System for returning empty goods and method for returning empty goods containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for returning empty goods containers, comprising: at least one receiving opening (8) for receiving the empty goods containers (10); at least one sensor for detecting at least one feature of the received empty goods containers (10); at least one storage region (22, 23) for storing the empty goods containers (10); and at least one transport device (16) for transporting the received empty goods containers (10) from the at least one receiving opening (8, 14) to the at least one storage region (22, 23). The invention likewise relates to a method for returning empty goods containers, in particular using the aforementioned system for returning empty goods.

Description

[0001] Return system for empty containers and procedures for the return of empty containers

[0002] The present invention relates to a return system for returning empty containers, comprising: at least one receiving opening for receiving the empty containers; at least one sensor for detecting at least one feature of the received empty containers; at least one storage area for storing the empty containers; and at least one transport device for transporting the received empty containers from the at least one receiving opening to the at least one storage area. The present invention also relates to a method for returning empty containers, wherein the method is carried out in particular by means of an aforementioned return system.

[0003] Empty container return systems are known in various forms from the state of the art and are used in particular for the automated acceptance of empty containers, for example in supermarkets.

[0004] The empty containers to be taken back may include, for example, bottles, cans, crates filled with bottles and / or other empty containers.

[0005] Such empty containers are typically inserted by a user into a receiving opening of the reverse vending system and then checked for at least one feature, in particular at least one characteristic feature, using at least one sensor. Such a feature can be, for example, identification features by which the empty containers can be recognized and / or classified. For example, such a feature can be the shape and / or material of the empty container, a barcode or bar code arranged on the empty container, and / or a DPG marking.

[0006] At least one sensor is provided to detect the empty containers. Preferably, a plurality of sensors are provided so that features arranged on the empty containers can be reliably detected even without rotating the returned empty containers along their longitudinal axis. Furthermore, it is preferred that the plurality of sensors be arranged in a ring-shaped arrangement distributed along a circumference.

[0007] At least one storage area is provided for storing the returned empty containers. The at least one storage area is particularly designed to store disposable empty containers. The return system preferably has a sorting device that differentiates between disposable and reusable empty containers and, in particular, only feeds disposable empty containers to the at least one storage area. For the storage of the reusable empty containers, it is further preferred that they be stored in a reusable storage area after sorting.

[0008] At least one transport device is also provided to transport the received empty containers from the at least one receiving opening to the at least one storage area. The at least one transport device can comprise, for example, conveyor belts, transport rollers, and / or inclined planes.

[0009] In order to reduce the volume of returned empty containers, especially returned one-way empty containers, and / or to invalidate them, it is known in prior art empty container return systems to compact and / or perforate them, with the compacted and / or perforated empty containers then being stored in a collection bag. While compacted and / or perforated empty containers exhibit a certain volume reduction, it is necessary to remove the respective collection bag once they reach a certain fill level and store it separately in a storage area. Such reserving of a storage area leads to increased logistical costs, particularly storage costs.

[0010] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide an empty container return system and a method for returning empty containers, by means of which an effective return of the empty containers is made possible in a cost-effective manner.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned object is achieved in that the empty container return system further comprises at least one pressing device, and the at least one pressing device is designed to compress the empty containers stored in the at least one storage area, in particular to press them into a bale. By comprising an integrated pressing device, the returned empties can be further reduced in volume, so that the returned empties can be stored advantageously from a logistical point of view.

[0012] It is preferred that up to 5,000, in particular up to 10,000, empty containers can be stored in the at least one storage area and subsequently compressed into a bale. This far exceeds the capacity of a prior art empty container return system, in which approximately between 400 and 600 empty containers can be stored in one storage area.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferred that the base area of ​​a compressed bale essentially covers the area of ​​a pallet or half the area of ​​a pallet. For example, the base area of ​​a compressed bale essentially has a width of 80 cm and a length of 120 cm, or a width of essentially 80 cm and a length of essentially 60 cm. The height of the compressed bale is preferably between 70 cm and 90 cm, in particular between 75 cm and 85 cm. The weight of a compressed bale is, for example, in a range from 100 kg to 300 kg, in particular in a range from 150 kg to 250 kg, particularly preferably in a range from 175 kg to 225 kg.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferred that the returned empties are provided as compressed bales, which facilitates the handling of the returned empties containers.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the return containers for empty containers and / or the compressed bale are sprayed with an odorant, in particular with a biodegradable odorant, which can reduce any odor development that may occur.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one pressing device is at least an electric pressing device. This offers the advantage of enabling low maintenance requirements for the at least one electric pressing device. Furthermore, the risk of a hydraulic hose bursting in a hydraulic pressing device, for example, can be avoided, which would be particularly disadvantageous in the food industry.

[0017] Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the at least one pressing device to be a hydraulic pressing device. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the pressing pressure exerted.

[0018] Preferably, the compression of the empty containers stored in the storage area leads to irreversible damage to the compressed empty containers, so that they are invalidated and therefore cannot be taken back by an empty container return system. Furthermore, it is preferred that the empty container return system does not have a compactor and / or perforator, but rather the returned empties are simply invalidated and / or compressed by the at least one pressing device. This can further lead to a cost reduction of the empty container return system used, since the use of compactors and / or perforators can be completely dispensed with. The service life of the empty container return system can also be improved, since compactors and / or perforators are often prone to failure or subject to high levels of wear and tear and therefore require frequent maintenance or replacement.

[0019] Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the reverse vending system to have, for example, at least one compactor and / or perforator upstream of the at least one pressing device. This can provide a further reduction in the volume of the returned empties and additionally ensure that the returned empties are completely invalidated.

[0020] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one pressing device has at least one pressing plate; and in that the at least one pressing plate is displaceable, in particular linearly displaceable, for pressing the empty containers stored in the at least one storage area. This enables reliable pressing of the empty containers stored in the storage area. It is preferred that the at least one storage area has a substantially circumferential side wall, wherein the at least one pressing plate is preferably arranged within the storage area and ends substantially flush with the circumferential side wall of the at least one storage area. This enables reliable pressing of the empties arranged in the at least one storage area.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one storage area has at least one detection means for determining the fill level of the at least one storage area. Preferably, the at least one detection means is designed in particular as at least one light barrier, with the empty container interrupting the at least one light barrier when a defined fill level is reached. This makes it possible to control the at least one pressing device automatically, thereby further simplifying the process associated with the return of empty containers.

[0022] The fill level of the at least one storage area is particularly indicative of the volume of the empty containers arranged in the at least one storage area. For example, the fill level of the at least one storage area indicates the height, in particular the maximum height, of the empty containers arranged in the at least one storage area.

[0023] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one storage area has a plurality of detection means for determining the fill level of the at least one storage area. The plurality of detection means is preferably designed such that the fill level, in particular the total volume and / or the height, of the empty containers arranged in the at least one storage area can be determined. This enables control of the at least one pressing device depending on the fill level. For example, when a first fill level is reached, a first pressing can be carried out and thus the empty containers already stored in the at least one storage area are compressed and therefore reduced in volume. When a second fill level is reached, a second pressing can be carried out. Further pressing steps can be carried out until a maximum fill level of the at least one storage area is reached.This allows the quantity of empty containers that can be stored in at least one storage area to be maximized.

[0024] A further preferred embodiment comprises an ejection means for ejecting a compressed and tied bale. Such a bale is preferably displaced substantially linearly from the at least one storage area, since this essentially ensures that the dimensions of the bale can be kept substantially constant and thus bales with substantially identical dimensions, in particular with half the pallet dimensions or the pallet dimensions, can be provided.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the empty container return system comprises at least one control device. Preferably, the at least one control device controls, in particular, the at least one pressing device such that, upon reaching a defined fill level of the at least one storage area, the at least one pressing device at least partially compresses the empties located in the at least one storage area. Such a control system enables, in particular, further automation of the empty container return system, thereby reducing operating costs. Furthermore, by controlling the at least one pressing device depending on the fill level, the quantity of empties that can be stored in the at least one storage area can be increased or maximized.Preferably, the at least one control device is configured to instruct the at least one pressing device to compress the empty containers arranged in the at least one storage area when different fill levels are reached. If a maximum fill level of the at least one storage area is reached, the control device can, in addition to the pressing device, additionally control means for bale binding such that the compressed empty containers are bound into a bale.

[0026] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one pressing device is designed as at least one vertical press and in that the at least one vertical press in particular has at least one pressing plate extending essentially in a horizontal direction, wherein the at least one pressing plate is displaceable, in particular substantially linearly displaceable, for pressing the empty containers stored in the at least one storage area. Preferably, the at least one pressing plate of the at least one vertical press is displaceable essentially in the vertical direction, in particular linearly displaceable in the vertical direction. By means of a vertical press, the empties arranged in the at least one storage area can be pressed in a reliable manner.

[0027] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one storage area has at least one collecting tray. Such a collecting tray is provided to at least partially collect the liquid leaking from the empty containers during storage and / or during pressing. The use of a collecting tray has proven particularly advantageous in a vertical press, wherein the collecting tray can be arranged on a floor of the at least one storage area.

[0028] In particular, it is preferred that the at least one collecting tray comprises substantially the same material as the empty containers to be compressed. For example, the material of the at least one collecting tray can comprise or consist of PET, tinplate, aluminum, and / or similar materials. This enables integration of the collecting tray into the compressed bales, thus creating a structurally simple means of collecting the residual liquid in the empty containers. Preferably, a new collecting tray is inserted into the at least one storage area before each new pressing process.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one collecting trough has guides on its underside for bale-binding means, which can be pulled around a pressed bale in the at least one pressing device to secure it. Such guides can also be used to reliably position the collecting trough within the pressing device.

[0030] It is preferred that the collecting tray has a substantially closed bottom and substantially circumferential side walls, wherein the closed bottom is preferably trapezoidal in shape. The side walls preferably have a height between 100 mm and 130 mm, in particular between 110 mm and 120 mm. The bottom of the collecting tray preferably covers substantially the entire floor area of ​​the at least one storage area.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the returnable container system comprises at least two storage areas and at least two pressing devices, with at least one pressing device being assigned to each storage area. This allows continuous operation of the returnable container system even if a storage area is completely occupied by empties and / or if one of the at least two pressing devices is currently in operation. The at least two pressing devices are preferably designed as at least two vertical presses.

[0032] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one control device controls the transport device depending on the fill level of the at least two storage areas and / or depending on the operating state of the at least two pressing devices such that the transport device feeds the received empty containers to one of the at least two storage areas. This enables continuous operation of the empty container return system. If, for example, one of the at least two storage areas is completely occupied with returned empty containers and / or one of the at least two storage areas cannot be used because, for example, the empties arranged in the storage area are currently being compressed, the control device can cause the other of the at least two storage areas to be supplied with the accepted empties.

[0033] An operating state of a pressing device, in particular of the at least two pressing devices, is preferably indicative of whether the respective pressing device is in operation, i.e. in particular whether the at least one pressing device is pressing the empty containers arranged in the storage area assigned to the pressing device.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one pressing device is designed as at least one horizontal press. The provision of a horizontal press can be advantageous for the structural complexity of the empty container return system. In particular, the provision of the at least one pressing device as at least one horizontal press enables continuous operation of the empty container return system, even if only one pressing device is provided.

[0035] A horizontal press has proven particularly advantageous with regard to avoiding residual liquid. For this purpose, the horizontal press preferably has at least one drain located in the storage area.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one horizontal press has at least one press plate extending substantially vertically, wherein the at least one press plate is displaceable, in particular substantially linearly displaceable, for pressing the empty containers stored in the at least one storage area. Preferably, the at least one press plate of the at least one horizontal press is displaceable substantially horizontally, in particular linearly displaceable in the horizontal direction.

[0037] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the empty container return system further comprises at least one storage area arranged upstream of the at least one storage area, and in that preferably the at least one storage area initially stores the received empty containers, in particular depending on the operating state of the at least one press device, preferably depending on the operating state of the at least one horizontal press, and then transfers the received empty containers to the at least one storage area. This enables continuous operation of the empty container return system in a structurally advantageous manner. In particular, the received empty containers can initially be temporarily stored in the at least one storage area if the at least one storage area is full orthe fill level of the at least one storage area exceeds a defined threshold and / or if the at least one pressing device is currently in operation and therefore the at least one storage area cannot be filled initially. Storage in the at least one storage area can also simply involve passing through or transporting the material through the storage area.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one storage area has retaining elements arranged in the interior of the storage area, wherein the retaining elements retain the empty containers arranged in the at least one storage area, in particular those that have already been compressed. This allows the quantity of empty containers that can be stored in the at least one storage area to be further increased, so that the efficiency of the empty container return system can be enhanced. The retaining elements can, for example, be designed in the form of flexibly mounted, hook-shaped elements. The retaining elements are preferably designed such that they retain the already compressed empty containers essentially below a certain fill level.

[0039] Preferably, a plurality of retaining elements are arranged at different heights, in particular at different fill levels, so that different fill levels of the empty containers arranged in the storage area can be retained. It is preferred that the plurality of retaining elements arranged at one height be arranged substantially uniformly on the inner walls or the side walls of the at least one storage area. When the at least one pressing device is configured as a vertical press, it is preferred that the retaining elements are arranged on the side walls surrounding the at least one storage area.

[0040] When designing the at least one pressing device as a horizontal press, it is preferred that the retaining elements are arranged on at least two side walls and, for example, also on at least one floor of the at least one storage area.

[0041] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the at least one pressing device compresses the empty containers stored in the at least one storage area into a bale, in particular when a certain fill level is reached, and in that the at least one storage area further comprises means for bale binding. In particular, when a defined fill level of the at least one storage area is reached, preferably when a maximum fill level of the at least one storage area is reached, a bale can be tied after pressing by means of the bale binding means. The bale binding means are in particular a plurality of threads, wires or bands. By making the compressed empties available as bales, a large number of returned empty containers can be stored in the form of bales in a small volume.A user can also transport the pressed bale, for example using a pallet, which is advantageous from a logistical point of view.

[0042] The aforementioned object is achieved in a second aspect according to a method for the return of empty containers, in particular by means of an aforementioned empty container return system, in that the empty containers stored in at least one storage area are compressed by means of a pressing device, in particular depending on the fill level of the at least one storage area. The advantages resulting from such a method have already been explained above with regard to the device according to the invention. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the empty containers stored in the at least one storage area are compressed upon reaching a plurality of fill levels; and / or that after a final compression, the compressed empty containers are bound into a bale; and in particular after the bale binding, they are removed from the at least one storage area for further processing.This provides a logistically advantageous method for the return of empty containers. It is preferred that the bale binding takes place while the pressing pressure is being exerted by the at least one pressing device, thus enabling an advantageous reduction in the volume of the bale.

[0043] The above-described embodiments and exemplary configurations of all aspects of the present invention, which initially stand alone in principle, are also to be understood as disclosed in all combinations with one another.

[0044] Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures. However, the figures appended to the application are intended only for the purpose of illustration and not to define the scope of the invention. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and are intended merely to reflect the general concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular, features contained in the figures should in no way be considered a necessary part of the present invention.

[0045] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention. These drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an empties return system according to a first exemplary embodiment; and

[0046] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an empty container return system according to a second embodiment.

[0047] In the following description of the various embodiments according to the invention, components and elements with the same function and the same mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals, even if the components and elements in the various embodiments may have differences in their dimensions or shape.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an empty container return system 2 in a schematic view. The empty container return system 2 comprises an empty container dispenser 6 arranged in a recess of a wall 4. The empty container dispenser 6 has a receiving opening 8 for receiving or accepting empty containers 10 from a user 12. The empty container dispenser 6 further has a further receiving opening 14 for receiving or accepting beverage crates.

[0049] Downstream of the receiving opening 8 there is at least one sensor (not shown), or preferably a plurality of sensors (not shown), which are designed to detect at least one feature of the received empty containers 10.

[0050] By means of a transport device 16, which in this case consists of a conveyor belt 18 arranged in the beverage vending machine 6 and a conveyor belt 20 arranged behind the beverage vending machine 6, the empty containers 10 are transported from the receiving opening 8 to a storage area 22. A storage area 24 is arranged upstream of the storage area 22, through which the empty containers 10 initially pass. By means of a movable closure plate 26, the storage area 24 can be separated from the storage area 22, so that the empty containers cannot enter the storage area 22.

[0051] Furthermore, a pressing device in the form of a horizontal press 28 is arranged in the storage area 22, wherein the horizontal press 28 has a substantially vertically extending pressing plate 30. The pressing plate 30 is arranged to be displaceable substantially linearly in a substantially horizontal direction by means of two pistons 34 or spindles 34 arranged in cylinders 32 for pressing the empty containers 10 arranged in the storage area 22.

[0052] In addition, the storage area 22 is delimited at the rear by a movable holding element 36, which can be used to stop the empty container 10 to be compressed during a pressing step. The holding element 36 is preferably movable and / or foldable, so that after a final pressing step, the compressed empty container 10 can be moved by means of the pressing plate 30, wherein the compressed empty container can be bound into a bale 42 by means of a plurality of straps 40. For example, the holding element 36 is designed as an electrically movable door. Subsequently, several such bales 42 can be transported, for example, using a pallet 44.

[0053] In the present case, in particular, only disposable empty containers 10 are to be compressed that are fed through the receiving opening 8 to the empty container machine 6. For this purpose, the empty container machine 6 has a sorting device (not shown) so that only disposable empty containers 10 are transported by the transport device 16 into the storage space 22.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of an empties return system 2. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the empties return system 2 shown in Fig. 2 has a first storage area 22 and a second storage area 23. Furthermore, each of the storage areas 22 and 23 is assigned a pressing device 29, with the pressing devices 29 being designed as vertical presses 29 in this case.

[0055] The vertical presses 29 have substantially horizontally extending pressing plates 30 and 31, wherein the pressing plates 30 and 31 are each displaceable substantially linearly in a substantially vertical direction by means of two pistons 34 and 35 arranged in cylinders 32 and 33 for pressing the empty containers 10 arranged in the storage areas 22 and 23.

[0056] Furthermore, both storage areas 22 and 23 have detection means (not shown), for example in the form of light barriers, which detect the fill level of the storage areas

[0057] 22 and 23. Depending on the fill level of storage areas 22 and

[0058] 23, a control device (not shown) can then control the vertical presses 29.

[0059] In addition, the conveyor belt 20 of the transport device 16 has sorting means 50 and 52 associated with an opening 46 of the first storage area 22 and an opening 48 of the second storage area 23, which, depending on the fill level of the storage areas 22 and 23 and / or the operating state of the vertical presses 29, feed the accepted empty containers 10 either to the first storage area 22 or to the second storage area 23. The sorting means 50 and 52 are preferably part of the transport device 16.

[0060] In the present case, for example, the empty containers 10 arranged in the second storage area 23 are compressed so that the sorting means 50 and 52 assign the received empty containers 10 to the first storage area 22.

[0061] Both storage areas 22 and 23 also have retaining elements 56 arranged on their side walls 54. These retaining elements are hook-shaped and are intended to keep already compressed empty containers 10 below a certain level or height. Furthermore, in a floor area 58 of the two storage areas 22 and 23, means for bale binding 60 are arranged, by means of which the compressed empty containers 10 can be bound into a bale 42.

[0062] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification are to be understood as disclosed both individually and in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature encompassed by an embodiment - unless explicitly stated otherwise - should not be understood in this case to mean that the feature is essential or essential for the function of the embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification is not mandatory; alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways; for example, an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both is conceivable for implementing the method steps.

[0063] Terms used in the claims such as "comprise," "have," "include," "contain," and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" encompasses both "partially" and "fully." The phrase "and / or" is intended to indicate that both the alternative and the combination are disclosed, thus "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)." A plurality of units, persons, or the like, in the context of this specification, means multiple units, persons, or the like. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device may perform the functions of multiple units or devices recited in the claims. Reference symbols indicated in the claims are not to be construed as limitations on the means and steps employed. List of Reference Symbols

[0064] 2 Return system for empty containers

[0065] 4 wall

[0066] 6 Empty bottle machine

[0067] 8 Opening of the reverse vending machine

[0068] 10 empty containers

[0069] 12 users

[0070] 14 additional opening for the reverse vending machine

[0071] 16 Transport device

[0072] 18 Conveyor belt

[0073] 20 conveyor belt

[0074] 22 (first) storage area

[0075] 23 second storage area

[0076] 24 storage area

[0077] 26 locking plate

[0078] 28 horizontal press

[0079] 29 Vertical press

[0080] 30 press plate

[0081] 32 cylinders

[0082] 34 pistons or spindles

[0083] 36 Holding element

[0084] 40 bands

[0085] 42 bales

[0086] 44 pallets

[0087] 46 Opening of the first storage area

[0088] 48 Opening of the second storage area

[0089] 50 sorting equipment of the first storage area

[0090] 52 sorting equipment of the second storage area

[0091] 54 Side walls of the storage areas 56 Retaining elements

[0092] 58 Floor area of ​​the storage areas

[0093] 60 bale binding agents

Claims

Patent claims 1. An empty container return system for returning empty containers, comprising: at least one receiving opening (8) for receiving the empty containers (10); at least one sensor for detecting at least one feature of the received empty containers (10); at least one storage area (22, 23) for storing the empty containers (10); and at least one transport device (16) for transporting the received empty containers (10) from the at least one receiving opening (8, 14) to the at least one storage area (22, 23), characterized in that the empty container return system (2) further comprises at least one pressing device (28, 29), in that the at least one pressing device (28, 29) is designed to compress the empty containers (10) stored in the at least one storage area (22, 23), in particular to compress them into a bale (42).

2. Empty container return system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one pressing device (28, 29) has at least one pressing plate (30); and that the at least one pressing plate (30) is displaceable, in particular linearly displaceable, for pressing the empty container (10) stored in the at least one storage area (22, 23).

3. Empty container return system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the at least one storage area (22, 23) has at least one detection means for determining the fill level of the at least one storage area (22, 23), and that the at least one detection means is designed in particular as at least one light barrier, wherein the empty containers (10) interrupt the at least one light barrier when a defined fill level is reached.

4. Empty container return system according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one storage area (22, 23) has a plurality of detection means for determining the fill level of the at least one storage area (22, 23).

5. The return system for empty containers according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the return system for empty containers (2) comprises at least one control device; in particular, the at least one control device controls the at least one pressing device (28, 29) such that the at least one pressing device (28, 29) at least partially compresses the empty container (10) located in the at least one storage area (22, 23) upon reaching a defined fill level of the at least one storage area (22, 23).

6. Empty container return system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one pressing device (29) is designed as at least one vertical press (29), and that the at least one vertical press (29) has in particular at least one pressing plate (30) extending substantially in a horizontal direction, wherein the at least one pressing plate (30) is used to press the at least one storage area (22, 23) stored empty container (10) is displaceable, in particular substantially linearly displaceable.

7. The return system for empty containers according to claim 6, characterized in that the return system (2) comprises at least two storage areas (22, 23) and at least two pressing devices (29), wherein at least one pressing device (29) is assigned to each storage area (22, 23); and in that the at least two pressing devices (29) are designed as at least two vertical presses (29).

8. Empty container return system according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the at least one control device controls the transport device (16) as a function of the fill level of the at least two storage areas (22, 23) and / or as a function of the operating state of the at least two pressing devices (28, 29) in such a way that the transport device (16) feeds the received empty containers (10) to one of the at least two storage areas (22, 23).

9. Empty container return system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one pressing device (28) is designed as at least one horizontal press (28), and that the at least one horizontal press (28) in particular has at least one pressing plate (30) extending substantially in a vertical direction, wherein the at least one pressing plate (30) is displaceable, in particular substantially linearly displaceable, for pressing the empty container (10) stored in the at least one storage area (22).

10. Empty container return system according to claim 9, characterized in that the empty container return system (2) further comprises at least one storage area (24) arranged upstream of the at least one storage area (22), and in that preferably the at least one storage area (24) initially stores the received empty containers (10), in particular depending on the operating state of the at least one horizontal press (28), and then transfers the received empty containers (10) to the at least one storage area (22).

11. Empty container return system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one storage area (22, 23) has retaining elements (56) arranged in the interior of the storage area, wherein the retaining elements (56) retain the empty containers (10) arranged in the at least one storage area (22, 23), in particular already compressed.

12. Empty container return system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one pressing device (28, 29) compresses the empty containers (10) stored in the at least one storage area (22, 23) into a bale shape, in particular when a certain fill level is reached, and in that the at least one storage area (22, 23) further comprises means for bale binding (60).

13. Empty container return system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the at least one storage area (22, 23) comprises at least one collecting tray, and that the at least one collecting tray comprises substantially the same material as the empty container (10).

14. Method for taking back empty containers, in particular by means of an empty container return system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the empty containers (10) stored in at least one storage area (22, 23) are pressed by means of a pressing device (28, 29), in particular depending on the Fill level of at least one storage area (22, 23).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that - when a plurality of filling levels are reached, the empty containers (10) stored in the at least one storage area (22, 23) are compressed; and / or that after a final compression, the compressed empty containers (10) are bound to form a bale (42); and - in particular after the bale binding from the at least one storage area (22, 23) are removed for further processing.

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