Device for collecting cigarette butts and system for recovering butts comprising said collecting device

Abstract

Collecting device (1) for collecting cigarette butts (A), comprising: a container (2) provided with access mouths (2a) for the inlet of the butts (A); a sensor unit (4) to detect operational parameters (10) of the collection device (1), comprising a first indicator (10a) representative of a filling level of the container (2); a communication device (5, 5') to transmit the operational parameters (10) to an external device (102, 106, 106') that receives them.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable to the technical field of the recycle of exhausted materials, in particular cigarette butts. In particular, the invention has as objects a collecting device for cigarette butts and a system for recovering butts that comprises the aforementioned collecting device.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] As known, every day a great quantity of cigarette butts are thrown in the garbage, hence it must be disposed of as a waste. In the worst cases, butts are thrown on the ground, resulting in a spoil of the environment.

[0003] In any case, despite most part of the butts are made by the filter in cellulose diacetate, which is a per-se biodegradable fibrous polymer, the toxic substances contained in exhausted filters makes them very polluting.

[0004] Therefore, the need is felt to avoid the dispersion in the environment of the cigarette butts and, in any case, to limit the need of dispose of the butts as waste.

[0005] To this regard, different methods were proposed to recycle the cellulose diacetate contained in the exhausted cigarette butts. One of the aforementioned known methods, that is described in the European patent application no. EP 3930933, allows to obtain a raw material to be used in the manufacturing of several consumer products, such as, for example, stationary material, casings, components for glasses, handles for tools, and other everyday things.

[0006] One drawback of aforementioned methods is related to its requirement of specific recycling plants, that, by their nature, are centralized and are often located relatively far from the residential areas, while, on the contrary, butts are thrown everywhere and, mostly, in the very residential areas, with the consequence of needing operators that move between the collecting areas and the recycling centers, and limiting the economic sustainability of the process.

[0007] A further drawback of the aforementioned known methods is the obligation to accomplish several bureaucratic fulfillments by the person in charge of the recycling plants, in order to modify the classification of the butts from "waste" to "raw material".

[0008] The aforementioned bureaucratic fulfillments are burdensome and requires to fill specific forms arranged by the public administration, thereby wasting time and economic resources.PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention aims at overcoming, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks of the known art.

[0010] In particular, it is an aim of of the invention to allow the remote supervision of the overall process of disposal of the butts.

[0011] It is also an aim of the invention to automate the bureaucratic fulfillments related to the transformation of the waste into raw material.

[0012] The aforementioned aims are achieved by a collecting device according to the main claim.

[0013] The aforementioned aims are also achieved by a system for the recovery of butts comprising the aforementioned collecting device, according to the claim 10.

[0014] Further detail features of the invention are specified in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0015] Advantageously, the supervision of the process brought about by the invention allows to optimize the organization of the process, hence allows to limit the relating costs, both in term of costs and of emissions, hence of environmental sustainability.

[0016] In particular, advantageously, the invention allows a widespread collection of the butts, and the efficient delivery of the butts to the recycling plants.

[0017] Still advantageously, the automation of the bureaucratic fulfillments contributes to limit the costs related to the overall process.

[0018] Moreover, advantageously, the aforementioned automation reduces the time needed to use the recycled material as a raw material.

[0019] The aforementioned aims and advantages, together with others that are mentioned hereinafter, will be apparent from the following disclosure of some preferred embodiments of the invention, that are explained for indicative and non-limiting purpose with the help of the enclosed drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Fig. 1 represents the collecting device of the invention, in axonometric view. Fig. 2 represents the collecting device of fig. 1, in sectioned lateral view. Fig. 3 represents the collecting device of fig. 1, in exploded axonometric view. Fig. 4 schematically represents the recovery system of the invention. Fig. 5 schematically represents a detail of the recovery system of fig. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The collecting device of the invention is indicated in its whole in fig. 1 with reference 1, and is particularly suited to the collection of cigarette butts, that are indicated in fig. 2 with A.

[0022] The aforementioned collecting device 1 is particularly suited to be used in the recovery system of the invention, that is indicated in its whole in fig. 4 with 100, and is disclosed in more detail hereinafter.

[0023] The collecting device 1 comprises a container 2, shown in dashed lines in fig. 1, and better viewed in cross-section in fig. 2. The container 2 is provided with a first access mouth 2a for the inlet of the butts A in the container 2.

[0024] The container 2 may have any shape, yet it preferably develops mainly according to a longitudinal direction Z with a substantially uniform section, for example rectangular, such as to have the shape of a "column". It is hereby clarified that the height of the container 2 according to the aforementioned longitudinal direction Z may be whatever, also different from that represented in the figures.

[0025] Still preferably, the container 2 is configured to be used in such an operating position that the aforementioned longitudinal direction Z is vertically oriented or, anyway, has a main vertical component. Advantageously, the position just mentioned allows limiting the base dimensions of the container 2 during use. In that case, the first access mouth 2a is preferably arranged at the upper end of the container 2, in such a way as to allow using the entire height of the container 2 to collect the butts A.

[0026] The collecting device 1 also comprises a cover 3 that is movably associated to the first access mouth 2a through constraining means 8 that define, for the cover 3, an open position to allow the container 2 to be emptied through the first access mouth 2a when the container 2 is arranged in a predefined emptying configuration, and a close position in which the aforementioned emptying is prevented.

[0027] Preferably, the aforementioned cover 3 is configured in such a way that, in the close position, it is arranged to face the first access mouth 2a in order to close it, at the same time allowing to insert the butts A in the container 2. What has been just explained is preferably achieved by providing the cover 3 with one or more through openings 3a, that, in close position, are arranged to face the first access mouth 2a, and having substantially smaller dimensions compared to those of the first access mouth 2a, yet big enough to allow the butts A to be inserted therein. To that end, each through opening 3a has a width, according to a first dimension, preferably comprised between 1 and 2 times the diameter of a butt A and a width, according to a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, not smaller than the aforementioned width according to the first dimension.

[0028] As an example, the cover 3 may comprise a plurality of the aforementioned through openings 3a, that are arranged in several mutually parallel rows.

[0029] In a variant embodiment of the invention, the cover 3 may be arranged at a distance from the first access mouth 2a, so that the two elements delimit, on opposite sides, one or more slots that is long enough to allow the butts A to be inserted therein. The aforementioned slots are equivalent to the through openings 3a, and may have similar shapes and dimensions.

[0030] In any case, the through openings 3a are preferably configured in such a way as to prevent, or, at least, obstacle, the access to the inside of the container 2, for example by prevent insertion of a hand and / or an object substantially bigger than a cigarette butt. Preferably, the constraining means 8 are configured in such a way as to block the cover 3 in the aforementioned close position, though they are releasable, for example by means of a key 8a schematically represented in fig. 2, in order to allow opening the cover 3 when required.

[0031] Still preferably, the constraining means 8 are configured to allow the complete separation of the cover 3 from the rest of the collecting device 1, as seen in fig. 3.

[0032] According to variant embodiment not represented in the drawings, the constraining means 8 are configured to keep the cover 3 connected to the rest of the collecting device 1 during its relative movement with respect to the first access mouth 2a between the two aforementioned open and close positions. The relative movement just mentioned may be, for example, a rotation according to a rotation axis, that may be parallel to the plane of the first access mouth 2a, in such a way that the aforementioned rotation implies a lifting of the cover 3 with respect to the mouth 2a itself.

[0033] In the variant embodiments above disclosed, the emptying of the container 2 occurs through the first access mouth 2a, by overturning the container 2, after prior positioning of the cover 3 in open position.

[0034] In a different variant embodiment of the invention, not represented in the drawings, the container 2 comprises a second access mouth distinct from the aforementioned first access mouth 2a. The second access mouth belongs to the portion of the container 2 that, in operating position, is arranged below, for example the wall delimiting the container 2 on its lower side. The different variant just mentioned comprises a cover, that is functionally analogue to the cover 3 of the previous variants, and that is movably associated to the second access mouth to close it. It is understood that, in this different variant, it is possible to empty the container 2 with no need to overturn it.

[0035] Still preferably, in this different variant, the cover that closes the first access mouth 2a may have a shape similar to that of the cover 3 of the previous variants, with the exception of being unremovably associated to the container 2.

[0036] In any case, all the variant embodiments previously disclosed are preferably configured in such a way that, in operating position, the access to the container 2 is allowed only through openings 3a that are such as to allow inserting the butts A while preventing, or at anyway hindering, the emptying of the container 2.

[0037] It is hereby clarified that, in the following of the present description, and except when otherwise specified, reference will be made to the variant having a single access mouth 2a that, when closed by the cover 3, can be used to insert the butts A, and, when cleared from the cover 3, allows the emptying of the container 2. On the other hand, the invention is immediately applicable as well to the aforementioned different variant, with due modifications.

[0038] The collecting device 1 also comprises a sensor unit 4 configured to detect one or more operational parameters of the collecting device 1. The aforementioned operational parameters are indicated in figs. 4 and 5 by reference 10. It is hereby clarified that, in the present specification, an operational parameter is any parameter related with the operating configuration and / or to the state of the collecting device 1, as it is disclosed in more detail hereinafter.

[0039] In particular, a first one of the aforementioned operational parameters 10 is a first indicator 10a configured to represent the quantity of butts A that are present in the container 2, and / or the filling percentage of the container 2 itself.

[0040] As an example, and as schematically indicated in fig. 2, the aforementioned first indicator 10a may represent the level X reached by butts A. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, the first indicator 10a may represent the volume of the butts A, or their weight, or a combination of the parameters just mentioned.

[0041] If the first indicator 10a represents the level X, it may be detected by a first sensor 4a which may be of a type among optic, acoustic, electromagnetic, etc. Fig. 2 exemplarily represents a laser sensor whose rays, indicated by a series of arcs of circle, are reflected by butts A in the container 2, hence allowing the sensor 4a to detect the fill level X.

[0042] If the first indicator 10a represents the weight of the butts A, this may be detected by a weight sensor 4d, that may be of a type among mechanical, piezoelectric, strain gauge, etc. In particular, the aforementioned weight sensor 4d may be arranged in such a way as to be stimulated, for example pressed, by the container 2.

[0043] The collecting device 1 also comprises a communication device 5 for transmitting the operational parameters 10, of which at least the aforementioned first indicator 10a, to one or more external devices that are physically separated, or may be separated, from the collecting device 1, but are configured to communicate with the communication device 5. The aforementioned external devices are indicated in fig. 4 by references 102, 106 and 106', and they are disclosed in more detail hereinafter. In the same figure, the dotted lines indicate the communications between the different devices.

[0044] It is understood that the above disclosed collecting device 1 may be remotely monitored, in particular with reference to the fill level of the container 2. Actually, an operator 300, 301 carrying one of the aforementioned external devices 106, 106' may receive the operational parameters 10, so as to be timely informed that the container 2 has reached its maximum capacity. In particular, the movements of the operator can be optimized based on the fill level of the container 2, thus avoiding to send the operator to empty a container 2 that is only partially filled.

[0045] Therefore, the collecting device 1 achieves one of the aims of the invention.

[0046] The communication device 5 may be configured to transmit the operational parameters 10 to the external device 102, 106, 106' wirelessly and / or through wires.

[0047] In the former case, the transmission may occur by radiofrequency, or through the GSM mobile network, and / or technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IrDA, etc.

[0048] The short range transmission, such as for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IrDA, transmission ports, etcetera, is particularly suited for in-situ acquisition of the operational parameters 10 by an operator 300, 301 provided with a remote device 106 configured to acquire them and store them in memory.

[0049] In the latter case, the operational parameters 10 may be acquired by the collecting device 1 through the aforementioned remote device 106 and, subsequently, sent to a remote apparatus 101 for the subsequent processing, as disclosed in more detail hereinafter.

[0050] If, on the contrary, the aforementioned transmission occurs through the GSM mobile network, the Internet, and / or other means to allow a long-range transmission, the collecting device 1 may transmit the operational parameters 10 directly to a respective communication unit 102 belonging to the aforementioned remote apparatus 101, as disclosed in more detail hereinafter.

[0051] Advantageously, the long range wireless transmission, combined with an internal battery 9, allows to achieve the highest operational flexibility of the collecting device 1, allowing it to be positioned even where connection is not available neither to supply power nor to transmit data.

[0052] In the latter case, the collecting device 1 is preferably configured to transmit the operational parameters 10 at regular time intervals, for example once a day. It is clear that different time intervals, longer or shorter, may be used, for each collecting device 1, depending on the expected filling speed.

[0053] Advantageously, the periodicity of the aforementioned transmission allows to limit the thereby related energy consumption. This is particularly important when the collecting device 1 is supplied by an internal battery 9, that, if not connected to an external power supply, is subject to progressive drain.

[0054] Preferably, the collecting device 1 also comprises a memorization device, not represented in the drawings but in itself known, for storing the operational parameters 10 at least until they are transmitted.

[0055] According to an advantageous variant embodiment of the invention, the collecting device 1 comprises a photovoltaic panel, not shown in the drawings but in itself known, for recharging the aforementioned battery 9, hence avoiding the need for intervention by an operator to do the recharge.

[0056] It is clear that, according to variant embodiments of the invention, the collecting device 1 may be the connected to an external supply, for example the power grid.

[0057] In a variant embodiment of the invention, as an alternative, or in combination with, the previous one, the collecting device 1 may envisage a communication device 5' configured to transmit the operational parameters 10 through transmission ports of any kind like serial, parallel, USB, etcetera, that allow the transmission of data to an external device 106' provided with a corresponding input port. In such a case, the memorization device above disclosed allows to keep the data until their acquisition by the external device 106'.

[0058] As an alternative, the transmission of the operational parameters 10 through wires may be performed through the telephone network, in which case it may be made directly to the remote apparatus 101, without interposition of the external devices 106, 106' of the above mentioned kind.

[0059] Preferably, the above mentioned operational parameters 10 also comprise a second indicator 10b representative of the position of the cover 3 with respect to the corresponding access mouth 2a. Still more preferably, the second indicator 10b indicates when the cover 3 is positioned in open position and / or when it is moved from the close position.

[0060] The second indicator 10b is generated by a second sensor 4b belonging to the sensor unit 4, suited to to detect the position and / or the movement of the cover 3. Preferably, the second sensor 4b comprises an accelerometer, a switch, and / or whatever other sensor of known kind, provided it is suited to accomplish the aforementioned function.

[0061] Advantageously, the aforementioned second indicator 10b allows to detect improper usage of the collecting device 1, for example emptyings of the container 2 when it is not completely filled, tampering of the device 1, etcetera.

[0062] Still advantageously, the second indicator 10b allows to measure the number of emptyings of the container 2 in order to estimate the total quantity Y of butts A that are being collected over time with the collecting device 1, and / or the number and / or the frequency of the emptyings, the average filling percentage of the container 2, etcetera.

[0063] It is hereby clarified that the aforementioned total quantity Y of butts A may be expressed in terms of their number, volume, weight, level referred to a given area, such as for example the cross section of each collecting device 1, and / or in any other conventional way. In any case, the way the total quantity Y is expressed is irrelevant to the aims of the present invention.

[0064] As an alternative to what has been described above, with reference to fig. 4, the total quantity Y may refer to the butts A collected through a group 105 of collecting devices 1, that may be emptied in a single collection can 107. In the latter case, the total quantity Y may represent the fill level of the collection can 107 itself. Advantageously, the can 107 just disclosed allows to limit the frequency of the travels by the operators 300 in charge of the collection, who may simply empty the can 107, while the single collecting devices 1 are emptied in the can 107 by an in-situ operator 301.

[0065] Still preferably, the operational parameters 10 comprise a third indicator 10c suited to identify a geographic position of the collecting device 1.

[0066] Advantageously, the aforementioned third indicator 10c allows the operators 300 in charge of the collection to more quickly identify the location of the collecting device 1.

[0067] Still advantageously, the third indicator 10c may be used also to monitor the total quantity Y collected in a given geographical area, hence incentivizing the optimal distribution of the collecting devices 1 and of the organization of the operators 300 in charge of the collection, thus contributing to the achievement of the aims of the invention. Preferably, the aforementioned third indicator 10c is generated by a third sensor 4c belonging to the sensor unit 4, comprising for example a geolocalization sensor based on GPS signal (Global Positioning System).

[0068] Still preferably, and as seen in fig. 1, the collecting device 1 comprises a housing 6 to movably receive the container 2 in an operating position in which it is suited to receive the butts A.

[0069] Advantageously, the housing 6 protects the container 2 against theft and tampering, and improve its stability in the operating position. To that end, preferably the housing 6 has a base 6a to define a stable support on, and, optionally, be fixed to, the ground.

[0070] Preferably, and as seen in fig. 3, the shape of the housing 6 is such that the container 2 can be arranged in the operating position through sliding in the housing 6. In this latter case, the housing 6 has a shape that is conjugated to that of the container 2 such as to sliding receive it, and is also provided with an opening 6b to insert the container 2 and to remove it from the housing 6.

[0071] Furthermore, the housing 6 has a bottom 6c to stop the container 2 in the operating position.

[0072] Preferably, the opening 6b belongs to a wall of the housing 6 that, in use, faces upwards, in such a way that the container 2 can be extracted from the housing 6 by a lifting movement. In this variant, the bottom 6c may be a fixed portion of the housing 6. Moreover, in this variant, the cover 3 may be used to close the opening 6b as well.

[0073] As an alternative, the opening 6b may belong to a wall of the housing 6 that, in use, faces downwards. In this variant, the opening 6b may be arranged to face the bottom 6c, and the bottom may be a removable portion of the housing 6, in such a way as to be moved away from the opening 6b in order to allow extraction of the container 2.

[0074] If the container 2 has a column-like shape as previously disclosed, the aforementioned sliding preferably occurs according to the longitudinal direction Z of the container 2 In such a case, the housing 6 as well has an elongated shape according to the same longitudinal direction Z.

[0075] Advantageously, the configuration just disclosed allows detecting the total weight of the container 2 by means of a weight sensor 4d interposed between the container 2 and the housing 6 according to the longitudinal direction Z, in order to calculate the weight of the butts A by subtraction, and accomplishing the function of the first sensor 4a, and / or cooperating with the previously disclosed first sensor 4a.

[0076] In any case, preferably, stop means 7 are provided to constrain the container 2 to the housing 6 in the aforementioned operating position, said stop means 7 being operable between a first active operational configuration in which they define the aforementioned constraint, and a second release operational configuration in which they allow the container 2 to be separated from the housing 6 in order to allow its emptying. Advantageously, the aforementioned stop means 7 stabilize the operating position of the container 2 and, moreover, avoid its accidental and / or unauthorized removal from the housing 6. To that end, the stop means 7 are preferably operable between the two operational configurations through, e.g., a key.

[0077] Preferably, the cover 3 can be constrained to the opening 6b of the housing 6 through the constraining means 8 previously disclosed. In the configuration just disclosed, the cover 3 prevents extracting the container 2 from the housing 6, hence it accomplish the function of the above mentioned stop means 7 as well. On the contrary, the separation of the cover 3 from the housing 6 clears the corresponding access mouth 2a of the container 2 and, moreover, allows extracting the latter from the housing 6.

[0078] According to variant embodiment of the invention not represented in the drawings, the constraining means 8 constrain the cover 3 to the container 2, instead of the housing 6, and in such a way that the cover 3 can be removed from the housing 6 only together with the container 2.

[0079] In the variant just disclosed, the emptying of the container 2 occurs via its prior separation from the housing 6, and subsequent opening of the cover 3. Moreover, in this variant, the constraining means 8 may comprise shaped profiles belonging to the cover 3 and to the housing 6 and configured in such a way as to mutually couple when the container 2 is in operating position, so as to prevent opening the cover 3.

[0080] In each of the variants above disclosed, the operational parameters 10 preferably comprise a fourth indicator 10d representative of the position of the container 2 relative to the housing 6, and / or representative of the operational configuration of the stop means 7 and, more particularly, indicating the coupling or uncoupling configuration between the two elements.

[0081] Advantageously, the aforementioned fourth indicator 10d allows to indicate possible tampering of, and / or anomalies in, the collecting device 1, for example the lack of the container 2 in the housing 6.

[0082] Preferably, the fourth indicator 10d is generated by a fourth sensor belonging to the sensor unit 4 and that, preferably, is suited to to detect a condition of coupling and / or uncoupling between the container 2 and the housing 6. Preferably, the aforementioned fourth sensor 4d coincides with the weight sensor 4d previously disclosed. According to variant embodiment, the fourth sensor may comprise a switch, a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, etcetera.

[0083] It is clear that the previously described sensors 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d belonging to the sensor unit 4 may be provided in any combination and number in the collecting device 1. Furthermore, any operational parameter 10 may be detected simultaneously by two different sensors, to the advantage of obtaining a redundancy. On the contrary, the same sensor may detect two different operational parameters 10, to the advantage of simplifying the sensor unit 4.

[0084] Preferably the container 2, the sensor unit 4, the communication device 5, 5' and, if present, the housing 6, are integrated in a single collecting device 1, hence they can't be used separately under ordinary conditions of use.

[0085] Still preferably, the sensor unit 4 and / or the communication device 5, 5' are unremovably connected to the cover 3, to the container 2, and / or to the corresponding housing 6, in such a way as to prevent their mutual separation under ordinary conditions of use.

[0086] Even more preferably, the sensor unit 4, the communication device 5, 5', and / or the internal battery 9, if present, are arranged in an area of the collecting device 1 that, under ordinary conditions of use, is inaccessible from the outside.

[0087] For example, the aforementioned components 4, 5, 5', 9 are arranged in the inner volume delimited by the collecting device 1, for example the volume delimited by the container 2, the cover 3, and the housing 6, if present. In the embodiment represented in the drawings as an example, the aforementioned components 4, 5, 5', 9 are associated with the upper wall of the cover 3, on the surface that, during use, faces towards the inside of the container 2.

[0088] It is understood that the combination of the sensor unit 4 and the communication device 5, 5' disclosed above allows to monitor the operational state of the collecting device 1, hence to supervise the state of the collecting process, to achieve one of the aims of the invention.

[0089] The aforementioned aim is achieved in a particularly efficient way if a plurality of collecting devices 1 of the above disclosed kind are used, belonging to a system for the recovery of butts A that is indicated in its whole in fig. 4 by 100.

[0090] In the above mentioned recovery system 100, a first information 11 is associated to each collecting device 1 that is suited to univocally identify the same collecting device 1 and / or a predefined group 105 of collecting devices 1 to which the former belongs, the first information comprising, for example, a first identification code.

[0091] Each one of the aforementioned predefined groups 105 may comprise a plurality of collecting devices 1 located within a predefined area of competence K, that may be virtually or physically delimited, for example, by a building or by a fence, and / or may be accessible and / or controlled by a single entity, such as e.g. a company, a shopping center, a train station, etcetera.

[0092] The first identification information 11 may be configured in order to be transmitted together with the operational parameters 10 in one of the ways that were already described above. In such a case, the first identification information 11 may be stored in the aforementioned memorization device of each collecting device 1.

[0093] As an alternative, the first identification information 11 may be configured so that it may be acquired by one of the aforementioned remote devices 106 through, for example, a NFC ("Near Field Communication") system, and / or through an optic system, in which case it may have the form of a bar-code, either mono- or bi- dimensional("QRcode").

[0094] The recovery system 100 further comprises a remote apparatus 101 configured to collect the operational parameters 10 of the aforementioned collecting devices 1.

[0095] In particular, the remote apparatus 101 comprises a communication unit 102 to acquire the operational parameters 10 coming from each collecting device 1, together with the corresponding first identification information 11.

[0096] If the collecting devices 1 are configured to remotely transmit the operational parameters 10, the aforementioned acquisition is direct and may occur in real time.

[0097] In other cases, the communication unit 102 may indirectly acquire the operational parameters 10 through remote devices 106, 106'. In the latter case, one or more of the aforementioned remote devices 106, 106' may be stationary and configured to directly receive the operational parameters 10 of a predefined plurality of collecting devices 1, for example those belonging to a group 105, and to subsequently convey them to the remote apparatus 101.

[0098] The configuration just described is particularly suited to a plurality of collecting devices 1 located in a limited area and, advantageously, allows to limit the complexity of the collection system 100, since it allows to use a short-range communication system 5, 5' for the collecting devices 1 referring to the stationary remote device 106, 106'.

[0099] The communication unit 102 may be similar to the communication device 5, 5' of the collecting devices 1, but has further functions that are disclosed hereinafter.

[0100] In any case, the remote apparatus 101 comprises memory means 103 and a processor 104 operatively associated with the communication unit 102 and with the memory means 103.

[0101] As schematically indicated in fig. 5, the processor 104 is configured to store the operational parameters 10 of each collecting device 1 in the memory means 103 as first data 201, and to process them in order to estimate the total quantities Y of butts A collected in a given time interval by each collecting device 1 and / or by the predefined groups 105.

[0102] The processor 104 is also configured to store the above mentioned total quantities Y in the memory means 103 as second data 202.

[0103] In particular, the processor 104 is configured to embed the first identification information 11 of the collecting devices 1 and / or of the corresponding predefined groups 105 in the corresponding first data 201 and second data 202.

[0104] What has been just disclosed may be achieved, for example, by including the aforementioned first identification code of the corresponding collecting device 1 and / or of the corresponding predefined group 105 in the first data 201 and in the second data 202. It is understood that the collection system 100 disclosed above achieves the aim of allowing a centralized supervision of the collection process, hence a particularly efficient and cheap management thereof.

[0105] In fact, by knowing the fill level and the localization of each collecting device 1 it is possible to optimize the travels of the operators 300 in charge of the collection, hence limiting the frequency of the travels and the consequent costs. In particular, it is possible to send the operators 300 only where, and when, it is needed, avoiding interventions at collecting devices 1 that are partially empty.

[0106] Preferably, the processor 104 is configured to control the communication unit 102 to remotely transmit, with preset time rate, control information 205 that represent the total quantity Y of each collecting device 1 and / or of each predefined group 105.

[0107] The aforementioned control information 205 may comprise the values of the operational parameters 10 of the different collecting devices 1, and / or of the aforementioned total quantities Y corresponding to the same devices 1 and / or to their groups 105, and / or other information suited to inform the operators 300 about the need to collect the butts A in a given location, for example a warning about the aforementioned total quantity Y having reached a predefined threshold.

[0108] The recovery system 100 also comprises one or more remote devices 106 configured to receive the aforementioned control information 205 and to render them available to corresponding users 300, 301.

[0109] In particular, one or more of the aforementioned users 300 may be in charge of the collection of the butts A from the collecting devices 1, and to their transportation to the recycling plant 108. Such operators 300 in charge of the collection may receive the aforementioned warnings together with the indications on the localization of the collecting devices 1.

[0110] Advantageously, the remote devices 106 configured as above contributes to the efficiency of the collection.

[0111] The transmission of the control information 205 to the remote devices 106 may occur through any of the previously described methods for transmitting the operational parameters 10 from the collecting devices 1.

[0112] Preferably, one or more remote devices 106 are portable, and are configured to receive the control information 205 via radiofrequency, for example through the GSM network and / or the Internet. In particular, the aforementioned remote devices 106 mat comprise mobile phones or other devices suited to be carried in a pocket or in a bag.

[0113] Advantageously, the aforementioned remote devices 106 of portable kind allow the operators 300 in charge of the collection to receive, in any moment and in any place, the directions to go where it is required, so as to further increase the efficiency of the collection process.

[0114] On the other hand, one or more remote devices 106 may be located in stationary posts and may be, for example, personal computers, portable computers, or whatever other device, provided it is suited to receive the control information 205 that, in this case, may be transmitted by radiofrequency or through wire.

[0115] The stationary remote devices 106 just described are particularly suited for users 301 who permanently operate in the aforementioned areas of competence K, as it is the case for the employee of a company or of any other entity having access to the aforementioned area of competence K, who can be given the assignment to check the corresponding collecting devices 1.

[0116] In such a case, the corresponding remote devices 106 are preferably configured to provide the control information 205 relating to all of the collecting devices 1 that are located in the corresponding area of competence K and that, preferably, define one of the aforementioned predefined groups 105.

[0117] Advantageously, what has just disclosed allows the user 301 to monitor the state of all the collecting devices 1 that are included in the area of competence K.

[0118] Still preferably, the processor 104 is configured to embed, in the control information 205, a second identification information 12 univocally associated to any one of the aforementioned remote devices 106, or of a plurality of them. Moreover, each one of the aforementioned remote devices 106 is configured to render available selectively, to the corresponding user 301, only the control information 205 comprising the corresponding second identification information 12.

[0119] Advantageously, the aforementioned configuration allows to limit the information provided to each user 301 only to those information relating with the collecting devices 1 falling under his competence.

[0120] The aforementioned second identification information 12 may be permanently associated to a given remote device 106, or it may be inserted in the remote device 106 itself when needed. In the latter case, the second identification information 12 may comprise, for example, an authentication code that the user is assigned when joining the collection service and that, when inserted in any remote device 106 available to the user 301, renders the latter device univocally identifiable.

[0121] Still preferably, and as seen in fig. 5, one or more remote devices 106 comprises a geolocalization sensor 106a allowing the device itself to detect its own position.

[0122] Moreover, the processor 104 may be configured to embed, in the control information 205 corresponding to a given collecting device 1 or to a given predefined group 105, the information relating to the position of such collecting device 1 or predefined group 105. Moreover, each remote device 106 is configured to decide, based on the comparison between its position as detected by the geolocalization sensor and that corresponding to the aforementioned position information, if the collecting device 1 and / or the group 105 fall under its area of competence.

[0123] Advantageously, the configuration just disclosed allows attributing the competence of the remote devices 106 based on the geographical positions of the collecting devices 1 or groups 105, with no need to identify the latter.

[0124] The geographical positions of the collecting devices 1 and of the predefined groups 105 may be determined from time to time based on the corresponding geographical position indicators previously described, or detected from time to time for all of them at the moment of installation of the collecting devices 1, and stored in the memory means 103. Preferably, one or more remote devices 106 are configured to remotely transmit, with a predefined time rate, the information 13 on its own geographical position based on the position detected by the aforementioned geolocalization sensor 106a, and may be received by the communication unit 102. Moreover, the processor 104 is configured so that the aforementioned second identification information 12 embedded in the control information 205 identifies the remote devices 106 located close to the collecting device 1, or the predefined group 105 which the control information 205 refer to.

[0125] Advantageously, the configuration just disclosed is particularly suited for the remote devices 106 at the disposal of the operators 300 in charge of the collection, because it allows to more efficiently organize the collection based on the real-time position of the latter operators relative to the collecting devices 1 and / or to predefined groups 105 for which emptying is required.

[0126] Preferably, the recovery system 100 also comprises third data 203 stored in the memory means 103 and representing associations between, on the one hand, one or more collecting devices 1 and / or predefined groups 105 and, on the other hand, one or more corresponding remote devices 106. Moreover, the processor 104 is configured in such a way as to embed, in the control information 205 relating to a collecting device 1 and / or to a predefined group 105, the second identification information 12 corresponding to the remote devices 106 associated with the collecting device 1 and / or to the group 105 based on the aforementioned associations.

[0127] Advantageously, the configuration just disclosed allows to assign the competence of each collecting device 1 and / or group 105 to corresponding users 300, 301, as an alternative to, or in combination with, the assignment of competence based on the previously disclosed position. In particular, the aforementioned configuration allows each user 300, 301 to use the remote devices 106 at his disposal to monitor the state of the thereof associated collecting devices 1.

[0128] What has been previously disclosed in relation to the identification of the remote devices 106 is also applicable to the latter case, where the identification may be embedded in the device 106 or assigned by the user 300, 301 upon authentication.

[0129] Preferably, the recovery system 100 also comprises one or more collection cans 107, each one of which is intended to receive the butts A coming from one or more collecting devices 1 associated with the can 107 itself, for example all those belonging to a predefined group 105.

[0130] The users 301 may empty the collecting devices 1 under their competence in the aforementioned collection cans 107 until they are collected by the operators 300 in charge of the collection and transported to the recycling plants 108. Advantageously, what has been just disclosed allows more flexible for the operators 300 in charge of the collection, to reduce their travels and increase the efficiency of the process.

[0131] Preferably, each collection can 107 has a multiple capacity compared to that of the collecting device 1, or to the total capacity of the collecting devices 1 belonging to the group 105 assigned to the can, in such a way as to allow performing a plurality of emptyings of the collecting devices 1, hence increasing the aforementioned advantages. Still preferably, each collection can 107 is closed and can be opened by the user 301 by means of a key, or of an equivalent device, which is preferably the same that allows opening the covers 3 of the collecting devices 1 assigned to the can 107, hence avoiding unauthorized emptyings.

[0132] Moreover, fourth data 204 are stored in the memory means 103 indicating the association between each collection can 107 and the corresponding collecting devices 1, or their predefined group 105. The processor 104 is configured to estimate the total quantity Y of butts A collected by all of the collecting devices 1 associated to a corresponding collection can 107.

[0133] Advantageously, what has been just disclosed allows to monitor the filling state of the collection cans 107, as well as that of each collecting device 1, so as to limit the travel frequency of the operators 300 in charge of the collection, thus further increasing the efficiency of the process.

[0134] It is understood that the invention is particularly suited to simplify the process to certify the raw material originating from the transformation of the butts A at the recycling plant 108. In fact, the processor 104 allows to easily generate data relating to the transformation process, that are required in the subsequent process of certifying the change in quality of of the material, from waste to raw material.

[0135] To that end, the processor 104 is preferably configured to generate the aforementioned process data, and send them to the certification authority.

[0136] Still preferably, the processor 104 is configured to send the aforementioned process data to the certification authority, not represented in the drawings but known per-se, to undergo a procedure suited to guarantee their authenticity and preventing their alteration. The aforementioned procedure may comprise, for example, attaching an electronic authenticity seal, and may occur, for example, through using a technology based on DLT ("Distributed Ledger Technology"), for example like a "blockchain". Operatively, and referring to figs. 4 and 5, the process for collecting the cigarette butts A using the recovery system 100 occurs as follows.

[0137] First of all, a plurality of collecting devices 1 are installed in preset locations of the territory.

[0138] Some of the aforementioned collecting devices 1, installed in corresponding predefined areas of competence K, may define the aforementioned predefined groups 105. One of the aforementioned areas of competence K is indicated in fig. 4. Each user 301 having competence on a specific collecting device 1 and / or predefined group 105 and / or area of competence K may receive control information 205 relating to the state of the corresponding collecting devices 1, in order to check their fill level, obtain other data useful to manage the collecting devices 1, as well as be informed of possible tampering or failure. To this end, the collecting devices 1 and the predefined groups 105 may be associated with the remote devices 106 of the corresponding users 301.

[0139] Moreover, at each collecting device 1 and / or predefined group 105, a corresponding collection can 107 may be placed in which the collecting devices 1 may be emptied by the corresponding user 301.

[0140] The remote apparatus 101 collects the data generated by the collecting devices 1 and sends control information 205 to the remote devices 106 at the disposal of the operators 300 in charge of the collection, the control information 205 indicating the fill level of the collecting devices 1 and / or of the corresponding collection cans 107, in order for them to reach the place where the collection of the butts A is required, and transport the butts to the recycling plant 108.

[0141] The aforementioned control information 205 may be configured in such a way that each operator in charge of the collection 300 receives only those relating to specific collecting devices 1 or predefined groups 105, for example those under his competence, or those that can be reached more quickly.

[0142] Preferably, the recovery system 100 is configured in such a way that the remote apparatus 101 is informed of each withdrawal from the collecting devices 1 and / or from the collection cans 107, as well as of each disposal of the corresponding butts A to the recycling plant 108, in such a way as to allow monitoring the quantity of butts A that are being treated.

[0143] What has been just disclosed can be achieved, for example, through configuring the remote devices 106 at the disposal of the operators 300 in charge of the collection, and / or the recycling plant 108, in such a way to render them capable to transmit the verification information 206 relating to the information above mentioned to the remote apparatus 101.

[0144] The remote apparatus 101 is also configured to send the data relating to the collection and recycling process, as well as to the quantity of obtained raw material, to the certification authority and / or to the authentication authority, as previously disclosed. From what has been described above, it is understood that the collecting device and the recovery system above disclosed achieve the aims of the invention.

[0145] In particular, the collection of the operational parameters of the collecting devices in real time allows remotely supervising the whole butt collection-and-recovery process. Moreover, the availability of the aforementioned data allows automating the bureaucratic fulfillments relating to the transformation of the waste into raw material.

[0146] The invention is susceptible of changes and variants all of which fall within the inventive concept expressed in the enclosed claims. In particular, the elements of the invention may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0147] Moreover, one or more elements of a specific embodiment of the invention that are technically compatible with another specific embodiment of the invention may be used in the latter one in addition to, or to replace, elements of the latter.

[0148] Where technical elements specified in the claims are followed by reference signs, those reference signs are included to the sole purpose of improving the understanding of the invention, hence they do not imply any limitation to the scope of protection claimed.

Claims

1. Collecting device (1) for cigarette butts (A), comprising: - a container (2) for said butts (A), provided with one or more access mouths (2a) for the inlet of said butts (A); - a sensor unit (4) to detect one or more operational parameters (10) of said collecting device (1), said operational parameters (10) comprising a first indicator (10a) representative of a fill degree of said container (2); - a communication device (5, 5') for the transmission of said operational parameters (10) to an external device (102, 106, 106') suited to receive them.

2. Collecting device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a cover (3) movably associated to one of said access mouths (2a) through constraining means (8) configured to define, for said cover (3), an open position to allow emptying said container (2) through said one of said access mouths (2a), and a close position to prevent or at least obstacle said emptying, said operational parameters (10) comprising a second indicator (10b) representative of a position of said cover (3) with respect to said one of said access mouths (2a).

3. Collecting device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said cover (3) comprises one or more through openings (3a) that, when said cover (3) is arranged in said close position, are faced to said one of said access mouths (2a), each one of said through openings (3a) having dimensions that are substantially smaller than those of said one of said access mouths (2a), but are big enough to allow insertion of said butts (A).

4. Collecting device (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said operational parameters (10) comprise a third indicator (10c) representing a geographical location of said collecting device (1).

5. Collecting device (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized by comprising a housing (6) to removably receive said container (2) in an operating position in which said container (2) is suited to receive said butts (A), stop means (7) being provided that are operable between a first operating position, in which they constrain said container (2) to said housing (6) in said operating position, and a second operating position, in which said container (2) can be separated from said housing (6).

6. Collecting device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said housing (6) has such a shape as to allow said container (2) to be arranged in said operating position through sliding said container (2) in said housing (6), wherein said housing (6) defines an opening (6b) for insertion and removal of said container (2).

7. Collecting device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said opening (6b) belongs to a wall of said housing (6) which, in use, faces upwards, in such a way that said container (2) can be extracted from said housing (6) through a lifting movement.

8. Collecting device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by being configured in such a way that said cover (3) closes said opening (6b).

9. Collecting device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said operational parameters (10) comprise a fourth indicator (10d) representative of a position of said container (2) with respect to said housing (6) and / or of an operational configuration of said stop means (7).

10. Recovery system (100) for cigarette butts (A), comprising a plurality of collecting devices (1) according to any preceding claim, each collecting device (1) comprising a first identification information (11) suited to univocally identify said collecting device (1) and / or a predefined group (105) of said collecting devices (1) to which said collecting device (1) belongs, said recovery system (100) comprising a remote apparatus (101) in turn comprising: - a communication unit (102) to acquire said operational parameters (10) originating from each one of said collecting devices (1) together with the corresponding said first identification information (11); - memory means (103); - a processor (104) operatively associated to said communication unit (102) and to said memory means (103), configured to memorize said operational parameters (10) into said memory means (103) in the form of first data (201) and to use them to estimate total quantities (Y) of butts (A) collected in a given time interval through each collecting device (1) and / or through each predefined groups (105) and to memorize said total quantities (Y) in said memory means (103) in the form of second data (202), said processor (104) being configured in such a way as to embed said first identification information (11) in the corresponding said first data (201) and said second data (202).

11. Recovery system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that said processor (104) is configured to operate said communication unit (102) to transmit control information (205) representative of said total quantity (Y) of each said collecting device (1) and / or of each said predefined group (105), said recovery system (100) comprising one or more remote devices (106) available to corresponding users (300, 301), each of said remote devices (106) being configured to acquire said control information (205) and to render them available to the corresponding user (300, 301).

12. Recovery system (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that said processor (104) is configured in such a way as to incorporate, into said control information (205), a second identification information (12) univocally associated to any one of said remote devices (106), each of said remote devices (106) being configured to make selectively available to said user (300, 301) said control information (205) which comprises the corresponding said second identification information (12).

13. Recovery system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, in said memory means (103), third data (203) is memorized that is representative of associations between, on the one hand, one or more said collecting devices (1) and / or one or more said predefined groups (105), and, on the other hand, one or more corresponding said remote devices (106), said processor (104) being configured in such a way that said second identification information (12) incorporated into said control information (205) identify those remote devices (106) that, according to said associations, correspond to said collecting device (1) and / or to said predefined group (105) to which said control information (205) relate to.

14. Recovery system (100) according to any claim from 10 to 13, characterized by comprising a plurality of collection cans (107) to collect said cigarette butts (A) coming from corresponding predefined groups (105) of said collecting devices (1), each collection can (107) having a capacity which is multiple of the overall capacity of the collecting devices (1) belonging to the corresponding predefined group (105), fourth data (204) being stored in said memory means (103) that are representative of an association between each collection can (107) and a corresponding collecting device (1), or a predefined group (105) thereof, said processor (104) being configured in order to estimate each of said total quantities (Y) relating to the collecting devices (1) associated to a corresponding one of said collection cans (107).

15. Recovery system (100) according to any claim from 10 to 14, characterized in that each one of said collecting devices (1) comprises a memorization device in which an identification code corresponding to said first identification information (11) is stored.

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