FR2855893A1 - Liquefied gas e.g. butane, filled bottles distribution management apparatus, has electronic data processing unit to automatically control sensors, empty bottles storage device, tariff and payment receiving unit and key distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has sensors to identify the type of an ordered filled bottle, and an empty bottles storage device. A tariff and payment receiving unit allows to rate the ordered bottle according to the type of ordered bottle and to exchange an empty bottle. A key distributor (13) allows the distribution of bottles. The sensor, device, unit and the distributor are automatically controlled by an electronic data processing unit. The identification unit identifies the type of the bottle and the color of the gas. The key distributor is associated with different compartments of the storage device and the number of components of keys is changed according to the number of types of bottles present at the point of sale. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) an assembly of a filled bottle storing device (b) a procedure of management of liquefied gas bottles distribution.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MANAGING THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAS BOTTLES

  The subject of the present invention is an apparatus and a method for exchanging or purchasing a self-service liquefied gas bottle.

  The technical sector of the invention is that of the production of terminals allowing the exchange or the deposit of cylinders of liquefied gas, in particular of butane or propane.

  More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for managing the distribution of full gas cylinders of 10 different types, associated with a storage device for full gas cylinders in which said full gas cylinders are stored in individual compartments. to which access is made using a specific access authorization means depending on the type of bottles.

  The term “types of bottles” is understood here to mean bottles from 15 different suppliers, that is to say from different brands and / or bottles containing different gases, in particular butane or propane. In general, the bottles contain from 5 to 15 kg of liquefied gas.

  More particularly, it is customary to distinguish the types of bottles according to their shapes or their colors, the shape being generally specific to a supplier and the color being specific to the nature of the gas.

  In practice, the different types of bottles are differentiated both according to the supplier from which the bottle comes, that is to say the brand of the bottle, and according to the gas it contains.

  This type of device is more particularly intended for the exchange and / or consignment of full self-service gas cylinders and is accessible 24 hours a day.

  The device for storing full gas cylinders is currently known and used by many distributors.

  This generally consists of a metal frame forming a plurality of compartments. These compartments are intended to receive a full gas cylinder.

  According to the types of bottles, different storage devices can be used or the same storage device can contain, within its compartments, different types of bottles.

  Access to these bottles is then controlled and is achieved by means of specific access authorization means, the latter corresponding to the type of bottle. These access means can be constituted by keys cooperating with a locking device for locking the bottles, present on each compartment or the door of said compartment.

  When exchanging and / or depositing a bottle, the customer 15 is handed over by service personnel, after payment of the sum due to the distributor, the means of access authorization and goes to the device. storage to remove the desired full bottle.

  This distribution method with storage devices for full bottles, known of this type, has a certain number of drawbacks * It requires intervention by service personnel to manage the conditions for dispensing full bottles and therefore depends, among other things, dispenser opening hours, and * It does not allow recovery control and secure storage of empty bottles, the latter again requiring human intervention.

  In addition, recovering and organizing the storage of empty bottles is a difficult and tiring operation for the personnel in charge.

  W 3 Patent EP 1 054 363 proposes an automatic gas cylinder distribution and exchange device in which the storage of empty and full bottles is done within the same device. This device allows automatic control, without recourse to service personnel, of the storage of empty bottles and of the distribution conditions of full bottles. However, this device is expensive and does not adapt to the full bottle storage device currently used described above and therefore involves the distributor in completely renewing his full bottle distribution devices, which constitutes a significant additional cost. In addition, this device can distribute only one type of bottle and the bottle must contain an electronic means of recognition, in particular by radio waves, integrated into the bottle.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a simplified apparatus 15 allowing the management of the distribution of full bottles, in particular by exchange of empty bottles and / or by direct purchase of full gas bottles and, in particular, the management of the conditions of access to said full bottles and allowing the storage of empty bottles, and these various operations being carried out automatically in self-service, that is to say without requiring the intervention of service personnel.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for managing the distribution of full gas cylinders and possible recovery of empty cylinders, capable of cooperating with devices for simple storage of full gas cylinders, therefore independent of these last, and not requiring the use of electronic recognition means integrated into the bottle.

  More generally, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for managing the distribution of full gas cylinders, which is simple to make and use. To 4

  More particularly, the present invention therefore relates to an apparatus for managing the distribution of full gas bottles of different types, associated with a device for storing full gas bottles in which said full gas bottles are stored in preferably individual compartments. , access to each full bottle is done using a specific access authorization means according to the type of bottles.

  The invention achieves its object by the fact that this apparatus comprises: identification means making it possible to identify the type of bottle requested by the user, - means for receiving and storing empty bottles, - pricing means and receipt of payment by means of payment, preferably by card, in particular bank card, or by token (s), said means making it possible to price the full bottle requested according to the type of bottle requested and the possible exchange of '' an empty bottle of the same type in the absence of a deposit, and - means allowing the issue of a said means of specific access authorization of the type of bottle requested after said payment, - an electronic data processing unit and of automatic control linked to the different means of identification, reception and storage of empty bottles and said means of pricing and reception of payment and said means of delivery that of said access authorization means, said electronic unit preferably cooperating with a means 25 of visual or audio communication of data to the user.

  Said pricing means include means for evaluating the price and indicating the price, in particular by display on a screen.

  The term “consignment” is understood here to mean that the purchase of full bottles is made without replacement of an empty bottle, with a higher price than in the case of an exchange of an empty bottle of the same type of bottle as the full bottle made accessible. and distributed.

  This apparatus therefore advantageously adapts to storage devices for full bottles already present at distributors.

  Storage is ensured by mechanical elements which can for example be a carriage movable along three axes on which the empty bottle is placed.

  In a preferred embodiment, said access authorization means consist of keys and said individual compartments of the full bottle storage device are unlockable by said keys.

  The use of a key, in particular a key for opening the door 15 of a said compartment of the device for storing full bottles, constitutes a reliable and economical means of authorizing access. Once the compartment door is unlocked, the key remains blocked and the point of sale manager and / or the person responsible for the subsequent supply of full bottles is able to remove it. Managing the number of full bottles in the storage device then depends on the number and type of keys remaining.

  However, it will be possible to use remote authorization means such as means for transmitting specific radio waves.

  In an advantageous embodiment, said means 25 for identifying the type of cylinders requested by the user comprise means making it possible to recognize the type of empty cylinders presented by the user illw 6 Determining the type of gas desired and the type supplier is therefore done automatically without risk of error, accidental or not, on the part of the user when choosing the type of gas.

  More particularly, said identification means comprise means such as sensors making it possible to identify the type of bottles by recognizing the shape and the color of the empty bottle presented by the user.

  These sensors make it possible to avoid any possible fraud, such as the installation of another container in place of an authentic empty bottle 10. One can, for more security, increase the type and the number of sensors in order to control for example the weight of the bottles.

  According to another characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, said means for receiving and storing empty bottles comprises: - a compartment for receiving said empty bottle presented by the user, preferably located in the lower part of the apparatus , in particular to facilitate the depositing of an empty bottle in said reception compartment, - storage compartments, preferably of access reserved for a person authorized by the manager, and - means of transport of said empty bottle from said receiving compartment into a so-called storage compartment.

  The storage is therefore carried out mechanically and automatically, thus avoiding human intervention which is painful due to the weight and size of the bottles. According to another particular advantageous characteristic of the invention, said empty bottle storage compartment comprises different sub-compartments or different determined zones, allowing storage in said zones or said different sub-compartments according to the type of empty bottles, preferably according to the shape and color of said empty bottle to be stored.

  When recovering for filling empty bottles, their storage in these compartments by type of bottle saves time and therefore has economic advantages.

  Said empty bottle storage compartment is removable and able to be transported in whole or in part, preferably by sub-compartments, if necessary, corresponding to the different storage areas according to the type of empty bottles stored, by mechanical handling means. .

  Unloading of the apparatus according to the present invention is therefore again mechanical, using for example a truck equipped with a crane, avoiding a painful and tiring operation. Unloading takes place more quickly.

  In addition, transport by sub-compartment allows the use and handling of bottles of different brands and therefore from different suppliers.

  In a particular embodiment, said means for identifying empty bottles comprises means for inputting data allowing the indication, preferably by tactile or voice input, of the type of full bottle requested by the user.

  In this case, the user can buy a full bottle without exchange with an empty bottle, that is to say in the event of a deposit, the rate 25 then being higher.

  Said empty bottle identification means advantageously comprise means making it possible to recognize the type of empty bottles presented by the user in the absence of indication by tactile or voice input, and data input means, preferably by input touch or voice, of the type of bottle requested in the event of consignment.

  In a preferred embodiment, said apparatus is in the form of a management terminal integrating in a single enclosure all of: - said means for identifying empty bottles, - said means for receiving and storing empty bottles , - said pricing and receipt of payment means, - said means for issuing access authorization means, - a so-called electronic data and order processing unit, said management terminal being independent of said bottle storage device full, and able to cooperate with the latter.

  It will be understood that said electronic data processing and control unit, hereinafter called "automaton", processes the information received by the bottle identification means, such as the sensors or the means of investigation by data entry. supplied by the user, and sends orders automatically to the means of reception and storage which he guides, or to the said means of pricing 20 and of reception of payment as well as to the said means of delivery of said means of authorization of access.

  Likewise, it is understood that, when it is indicated that the delivery of said means of authorization of access occurs after said payment, this delivery does not occur, in fact, until after the identification of the type of bottle requested. and, if necessary, after receipt and storage of an empty bottle of the same type as the type of full bottle requested, all of these interventions appearing under the control and command of said electronic unit.

  The storage device for full bottles can comprise several storage modules which can be handled separately and thus offer a variable capacity which can be adapted to the needs of the point of sale according to the number of storage modules for example. These different full bottle storage modules can be moved separately and make it possible to store full bottles of different brands, different shapes of bottles and / or different types of gas, gathered in separate modules according to the type of bottles. compartment for storing empty bottles in the terminal according to the invention, may comprise storage modules which can be handled separately, in which empty bottles of the same type are stored.

  The delivery of empty bottles by the delivery man can be done manually but it can also be mechanized by using mechanical handling means to remove, together or separately, the empty bottle storage modules contained in said terminal.

  The tariff transaction can be carried out either directly using a bank card, or indirectly using a private card, token (s) or other means of payment.

  In known manner, a modem forming part of the interface members is used for remote communication with the banks and the manager of the apparatus.

  Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description given by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents, in perspective, a terminal according to the present invention and a storage device 2 for full bottles FIG. 2 represents, in front view, a terminal according to the present invention FIG. 3 represents, in section along the axis AA as represented in FIG. 2, a terminal according to the present invention Figures 4 and 5 are respectively a left and top view of the latter view of a terminal Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views showing the structure and the main mechanical elements of a terminal according to the invention.

  In the self-service full gas cylinder distribution method, there is a terminal 1, such as 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 to 5, and a storage device 2 as shown in FIG. 1 at the same point of sale. 1 is composed of a structure or frame 11 and an envelope 12, adapted on said structure 1, forming a closed enclosure in which a compartment for storing empty bottles comprising 15 storage areas 91, 92 of empty bottles of different types 71, 72 can be located on the right and / or on the left when a user is in front of this terminal 1.

  The terminal includes a receiving compartment or hatch 8 capable of receiving an empty bottle. The terminal also includes transport means 101-104 able to move the empty bottle from said hatch 8 to a storage area 9, 92.

  The means of transport 101 to 104 comprise a carriage 101, comprising a drive bar 104 which pushes the bottle, said carriage being motorized by motors 102 allowing the carriage to move along rails integral with the structure 1, and arranged along two perpendicular axes allowing the displacement of an empty bottle 71, 72 in an appropriate storage area 91, 92.

  Identification means, namely sensors 6, 62, make it possible to identify the type of empty bottle 7, 72, more particularly its shape and its color, the shape determining the type of bottle and the color the type of gas. These sensors are more particularly made up of cells.

  The empty bottle 7, 72 is stored according to its type determined by the two previous criteria in a storage area 9, 92.

  Other sensors or identification means can be put in place to avoid any attempted fraud on the part of a user.

  The terminal includes means 63 for direct identification of the type of full bottles 3, 32 requested by the consumer in the case where no empty bottle 71, 72 is exchanged. These direct identification means 10 comprise a keyboard 63 and cooperate with the display screen 12.

  A distributor 13 of keys associated with the various compartments 4 of the storage device 2, allows the distribution of a key 41 also according to the type of bottle according to the two preceding criteria. The number of types of keys distributable by this distributor 13 can be flexible depending on the number of types of gas cylinders present at the point of sale.

  Finally, the terminal includes a slot 121 for introducing the means of payment, namely a card or tokens, said means of payment cooperating with a payment terminal by bank card or by tokens, making it possible to manage the transaction. An associated display screen 12 guides the user during the transaction.

  The identification means 61, 62 by recognition of the shape and color of the empty bottle, the means of transport 101 to 104 of the empty bottle, the key distribution means 13 and the pricing and reception means of payment 121, 122 are connected to an electronic data processing unit 11 (UETD). The UETD 11 manages all the movements and the recognition of the shape and the color of the bottles which makes it possible to transport the possible empty bottle to the storage area 91, 92 appropriate according to the type of bottle and to deliver the correct key. The UETD also manages the acknowledgment of the transaction, the distribution of keys and the collection of empty bottles by the delivery person as well as the various communication interfaces of the distribution terminal, for the possible indication of the type of bottle requested, by data entry, and for the acknowledgment of the transaction by the consumer.

  On the front face of the distribution terminal 1, a door 13 makes it possible to intervene on the entire mechanical part of the system. On this same front face, a hatch 8 allows the introduction of an empty bottle 71, 72 to carry out an exchange and a second hatch, not shown, allows access to the electrical control part, UETD 11, communication interface, distributor. of keys 13. Doors located opposite the storage modules allow the recovery of empty bottles.

  The storage device 2 as shown in FIG. 1, already present at points of sale, consists of several compartments 4 15 each containing a full gas bottle 31, 32 generally grouped by row according to the type of bottle. The locking of each of these compartments is generally obtained using an anti-theft chain 43 held by a lock 42.

  Using the key 4, provided by the distribution terminal 1, the consumer moves to a storage device 2, positions himself facing compartment 4 containing the desired full gas cylinder 3, 32, actuates the lock 42, releases an anti-theft chain 43 and recovers its full gas cylinder 3, 32 The key 4, then remains stuck in the lock 42, the manager of the point of sale, the delivery person and / or the person responsible for the maintenance of the device, will recover the keys 41 when filling device 2.

  In the configuration of use at the point of sale, there is on one side the distribution terminal 1 and on the other one or more storage devices 2 for full bottles.

  The consumer presents himself at the point of sale opposite the distribution terminal 1.

  Two solutions are available to him * Either, he exchanges an empty bottle 71, 72 for a full bottle 3, 32, * Or, he buys and consigns a full bottle 3, 32.

  In the context of an exchange, the consumer introduces his bank card into the payment reception system 12, which keeps it captive for the duration of the transaction. The consumer dialogues with 10 i'UETD 11 from the distribution terminal 1 using the screen 12 and the keyboard 63 in order to validate the exchange. The consumer then opens the hatch 8 allowing the empty bottle 7 ,, 72 to be housed on the mobile carriage 10,.

  The opening and closing is done for example by an electro-mechanical contactor. When the consumer has closed the hatch 8 which is locked until the next exchange, the mobile carriage 10 shifts towards the rear of the terminal 1 and performs a vertical movement upwards. Color recognition cells 6 scan the bottle during its vertical movement, as do other cells 62 recognize the shape of the bottle. This identification makes it possible to store the empty bottle 71, 72 in a storage area 91, 92 associated with the type of bottle concerned but also makes it possible to avoid fraud.

  If cells 6, and 62 identify the type of bottle as being available at the point of sale, the flow of operations continues.

  If cells 6, and 62 do not recognize the bottle introduced, it is returned to the consumer, as is the means of payment.

  No tariff transaction is then carried out.

  The bottle being recognized, the mobile carriage 101 moves on rails arranged along two axes to come to be positioned opposite a free row of a free storage area 9, 92 corresponding to the brand and to the determined gas type of the bottle. The positioning of the mobile carriage 10 is determined in the vertical and transverse direction, by electro-mechanical contactors not shown, controlled by the UETD.

  The UETD 11 manages the stage and the row o must be stored the empty bottle 71, 72 in the storage area 91, 92.

  A cylinder of the key distributor 13, not shown, corresponding to the brand and to the type of gas recognized, is actuated. The key 41 is guided by a chute 13 and appears on the front. In case or for any reason key 4, is not distributed to the consumer, the empty bottle 10 71, 72 is returned to him as well as the payment system and the tariff transaction is not carried out. For example, an electromechanical contactor is used which makes it possible to know whether a key has arrived in the trough 13.

  A drive bar 104 of the bottle on board the mobile carriage 10, which pushes the bottle, starts to rotate: * anticlockwise for storage on the left side, * clockwise d 'a watch for storage on the right side.

  The entrained bottle pushes the previous one (if there is one already) into its storage area until the maximum possible number of bottles per row is obtained.

  When a row of the storage area 9, 92 is filled with empty bottles 71, 72, the UETD gives the order to move to the next.

  The order concerning the tariff transaction is given, the payment reception system releases the means of payment and collection is carried out. Proof of payment can then be issued in an area 122 provided for this purpose.

  Ag 2855893 The mobile carriage 10 returns to the initial position behind the hatch 8 for introducing the empty bottle.

  The consumer collects the key 4, and goes to the storage device 2 to take a full bottle 3, 32 As part of a deposit, the consumer introduces his bank card into the payment reception system 12, which maintains it trapped during the transaction as for an exchange. The consumer dialogues with the UETD 11 of the distribution terminal 1 using a screen 12 and a keyboard 63 in order to validate the consignment. The consumer communicates the make and model of bottles as well as the type of gas. The actuator of the key distributor 13, not shown, corresponding to the make and type of gas requested, is then actuated.

  The key 41 is guided by a chute 13 and appears on the front. As for the exchange, in case, for any reason, the key 4 is not distributed to the consumer, no transaction will be carried out and the payment system will be returned.

  Otherwise, the consumer collects the key 41 and goes to the storage device 2 to take the full bottle 31, 32 chosen. The operations are then the same as for an exchange.

Claims (12)

  1. Management apparatus (1) for the distribution of full gas cylinders (3, 32) of different types, capable of cooperating with a storage device (2) of full gas cylinders (31, 32), storage device 5 (2) in which said full gas cylinders (31, 32) are stored in compartments (4), preferably individual, access to each full cylinder being effected by means of an authorization means for specific access (41) according to said type of bottle, apparatus characterized in that it comprises: - identification means (61, 62, 63) making it possible to identify the type of bottle requested by the user, - means for receiving and storing empty bottles (8, 9192, 101-104), - pricing means and receiving payment (121-122) by means of payment, preferably by card or token (s), said means making it possible to price the full bottle requested according to the type of bottle requested and the possible exchange of an empty bottle (71, 72) of the same type in the absence of a deposit, and - means allowing the delivery (13) of a said means 20 of access authorization 41 specific to the type bottle requested after said payment, an electronic unit (11) for data processing and automatic control linked to the different means of identification (61-63), reception and storage of empty bottles (8, 91-92, 101 -104) and said means of pricing and receipt of payment (121-122) and said means of issue (13) of said means of authorization of access, said electronic unit (11) cooperating, preferably, with a means of visual or audible data communication (12) to the user.   2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said access authorization means consist of keys and said individual compartments (4) of the storage device (2) of full bottles are unlockable by said keys (41).   3. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said means for identifying the type of bottles requested by the user, include means (6f, 62) for recognizing the type of empty bottles presented by the user.   4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said identification means comprise means such as sensors (61, 62) making it possible to identify the type of bottles by recognizing the shape and the color of the bottle blank presented by the user.   5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said means for receiving and storing (8, 91-92, 101-104) of empty bottles (71, 72) comprise: - a compartment for reception (8) of said empty bottle presented by the user - storage compartments (9, 92) preferably of access 20 reserved for a person authorized by the manager, and - means of transport (101-104) of said empty bottle (71, 72) from said receiving compartment (8) to a said storage compartment (91, 92).   6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said storage compartment (9 ", 92) of empty bottles comprises different sub-compartments or different determined zones, allowing storage in said zones or said different sub-compartments according to the type of empty bottles, preferably according to the shape and color of said empty bottle to be stored.   7. Apparatus according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said storage compartment (9, 92) of empty bottles (7, 72) is removable and able to be transported in whole or in part, preferably by sub-compartments (9, 92) where appropriate, corresponding to the various storage areas according to the type of empty bottles stored, by mechanical handling means.   8. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said means for identifying empty bottles comprises means for entering data data (63) allowing the indication, preferably by touch or voice input , of the type of full bottle requested by the user.   9. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said means for identifying empty bottles comprises means (6, 62) for recognizing the type of empty bottles presented by the user in the absence of indication by touch or voice input, and data input means (63), preferably by touch or voice input, of the type of bottle requested in the event of consignment.   10. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is in the form of a management terminal (1) integrating in a single enclosure all of: - said means of identification of empty bottles (61-63), - said means of reception and storage of empty bottles (8, 91-92, 101-104), - said means of pricing and receipt of payment (121, 122), - said means of delivery (13) of means of access authorization, - a so-called electronic data processing and command unit (11), said management terminal (1) being independent of said storage device (2) of full bottles, and able to cooperate with the latter.   11. Assembly of a said storage device (2) for full bottles in which said full bottles (31, 32) are stored in 5 individual compartments (4) which are accessed by means access authorization (41) specific according to the type of bottle, and a   apparatus according to claims I to 10.   12. A method of managing the distribution of full liquefied gas bottles, characterized in that an apparatus according to one of claims I to 10 or an assembly according to claim 11 is used.