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EP2482257A1 - Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Erkennen von charakteristischen Merkmalen von Leergutbehältern - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Erkennen von charakteristischen Merkmalen von Leergutbehältern Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2482257A1
EP2482257A1 EP11009190A EP11009190A EP2482257A1 EP 2482257 A1 EP2482257 A1 EP 2482257A1 EP 11009190 A EP11009190 A EP 11009190A EP 11009190 A EP11009190 A EP 11009190A EP 2482257 A1 EP2482257 A1 EP 2482257A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
empty container
support element
support
drive shaft
empty
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11009190A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lioubov Jokhovets
Stephan Springsguth
Axel Fischer
Jörn Förster
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Original Assignee
Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/012,405 external-priority patent/US8471165B2/en
Application filed by Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH filed Critical Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
Publication of EP2482257A1 publication Critical patent/EP2482257A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for recognizing characteristic features of an empty container having at least one planar support element on which the empty container can be placed on a contact surface of the support element with a lateral surface of said container, having a carrier to carry the empty container and having at least one optical sensor to detect at least one characteristic feature of an empty container and having a transport/sorting apparatus that removes and sorts the empty containers following detection of the at least one feature.
  • the invention further relates to a method for recognizing characteristic features of an empty container, wherein a lateral surface of the empty container is scanned by means of an optical sensor and wherein the empty container is guided during the scanning with a lateral surface on a supporting element while rotating about its longitudinal axis.
  • Standard automated reverse vending machines have an input module to accept empty containers, for example bottles and/or beverage cans.
  • the empty container inserted is transported to an identification module by a transport module.
  • the empty container is rotated in the identification module with the aid of additional drives so that any identifying features applied to the empty container, e.g. barcode, deposit symbol and/or other special features, can be ascertained by means of an optical sensor.
  • At least one sensor for instance a barcode reader and/or a camera, is mounted on the device to determine the identifying features. Several sensors can be provided for determining different features.
  • the empty container is taken to a sorting module from the identification module by a further transport module.
  • the empty container is taken to one of several possible conveyor elements that guide the empty to collecting stations, depending on the identifying features determined by the sensors.
  • Optional provision can be made in addition for the empty containers to be fed to a compacting module to reduce volume.
  • Devices of this type are also described as crushers.
  • the input module has a drop channel formed from two curved rods via which the empty container inserted through an input opening in an outer wall of the reverse vending machine is taken to the transport module located below the input opening. At the end of the drop channel facing the transport module, the input module has guide means that ensure that the empty container is placed in a standing position on the adjacent transport module.
  • the transport module is configured in essence as a horizontally oriented endless conveyor belt.
  • An identification module for reverse vending machines is known from DE 10 2008 018 796 A1 in which empty containers conveyed in a standing position on a transport belt are scanned by an optical sensor.
  • a stationary plate-shaped support element is provided above the transport belt that is aligned perpendicular to the section of the transport belt receiving the empty container and forms an acute angle to the direction of transportation.
  • the standing empty containers being conveyed on the transport belt bear against the stationary plate as they are being transported. Because of the frictional force created between the plate and the empty container, the container is set rotating in the direction of transportation as it is being carried on the transport belt.
  • the optical sensor is located and aligned in such a manner that it scans the empty container during its rotation at the plate and thus the complete circumference of the lateral surface of the empty container is detected. In this way it can be ensured that the barcode, the deposit symbol and/or any other characteristic feature of the empty container can be identified reliably regardless of its original position relative to the optical sensor.
  • a device for sorting empty containers that are taken to the device by way of a transport module is known from DE 101 17 451 A1 .
  • the sorting device has a drive shaft extending essentially parallel to the transport direction of the empty containers above an endless conveyor belt of the transport module.
  • Sorting arms fixed against rotation are connected to the drive shaft that encompass spaced apart on both sides an empty container entering the effective area of the sorting device.
  • the sorting arms convey the empty container to one side or the other of the transport belt.
  • the empty container can thus be directed to one of two specified conveyor elements. If more than two conveyor elements are to be implemented, several sorting devices can be arranged one after the other.
  • the disadvantage of the solutions known from the prior art is that the input, transport, identification and sorting functions are realized by means of separate functional modules.
  • the functional modules represent separate structural units that are arranged one after the other and are linked to each other by means of information technology.
  • current reverse vending machines for empty containers are relatively large.
  • they are expensive to manufacture and maintain and are relatively prone to breakdowns.
  • the object of the present invention to provide an especially simple, compactly constructed and cost-effective device and a simplified method for returning empty containers.
  • an embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the carrier is formed by the at least one support element and in that the at least one support element is carried to be rotatable about an essentially horizontal drive shaft in such manner that the empty container can be brought from an input position, in which the empty container can be placed on the at least one support element, into at least one transfer position from which the empty container can be passed on to a downstream functional module.
  • An advantage of the invention is that the support element supports the empty container and simultaneously acts as carrier for the empty container. A separate transport module to carry and transport the empty container is not necessary.
  • the input module, the identification module and the transport module connecting the input module and the identification module are preferably implemented as one functional and structural unit.
  • the size of the reverse vending machine is reduced.
  • the entire device can be operated using a single drive so that substantial cost benefits result.
  • the risk of malfunctions and breakdowns diminishes since the number of components is reduced, and the data link for separate functional modules for input, transport and identification of the empty container can be dispensed with.
  • the empty container is carried so that it can roll on the support element with its lateral surface and be scanned by the optical sensor as it rotates about its longitudinal axis.
  • the lateral surface of the empty container can be detected around its entire circumference by the optical sensor.
  • the characteristic features of the empty container, its geometry, the nature of its surface and its visual material properties can be read just like a barcode and/or a deposit symbol regardless of the orientation of the empty container when it is inserted.
  • the rotation of the empty container about its longitudinal axis can take place without providing an additional drive simply on the basis of the rotational movement of the support element, against which the empty container is guided with its lateral surface so that it can roll, around the drive shaft.
  • the support elements can be rotated in the opposite direction.
  • the longitudinal axis of the empty container in the input position and/or in the transfer position is oriented parallel to the drive shaft.
  • the empty container rolls over its lateral surface as the support elements rotate about the drive shaft. This prevents the empty container from slipping or sliding along the support elements.
  • the drive shaft of the support elements can be oriented in the direction of the user at an angle between 0 and 180 degrees. The preferred orientation of the drive shaft is dependent on the downstream sorting paths, the construction and the positioning of the motor.
  • the support element carrying the empty container is located at an acute angle rotated downward in the input position and/or the transfer position.
  • the acute angle is greater than 0° and less than 45°.
  • Preferably the acute angle is greater than 0° and less than 15°.
  • the empty container, in its input position and/or the transfer position is advantageously brought into a defined stationary position as a result of the force of weight acting thereon.
  • the stationary position can be brought about mechanically, for example, by a support element itself and by a fixed retaining element. Inserting the empty container is simplified to the extent that the customer does not have to position the empty container precisely. Instead, the empty container assumes its stationary position by itself.
  • Transferring the empty container to a downstream functional module is also simplified since the position of the empty container is known exactly after it has been identified by the optical sensor. Since the empty container is brought into the input position and/or the transfer position solely due to the effect of weight, a separate drive is also not necessary so that the construction of the device can be further simplified and costs reduced.
  • the empty container in the input position and/or the transfer position can be brought into a defined stationary position as a result of the force of weight acting on it through a special geometry and alignment of the support element even without a fixed retaining element.
  • the support arms of the support element in the input position to receive an empty container are aligned symmetrically to a vertical plane running through the drive shaft.
  • the support elements can have different geometries.
  • the support element has a planar and/or curved and/or angled shape, at least in sections.
  • a planar support element is advantageous if the empty container is to roll on the support element at a predetermined rotational speed and brought from the input position into the transfer position.
  • a planar support element is additionally simple and cost-effective to produce.
  • a curved and/or angled support element provides the advantage that the empty container in the input position and/or in the transfer position and/or when bringing said container from the input position into the transfer position can be immobilized at specified locations on the support element.
  • This geometry offers at least one possible stationary position in the input position and/or transfer position without requiring additional components.
  • An angled support element makes it possible to tip an empty container that is not round in cross-section, but rectangular for example, through the rotation of the support element about its longitudinal axis and to detect an initially concealed part of the surface not detectable by the optical sensor.
  • the support element has at least two structurally identical support arms disposed offset around the drive shaft.
  • the support arms project radially from the drive shaft.
  • a support angle of 180° or less is included between adjacent support arms.
  • three structurally identical support arms can be preferably arranged offset to each other around the drive shaft at the same support angle.
  • the three support arms can have the identical radial length.
  • the support element is advantageously given the form of a rotor. For each rotation of the rotor, a number of empty containers corresponding to the number of support arms can be placed in the device, scanned in said device and moved into the transfer position. This increases the throughput of the device.
  • the support arms form an angled support element with the advantages described.
  • the dimensions of the support elements are advantageously selected such that as the empty container rotates about its longitudinal axis its entire lateral surface can be scanned using at least one, preferably fixed, optical sensor.
  • the empty container after being optically scanned, can be taken to a specified functional module, for example for collection, compacting, further transportation, return or additional processing.
  • the support element is rotated about the drive shaft clockwise or counter-clockwise at an individually selectable speed of rotation.
  • the sorting function is thereby advantageously integrated into the inventive device. As a result, provision of a separate sorting module can be dispensed with, as can a second transport module connecting the sorting module and the identification module. This measure benefits the compact size of the device.
  • the dimensions of the support arms of the support element are selected such that the empty container can be scanned around its entire circumference as the empty container rolls on the contact surface of the support element.
  • two optical sensors located offset to each other are provided.
  • the area of the surface of an empty container detected by the sensors is increased.
  • the rolling of the empty container for detecting the lateral surface, in particular the characteristic features on the lateral surface, can thus take place in a smaller area.
  • Empty containers lying or rolling on the support elements are optically scanned from different directions by the two sensors.
  • the two sensors can be aligned with their optical axes in such a way that at least a first sensor detects the empty containers specifically in the input position and at least one second sensor detects the empty containers as they roll on the support elements and/or in the transfer position.
  • the angle of rotation of the empty container for complete detection of the lateral surface is advantageously reduced compared with a previous solution by the size of the angle between the optical axes of the sensors. Since the angle of rotation is proportional to the distance covered by the empty container as it rolls, the radial length of the support arms, or the dimensions of the support element, are simultaneously reduced.
  • the device is equipped with a reflector unit which reflects light in the direction of the at least one sensor. Without the reflector unit, this light would not reach the sensor.
  • the reflector unit thus contributes to the sensor not only detecting light reflected directly from the surface of an empty container towards the sensor, but also light reflected outside an acceptance angle of the sensor centered around the optical axis of the sensor.
  • the sensor can detect, for example, not only the surface of an empty container facing it, but also the areas aligned laterally.
  • the reflector unit makes it possible to use only a single sensor.
  • the reflector unit is mounted in such a way in the detection zone or the measurement beam of the at least one optical sensor that the detection zone can be divided into partial detection zones or the measurement beam can be divided into partial measurement beams and such that the empty container can be scanned by at least two detection zones or measurement beams offset by a measurement angle with individual acceptance angles.
  • the at least one optical sensor and the reflector unit can be positioned in such a way that the detection zone or the measurement beam and/or the partial detection zones or partial measurement beams from the sensor are disposed symmetrically with respect to a plane running vertically through the drive shaft.
  • the reflector unit can have a first reflector located symmetrically with respect to this plane with two reflector segments located at an angle to each other that divide the detection zone emanating from the sensor or divide the measurement beam into two partial detection zones or partial measurement beams.
  • the reflector unit can further have two second reflectors located spaced apart and symmetrical to the center plane and the drive shaft to reflect the two partial detection zones or partial measurement beams generated at the first reflector towards the support elements.
  • the dimensions of the support elements can be further reduced if there is no requirement for scanning the entire surface or if there is a requirement for the user to align the empty container, for example in the way that the empty container is to be placed with the barcode facing up in the direction of the sensor. It is also possible to reduce the dimensions of the support element if the empty container does not have a barcode but only recognition of the shape is undertaken. In this case, the empty container is not rotated at all on account of its rotational symmetry. The dimensions of the support element can consequently be reduced to the diameter of the empty container.
  • a distance for the at least one optical sensor from the drive shaft is selected such that the measurement beam in the area of the drive shaft has a scanning field width perpendicular to the center plane that is at least twice as large as the radial length of the at least one support arm.
  • the empty container can advantageously be detected by a single, preferably fixed, optical sensor as it rotates about its longitudinal axis. As long as the scanning field width of the optical sensor corresponds to twice the radial length of the support arm and the empty container is supported in the input position at an open end of a first support arm and in the transfer position at an open end of the second support arm, the support element has the necessary minimum diameter for complete detection of the empty container.
  • the empty container is detected by the optical sensor in the input position and the transfer position.
  • the position of the empty container, or the position of the support element is continuously analyzed during the movement for identification or sorting. If all necessary features have been detected, the rotary motion, depending on the downstream sorting process, is continued for sorting, if necessary with a correction of rotational speed, or immediately discontinued. In this case, at least one change of direction is required for continued movement for sorting. This sequence considerably increases the throughput of the device.
  • the support element can be rotated back and forth or tilted in order to detect the features of the empty container.
  • This is particularly advantageous in a device in which the stationary position is ensured by the geometry of the support element in the input and/or transfer position.
  • the scanning field of the sensor extends to both sides of the axis of the stationary position. If the features cannot be detected as the support element is rotated in one direction, the direction of rotation can be changed. This rolls the empty container into the other part of the scanning field relative to the axis of the stationary position and the previously concealed part of the surface is scanned.
  • the invention can be further characterized as a method where the empty container, as the result of a rotation of the support element about an essentially horizontal drive shaft, moves by itself from an input position in which the empty container is placed on the at least one support element into one or more transfer positions in which the empty container is delivered to a downstream functional module.
  • a particular advantage of the invention is that the rotation of the empty container around its longitudinal axis takes place automatically, that is without additional drives, solely on the basis of the force of weight acting on the empty container.
  • a different partial area of the lateral surface of the empty container constantly moves into the detection zone of the optical sensor.
  • partial areas of the surface of the empty container that were initially concealed in the input position and not detected by the optical sensor are optically detected as said container rolls from the input position into the transfer position.
  • a barcode or a deposit symbol is consequently detected by the optical sensor during rotation along the support element regardless of the original orientation of the empty container in the input position.
  • the detection process is considerably simplified by dispensing with separate drives.
  • a device 1 for recognizing characteristic features of an empty container 2 that is circular in cross-section in accordance with Figures 1 a to 1 d consists essentially of a support element 4 carried rotatably on a drive shaft 3 and an optical sensor 5 located at a radial distance from the drive shaft 3.
  • a measurement beam 6 emanating from the optical sensor 5 serves to detect the empty container 2 lying against the support element 4 by means of a measurement beam 6 expanding from the optical sensor 5 towards the support element 4.
  • the device 1 is used, for example, in reverse vending machines that are set up by the retail trade to allow customers to automatically return empty containers 2 having a radius r.
  • reverse vending machines of this type after the the empty containers 2 are inserted by the customer, they first have to be taken to an identification unit. A determination is made in this identification unit whether it is a returnable empty container 2, for example a non-returnable or returnable bottle or can with a deposit, and the deposit to be paid to the customer upon the return of the empty container.
  • the empty container 2 can be taken in a downstream sorting module to one of several transport elements and/or reduced in volume in a compacter, for example crushed or shredded.
  • the process of returning empties is particularly efficient and the sales staff is relieved of a significant burden.
  • the support element 4 is constructed in the shape of a rotor and possesses three essentially structurally identical support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.
  • the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 extend radially from the drive shaft 3 and have the same radial length I so that the open ends 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 lie on a common circular path 9 oriented coaxially to the drive shaft 3.
  • the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 are disposed offset at an identical support angle y of 120°.
  • a V-shaped trough 10 is formed between two adjacent support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.
  • the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 have in addition a planar contact surface 11 in the radial direction to guide the empty container 2. To this extent, the support element 4 forms planar contact surfaces 11 in the area of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.
  • the support element 4 is configured angled down in the area of the V-shaped troughs 10.
  • the optical sensor 5 is configured, as an example, as an image-transmitting sensor (camera) or as a laser scanner.
  • the measurement beam 6 of the optical sensor 5 is configured symmetrically with respect to this center plane M.
  • the measurement beam 6 of the optical sensor 5 spreads out starting from the optical sensor 5 in the direction of the support element 4.
  • the measurement beam 6 has a scanning field width w perpendicular to the center plane M that is twice as large as the radial length I of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.
  • the distance a of the optical sensor 5 from the drive shaft secondly an acceptance angle ⁇ of the measurement beam 6 are available. It generally holds that with a smaller acceptance angle ⁇ , the distance a from sensor 5 to drive shaft 3 has to be increased. With an increasing acceptance angle ⁇ , the distance a can be reduced.
  • Typical acceptance angles ⁇ of commercial optical sensors lie in the range between 0° and 120°, for example 30° or 60°.
  • the method for ascertaining the characteristic features of the empty container 2 is as follows: The empty container 2 is placed in a basic position of the device 1 in accordance with Figure 1 with an lateral surface 12 of said container on the contact surface 11 of a first support arm 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 of the support element 4 facing the optical sensor 5.
  • the support element 4 is positioned so that the first support arm 7.1 is located rotated down at an acute angle ⁇ from the horizontal.
  • Acute angle ⁇ is greater than 0° and smaller than 45°.
  • Preferably acute angle ⁇ is greater than 0° and smaller than 15°.
  • the empty container 2 can be placed manually by a customer at any position on first support arm 7.1 through a recess in a housing of the device 1, which is not shown.
  • the empty container 2 Because of the force of weight (gravity) acting on the empty container 2, the empty container 2 is moved automatically in the direction of the open end 8.1 of the first support arm 7.1 until the empty container 2 is stopped stationary in an input position (first stationary position) against a first fixed retaining element 13.1 of the reverse vending machine.
  • the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 is lying on the contact surface 11 of the first support arm 7.1 facing the optical sensor 5 and against the first fixed retaining element 13.1.
  • a longitudinal axis 14 of the empty container 2 is arranged oriented parallel to the drive shaft 3.
  • the support element 4 is rotated counter-clockwise around the drive shaft 3 by a drive (not shown).
  • a drive not shown
  • the empty container 2 moves automatically and while rotating about its longitudinal axis 14 from the open end 8.1 of the first support element 7.1 in the direction of the drive shaft 3.
  • the empty container 2 reaches the V-shaped trough 10 between the first support arm 7.1 and a second support arm 7.2 at a time when both the first support arm 7.1 and the second support arm 7.2 are positioned above the drive shaft 3.
  • Support element 4 is rotated further in a counter-clockwise direction until the second support arm 7.2 in accordance with Figure 1d is positioned below the drive shaft 3 and includes an acute angle ⁇ with the horizontal.
  • the acute angle ⁇ is greater than 0° and smaller than 45°, preferably greater than 0° and smaller than 15°.
  • Acute angle ⁇ and acute angle ⁇ can be chosen to be equal.
  • the empty container 2 moves out of the V-shaped trough 10 in the direction of the open end 8.2 of second support arm 7.2. As it does so, it rotates about its longitudinal axis 14 and reaches a transfer position (second stationary position) as soon as it is lying with its lateral surface 12 against the second, similarly fixed retaining element 13.2.
  • a transfer position second stationary position
  • support element 4 is required to rotate through less than 90°.
  • the empty container 2 can be taken to a downstream functional module (not shown), for example, a transport module having at least one conveyor element 27 or a compacter or at least one collection bin 23, 24,25, 26. (see, Figures 5-7 )
  • the rotational speed of the empty container 2 about its longitudinal axis 14 matches the angular velocity of support element 4 rotating about drive shaft 3 for as long as the empty container 2 is immobile against the open ends 8.1, 8.2 of support arms 7.1, 7.2 or in the V-shaped trough 10 and there is no relative motion with respect to support element 4.
  • the rotation of the empty container 2 about its longitudinal axis 14 is added to the rotary motion of support element 4 about the drive shaft 3. Consequently, the rotational speed of the empty container 2 is greater than the angular velocity of support element 4.
  • the support element 4 has a dual function when an empty container 2 is detected. First, it acts as a support surface on which the empty container 2 lies while rotating about its longitudinal axis 14. In addition, the support element 4 carries the empty container 2 so that a separate carrier, for example a transport belt is not required.
  • the empty container 2 is detected by the optical sensor 5 regardless of its position on support element 4.
  • the radial length I of the support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 can be selected such that the surface 12 of the empty container 2 is detected by the optical sensor 5 around its full circumference.
  • the minimum required radial length of the support arm 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 is defined by the ratio of the product of Pi ( ⁇ ) to the maximum radius r of the largest empty container 2 accepted and to the angular rotation required to detect the complete circumference of the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 on the one hand, and to 360° on the other.
  • the empty container 2 being carried on the support element 4 can be scanned by two optical sensors 5, 15.
  • the optical sensors 5, 15 are located symmetrically with regard to the center plane M on both sides of said plane.
  • the optical sensors 5, 15 and the partial measurement beams 16.1, 16.2 emanating from the sensors 5, 15 are located offset by a measurement angle ⁇ .
  • the measurement angle ⁇ is greater than 0° and smaller than 180°, preferably greater than 20° and smaller than 150°, and in a particularly preferred embodiment greater than 60° and smaller than 120°.
  • the empty container 2 is brought along first support arm 7.1 and second support arm 7.2 from the input position to the transfer position as said container rotates about its longitudinal axis.
  • the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 is detected in the area of the open end 8.1 of first support arm 7.1 by partial measurement beam 16.1 of first optical sensor 5 and in the area of the open end 8.2 of second support arm 7.2 by partial measurement beam 16.2 of second optical sensor 15.
  • the surface 12 of the empty container 2 is detected by the two partial measurement beams 16.1, 16.2 of optical sensors 5, 15.
  • the empty container 2 can be scanned particularly advantageously and in a simple manner by the two partial measurement beams 16.1, 16.2.
  • a greater part of the surface 12 can be registered because of the measurement angle ⁇ between the sensors 5, 15 without any rotation.
  • the angle of rotation of the empty container 2 needed for complete detection of the lateral surface 12 is reduced by the measurement angle ⁇ between the two partial measurement beams 16.1, 16.2. Since the angle of rotation is proportional to the distance covered by the empty container 2 rolling on support element 4, the radial length I of support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, or the dimensions of support element 4, are reduced at the same time.
  • FIG. 2a and 2b offers a further advantage in the detection of non-rolling empty containers 17, which are quadratic in cross-section, for example.
  • the empty container 17, which is square in cross-section slides from the input position in the direction of the V-shaped trough 10 between first support arm 7.1 and second support arm 7.2 placing a first lateral face 18 against the contact surface 11 of the first support arm 7.1.
  • a second lateral face 18.2 of the empty container 17 can be scanned by first sensor 5 alone.
  • a third lateral face 18.3 of the empty container 17 is rotated into partial measurement beam 16.1 of first sensor 5 such that a third lateral face of the empty container 17 can be scanned by first sensor 5.
  • the empty container 17 reaches the V-shaped trough 10 ( Figure 3c ) and tilts in the direction of second support arm 7.2 as a result of the force of weight acting upon it as soon a center of gravity of the empty container 17 passes the center plane M ( Figure 3d ).
  • a fourth lateral face 18.4 of the empty container 17 comes into the effective range of partial measurement beam 16.2 of second sensor 15.
  • first lateral face 18.1 which initially lay against contact surface 11 of first support arm 7.1 and could not be detected optically, comes into the detection zone of second partial measurement beam 18.2 of second optical sensor 15.
  • FIG. 4 An alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 4 provides for a reflector unit 19 to be mounted in the partial measurement beam 6 of optical sensor 5.
  • the reflector unit 19 consists of a first reflector 20 and two second reflectors 21.1, 21.2.
  • First reflector 20 is located like sensor 5 in the center plane M and is made up of two reflector segments 20.1, 20.2 arranged angled towards one another.
  • the angled reflector segments 20.1, 20.2 of first reflector 20 serve to divide the measurement beam 6 emanating from optical sensor 5 into two partial measurement beams 22.1, 22.2 which, like the original measurement beam 6, spread out symmetrically with respect to center plane M.
  • the two partial measurement beams 22.1, 22.2 strike the second reflectors 21.1, 21.2 and are reflected from there towards support element 4.
  • the partial measurement beams 22.1, 22.2 include the measurement angle ⁇ '.
  • Second reflectors 21.1, 21.2 are located in such a way between the sensor and the support element and laterally spaced apart from the center plane M that at least first partial measurement beam 22.1 scans the empty container 2 in the input position and at least second partial measurement beam 22.2 scans the empty container 2 in the transfer position.
  • the reflector solution in accordance with Figure 4 corresponds to the dual-sensor solution in accordance with Figures 2a and 2b . Since, however, only one sensor 5 is provided that is located in the center plane M, the dimensions of the device 1 can be further reduced compared with the dual-sensor solution. For example, it has been possible to reduce a width b to less than 300 mm and a height t to less than 600 mm by using the reflector solution.
  • the radial length of support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 in the dual-sensor solution from Figures 2a and 2b and the reflector solution from Figure 4 can be reduced by the ratio of the product of Pi to the measurement angle ⁇ , ⁇ ' and the radial length I on the one hand, and 360° on the other.
  • the length I of support arms 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 at the measurement angle ⁇ , ⁇ ' of 120° is reduced by one third and at the measurement angle ⁇ , ⁇ ' of 60° by one sixth.
  • the device 1 can implement a sorting function.
  • the empty container 2 is taken from the transfer position to the specified collection bin 23, there is a total number of four collection bins 23, 24, 25, 26. If support element 4 is rotated slowly from the transfer position in a counter-clockwise direction around the drive shaft 3, the empty container 2 goes to the first collection bin 23.
  • second support arm 7.2 acting as a carrier for the empty container 2 is rotated away under the empty container 2 so that the empty container 2 is no longer carried by support element 4 and falls into the second collection bin 24 as a result of the force of weight acting on said container.
  • second support arm 7.2 passes the horizontal, the empty container 2 rolls from the open end 8.2 of second support arm 7.2 towards the V-shaped trough 10 and is finally stopped there.
  • the empty container 2 goes to the third collection bin 25, which can be configured, for example, as a return tray for non-returnable empty containers 2 and can be located facing the customer. If support element 4 is rotated quickly in a clockwise direction instead after reaching the V-shaped trough 10, the empty container 2 goes into the fourth collection bin 26.
  • Figure 6 shows a further possibility of implementing the sorting function.
  • support element 4 of which only support arm 7.2 relevant to operation is drawn in here, is initially rotated in a clockwise direction.
  • the empty container rolls from the open end 8.2 of support arm 7.2 towards the V-shaped trough 10 and is retained here.
  • support element 4 is rotated counter-clockwise such that the empty container 2, depending on the rotational speed of support element 4 and the final angular position of said element, is taken to a predetermined collection bin, one of the three bins 23, 24, 25 located on a common side of center plane M.
  • the weight and size of the empty container 2 can be determined and used to set the rotational speed.
  • the scanned empty container 2 can be taken to a conveyor element 27 represented by a conveyor belt, a conveyor slide or similar, in accordance with Figure 7 .
  • a different number of conveyor elements 27 and/or collection bins 23, 24, 25, 26 can be provided.
  • collection bins 23, 24, 25, 26 and conveyor elements 27 can be combined in a common array.
  • the input position can be assumed in the V-shaped trough 10 instead of at an open edge 8.1 of first support arm 7.1.
  • the empty container 2 is positioned in the device 1 by the customer in such a way that its barcode and/or deposit symbol is turned towards optical sensor 28.
  • Optical sensor 28 is designed so that it detects the part of the lateral surface 12 of the empty container 2 with a small scanning field.
  • support element 4 is rotated counter-clockwise in a known way.
  • the empty container 2 detaches itself from the V-shaped trough 10 as soon as second support arm 7.2 has passed the horizontal and is located below the drive shaft 3.
  • the container moves while rotating about its longitudinal axis towards the open end 8.2 of second support arm 7.2 and reaches the transfer position in a known way.
  • a particularly cost-effective optical sensor 28 with a limited scanning field width w can be used advantageously. Because of the high integration density and the small number of components, particularly the drives, the already cost-effective device 1 can be further reduced in terms of cost by the low-priced sensor 28. Since no rotation of the bottle is required, the support elements and thus all the equipment can be dimensionally smaller.
  • support element 4 is configured completely planar. In contrast to the previous embodiments of Figures 1 to 8 , no V-shaped trough is formed. As support element 4 rotates counter-clockwise, the empty container 2 moves continuously from the input position into the transfer position. Consequently, the empty container 2 arrives advantageously in the transfer position with a rotation of a few degrees counter-clockwise of support element 4. In addition, support element 4 is particularly simply shaped and thus cost-effective to produce.
  • planar support element 4 can, of course, be combined with the dual-sensor solution of Figures 2 and 3 and with the reflector solution of Figure 4 .
  • the contact surface 11 of support element 4 can have any contour, in particular have a concave or convex curvature.
  • support element 4 is angled.
  • This angled configuration provides a stationary position between the support arms of the support element.
  • the scanning field of the sensor spreads out on both sides of the drive shaft and the stationary position, respectively.
  • the empty container is manually placed by a customer through a recess in a housing of the device 1 (not shown) at any place on the support element. Because of the force of weight acting on the empty container, the empty container is retained in the stationary position in its input position. If the characteristic distinguishing feature is not recognized by the optical sensor, the support element is rotated first in a clockwise direction as can be seen in Figure 10a and Figure 10b . The empty container rolls down one support arm of the support element.
  • the support element is rotated back counter-clockwise past the input position ( Figure 10c and Figure 10d ) until the characteristic feature has been detected.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
EP11009190A 2011-01-24 2011-11-19 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Erkennen von charakteristischen Merkmalen von Leergutbehältern Withdrawn EP2482257A1 (de)

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US13/012,405 US8471165B2 (en) 2009-07-13 2011-01-24 Device and method for recognizing characteristic features of empty containers

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EP2482257A1 true EP2482257A1 (de) 2012-08-01

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10117451A1 (de) 2001-04-06 2002-10-10 Prokent Ag Einheit für Behälter-Rücknahmeautomaten
DE10144518C1 (de) 2001-09-10 2003-05-28 Prokent Ag Transporteinheit in einem Rücknahmesystem für Leergut
DE102008018796A1 (de) 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Rücknahmeautomat für Leergut
EP2278562A1 (de) * 2009-07-13 2011-01-26 Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Erkennen von charakteristischen Merkmalen eines Leergutbehälters.

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10117451A1 (de) 2001-04-06 2002-10-10 Prokent Ag Einheit für Behälter-Rücknahmeautomaten
DE10144518C1 (de) 2001-09-10 2003-05-28 Prokent Ag Transporteinheit in einem Rücknahmesystem für Leergut
DE102008018796A1 (de) 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Rücknahmeautomat für Leergut
EP2278562A1 (de) * 2009-07-13 2011-01-26 Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Erkennen von charakteristischen Merkmalen eines Leergutbehälters.

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