EP1494180A1 - Equipment for the management of the distribution of gas bottles - 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

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method exchange and / or purchase of self-service bottles, in particular bottles of gas such as butane and / or propane, or other fluids liquefied.

The technical field of the invention is that of the manufacture of terminals allowing the exchange and / or the consignment of such bottles,.

More particularly, the subject of the present invention is a management equipment for the distribution of bottles full of different types, in particular of gas cylinders, associated with a storage of said full bottles in which said full bottles are stored in individual compartments which are accessed from using a specific means of authorization of access according to the type of bottles.

Here we mean by "types of bottles", bottles from different suppliers, ie bottles of different brands and / or having different shapes and / or contents, such as propane gas or butane gas for example. In the case of gas bottles, these bottles usually contain from 5 to 15 kg of a gas considered in liquid form.

In particular, it is customary to distinguish between types of bottles according to their shapes or their colors, the form being generally supplier-specific and the color being specific to the nature of the gas.

In practice, the different types of bottles are differentiated according to both the supplier from which the bottle comes, ie the mark of the bottle, and according to their content.

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

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

This is usually made of a metal frame forming a plurality of individual compartments. These compartments are intended to receive a full gas cylinder.

Depending on the type of bottle, different storage devices may be used or the same storage device may contain, at the within its compartments, different types of bottles.

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

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

• Il nécessite une intervention du personnel de service pour gérer les conditions de distribution des bouteilles pleines et dépend donc, entre autres, des horaires d'ouverture du distributeur, et
• Il ne permet pas le contrôle de la récupération et un stockage sécurisé des bouteilles vides, ce dernier nécessitant là encore une intervention humaine.

This method of dispensing with solid bottle storage devices, known of this type, has a certain number of drawbacks:

• It requires an intervention of the service personnel to manage the conditions of distribution of the full bottles and therefore depends, among others, the opening hours of the distributor, and
• It does not allow the control of recovery and secure storage of empty bottles, the latter again requiring human intervention.

In addition, the recovery and organization of the storage of empty bottles is a difficult and tiring operation for the staff who is in charge of it.

Patent EP 1 054 363 proposes a dispensing apparatus and of automatic gas cylinder exchange in which the storage of Empty and full bottles are made within one device. This device allows automatic control, without recourse to a service staff, of the storage of empty bottles and the conditions of distribution of full bottles. However, this device is expensive and does not adapt to currently used solid bottle storage device described previously and therefore involves for the distributor to renew totally its full bottle dispensing devices, which constitutes an additional significant cost. In addition, this device can not distribute only one type of bottle and the bottle must contain a electronic means of recognition, in particular by radio waves, integrated to the bottle.

The utility certificate FR 2717598 describes a distribution system and of automatic gas cylinder exchange in which the storage of empty and full bottles is made in electrically connected lockers to a control automaton through which a customer can pay a full bottle of gas in exchange for a empty bottle, or the amount of the deposit, using a card reader bullets and an input device included in the PLC. If it allows automatic dispensing of full gas cylinders and storage empty bottles without the use of service personnel, this system of However, distribution has several disadvantages that make it implementation and its delicate use.

A first disadvantage of the distribution system described in FR 2717598 is that it does not allow independent storage of bottles full and empty bottles. Thus, it is necessary for the gas carrier to supplying the lockers to manually check that the set Bottles contained in the bins are empty before reloading. lockers, which generates handling as well as wasted time important.

In addition, another disadvantage is that the security of the customer is not insured while removing a full bottle in a because it has to leave its card in the reader of the automaton, which can cause theft of the card or, in case of malfunctions the controller, blocking it in the drive preventing the client from recover it.

Finally, the implementation of such a distribution system requires the replacement of all the display racks as well as the construction of electrical ground connection installations displays on all the existing points of sale (around 40000 in France), which generates an excessively high installation cost. In addition, each gas producer markets different formats and types of gas bottles, under different brands, in displays and lockers specific to each brand, display racks should be lockers for each type of bottle and each brand which would make it expensive still the implementation and installation of such a system.

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

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus managing the distribution of full bottles and recovery empty bottles, capable of cooperating with simple storage of full bottles, therefore independent of these, and not requiring the use of electronic means of recognition built into the bottle.

More generally, the object of the present invention is to provide a equipment for managing the distribution of full bottles, in particular full gas cylinders, simple to make and use.

More particularly, the present invention therefore relates to a management equipment for the distribution of bottles full of different types, in particular filled gas cylinders, combined with a storage of full bottles in which said full bottles are stored in compartments preferably individual, access to each full bottle being made using an access authorization means specific depending on the type of bottles.

• des moyens d'identification permettant d'identifier le type de bouteille demandé par l'utilisateur,
• des moyens de réception et de stockage de bouteilles vides indépendants dudit dispositif de stockage de bouteilles de gaz pleines,
• des moyens de tarification et réception de paiement par des moyens de paiement, de préférence par carte, notamment carte bancaire, ou par jeton(s), lesdits moyens permettant de tarifier la bouteille pleine demandée en fonction du type de bouteille demandé et de l'échange éventuel d'une bouteille vide du même type en l'absence de consignation, et
• des moyens permettant la délivrance d'un dit moyen d'autorisation d'accès spécifique du type de bouteille demandé après ledit paiement,
• une unité électronique de traitement de données et de commande automatique reliée aux différents dits moyens d'identification, réception et stockage de bouteilles vides et dits moyens de tarification et réception de paiement et dits moyens de délivrance d'un dit moyen d'autorisation d'accès, ladite unité électronique coopérant, de préférence, avec un moyen de communication visuelle et/ou sonore de données à l'utilisateur.

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 independent of said device for storing full gas cylinders,
• means for charging and receiving payment by payment means, preferably by card, in particular bank card, or token (s), said means for charging the requested full bottle according to the type of bottle requested and the possible exchange of an empty bottle of the same type in the absence of consignment, and
• means for issuing a said access authorization means specific to the type of bottle requested after said payment,
• an electronic data processing unit and automatic control connected to the different means of identification, receipt and storage of empty bottles and said means of payment and receipt of payment and said means for issuing a said authorization means of access, said electronic unit cooperating, preferably, with a means of visual communication and / or sound of data to the user.

Said pricing means comprise evaluation means and indication of the price, in particular by displaying it preferably on a screen or by sound messages emitted by a loudspeaker and generated by the electronic processing unit as well as means collection.

Here we mean by "consignment" that the purchase of full bottles is made without exchange of empty bottle, with a higher rate than in the case exchange of an empty bottle of the same type of bottle as the bottle full made accessible and distributed.

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

Storage is ensured by mechanical elements that can by example be a mobile cart along three axes on which the empty bottle is filed.

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

The use of a key, especially an opening key of a said compartment of the device for storing full bottles, constitutes a reliable and economical means of access authorization. Once the unlocked compartment, the key remains locked and the point manager salesperson and / or the person responsible for the subsequent supply of full bottles, is able to remove it.

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

In an advantageous embodiment, said means identification of the type of bottles requested by the user include means for recognizing the type of bottles empty presented by the user

The determination of the type of bottle desired and the type of supplier is therefore automatically without risk of error, accidental or no, on the part of the user when choosing the type of full bottle that he desires; in the case of gas cylinders when choosing the type of gas and desired brand in particular.

More particularly, said identification means comprise means such as sensors to identify the type of bottles, in particular by the recognition of the shape and / or the color of the empty bottle presented by the user. Said means identification may also alternatively allow a recognition of the type of bottles by barcode reading or electronic chips radio transmitters or others.

These sensors make it possible to avoid any possible fraud, such as setting up another container instead of an empty bottle authentic. For greater security, it is possible to increase the type and number of sensors to control for example the weight of the bottles.

• un compartiment de réception de ladite bouteille vide présentée par l'utilisateur, de préférence situé en partie basse de l'appareillage, notamment pour faciliter la dépose d'une bouteille vide dans ledit compartiment de réception,
• des compartiments de stockage, de préférence d'accès réservé à une personne autorisée par le gestionnaire, et
• des moyens de transport de ladite bouteille vide depuis ledit compartiment de réception jusque dans un dit compartiment de stockage.

According to another characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, said means for receiving and storing empty bottles comprise:

• 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 removal of an empty bottle in said receiving compartment,
• storage compartments, preferably with restricted access to a person authorized by the manager, and
• means for transporting said empty bottle from said receiving compartment into a said storage compartment.

The storage is done mechanically and automatically, thus avoiding a human intervention which proves painful because of the weight and the size of the bottles

According to another particular advantageous feature of the invention, said empty bottle storage compartment comprises different sub-compartments or different zones, allowing storage in said areas or so-called sub-compartments according to the type of empty bottles, preferably according to the shape and the color of said empty bottle to be stored.

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

Said empty bottle storage compartment is removable and capable of being transported in whole or in part, preferably by sub-compartments, where applicable, corresponding to the different zones of storage according to the type of empty bottles stored, by means mechanical handling.

The unloading of the apparatus according to the present invention is so again mechanically, using for example an equipped truck of a crane, avoiding a painful and tiring operation. Unloading is done more quickly.

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

In case of consignment, ie when buying a bottle full without exchange with an empty bottle, means of seizure of data allow the indication, preferably by tactile or voice input, the type of full bottle requested by the user.

• dits moyens d'identification de bouteilles vides,
• dits moyens de réception et stockage de bouteilles vides,
• dits moyens de tarification et réception de paiement,
• dits moyens de délivrance de moyens d'autorisation d'accès,
• une dite unité électronique de traitement de données (UETD) et de commande,

   ladite borne de gestion étant indépendante dudit dispositif de stockage de bouteilles pleines, et apte à coopérer avec ce dernier.In a preferred embodiment, said apparatus is in the form of a management terminal integrating in the same enclosure all of:

• said means for identifying empty bottles,
• said means for receiving and storing empty bottles,
• said means of charging and receipt of payment,
• said means for issuing access authorization means,
• a said electronic data processing unit (UETD) and control unit,

said management terminal being independent of said device for storing full bottles, and able to cooperate with the latter.

It is understood that said electronic data processing unit and Order, hereinafter referred to as UETD, processes the information received by the means for identifying bottles, such as sensors or means of investigation by data input provided by the user, and sends commands automatically to the means of reception and storage it guides, or to the said means of pricing and receipt of payment and the said means of delivery access authorization.

Similarly, we understand that when we indicate that the delivery the said means of authorization of access intervenes after the said payment, this In fact, delivery only occurs after the indication of the type of bottle requested and, where appropriate, after receipt and identification of a bottle empty, all these interventions appearing under control and command of said electronic unit (UETD).

The device for storing full bottles can comprise several storage modules that can be handled separately and thus offer a variable capacity and adaptable to the needs of the point of sale number of storage modules for example. These different modules of storage of full bottles can be moved separately and allow to store bottles full of different brands, different shapes of bottles and / or different types of content (from for example), collected in separate modules according to the type of bottles.

Similarly, the compartment for storing empty bottles in the terminal according to the invention can include storage modules can be handled separately, in which empty bottles are stored, preferably of the same type.

The delivery of empty bottles by the deliveryman can be done manually but it can also be mechanized using means mechanical handling equipment 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, either indirectly with a private card, token (s) or other means of payment.

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

La figure 1 représente, en perspective, une borne selon la présente invention et un dispositif de stockage 2 de bouteilles pleines

La figure 2 représente, en vue de face, une borne selon la présente invention

La figure 3 représente, en coupe selon l'axe A-A tel que représenté figure 2, une borne selon la présente invention

Les figures 4 et 5 sont respectivement une vue de gauche et de dessus de cette dernière vue d'une borne

Les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues en perspective représentant la structure et les principaux éléments mécaniques d'une borne selon l'invention.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting example of the present invention in an application to the distribution of gas cylinders 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 process of dispensing free gas cylinders in free service, there is at the same point of sale a terminal 1, as FIGS. 1, 2 to 5, and a storage device 2 such that represented figure 1

Terminal 1 is composed of a structure or frame 1 ₁ and a casing 1 ₂ , fitted on said structure 1 ₁ , forming a closed enclosure in which an empty bottle storage compartment comprising storage areas 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ empty bottles of different types 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ may be located on the right and / or left when a user is facing this terminal 1.

The terminal comprises a receiving compartment or hatch 8 adapted to receive an empty bottle. The terminal also comprises transport means 10 ₁ -10 ₄ able to move the empty bottle from said hatch 8 to a storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ .

The transport means 10 ₁ to 10 ₄ , comprise a trolley 10 ₁ , comprising a drive rod ₄ which pushes the bottle, said trolley being motorized by motors 10 ₂ for moving the trolley along rails integral with the structure 1 ₁ and arranged along two perpendicular axes allowing the displacement of an empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ in a suitable storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ .

Identification means, namely sensors 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , make it possible to identify the type of empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , in particular its shape and its color, the shape determining the type of bottle and the color the mark. and / or the type of gas. These sensors are then more particularly constituted of optoelectronic cells. However, some existing bottles on the market also have identifiers type electronic chips, radio transmitters or others. In this case, the sensors 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ may comprise or be associated with sensors capable of reading such chips, not shown in the figures.

The empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ is stored according to its type determined by the two previous criteria in a storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ .

Other sensors or means of identification may be place to avoid any attempt of fraud on the part of a user.

The terminal comprises direct identification means _{3 3} of the type of full bottles 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ requested by the consumer in the case where no empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ is exchanged. These direct identification means preferably comprise a keyboard 6 ₃ and cooperate with the display screen 12.

A distributor 13 of keys associated with the different compartments 4 of the storage device 2, allows the distribution of a key 4 ₁ also depending on the type of bottle according to the two preceding criteria. The number of types of keys distributable by this distributor 13, can be adjustable according to the number of types of gas bottles present at the point of sale.

Finally, the terminal comprises a slot 12 ₁ introduction of payment means, namely a card or tokens, said payment means cooperating with a payment terminal by credit card or tokens, to manage the transaction. The user is guided during the transaction by a display screen 12, or in a particular embodiment, by predefined messages (not shown in the figures) highlighted by backlight for example, depending on the step In progress.

The identification means 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ of the empty bottle, the means of transport 10 ₁ to 10 ₄ of the empty bottle, the key distribution means 13 and the means for charging and receiving payment 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ are connected to an electronic data processing unit 11 (UETD). The UETD 11 manages all the movements of the carriage 10 ₁ to 10 _{4 as} well as the recognition of the shape and / or the color of the bottles, which makes it possible to transport the deposited bottle to the appropriate storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ according to the type of bottle and deliver the correct key. The UETD also manages the payment of the transaction, the distribution of keys, the number of empty bottles that can still be accepted and the withdrawal of the empty bottles by the deliveryman as well as the different communication interfaces of the distribution terminal, for the possible indication of the type of bottle requested, by data entry, and for the payment of the transaction by the consumer.

On the front face of the distribution terminal 1, a door 1 ₃ can be used on all the mechanical part of the system. On the same front face, a hatch 8 allows the introduction of an empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ to perform an exchange and a second hatch not shown allows access to the electrical control part, UETD 11, communication interface, key dispenser 13. Doors in front of the storage modules allow recovery of empty bottles.

The storage device 2 as shown in Figure 1, already present at the point of sale, consists of several compartments 4 each containing a full gas cylinder 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ generally grouped by row depending on the type of bottle. Locking each of these compartments is generally obtained using an anti-theft chain 4 ₃ maintained by a lock 4 ₂ .

Using the key 4 ₁ provided by the distribution terminal 1, the consumer moves to a storage device 2, is positioned in front of a compartment 4 containing the desired gas cylinder 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , actuates the lock 4 ₂ , releases an anti-theft chain 4 ₃ and recovers its full gas cylinder 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ .

The key 4 ₁ remains stuck in the lock 4 ₂ , the manager of the point of sale, the deliveryman and / or the person in charge of the maintenance of the device, will recover the keys 4 ₁ during the filling of the device 2 by means of an introduced pass in a second lock associated with each compartment.

In the point-of-sale configuration, we find on one side the distribution terminal 1 and on the other one or more devices storage 2 of full bottles.

The consumer comes to the point of sale opposite the terminal of distribution 1.

• Soit, il effectue un échange d'une bouteille vide 7₁, 7₂ contre une bouteille pleine 3₁, 3₂,
• Soit, il achète et consigne une bouteille pleine 3₁, 3₂.

Two solutions are available to him:

• Or, it performs an exchange of an empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ against a full bottle 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ,
• Either he buys and orders a full bottle 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ .

In the context of an exchange, the consumer enters his credit card into the payment receipt system 12 ₁ . The consumer communicates with the UETD 11 of the distribution terminal 1 using the screen 12 and the keyboard 6 ₃ to validate the exchange. The consumer then opens the hatch 8 for housing the empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ on the mobile carriage 10 ₁ . The opening and closing is done for example by an electromechanical contactor. When the consumer has closed the hatch 8 which is locked until the next exchange, the movable carriage 10 ₁ shifts towards the rear of the terminal 1 and makes a vertical displacement upwards. Color recognition cells 6 ₁ scan the bottle as it moves vertically as other cells ₂ recognize the shape of the bottle. This identification makes it possible to store the empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ in a storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ associated with the type of bottle concerned but also makes it possible to avoid fraud.

If cells 6 ₁ and 6 ₂ identify the type of bottle as being available at the point of sale, the workflow continues.

If cells 6 ₁ and 6 ₂ do not recognize the introduced bottle, it is returned to the consumer. No tariff transaction is then paid.

The bottle being recognized, the movable carriage 10 ₁ moves on rails arranged along two axes to be positioned in front of a row of a free storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ corresponding to the brand and the type of gas determined from the bottle. The positioning of the mobile carriage 10 ₁ is determined in the vertical and transverse direction, by electromechanical contactors not shown, controlled by the UETD.

The UETD 11 manages the floor and the row where the empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ is to be stored in the storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ .

A jack of the key distributor 13 not shown, corresponding to the mark and the type of gas recognized, is actuated. The key 4 ₁ is guided by a chute 13 and appears in front. If for any reason 4 ₁ is not distributed to the consumer, the empty bottle 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ is returned to him 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 chute 13.

When the order concerning the tariff transaction is given, the collection is made. A proof of payment can then be issued in a zone 12 ₂ provided for this purpose.

The consumer retrieves the key 4 ₁ and goes to the storage device 2 to take a full bottle 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ .

• dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre pour un stockage côté gauche,
• dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre pour un stockage côté droit.

A drive bar 10 ₄ of the bottle, embedded on the movable carriage 10 ₁ , rotates and pushes the bottle:

• counter-clockwise for left-side storage,
• clockwise for right-side storage.

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

When a row of the storage area 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ is filled with empty bottles 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , the UETD gives the order to proceed to the next.

Once the empty bottle is stored in a corresponding storage area, the mobile carriage 10 ₁ returns to the initial position behind the hatch 8 for introducing the empty bottle and is thus ready for the next transaction.

In the context of a consignment, the consumer enters his credit card into the payment receipt system 12 ₁ as for an exchange. The consumer dialogue with the UETD 11 distribution terminal 1 using a screen 12 and a keyboard 6 ₃ in order to validate the consignment. The consumer communicates the brand and the type of bottles as well as the type of gas. The actuator cylinder key 13 not shown, corresponding to the brand and the type of gas requested, is then actuated. The key 4 ₁ is guided by a chute 13 and appears on the front. As for the exchange, in case, for any reason, the key 4 ₁ would not be distributed to the consumer, no tariff transaction will be paid.

Otherwise, the consumer retrieves the key 4 ₁ and goes to the storage device 2 to take the full bottle 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ chosen. The operations are then the same as for an exchange.

The present invention has been described for an application and in a particular embodiment which are in no way limiting to the scope of the invention, and various uses thereof for the distribution and collection of all types of bottles or containers, recorded or not, are possible if necessary by modifications minor inventions within the scope of the art.

Claims (12)

Apparatus for managing (1) the distribution of full bottles of different types, in particular solid gas cylinders (3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ), adapted to cooperate with a storage device (2) for full bottles (3 ₁ , 3 ₂₎ ), storage device (2) in which said full bottles (3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) are stored in compartments (4) preferably individual, the access to each full bottle being made using a means d specific access authorization (4 ₁ ) according to said type of bottle, apparatus characterized in that it comprises: identification means (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ , 6 ₃ ) for identifying the type of bottle requested by the user, means for receiving and storing empty bottles (8, 9, -9 ₂ , 10 ₁ -10 ₄ ) independent of said storage device (2) for full bottles, means for charging and receiving payment (12 ₁ -12 ₂ ) by payment means, preferably by card or token (s), said means for charging the requested full bottle according to the type of bottle requested and the possible exchange of an empty bottle (7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ) of the same type in the absence of a consignment, and means for issuing (13) a said access authorization means 4 ₁ specific to the type of bottle requested after said payment, an electronic data processing and automatic control unit (11) connected to the different identification means (6 ₁ -6 ₃ ), receiving and storing empty bottles (8, 9 ₁ -9 ₂ , 10 ₁ -10 ₄ ) and said means for charging and receiving payment (12 ₁ -12 ₂ ) and said delivery means (13) of said access authorization means, said electronic unit (11) cooperating preferably with a means for visual and / or audio communication of data (12) to the user. 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 (4 ₁ ). Apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said means for identifying the type of bottles requested by the user, comprise means (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ ) for recognizing the type of empty bottles presented by the user. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said identification means comprise means such as sensors (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ ) for identifying the type of empty bottles presented by the user, preferably by recognition of the shape and / or color of said empty bottle. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said means for receiving and storing (8, 9 ₁ -9 ₂ , 10 ₁ -10 ₄ ) empty bottles (7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ) comprise: a receiving compartment (8) of said empty bottle presented by the user storage compartments (9 ₁ , 9 ₂ ) preferably for access reserved to a person authorized by the manager, and transport means (10 ₁ -10 ₄ ) of said empty bottle (7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ) from said receiving compartment (8) into a said storage compartment (9 ₁ , 9 ₂ ). Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that said storage compartment (9 ₁ , 9 ₂ ) of empty bottles comprises different sub-compartments or different zones determined, allowing storage in said zones or said sub-compartments different depending on the type of empty bottles, preferably according to the shape and / or color of said empty bottle to be stored. Apparatus according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that said storage compartment (9 ₁ , 9 ₂ ) empty bottles (7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ) is removable and able to be transported in whole or in part, of preferably by sub-compartments (9 ₁ , 9 ₂ ) where appropriate, corresponding to the different storage areas according to the type of empty bottles stored by mechanical handling means. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said means for identifying empty bottles comprise data data acquisition means (6 ₃ ) for indicating, preferably by tactile or voice input, the type of full bottle requested by the user. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said means for identifying empty bottles comprise means (6 ₁ , 6 ₂ ) for recognizing the type of empty bottles presented by the user in the absence indication by tactile or voice input, and data entry means (6 ₃ ), preferably by tactile or voice input, of the type of bottle requested in case of recording. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is in the form of a management terminal (1) integrating in the same enclosure all of: said means for identifying empty bottles (6 ₁ -6 ₃ ), said means for receiving and storing empty bottles (8, 9 ₁ -9 ₂ , 10 ₁ -10 ₄ ), means of pricing and receipt of payment (12 ₁ , 12 ₂ ), said means for issuing (13) access authorization means, an electronic data processing and command unit (11), said management terminal (1) being independent of said storage device (2) of full bottles, and adapted to cooperate with the latter. A set of said storage device (2) for full bottles wherein said full bottles (3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ) are stored in individual compartments (4) accessed by means of specific access authorization (4 ₁ ) according to the type of bottle, and an apparatus according to claims 1 to 10. Process for managing the distribution of full bottles of different types, in particular filled gas cylinders, characterized in that an apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 10 or an assembly according to Claim 11 is used.

Images