EP4064234A1 - Dispositif automatique de restitution pour emballages alimentaires et procédé de restitution des emballages alimentaires - Google Patents

Dispositif automatique de restitution pour emballages alimentaires et procédé de restitution des emballages alimentaires Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4064234A1
EP4064234A1 EP22164235.8A EP22164235A EP4064234A1 EP 4064234 A1 EP4064234 A1 EP 4064234A1 EP 22164235 A EP22164235 A EP 22164235A EP 4064234 A1 EP4064234 A1 EP 4064234A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
food packaging
input
compartment
vending machine
input compartment
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP22164235.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Stefan Stüwer
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=80933540&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP4064234(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP4064234A1 publication Critical patent/EP4064234A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
    • G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an automatic return machine for food packaging and a method for taking back food packaging.
  • deposit systems are increasingly being used for food packaging.
  • canteens, supermarkets or delivery services that offer ready-made meals use so-called "food trays", which are usually designed as reusable packaging.
  • returns are typically carried out by staff who have to accept the food packaging and record the receipt in a system.
  • an automatic return machine for food packaging comprises a pivotably mounted input compartment into which a food packaging to be returned can be input.
  • the reverse vending machine also includes a locking mechanism for the pivotally mounted input compartment, with a locked initial state in which pivoting of the input compartment is blocked, and a released state in which the input compartment can be pivoted in such a way that the food packaging that has been entered falls out of the input compartment into a collection area .
  • the reverse vending machine has a computer that is set up to control the locking mechanism.
  • the reverse vending machine includes at least one scanner for scanning the food packaging entered into the input compartment.
  • the at least one scanner is connected to the computer.
  • the computer is set up to release the locking mechanism when at least one of the at least one scanners has detected an input food packaging, so that the released input compartment can be pivoted.
  • the reverse vending machine can have a light barrier device connected to the computer, which is arranged such that the food packaging falling from the input compartment into the collection area passes a light barrier of the light barrier device to check whether the food packaging falls into the collection area.
  • a pivotably mounted input compartment is provided, into which food packaging to be returned can be input.
  • a locking mechanism for the input tray is also provided, with an initial locked state in which pivoting of the input tray is blocked and a released state in which the input tray is pivotable such that the input food package falls out of the input tray into a collection area.
  • the steps are carried out in this order, with further steps being able to take place before, in between or after.
  • the return machine and the method enable a controlled return, in which the food packaging entered can be checked by the scanner or scanners. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can largely prevent rubbish or other objects from being put into the reverse vending machine. In addition, by detecting whether the food packaging has actually fallen into the collection area, it can be checked whether it was not removed again before it was pivoted.
  • the return machine can have appropriate technical means for detecting whether the food packaging has actually fallen into the collection area.
  • the method can be carried out using the reverse vending machine described herein.
  • the reverse vending machine described herein can in turn be set up to carry out the method. It it should be emphasized that features that are described in connection with the reverse vending machine can also be claimed for the method and vice versa.
  • the return machine and/or the method can be provided for the return of food packaging that has contained food.
  • the reverse vending machine can, for example, comprise two or more scanners. Provision can be made, for example, for a first scanner connected to the computer to be set up to scan an upper side of the food packaging placed in the input compartment. Alternatively or additionally, a second scanner connected to the computer can be set up to scan one side of the food packaging placed in the input compartment.
  • the scanner or scanners can include a camera and/or be designed as a barcode scanner.
  • the arrangement and design of the scanners can take account of the design freedom of different manufacturers of food trays, who, for example, attach barcodes to their trays, which they can optionally attach to the top or side.
  • the scanners can also be set up for other detection options.
  • the reverse vending machine may include a cooling device for cooling the collection area.
  • the cooling device can include a refrigerator, for example.
  • the input compartment can be integrated or can be integrated into a refrigerator door.
  • an assembly of the reverse vending machine can be designed in such a way that integration into a conventional refrigerator door is made possible, for example by means of a correspondingly designed clamping frame.
  • the cooling device or the method can be set up in such a way that the collection area is kept at 8° C. or less or at 5° C. or less or at 3°C or less.
  • the reverse vending machine can include a collection container that can be removed, for example. This can be arranged in the collection area in such a way that the food packaging falls into the collection container when it falls into the collection area.
  • the collection container can be placed in the possible refrigerator.
  • the return machine can be designed in such a way that the food packaging can be entered into the input compartment from the front and the released input compartment can be swiveled backwards, so that the food packaging falls out of the input compartment into the collection area at the back.
  • the input compartment is pivoted forward and the food packaging falls out of the front of the compartment.
  • the pivotably mounted input compartment can be arranged, for example, in a rotatable lying drum.
  • the drum can be designed in such a way that, after pivoting, it pivots back into an original state under its own weight.
  • the initial state is the state in which the infeed tray can be locked and the food package can be loaded into the infeed tray.
  • End position sensors for the input compartment or for the possible drum can be provided in the return machine for detecting compartment positions.
  • the return machine can, for example, comprise a screen with a recess, the pivotably mounted input compartment being arranged behind the screen, so that the food packaging to be returned can be entered into the input compartment through the cut-out in the screen.
  • the reverse vending machine may include a handle for pivoting the compartment by a user, the handle extending through the aperture of the bezel and for example, the handle comprises a horizontal bar.
  • the user in order to operate the return machine, presses the handle arranged on the drum upwards in order to pivot the compartment.
  • the computer can be set up in such a way that it keeps the locking mechanism open for a predetermined time after the release and closes it again after the predetermined time has elapsed or stops keeping it open.
  • the locking mechanism may include at least one bolt for locking the input tray.
  • it can include at least one magnetic switch.
  • the bolt can interact with the input compartment or with the drum in which the input compartment is arranged.
  • the drum can have a recess for the bolt.
  • the computer can, for example, be set up in such a way that it opens the at least one bolt by means of the at least one magnetic switch against the bias and releases it again after a preset time, thus ending the holding open. After the compartment has been swiveled back, the bolt can then lock the compartment again, for example by snapping back into the recess of the drum.
  • the reverse vending machine may include a display connected to the computer.
  • the status or success of the return steps can be shown to the user via the display and/or instructions can be issued.
  • the computer can have an internet connection exhibit.
  • the computer can be set up for real-time communication with a server.
  • the return can be booked, for example, via server communication, with a user account being provided for the user, for example, to which a deposit can be credited to him. It is also possible to set up the return machine for printing deposit receipts, for example by providing a corresponding printer.
  • a second light barrier connected to the computer can also be included for monitoring an opening of the input compartment.
  • a second light barrier connected to the computer can also be included for monitoring an opening of the input compartment.
  • the method can include communicating with a server or the return machine can be set up to communicate with the server, to transmit recorded information on the food packaging to the server and/or to compare recorded information on the food packaging with data on a server.
  • a barcode of the food packaging can be recorded and, for example, the information that can be taken from this barcode can be compared with data on the server.
  • the food packaging can be uniquely identified.
  • a return time at which it was recorded that the food packaging entered had fallen into the collection area can be transmitted to the server.
  • a purchase date of the food packaging or the meal contained therein can be checked.
  • the release of the locking mechanism and / or a chargeback or payment of a deposit can from the unique identification of food packaging and/or return time.
  • communication with a mobile phone of a user can be provided, in particular via the server.
  • FIG 1 shows an overview of a reverse vending machine for food packaging.
  • an assembly 100 is integrated into a refrigerator 200 in which a removable collection container 300 is located.
  • the assembly 100 has a pivotably mounted input compartment 1 into which the food packaging to be returned can be input by a user.
  • the input compartment 1 is designed in such a way that when the input compartment 1 is pivoted, the food packaging located therein falls into a collection area and thus into the collection container 300 which is arranged in the collection area.
  • the refrigerator 200 cools the collection area and collection bin to 3°C or less to prevent mold of possible leftover food in the food packages.
  • Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the assembly 100 obliquely from the front
  • Figure 2b shows a side view of the assembly 100
  • Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the assembly 100 obliquely from behind.
  • the assembly 100 comprises a screen 8 with a recess behind which the input compartment 1 is arranged, so that the food packaging to be returned can be entered into the input compartment 1 through the cut-out in the screen 8 .
  • the input compartment 1 is arranged in a pivotably mounted drum 6, which will be explained in more detail later.
  • the food packaging can be entered into the input compartment 1 in the drum 6 from the front.
  • the input compartment 1 can be pivoted backwards, so that the food packaging can fall out of the input compartment 1 into the collecting area at the back.
  • a handle 9 for pivoting the input tray 1 by the user is arranged on the drum 6 and extends through the recess of the panel 8.
  • the handle 9 comprises a horizontal bar.
  • a clamping frame 10 is arranged behind the screen 8, so that the assembly can be integrated into the refrigerator door or another possible front panel provided for the return machine.
  • the assembly 100 has a frame 15 that carries other components of the assembly 100 .
  • a computer 3 is arranged on the frame 15 and is set up to control controllable components of the assembly 100 .
  • a locking mechanism 2 for the pivotally mounted input compartment 1 has a locked initial state in which the pivoting of the input compartment 1 is blocked, and a released state in which the input compartment 1 can be pivoted in such a way that the input food packaging falls out of the input compartment 1 into the collection area .
  • the locking mechanism 2 is connected to the computer 3 and is controlled by it.
  • the locking mechanism 2 includes multiple bolts for locking the input tray 1 with magnetic switches.
  • the bolts interact with the drum 6 and are biased into the condition locking the drum 6 and thus the input tray 1 in place.
  • the computer 3 controls the magnetic switch to release the input compartment 1 and opens the bolts against the bias. After a preset time, the bolts are loosened again and, due to the preload, push back into their initial state. When the drum 6 is in its home position, the bolts snap back into the drum 6 and lock it.
  • two scanners 4, 4' are arranged on the frame 15 in the assembly, which are each connected to the computer 3. These are set up to scan the food packaging entered into the input compartment 1.
  • the computer receives corresponding signals from the scanners 4, 4' and is set up in such a way that it releases the locking mechanism 2 when an input food packaging is recognized by means of one of the two scanners 4, 4' and by the computer 3.
  • the input compartment 1 can then be pivoted by the user.
  • a first of the scanners 4 is set up and arranged for scanning an upper side of the food packaging entered into the input compartment 1 and a second of the scanners 4 ′ is set up and arranged for scanning one side of the food packaging entered into the input compartment 1 .
  • the scanners 4, 4' each include barcode scanners. For example, they may include cameras.
  • a light barrier device 5 is also connected to the computer 3 . This is arranged such that from the input tray 1 in the Collection area falling food packaging passes a light barrier of the light barrier device 5. This verifies that the food wrap falls into the collection area.
  • the assembly 100 includes end position sensors 11 for the drum 6, which are also connected to the computer 3. A position of the input compartment 1 or of the drum 6 can thus be checked.
  • the status or success of the return steps can be shown to the user via the display 7, which is also connected to the computer 3, and instructions can be issued.
  • the reverse vending machine or the assembly 100 can include a second light barrier device connected to the computer for monitoring the opening of the aperture 8.
  • figure 3 shows an exploded view with components of assembly 100.
  • An insert frame 18 carries the panel 9 and also has a receptacle for the drum 6 .
  • the receptacle also holds the end position sensors 11.
  • the insert frame can be connected to the clamping frame 10 for arranging the assembly 100 on the refrigerator door, for example.
  • the frame 15 and a carrier 17 are connected to the insert frame 18 for attachment of further components.
  • the locking mechanism 2 and the light barrier device 5, an upper disk 13 for the upper scanner 4 and a rear disk 14 for the rear scanner 4' are arranged on it.
  • the computer 3 and the scanners 4, 4' are also fastened to the frame 15 and/or the carrier.
  • a hood 16 is provided to cover and protect the components of assembly 100 .
  • figure 4 shows the rotatable lying drum 6 in which the input compartment 1 is arranged. It comprises two side parts 19 on which axles 23 are arranged, which fit into the receptacle of the insert frame 18 .
  • the side parts 19 also form projections between which the crossbar of the handle 9 is arranged.
  • the drum 9 also has a base plate 20 and a cover plate 21, insert plates 24 and a curved cover plate 22.
  • the drum 6 is designed in such a way that, after pivoting, it pivots back into an original state under its own weight.
  • a correspondingly front-heavy weight distribution for the drum 6 together with the handle 9 is given by the design shown here.
  • FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a method for recovering food packages using the previously described reverse vending machine with assembly 100.
  • FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a method for recovering food packages using the previously described reverse vending machine with assembly 100.
  • the computer 3 of the return machine has an internet connection and is set up for real-time communication with a server 400 .
  • the locking mechanism 2 of the input compartment 1 is in its locked initial state, in which the pivoting of the input compartment 1 is blocked.
  • the user enters a food package 500 with a barcode 501 into the input compartment 1 in an initial step S1.
  • the barcode 501 is first read by the scanner 4 (if the barcode were on the side, it would be recognized by the scanner 4' instead).
  • a step S2 the computer 3 determines whether the food packaging 500 is intended for return. For this purpose, information contained in the barcode in particular, which was recorded via the scanner 4 and which is processed in the computer 3, can be transmitted to the server 400 and compared with data stored there. However, the evaluation can also take place locally, without communication with the server 400 taking place here.
  • the locking mechanism 2 is released by the computer 3 in a step S3.
  • step S4 the user can pivot the compartment 1 by moving the handle 9 upwards. Due to the design of the drum 6 and the input compartment 1 explained above, the food packaging 500 falls from the rear of the input compartment 1 into the collection area and is detected by the light barrier in a step S5. Furthermore, as part of step S5, a confirmation is sent to the computer 3 connected to the light barrier device 5 that the food packaging has actually fallen into the collection area.
  • the locking mechanism 2 is released again after a predetermined time after the opening S3 in a step S6 and the bolts thus push back into the state in which they can lock the drum 6 .
  • the bolts snap back into the drum 6 and lock it.
  • step S7 information about the return that has taken place is transmitted to the server 400 if it has been determined in step S5 that it has fallen into the collection area.
  • the time of return is transmitted to the server 400 .

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
EP22164235.8A 2021-03-26 2022-03-24 Dispositif automatique de restitution pour emballages alimentaires et procédé de restitution des emballages alimentaires Pending EP4064234A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102021107748.6A DE102021107748B4 (de) 2021-03-26 2021-03-26 Rücknahmeautomat für Lebensmittelverpackungen und Verfahren zum Zurücknehmen von Lebensmittelverpackungen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4064234A1 true EP4064234A1 (fr) 2022-09-28

Family

ID=80933540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22164235.8A Pending EP4064234A1 (fr) 2021-03-26 2022-03-24 Dispositif automatique de restitution pour emballages alimentaires et procédé de restitution des emballages alimentaires

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4064234A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE102021107748B4 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0074449A1 (fr) * 1981-09-16 1983-03-23 Bruce Howard Dewoolfson Procédé et dispositif pour la collection des récipients métalliques avec examen électromagnétique
DE4415082A1 (de) * 1994-02-05 1995-08-31 S & K Mehrwegsysteme Gmbh Einrichtung zur automatischen Rücknahme und Magazinierung von Pfandbechern
US7921979B2 (en) * 2005-07-14 2011-04-12 Primo Water Corporation Bottled water distribution method and bottle return apparatus
DE102010036996A1 (de) * 2010-08-16 2012-02-16 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Aufnahme- und Ausrichtungsvorrichtung für Leergut in Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten
US8523050B1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2013-09-03 William F. Andreozzi System and method for collecting containers
US20130228623A1 (en) * 2012-03-05 2013-09-05 Eddie Oquendo Virella Systems and methods for incentivizing food waste recycling
WO2018150657A1 (fr) * 2017-02-14 2018-08-23 株式会社寺岡精工 Dispositif de récupération d'article

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11193106A (ja) 1998-01-05 1999-07-21 Fuji Electric Co Ltd 空き容器回収機

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0074449A1 (fr) * 1981-09-16 1983-03-23 Bruce Howard Dewoolfson Procédé et dispositif pour la collection des récipients métalliques avec examen électromagnétique
DE4415082A1 (de) * 1994-02-05 1995-08-31 S & K Mehrwegsysteme Gmbh Einrichtung zur automatischen Rücknahme und Magazinierung von Pfandbechern
US7921979B2 (en) * 2005-07-14 2011-04-12 Primo Water Corporation Bottled water distribution method and bottle return apparatus
US8523050B1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2013-09-03 William F. Andreozzi System and method for collecting containers
DE102010036996A1 (de) * 2010-08-16 2012-02-16 Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh Aufnahme- und Ausrichtungsvorrichtung für Leergut in Leergut-Rücknahmeautomaten
US20130228623A1 (en) * 2012-03-05 2013-09-05 Eddie Oquendo Virella Systems and methods for incentivizing food waste recycling
WO2018150657A1 (fr) * 2017-02-14 2018-08-23 株式会社寺岡精工 Dispositif de récupération d'article
EP3584196A1 (fr) * 2017-02-14 2019-12-25 Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd. Dispositif de récupération d'article

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102021107748A1 (de) 2022-09-29
DE102021107748B4 (de) 2023-05-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69730876T2 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen der Bewegungsrichtung von Flüssigkeitsbehälter
DE3687527T2 (de) Vorgangsueberwachungs- und sicherheitskontrollsystem.
DE102012013247B4 (de) Vorrichtung zur Gepäckannahme und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer solchen Vorrichtung
EP1540604B1 (fr) Point de recuperation d'objets consignes ou empruntes
EP1859709A1 (fr) Dispositif auto-commandé pour emballages de marchandises dans des supermarchés ou analogues
EP3865017B1 (fr) Comptoir modulaire de caisse à libre service
DE3317271A1 (de) Ladeneinrichtung
DE60010743T2 (de) Echtzeit-system für die überwachung des diebstahlschutzes
DE102008047084A1 (de) Vorrichtung zur reversiblen Zuordnung von Gegenständen zu Personen
EP4064234A1 (fr) Dispositif automatique de restitution pour emballages alimentaires et procédé de restitution des emballages alimentaires
WO2021023814A1 (fr) Appareil pour le retour automatisé d'une marchandise et procédé pour faire fonctionner l'appareil
DE202009011994U1 (de) Automatisierte Ausgabe von Waren
DE102008029419A1 (de) Ladenwaage
EP2631855B1 (fr) Procédé de déclenchement d'une action d'un dispositif automatisée par un document papier
EP3169589B1 (fr) Dispositif, guichet et procédé de depose des bagages
EP0429623B1 (fr) Dispositif pour la saisie de marchandises du cote de la clientele
EP1728679B1 (fr) Ensemble mobile d'affaires pour un institut financier
DE19707156A1 (de) Warenschleuse für Selbstbedienungsläden
DE212022000062U1 (de) Aufbewahrungsschrank, Verfahren und Verwendung davon
DE102020002894B4 (de) Durchgangsanlage
DE10325961B4 (de) Verfahren zur computergestützten Ausgabe eines Arzneimittels
DE102016014420B3 (de) Ladenlokal mit Einrichtungen zur Verhütung von Rückgabebetrug sowie Verfahren zur Verhütung von Rückgabebetrug in Ladenlokalen
DE19806648A1 (de) Kontrollsystem zur Registrierung von Waren mittels Scanner durch den Kunden selbst
DE202013001532U1 (de) Vorrichtung zum visuellen Überwachen des Durchganges an einem handelsverfügbaren Kassen-PC in einem Einkaufsmarkt
DE102011106747A1 (de) Warenausgabeeinrichtung für ein Warenlager, Warenlager mit einer Warenausgabeeinrichtung und Warenvereinzeler für eine Warenausgabeeinrichtung

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20230327

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20230821