FR3128703A1 - Collection point for identifiable reusable containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Collection terminal for identifiable reusable containers One aspect of the invention relates to a collection terminal (1) for reusable containers (9) comprising an identification device, comprising: a first receiving container (3), a door (4) articulated relative to a wall (20) between a closed position and an open position, a position sensor (5) of the door (4), a locking device (6) of the door (4), an external ramp ( 7) extending from the door (4),a reusable container identifier reader (8), mounted integral with the external ramp (7),a control unit (u1) configured to:receive a code of identification of the reader (8), controlling the locking device (6) in the unlocked state when a reusable container (9) is identified, receiving open state information from the position sensor (5), and in this that the closing of the door (4) is carried out autonomously, controlling the locking device (6) to the locked state when it receives the closed state information from the position sensor (5). Figure to be published with abstract: Figure 2a

Description

Collection point for identifiable reusable containers

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of the invention is that of collection terminals for identifiable reusable containers, removable in self-service.

The present invention relates to an identifiable reusable container collection terminal, an assembly comprising such a collection terminal with at least one identifiable reusable container and a method for returning an identifiable reusable container to a collection terminal of such an assembly.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known, self-service collection terminals, also called reverse vending machine, allowing a person, hereinafter called "the user", to return a reusable container. The reusable container can be of the returnable type, and the terminal returns a deposit or transmits information to return the deposit to a returnable container tracking system. The reusable container can also be of the responsible type, for example part of a subscription system for a user.

For example, terminals for the collection of reusable restaurant containers, such as reusable dishes and bowls, make it possible to avoid the waste of disposable or recyclable plastic and/or cardboard containers for take-out meals in restaurants.

As a general rule, reusable containers are returned by the depositor empty and the collection terminal operates automatically. There are several types of reusable, removable self-service container collection terminals.

For example, collection terminals of the direct return type and without user identification are known, comprising a container comprising an opening for recovering reusable containers of the returnable type, optionally a sensor for mechanical detection of the returnable container as well as a deposit voucher printer or a token dispenser, allowing the user to exchange it for a monetary amount. However, there is a risk that a person, hereinafter referred to as an "individual", deposits non-returnable objects in the opening, in particular when such a collection terminal is located in a public space. The container will therefore include non-returnable objects, thus reducing the useful volume of the container and therefore the number of returnable containers placed in the container when it is filled. In addition, a deposited non-returnable object can damage the deposit terminal or hinder the circulation of a returnable container between the opening and the container.

For example, collection terminals of the type to identify the user are also known, comprising a badge or card reader to identify an identifier corresponding to the user or even a camera and a facial recognition system to recognize the user. These collection terminals may also have a movement system controlled by a control unit, such as cylinders, comprising a door or a hatch from a closed position closing the opening to an open position to make the opening accessible. These collection terminals comprise a control unit which controls the movement system in the open position, when it receives an identification from a user, then in the closed position either after a predetermined time or by information from a sensor of an object in the container. This prevents an individual from depositing a non-reusable object but does not allow a user to deposit an object other than the reusable container or in addition to the reusable container once the door is open. In addition, such a door opening and closing movement system is expensive and cumbersome. In addition, such a user identification or user recognition system does not allow an individual or a user to bring back reusable containers belonging to other users. In addition, these collection terminals based solely on the identification of the user do not make it possible to receive reusable containers of different sizes or types and even less reusable containers with a different deposit value.

There is therefore a need for a reusable container collection terminal comprising a simple anti-fraud system that is inexpensive, not bulky and allows an individual or a user to bring back reusable containers from other users.

The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by making it possible to have a collection terminal comprising a secure access system to an opening, simple, inexpensive and not bulky.

• un caisson de réception comprenant une paroi de façade de réception, et une ouverture de réception traversant la paroi de façade de réception, l’ouverture de réception ayant une forme permettant l’insertion d’un premier type de contenant réemployable,
• un premier conteneur de réception du premier type de contenants réemployables, situé dans le caisson de réception,
• une porte articulée par rapport à la paroi de façade de réception entre une position fermée obstruant l’ouverture de réception et une position ouverte finale en butée contre une butée solidaire de la paroi de façade, la porte articulée en position ouverte finale libérant l’ouverture de réception pour l’insertion d’un contenant réemployable,
• un capteur de position de la porte comprenant un état fermé dans la position fermée et un état ouvert lorsque la porte est dans une position ouverte située entre la position ouverte finale et la position fermée.
• un dispositif de verrouillage, comprenant un état verrouillé verrouillant et immobilisant la porte articulée et un état déverrouillé déverrouillant la porte articulée dans sa position fermée,
• une rampe externe montée contre la paroi de façade comprenant une surface de pose s’étendant de l’ouverture de réception, pour faire glisser le premier type de contenant réemployable dans l’ouverture,
• un lecteur d’identifiant d’un contenant réemployable comprenant un dispositif d’identification, le lecteur étant monté solidaire à la rampe externe pour lire un code d’identification du dispositif d’identification d’un contenant réemployable sur la rampe externe,
• une unité de commande reliée électriquement au lecteur, au capteur de position et au dispositif de verrouillage, configurée pour réaliser les étapes suivantes dans l’ordre chronologique :
  • recevoir un code d’identification du lecteur lu sur un objet,
  • identifier une identification du contenant réemployable dans une base de données à partir du code d’identification lu,
  • commander le dispositif de verrouillage à l’état déverrouillé lorsqu’un premier type de contenant réemployable est identifié,
  • attendre une information d’état ouvert du capteur de position de la porte, dans lequel l’ouverture de la porte de sa position fermée à sa position ouverte est produite par une force provenant du déposant contre la porte, et en ce que la fermeture de la porte de la position ouverte à la position fermée est réalisée de manière autonome,
  • commander le dispositif de verrouillage à l’état verrouillé lorsqu’elle reçoit l’information état fermé du capteur de position de la porte à la position fermée.

One aspect of the invention relates to a collection point for identifiable reusable containers comprising:

• a receiving box comprising a receiving front wall, and a receiving opening passing through the receiving front wall, the receiving opening having a shape allowing the insertion of a first type of reusable container,
• a first receiving container of the first type of reusable containers, located in the receiving box,
• a door hinged with respect to the receiving front wall between a closed position obstructing the receiving opening and a final open position in abutment against an abutment fixed to the front wall, the hinged door in the final open position releasing the opening reception for the insertion of a reusable container,
• a door position sensor comprising a closed state in the closed position and an open state when the door is in an open position located between the final open position and the closed position.
• a locking device, comprising a locked state locking and immobilizing the hinged door and an unlocked state unlocking the hinged door in its closed position,
• an external ramp mounted against the facade wall comprising a landing surface extending from the reception opening, for sliding the first type of reusable container into the opening,
• an identifier reader of a reusable container comprising an identification device, the reader being mounted integral with the external ramp to read an identification code of the identification device of a reusable container on the external ramp,
• a control unit electrically connected to the reader, to the position sensor and to the locking device, configured to carry out the following steps in chronological order:
  • receive an identification code from the reader read on an object,
  • identify an identification of the reusable container in a database from the read identification code,
  • control the locking device in the unlocked state when a first type of reusable container is identified,
  • waiting for open state information from the door position sensor, wherein the opening of the door from its closed position to its open position is produced by a force coming from the depositor against the door, and in that the closing of the door from the open position to the closed position is carried out autonomously,
  • control the locking device in the locked state when it receives the closed state information from the position sensor of the door in the closed position.

Thanks to the invention, the fact of moving the door autonomously towards its closing and for its opening by the action of the depositor, simplifies and makes the collection terminal less complex, less bulky and less expensive. By autonomous, we mean that its closure is not controlled, it can be achieved mainly by its mass and the earth's gravity or by means of an autonomous retaining device explained in the following in detail.

• un utilisateur ayant payé une consigne dans le cas d’un contenant consigné ou,
• un utilisateur responsabilisé qui peut être abonné dans le cas d’un abonnement d’un service de restauration ou d’un service à responsabilité économie circulaire, utilisant des contenants réemployables comprenant chacun un dispositif d’identification, sans prendre de consigne lors de la prise du contenant et donc sans rendre de consigne lors du dépôt du contenant, ou encore
• un individu rapportant des contenants d’autres utilisateurs.

The applicant can be:

• a user who has paid a deposit in the case of a returnable container or,
• an empowered user who can be a subscriber in the case of a subscription to a catering service or a service with circular economy responsibility, using reusable containers each comprising an identification device, without taking instructions when picking up of the container and therefore without giving instructions when depositing the container, or even
• an individual returning containers from other users.

In addition, the fact of identifying the reusable container on the ramp located opposite the door with this locking device which unlocks the door if the identification is correct makes it possible to encourage the depositor to push only the identified reusable container. Having a locking device, which therefore does not move the door (it is not a door moving device) but only locks it in the closed position, makes it possible to reduce the size, make it simpler terminal and therefore less risk of failure and less maintenance. Indeed, the fact of presenting the identifiable reusable container in front of the opening of the door and of associating the unlocking of the latter requires having the identified reusable container ready to be inserted and therefore encourages pushing it against the door which unlocks after reading and checking the identification of the container. In addition, once the door is closed at least mainly by its gravity, the control unit controlling the locking of the door makes it possible to prevent this same person or another individual from throwing an identifiable non-reusable object into the opening.

In the request, the reusable container may be mentioned as identifiable when it is not yet identified by the reader of the collection terminal and mentioned as identified when it has been identified by the reader.

In addition to the characteristics that have just been mentioned in the previous paragraph, the terminal for collecting identifiable reusable containers according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

According to one embodiment, the door is pivotally mounted relative to the receiving front wall and in that the door can be opened by pushing the identified reusable container against the door when the locking device is in the unlocked state . This makes it possible to use the movement of the identified reusable container pushed by the depositor to open the door when it is unlocked.

According to one example, the pivot connection of the pivoting door is formed by hinges located on the highest edge of the door and on the wall of the receiving facade. The force exerted by the door on the reusable container when opening and closing the door reduces the risk of the reusable container overturning in the container. Thus the reusable containers can nest with each other in the container, thus improving the filling rate of reusable containers in the container.

According to another example, the pivot connection of the pivoting door is formed by axes located on two opposite lateral edges of the door and on the wall of the reception facade. As in the previous example, the force exerted by the door on the reusable container when opening and closing the door reduces the risk of the reusable container overturning in the container. Thus the reusable containers can nest with each other in the container, thus improving the filling rate of reusable containers in the container.

According to another example, the pivot connection of the pivoting door is formed by hinges located on a single edge of the door oriented vertically inclined with respect to a vertical axis by a few degrees and on the receiving front wall. The inclined edge allows to produce the effect of movement of the door towards the closing by the weight of the door (force of the earth's gravity on the mass of the door).

According to another embodiment, the door is slide-mounted relative to the receiving front wall. This embodiment entails an additional movement of the depositor when pulling the door in the opening direction, for example, through a handle.

According to one embodiment, the position sensor is a mechanical sensor.

According to one embodiment, the laying surface of the external ramp is inclined between a vertical plane and a horizontal plane such that its edge closest to the receiving opening is its lowest point. This makes it easier for the depositor to insert the reusable container into the receiving box. By inclination with respect to a vertical plane and a horizontal plane is meant an inclination when the reception box is placed on the ground for use (for example feet or wheels fixed to the box are placed on the ground).

According to an example of this embodiment, the front wall is arranged in an inclined manner with respect to a vertical plane so that the door forms an abutment when the identifiable reusable container is placed on the laying surface of the external ramp.

According to one embodiment, the front wall and the laying surface of the external ramp are inclined with respect to the vertical plane and to the plane and the edge, the laying surface of the external ramp forming the connection between the laying surface of the ramp, and the opening is the lowest edge of the outer ramp laying surface.

According to one embodiment, the laying surface of the external ramp is arranged perpendicular to the reception opening. This makes it easy to incorporate the reusable container.

According to one example, the opening comprises the shape of the first type of reusable container. This guides the first type of reusable container into the receiving box to prevent it from falling aside or turning over before falling into the first container. Thus the filling rate of the first container is improved.

According to one embodiment, the identifier reader is an optical reader, for example bar code, or QR code. The identification device of the reusable container may thus include a bar code or QR code for example on a laying face of the bottom of the reusable container to be read by the reader when it is placed on the laying surface with the QR code or the bar code in front of the optical reader.

According to another embodiment, the identifier reader is a magnetic reader, for example of the RFID type. The identification device of the reusable container may thus comprise a magnetic strip or an RFID chip, for example on one side of an identification wall which may be the wall placed on the ramp comprising the bottom of the reusable container to be read by the player when placed on the resting surface.

According to one embodiment, the identifier reader is incorporated in the ramp such that its reading zone forms part of the surface for laying the external ramp. This allows a depositor to be able to easily place an identifiable reusable container on the ramp with both hands on either side of the identifiable reusable container, by placing the identification device facing the reader to read an identification code located on the identification wall placed on the ramp (for example the wall forming the bottom) of the reusable container.

According to one embodiment, the identifier reader is mounted on the external ramp extending laterally from the laying surface so that its reading zone can read the identification device in a side wall of the reusable container.

According to one embodiment, comprising an autonomous retaining device for the door in the closed position, the retaining device making it possible to attract the door only towards the closed position in order to maintain it in this closed position. Autonomous means that the restraint device is not electrically controlled.

. This improves the return of the door to its closed position, in particular, in the event that the tilt of the door in its closed position is after the vertical position in which the door is being opened.

According to an example of this embodiment, the retaining device is magnetic and in that it comprises a first member and a second member magnetically coupling with the first member, the door comprising the first member and the other member being mounted integral with the front wall. Such a magnetic retaining device makes it possible to avoid a rebound of the door during its closing which can cause the door to lock in an open position. Indeed, the locking device receives the information of the door in the closed position at the moment of the impact of the door against either the internal surface of the wall or against the position sensor and the time to lock the door can be achieved during the bounce. In addition, the rebound can cause a force on the reusable container during sliding causing it to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the rails.

The magnetic effect makes it possible on the one hand to have a simple, inexpensive system, having an attraction force only close to the closed position. This makes it possible to avoid a feeling for the depositor of pushing hard after the start of the movement of the door from the closed position to the opening and to avoid violent acceleration when the door returns from its open position to the closed position. . In addition, the movement of the door from its open position to its final position is mainly carried out by its own weight, the magnetic force helping only at the end and mainly not to bounce back.

For example, one of the two organs is a permanent magnet and the other organ is made of magnetic material.

For example, both bodies are permanent magnets.

For example, the door is made of a ferromagnetic material forming the first member and a magnet forming the second member is fixed to the receiving front wall.

According to one implementation of these examples, the first member is in the part of the door opposite to the connection of the door to the receiving facade wall. This decreases the closing speed compared to a location close to the link.

According to another example of this embodiment, the restraint device is compression in which it compresses when the door is opened and exerts a return force in the decompressed position towards the closed position.

For example, the compression retaining device is a hydraulic cylinder comprising a first end secured to the door and a second end secured to the internal surface of the receiving front wall. For example, the first end is pivotally mounted on one end of the door opposite the connection of the door with the receiving front wall, and the second end is also pivotally mounted on the internal surface of the front wall. reception. According to another example, the first or the second end comprises a slide connection with respect to the door or the receiving front wall respectively. For example, the cylinder has a twelve degree pivot link between the closed position and the open position and the stroke of the cylinder rod is 120mm.

For example, the compression retainer is a device comprising a spring that stores elastic potential energy (by compressing or expanding) when opening the door to an intermediate open position by deforming and exerting a force on the door as it moves from its open position to the intermediate open position to the closed position from this elastic potential energy by deforming to its natural shape.

According to another example, the retaining device is a pulley and link system coupled to one end of the door and with a counterweight, the counterweight rising when the door is opened by the depositor and then descending by gravity by exerting a force on the door towards its closed position.

According to one embodiment, the locking device comprises a movable trigger from a locked position coming into abutment against the door in the closed position in the locked state, to an unlocked position releasing the door in the unlocked state.

According to an example of this embodiment and the previous embodiment of the collection terminal comprising a magnetic retainer, the trigger moves along the first member. Thus, the first member is used as a stop to lock the door, facilitating the implementation of the locking device.

According to one embodiment, the terminal comprises a pair of parallel and inclined rails from the opening to the first container, configured to slide the first type of reusable container from the opening to the first container; the first type of reusable container falling into the container.

According to an example of this embodiment, the terminal comprises a second container for receiving a second type of reusable container, located in the receiving box between the first container and the receiving opening under the pair of rails to receive a second type of reusable container having a smaller size than the first reusable container and the gap between the rails of the pair of rails to fall between the rails.

This makes it possible to have at least two types of reusable containers and the pair of rails form a sorting system to fit the first type of reusable container into the first container and the other types into the second container. This improves the filling rate of reusable containers in the first container while having different types of reusable containers.

According to one embodiment, the collection terminal comprises a sensor for the presence of a first type of reusable container in the first container, connected to the control unit to transmit information on the new presence of a reusable container in the container to the control unit further configured to identify a confirmation of receipt of a first type of reusable container. This confirms that the object inserted in the receiving box is indeed a reusable container of the appropriate type. In addition, in the case of a returnable reusable container, this allows a system to have confirmation that the returnable reusable container is in the collection terminal and therefore to be able to transmit a message to a platform server for reimbursement confirmation .

According to an example of this embodiment and of the previous embodiment, the terminal comprises a second sensor for the presence of a second type of reusable container in the second container.

According to one example, the presence sensor is of the weighing sensor type and the control unit identifies a confirmation of receipt of a first type of reusable container by comparing the weight information received with a range of weights corresponding to the first type reusable container. According to this example and the previous example, the second presence sensor is of the weighing sensor type and the control unit identifies a confirmation of receipt of a second type of reusable container by comparing the weight information received with a range of weight corresponding to the second type of reusable container. This makes it possible to take into account the precision of the measurements by the sensor as well as the potential food remains in the reusable container.

According to one embodiment, the collection terminal comprises an information screen making it possible to indicate information according to the commands by the control unit, such as, identification confirmed, door open, confirmation of receipt of a type of returnable container, door closed.

According to one example, the collection terminal comprises a communication system connected to the control unit to transmit reusable container identification information to a server. This allows a deposit system using the server, to track and trace reusable containers and potentially in the case of deposit to return the deposit deposit value to the user, for example by digital currency. In addition, even in the case of a responsible user, this informs the user that he has not returned a certain number of reusable containers. Indeed, in the case of an empowered or consigned user, the link between the identification of the reusable container and the user can be made when taking charge of or ordering the reusable container, for example containing a dish.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising the collection terminal according to the aspect of the previous invention, with or without the various additional characteristics described previously and a first type of reusable container comprising an identification device comprising a code identification.

In addition to the characteristics that have just been mentioned in the previous paragraph, the assembly according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

Each first type of reusable container may comprise a unique, or grouped, identification code.

For example, a bundled code can be a subscription code and therefore potentially on different reusable containers.

• une paroi d’identification comprenant le dispositif d’identification comprenant un code d’identification,
• un bord adapté à glisser sur la paire de rail, le bord étant agencé par rapport à la paroi d’identification en vis-à-vis du lecteur pour que le premier type de conteneur puisse glisser de la rampe à la paire de rails.

According to one embodiment, the collection terminal is according to the embodiment comprising the pair of rails, the first type of reusable container comprises,

• an identification wall comprising the identification device comprising an identification code,
• an edge adapted to slide on the pair of rails, the edge being arranged with respect to the identification wall facing the reader so that the first type of container can slide from the ramp to the pair of rails.

For example, the first type of reusable container includes a bowl-shaped inner surface and the edge adapted to slide on the pair of rails extends perpendicularly from the periphery surrounding the inner surface.

According to one embodiment, the opening comprises a shape corresponding to a maximum section of the first type of reusable container. This guides the first type of reusable container into the receiving box.

According to an example of these two previous embodiments, the shape of the opening comprises on each side a zone corresponding to the edge of the first type of reusable container and in that the pair of rails is arranged to receive the edges of the first type of container in translation in the opening.

According to one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a second type of reusable container, and the collection terminal is, according to the example of the embodiment, comprising a second receiving container, the second type of reusable container having a width of smaller size than the first type of reusable container to fall between the pair of rails in the second receiving container.

According to one embodiment, in which the collection terminal is according to the embodiment comprising a weighing sensor, the control unit comprises a range of weight values comprising an empty weight value of the first type of reusable container.

• dépôt d’un contenant réemployable identifiable sur la rampe extérieure,
• lecture d’un code identifiant d’un dispositif d’identification dans une paroi du contenant réemployable,
• identification d’une identification du contenant réemployable dans une base de données à partir du code d’identification lu,
• commande du dispositif de verrouillage de la porte à l’état déverrouillé, lorsque le contenant réemployable est identifié,
• ouverture de la porte par une force provenant d’un déposant, jusqu’à ce qu’elle atteigne une position d’ouverture, réception d’une information d’état ouvert du capteur de position de la porte,
• d’insertion du contenant réemployable en le poussant par le déposant dans l’ouverture,
• déplacement de la porte de façon autonome jusqu’à la position fermée,
• réception d’une information d’état fermé du capteur de position de la porte,
• commande du dispositif de verrouillage de la porte à l’état verrouillé.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for returning a reusable container to a collection terminal of a set according to the aspect of the previous invention, with or without the various additional characteristics described above, comprising the steps of :

• deposit of an identifiable reusable container on the exterior ramp,
• reading an identifying code of an identification device in a wall of the reusable container,
• identification of an identification of the reusable container in a database from the identification code read,
• control of the door locking device in the unlocked state, when the reusable container is identified,
• opening of the door by a force coming from a depositor, until it reaches an open position, reception of open state information from the position sensor of the door,
• inserting the reusable container by pushing it into the opening by the depositor,
• movement of the door independently to the closed position,
• reception of closed state information from the door position sensor,
• control of the locking device of the door in the locked state.

In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the previous paragraph, the method according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

According to one embodiment, the step of opening the door is carried out during the step of inserting the container by pushing the reusable container against the door until the door reaches an open position.

• détection d’un nouveau contenant réemployable positionné dans le premier conteneur,
• transmission d’une information de présence et d’identification d’une confirmation de réception d’un premier type de contenant réemployable.

According to one embodiment, in which the collection terminal is according to the embodiment comprising a presence sensor, the method further comprises a step of:

• detection of a new reusable container positioned in the first container,
• transmission of presence information and identification of a confirmation of receipt of a first type of reusable container.

According to an example, in which the presence sensor is a weighing sensor, the step of detecting a new reusable container positioned in the first container is carried out by detecting weight added to the container, and in that the step of identifying a confirmation of receipt of a first type of reusable container is carried out by comparing the value of the added weight measured with a range of values, the confirmation being when the value of the added weight is located in the range of values .

According to one embodiment, in which the collection terminal comprises a communication system, the method further comprises a step of transmitting information identifying the reusable container to a server.

According to an example of these two previous embodiments, the step of transmitting information identifying the reusable container to a server is transmitted with information confirming receipt of a first type of reusable container or only after the confirmation of receipt of a first type of identified reusable container.

• l’étape d’identification du contenant réemployable dans une base de données à partir du code d’identification lu identifie en outre le type parmi le premier type de contenant ou le deuxième type de contenant,
• L’étape de détection d’un nouveau contenant réemployable comprend une sous étape de distinction en ce que le nouveau contenant réemployable est positionné dans le premier conteneur ou le deuxième conteneur, et une sous étape de confirmation de concordance entre la détection dans le premier ou deuxième conteneur et respectivement l’identification du premier ou deuxième type de contenant identifié,
• L’étape de transmission d’une information de présence et d’identification d’une confirmation de réception du premier ou deuxième type de contenant réemployable lorsque la concordance est confirmée.

According to one embodiment, in which the assembly further comprises a second type of reusable container, and the collection terminal is, according to the example of the embodiment, comprising a second receiving container, and furthermore a first and second sensor presence to detect the presence of a new container in respectively the first and second container in which:

• the step of identifying the reusable container in a database from the read identification code further identifies the type from among the first type of container or the second type of container,
• The step of detecting a new reusable container comprises a sub-step of distinction in that the new reusable container is positioned in the first container or the second container, and a sub-step of concordance confirmation between the detection in the first or second container and respectively the identification of the first or second type of container identified,
• The step of transmitting presence information and identifying a confirmation of receipt of the first or second type of reusable container when the match is confirmed.

The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The figures are presented for information only and in no way limit the invention.

shows a schematic representation of a collection terminal according to a first embodiment

shows a schematic representation of a section of an example of an assembly comprising the collection terminal according to a first embodiment.

shows a schematic representation of part of the section of the example of the assembly according to the first embodiment

shows the cut part of the whole , comprising a door in an open position.

shows the cut part of the whole , comprising the door in the closed position and a reusable container falling into a container.

shows a schematic representation of a section of an example of the assembly according to a second embodiment.

shows a schematic representation of part of the entire , comprising the door in the closed position and a reusable container falling into a container.

Claims (12)

Collection terminal (1, 1') for identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) comprising:

• a receiving box (2, 2') comprising a receiving front wall (20, 20'), and a receiving opening (24) passing through the receiving front wall (20, 20'), the opening of reception (24) having a shape allowing the insertion of a first type of reusable container (9,9'),
• a first receiving container (3) for a first type of reusable container (9, 9'), located in the receiving box (2, 2'),
• a door (4) hinged with respect to the reception front wall (20, 20') between a closed position obstructing the reception opening (24) and a final open position in abutment against an abutment integral with the front wall (20, 20'), the door (4) hinged in the final open position releasing the reception opening (24) for the insertion of a reusable container (9, 9', 92),
• a position sensor (5) of the door (4) comprising a closed state in the closed position and an open state when the door is in an open position located between the final open position and the closed position,
• a locking device (6), comprising a locked state locking and immobilizing the hinged door and an unlocked state unlocking the hinged door (4) in its closed position,
• an outer ramp (7, 7') mounted against the receiving front wall (20-20') comprising a landing surface (79, 79') extending from the receiving opening (24), for sliding the first type of reusable container (9, 9') in the opening (24),
• an identifier reader (8, 8') for an identifier of a reusable container comprising an identification device, the reader (8, 8') being mounted integral with the external ramp (7, 7') to read a code of identification of the identification device of a reusable container (9, 9', 92) on the external ramp (7, 7'),
• a control unit (u1, u1') electrically connected to the reader (8, 8'), to the position sensor (5) and to the locking device (6), configured to carry out the following steps in chronological order:
  • receive an identification code from the reader (8, 8') read on an object,
  • identify an identification of the reusable container (9, 9', 92) in a database from the read identification code,
  • controlling the locking device (6) in the unlocked state when a first type of reusable container (9, 9') is identified,
  • receiving open state information from the position sensor (5) of the door (4), in which the opening of the door (4) from its closed position to its open position is produced by a force coming from the depositor against the door (4), and in that the closing of the door (4) from the open position to the closed position is carried out autonomously,
  • controlling the locking device (6) to the locked state when it receives the closed state information from the position sensor (5) of the door (4).

Collection terminal (1, 1') for identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to the preceding claim, in which the door (4) is pivotally mounted with respect to the receiving front wall (20, 20' ) and in that the door (4) can be opened by pushing the reusable container (9, 9', 92) against the door (4) when the locking device (6) is in the unlocked state. Terminal for the collection (1, 1') of identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to the preceding claim, in which the resting surface (79, 79') of the external ramp (7, 7') is inclined between a vertical plane and a horizontal plane, so that a reusable container (9, 9', 92) placed on the resting surface (79, 79') slides in the direction of the opening (24). Collection terminal (1, 1') for identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining device (46) independent of the door (4) in the closed position, the retaining device (46) making it possible to attract the door (4) only towards the closed position in order to maintain it in this closed position. Collection terminal (1, 1') for identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to the preceding claim, in which the retaining device (46) is magnetic and in that it comprises a first member (46a) and a second member magnetically coupling with the first member (46a), the door (4) comprising the first member (46a) and the other member being mounted integral with the front wall (24). Terminal for collecting (1, 1') identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking device (6) comprises a movable trigger (60) from a locked position abutting against the door (4) in the closed position in the locked state to an unlocked position releasing the door in the unlocked state. Collection terminal (1, 1') for identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:

• a pair of rails (29), each inclined from the receiving opening to the first container (3), the pair of rails (29) being arranged to slide the first type of reusable container (9) from the receiving opening (24) to the first container (3), the first type of reusable container (9, 9') falling into the container (3).

Collection terminal (1') for identifiable reusable containers (9', 92) according to the preceding claim, comprising a second receiving container (300') for a second type of reusable reusable containers (92), located in the reception (2') between the first container (3) and the reception opening (24) under the pair of rails (29) to receive a second type of reusable container (92) having a size smaller than that of the first reusable container (9') and the gap between the rails of the pair of rails (29) to fall between the rails. Collection terminal (1, 1') for identifiable reusable containers (9, 9', 92) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a presence sensor (39) of a first type of reusable container (9, 9' ) in the first container (3), connected to the control unit (u1) to transmit information on the new presence of a reusable container in the container (3) to the control unit further configured to identify a confirmation receipt of a first type of reusable container. Assembly comprising the collection terminal (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims and a first type of reusable container (9, 9') comprising an identification device comprising an identification code. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which:

• the collection terminal (1, 1') is according to claims 7 and 8,
• the first type of reusable container (9, 9') comprises:
  • an identification wall comprising the identification device comprising an identification code,
  • an edge (90) adapted to slide on the pair of rails (29), the edge (90) being arranged with respect to the identification wall facing the reader (8, 8') so that the first type of reusable container (9, 9') can slide from the ramp (7, 7') to the pair of rails (29).

Method for returning an identifiable reusable container (9, 9', 92) to a collection terminal (1, 1') of a set according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the steps of:

• depositing an identifiable reusable container (9, 9', 92) on the outer ramp (7, 7'),
• reading an identifying code of an identification device in an identification wall of the reusable container (9, 9', 92),
• identification of an identification of the reusable container (9, 9', 92) in a database from the identification code read,
• control of the locking device (6) of the door (4) in the unlocked state, when the reusable container (9, 9', 92) is identified,
• opening of the door (4) by a force coming from a depositor, until it reaches an open position, reception of open state information from the position sensor (5) of the door (4) ,
• inserting the reusable container (9, 9', 92) by pushing it by the depositor into the reception opening (24),
• movement of the door (4) independently to the closed position,
• reception of closed state information from the position sensor of the door (4),
• control of the locking device (6) of the door in the locked state.