EP1699020A1 - Reverse package vending apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging return and sorting device for single-use packaging that has an attached optically readable code and or RFI tag, a receiving device and a reader for reading the code or RFI tag. After the reader is classification device for classifying received packaging on the basis of a comparison with a multiplicity of stored characterizing data. Lastly a sorting device after the receiving device sorts the received packaging into a multiplicity of packaging outlets on the basis of the classification.

Description

The invention relates to a packaging return device for disposable packaging and a packaging return system comprising a plurality of such devices. Since these devices or the proposed system include a classification or separation of different packaging, which runs as well as the actual withdrawal in particular automatically, is also from a Verpackungsrücknahme- and -trennautomaten or a packaging redemption and separation system or by a takeback and material separation system spoken.

In a packaging and materials management system that is based on the principle of sustainability, the efficient organization of the return and return of disposable packaging is a key element. A manual receipt and visual classification (possibly associated with deposit or value-valuation) is in high-wage countries at best in transition phases or in special constellations as in Germany in the introduction of the so-called dose deposit - acceptable.

The prior art discloses a number of semi-automatic or automatic packaging take-back devices as well as a variety of detailed solutions for such devices (such as package size and / or shape detection and sorting and classifying devices). known. In the overall context outlined here, which is of interest here, reference should be made to the following documents:

Already DE 34 03 937 A1 describes a method and a device for identifying metal cans for drinks using a predetermined coding on the can, from the evaluation of a characteristic identification variable, such as a deposit value, is derived. An improved reading device for barcodes on containers with different surface geometries is the subject of US 6,006,995. A special lighting and imaging device for image recording of containers, which is intended to facilitate recognition of certain features provided there, is the subject of US 2005/0199645 A1.

DE 102 61 443 A1 describes a further development of these methods and devices in such a way that it is checked on the basis of a packaging identification on the basis of a (in particular "two-dimensional") barcodes and a database comparison, if a returned packaging is a mandatory packaging of the returning Trading organization or not. If this is the case, the packaging is "booked out", otherwise the customer will be offered a reduced amount of the reimbursement. WO 02/089073 A2 describes a deposit return system for disposable packaging, in the center of which is a deposit database, which can be constructed centrally or also decentrally. Again, a packaging detection is preferably based on a two-dimensional barcode, and the Entpfandung the returned packaging takes place as a result of linking the recognition result with stored in the pledge database markings. For this purpose, the "Entpfandungseinrichtung" communication means for at least temporarily establishing a connection to the database or one of these associated data processing device.

EP 0 489 267 A1 and WO 97/46372 teach a device and a method for handling reusable packaging, especially bottles and / or cans, paying particular attention to the structural design with a rotatable magazine, an identification station and various transport routes for accepted or rejected packaging is placed. The DE 197 07 464 A1, DE 197 24 666 A1 and DE 102 58 069 A1 and a variety of other patent publications that have appeared since the mid-90s, are concerned with the mechanical and constructive basic structure of devices for handling return bottles (bottle return machines ).

In addition to the o.g. Solutions for identifying packages based on a bar code provided thereon have also been proposed solutions which include detection of the external shape and / or size or color of the packaging or specific manufacturer's marks, such as in EP 0 696 781 A2 or WO 98 / 23,394th

WO 99/58429 describes an apparatus and a method for accepting packaging, wherein a packaging recognition in an acceptance area (in the sense of the above-mentioned barcode evaluation) and a compression and / or crushing of the accepted packaging are provided.

Thus, in some of the aforementioned patents and take-back devices, identification of the recycled packages takes place according to the type, size or color of the packages, so that the packages can be distinguished as such preparatory to the mechanical further treatment (eg glass bottles of plastic bottles or cans). Sometimes, the deposit value is also indicated on the packaging by means of a barcode or label. However, none of the devices described has specially designed and trained databases with stored data pools of packaging-specific data, which by matching accesses and database comparisons comprehensive, accurate and data-based determination and classification of the packaging by origin, Pfanderzeuger (inventor of the packaging pawn), differentiated material type and permit other characteristics. Also, the previously known devices are not by multifunctional involvement in a primarily by data-based determination and classifying the packaging characterized entire system, but singularly aligned in their functioning as well as trained for mechanical processing of the packaging predominantly mechanically constructive.

For example, some of the publications in the main show, for example, which special mechanical constructions are used to pick up, fix, rotate or transport the previously sensibly sorted packages to the next station, thus treating and transporting them purely mechanically. However, such mechanical applications of packaging processing designed for special applications do not produce any additional significant results or findings, apart from mechanical devices on the materials provided, which can be utilized informatively and productively within the framework of a higher-level system. In a modern information society, however, the precise determination of the prevailing factors, properties and characteristics in the field of packaging recovery and product recycling is becoming increasingly important.

The invention has for its object to provide a device and a system for extensive automated return of disposable packaging, which allows fast, cost-effective and flexible adaptable to new developments take back and further processing.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a packaging take-back device having the features of claim 1 and according to a further aspect of the invention by a packaging take-back system having the features of claim 27.

According to essential or advantageous aspects of the invention, there is provided a partially or fully automated database-driven take-back and material separation system for beverage disposable cans which comprises detecting and reading the EAN code or other indicia on the cans in a customized reader matching access to a database, the specific Contains manufacturer and / or distributor and / or Pfanderzeugerdaten (hereinafter also: identification data) for the doses, makes a determination of origin and differentiating material and a lameness of the cans, all stored, dose-specific data and information safe and recallable stores and identifies the Doses preferably according to their differentiated material determination (packaging texture data) collects system internally separable, optionally automatically reduces the volume of doses and the determined, dose-specific data and information (identification data and optional quality data) in a computer-based data system / network (intranet) of the system and / or machine users (discounters / chain stores) for its utilization.

A further preferred embodiment of this system is adapted to non-beverage beverage cans on beverage bottles or allows (in combination) both the receipt of cans and bottles. In the design for plastic bottles is preferably an internal system and in particular automated fragmentation in the components (closure, lock ring, label, bottle body) and a system-internal separating collection of these items provided. It is understood that within the scope of the invention are also devices or systems that are tailored to other types of disposable packaging (such as so-called Tetra Paks) and can be used in the presence of appropriate legal framework conditions.

The proposed take-back and material separation system for beverage cans, in its preferred structure and operation, is described as follows:

The take-back system is provided by means for automated recognition and reading of the EAN code and / or RFI tags or the like. Identification marks on the cans (optical or electromagnetic reading device) and by means of matching access to a manufacturer and / or distributor database (interface plus classifier), for the returned cans, based on provided identity and quality data, an automated source, Pfanderzeuger- and differentiating material determination and carry out a Pfothsaxierung the cans. The database, to which automated matching access is provided, contains specific manufacturer and / or distributor and / or grower data for the cans as well as specific texture data for accurate and differentiated material determination of the cans. What is new about previous take back systems is, inter alia, the use (reading / reading) of (EAN) codes or other characteristics / features on the cans for initiating and continuing classification and deterministic database comparisons, according to which specific, stored in the databases retrievable identification and Characteristics data are assigned to the individual returned doses to their exact determination and differentiation each automated. The automated, matching access to databases created with data pools of packaging-specific data - based on an encoding or a mark / feature on the packaging - thus determines and classifies each returned packaging data-aided and comprehensive in their special features and characteristics.

Furthermore, the database-based returns and material separation system makes automated, retrievable pound taxation of beverage cans based on the code (s) collected and read as well as reconciling access to the database in a pledge calculation stage.

All ascertained, dose-specific data and information are stored in the system in an identification data store and are shown as fail-safe and retrievable. The cans are collected system internally according to their differentiated material determination in a sorter separating. The proposed return system thus causes a fast and cost-effective treatment of beverage cans.

In particular, in a processing stage, the volume of the cans is also reduced. However, this automated process is only carried out after differentiating Materialbestimmung- and separation. As a result, substance-free can materials are extracted and made available immediately for further use.

All determined, dose-specific data and information are fed into a computer-aided data system / network (intranet) the system and / or machine user (discounters / chain stores) for its utilization.

Furthermore, all dose-specific data (dose origin, material) and the deposit value of the doses are determined quickly and effectively and saved as retrievably recoverable. As a result, the redemption system is always up-to-date transparency and comprehensive use in its database. Thus, the present system also has a novel, informative preparatory criterion for the further recycling processes to be carried out on the cans.

The present system is an open, extensible and modifiable system open to new system users, as well as to new producers and / or distributors of beverage disposable cans, characterized by flexibility and by simplifying standardization of take-back processes.

The proposed system for plastic refill bottles, in its preferred structure and operation, which is similar to that of the can system described above, is as follows:

The take-back system is provided by means for automated recognition and reading of the EAN code and / or RFI tags or the like. Markings on the bottles and by means for matching access to a database with a data pool of bottle-specific identification and quality data able to make an automated origin, type and Pfanderzeugerbestimmung and a differentiating material determination (plastic type) for the returned bottles. The database contains specific identification data relating to the manufacturer and / or distributor of the bottle (origin), the type of bottle (disposable or returnable bottle) and the producer of the Pfander as the guarantor of the packaging deposit. Furthermore, the database in its data pool provides specific consistency data, by which the material of the bottle and its individual elements (Bottle corpus, closure, closure ring, label) is determined, classified and differentiated during the automated packaging withdrawal.

Unlike previous take-back systems and take-back devices, the special combination of external codes, characteristics and features on the packages with databases which provide specially created pools of packaging-specific data is first of all accessible. Trademarks or features made automated for the purpose of accurately classifying and determining the particular recycled packaging. In previous releases for take-back systems or take-back devices, no mention is made of databases with specially designed packaging-specific data pools, as well as database comparisons (matching accesses) which are placed on the packages in a special relationship to a code, tag or feature and thereby used for data-driven determination and classification purposes , These specially designed and interconnected system elements as well as their particularly coordinated functionalities provide the system participants with versatile advantages and possibilities of use, which include mere identification or simple distinction of the packaging according to its type (eg can, glass or plastic bottle) or size or their receipt and machine further processing. This fulfills the requirements for a modern, transparent and data-driven take-back system for beverage packaging, which has flexibility and constant relevance.

Furthermore, the present database-driven returns and material separation system makes automated retrieval of the bottles from the collected and read codes as well as reconciling access to the database.

All ascertained, bottle-specific data and information are stored in the system in a power failure-proof and retrievable manner. The bottles will be automated and system-internally divided into their individual elements (closure, lock ring, label, bottle body). These individual elements are then collected separately within the system.

The specific bottle data and information determined on the basis of the code and by matching access to the database are subsequently admitted via a suitable interface to a computer-aided data system / network (intranet) of the system and / or machine user (discounter / chain store) its recovery fed. This is a versatile, continuously updated take-back system.

Optionally by the system, the origin of the bottle, the bottle type, the bottle material (type of plastic) and the deposit of the bottles based on a in the bottle body (liquid container) already embossed typical manufacturer and / or distributor feature and by matching access to a manufacturer and / or Distributor database.

By the o.g. Aspects, the system always has up-to-date transparency and a comprehensive, versatile use. This saves time and money. The already system-internal and automated dividing the bottles into their individual elements as well as the automated separation of these individual elements produces directly material-free plastic materials.

A preferred system configuration from the current point of view is shown in the single figure. This is in principle self-explanatory due to its labeling, but is additionally explained below:

In the two specifications mentioned here, the system is based on a central registration office for "Pfanderzeuger". Manufacturers and distributors of plastic bottles and disposable cans register at this registration point and provide their bottle and dose-specific core data, which are stored in a central database. The bottle and dose specific identification and other data refer to the designation of the manufacturer of the bottle or can, of the distributor and / or grower, a code or RFI tag on the products, the type of material (type of plastic, aluminum, tinplate), the color of the bottle, the closure and the respective deposit amounts.

The database is kept up-to-date by registering new Pfanderzeuger in the central registration office, whose core data are then added to the central database, or by registering the relevant data of newly developed disposable packaging.

The installation and use of a central database for beverage producers, distributors and Pfanderzeuger with special data pools, through which the system via special data paths and data connections is continuously modified, is also not found in previous publications. It proves to be advantageous that all decentralized databases in the automatic reverse vending machines are updated quickly and comprehensively from the central database (registration office), thereby providing each (new) system participant with his products with a market-wide presence in a short time. Furthermore, the participants are provided with the same and rapid access to the system by recording and registering specific identification and quality data in the central database and enabling cost-effective, flexible and efficient participation in the system.

Another essential component of the return system are the redemption devices, which are also referred to here as redemption and material separation machines, each of which contains its own memory ("internal database" or identification and / or condition data memory). These databases of the machines are - via data / telecommunication lines or possibly a wireless network or wirelessly and wirelessly - in connection with the intranet of the machine users (discounters / chain stores) and complete with their database for a given occasion, a data exchange. The respective intranet of the machine user is connected via data paths and a data network interface or a gateway in connection with the central database of the registration office.

Thus, a data transfer from the central database of the registration office via the respective intranet of the machine user to the databases in the machine take place. This data path is of considerable importance because it allows the databases in all decentralized automated systems to be updated in a very short space of time, comprehensively, and supplied with new, bottle-specific core data. Thus, the database of each machine can always be aligned in terms of content of the database of the central database, so that all databases always have the same current status.

An essential component of the return systems are databases created and linked to each other, which are connected via the respective intranet of the machine user with the central data collection point.

Another significant innovation of the system in its presently preferred embodiment is that the integrated take-back machines make the existing, standardized EAN code on the bottles or cans or corresponding identification data in an RFI tag permanently attached thereto the starting point of their processes. The automated readout procedure of the standardized EAN code is universally applicable and represents another innovation in the return of disposable products. Thus, the reading of the standardized code as a significant system criterion in addition to the integration and use of databases and the establishment and use of a central data collection point.

In the proposed return system, the vending machine first determines the source and the pest producer of the bottle or can by reading the standardized code and by matching access to the database, ie their manufacturer, distributor and Pfanderzeuger is identified and identified in a record. Optionally, the bottle manufacturer, distributor and Pfanderzeuger determined by a in the bottle body (liquid container) already impressed, typical manufacturer and / or distributor feature (eg Aldi "A") and by matching access to the database.

This automatically determined source data (manufacturer / distributor) and Pfanderzeuger data of bottles and cans are sent to the intranet of the machine user (discounters / chain stores).

When matching access to the database, the EAN or other code has an access-determining, selective function. If bottles or cans are returned whose manufacturers or distributors are not listed in the database of the machine, access to the database is denied by means of a suitable blocking level, and the processes are immediately terminated without the determination of a deposit. As a result, the automated system already has an effective protection against abuse through the access-selecting function of the (EAN) code.

The developed redemption system thus - after having granted primary access to the database - initially returns the product to its manufacturer in an additional, data-aided control step, and only then assigns it, i. due to this separate, internal allocation process, as a Pfandwert. Thus, the increased security of this system mainly results from the access-determining, selective function of the EAN code, from the internal, database-supported manufacturer assignment as well as from the very difficult to manipulate registration of the Pfanderzeuger in the database.

This system effectively counteracts externally applied abuse attempts, because it is not enough to apply only a copied external feature on the products and thus simulate system conformity and Pfandwertigkeit. Thus, a high degree of security is ensured in a novel, very simple and economical way.

Furthermore, the type of material (type of plastic) and the color of the bottle body (liquid container) are determined by reading the EAN code and by matching access to the database. Also, the material type (aluminum, aluminum, etc.) is determined by the EAN code and by matching access to the database. Tinplate) of cans. Alternatively, the type of material and the bottle color are determined on the basis of a typical manufacturer and / or distributor characteristic already impressed in the bottle body and by matching access to the database.

Furthermore, the deposit value of the bottles and cans is determined by reading the standardized EAN code as well as by matching access to the database. The determination of the deposit values takes place according to the manufacturer, i. It is based on the data of the respective bottle or can manufacturer. Alternatively, the deposit values are also determined on the basis of a typical manufacturer and / or distributor characteristic already impressed in the bottle carcass and by matching access to the database.

The automatically determined deposit values of all bottles or cans entered in a return transaction are added to the totals pledge values in accordance with the manufacturer and the deposit amount is posted to a deposit account and reported. A deposit confirmation slip is created and issued for the customer, which authorizes the customer to pay out the respective deposit amount. The vendor accounts added to the vendor account are also fed into the intranet of the vending machine user (discounter / chain store) in a suitable data format and displayed at a suitable location if necessary. Thus, the discounters and chain stores receive a comprehensive list of all return and Pfänderstattungsvorgänge on their internal deposit account.

Furthermore, the number of returned bottles or cans which have been assigned to their respective manufacturers or distributors is determined. These data are also sent from the machine to the intranet of the machine user.

All automatically determined, bottle-specific data and information are continuously stored and reported internally within the system so that they can be checked and used by the machine user (discounter / chain store) at any time.

On the basis of the pledge account and the continuously updated bottle-specific data and information, the discount stores and chain stores can always track exactly how many bottles or cans from which materials were returned with which pledged amounts at which point and reimbursed as a deposit.

Furthermore, in the return devices or the return system, the bottle closures, closure rings and labels are preferably automatically separated by separation means known per se and collected in a suitable manner in suitable intermediate storage facilities. This separates the substance-free bottle body material. Finally, the volume of the fabric-free bottle carcass material is reduced and this material is collected in a data-supported manner in accordance with its deterministic type of plastic. For control purposes, the weight of the separated body material can be detected by weighing.

As an essential recycling intermediate, the automated take-back system thus initially produces the bottle body material separated from other bottle elements. This material can then be reduced in its fabric-free form in the volume, without causing mixing and mixing with other bottle elements (closure, lock ring, label) would be recorded. The fabric purity of the separated, already differentiated by the type of plastic bottle body material is an essential prerequisite for effective, economical and ecological recycling processes of plastic bottles.

Of particular importance for the unmixed material provision is a preferred embodiment of the proposed return devices, which is characterized by a residual content determination device for detecting residual content of the package and connected to the output ejection means for sorting out packaging lying above a predetermined threshold residual content in response to an output of the residual content determining means. Either the residual content determining means assigned to the receiving device and upstream of the reading device, or the residual content determination device is associated with the recording or sorting device and the classification device downstream such that an output signal of the classification device is used for the residual content determination. By this configuration is largely prevented that larger amounts of packaging contents ever get into the return device, so that even expensive measures for their separation from the packaging materials and their disposal can be omitted.

Also, the already data-based differentiated according to the type of material (aluminum, tinplate) and separating collected doses are preferably reduced in volume.

The proposed return system is a modern, complex and comprehensive system that offers many new features and benefits. It is essentially based on the integration and use of centralized and decentralized databases as well as the establishment and use of a central data collection point, from which a continuous updating of the system data takes place. The system is constantly up-to-date with data and information, providing flexibility and new uses.

Reading and using the standardized EAN code easily creates uniform system requirements. The system provides a high degree of safety without any special expenses (additional external labeling of the products). The installation and connection of the system elements as well as the thus facilitated matching access to the databases based on the code used solves one of the core problems in the return of disposable products, namely the determination of manufacturers, distributors and Pfanderzeuger of returned bottles and cans, so that a subsequent Make deposit compensation.

The proposed system also does justice to the fact that a manufacturer of bottles or cans does not at the same time also disclose their distributors and / or harvesters and that bottling companies can use a specific brand from several different bottle or can manufacturers and sell the products at different discounters (eg REWE and Plus) at the same time. Identification and assignment of the products solely on the basis of the brand or, if applicable, the manufacturer on the products would therefore not lead to reliable and usable results for the reasons described.

Fig. 1

eine Prinzipskizze eines Verpackungsrücknahmesystems der oben allgemein beschriebenen Art und

Fig. 2A und 2B

eine schematische Darstellung des Funktionsablaufes in einer Verpackungsrücknahmevorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

The advantages and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and aspects of the invention with reference to FIGS. From these show:

Fig. 1

a schematic diagram of a packaging return system of the type generally described above and

FIGS. 2A and 2B

a schematic representation of the functional sequence in a packaging return device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows in a self-explanatory due to the label representation of the structure of a packaging take-back system according to the invention. A more detailed explanation is not required due to the label here.

Essential aspects of preferred embodiments of the invention are as follows:

1. 1) Freigabe der Flascheneinführungsöffnung durch Start-Impuls mittels einer menügeführten Bedienoberfläche (touch-screen) sowie Eröffnung eines neuen PfandKontos. Bei fehlender Einführung von Flaschen innerhalb eines definierten (definierbaren) zeitlichen Intervalls erfolgt der registrierte und abrufbar gespeicherte Abschluss des Prozesses und die Schließung der Flascheneinführungsöffnung.
2. 2) Aufnahme und Fixierung der rückgeführten Flaschen durch eine drehbare Aufnahme- und Fixierungsvorrichtung zur Bestimmung der Restmenge an Flüssigkeit (Restinhaltsbestimmung) sowie ggf. Erfassung systemfremder Materialien (Glas etc.) durch Gewichtsbestimmung (Abwiegen) und/oder eine im System vorgesehenen Kennung an der Flasche.
3. 3) Determination und vormerkende Kategorisierung der Flaschen als systemkonform bei Fehlen systemfremder Materialien und/oder Vorhandensein einer systemkonformen Kennung und nur geringem Restinhalt oder als nicht systemkonform bei Vorliegen systemfremder Materialien, Fehlen einer systemkonformen Kennung und/oder zu hohem Restinhalt, mit abrufbarer Speicherung dieser Determinationen und vormerkenden Kategorisierungen in Dateiform.
4. 4) Analyse der Flaschen-Herkunft, gerichtet auf Identifikation und Ausweisung des Herstellers und/oder Vertreibers und damit insbesondere auch des Pfand-Erhebers, anhand des EAN-Codes auf den Flaschen sowie durch abgleichenden Zugriff auf eine Datenbank, welche spezifische Hersteller- und/oder Vertreiberdaten enthält.
5. 5) Determination und vormerkende Kategorisierung von Flaschen als systemkonform, deren Hersteller- und/oder Vertreiberdaten in der Datenbank enthalten waren/sind oder als nicht systemkonform, wenn deren Hersteller- und/oder Vertreiberdaten nicht in der Datenbank enthalten waren/sind (alternativ zu 3), oder auch kumulativ damit.
6. 6) Abrufbare Speicherung der ermittelten (ermittelbaren) Flaschen-Daten sowie die abrufbare Speicherung der Determinationen und Kategorisierungen, ggf. einschließlich technischer Daten der Flaschen (Volumen, Gewicht etc.).
7. 7) Einspeisung dieser Daten in ein computergestütztes Datensystem/Netzwerk (Intranet) des Automaten-Verwenders (Discounters/Filialisten).
8. 8) Die Bestimmung (Determination) der Kunststoffart und ggf. auch -farbe des Flaschen-Corpus anhand des EAN-Codes auf den Flaschen sowie durch abgleichenden Zugriff auf eine Datenbank, welche spezifische, vom Hersteller und/oder Vertreiber eingespeiste Daten enthält, mit abgrenzender Differenzierung der jeweils determinierten Kunststoffart von anderen Kunststoffarten sowie deren vormerkende Kategorisierung.
9. 9) Abrufbare Speicherung dieser Determinationen und Kategorisierungen in Datensätzen.
10. 10) Bestimmung der Einzel-Pfandwerte der als systemkonform determinierten und kategorisierten Flaschen anhand des EAN-Codes sowie durch abgleichenden Zugriff auf eine Hersteller- und/oder Vertreiber-Datenbank.
11. 11) Addition der einzelnen Pfandwerte und Verbuchen der Pfandwert-Summe auf dem aktuellen Pfandkonto.
12. 12) Erstellung und Ausgabe eines Pfandwert-Konto-Beleges, welcher den Stand des aktuellen Pfandkontos ausweist.
13. 13) Einspeisen der Daten in ein computergestütztes Datensystem/Netzwerk (Intranet) des Automaten-Verwenders (Discounters/Filialisten).
14. 14) Aussonderung sowie Auswurf der als nicht systemkonform determinierten und kategorisierten Flaschen, d.h. Flaschen aus systemfremden Materialien (Glasflaschen etc.), Flaschen ohne datenbankgestützte Herkunftsbestimmung, Mehrwegflaschen und/oder Flaschen mit zu hoher Restmenge an Flüssigkeit.
15. 15) Abtrennung der Flaschen-Verschlüsse und Verschlussringe vom Flaschenhals.
16. 16) Weiterleitung und separierende Sammlung der Flaschen-Verschlüsse und Verschlussringe.
17. 17) Auffangen und, optional, auch Ableiten geringer Restmengen von in der Flasche noch befindlicher Flüssigkeit.
18. 18) Abtrennung, Weiterleitung und separierende Sammlung der Flaschen-Etiketten.
19. 19) Volumenreduzierung des stoffreinen Flaschen-Corpus-Materials; optional als separierende Sammlung des volumenreduzierten Corpus-Materials entsprechend seiner jeweiligen Farbe und/oder Kunststoffart unter Verwertung der zuvor ermittelten und vormerkend gespeicherten Determinations- und Kategorisierungs-Daten.
20. 20) Einschaltung und Nutzung einer oder mehrerer Leerstationen zur Kapazitätsanpassung.
21. 21) Gewichtserfassung des separiert gesammelten, stoffreinen und volumenreduzierten Flaschen-Corpus-Materials durch Abwiegen.
22. 22) Abschluss des aktuellen automatisierten Prozesses durch (manuellen) Beendigungs-Impuls mittels der Bedienoberfläche (touch-screen) oder durch das Ausbleiben weiterer Flaschen-Einführung innerhalb eines definierten (definierbaren) zeitlichen Intervalls.
23. 23) Umschaltung des Automaten in den Bereitschaftsmodus.

A database-driven take-back and material separation machine for plastic refillable bottles that can be operated by a menu-guided user interface (touch-screen) carries out the following machine-electronic processes - in a partially changeable sequence - on the returned bottles:

1. 1) Release of the bottle inlet opening by means of a start impulse by means of a menu-guided user interface (touch-screen) and the opening of a new pledge account. If bottles are not introduced within a defined (definable) time interval, the registered and retrievably stored completion of the process and the closure of the bottle introduction opening takes place.
2. 2) receiving and fixing the recirculated bottles by a rotatable receiving and fixing device for determining the residual amount of liquid (residual content determination) and possibly detection of non-systemic materials (glass, etc.) by weight (weighing) and / or provided in the system identifier at the Bottle.
3. 3) Determination and preemptive categorization of the bottles as system conforming in the absence of non-systemic materials and / or presence of a system-conformant identifier and low residual content or as non-system conformant in the presence of non-systemic materials, lack of a system-conformant identifier and / or excessive residual content, with retrievable storage of these determinations and flagging categorizations in file form.
4. 4) Analysis of the bottle origin, directed to identification and designation of the manufacturer and / or distributor and thus in particular also of the pledge raiser, on the basis of the EAN code on the bottles and by matching access to a database, which specific manufacturer and / or or distributor data.
5. 5) Determination and preemptive categorization of bottles as system compliant, whose manufacturer and / or distributor data were / are in the database or are not system compliant if their manufacturer and / or distributor data were / are not included in the database (alternatively to 3 ), or cumulatively.
6. 6) Recallable storage of the ascertained (ascertainable) bottle data as well as the retrievable storage of the determinations and categorisations, if necessary including technical data of the bottles (volume, weight, etc.).
7. 7) feeding this data into a computer-based data system / network (intranet) of the machine user (discounter / chain store).
8. 8) The determination (determination) of the plastic type and, where applicable, color of the bottle corpus by the EAN code on the bottles and by matching access to a database containing specific data supplied by the manufacturer and / or distributor, with delimiting Differentiation of the respectively determined type of plastic from other types of plastic as well as their pre-categorization.
9. 9) Recallable storage of these determinations and categorizations in records.
10. 10) Determination of the individual deposit values of the bottles determined and categorized as system-compliant on the basis of the EAN code as well as by matching access to a manufacturer and / or distributor database.
11. 11) Addition of the individual deposit values and posting of the deposit amount on the current deposit account.
12. 12) Creation and issue of a deposit account receipt showing the status of the current deposit account.
13. 13) feeding the data into a computer-based data system / network (intranet) of the machine user (discounter / chain store).
14. 14) Separation and ejection of non-conforming and categorized bottles, ie bottles made of non-system materials (glass bottles, etc.), bottles without database-based determination of origin, refillable bottles and / or bottles with excess liquid.
15. 15) Separation of the bottle caps and closure rings from the bottleneck.
16. 16) Forwarding and separating collection of bottle closures and lock rings.
17. 17) collecting and, optionally, also diverting small residual amounts of liquid still present in the bottle.
18. 18) Separation, forwarding and separating collection of bottle labels.
19. 19) Volume reduction of the fabric-free bottle body material; optionally as a separating collection of the volume-reduced corpus material according to its respective color and / or plastic type, utilizing the previously determined and pre-memorably stored determination and categorization data.
20. 20) Switching on and using one or more empty stations for capacity adjustment.
21. 21) Weight measurement of the separated collected, fabric-free and volume-reduced bottle-corpus material by weighing.
22. 22) Completion of the current automated process by (manual) termination impulse by means of the user interface (touch-screen) or by the absence of further bottle introduction within a defined (definable) time interval.
23. 23) Switching the machine to standby mode.

As shown schematically in Figures 2A and 2B, a database-backed take-back and material separation machine for plastic refill bottles performs the following machine-electronic processes on the returned bottles, in partially changeable order:

In station 1, a start pulse issued by the operator is recorded and implemented by a menu-guided user interface (touch-screen). hereby the bottle entry opening of the machine, which is closed in the standby mode, is released and bottles can be introduced successively through the free opening into the machine. Likewise, a deposit account is opened for the current process, to which a sequential number is assigned. If no bottle introduction takes place within a defined (definable) time interval, the process is already completed at the beginning without further subsequent steps and the bottle inlet opening is closed again. Any early completion of a process is registered and stored in the form of retrievable data.

In station 2, the inserted bottles are picked up and fixed by a rotatable device. The receiving and fixing device can accommodate bottles of various sizes and shapes, fix, rotate and transport.

After fixing, the residual content of liquid in the bottles is determined (residual content determination):

Non-system materials (glass, etc.) are detected by weight determination (weighing).

In the absence of materials that are foreign to the system and with only little residual content, the bottle is determined as system-conforming and categorized.

Bottles of non-system material and / or too high residual content are determined to be non-conforming to the system and categorized as premixing.

These determinations and categorizations are stored in data form. The bottles are forwarded to the next station.

In station 3, the origin of the bottles, ie the identity of the manufacturer and / or distributor, is determined by recognizing and reading the EAN code on the bottles and by matching access to a database. The database contains specific manufacturer and / or distributor data for the bottles and is henceforth referred to as the "database".

The database may be contained in the machine itself, externally created and / or integrated into a take-back system.

If the database contains specific manufacturer and / or distributor data on the origin of the bottle currently being treated, this bottle is determined as system-conforming and categorized. If the database does not contain specific manufacturer and / or distributor data for the currently treated bottle, then this bottle is determined to be non-compliant and categorized as not conforming to the system.

Optionally, the bottle origin is determined on the basis of a bottle-corpus (liquid container) already firmly embossed typical manufacturer and / or distributor feature and by matching access to the database and a retrievable storage of this source data / information made.

The data / information on the origin of the bottle as well as the determinations and categorisations obtained from the EAN code on the bottles and by matching access to the database are stored in data form.

Optionally, the determined and stored origin data are fed into a computer-aided data system (intranet) of the machine user (discounter / chain store).

Further, at station 3, the bottles are determined to be disposable or refillable bottles and categorized by the EAN code on the bottles and by matching access to the database. Disposable bottles are determined as system-compliant, returnable bottles as non-conforming to the system and categorized as pre-labeling.

These determinations and categorizations are stored in data form.

Furthermore, in station 3, the type of plastic of the bottle body is determined by the EAN code on the bottles and by matching access to the database. Optionally, the type of plastic is determined by means of a typical manufacturer and / or distributor characteristic already impressed in the bottle corpus, as well as by matching access to the database. In the two above-mentioned analysis and determination processes, a differentiation of the respectively determined type of plastic from other types of plastic is thus made. The determined type of plastic of the bottle corpus is categorized as separating and earmarking. These determinations and categorizations are stored in data form.

Furthermore, bottles are categorized according to their bottle color on the basis of the EAN code on the bottles as well as by matching access to the database, which contains specific manufacturer and / or distributor data differentiated and earmarked. This differentiating, earmarking categorization is stored in data form.

Station 3 also uses the EAN code to determine the wrong deposit as well as matching access to a manufacturer and / or distributor database for the individual deposit value of each bottle determined and categorized as system-compliant. The individual deposit values of all system-compliant bottles treated in the current process are added together. The deposit amount is posted to the current deposit account. This information is retrievably stored in data form and - optionally - fed into a computerized data system (intranet) of the machine user (discounters / chain stores). A numerical deposit account slip is created and issued, which shows the final summary balance of the current deposit account. The bottles are forwarded to the next station.

In station 4, the rejection and ejection of those bottles, which were determined to be non-compliant and categorized as non-conforming to the system, takes place. These may be bottles made of non-system material (glass etc.), bottles without database-based determination of origin, returnable bottles and / or bottles with too high residual content. System-compliant, ie largely emptied disposable plastic bottles are forwarded to the next station.

In station 5 existing bottle closures are separated from the bottleneck. The bottle closures are forwarded and collected separately. The locking rings are separated from the neck, forwarded and collected separately. Small residual amounts of liquid from the bottle are collected and - optionally - also derived. The bottle corpus with label will be forwarded to the next station.

In station 6, the bottle labels are separated, forwarded and collected separately. The fabric-free bottle body material separated from the closure, closure ring and label is forwarded to the next station.

In station 7, the volume of the fabric-free bottle body material is reduced. Optionally, the separating collection of the volume-reduced corpus material takes place according to its color or its respective type of plastic, utilizing the previously determined and stored determination and categorization data.

In station 8, one or more empty stations for capacity adaptation are optionally switched on and used in the current process.

In station 9, the separately collected, substance-free and volume-reduced bottle corpus material is optionally recorded by weighing.

The current automated process is completed by (manual) termination impulse by means of the touch screen or by the absence of further bottle introduction within a defined (definable) time interval. The machine is switched to standby mode.

The database-supported take-back and material separation machine for plastic bottles has the following changes compared to the previous take-back machines for plastic bottles.

The functioning of the machine explained above by way of example is essentially based on automatically recording and reading the EAN code on the returned bottles and matching this data / information by accessing a database containing specific manufacturer and / or distributor data for the bottles. The collection and reading of the EAN code as well as the automated comparison of a database for the determination of all specific data (bottle origin, bottle type, material / plastic type, pledge value) of the returned bottles has not yet been made in the previous take-back machines.

All automatically determined bottle data are evaluated by the machine, stored in a retrievable and usable way and at the same time made the basis of its further automated processes. Thus, the automatic redemption machine works in a very confined, flexible and variable way, as it continuously recurs and utilizes operational data.

On the basis of the determined bottle data, the machine is independently capable of recognizing and separating non-system materials, independently performing recognition, determination, separation, differentiation and categorization processes, performing an automated division of the bottles into their individual elements and collecting these substance-free individual elements separately. This comprehensive, versatile operation of the take-back and material separation machine for plastic bottles is also novel and not found in other take-back machines.

Furthermore, the automaton produces substance-free, separately collected individual elements such as the bottle closures, closure rings, labels and the bottle corpus (liquid container) and thus already assumes an essential, preparatory step for the further recycling processes within the machine.

This criterion is also novel for a take-back vending machine for plastic bottles.

All automatically determined, bottle-specific data can be fed into a computer-aided data system / network (intranet) of the machine user (discounter / chain store). Thus, the machine provides in a novel way, a comprehensive and independently determined data fund that he himself continuously modified, updated and offers to the machine user for recovery.

Finally, the machine can be universally integrated into existing or yet to be developed return systems of plastic bottles.

Claims (29)

Disposable packaging take-out device having an optically readable code and / or RFI tag attached thereto, comprising: a receiving device designed to receive different packages, a reading device associated with the recording device, which is designed to read the codes and / or RFID tags and to decrypt identification data contained therein, a classifier downstream of the reader for classifying received packages based on a comparison evaluation of the read identifier data with a plurality of sets of stored identifier data and / or package constitutional data obtained from the identifier data with a plurality of sets of stored package personality data; - One of the receiving device downstream sorting device with a plurality of packaging outputs for sorting the recorded packages in response to an output of the Classifier. Packaging return device according to claim 1, characterized by a database interface for providing packaging texture data from a packaging database. Packaging return device according to claim 2, characterized in that the database interface is connected on the input side to the reading device for receiving read identification data and / or on the output side to the classification device for outputting packaging data associated with the identification data. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a data network interface for the transmission of read identification data and / or data derived therefrom in a vending machine-external data network. Packaging return device according to claim 4, characterized in that the classification device is followed by a counter for the ordered count of received packaging depending on their classification. Packaging return device according to claim 5, characterized in that the counter means, in particular power failure-proof, latching means for latching the count values in response to a control signal, in particular timing signal, and optionally for buffering the associated identification data is connected downstream. Packaging return device according to claim 4 and claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the foreign network interface is connected to the output of the counter for the current output of the count values or to the output of the buffer means for discontinuous output of the buffer contents. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of respective processing stages downstream of an output of the sorting device for processing the sorted packaging depending on the identification data and / or packaging texture data derived therefrom. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the design for receiving, classifying and sorting plastic returnable bottles. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the design for receiving, classifying and sorting beverage cans. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading device for reading EAN codes and the classification device for storing and processing are formed. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading device for reading proprietary codings, in particular of a incorporated in the surface of the package or applied to this manufacturer or dealer mark is formed. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the classification means comprises an internal identification data memory for the tabular storage of a plurality of identification data records in association with associated packaging condition data. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a deposit calculation stage downstream of the classification device for calculating the deposit amount applicable to a received packaging as a function of the output signal of the classification device. Packaging return device according to claim 14, characterized in that the deposit calculation stage has an internal deposit memory for storing deposit values in association with identification data. Packaging return device according to claim 14 and one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the deposit calculation stage is formed on the input side with the database interface for receiving deposit value data from the packaging database. Packaging return device according to one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the counter and optionally the deposit calculation stage connected to the output of the classification device blocking member for inhibiting a count and deposit calculation in the absence of identification data on the packaging or mismatch of read identification data with internally or centrally stored identification data upstream. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deposit calculation stage is followed by a summation stage for, in particular multi-stage, calculation of sum deposit values in dependence on predetermined control signals. A packaging return device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a display unit for displaying packaging condition data and / or counts and / or deposit values of received packages in response to predetermined display control signals. Packaging return device according to one of claims 8 to 19, characterized in that the processing stages have means for reducing the volume of the received packages. Packaging return device according to one of claims 8 to 20, characterized in that the processing stages comprise means for separating and separate intermediate storage of packaging components. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of collecting containers each sorted downstream of an outlet of the sorting device and optionally in each case one processing stage for collecting sorted packaging or packaging parts. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading device comprises an optical and / or electromagnetic sensor device with a sensing the entire recorded packaging sensing range such that it reads anywhere on the packaging code or RFI is read and / or for detecting / Capture other characteristics and features is formed on the packaging. Packaging return device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a residual content determination device for detecting residual content of the packaging and an output device connected to the ejection means for sorting out packaging with a residual value lying above a predetermined threshold in response to an output signal of the residual content determination device. Packaging return device according to claim 24, characterized in that the residual content determination device associated with the receiving device and the reading device is connected upstream. Packaging return device according to claim 24, characterized in that the residual content determination device associated with the receiving or sorting device and the classification device downstream is such that an output of the residual content determination classifier is used. A package return system comprising a plurality of package return devices according to any one of claims 2 to 26, characterized in that the package return devices are connected on an intranet to an intranet database serving as a packaging database for providing up-to-date identification data (manufacturer, distributor and grower data) and / or specific packaging texture data and optional deposit values and / or as an evaluation database for the evaluation of calculated counts or deposit values. Packaging return system according to claim 27, characterized in that the intranet is a gateway for connection to a central database, are stored in the packaging texture data in association with identification data and / or counts and / or sum pledges from multiple intranets centrally, or an external data network having. Packaging return system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the intranet is designed as a WLAN or in a mobile network, in particular according to WAP or UMTS standard, realized.

Images