EP3136357B1 - Bulk product dispenser and corresponding method of use - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bulk product dispenser and method of use thereof.

Bulk products are products, whether forest, agricultural, industrial, food or other, manufactured or not, whether these products are identical or not. Non-limiting examples include wood pellets (also known as pellets), wood chips, densified wood briquettes, pellet feed, food croquettes for animals, industrial products such as screws, nuts, washers, seals, rolling balls, food products such as rice, cereals, lentils or pharmaceuticals such as tablets or capsules .

These products have in common to be delivered, either to the end customer or to an intermediate operator, without unit packaging. Delivery can be made on a quantifiable basis in number, unit of volume or weight. Similarly, this delivery can be free or paid. In the latter case, it is advisable to respect the regulations in force concerning the price poster per liter or kilo.

In other words, when it is desired to deliver to a user a given quantity of a bulk product, the known solutions consist in providing a package previously filled with a given number or quantity of bulk products. De facto, the package is no longer unitary, product by product, but grouped, that is to say that it corresponds to a number or a predefined quantity of products. Such a solution does not take into account the needs of the user if the latter wants a number or a quantity of non-standardized products, that is to say non-prepacked products.

We know by EP-A-2,608,164 a bulk food distributor having a hopper filled with products. Under the hopper is a drawer with a bottomless box framed by two solid areas. The drawer is movable, in a horizontal plane, in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the product to from the hopper. At rest, a solid zone closes the exit of the hopper. Pulling on the drawer brings the bottomless box under the hopper. By continuing the pull, the bottomless box is brought over an outlet while another solid zone then closes the outlet of the hopper. Such a dispenser does not make it possible to dispense a precise quantity. Indeed, it is de facto a sequential opening device, in step with the hopper. The evacuation of the product is done by gravity according to the volume of the box and not of a final container used.

We also know by FR-A-3,004,168 a wood pellet dispenser where pellet reservoirs are connected to a funnel equipped with a weighing device. The dispenser also includes a payment device and a control unit. Depending on the order placed by the user and the price paid, the control unit determines a quantity and quality of granules to be delivered. Depending on the weight of granules present in the funnel, the control unit opens the funnel supply valves from the tanks if necessary. Once the latter is filled according to the order, the control unit causes its opening and the user fills a bag with his command. Such a system is of a complex manufacture and maintenance since at each change of products, the programming of the control unit must be reviewed.

The invention is more particularly to provide a distributor of bulk products, easy to manufacture, use and maintain, which can operate with or without a payment device and to manage not only products but also containers.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a distributor of bulk products comprising a feed hopper of products, from a product tank, the outlet of the hopper being placed above a receiving zone. a container, a shutter member being mounted between the hopper and the receiving zone, said member being movable between at least a first access position to the receiving and closing zone of the outlet of the hopper, a second position for closing the access to the zone for receiving and opening the outlet of the hopper and a third position for closing the access to the zone of reception and closure of the exit of the hopper, the shutter member being a rounded hood whose visible face is configured in an arc of circle and provided with an opening of shape complementary to that of the exit of the hopper, characterized in that an equalizing bar is mounted on the inner face of the hood, at the opening in the hood and in that the outlet of the hopper is provided with a spacer member adapted to avoid any jamming of product between the exit of the hopper and the opening of the hood during the displacement of the latter.

Such a dispenser allows, with a single shutter member, which can be entirely manual, to allow either access to the receiving area but no possible output of product, or to access the product but without access to the area reception. Thus, the user can place a container on the receiving area but without access to it, so without access to the container during filling. Once the container is filled, the user can recover it but without the possibility of modifying the quantity of product already distributed since access to the hopper is forbidden.

• La zone de réception est équipée d'un plateau peseur.
• Le distributeur est équipé d'un système de paiement.
• Le capot est motorisé.

L'invention concerne également un procédé d'utilisation d'un distributeur conforme à une des caractéristiques précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins les étapes suivantes :

• a) amener le capot dans une première position où seule la sortie de la trémie est obturée, l'accès à la zone de réception étant autorisée,
• b) positionner un contenant sur la zone de réception, sous la sortie de la trémie,
• c) amener le capot dans une deuxième position où l'accès à la zone de réception est interdit et où la sortie de la trémie est dégagée,
• d) attendre le remplissage du contenant,
• e) ramener le capot à la position de l'étape a) pour récupérer le contenant.

Selon des aspects avantageux mais non obligatoires un tel procédé peut comprendre un ou plusieurs des étapes suivantes :

• f) après l'étape b) et avant l'étape c), amener le capot dans une troisième position où l'accès à la zone de réception est interdit et où la sortie de la trémie est obturée, cette étape permettant la pesée du contenant vide.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaitront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui va suivre de plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et faite en référence aux dessins suivants dans lesquels:

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un distributeur conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective, à plus grande échelle, d'un organe d'obturation conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• les figures 3 à 5 sont des vues schématiques et de côté, de la trémie, de l'organe d'obturation et de la zone de réception, conformes à l'invention, dans chacune des trois positions et
• les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues schématiques et partielles, à plus grande échelle, illustrant deux positions d'un obturateur et d'une sortie de trémie conformes à l'invention.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a device can comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

• The reception area is equipped with a weighing platform.
• The distributor is equipped with a payment system.
• The hood is motorized.

The invention also relates to a method of using a dispenser according to one of the preceding characteristics, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps:

• a) bringing the hood to a first position where only the outlet of the hopper is closed, access to the reception zone being authorized,
• b) position a container on the receiving zone, under the exit of the hopper,
• c) bringing the hood into a second position where access to the receiving zone is prohibited and where the exit of the hopper is disengaged,
• d) wait for the filling of the container,
• e) return the hood to the position of step a) to retrieve the container.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects, such a method may comprise one or more of the following steps:

• f) after step b) and before step c), bringing the hood into a third position where access to the receiving zone is prohibited and the exit of the hopper is closed, this step allowing the weighing of the empty container.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the following description of several embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to following drawings in which:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view, on a larger scale, of a shutter member according to one embodiment of the invention,
• the Figures 3 to 5 are schematic and side views of the hopper, the closure member and the receiving zone, according to the invention, in each of the three positions and
• the Figures 6 and 7 are schematic and partial views, on a larger scale, illustrating two positions of a shutter and a hopper outlet according to the invention.

The figure 1 represents a distributor 1 of bulk products according to a first embodiment of the invention. Here, by way of non-limiting example, the product dispensed is wood pellets. These granules are generally in the form of cylindrical rods with a generally circular base of 5 mm to 10 mm in diameter and 20 mm to 50 mm in length. The vegetable origin of the product implies that, not only, all the sticks do not have strictly the same dimensions and / or shapes but two identical sticks can be of different weight or density, depending on the wood constituting them.

The dispenser 1 comprises a metal frame, in the form of a column with a square base. Here, the dispenser is provided with a base 2 allowing, if necessary, its attachment to the ground or on another support. In variant not illustrated, it is mounted on wheels or fixed on a trailer.

In the lower part, several drawers 3 can store either specific equipment-and in this case they are advantageously locked-either accessories available to the user of the distributor. In this case, they are freely accessible or accessible after payment or identification.

Above the drawers 3 is the part of the dispenser that allows the user to obtain the product. This part comprises a closure member 40 of a product receiving zone 4 placed under a hopper 5. In an advantageous embodiment not illustrated, the hopper 5 is connected to a product supply tank, for example by gravity. A valve ensures the filling of the hopper 5, as required, for example automatically by the action of a level sensor. In another embodiment, the hopper is replaced by a container or container having a given volume and connected by a chute to the receiving zone 4. The chute allows to deliver the product to be dispensed from this container.

To the figure 1 , the closure member 40 is raised, so as to allow the vision of the receiving zone 4. Here, one can also view the upper opening of the hopper 5, it being understood that it is, in normal configuration d use, closed by a secure cover, not shown. A control box and / or a payment system such as a coin mechanism, identified by the reference 6, also equips the distributor 1, in the vicinity of the zone 4. It is conceivable that, alternatively, the dispenser is equipped with different hoppers connected to a tank, each benefiting from a means of distribution and control of the independent distribution, for example, to be able to distribute several types of products.

The figure 2 represents the shutter member alone. It is formed by a rounded cap 40 whose visible face 7, in use, is curved in an arc. This hood 40 is pivotally mounted in a circular path represented by the double arrow F, around a rotation shaft 8. A handle 9 ensures the operation of the cover 40 by a user. In an embodiment not shown, the hood is motorized to facilitate the operation by automating. In the summit region, the hood 40 is provided with an opening 10 allowing the passage of the product. The opening 10 is of shape and dimensions complementary to those of the outlet 50 of the hopper 5.

An equalization strip 11 is placed on the inner face of the cover 40, tangent to the opening 10 and oriented perpendicularly to the radius of curvature of the cover 40. Here, the opening 10 is illustrated without a temporary closure device, such as a movable lid or shutter, it being understood that these elements are, in some embodiments, present.

On the sides 12 of the cover 40, two lights 13, 14 are provided. The light 13 is located substantially at the opening 10 and the light 14 is positioned generally midway between the bar 11 and the handle 9. These lights 13, 14 are intended to receive organs of the electric cylinder type, pneumatic or electromagnetic lock which block or allow, according to their positions, the passage between the different positions of the closure member 40, when pivoting it according to the double arrow F.

These different positions are schematically illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 .

The figure 3 illustrates a first position, namely that where the user has free access to the reception area 4 but not to the product. In this configuration, the user can position a container 15 on a plate 41. The plate 41 is advantageously a weighing plate. It rests on feet 42 in the frame of the dispenser 1. The container 15 is illustrated here by a square. Advantageously, this container is rigid and of a predefined volume. Alternatively, it is flexible and held in position on a rigid support. The container 15 is of shape and dimensions adapted to the zone 4 in order to avoid any loss of the product during its filling. In other words, the container 15 is specific to the zone 4 and therefore to the distributor.

In this configuration, it is noted that the handle 9 is in the up position while looking at the figure 3 in the vicinity of the hopper 5. The opening 10 is in turn low position, closer to the plate 41. In this configuration, the solid portion 43 of the cover 40 closes the outlet 50 of the hopper 5, preventing the product P from flowing by gravity from the hopper 5 towards the container 15. This position of the cover 40 allows the introduction or removal of the container by the user. It corresponds to a position where the control unit of the distributor does not generate any action, except that it is to put the whole device in working order if one is at the beginning of distribution of the product P or of turn off the device if it is at the end of distribution.

The next position of the hood 40 is illustrated by the figure 4 . It corresponds to a position of either closing the dispenser or, in an advantageous embodiment, weighing the empty container.

By lowering the handle 9, according to the double arrow F, it brings the cover 40 in a position corresponding to a bottom dead center. In this case, the solid portion 43 of the hood 40 completely closes the zone 4 and prevents access to the latter. It is conceivable that, in the absence of a container 15 on the plate 41, this configuration corresponds to a prohibition position of the dispensing, the dispenser then being in idle mode. The hood 40 then protects the zone 4, whether it is bad weather or acts of vandalism. The product P still can not flow through the opening 50.

In the case illustrated in figure 4 , where a container 15 is in place on the plate 41, it is possible, if the plate 41 is weighing plate type, to calibrate the container 15. The maintaining in this position the taring time is achieved by an organ blocking, not illustrated, inserted in the light 14. Similarly, in the absence of a container 15 or if the setting is not provided because the distribution is done by volume and not by weight or if the tray 41 is not not a weighing platform or if one is at the end of the dispensing cycle, the locking member makes it possible to keep the hood 40 closed above the reception zone 4.

When continuing the pivoting movement of the hood 40 by bringing the handle 9 to its bottom dead point, as shown in FIG. figure 5 , the opening 10 of the cover 40 is brought opposite the opening 50 of the hopper 5. The product P then flows into the container 15, in the direction of the arrow F1. When filling the containing 15, the user can not have access to the reception zone 4, the solid portion 43 of the hood 40 prohibiting it.

According to the embodiment, the user can at any time stop the filling by raising the cover 40, in a reverse movement from that described, which brings the solid part of the cover 40 opposite the opening 50. In a variant, the locking member in the light 13 prohibits maneuvering the cover 40 until the filling is complete. Because the container 15 is adapted to the receiving zone 4, there is no risk of overflow. Moreover, it is possible, alternatively, to provide a delay acting on a shutter of the opening 50 of the hopper 5. When the filling of the container 15 is completed, the weighing itself is carried out, before, by example, billing the distributed product.

For that, as it is clear to the Figures 6 and 7 , the bar 11, during the return movement of the cover 40, according to F2, that is to say during the ascent of it to move away from each other the openings 10 and 50, plays an equalizer role. The bar 11 pushes the surplus of product present in the container 15 and clears a space E above the plane P15 tangential to the opening of the container 15. In this way, no pressure is exerted on the product P present in the containing 15 and weighing can be performed. As in this configuration, there is a position of the hood 40 corresponding to that illustrated in FIG. figure 4 , the user can not intervene on the reception zone 4, which avoids any fraud on the weighing.

At the opening 50, a spacing member 51, particularly visible at Figures 6 and 7 , participates in preventing any overflow of the container while facilitating the closure of the opening 50 by the solid portion 43, without risk of jamming by jamming of the product P between the hopper 5 and the container 15.

This member 51, shaped wedge, rectangle or other, is fixed on a wall 52 of the opening, the outlet of the latter. Thus, during the flow of the product P, it forms an obstacle which, on the one hand, partly closes the opening 10, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 and, on the other hand, reduces the flow rate of the product, the latter being retained by the member 51 while defining a space E51 in the container 15, under the member 51, wherein the product P can not flow. It should be noted that, as Figures 6 and 7 the space E51 extends from the lower face of the member 51 to the plane P15, which implies that the movement of the cover 40, in the vicinity of the opening 10, takes place in the space E51.

Thus, during the movement of the hood according to the arrow F2, the bar 11 pushes towards the space E51 the product P, which makes it possible to avoid any product presence above the plane P15.

Continuing the movement according to the arrow F2, the user returns the hood 40 to the position he occupied at the figure 3 that is, where free access to the reception zone 4 is possible. The user can then recover the container 15 with the product P.

It is conceivable that, with a payment system such as a coin mechanism or a credit card reader, the user, according to his needs, can order containers of different sizes or more containers. Similarly, the containers may be rigid or flexible. In the latter case, they fit on a specific bag holder. In another embodiment the containers, advantageously but not necessarily, are reusable and, for example, recorded.

In a variant, at least one window is formed in the cover 40, thus making it possible to follow the filling of the container.

In the embodiment where the plate 41 is not weighing type, the distribution is, for example, according to a given volume. In this case, the payment system makes it possible to have access to a container 15 of a defined volume, allowing, for example, the opening of a given drawer 3.

When an attempt is made to use an unauthorized container, a horizontal mesh grid such as to allow the passage of the product, but not the fingers or a tool, is positioned under the container, between the latter and the tray. Thus, when using an unauthorized container, the product that flows out of the container passes through the grid and falls on the tray and it can not be recovered by the user.

Alternatively, a safety valve is mounted on the opening 50 of the hopper and closes the latter in case of insufficient amount of the product or in case of mechanical failure, for example, under the action of level sensors. It is conceivable that, in case of insufficient product stock, an alert, for example audio, visual or by telephone message, mail or other is issued to the head of the distributor to trigger a restocking.

Such a dispenser can be refrigerated, positive or negative, depending on the product to be dispensed.

Claims (6)

1. A bulk product dispenser (1) comprising a hopper (5) for feeding products from a store of products (P), the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) being placed above a receiving zone (4) for receiving a container (15), a sealing member (40) being installed between the hopper (5) and the receiving zone (4), said member being movable (F) between at least a first position, in which the receiving zone (4) can be accessed and the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is sealed, a second position, in which the access to the receiving zone (4) is sealed and the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is open, and a third position, in which the access to the receiving zone (4) is sealed and the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is sealed, the sealing member being a rounded cover (40), the visible face (7) of which is in the form of a circular arc and is provided with an opening (10) with a shape that complements the shape of the outlet (50) of the hopper (5), characterised in that an equalising bar (11) is installed on the inner face of the cover (40), level with the opening (10) formed in the cover (40), and in that the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is provided with a spacer member (51) designed to prevent any jamming of product (P) between the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) and the opening (10) of the cover (40) during the movement of the latter.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that the receiving zone (4) is equipped with a weighing plate (41).
3. The dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dispenser (1) is equipped with a payment system (6).
4. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover (40) is motorised.
5. A method for using a dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said method comprises at least the following steps:

   - a) bringing the cover (40) into a first position, in which only the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is sealed, access to the receiving zone (4) being permitted,

   - b) positioning a container (15) in the receiving zone (4), beneath the outlet (50) of the hopper (5),

   - c) bringing the cover (40) into a second position, in which access to the receiving zone (4) is prohibited and in which the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is clear,

   - d) waiting for the container (15) to fill,

   - e) returning the cover (40) to the position of step a) in order to recover the container (15).
6. The method for use according to claim 5, characterised in that said method comprises at least the following step:

   - f) after step b) and before step c), bringing the cover (40) into a third position, in which access to the receiving zone (4) is prohibited and in which the outlet (50) of the hopper (5) is sealed, this step allowing the empty container (15) to be weighed.

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