Maintenance-free movement in reverse vending machines from Selfmaker

Selfmaker Technology sp. z o.o. is a Polish technology company that develops and builds self-service machines, integration tools and software. Solutions include self-service kiosk systems, parcel machines and digital signage, with the company offering holistic solutions to its customers, from design to technical automation of processes and software. The customers of Selfmaker include retail stores, restaurants and local authorities.

The 'Recycler' is a reverse vending machine designed to collect plastic and aluminium beverage bottles and cans covered by the deposit return scheme. The machine draws in the packaging via a conveyor belt, records the label codes via a 360-degree ring scanner, destroys and crushes the packaging and issues a voucher or QR code that authorises the collection of the deposit.

The vending machine relies on durable components that can withstand continuous motion and operate outdoors in high humidity, wet conditions, and under mechanical stress while remaining virtually maintenance-free and providing a long service life. Robust and trouble-free products are particularly sought after in the self-service sector. The components should also be space-saving and run precisely.

In the case of the Recycler, three applications were of particular importance: the linear bearings for the plates that open and close the bottle and can intake opening, the bearings for the vending machine door, which is opened periodically to remove the crushed deposit containers, and the reliable guidance of cables inside the machine.

Selfmaker reverse vending machines are used indoors and outdoors. Maintenance-free operation, corrosion resistance and durability in wet conditions were therefore the main requirements for the design. Each time the machine is operated, a partition moves to open the bottle slot and then closes to retrieve the containers. The plate directly behind the cladding is guided by two drylin NS-01-17 type linear guides and the associated NW-02-17 carriage. The special feature: The up and down movement is durable and does not require external lubrication or maintenance of the system. The reason for this is the material from which the carriage is made. The iglidur J material is self-lubricating, low-friction, absorbs little moisture and is resistant to impacts. This saves the manufacturer maintenance costs and increases the efficiency of the vending machines, which are designed for long-term operation. The low-profile guide system also saves space in the vending machine. The quiet operation of the guides, which significantly contribute to ease of use, was also important for Selfmaker.

If the vending machine is emptied by an employee, he or she can open the front of the cladding, which is hinged on one side. The plain bearings RFM-0507, made of the low-wear iglidur R material, were installed in the hinges. This material has particularly low coefficients of friction, is resistant to edge pressure, impacts, dirt and dust.

Finally, an E2i.38 energy chain is used to guide the numerous cables and protect them from damage. The cable guide is characterised by quiet operation and a long service life as well as easy filling and assembly.