Singulator for singulating containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a singulation device (1) for singulating containers (2), such as used reusable or recyclable food or beverage containers, received in bulk. The singulation device (1) comprises a reservoir (3) adapted to collect the used containers (2) in bulk, and a transport unit (4) adapted to transport the containers (2) from an intake area (5) of the reservoir (3) to a receiving area (6), the receiving area (6) being located at a higher elevation than the intake area (5). The present invention also relates to a container return system (24) configured to receive the bulk of the containers (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a singulation device for singulating containers and to an automatic return machine configured to receive bulks of containers. [Background technology]

[0002] In the context of the present application, a singulation device may be any device adapted to handle used food or beverage containers for recycling or reuse in a container return system, including deposit return containers such as empty beverage bottles and cans of any size and material, e.g., PET, aluminum, tin, or glass, and / or glasses and / or cups, such as coffee cups. Such a system may be used by specialized operators, for example, in recycling centers that collect used beverage containers from the food service industry.

[0003] The singulation device may also be part of a reverse vending machine (RVM) located, for example, in a supermarket, where end consumers deposit their used beverage containers into the RVM. Typically, only the front of the RVM, including the infeed area, is visible and accessible to the end consumers, with backroom facilities only accessible to store employees or other authorized personnel.

[0004] Collector machines are typically located so that people can return empty containers and potentially receive a refund. Collector machines can collect a large number of containers in a short period of time. This means that the collector must store the containers very efficiently so that the storage bins for the containers do not have to be changed frequently. Therefore, the containers are compressed by the collector, so that each container occupies less space than it did before being compressed.

[0005] EP 3481753 discloses an apparatus for singulating used beverage or food containers received in bulk into individual objects. The apparatus includes a first receiving area arranged to simultaneously receive and hold a plurality of containers, and a second receiving area positioned at a higher vertical level than the first receiving area. The apparatus further includes a conveying device including a container lifting member for transporting the containers from the first receiving area to the second receiving area. The lifting member is attached to the conveying device and, upon activation of the conveying device, moves along a circumferential path about a first axis and is locked, the first axis being inclined at an angle of 1 to 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 3481753 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] A problem with this type of singulation machine is that the size and shape of the first receiving area is limited by the circular design of the conveying machine. Another drawback is that it can be difficult to return the objects, which can cause downtime. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above deficiencies and disadvantages in the art singly or in any combination, or to solve at least the problems mentioned above.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, these and other objects are achieved in whole or at least in part by a singulation device for singulating containers, such as reusable or recyclable used food or beverage containers, received in bulk. The singulation device comprises a reservoir adapted to collect used containers in bulk, and a transport unit adapted to transport the containers from an intake area of ​​the reservoir to a receiving area, the receiving area being located at a higher elevation than the intake area. The transport unit comprises a flexible conveyor element provided with a plurality of container carriers, and a path control device configured to control the flexible conveyor element to move the containers along a curved path when transporting them.

[0010] This disclosure is based, at least in part, on the recognition that a longer path from the infeed area to the intake area allows for a more regular and reliable feeding of used containers into the intake area and the singulation device. The used containers may be spread out more on the transport unit, so that the bulk of used containers received by the singulation device at the infeed area do not reach the intake area all at once. Therefore, fewer used containers may be present in the intake area at the same time compared to a configuration in which used containers are received directly in the intake area. This reduces the risk of overcrowding used containers in the intake area and / or the singulation device. Furthermore, fewer used containers in the intake area reduces noise from the singulation device because the containers are less likely to be agitated during singulation.

[0011] The singulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention allows for a limited footprint for the apparatus while still allowing for such long routes to the simulator apparatus, which is advantageous in allowing personnel easy access to various parts of the apparatus for maintenance or cleaning.

[0012] Additionally, flexible conveyor elements allow for longer intake distances within the intake area, providing a more robust and stable intake of containers within the intake area.

[0013] Another advantage of the singulator is that the flexible conveyor elements allow the container carriers to be aligned with the conveyors present in the receiving area.

[0014] A further advantage is that the flexible conveyor element allows for the transport of objects in two different directions, so that objects that are unacceptable or that may become jammed and cause downtime can be returned in an efficient manner by reversing the transport direction of the flexible conveyor element.

[0015] The path control device may include a curvature control structure.

[0016] At least a portion of the curved path may be C-shaped.

[0017] The path control device may include at least two deflection members, with the flexible conveyor element looped around each of the at least two deflection members.

[0018] At least two deflection members may be arranged at each end of the transport unit.

[0019] At least one of the deflection members may comprise a wheel.

[0020] The wheels may be drive wheels.

[0021] The singulation device may further comprise a V-shaped guide portion that is arranged in connection with an upper portion of the transport unit and adapted to guide the container while being transported by the transport unit towards the receiving area.

[0022] The flexible conveyor element may be a chain.

[0023] The flexible conveyor element may be a belt, preferably a modular belt or a timing belt.

[0024] The reservoir may be elongated in the direction of conveyance of the flexible conveyor element within the intake area.

[0025] The reservoir may have a tapered cross section that tapers toward a bottom section of the reservoir in the capture region.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, these and other objects are achieved, in whole or at least in part, by a container return system configured to receive a bulk of reusable or recyclable containers, such as used food or beverage containers, through an infeed opening, the automatic collection machine comprising a singulation device according to the above-mentioned features, an infeed device for feeding the containers from the infeed opening to a reservoir of the singulation device, a sorting unit, and a transporter for transporting the containers from the receiving area of ​​the singulation device to the sorting unit.

[0027] The container return system may further comprise devaluation means downstream of the sorting unit.

[0028] The container return system may further comprise a cabinet downstream of the sorting unit, the cabinet adapted to receive the retrieval means for receiving the containers downstream of the transporter.

[0029] The advantages and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely similar to those described above in relation to the first aspect of the inventive concept, and the embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention are largely compatible with the further aspects of the invention.

[0030] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure, the appended claims and the drawings. It is noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features.

[0031] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the" (element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.) should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. unless otherwise specified.

[0032] The term used container should be interpreted as an empty container, for example after (most of) the contents of the container have been drunk, eaten, disposed of or otherwise used. A used container may not be completely empty when placed in the singulation device.

[0033] A singulation device as described herein may also be used to receive other types of recyclable or reusable containers. By way of non-limiting example, a singulation device according to the present disclosure may be configured to receive used containers for cosmetics, paints, chemicals, or any other type of consumer or commercial product.

[0034] The process of separating containers for individual shipping and handling may be referred to as singulation.

[0035] The term "bulk" or variations thereof means that two or more used containers can be received by the singulation device simultaneously, and preferably means that the used containers can be of various shapes and sizes, such as cans, cylindrical, square or specially shaped bottles, Tetra Pak containers, etc. Furthermore, the used containers may be made of various materials, such as plastic, paper, metal or glass, or a combination thereof. The singulation device may be adapted to receive and process all or some of the different standard sizes of containers in different countries. This may be, for example, capable of handling a mix of 33-cl and 50-cl aluminum cans, as well as 33-cl, 50-cl and 1.5-L PET bottles.

[0036] According to one example, the diameter or length of used containers received and transported by the singulation device is at least 20 mm, or at least 50 mm, and / or at most 150 mm, or at most 200 mm, or at most 350 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the height (i.e., the longest side) of containers received and transported by the singulation device is at least 50 mm, or at least 75 mm, and / or at most 200 mm, or at most 380 mm, or at most 500 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the weight of used containers received and transported by the singulation device is at least 10 g, and / or at most 3 kg, or at most 5 kg. Additionally or alternatively, the volume of used containers received and transported by the singulation device is at least 10 ml, or at least 50 ml, and / or at most 3 L, or at most 5 L, or at most 8 L.

[0037] According to one example, the height (ie, longest side) of the smallest used container handled by the return device is smaller than the diameter of the largest used container handled by the singulation device.

[0038] The receiving area being positioned at a higher vertical level than the intake area means that a majority of the receiving area is located above the intake area. Thus, when the used containers are transported from the intake area to the receiving area by the singulation device, they are transported from a lower vertical level to a higher vertical level. The height difference between the intake area and the receiving area may be at least 0.2 m, or at least 0.4 m, or at least 0.6 m, or at least 0.8 m, or at least 1.2 m, or at least 1.5 m. Additionally or alternatively, the height difference between the intake area and the receiving area may be at most 0.6 m, or at most 0.8 m, or at most 1 m, or at most 1.2 m, or at most 1.5 m, or at most 1.7 m, or at most 2 m. Additionally or alternatively, the height difference between the intake area and the receiving area may be 900 mm to 1100 mm, or 800 mm to 1200 mm, or 500 mm to 2000 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving area may be positioned at least 0.8 m, or at least 1.0 m, or at least 1.1 m, or at least 1.2 m, or at least 1.4 m, or at least 1.6 m, or at least 1.8 m above the floor. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving area may be positioned up to 2.2 m, or up to 2.0 m, or up to 1.8 m, or up to 1.6 m, or up to 1.4 m, or up to 1.2 m above the floor.

[0039] Generally, used containers are fed / received into the singulation device at a particular height, typically chosen to be easily reachable by the public. The height of the infeed area may be suitable for reach by a person in a wheelchair.

[0040] Used containers classified as acceptable by the sorting unit may be transported to a storage container. Optionally, used containers classified as acceptable by the sorting unit may be transported to different storage containers depending on the material and / or type of the used container. Optionally, the used containers may be devalued before being transported to the storage container. For example, the used containers may be compressed and / or crushed before being transported to the storage container.

[0041] In the context of the present invention, a container return system may be any system adapted to collect, sort, crush, compress, and / or transport used deposit return containers for recycling or reuse, including used food or beverage containers, such as empty beverage bottles and cans, of any size and material, e.g., PET, aluminum, tin, or glass, and / or cups, such as glasses and / or coffee cups. Upon their return, the deposit return containers may be eligible for a refund, such as a "pfand" from Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH (DPG), or any other national / international deposit system for used containers, such as used food or beverage containers. Such systems may be used by specialized operators, for example, at recycling centers that collect used beverage containers from the food service industry. The container return system may also be an automated collection machine (RVM), for example, located in a supermarket, where end consumers deposit used food and beverage containers into the container return system. Typically, only the front of the container return system, including the infeed area, is visible and accessible to the end consumer, while the backroom facilities are accessible only to store employees or other parties.

[0042] The term used container should be interpreted as an empty container, e.g., after (most of) the container's contents have been drunk, eaten, disposed of, or otherwise used. A used container may be completely emptied when placed in the container return system, or it may not be empty and may contain some liquid and / or previous contents. In many cases, nearly all of the container's contents have, e.g., been poured out, leaving only some residue that was not easily poured out at that time.

[0043] The container return system as described herein may also be used to accept other types of recyclable or reusable containers. By way of non-limiting example, the container return system may be configured to accept used containers for cosmetics, such as shampoo bottles, and / or paints, and / or chemicals, and / or any other type of consumer or commercial product.

[0044] As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations of this term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0045] As used herein, the term "horizontal" and variations of that term include any substantially horizontal orientation.

[0046] As used herein, the term "vertical" and variations of that term include any substantially perpendicular orientation.

[0047] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals may be used for like elements, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a singulation device according to a first aspect of the present invention when installed within a container return system according to a second aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is another perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the singulation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 10 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a singulation device according to the first aspect of the present invention when installed in a container return system according to the second aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3B] 10 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a singulation device according to the first aspect of the present invention when installed in a container return system according to the second aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3C] 10 is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a singulation device according to the first aspect of the present invention when installed in a container return system according to the second aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the singulation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is another enlarged view of a portion of the singulation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is yet another enlarged view of a portion of the singulation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 10 is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a singulation device according to the first aspect of the present invention when installed in a container return system according to the second aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a singulation device according to the first aspect of the present invention when installed in a container return system according to the second aspect of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container return system 24 including a singulation device 1 for singulating containers 2, such as reusable or recyclable used food or beverage containers received in bulk. Used beverage or food containers are sometimes referred to herein as containers 2. Used beverage or food containers 2 typically have an elongated shape and may be, for example, substantially cylindrical. Furthermore, food or beverage containers 2 may be made of a variety of materials, such as plastic, paper, metal, or glass, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The singulation device 1 comprises a reservoir 3 adapted to collect used containers 2 in bulk and a transfer unit 4 adapted to transfer the containers 2 from an intake area 5 of the reservoir 3 to a receiving area 6. The receiving area 6 is arranged at a higher elevation than the intake area 5, i.e., the receiving area 6 is positioned vertically above the intake area 5.

[0051] Containers 2 received in bulk are collected in reservoir 3 after entering singulation device 1. They are then held in reservoir 3 until transported randomly by transfer unit 4 from intake area 5 of reservoir 3 to receiving area 6. The size and shape of reservoir 3 are described later in the application.

[0052] The transport unit 4 comprises a flexible endless conveyor element 7 with a plurality of container carriers 8 and a path control device 9 used to control the flexible conveyor element 7 to move the containers 2 along a curved path when transporting them. The curved path, or at least a portion thereof, is C-shaped. The path control device 9 comprises a curvature control structure 10, which is the component that actually shapes the curved path of the flexible conveyor element 7. Naturally, other shapes of the curved path, such as an S-shape, are also possible, as will be explained in more detail later in the application. Essentially, the size, shape and extension of the flexible conveyor element 7 can be varied in any suitable way, as long as its main purpose is achieved.

[0053] The number of container carriers 8 may depend on the size of the transport unit 4. The container carriers 8 may be arranged at equal or uneven intervals along the flexible conveyor element 7 of the transport unit 4. The container carriers 8 may have a size and design adapted to transport containers of different shapes and sizes collected in the intake area 5 to the receiving area 6. The container carriers 8 and / or the container support surfaces of the container carriers 8 may be, for example, rectangular, oval, flat, cup-shaped, shaped as paddles or shovels, or a combination thereof, such as flat and rectangular. They may be solid or have small openings. When the transport unit 4 includes two or more container carriers 8, the shapes of the lifting members may be the same, although this is not necessarily the case.

[0054] Furthermore, each container carrier 8 may, but does not necessarily have to, be provided with a rim arranged around the outer periphery of the lifting member and extending in the conveying direction to provide additional support to the container when it is transported from the intake area 5 to the receiving area 6.

[0055] The path control device 9 comprises several deflection members 11 around which the flexible conveyor elements are looped. In this particular embodiment, the flexible conveyor elements 7 are constituted by endless chains and the deflection wheels are constituted by gears adapted to guide and drive the endless chains.

[0056] The singulation device 1 further comprises a V-shaped guide portion 12, which is arranged on the top of the conveying unit 4 and adapted to guide the container 2 while it is being conveyed by the conveying unit 4 towards the receiving area 6.

[0057] The guide portion 12 extends substantially vertically within the singulation apparatus 1, with a slight curve so as to be aligned with the curved path of the flexible conveyor element 7. The guide portion 12 is positioned in close association with the flexible conveyor element 7 and its carrier 8 along a portion of the extension of the flexible conveyor element 7.

[0058] An upper portion of the guide portion 12 is arranged in connection with a conveyor 13 for transporting the containers 2 from the receiving area 6 of the singulation device 1 to a sorting unit 14 arranged downstream of the singulation device 1. The guide portion 12 mainly serves to guide the containers 2 and prevent them from moving back into the intake area 5 of the reservoir 3 during transport. A further conveyor 32 constituted by a conveyor is also provided downstream of the sorting unit 14.

[0059] As mentioned above, one advantage offered by the flexible conveyor element 7 is that it can run in a forward and reverse direction, allowing the containers 2 to be transported in two different directions. Thus, by arranging a receptacle 15 connected to the upstream side of the reservoir 3, it is possible to change the direction of the flexible conveyor element 7 from a forward direction to a reverse direction, for example to guide a container back out of the singulation device 1 if the container has been accidentally deposited therein.

[0060] 3A shows another exemplary embodiment of a container return system 24 comprising a singulation device 1 for singulating containers 2. Here, the flexible conveyor element 7 consists of a modular endless belt. It is also possible to use a different belt, such as a timing belt.

[0061] The flexible conveyor element 7 is looped around two deflection members 11, each consisting of a wheel, at least one of which is a drive wheel. The two deflection members 11 are located at either end of the transport unit 4 and are each mounted on an inclined shaft 16.

[0062] In this embodiment, the curvature control structure 10 of the path control device 9 extends along the entire length of the flexible conveyor element 7, except for the loop around the deflection member 11. Since the modular belt and its surrounding control structure 10 can be curved in any direction, the flexible conveyor element 7 may be given any suitable shape imaginable.

[0063] 3B shows another exemplary embodiment of a container return system 24 including a singulation device 1 for singulating containers 2. In this embodiment, carrier 8 includes at least one sidewall 34. Sidewall 34 extends along the entire length or a portion of a side surface 35 of carrier 8 and is used to ensure that containers 2 are held in place on carrier 8 along at least a predetermined distance during transport by transport unit 4. The size and shape of carrier 8 and its sidewall 34 can, of course, be modified to any suitable size and shape so long as it meets the above-mentioned objectives.

[0064] 3C shows another exemplary embodiment of a container return system 24 comprising a singulation device 1 for singulating containers 2. In this embodiment, a sensor 33 is arranged on the transport unit 4, for example coupled to the V-shaped guide portion 12. The sensor is used to detect whether one or several metal containers have been transported by the transport unit 4. If a metal container is detected, the transport unit 4 may be instructed to reduce its speed, for example to ensure that the metal container in question does not fall off the carrier 8 during transport by the transport unit 4.

[0065] In one example, if it is detected that two (or more) metal containers are being transported by the transport unit 4 at the same time, the transport unit 4 may be instructed to reduce its speed.

[0066] The sensor 33 may be, for example, an inductive sensor.

[0067] 4-6 show an exemplary embodiment of the reservoir 3 of the singulation apparatus 1. The reservoir 3 is elongated in the conveying direction of the flexible conveyor element 7 in the intake area 5 and has a tapered cross-section that tapers toward a bottom section 17 of the reservoir 3 in the intake area 5. More specifically, the width of the reservoir 3 increases from its bottom section 17 toward its top section 18. The reservoir bottom section 17 is curved to have a first portion 19 that slopes downward to a central portion 20 that constitutes the bottom of the reservoir 3, and a second portion 21 that slopes upward from the central portion 20.

[0068] The first section 19 is used to transport the containers forward and is inclined to avoid them dropping into the container 2 receptacle 15. The central section 20 comprises the actual intake area 5 where the containers 2 are collected by the container carrier 8 and transported upwards through the second section 21 towards the guide section 12.

[0069] The reservoir 3 has a region 22 before it reaches the guide portion 12 that has a width greater than the width of the intake region 5. This region 22 allows the container 2 to tip over and fall back into the reservoir 3 if the container 2 is not properly aligned.

[0070] The reservoir also has a pocket 23 downstream of the guide portion 12 that is connected to a conveyor 13 for transporting the containers 2 from the receiving area 6 of the singulation device 1 to the sorting unit 14. The pocket 23 is used to capture the containers 2 that fall from the conveyor 13 and guide them back to the intake area 5 of the reservoir 3.

[0071] Suitable measurements for the reservoir may be, for example, a width (a) of region 22 in the range of 300-400 mm, preferably 350 mm, a width (b) of first portion 19 of bottom section 17 in the range of 350-400 mm, preferably 375 mm, a length (c) of first portion 19 of bottom section 17 in the range of 600-700 mm, preferably 650 mm, and a depth (d) of uptake region 5 in the range of 400-460 mm, preferably 430 mm.

[0072] The reservoir 3 has a first sidewall 30 and a second sidewall 31 on each side of the central portion 20 of the bottom section 17 (at the intake region 5). The curvature of the first sidewall 30 is different from the curvature of the second sidewall 31. Preferably, the curvature of the first sidewall 30 is greater than the curvature of the second sidewall 31. The second sidewall 31 also does not have to be completely straight, i.e., not curved.

[0073] This design of reservoir 3, in which bottom section 17 is narrower than top section 18, makes it easier to align container 2 within intake area 5 of reservoir 3. Therefore, this design is preferred, even though a wider bottom section of reservoir 3 would allow for a larger volume.

[0074] 7 shows another exemplary embodiment of a singulation apparatus 1 for singulating containers 2. Here, the curved path of the flexible conveyor element 7 is S-shaped, which means that the containers 2 are transported in one direction through the entire singulation apparatus 1.

[0075] Figure 8 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a singulation apparatus 1 for singulating containers 2. In this embodiment, the curved path of the flexible conveyor element 7 is still C-shaped, but the connecting carrier 13 is inclined by 90 degrees relative to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. In this way, the guide portion 12 can be removed from the singulation apparatus 1.

[0076] The container return system 24 will now be described in more detail as a whole. The container return system 24 is configured to receive a bulk of containers, such as reusable or recyclable used food or beverage containers 2, through an infeed opening 25. The container return system 24 includes an infeed device 26, a diverting means 27, and a singulating and conveying means 28. The infeed device 26 is configured to convey the containers 2 from the infeed opening 25 to a diverting area 29.

[0077] The redirecting means 27 is configured to redirect the container 2 in the redirecting area 29, and the singulating and conveying means 28 is configured to convey the container 2 from the redirecting area 29 to the intake area 5 of the singulating device 1, and the intake area 5 is adapted to collect the container 2 in bulk.

[0078] As mentioned above, the container return system 24 comprises a singulation device 1 configured to pick individual used containers from the bulk and to transport the individual containers 2 from the intake area 5 to the receiving area 6. The receiving area 6 is positioned at a higher vertical level than the intake area 5.

[0079] The container return system 24 further comprises a transporter 13 for transporting the containers 2 from the receiving area 6 of the singulation device 1 to the sorting unit 14. A further transporter 32 constituted by a conveyor is also provided downstream of the sorting unit 14.

[0080] The container return system 24 may further comprise a devaluation means (not shown) arranged downstream of the sorting unit 14 and a cabinet (not shown) downstream of the devaluation means, the cabinet adapted to receive a recovery means for receiving the container 2 downstream of the conveyor 14.

[0081] When the singulation device 1 is used in a container return system 24, containers 2 are provided to an infeed device 26 through an infeed opening 25 therein, either individually or in bulk. The infeed device 26 delivers the containers 2 from the infeed opening to a redirection area 29. From there, a redirection means 27 redirects the containers 2 toward a singulation and conveyance means 28, which conveys the containers 2 from the redirection area 29 to an intake area 5 of the singulation device 1. The containers 2 are aligned in a first portion 19 of the bottom section 17 within the reservoir 3 and slide downward toward a central portion 20 of the bottom section 17, which constitutes the intake area 5. From there, the containers 2 are collected by the container carriers 8 of the flexible conveyor element 7 and, guided by the guide portion 12, are conveyed through a second portion 21 to a conveyor 13. The conveyor 13 conveys the containers 2 from the receiving area 6 of the singulation device 1 to a sorting unit 14.

[0082] The sorting unit 14 is configured to sort the individual containers 2 into selected categories from a group including at least acceptable and unacceptable containers 2, and is further configured to initiate transport of only those containers 2 classified as acceptable for further processing or storage as acceptable containers 2.

[0083] Rejected containers 2 may be sorted to the infeed device 26 behind the diverting means 27 and sent back to the infeed opening 25 when the session is finished.

[0084] The container return system also typically includes a devaluation means (not shown) located downstream of the sorting unit 14 .

[0085] It is understood that other variations of the invention are contemplated and that, in some cases, some features of the invention can be employed without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the scope of the appended claims be construed broadly in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A singulation device (1) for singulating containers (2), such as reusable or recyclable used food or beverage containers (2) received in bulk, said singulation device (1) comprising: a reservoir (3) adapted to collect used containers (2) in bulk; a transfer unit (4) adapted to transfer the container (2) from an intake area (5) of said reservoir (3) to a receiving area (6), said receiving area (6) being arranged at a higher elevation than said intake area (5); The singulation device (1) includes a transport unit (4) having a flexible conveyor element (7) provided with a plurality of container carriers (8), and a path control device (9) configured to control the flexible conveyor element (7) to move the containers (2) along a curved path when transporting them.

2. The singulation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the path control device (9) comprises a curvature control structure (10).

3. 3. The singulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least a part of said curved path is C-shaped.

4. 4. The singulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the path control device (9) comprises at least two deflection members (11), and the flexible conveyor element (7) is looped around each of the at least two deflection members (11).

5. 5. The singulation device (1) according to claim 4, wherein said at least two deflection members (11) are arranged at respective ends of said transport unit (4).

6. The singulation device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein at least one of the deflection members (11) comprises a wheel.

7. 7. The singulation device (1) according to claim 6, wherein said wheels are drive wheels.

8. 8. The singulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a V-shaped guide portion (12) arranged in connection with an upper portion of the transport unit (4) and adapted to guide the container (2) while being transported by the transport unit (4) towards the receiving area (6).

9. A singulating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible conveyor element (7) is a chain.

10. Singulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said flexible conveyor element (7) is a belt, preferably a modular belt or a timing belt.

11. 11. The singulation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir (3) is elongated in the conveying direction of the flexible conveyor element (7) in the intake area (5).

12. 12. The singulation device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the reservoir (3) has a tapered cross section that tapers towards a bottom section (17) of the reservoir (3) in the intake area (5).

13. 1. A container return system (24) configured to receive a bulk of reusable or recyclable containers (2), such as used food or beverage containers, through an infeed opening (25), the automatic collection machine (24) comprising: A singulation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, an infeed device (26) for feeding the container (2) through the infeed opening (25) into the reservoir (3) of the singulation device (1); a classification unit (14); a transporter (13) for transporting containers (2) from the receiving area (6) of the singulating device (1) to the sorting unit (14),

14. 14. The container return system (24) of claim 13, further comprising a devaluation means downstream of the sorting unit (14).

15. 15. The container return system (24) of claim 14, further comprising a cabinet downstream of the sorting unit (14), the cabinet adapted to receive a collection means for receiving the container (2) downstream of the conveyor (13).

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