WO1998056691A1 - Apparatus for collecting and compacting recyclable waste - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for collecting and compacting recyclable plastic beakers (11), plastic bottles (12) and tins (13), includes, contained in a box-like case (2), a first device (100) for collecting and compacting plastic beakers (11) and a second device (300) for collecting and compacting plastic bottles (12) and tins (13). Plastic beakers (11), introduced into the apparatus through a first opening (4a) made in the case (2), are taken over by a mechanism (115) with a plurality of ring-like members (117) which take the beakers to a tubular conveying trough (120). The trough moves to a position which allows a stack of beakers (11) being formed. A presser means (123) enters the trough (120) and compacts the beakers (11) which are then discharged below into a collecting receptacle (40). Plastic bottles (12) and tins (13) are introduced into the apparatus through a further opening (5a) and fall into a channel tube (15) which leads them to a tubular guide (16) pivoted at the bottom so as to move to a retracted position in which the tin (11) or plastic bottle (12) is compacted by a presser (23). The plastic bottle (12) or tin (13) is discharged from the tubular guide (16) into respective further collecting receptacles (41, 42). Electronic control and display means (330) determine operative sequences of the apparatus (1) and display working and status information thereof.

Description

APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING AND COMPACTING RECYCLABLE WASTE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to collecting garbage, in particular containers for beverages like plastic beakers and bottles, tins and similar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

At present, the problem of solid waste differentiated collecting is becoming more and more important because of recycling possibility and lower _. cost of waste disposal.

Moreover, besides economic benefits, the differentiated waste collecting is advantageous from an ecological point of view.

In this context, differentiated collecting of beverage containers, like plastic beakers, plastic bottles, tins and the like becomes particularly important.

Obviously, this is particularly true in places of high consumption of beverages, such as beverages automatic distributors or fast food restaurants, or the like.

From the other side, a simple collecting of the above mentioned containers results in obvious space problems, deriving from the relatively big volume of these containers with respect to the quantity of the recyclable material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatic collecting compacted containers made of recyclable material normally used for automatic distribution of beverages .

Another object of the invention is to provide a sufficiently compact and complete apparatus for collection of waste materials in close and limited spaces, and which can be combined with automatic beverages distributors.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for separating various types of recyclable containers from non-recyclable waste.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is situated inside the above mentioned apparatus for collecting compacted plastic beakers .

A further object of the present invention is to provide the device for collecting compacted plastic beakers capable of separating the plastic beakers from the non-recyclable waste materials.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose an automatic device which is situated inside the above - 3 -

mentioned apparatus for collecting compacted tins, plastic bottles and the like.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the device for collecting tins and plastic bottles, that is capable of separating the tins and plastic bottles to be compacted from the non- recyclable waste materials.

The above mentioned objects are obtained in accordance with the content of the claims, by means of an apparatus for collecting and compacting recyclable waste, in particular plastic beakers, plastic bottles and tins, which includes:

a box-like case;

at least one first device for collecting and compacting said plastic beakers, situated inside said case and aimed at receiving said beakers through a first opening made in a front wall of said case;

at least one second device for collecting and compacting said plastic bottles and tins, situated beside the first device and aimed at receiving said bottles and tins through a second opening made in said front wall;

a plurality of collecting receptacles situated in the Tower part of the case;

electronic control and display means for determining operative sequences of said apparatus and displaying working and status information thereof. Other objects of the invention are obtained by the fact that the device for collecting plastic beakers includes :

a take over mechanism for taking over beakers to be collected;

a plurality of ring-like members aimed at receiving and supporting said beakers;

a tubular conveying trough for collecting and stacking said beakers, said trough oscillating between an inclined position, in which said beakers are discharged from said take over mechanism and a vertical position, in which a stack of beakers is formed;

a presser means, operated by an actuator for entering into the conveying trough, along a direction axial thereto, so as to compact the stacked beakers when the trough is in a vertical position;

a bottom plane located at a bottom of said conveying trough and moved between a closing position, in which the lower part of conveying trough is closed for supporting said stack of beakers, and a release position, in which said compacted beakers are made free to fall out from said trough.

Other objects of the invention are obtained by the fact that the device for collecting plastic bottles and tins includes:

a channel tube, through which the tins and the bottles to be collected are introduced; a tubular guide for receiving the tins and the bottles to be collected, said guide being pivoted, so as to move between a receiving position, in which it is substantially aligned with said introduction channel tube for receiving a tin or a bottle therefrom, and a retracted position in which said tin or bottle is compacted;

a presser, engaging axially said conveyor when this latter is in said retracted position, so as to compact said tin or plastic bottle;

a bottom plane associated to said guide, moving between a guide bottom closing position, in which the lower part of said guide is closed for supporting said tin or plastic bottle and a release position, in which said compacted tin or plastic bottle is discharged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the invention have been pointed out in the following, with a particular reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for differentiated collecting of waste materials, in particular containers for beverages and the like, which has been produced in accordance with the present invention; - Figure 2 shows the same perspective view of Figure 1, with the apparatus open for extracting collected waste;

- Figures 3,4,5,6 and 7 show vertical cross sections of a device for collecting and compacting plastic beakers, in subsequent operating steps respectively;

- Figure 8 shows a vertical cross section of a device for collecting and compacting tins and plastic bottles, this device being disposed inside the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

- Figures 9 and 10 show cross-sections of the device of Figure 8 taken along the lines IX-IX and X-X respectively;

Figures 11,12,13,1^'4 and 15 show vertical cross sections of a device for collecting and compacting tins and plastic bottles, in subsequent operating steps respectively.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the above mentioned figures, reference numeral 1 indicates an apparatus for differentiated collection of recyclable waste materials, particularly containers 11, 12, 13 for beverages and the like.

The apparatus 1 can be also used for separated collection of non-recyclable waste 14, such as paper handkerchiefs, plastic spoons or the like, as well as possible waste liquids.

The apparatus 1 includes a substantially parallelepiped case 2, featuring in its front part a wall 3 which can be opened book-like, so as to remove the collected materials.

A door 3a, that faces the internal part of the wall 3 and is parallel thereto, can be also opened and is suitably equipped with a lock.

This door 3a allows access to internal areas of the apparatus, usually made non accessible to users, for maintenance operations.

In its upper part, the wall 3, which can be opened, features a pair of Openings 4a and 5a, first and second respectively, communicating with respective rooms 4, 5, where the containers to be collected are introduced.

In particular, the room 4 is destined for plastic beakers 11 introduction, while the room 5 is destined for plastic bottles 12 and tins 13 introduction.

The rooms 4, 5 are normally closed by relative shutters 6, 7 mounted in the region of the openings 4a, 5a .

A series of collecting receptacles are disposed at the bottom of the case 2 for receiving the materials to be collected. The collecting receptacles include a waste bin 8 that is located in the region of an opening 8a made in the wall 3 and is hinged to the wall 3 at its bottom end 8b. In this way, the waste bin can be tilted outwards for collecting non-recyclable waste 14. Outward tilting movement of the waste bin is suitably limited by stroke limiting means well known in the art and thus not shown.

Other waste products collecting receptacles, described in detail in the following, are mounted on an extractable platform 9, situated in the lower part of the case 2 (see Figure 2) .

A first device 100 for collecting compacted plastic beakers 11 is situated inside the upper part of the case 2 (see Figure 3) .

Structure and operation of the first device 100 will be described in the following.

The device includes a take over mechanism 115 for taking plastic beakers 11 to be collected, that is situated in the region of the room 4 and includes a disc 116 rotating about a horizontal axis. The disc 116 is equipped, in its outer area, with ring-like members 117 which receive in support the beakers 11.

In the described case there are three ring-like members 117, angularly equispaced.

One of the ring-like members 117 is situated in front of the shutter 6, so as to easily receive a beaker

11. Driving means, not shown because they are well known in the art, drive the disc 116 into stepwise rotation in the direction indicated with the arrow A.

A pusher 110, situated in the upper part of the room 4, is operated in time relation with the take over mechanism 115.

This pusher is formed by an angle plate 111, whose one vertical portion Ilia is parallel to the shutter 6 and one horizontal portion 111b is parallel to the ring-like member 117 situated in front of the shutter 6.

The horizontal portion 111b is fastened to the stem 113a of a pneumatic cylinder 113.

The pneumatic cylinder 113 imposes the pusher 110 such a vertical stroke inside the room 4, that the horizontal portion 111b pushes the beaker downwards, so as to stabilize the ring-like element 117 grip.

A spray nozzle 118, situated under the take over mechanism 115, is supplied with water from a relative reservoir by a suitable pipe 119, for rinsing the ust received beakers 11.

A tubular conveying trough 120 cooperates with the take over mechanism 115 to collect the beakers 11 and then to set them in a stack.

In its upper part, the trough 120 includes a suitably widened hopper 121. - 10 -

The trough 120 oscillates horizontally about a lower pm 122, between an inclined position, in which the hopper 121 is situated substantially below the take over mechanism 115 for receiving the beakers 11 to be collected therefrom, and a vertical position, m which a stack of these beakers is formed inside the tubular conveyor.

The trough 120 is driven into oscillation by known and not shown means .

When the trough 120 takes the above mentioned vertical position, a presser 123 can enter it. The presser 123 is operated vertically by an actuator 124, which is formed by a pneumatic cylinder. The presser 123 compacts the plastic beakers 11 stacked inside the tubular conveying trough 120.

According to an extremely advantageous feature, the actuator 24 and the pneumatic cylinder 113 do not use air but water as actuating fluid.

This allows to obtain particularly high working pressure and actuating power, yet maintaining extremely reduced dimensions.

A cam element 125 is fastened externally to the conveying trough 120. The tip of a stem 126, located nearby, is set in engagement with the cam 125. The stem 126 is yieldingly kept down by an axial spring 127 and is operated by a suitable electromagnet 128 to move upwards . - 1 1 -

When the conveying trough 120 is in the vertical position, the stem 126 enters a hole 129 made in the top part of the cam 125, thus preventing oscillation of the trough.

Oscillation of the conveying trough 120 is controlled by a couple of micro-switches 130 and 131 activated, when the conveying trough takes an inclined position, by a prominence 125a of the cam 125 and the shoulder 126a of the stem 126, respectively.

The first micro-switch 130 detects beginning of the conveying trough 120 stroke, moving away from the inclined position, while the second micro-switch 131 detects the end of this stroke, i.e. when the stem 126 enters the hole 129 of the cam 125, when this latter reaches the vertical position. Detection of repositioning of the stem 126 in the hole 129 commands operation of the presser 123.

At the bottom of the conveying trough 120 there is located a surface plane 132.

The plane 132 is moved horizontally, by known and not shown means, between a closing position and a release position.

When the plane is set to the closing position, it closes the bottom opening of the trough 120 and holds a stack of beakers formed thereinside.

When the plane is shifted to the release position, a circular hole 133 made therein is set in alignment with the conveying trough 120, so as to allow - 12 -

discharge of the compacted beakers 11. The compacted beakers 11 are then allowed to fall into a receptacle 140 situated below the conveying trough 120.

On its fore end, the bottom plane 132 carries a brush 134, which cleans a grating 135 situated over a bowl 136, which collects the waste liquids.

The bottom of this bowl 136 is connected, by a suitable pipe 137, to a tank 49 for collection of these waste liquids .

It is to be pointed out that the spray nozzle 118 is carried by a support forming a chute 138, which conveys beakers rinsing water to the inside of the bowl 136.

On its upper end, the hopper 121 of the conveying trough 120 carries a rod 139 which serves for withdrawing the beakers 11 from the supporting ringlike elements 117.

A second device 300 for collecting compacted plastic bottles 12 and tins 13, is situated inside the case 2, in its upper part, beside the first device 100 (see Figure 8 ) .

A channel tube 15 is disposed close to the room 5, that receives plastic bottles 12 and tins 13. The opening of the tube 15 matches with the outline of the room 5. The tube 15 is inclined downwards.

A tubular guide 16 is situated below the tube 15 for receiving the tins 11 or the bottles 12 therefrom. - 13 -

The tubular guide 16 is pivoted at its bottom on pin 17, that extends horizontally, between a receiving position, in which it is substantially aligned with the tube 15, so as to allow the introduction of tins 11 or bottles 12 to be collected, and a retracted position, e.g. inclined in the opposite direction with respect to the previous one, in which the tins 11 and the bottles 12 are compacted. The tubular guide 16 is driven between the two of the mentioned positions by known and not shown means.

A transversal U-like channel 18, inclined downwards and with the lower end open, is fastened to the front part of the tubular guide 16 (see in particular Figures 8 and 9) .

In a normal working position, i.e. when the tubular guide 16 is in the retracted position, the channel 18 receives possible refuses or other waste particles introduced into the tube 15 via the room 5.

In this working position, the U-like channel 18 leads to a stationary chute 19, which conveys these refuses to the waste bin 8.

A bar 20, carried by the tubular guide 16 over the U- like channel 18, keeps the tins 11 and the bottles 12, so as to prevent them from coming out of the tube 15.

The bar 20 is joined to a plate 21 provided for supporting a presence detecting sensor 22, which detects, in known way, the presence of a tin 11 or a plastic bottle 12 inside the tube 15 (see figure 10) .

In the retracted position, the tubular guide 16 can be engaged by a presser 23 operated by an actuator 24 along a direction longitudinal to the guide 16. The actuator 24 is preferably constituted by a pneumatic cylinder .

The presser 23 compacts the tins 11 and the bottles 12 located inside the tubular guide 16.

A cam track 25 is fastened externally to the tubular guide 16, and the tip of a stem 26 slides on the cam track 25.

The stem 26 is axially acted upon by a spring 27 and operated by an electromagnet 28. When the tubular guide 16 is in the vertical position, the stem 26 engages a hole 29 made in the cam track 25.

Rotation of the tubular guide 16 is controlled by a pair of micro-switches 30 and 31 operated, when the guide is aligned with the tube 15, by a prominence 25a of the cam track 25 and by a shoulder 26a of the stem 26, respectively.

The first micro-switch 30 detects the beginning of the tubular guide 16 stroke, starting from the alignment position, while the second micro-switch 31 detects the end of this stroke, i.e. it is actuated when the stem 26 engages the hole 29 of the cam track 25. This means that the guide 16 is in the retracted position and the presser 23 can be operated. - 15 -

A bottom plane 32, situated at the bottom of the tubular guide 16 closes the bottom opening thereof.

The plane 32 is driven, by known and not shown means, to move horizontally between a closing position, and a release position. When the plane is located in the closing position, it closes the bottom opening of the guide 16 and supports the tin 11 or plastic bottle 12 disposed inside the guide 16. When the plane is moved to the release position, a circular hole 33 made in the plane 32 goes in alignment with the tubular guide 16, so that the compacted tins 11 or bottles 12 can be discharged.

The compacted tins 11 or bottles 12, are diverted by a baffle board 342 to fall into either one or the other of two tins and plastic bottles collecting receptacles 41 and 42 situated below the tubular guide 16.

The baffle board 342 is pivoted on a pin 43 and is operated by an actuator member, which is not shown, in co-operation with the above mentioned presence detecting sensor 22, which detects the presence of either a tin 11 or a plastic bottle 12.

The device 10 features also a perforating member 44, which empties the tin 11 or the bottle 12 of possible liquids remained therein.

The perforating member 44 is equipped with a series of needles 45 protruding at different heights from a panel 46. The panel 46 is operated by an actuator 47, so as to move m a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tubular guide 16, when this latter is m the retracted position and aligned with the presser 23.

The panel 46 is guided by a pair of guiding stems 48 mounted on a stationary frame 50, which supports the oscillating tubular guide 16 and forms a sliding surface 51, supporting the bottom plane 32.

Advantageously, the actuators 24,47 are constituted by pneumatic cylinders, which do not use air but water as pressure medium.

This allows to obtain particularly high working pressure and actuating power, yet maintaining extremely reduced dimensions.

The frame 50 carries also a bowl 52, which collects the waste liquids.

The bottom of the bowl 52 is connected, by means of a suitable pipe 53, with the tank 49 provided for collection of these waste liquids, as seen m Figure 2.

It is to be pointed out that the frame 50 features an opening 54, through which waste liquids are discharged inside the bowl 52 due to inclination of the bottom plane 32.

The apparatus 1 includes also electronic control and display means 330 (Figure 2), situated near the maintenance door 3a and aimed at determining the - 17-

operation step sequences of the apparatus 1 and displaying operative and status information.

These control and display means 330 include a central process unit 331, commonly available in commerce, which operates in accordance to a pre-stored program.

A display 333, preferably a liquid crystals or LED type display, is connected to the central process unit 331 for continuously showing information about operation of the apparatus 1, or status information for purpose of maintenance operation.

The display 333 can be seen from outside through a transparent window 334 made in the wall 3.

The apparatus 1 is preferably situated near automatic hot and/or cold beverages distributor.

Operation of the apparatus and the associated devices will be described in the following.

A user, after having drunk the desired beverage, can easily dispose the consumption container by means of the apparatus 1.

The user raises the corresponding shutter 6 or 7, in relation to the kind of the container, beaker 11 or plastic bottle 12 or tin 13 and introduces it into the relative room 4, 5.

Figures and reference lines depicted on the case will help using the correct opening.

The subsequent lowering of the shutter 6, 7 operates the relative compacting device, the first device 100 in case of a beaker 11 or the second device 300 in case of a bottle 12 or a tin 13, respectively.

These devices receive and compact the container and put it into the corresponding receptacle 40, 41, 42.

In particular, the above described device for compacting beakers, is activated by opening of the shutter 6 of the room 4 to introduce the beaker 11 to be collected. The plastic beaker is placed onto a support ring-like element 117 carried by the take over mechanism 115 and positioned in the region of the room 4.

Subsequent closure of the shutter 6 operates the pusher 110, whose angle plate 111 pushes the beaker 11 into the ring-like element 117, stabilizing its grip, as shown with broken line in Figure 3.

Then the angle plate 111 is moved back to its beginning position.

Afterwards, the disc 116 of the take over mechanism 115 is rotated by a predetermined angle, thus overturning the beaker 11, previously introduced onto the ring-like element 117, and pressed therein by the pusher 110.

In this overturned position, the beaker 11 is rinsed by the et of water coming from the nozzle 118.

The rinsing water coming out of the beaker 11 falls into the bowl 136 and then is conveyed, by the pipe 137, to the waste water tank 49. - 19 -

Subsequently, the conveying trough 120 is rotated to the inclined position, as indicated with broken line 20a in Figure 3.

During this rotation, the rod 139 protruding from the hopper 121 acts on the bottom of the beaker 11 previously introduced into the support ring-like element 117 and pushes this beaker 11 out therefrom, so that the beaker falls inside the conveying trough 120 (Figure 4) .

The beakers 11 are thus fed one by one to the conveying trough 120 by the take over mechanism 115, and form a stack inside the tubular portion of the conveying trough 120, whose lower part is closed by the bottom plane 132 (Figure 5) .

Obviously, the oscillation stroke of the tubular conveying trough 120 in the inclined position, in which it is located below the take over mechanism 115, as well as the subsequent return to the vertical position, in which the trough is aligned with the presser 123, are performed after introduction of each beaker 11, until a complete stack of beakers 11 is formed inside the conveying trough 120.

Suitable counting means, connected with e.g. rotating disc 116 of the take over mechanism 115, verify formation of the stack.

In this vertical position, the presser 123, operated by the actuator 124, enters the conveying trough 120 and compacts the stack of beakers 11 (Figure 6) . - 20 -

Then, the bottom plane 132 of the conveying trough 120 is shifted, as indicated with the arrow B in Figure 7, to the release position, in which the circular hole 133 is set aligned with the tubular conveying trough 120.

When the opening of the trough is free, the stack of beakers 11, previously compacted, falls inside a beaker collecting receptacle 40.

During the shifting movement of the bottom plane 132, the brush 134 moves on the grating 135 placed on the bowl 136, which collects the waste liquids, so as to remove possible solid refuses remained on the grating after the beakers 11 rinsing.

These solid refuses are pushed inside the waste bin 8 (see again Figure 7) .

It is to be pointed out that also possible refuses or other particles introduced into the room 4 instead of the beakers 11, fall directly into the waste bin 8.

When a plastic bottle or a tin is to be introduced in the apparatus, the device 300 for collecting tins and plastic bottles, is activated by opening the shutter 7 of the room 5.

This opening allows to introduce the tin 11 or the bottle 12 to be collected into the channel tube 15 (Figure 8) .

During introduction, the tubular guide 16 is in retracted position and aligned with the presser 23, while the bottom of the tube 15 communicates with the - 21 -

U-like channel 18 fastened to the front part of the tubular guide 16, so as to discharge possible refuses or other waste particles introduced into the channel.

In the beginning, the tin 11 or the bottle 12 introduced into the tube 15 is kept by the bar 20 protruding over the U-like channel 18.

Subsequently, the tubular guide 16 is rotated to the receiving position, in which it is aligned with the channel tube 15, as indicated with broken line 16a in Figure 8.

During this rotation, the presence detecting sensor 22 passes under the tube 15, as shown in Figure 116, so as to detect the presence of a tin 11 or a bottle 12 and operates, in_, relation to the kind of the object detected, the baffle board 342 to take the position in which the object is discharged into the collecting receptacle 41, or the position in which it is discharged into the collecting receptacle 40. This last position is indicated with broken line 342a in Figure 8.

When the tubular guide 16 reaches the alignment with the tube 15, the bottle 12 goes down therealong, stopping against the bottom plane 32 (Figure 12) .

At this point, the tubular guide 16 begins its return stroke to the retracted position, in which it is aligned with the presser 23.

In this position, the perforating member 44 is operated, so that the needles 45 penetrate the - 22 -

tubular guide 16 through a suitable opening (Figure 13) .

It is to be pointed out that the needles 45 are placed at different heights, so as to perforate the tins 11 as well as the bottles 12 situated in the tubular guide 16 to empty them of possible liquids remained therein.

The waste liquids are collected into the bowl 52 and then discharged into the tank 49 through the pipe 53.

Still with the guide 16 in the retracted position, the presser 23, operated by the actuator 24, enters the guide 16 and compacts the tin 11 or the bottle 12 present therein (Figure 14) .

It is to be pointed out that the presser 23 has a shaped cavity 23a, which centers the mouth 12a of the bottle 12 during the compression.

Subsequently, the bottom plane 32 is shifted on the sliding surface 51, as shown with the arrow B m Figure 15, to the release position, in which the circular hole 33 is aligned with the tubular guide 16, so as to open the guide.

This makes the previously compacted tin 11 or bottle 12 fall inside the collecting receptacle 40 or 41, respectively, as selected by the baffle board 42. - 23 -

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The apparatus allows to automatically collect compacted containers for beverages 11, 12, 13 in a differentiated way, thus facilitating their disposal.

From time to time, the compacted containers collected inside the respective collecting receptacles 40,41,42, are removed by extracting these receptacles 40,41,42 from the case 2, as shown in Figure 2.

Likewise, also the tank for the waste liquids 49 and non-recyclable waste bin 8 can be emptied.

An advantageous feature of the present invention is that it provides an extremely compact, independent and easy to use apparatus which separates various types of recyclable compacted containers from waste liquids and other solid non-recyclable waste.

A further advantage, obtained by using the device 300 for collecting plastic bottles and tins made in accordance with the invention, is that the apparatus separates also tins from plastic bottles.

Another advantage of the apparatus results from the fact that the pneumatic cylinders which constitute various actuators of the apparatus do not use air but water as the actuating fluid.

This allows to obtain high working pressure necessary for actuating power needed for correct functioning of the apparatus devices, yet maintaining reduced dimensions and reduced cost being a fraction of the - 24 -

cost of the corresponding pneumatic cylinders operated with oil, needed otherwise.

It is obvious that what above has been described as a mere, not limitative example, therefore possible constructive variations are within the protection of the present technical solution, as described above and claimed hereinafter.

For example, the devices and/or the collecting receptacles of the apparatus can be arranged in a different way, changed each time according to particular situations and requirements.

Likewise, the display 333 arrangement and the number of messages displayed thereon can be varied.

Claims

- 25 -CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for collecting and compacting recyclable waste, in particular plastic beakers (11), plastic bottles (12) and tins (13), chara cterized in tha t it includes :

a box-like case (2);

at least one first device (100) for collecting and compacting plastic beakers (11), situated inside said case (2) and aimed at receiving said beakers (11) through a first opening (4a) made in a front wall (3) of said case (2 ) ;

at least one second device (300) for collecting and compacting plastic bottles (12) and tins (13), situated beside the first device (100) and aimed at receiving said bottles (12) and tins (13) through a second opening (5a) made in said front wall (3);

a plurality of collecting receptacles (40,41,42,49,8) situated in the lower part of said case (2);

electronic control and display means (330) for determining operative sequences of said apparatus (1) and displaying working and status information thereof .

2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in tha t said receptacles include: - 26 -

at least one collecting receptacle (40) for beakers, at least one collecting receptacle (41) for tins, at least one collecting receptacle (42) for bottles, at least one waste bin (8) for non-recyclable waste and at least one tank (49) for waste liquids.

3. Apparatus, according to claim 2, characterized in tha t said collecting receptacle (40) for beakers, said collecting receptacle (42) for bottles, and said tank (49) for waste liquids are mounted onto a horizontal frame (9), that can be extracted from said case (2 ) .

4. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that said waste bin (8) for non-recyclable waste is hinged to the front part of the front wall (3) of said case (2 ) .

5. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that said collecting receptacles (40,41,42,49,8) are accessible through said front wall (3) which opens book-like .

6. Apparatus, according to claim 1, chara cterized in tha t it includes also a front maintenance door (3a) made in the upper part of said case (2) and situated on the internal part of said front wall (3) and - 27 -

parallel thereto, which allows access to internal areas of the apparatus (1) .

7. Apparatus, according to claim 1, chara cterized in tha t said first device (100) for collecting plastic beakers (11) includes:

a take over mechanism (115) for taking over beakers (11) to be collected;

a plurality of ring-like members (117) aimed at receiving and supporting said beakers (11);

a tubular conveying trough (120) for collecting and stacking said beakers (11), said trough oscillating between an inclined position, in which said beakers (11) are discharged from said take over mechanism (115) and a vertical position, in which a stack of beakers (11) is formed;

a presser means (123), operated by an actuator (124) for entering said conveying trough (120), along a direction axial thereto, so as to compact said stacked beakers (11) when the trough is in a vertical position;

a bottom plane (132) located at a bottom of said conveying trough (120), and moved between a closing position, in which the lower part of conveying trough (120) is closed for supporting said stack of beakers (11), and a release position, in which said compacted beakers (11) are made free to fall out from said trough . - 28 -

8. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in tha t said take over mechanism (115) includes a disc (116) that is rotated stepwise about a horizontal axis, and that has said ring-like members (117) disposed around a peripheral portion at regular angular distances, for holding the beakers (11) .

9. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in tha t it includes a pusher means (110), operated by an actuator (113) and situated over said take over mechanism (115) for pushing said beaker (11) into said take over mechanism (115) and for stabilizing the gripping action of said take over mechanism on the beaker.

10. Apparatus as in claim 9, characterized in tha t said pusher means (110) includes at least one angle plate (111) formed by a vertical section (Ilia) and a horizontal section (111b), the horizontal section

(111b) being located over the take over mechanism

(115), with a pneumatic cylinder (113) acting as an actuator for said pusher means (110) .

11. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in tha t it includes sprayer means (118) located under said take over mechanism (115) and supplied with water for - 29 -

rinsmg said beakers (11) while they are held overturned by the same take over mechanism (115) .

12. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized m tha t an upper part of said conveying trough (120) features a suitably widened hopper (121), that is located under said take over mechanism (115), when the conveying trough (120) is moved to said inclined position, for receiving said beakers (11) .

13. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in tha t an upper part of said conveying trough (120) has a rod (139) for extraction of said beakers (11) from said ring-like members (117) when said when the conveying trough (120) is in said inclined position.

14. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized m tha t said actuator (124) for operation of said presser means (123), includes a pneumatic cylinder.

15. Apparatus according to claim 7, chara cterized m tha t said actuator (124) for operation of said presser means (123), includes a cylinder which uses water as pressure medium.

16. Apparatus as in claim 7, chara cteri zed in tha t said conveying trough (120) has a cam means (125) with which a stem (126) is set in engagement, said stem (126) being yieldingly acted upon by an axial elastic means (127) and is operated by an electromagnet (128), so that said stem (126) engages a hole (129) made in said cam means (125) when said trough (120) is in said vertical position.

17. Apparatus as m claim 7, chara cterized m tha t it includes a first micro-switch (130) for detecting the trough (120) being in said inclined position, and a second micro-switch (131) for detecting the trough (120) being moved to said vertical position.

18. Apparatus as in claim 7, characterized in tha t it includes a bowl (136) provided for collection of waste water coming from cleansing said beakers (11) and a grating (135) disposed over said bowl (136), said bottom plane (132) being equipped with a brush (134) for brushing said grating (135) when it is moved to said release and closing position.

19. Apparatus, according to claim 1, chara cterized in tha t said second device (300) for collecting plastic bottles and tins, includes: - 31 -

a channel tube (15), through which the tins (11) and the plastic bottles (12) to be collected are introduced;

a tubular guide (16) for receiving the tins (11) and the bottles (12) to be collected, said guide (16) being pivoted at the bottom, so as to move between a receiving position, in which it is substantially aligned with said introduction channel tube (15) for receiving a tin (11) or a plastic bottle (12) therefrom, and a retracted position in which said tin (11) or plastic bottle (12) is compacted;

a presser (23) , reciprocated axially to enter said tubular guide (16) when said guide is in said retracted position, so as to compact said tin (11) or plastic bottle (12);

a bottom plane (32) associated to said guide (16) and moved between a guide bottom closing position, in which a lower part of said guide (16) is closed for supporting said tin (11) or plastic bottle (12) and a release position, in which said compacted tin (11) or plastic bottle (12) is discharged.

20. Device, according to claim 19, characterized in tha t in its front part said tubular guide (16) features a transversal U-like channel (18), inclined downwards and with the lower end open, U-like channel (18) receiving, when set in a working position i.e. when said guide (16) is in its retracted position, - 32 -

possible refuses or waste particles introduced into said tube (15), so as to lead these refuses to a waste bin (8) situated below.

21. Device, according to claim 20, characterized in tha t said tubular guide (16) carries a bar (20) located over said U-like channel (18) for keeping a tin (11) or a plastic bottle (12) disposed into said tube (15), so as to prevent said tin or plastic bottle from coming out of the tube (15) when said guide (16) is in its retracted position.

22. Device, according to claim 19, chara cterized in tha t said presser ^' (23) features a shaped cavity (23a) which centers a mouth (12a) of said plastic bottle (12) during its compacting.

23. Device, according to claim 19, chara cterized in tha t said tubular guide (16) in the retracted position is inclined in opposite direction with respect to said receiving position.

24. Device, according to claim 19, chara cterized in tha t said

presser (23) is operated by an actuator (24) constituted by a pneumatic cylinder.

25. Device, according to claims 24, chara cterized in tha t said pneumatic cylinder (24) in operated by means of water as operating pressure medium.

26. Device, according to claim 19, characterized m tha t it includes a perforating member (44), equipped with a series of needles (45) protruding at different heights and operated by an actuator (47) to move m a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular guide (16), with the tubular guide in its retracted position and aligned with the presser (23) , so as to empty said tin (11) or plastic bottle (12) of possible liquids remained therein.

27. Device, according to claim 26, characterized m tha t said actuator (47) includes a pneumatic cylinder using water as operating pressure medium.

28. Device, according to claim 19, chara cterized in tha t it includes a baffle board (342), located below the bottom plane (32) and made oscillate for directing selectively said compacted tin (11) or plastic bottle (12) to respective collecting receptacles (40,41) situated below, said baffle board (342) being operated by a presence detecting sensor (22) which detects presence of either a tin (11) or a plastic bottle (12) inside said channel tube (15) . - 34 -

29. Device, according to claim 19, chara cterized in tha t said guide (16) features, fastened externally thereto a cam track (25) engaged by a stem (26), which is acted upon axially by elastic means (27) and operated by an electromagnet (28), so as to engage, with said tubular guide (16) in its retracted position, a hole (29) of said cam track (25) .

30. Device, according to claim 19, chara cterized in tha t it includes a first micro-switch (30) which detects the receiving position of said guide (16), and a second micro-switch (31), which detects the guide (16) having moved to said retracted position.