of the device. Thus, all essential parts of the device are easily accessible for maintenance work. The apparatus further comprises a scanner H in a position above the slide body R ', by means of which a bar code is scanned from the surface of the product.

The slide body comprises body parts R'a and R'b, which define conveying means, such as a conveying member in the form of a closed endless loop, preferably a conveyor belt or, for example, a chain. The transport loop is passed over the steering wheels. Preferably, there are three guide wheels and thus the conveying member comprises a first conveyor run running three times obliquely upwards, a second shorter conveying member running slightly sloping horizontally upwards and a third downward running track.

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The transfer conveyor 16 for transferring packages is passed as an endless conveyor loop 16 'over guide wheels, for example pulleys. The transfer conveyor 16 is most preferably a conveyor belt with protruding lifting parts 19, the function of which is to lift the return package onto the rollers to be rotated from the bottom, where the bar code reading takes place. When the conveyor member 20 is a belt, the steering wheels are pulleys, one of which is driven by a motor M2 to drive the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt can also be replaced by a chain or rope or a similar device arrangement. The pulleys are then replaced by sprockets. However, it is essential that the lifting parts 19 protrude from the transport member, with which the return package is lifted forward.

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Figure 1C shows the slide body R 'of the device, which is movable relative to the base frame R in the fixed: position of the device.

Figure ID shows a section I-I of Figure 1C. As shown in the figure, the slider -30 body is moved in the direction R 'in the direction X (Fig. 1A) between the plate parts E1 and E2 of the body R in the formed i! 7 97201 in the lead. The lip portion E3 folded to the side R 'of the slide body is guided between the plate portions Ej and E2.

Figure IE illustrates the basic operation of the can crusher Dj.

5 The crusher Dj comprises a crusher drum Dj 'and a counter part Ft. When the drum Dj 'is rotated, the dropped can P moves to the tapered nozzle N between the stop part Fj and the crusher drum Dj' rotated by the motor M. The result is a flattened can of reduced volume.

Figure 1F illustrates the operation of a plastic bottle crusher. The return bottle P is placed in the gap N2 between the crushing drums D2 ', D? ". Both crushing drums F2, F3 are rotated through the drive imported from the same motor Mj. The result is a flattened package which is transferred to the storage tank S2.

Figure 2 shows a device 10 according to the invention, the main parts of the device located in its slide body R '. The device 10 for handling return packages comprises a package receiving space A delimited by a base part 11 and side walls 12. In the area of the inlet opening of the receiving space A there is a light curtain 13 comprising a transmitter 13a, a mirror 13b and a receiving detector 13c. The light beam is transmitted from the transmitter 13a to the mirror 13b, from where it is reflected to the reception detector 13c. Thus, by means of the light curtain 13, it is detected whether a hand or other obstacle has been removed from the receiving space A and whether the forward movement of the package can begin.

The apparatus further comprises, at the lower end 11a of the base part 11, to which the bottle is transferred by gravity, a transmitter 14 and a receiver 15. They detect whether the return package P is on the end 11a of the base part 11 in the transfer station.

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As shown in Fig. 2, the apparatus further comprises a conveyor belt 16 adapted to be passed through three pulleys 17a, 17b and 17c, of which the pulley 17a, its shaft, is rotated by a motor M2 connected to the frame R '. The pulleys 17a, 17b and 17c are articulated for rotation on their shafts on bearing means 30 (not shown) with respect to the slide body R '.

97201 p

The conveyor belt 16 comprises three cavities 19, i.e. hoists, which are arranged to settle against the bottom of the return package. They are used to lift the return package upwards obliquely and further onto the rollers 20a, 20b. The rollers 20a, 20b are rotated in the bar code recognition step while the scanning signal wipes the 5 P surface of the package rotated by the rollers 20a, 20b. The roller 20a comprises a drum motor inside, whereby the roller is rotated by means of a drum motor. The rotation from the roller 20a is transmitted to the roller 20b via a strut wheel 21 which is connected to the surface of both rollers 20a, 20b. The shafts of the roller 20a are denoted by reference numerals 22a, 22b and the shafts of the roller 20b are denoted by reference numerals 23a, 23b. The rollers 20a and 20b are articulated from their shafts 22a, 22b by bearing means (not shown) to the slide body R '. Correspondingly, the roller 20b is articulated to rotate on its shafts 23a, 23b on bearing means (not shown) with respect to the body R '. Correspondingly, the oija wheel 21 is articulated to rotate on its axis on bearing means (not shown) in the body R \ 15 Near the rollers 20a, 20b are planar walls 24 and 25 parallel to them, which are articulated to pivot on the bearing means G3, G4, G5, G6. The walls 24,25 are turned by an actuator so that sorting can be performed on the rollers in the direction L1 as shown in Fig. 2. Another function of the walls 24 and 25 is to act as guide walls, thereby preventing the package from falling off the rollers 20 20a, 20b rotated off during the scanning phase.

Figure 3A shows in principle the structure of the receiving space package A. The receiving space for the return package comprises side walls 12 and end walls 27a, 27b. The bottom part 11 delimiting the receiving space A from below comprises an opening 26, which 25 corresponds to the shape of the hoist, i.e. the cavity 19 associated with the belt. In this case, the lifter 19 can be moved through the opening 26 of the base part 11 in contact with the bottom surface of the return package P.

A gap 28 is left between the end walls 27a, 27b, in which the brushes 29a, 29b are arranged. The purpose of the shafts 29a, 29b is to protect that the belt run is not free to come into contact. However, the shafts 30 29a, 29b allow the cavity 19 to move through the gap 28 between the end walls 27a, 27b in state A.

li 9 97201 The end walls 27a, 27b are shaped in such a way that only one return package fits in the space between them at a time.

Figure 3B shows a section II-II of Figure 3A. The return package P is placed 5 on the base part 11 in an oblique position of the receiving space A with respect to the horizontal plane X, whereby the package rests gravity against the end walls 27a, 27b on the end area 11a of the base part. A sensor device, preferably a photocell receiver device array 14 or the like, detects the arrival of the package at the lifting station 11a. If the push switch 34 does not go into the closed position and it is determined by means of the light curtain 13 that the space A is free, the package P can be lifted by means of a lifter 19 connected to the belt 16.

The turning of the base part 11 is marked with the letter J j. A spring 32 is connected to the lip portion 30 of the base portion 11. The base portion 11 is articulated to pivot on a hinge 31 or similar articulation device.

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Figure 3C shows axonometrically the brushes 29a, 29b in the space 28 between the walls 27a, 27b. The lifter 19 is adapted to move vertically. However, the brush structure as a safety structure prevents direct unintentional contact with the belt 16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Figure 4A shows the transfer of the package by means of the belt 16 and the lifter 19 connected thereto 2 onto the rollers 20a and 20b to the scanning station.

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Fig. 4B shows a step in which the rollers 20a and 20b are rotated in the directions shown by arrows 5 in Fig. 5, whereby the package rotates in the direction of rotation shown by arrow L4.

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At that stage, the scanning beam is transported parallel to the side line of the package and 7 the bar code on the package is read. Then, based on the identification data, 8 *; the device CPU performs sorting of the return package. The input side of the rollers 9, 20a, 20b located lower than the end rollers 20a, 20b of the trailing end. The rollers 10 are thus located obliquely to the horizontal.

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Fig. 4C shows a view from the direction Kj of Fig. 4B. The roller 20a comprises a drum motor. The idler wheel, preferably the friction wheel 21, is pressed with force against the rollers 20a, 20b and. When the roller 20a is rotated, the second roller 20b is thus also rotated via the roller 21 and the direction of rotation at the roller 20b is also kept as desired. 5 The directions of rotation are indicated by arrows in the figure.

4D, shown is transferred to the recycling package either in the direction L2 shown in the figure to the side, the wall 24 transmits the non-adopted on the first bus of the package and also approved plastic bottle side of the device, preferably a trough 35. Out of 10 accepted package is moved trough 35 the first side of the pivotable bottom 45 in the open in position directly to the return bus, preferably to the return chute 46 and back to the customer. The plastic bottle is transferred along the chute 35 to the crusher D2. In the case of a can, the can is moved forward using the belt 16 and dropped from the pulley 17a into another passage near the pulley, preferably a trough 36, through which the return package is transferred to the can crusher Dj.

Figure 5 shows the walls 24 and 25 placed next to the rollers 20a, 20b, which form a protective space between them in which the return package can be rotated on the rollers 20a, 20b. Thus, before the return package is transferred by the wall portion 24 (arrow L2) to the first chute 35 or by a belt from the top of the rollers to the second chute 36 (arrow L3), a bar code reading is performed on the surface of the rotated product. As shown in Fig. 5, the package P is moved on the rollers 20a, 20b by means of a thin belt 16 running in the space between the rollers and a lifter 19 connected thereto. A first actuator 37 is connected to the wall 24 and a second actuator 38 is connected to the second wall 25. The actuators 37,38 are preferably solenoids whose pushing arm 43 is moved.

When moving the return package, e.g. an unapproved can, in the direction L2, the first wall 24 is turned in the direction L9. Before that, the second wall 25 is also moved out of the way of the transfer of the wall 24 also in the direction L2. Thus, when the wall 24 30 is turned and the package is pushed to the side by means of the wall 24 (in the direction L2), the second wall 25 is not in the path of transfer.

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Figure 6 shows the structure associated with the wall 24. The structure is also the same in the connection between the actuator 38 and the wall 25. The wall 24 comprises at its top a square bar 39 to which a lever 39a engages. The intermediate lever 40 is connected by a joint 41 to a lever 39a and by a joint 42 to the push arm 43 of the actuator 37, preferably the solenoid. The size 39 of the square shaft 5 is associated with a rotary shaft 39b connected to the bearing Gn. The other end of the square bar 39 is also mounted in a corresponding manner with a bearing Gn.

Figure 7 shows the return trough structure on the side of the rollers 20a, 20b. The return chute 35 directs the return package dropped from the rollers 20a, 20b to the side to the crusher D2 of the plastic bottles 10. Both discarded packages and identified plastic bottles are fed to the trough part 35. In the case of abandoned packages, the actuator 44 lifts the bottom part 45 of the bus, preferably the chute part 35, on the hinge devices G10 and turns the bottom part into a position (arrow L5) where the return package drops to the third bus 46 below, preferably the gutter. the base portion 45 is associated with a connection between the plate portion and the solenoid similar to that shown in Figure 16.

Fig. 8A shows a top view of the lifting part 19. The structure comprises a pick-up part 47, on which the return package rests at the bottom. The gripping part 47 is associated with an arm 48 which branches 20 into lugs 49a, 49b, between which a spring 50 is arranged. A shaft 51, preferably a pin, is passed through the lugs 49a, 49b. The collar 52a, 52b secures the body 53 to the belt 16. The collar 52a, 52b is passed around the body 53 and the belt 16. When the belt is moved upwards as shown by the arrow Lj, the return package on the lifter 19 is lifted. If there is congestion in the process, the intake part 47 is bent downwards as shown by the arrow Sj and the package 25 is dropped back onto the base part 11 to wait for a new lift. Spring 50 returns the intake member 47 to its original position.

Figure 8B is a section III-III of Figure 8A.

Fig. 9 is a section IV-IV of Fig. 2. The belt 16 is passed over the pulleys 17a, 17b, 17c. The pulleys are articulated for rotation on their shafts relative to the frame R 'on bearing means 97 971 not provided. The belt 16 comprises three lifts 19a, 19b, 19c. The hoists are arranged so evenly on the belt 16 that the hoist 19a is located near the front end of the roller 20a, 20b and the hoist 19b is in a synchronizing position near the sensor 60 with a downward belt run and the hoist 19c is located in the lifting position near the end 11a 5 of the plate 11. Thus, when the belt 16 is stopped, there is always one lifter 19 at the pacing sensor 60.

Fig. 9 shows a curved trough-like upper part 61, from which the return package is guided by the belt 16 on the rollers 20a, 20b.

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Figure 10 shows the operation of a can crusher Dj and a plastic bottle crusher D2. From the motor Mj, the drive is routed via the gearbox V directly to the shaft 54a of the can crusher Dj and to the compression drum Dj '. Correspondingly, the drums D2 \ D2 "of the second crusher D2 for the plastic bottles are driven directly on the output shaft 54a of the motor M {via the switch 55 via the shaft 55 and further through the gears 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d. Thus, both the crusher D, the drum Dj 'and operation of the drums D2 ', D2 of the crusher D2 with the same motor Mj.

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Claims (7)

A method of processing return packaging, such as bottles and jars, in which the return packaging is inserted into a receiving space (A) of the device and transmitted from the receiving space (A) by means of a transported (16) for identification and then to a crushing device, crushing the return package to a smaller volume and transferring it to a storage position, characterized in that in the method, the return package (P) is inserted on top of the bottom portion (11) of the receiving space (A) inclined to the horizontal plane, the bottom portion being arranged moving in a position determined by the weight of the return pack against the spring force of a spring (32) and there being an identifier (34) with which the position of the movable bottom part (11) can be identified, with the aid of the movable the bottom portion (11) prevents a full package from being forwarded onto the conveyor (16). 15 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the method, the return package (P) is inserted on top of the bottom part (11) of the receiving space (A), which comprises a hinge or other corresponding hinge point (31), the bottom part being pivoted against the force of a spring ( 32) after the weight of the return pack (P) while the identifier (34) identifies the degree of oscillation, and when the bottom part (11) in the process connects the identifier (34) to the closed position, the return pack is poured on top of the bottom (11). the transfer conveyor (16) and the lifting part (19) are used in this, with which the return pack is transferred to an identification position (H) for return pack. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in the method 2, the return packing in the receiving space (A) is controlled on a surface inclined surface of the bottom part (11) to the end (11a) of the bottom part (11) of a bottom part (11). lifting position, wherein the identification device (14,15) at the lifting identifies the arrival of the package to the lifting position, places the lifting part (19) in the belt (16) in communication with the bottom of the return packing by passing the lifting part (19) through the use of the transfer conveyor (16). ) through the opening (26) in the bottom part (11), the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the lifting part (19). An installation for processing return packages, such as bottles and jars, wherein the return package is inserted into a receiving space (A) of the device and transmitted by means of a conveyor for identification and then to a crushing device (Dj, D2) and a bearing position (Sj Characterized in that the receiving space (A) comprises a bottom portion inclined relative to the horizontal number plane, with the aid of the bottom part being mounted the return package at the end of the reception space (A) and that there is a spring device (32) connected to the bottom part (11), the bottom part (11) being pivoted towards the spring force of the spring device and there being an identifier (34) identifying the transfer position of the bottom part (11), with which the device can identify a full package and prevent that it falls into the crushing device through identification Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring is coupled to a down-sealed screen (30) of the bottom part (11). Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom part (11) comprises an opening (26) through which a lifting part (19) connected to the transfer conveyor (16) can be transferred in connection with a return packing which arranged above the bottom part (11). Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a hinge (31) arranged in connection with the bottom part (11) in contact with the front panel (Q) of the device, wherein the bottom part (11) can be pivoted with support. by the member (31).