EP2720580B1 - Distribution system for gaz bottles including means for identifying the type of said bottles comprising a colour detector and a magnetic detector - Google Patents

Distribution system for gaz bottles including means for identifying the type of said bottles comprising a colour detector and a magnetic detector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2720580B1
EP2720580B1 EP12730426.9A EP12730426A EP2720580B1 EP 2720580 B1 EP2720580 B1 EP 2720580B1 EP 12730426 A EP12730426 A EP 12730426A EP 2720580 B1 EP2720580 B1 EP 2720580B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas cylinder
sensor
gas
colour
measurement
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EP12730426.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2720580A1 (en
Inventor
Yanis Siamer
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Antargaz SAS
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Antargaz Finagaz SA
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F7/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials
    • A47F7/28—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials for containers, e.g. flasks, bottles, tins, milk packs
    • A47F7/283—Show stands or the like having a compartment for each container
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for distributing gas bottles, the gas bottles being capable of having different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colors, the system comprising means for identifying the type of the gas cylinder, the identification means comprising a first color sensor of the gas bottle.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of identifying the type of a gas cylinder of such a dispensing system.
  • the system includes a terminal and a storage device.
  • the terminal comprises a receiving compartment adapted to receive an empty bottle and transport means able to move the empty bottle from the receiving compartment to a storage area.
  • Identification sensors make it possible to identify the type of empty bottle, 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 in particular optoelectronic cells. In addition, these sensors may comprise or be associated with sensors capable of reading electronic chips or radio-emitting, in order to identify the gas bottles equipped with such chips.
  • the identification of the type of a gas cylinder without a chip or radio-transmitter is not very accurate, and is likely to cause detection errors when returning a bottle.
  • these magnetic induction detection means are exclusively used in "all or nothing" mode, that is to say that their sole purpose is to detect the presence of a gas bottle and that they are not looking for on the other hand in nothing to identify the type of gas cylinder.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a gas bottle dispensing system comprising means for identifying the gas bottle allowing a more precise identification of a bottle made by a user, while limiting the costs of the system.
  • the subject of the invention is a distribution system of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the identification means furthermore comprise a sensor for detecting ferromagnetic material, which sensor is able to take at least one measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material of the gas bottle to identify the latter.
  • the invention also relates to a method for identifying the type of a gas cylinder of a gas bottle dispensing system, the gas bottles being capable of having different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colors. , the method comprising a first measurement of the color of the gas cylinder using a first sensor of the color of the bottle, the method being characterized in that it further comprises at least one measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material of the gas cylinder using a ferromagnetic material detection sensor.
  • a system 10 for distributing gas bottles 11 comprises a display unit 12 comprising a plurality of gas bottle racks 14, and a display control terminal 16, the control terminal 16 and the display unit 12 being distant and connected by a data link 18.
  • the dispensing system 10 comprises a plurality of displays 12.
  • the gas cylinders 11 may have different types defined by different shapes, volumes, colors and materials, in order to meet the requirements of the market but also to differentiate the products and brands of the various bottled gas dispensers. .
  • the gas bottles 11 are suitable for containing a mass of gas ranging between 5 and 35 kg.
  • the gas bottles 11 are generally cylindrical. In a variant, the gas bottles are in the form of a cube.
  • the gas bottles 11 are made of steel.
  • the gas cylinders are made of composite materials.
  • the gas bottles 11 have one or more colors depending on the contained product (butane / propane) and the brand of the distributor or the owner of the gas cylinders. There are more than thirty different bottles on the French market.
  • the dispensing system 10 comprises means 20 for identifying the type of the gas cylinder, the identification means 20 being able to identify the type of a bottle made by a user.
  • the control terminal 16 comprises the identification means 20.
  • the identification means 20 are arranged in the display unit 12.
  • the dispensing system 10 comprises means 21 for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder 11.
  • the control terminal 16 comprises the measuring means 21.
  • the measuring means 21 are arranged in the display 12.
  • Each display 12 has, as shown in the figure 2 , a processing unit 22 and a radio transceiver 24, the data link 18 between the control terminal and each display unit being, for example, a radio link, in the absence of a wired connection of data between the control terminal and the respective display.
  • Each display unit 12 comprises autonomous electric power supply means comprising a rechargeable electric battery 26 and means 28 for recharging the battery.
  • the processing unit 22 is connected to the recharging means 28 to drive them, and the rechargeable battery 26 to be electrically powered by it.
  • the supply means of the display stand include a solar panel 30, visible on the figure 1 , arranged on the top of the display and electrically connected to the recharging means 28.
  • Each display unit 12 comprises a protective case 32, visible on the figure 1 , in which are arranged the processing unit, the transceiver, the rechargeable battery and the recharging means of the battery.
  • Each display unit 12 also comprises a radio antenna 34.
  • each display 12 has no wired link with an external device, each display 12 being autonomous in energy from its rechargeable battery 26, and communicating with the control terminal 16 via its radio transceiver 24 via the link radio 18.
  • each display unit 12 comprises 24 bottle racks 14.
  • Each rack 14 has an open position in which the gas cylinder is accessible, and a closed position in which the gas cylinder is retained in the rack.
  • Each rack 14 is, for example, equipped with a door 36 and means, not shown, for locking the door, such as an electric lock known per se.
  • Each bottle rack 14 is adapted for its size to receive any type of gas bottle regardless of the volume thereof.
  • the control terminal 16 is able to control the opening of a rack 14, and comprises a screen 38, means 40 for entering characters and means 42 for accepting means of payment, such as a currency selector and / or a payment card reader.
  • the control terminal 16 comprises a processing unit 44.
  • control terminal 16 comprises the identification means 20 and a base 46 for receiving the gas cylinder for identification of its type, the identification means 20 being connected to the processing unit 44.
  • control terminal 16 comprises a sensor 47 for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder 11 with a view to its weighing, the measurement sensor 47 forming the measuring means 21 being arranged in the receiving base 46 and connected to the processing unit 44.
  • control terminal 16 comprises a radio transceiver 48 and a radio antenna 50 for the data link 18 with the display.
  • the control terminal 16 comprises, for example, a solar panel 52 arranged on the top of the control terminal and intended to supply electrical energy to the terminal.
  • the control terminal 16 extends in a vertical direction Z.
  • control terminal 16 comprises means 54 for displaying data on the screen and autonomous power supply means comprising a rechargeable electric battery 56 and battery recharging means 58, electrically connected to the solar panel 52.
  • control terminal 16 is connected to an electrical supply network, the supply means then comprising a voltage transformer.
  • control terminal 16 has no wired connection with an external device, the control terminal 16 being autonomous in energy from its rechargeable battery 56 and communicating with the display unit 12 via the radio link 18 via its radio transceiver 48.
  • the data link 18 between the control terminal and the display stand is, for example, a radio link, also called a wireless link.
  • the radio link 18 is, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and is also referred to as the Wi-Fi link.
  • the radio link 18 is in accordance with the ZigBee communication protocol based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.
  • the data link 18 is a wired data link.
  • the means of identification of the type of the bottle 20, visible on the figure 1 comprise a first sensor 60 of the color of the gas bottle and a sensor 62 for detecting ferromagnetic material.
  • the identification means 20 comprise a second sensor 64 of the color of the gas bottle, the two color sensors 60, 64 being able to determine the color of the gas cylinder at distinct points.
  • the processing unit 22 of the display rack is able to process a request sent by the control terminal 16, and to send a response to the control terminal.
  • the transceiver 24 of the display unit complies with the communication standard of the radio link 18, and is, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, the transceiver 24 also being called a Wi-Fi transceiver. , the transceiver 24 is in accordance with the ZigBee communication protocol based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.
  • the processing unit 44 of the control terminal includes, for example, a data processor 66 associated with a memory 68, as shown in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the transceiver 48 of the control terminal conforms to the communication standard of the radio link 18, and is, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, the transceiver 48 also being called a Wi-Fi transceiver.
  • the transceiver 48 conforms to the ZigBee communication protocol based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.
  • the display means 54 are particularly suitable for displaying a human-machine interface for the interaction of the user with the control terminal 16.
  • the first and second color sensors 60, 64 comprise, for example, optoelectronic cells known per se.
  • the first and second color sensors 60, 64 are connected to the processing unit 44 of the control terminal.
  • the first color sensor 60 is disposed at a distance of between 30 and 50 cm from the base of receiving 46 in the vertical direction Z
  • the second color sensor 64 is disposed at a distance of 15 cm from the receiving base 46 in the vertical direction Z.
  • the ferromagnetic material detection sensor 62 visible on the figure 1 , comprises a first electromagnetic coil 70 adapted to emit a magnetic field around it when a predetermined current flows in said first coil, and means 72 for supplying the first coil with said predetermined current.
  • the ferromagnetic material detection sensor 62 comprises a second electromagnetic coil 74, a current being able to be induced in the second electromagnetic coil under the influence of a magnetic field reflected by the gas cylinder whose type is to be identified from the magnetic field emitted by the first coil, and means 76 for measuring the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil 74.
  • the memory 68 of the processing unit of the control terminal is able to store a file 78 for managing the stock of gas cylinders, as well as a software 80 for controlling the opening of a respective rack for delivery. a full bottle or the return of an empty bottle.
  • the memory 68 is also able to store software 82 for identifying the type of the gas cylinder.
  • the memory 68 is capable of storing a software 84 for determining the amount of residual gas in a rendered bottle.
  • the electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the detection sensor extend in a vertical plane, and have in the vertical direction Z a height greater than or equal to 25 cm, preferably equal to 30 cm.
  • the electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the detection sensor are, for example, arranged concentrically.
  • the center of the electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the detection sensor is disposed at a distance of 30 cm from the receiving base 46 in the vertical direction Z.
  • the measuring means 76 are suitable for measuring the amplitude of the induced current.
  • the measuring means 76 are also suitable for measuring the phase difference between the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil 74 and the predetermined current able to flow in the first electromagnetic coil 70.
  • the measuring means 76 are connected to the processing unit 44 of the control terminal.
  • the identification software 82 is able to determine the type of the gas bottle 11 as a function of the information received from the first color sensor 60 and the measurement means 76 of the ferromagnetic material detection sensor. In addition, the identification software 82 is able to determine the type of the gas bottle 11 according to the information received from the second color sensor 64.
  • the determination software 84 is able to determine the quantity of residual gas in a rendered bottle, by calculating the difference between the mass of the gas cylinder measured with the measurement sensor 47 and a predetermined mass of the bottle of gas. gas associated with the type of the gas cylinder 11 previously determined using the identification software 82.
  • the predetermined mass corresponds to the empty weight of the gas cylinder 11 for the corresponding type of bottle.
  • the predetermined mass is, for example, stored in the memory 68.
  • control terminal 16 comprises the means 21 for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder
  • the terminal 16 calculates the quantity of residual gas in the cylinder rendered using the determination software 84. determination 84 thus makes it possible to determine whether the bottle is empty or not. When the gas cylinder 11 returned by the user is not empty, the terminal 16 then offers the user a purchase credit in progress and / or the refund corresponding to the amount of residual gas that has not been used.
  • control terminal 16 During each of these transactions, the control terminal 16 necessarily checks the type of the gas cylinder, to ensure that the type of the bottle returned by the user corresponds to the type of bottle indicated by the user. on request from the control terminal.
  • the method of identifying the type of the gas bottle 11 then comprises a first measurement of the color of the gas bottle 11 using the first color sensor 60, as well as a measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material. of the gas cylinder 11 with the aid of the ferromagnetic material detection sensor 62.
  • the identification method comprises a second measurement of the color of the gas cylinder using the second color sensor 64 at a point different from that where the first measurement was made using the first sensor. of color 60.
  • control terminal 16 After checking the type of the bottle returned, the control terminal 16 stores all the characteristics of the bottle returned in the management file 84, and then controls the opening of the bin 14 allocated for the return of this empty bottle.
  • the user removes his empty bottle from the receiving base 46 and places it in the corresponding bin 14, then closes it.
  • control terminal 16 then refunds the instruction to the user, and ends the transaction.
  • control terminal 16 determines a rack 14 comprising a full gas cylinder corresponding to the user's choice, indicates this location to the user on the screen 38, then orders opening the corresponding rack 14 using these control means 80.
  • the control terminal 16 When the rack 14 is closed, the control terminal 16 finally sets the new setpoint corresponding to this full bottle for the user, and ends the transaction.
  • the correlation of the one or more color information and the quantity of ferromagnetic material according to the invention makes it possible to determine the type of the gas bottle 11 more reliably. Indeed, certain gas bottles of different types have colors. very close so that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the other only with the aid of the color information of the first color sensor 60.
  • the color information of the bottle also depends on the manner in which the bottle 11 is positioned with respect to the first color sensor 60, the color of the bottle not being necessarily the same throughout the periphery of the bottle.
  • the second color sensor 64 for detecting the color of the bottle at a point distinct from the first sensor then makes it possible to determine the type of the bottle even more reliably, especially when the bottle has different colors depending on its positioning by relative to the sensor or depending on the height at which the corresponding color sensor is placed.
  • the electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the ferromagnetic detection sensor have a height greater than or equal to 50 cm, in order to be able to emit a magnetic field and respectively to capture the magnetic field reflected by the bottle over a major part of the height of the latter.
  • the gas bottle dispensing system according to the invention allows a more precise identification of a bottle made by a user, while limiting costs.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
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Description

La présente invention concerne un système de distribution de bouteilles de gaz, les bouteilles de gaz étant susceptibles de présenter des types différents définis par différentes formes, volumes et couleurs, le système comprenant des moyens d'identification du type de la bouteille de gaz, les moyens d'identification comportant un premier capteur de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz.The present invention relates to a system for distributing gas bottles, the gas bottles being capable of having different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colors, the system comprising means for identifying the type of the gas cylinder, the identification means comprising a first color sensor of the gas bottle.

La présente invention concerne également un procédé d'identification du type d'une bouteille de gaz d'un tel système de distribution.The present invention also relates to a method of identifying the type of a gas cylinder of such a dispensing system.

On connaît du document EP 1 494 180 A1 un système de distribution du type précité. Le système comprend une borne et un dispositif de stockage. La borne comporte un compartiment de réception apte à recevoir une bouteille vide et des moyens de transport aptes à déplacer la bouteille vide depuis le compartiment de réception vers une zone de stockage. Des capteurs d'identification permettent d'identifier le type de bouteille vide, notamment sa forme et sa couleur, la forme déterminant le type de bouteille et la couleur la marque et/ou le type de gaz. Ces capteurs sont notamment des cellules optoélectroniques. En outre, ces capteurs peuvent comporter ou être adjoints de capteurs aptes à lire des puces électroniques ou radio-émettrices, afin d'identifier les bouteilles de gaz équipées de telles puces.Document is known EP 1 494 180 A1 a distribution system of the aforementioned type. The system includes a terminal and a storage device. The terminal comprises a receiving compartment adapted to receive an empty bottle and transport means able to move the empty bottle from the receiving compartment to a storage area. Identification sensors make it possible to identify the type of empty bottle, 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 in particular optoelectronic cells. In addition, these sensors may comprise or be associated with sensors capable of reading electronic chips or radio-emitting, in order to identify the gas bottles equipped with such chips.

Toutefois, l'identification du type d'une bouteille de gaz ne comportant pas de puce électronique ou radio-émettrice n'est pas très précise, et est susceptible d'entraîner des erreurs de détection lors du retour d'une bouteille.However, the identification of the type of a gas cylinder without a chip or radio-transmitter is not very accurate, and is likely to cause detection errors when returning a bottle.

Par ailleurs, on connaît du document FR 2 757 249 A1 une installation de distribution de bouteilles, ladite installation comprenant des moyens de détection à induction magnétique de la présence d'une bouteille de gaz dans un emplacement le stockage donné.Moreover, we know of the document FR 2 757 249 A1 a bottle dispensing installation, said installation comprising magnetic induction detection means of the presence of a gas cylinder in a given storage location.

Toutefois, ces moyens de détection à induction magnétique sont exclusivement utilisés en mode "tout ou rien", c'est-à-dire qu'ils ont pour seul but de détecter la présence d'une bouteille de gaz et qu'ils ne recherchent en revanche en rien à identifier le type de la bouteille de gaz.However, these magnetic induction detection means are exclusively used in "all or nothing" mode, that is to say that their sole purpose is to detect the presence of a gas bottle and that they are not looking for on the other hand in nothing to identify the type of gas cylinder.

Et alors que le second des deux documents de l'art antérieur détaillés ci-dessus enseigne l'utilisation de détecteurs à induction magnétique pour repérer la présence d'une bouteille de gaz, le premier de ces deux documents, pourtant de sept ans postérieur au second, propose divers moyens d'identification d'une bouteille de gaz, notamment par la forme et la couleur de ladite bouteille, mais n'envisage aucunement d'utiliser des détecteurs à induction magnétique à cette fin d'identification.And while the second of the two documents of the prior art detailed above teaches the use of magnetic induction detectors to detect the presence of a gas cylinder, the first of these two documents, yet seven years later than second, proposes various means of identifying a gas cylinder, in particular by the shape and color of said bottle, but in no way envisages the use of magnetic induction detectors for this purpose of identification.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un système de distribution de bouteilles de gaz comprenant des moyens d'identification de la bouteille de gaz permettant une identification plus précise d'une bouteille rendue par un utilisateur, tout en limitant les coûts du système.The object of the invention is to provide a gas bottle dispensing system comprising means for identifying the gas bottle allowing a more precise identification of a bottle made by a user, while limiting the costs of the system.

Elle permet notamment de distinguer au retour d'une bouteille vide si celle-ci fait partie de la gamme de bouteilles vendues ou non et cela sans l'intervention physique de l'exploitant sur le site duquel un tel système est installé.It makes it possible to distinguish at the return of an empty bottle if it is part of the range of bottles sold or not and without the physical intervention of the operator on the site of which such a system is installed.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un système de distribution du type précité, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'identification comprennent en outre un capteur de détection de matériau ferromagnétique, lequel capteur étant apte à prendre au moins une mesure d'une quantité de matériau ferromagnétique de la bouteille de gaz permettant d'identifier cette dernière.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a distribution system of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the identification means furthermore comprise a sensor for detecting ferromagnetic material, which sensor is able to take at least one measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material of the gas bottle to identify the latter.

Suivant d'autres modes de réalisation, le système de distribution comprend une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • le capteur de détection comporte une première bobine électromagnétique propre à émettre un champ magnétique autour d'elle lorsqu'un courant prédéterminé circule dans ladite première bobine, des moyens d'alimentation de la première bobine avec ledit courant prédéterminé, une deuxième bobine électromagnétique, un courant étant propre à être induit dans la deuxième bobine électromagnétique sous l'influence d'un champ magnétique réfléchi par la bouteille de gaz dont le type est à identifier à partir du champ magnétique émis par la première bobine, et des moyens de mesure du courant induit dans la deuxième bobine électromagnétique,
  • le capteur de détection est propre à mesurer l'amplitude du courant induit,
  • le capteur de détection est propre à mesurer le déphasage entre le courant induit dans la deuxième bobine électromagnétique et le courant prédéterminé propre à circuler dans la première bobine électromagnétique,
  • les moyens d'identification comprennent au moins un deuxième capteur de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz, les deux capteurs de couleur étant propres à déterminer la couleur de la bouteille en des points distincts,
  • le système de distribution comprend un présentoir comportant une pluralité de casiers à bouteille de gaz, chaque casier présentant une position d'ouverture dans laquelle la bouteille de gaz est accessible et une position de fermeture dans laquelle la bouteille de gaz est retenue dans le casier, et une borne de pilotage du présentoir propre à commander l'ouverture d'un casier, la borne de pilotage et le présentoir étant distants et reliés par une liaison de données, et la borne de pilotage comprend le capteur de détection et le ou les capteurs de couleurs,
  • la borne de pilotage s'étend selon une direction verticale, et les bobines électromagnétiques s'étendent dans un plan vertical,
  • les bobines électromagnétiques présentent une hauteur supérieure ou égale à 25 cm, de préférence égale à 30 cm, et
  • le système de distribution comprend en outre des moyens de mesure de la masse de la bouteille de gaz et des moyens de détermination de la quantité de gaz résiduel dans la bouteille de gaz.
According to other embodiments, the dispensing system comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:
  • the detection sensor comprises a first electromagnetic coil capable of emitting a magnetic field around it when a predetermined current flows in said first coil, means for supplying the first coil with said predetermined current, a second electromagnetic coil, a current being adapted to be induced in the second electromagnetic coil under the influence of a magnetic field reflected by the gas cylinder whose type is to be identified from the magnetic field emitted by the first coil, and current measuring means induced in the second electromagnetic coil,
  • the detection sensor is capable of measuring the amplitude of the induced current,
  • the detection sensor is able to measure the phase difference between the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil and the predetermined current able to flow in the first electromagnetic coil,
  • the identification means comprise at least one second sensor of the color of the gas bottle, the two color sensors being able to determine the color of the bottle at distinct points,
  • the dispensing system comprises a display comprising a plurality of gas bottle racks, each rack having an open position in which the gas cylinder is accessible and a closed position in which the gas bottle is retained in the rack, and a control terminal of the display rack adapted to control the opening of a rack, the control terminal and the display stand being remote and connected by a data link, and the control terminal comprises the detection sensor and the one or more sensors. colours,
  • the control terminal extends in a vertical direction, and the electromagnetic coils extend in a vertical plane,
  • the electromagnetic coils have a height greater than or equal to 25 cm, preferably equal to 30 cm, and
  • the dispensing system further comprises means for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder and means for determining the amount of residual gas in the gas cylinder.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé d'identification du type d'une bouteille de gaz d'un système de distribution de bouteilles de gaz, les bouteilles de gaz étant susceptibles de présenter des types différents définis par différentes formes, volumes et couleurs,
le procédé comprenant une première mesure de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz à l'aide d'un premier capteur de la couleur de la bouteille,
le procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre au moins une mesure d'une quantité de matériau ferromagnétique de la bouteille de gaz à l'aide d'un capteur de détection de matériau ferromagnétique.The invention also relates to a method for identifying the type of a gas cylinder of a gas bottle dispensing system, the gas bottles being capable of having different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colors. ,
the method comprising a first measurement of the color of the gas cylinder using a first sensor of the color of the bottle,
the method being characterized in that it further comprises at least one measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material of the gas cylinder using a ferromagnetic material detection sensor.

Suivant d'autres modes de réalisation, le procédé d'identification comprend une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • le procédé d'identification comprend en outre une deuxième mesure de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz à l'aide d'un deuxième capteur de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz, en un point distinct de celui où a été effectuée la première mesure à l'aide du premier capteur de la couleur, et
  • le procédé d'identification comprend en outre la mesure de la masse de la bouteille de gaz et la détermination de la quantité de gaz résiduel dans la bouteille de gaz.
According to other embodiments, the identification method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:
  • the identification method further comprises a second measurement of the color of the gas cylinder using a second sensor of the color of the gas cylinder, at a point distinct from that where the first measurement was made; using the first color sensor, and
  • the identification method further comprises measuring the mass of the gas cylinder and determining the amount of residual gas in the gas cylinder.

Ces caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une représentation schématique du système de distribution de bouteilles de gaz selon l'invention comprenant un présentoir et une borne de pilotage du présentoir, et
  • la figure 2 est une représentation schématique de certains éléments de la borne et du présentoir de la figure 1.
These features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic representation of the gas bottle dispensing system according to the invention comprising a display and a control terminal of the display, and
  • the figure 2 is a schematic representation of some elements of the terminal and the display of the figure 1 .

Sur la figure 1, un système 10 de distribution de bouteilles de gaz 11 comprend un présentoir 12 comportant une pluralité de casiers 14 à bouteilles de gaz, et une borne 16 de pilotage du présentoir, la borne de pilotage 16 et le présentoir 12 étant distants et reliés par une liaison de données 18.On the figure 1 a system 10 for distributing gas bottles 11 comprises a display unit 12 comprising a plurality of gas bottle racks 14, and a display control terminal 16, the control terminal 16 and the display unit 12 being distant and connected by a data link 18.

En complément, le système de distribution 10 comprend une pluralité de présentoirs 12.In addition, the dispensing system 10 comprises a plurality of displays 12.

Les bouteilles de gaz 11 sont susceptibles de présenter des types différents définis par différentes formes, volumes, couleurs et matériaux, ceci afin de répondre aux exigences du marché mais également dans le but de différencier les produits et les marques des différents distributeurs de gaz en bouteille.The gas cylinders 11 may have different types defined by different shapes, volumes, colors and materials, in order to meet the requirements of the market but also to differentiate the products and brands of the various bottled gas dispensers. .

Les bouteilles de gaz 11 sont propres à contenir une masse de gaz variant entre 5 et 35kg.The gas bottles 11 are suitable for containing a mass of gas ranging between 5 and 35 kg.

Les bouteilles de gaz 11 sont généralement de forme cylindrique. En variante, les bouteilles de gaz sont en forme de cube.The gas bottles 11 are generally cylindrical. In a variant, the gas bottles are in the form of a cube.

Les bouteilles de gaz 11 sont réalisées en acier. En variante, les bouteilles de gaz sont en matériaux composites.The gas bottles 11 are made of steel. Alternatively, the gas cylinders are made of composite materials.

Les bouteilles de gaz 11 présentent une ou plusieurs couleurs en fonction du produit contenu (butane/propane) et de la marque du distributeur ou du propriétaire des bouteilles de gaz. Il existe plus d'une trentaine de bouteilles différentes sur le marché français.The gas bottles 11 have one or more colors depending on the contained product (butane / propane) and the brand of the distributor or the owner of the gas cylinders. There are more than thirty different bottles on the French market.

Le système de distribution 10 comprend des moyens 20 d'identification du type de la bouteille de gaz, les moyens d'identification 20 étant propres à identifier le type d'une bouteille rendue par un utilisateur. Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la borne de pilotage 16 comprend les moyens d'identification 20. En variante, les moyens d'identification 20 sont agencés dans le présentoir 12.The dispensing system 10 comprises means 20 for identifying the type of the gas cylinder, the identification means 20 being able to identify the type of a bottle made by a user. In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 , the control terminal 16 comprises the identification means 20. In a variant, the identification means 20 are arranged in the display unit 12.

En complément, le système de distribution 10 comprend des moyens 21 de mesure de la masse de la bouteille de gaz 11. Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la borne de pilotage 16 comprend les moyens de mesure 21. En variante, les moyens de mesure 21 sont agencés dans le présentoir 12.In addition, the dispensing system 10 comprises means 21 for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder 11. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. figure 1 , the control terminal 16 comprises the measuring means 21. In a variant, the measuring means 21 are arranged in the display 12.

Chaque présentoir 12 comporte, comme représenté sur la figure 2, une unité de traitement 22 et un émetteur-récepteur radioélectrique 24, la liaison de données 18 entre la borne de pilotage et chaque présentoir étant, par exemple, une liaison radioélectrique, en l'absence de liaison filaire de données entre la borne de pilotage et le présentoir respectif.Each display 12 has, as shown in the figure 2 , a processing unit 22 and a radio transceiver 24, the data link 18 between the control terminal and each display unit being, for example, a radio link, in the absence of a wired connection of data between the control terminal and the respective display.

Chaque présentoir 12 comprend des moyens autonomes d'alimentation en énergie électrique comportant une batterie électrique rechargeable 26 et des moyens 28 de rechargement de la batterie. L'unité de traitement 22 est reliée aux moyens de rechargement 28 pour les piloter, et à la batterie rechargeable 26 afin d'être électriquement alimentée par celle-ci. Les moyens d'alimentation du présentoir comprennent un panneau solaire 30, visible sur la figure 1, agencé sur le dessus du présentoir et relié électriquement aux moyens de rechargement 28.Each display unit 12 comprises autonomous electric power supply means comprising a rechargeable electric battery 26 and means 28 for recharging the battery. The processing unit 22 is connected to the recharging means 28 to drive them, and the rechargeable battery 26 to be electrically powered by it. The supply means of the display stand include a solar panel 30, visible on the figure 1 , arranged on the top of the display and electrically connected to the recharging means 28.

Chaque présentoir 12 comprend un boîtier de protection 32, visible sur la figure 1, dans lequel sont agencés l'unité de traitement, l'émetteur-récepteur, la batterie rechargeable et les moyens de rechargement de la batterie. Chaque présentoir 12 comprend également une antenne radioélectrique 34.Each display unit 12 comprises a protective case 32, visible on the figure 1 , in which are arranged the processing unit, the transceiver, the rechargeable battery and the recharging means of the battery. Each display unit 12 also comprises a radio antenna 34.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, chaque présentoir 12 ne comporte aucune liaison filaire avec un dispositif extérieur, chaque présentoir 12 étant autonome en énergie de par sa batterie rechargeable 26, et communiquant avec la borne de pilotage 16 par l'intermédiaire de son émetteur-récepteur radioélectrique 24 via la liaison radioélectrique 18.In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 each display 12 has no wired link with an external device, each display 12 being autonomous in energy from its rechargeable battery 26, and communicating with the control terminal 16 via its radio transceiver 24 via the link radio 18.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, chaque présentoir 12 comprend 24 casiers à bouteille 14.In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 each display unit 12 comprises 24 bottle racks 14.

Chaque casier 14 présente une position d'ouverture dans laquelle la bouteille de gaz est accessible, et une position de fermeture dans laquelle la bouteille de gaz est retenue dans le casier. Chaque casier 14 est, par exemple, équipé d'une porte 36 et de moyens, non représentés, de verrouillage de la porte, tels qu'une gâche électrique connue en soi.Each rack 14 has an open position in which the gas cylinder is accessible, and a closed position in which the gas cylinder is retained in the rack. Each rack 14 is, for example, equipped with a door 36 and means, not shown, for locking the door, such as an electric lock known per se.

Chaque casier à bouteille 14 est adapté de par ses dimensions à recevoir tout type de bouteille de gaz quel que soit le volume de celle-ci.Each bottle rack 14 is adapted for its size to receive any type of gas bottle regardless of the volume thereof.

La borne de pilotage 16 est propre à commander l'ouverture d'un casier 14, et comporte un écran 38, des moyens 40 de saisie de caractères et des moyens 42 d'acceptation de moyens de paiement, tel qu'un sélecteur de monnaie et/ou un lecteur de cartes de paiement. La borne de pilotage 16 comprend une unité de traitement 44.The control terminal 16 is able to control the opening of a rack 14, and comprises a screen 38, means 40 for entering characters and means 42 for accepting means of payment, such as a currency selector and / or a payment card reader. The control terminal 16 comprises a processing unit 44.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la borne de pilotage 16 comprend les moyens d'identification 20 et un socle 46 de réception de la bouteille de gaz en vue de l'identification de son type, les moyens d'identification 20 étant reliés à l'unité de traitement 44.In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 , the control terminal 16 comprises the identification means 20 and a base 46 for receiving the gas cylinder for identification of its type, the identification means 20 being connected to the processing unit 44.

En complément, dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la borne de pilotage 16 comprend un capteur 47 de mesure de la masse de la bouteille de gaz 11 en vue de sa pesée, le capteur de mesure 47 formant les moyens de mesure 21, étant agencé dans le socle de réception 46 et relié à l'unité de traitement 44.In addition, in the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 , the control terminal 16 comprises a sensor 47 for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder 11 with a view to its weighing, the measurement sensor 47 forming the measuring means 21 being arranged in the receiving base 46 and connected to the processing unit 44.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la borne de pilotage 16 comprend un émetteur-récepteur radioélectrique 48 et une antenne radioélectrique 50 pour la liaison de données 18 avec le présentoir.In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 , the control terminal 16 comprises a radio transceiver 48 and a radio antenna 50 for the data link 18 with the display.

La borne de pilotage 16 comprend, par exemple, un panneau solaire 52 agencé sur le dessus de la borne de pilotage et destiné à alimenter en énergie électrique la borne.The control terminal 16 comprises, for example, a solar panel 52 arranged on the top of the control terminal and intended to supply electrical energy to the terminal.

La borne de pilotage 16 s'étend selon une direction verticale Z.The control terminal 16 extends in a vertical direction Z.

Sur la figure 2, la borne de pilotage 16 comprend des moyens 54 d'affichage de données à l'écran et des moyens autonomes d'alimentation en énergie électrique comportant une batterie électrique rechargeable 56 et des moyens 58 de rechargement de la batterie, reliés électriquement au panneau solaire 52.On the figure 2 , the control terminal 16 comprises means 54 for displaying data on the screen and autonomous power supply means comprising a rechargeable electric battery 56 and battery recharging means 58, electrically connected to the solar panel 52.

En variante, la borne de pilotage 16 est reliée à un réseau électrique d'alimentation, les moyens d'alimentation comportant alors un transformateur en tension.In a variant, the control terminal 16 is connected to an electrical supply network, the supply means then comprising a voltage transformer.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la borne de pilotage 16 ne comporte aucune liaison filaire avec un dispositif extérieur, la borne de pilotage 16 étant autonome en énergie de par sa batterie rechargeable 56 et communiquant avec le présentoir 12 via la liaison radioélectrique 18 par l'intermédiaire de son émetteur-récepteur radioélectrique 48.In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 , the control terminal 16 has no wired connection with an external device, the control terminal 16 being autonomous in energy from its rechargeable battery 56 and communicating with the display unit 12 via the radio link 18 via its radio transceiver 48.

La liaison de données 18 entre la borne de pilotage et le présentoir est, par exemple, une liaison radioélectrique, également appelée liaison sans fil. Dans l'exemple de réalisation des figures 1 et 2, la liaison radioélectrique 18 est, par exemple, conforme à la norme IEEE 802.11, et est également appelée liaison Wi-Fi. En variante, la liaison radioélectrique 18 est conforme au protocole de communication ZigBee basé sur la norme IEEE-802.15.4.The data link 18 between the control terminal and the display stand is, for example, a radio link, also called a wireless link. In the exemplary embodiment of figures 1 and 2 the radio link 18 is, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, and is also referred to as the Wi-Fi link. Alternatively, the radio link 18 is in accordance with the ZigBee communication protocol based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.

En variante, la liaison de données 18 est une liaison filaire de données.As a variant, the data link 18 is a wired data link.

Les moyens d'identification du type de la bouteille 20, visibles sur la figure 1, comportent un premier capteur 60 de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz et un capteur 62 de détection de matériau ferromagnétique.The means of identification of the type of the bottle 20, visible on the figure 1 , comprise a first sensor 60 of the color of the gas bottle and a sensor 62 for detecting ferromagnetic material.

En complément, les moyens d'identification 20 comprennent un deuxième capteur 64 de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz, les deux capteurs de couleur 60, 64 étant propres à déterminer la couleur de la bouteille de gaz en des points distincts.In addition, the identification means 20 comprise a second sensor 64 of the color of the gas bottle, the two color sensors 60, 64 being able to determine the color of the gas cylinder at distinct points.

L'unité de traitement 22 du présentoir est propre à traiter une requête émise par la borne de pilotage 16, et à émettre une réponse à destination de la borne de pilotage.The processing unit 22 of the display rack is able to process a request sent by the control terminal 16, and to send a response to the control terminal.

L'émetteur-récepteur 24 du présentoir est conforme à la norme de communication de la liaison radioélectrique 18, et est par exemple conforme à la norme IEEE 802.11, l'émetteur-récepteur 24 étant également appelé émetteur-récepteur Wi-Fi. En variante, l'émetteur-récepteur 24 est conforme au protocole de communication ZigBee basé sur la norme IEEE-802.15.4.The transceiver 24 of the display unit complies with the communication standard of the radio link 18, and is, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, the transceiver 24 also being called a Wi-Fi transceiver. , the transceiver 24 is in accordance with the ZigBee communication protocol based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.

L'unité de traitement 44 de la borne de pilotage comporte, par exemple, un processeur de données 66 associé à une mémoire 68, comme représenté sur la figure 2.The processing unit 44 of the control terminal includes, for example, a data processor 66 associated with a memory 68, as shown in FIG. figure 2 .

L'émetteur-récepteur 48 de la borne de pilotage est conforme à la norme de communication de la liaison radioélectrique 18, et est par exemple conforme à la norme IEEE 802.11, l'émetteur-récepteur 48 étant également appelé émetteur-récepteur Wi-Fi. En variante, l'émetteur-récepteur 48 est conforme au protocole de communication ZigBee basé sur la norme IEEE-802.15.4.The transceiver 48 of the control terminal conforms to the communication standard of the radio link 18, and is, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, the transceiver 48 also being called a Wi-Fi transceiver. Alternatively, the transceiver 48 conforms to the ZigBee communication protocol based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.

Les moyens d'affichage 54 sont notamment propres à afficher une interface homme-machine pour l'interaction de l'utilisateur avec la borne de pilotage 16.The display means 54 are particularly suitable for displaying a human-machine interface for the interaction of the user with the control terminal 16.

Les premier et deuxième capteurs de couleur 60, 64 comportent, par exemple, des cellules optoélectroniques connues en soi. Les premier et deuxième capteurs de couleur 60, 64 sont reliés à l'unité de traitement 44 de la borne de pilotage. Le premier capteur de couleur 60 est disposé à une distance comprise entre 30 et 50 cm à partir du socle de réception 46 selon la direction verticale Z, et le deuxième capteur de couleur 64 est disposé à une distance de 15 cm du socle de réception 46 selon la direction verticale Z.The first and second color sensors 60, 64 comprise, for example, optoelectronic cells known per se. The first and second color sensors 60, 64 are connected to the processing unit 44 of the control terminal. The first color sensor 60 is disposed at a distance of between 30 and 50 cm from the base of receiving 46 in the vertical direction Z, and the second color sensor 64 is disposed at a distance of 15 cm from the receiving base 46 in the vertical direction Z.

Le capteur de détection de matériau ferromagnétique 62, visible sur la figure 1, comporte une première bobine électromagnétique 70 propre à émettre un champ magnétique autour d'elle lorsqu'un courant prédéterminé circule dans ladite première bobine, et des moyens 72 d'alimentation de la première bobine avec ledit courant prédéterminé.The ferromagnetic material detection sensor 62, visible on the figure 1 , comprises a first electromagnetic coil 70 adapted to emit a magnetic field around it when a predetermined current flows in said first coil, and means 72 for supplying the first coil with said predetermined current.

Le capteur de détection de matériau ferromagnétique 62 comprend une deuxième bobine électromagnétique 74, un courant étant propre à être induit dans la deuxième bobine électromagnétique sous l'influence d'un champ magnétique réfléchit par la bouteille de gaz dont le type est à identifier à partir du champ magnétique émis par la première bobine, et des moyens 76 de mesure du courant induit dans la deuxième bobine électromagnétique 74.The ferromagnetic material detection sensor 62 comprises a second electromagnetic coil 74, a current being able to be induced in the second electromagnetic coil under the influence of a magnetic field reflected by the gas cylinder whose type is to be identified from the magnetic field emitted by the first coil, and means 76 for measuring the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil 74.

La mémoire 68 de l'unité de traitement de la borne de pilotage est apte à stocker un fichier 78 de gestion du stock de bouteilles de gaz, ainsi qu'un logiciel 80 de commande de l'ouverture d'un casier respectif pour la délivrance d'une bouteille pleine ou le retour d'une bouteille vide. La mémoire 68 est également apte à stocker un logiciel 82 d'identification du type de la bouteille de gaz.The memory 68 of the processing unit of the control terminal is able to store a file 78 for managing the stock of gas cylinders, as well as a software 80 for controlling the opening of a respective rack for delivery. a full bottle or the return of an empty bottle. The memory 68 is also able to store software 82 for identifying the type of the gas cylinder.

En complément, la mémoire 68 est apte à stocker un logiciel 84 de détermination de la quantité de gaz résiduel dans une bouteille rendue.In addition, the memory 68 is capable of storing a software 84 for determining the amount of residual gas in a rendered bottle.

Les bobines électromagnétiques 70, 74 du capteur de détection s'étendent dans un plan vertical, et présentent selon la direction verticale Z une hauteur supérieure ou égale à 25 cm, de préférence égale à 30 cm.The electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the detection sensor extend in a vertical plane, and have in the vertical direction Z a height greater than or equal to 25 cm, preferably equal to 30 cm.

Les bobines électromagnétiques 70, 74 du capteur de détection sont, par exemple, disposées de manière concentrique.The electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the detection sensor are, for example, arranged concentrically.

Le centre des bobines électromagnétiques 70, 74 du capteur de détection est disposé à une distance de 30 cm du socle de réception 46 selon la direction verticale Z.The center of the electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the detection sensor is disposed at a distance of 30 cm from the receiving base 46 in the vertical direction Z.

Les moyens de mesure 76 sont propres à mesurer l'amplitude du courant induit. Les moyens de mesure 76 sont également propres à mesure le déphasage entre le courant induit dans la deuxième bobine électromagnétique 74 et le courant prédéterminé propre à circuler dans la première bobine électromagnétique 70.The measuring means 76 are suitable for measuring the amplitude of the induced current. The measuring means 76 are also suitable for measuring the phase difference between the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil 74 and the predetermined current able to flow in the first electromagnetic coil 70.

Les moyens de mesure 76 sont reliés à l'unité de traitement 44 de la borne de pilotage.The measuring means 76 are connected to the processing unit 44 of the control terminal.

Le logiciel d'identification 82 est propre à déterminer le type de la bouteille de gaz 11 en fonction des informations reçues du premier capteur de couleur 60 et des moyens de mesure 76 du capteur de détection de matériau ferromagnétique. En complément, le logiciel d'identification 82 est propre à déterminer le type de la bouteille de gaz 11 en fonction des informations reçues du deuxième capteur de couleur 64.The identification software 82 is able to determine the type of the gas bottle 11 as a function of the information received from the first color sensor 60 and the measurement means 76 of the ferromagnetic material detection sensor. In addition, the identification software 82 is able to determine the type of the gas bottle 11 according to the information received from the second color sensor 64.

Le logiciel de détermination 84 est propre à déterminer la quantité de gaz résiduel dans une bouteille rendue, par calcul de la différence entre la masse de la bouteille de gaz mesurée à l'aide du capteur de mesure 47 et une masse prédéterminée de la bouteille de gaz associée au type de la bouteille de gaz 11 préalablement déterminé à l'aide du logiciel d'identification 82. La masse prédéterminée correspond à la masse à vide de la bouteille de gaz 11 pour le type de bouteille correspondant. La masse prédéterminée est, par exemple, stockée dans la mémoire 68.The determination software 84 is able to determine the quantity of residual gas in a rendered bottle, by calculating the difference between the mass of the gas cylinder measured with the measurement sensor 47 and a predetermined mass of the bottle of gas. gas associated with the type of the gas cylinder 11 previously determined using the identification software 82. The predetermined mass corresponds to the empty weight of the gas cylinder 11 for the corresponding type of bottle. The predetermined mass is, for example, stored in the memory 68.

Le fonctionnement du système de distribution de bouteilles de gaz va désormais être expliqué.The operation of the gas bottle dispensing system will now be explained.

Lorsqu'un utilisateur se dirige vers la borne de pilotage 16 avec une bouteille de gaz vide, afin de l'échanger contre une bouteille pleine ou bien de récupérer la consigne correspondant à sa bouteille vide, il pose sa bouteille 11 sur le socle de réception 46. Il interagit avec l'interface homme-machine de la borne de pilotage 16, afin de réaliser une transaction d'échange de bouteille ou bien une transaction de récupération de consigne.When a user goes to the control terminal 16 with an empty gas bottle, in order to exchange it for a full bottle or to recover the deposit corresponding to his empty bottle, he places his bottle 11 on the receiving base 46. It interacts with the human-machine interface of the control terminal 16, in order to perform a bottle exchange transaction or a setback recovery transaction.

En complément, lorsque la borne de pilotage 16 comporte les moyens 21 de mesure de la masse de la bouteille de gaz, la borne 16 calcule la quantité de gaz résiduel dans la bouteille rendue à l'aide du logiciel de détermination 84. Le logiciel de détermination 84 permet ainsi de déterminer si la bouteille est vide ou non. Lorsque la bouteille de gaz 11 rendue par l'utilisateur n'est pas vide, la borne 16 propose alors à l'utilisateur un avoir sur achat en cours et/ou le remboursement correspondant à la quantité de gaz résiduel qui n'a pas été utilisée.In addition, when the control terminal 16 comprises the means 21 for measuring the mass of the gas cylinder, the terminal 16 calculates the quantity of residual gas in the cylinder rendered using the determination software 84. determination 84 thus makes it possible to determine whether the bottle is empty or not. When the gas cylinder 11 returned by the user is not empty, the terminal 16 then offers the user a purchase credit in progress and / or the refund corresponding to the amount of residual gas that has not been used.

Au cours de chacune de ces transactions, la borne de pilotage 16 vérifie nécessairement le type de la bouteille de gaz, afin de s'assurer que le type de la bouteille rendue par l'utilisateur correspond bien au type de bouteille indiqué par l'utilisateur sur demande de la borne de pilotage.During each of these transactions, the control terminal 16 necessarily checks the type of the gas cylinder, to ensure that the type of the bottle returned by the user corresponds to the type of bottle indicated by the user. on request from the control terminal.

Le procédé d'identification du type de la bouteille de gaz 11 comprend alors une première mesure de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz 11 à l'aide du premier capteur de couleur 60, ainsi qu'une mesure d'une quantité de matériau ferromagnétique de la bouteille de gaz 11 à l'aide du capteur de détection de matériau ferromagnétique 62.The method of identifying the type of the gas bottle 11 then comprises a first measurement of the color of the gas bottle 11 using the first color sensor 60, as well as a measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material. of the gas cylinder 11 with the aid of the ferromagnetic material detection sensor 62.

En complément, le procédé d'identification comprend une deuxième mesure de la couleur de la bouteille de gaz à l'aide du deuxième capteur de couleur 64 en un point distinct de celui où à été effectué la première mesure à l'aide du premier capteur de couleur 60.In addition, the identification method comprises a second measurement of the color of the gas cylinder using the second color sensor 64 at a point different from that where the first measurement was made using the first sensor. of color 60.

Après avoir vérifié le type de la bouteille rendue, la borne de pilotage 16 enregistre l'ensemble des caractéristiques de la bouteille rendue dans le fichier de gestion 84, et commande alors l'ouverture du casier 14 alloué pour le retour de cette bouteille vide.After checking the type of the bottle returned, the control terminal 16 stores all the characteristics of the bottle returned in the management file 84, and then controls the opening of the bin 14 allocated for the return of this empty bottle.

L'utilisateur retire sa bouteille vide du socle de réception 46 et la place dans le casier 14 correspondant, puis referme celui-ci.The user removes his empty bottle from the receiving base 46 and places it in the corresponding bin 14, then closes it.

Dans le cas d'une récupération de consigne, la borne de pilotage 16 rembourse alors la consigne à l'utilisateur, et termine la transaction.In the case of a setpoint recovery, the control terminal 16 then refunds the instruction to the user, and ends the transaction.

Dans le cas d'un échange de bouteilles, la borne de pilotage 16 détermine alors un casier 14 comprenant une bouteille de gaz pleine correspondant au choix de l'utilisateur, indique cet emplacement à l'utilisateur sur l'écran 38, puis commande l'ouverture du casier 14 correspondant à l'aide de ces moyens de commande 80.In the case of a bottle exchange, the control terminal 16 then determines a rack 14 comprising a full gas cylinder corresponding to the user's choice, indicates this location to the user on the screen 38, then orders opening the corresponding rack 14 using these control means 80.

L'utilisateur récupère alors sa bouteille pleine, et referme le casier 14 correspondant. Lorsque le casier 14 est refermé, la borne de pilotage 16 établit enfin la nouvelle consigne correspondant à cette bouteille pleine pour l'utilisateur, et termine la transaction.The user then retrieves his full bottle, and closes the corresponding bin 14. When the rack 14 is closed, the control terminal 16 finally sets the new setpoint corresponding to this full bottle for the user, and ends the transaction.

La corrélation de la ou des informations de couleur et de la quantité de matériau ferromagnétique selon l'invention permet de déterminer de manière plus fiable le type de la bouteille de gaz 11. En effet, certaines bouteilles de gaz présentant des types différents ont des couleurs très proches de sorte qu'il est parfois difficile de distinguer l'une de l'autre uniquement à l'aide de l'information de couleur du premier capteur de couleur 60.The correlation of the one or more color information and the quantity of ferromagnetic material according to the invention makes it possible to determine the type of the gas bottle 11 more reliably. Indeed, certain gas bottles of different types have colors. very close so that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the other only with the aid of the color information of the first color sensor 60.

En outre, l'information de couleur de la bouteille dépend également de la manière dont est positionnée la bouteille 11 par rapport au premier capteur de couleur 60, la couleur de la bouteille n'étant pas nécessairement identique sur toute la périphérie de la bouteille.In addition, the color information of the bottle also depends on the manner in which the bottle 11 is positioned with respect to the first color sensor 60, the color of the bottle not being necessarily the same throughout the periphery of the bottle.

Le deuxième capteur de couleur 64 permettant de détecter la couleur de la bouteille en un point distinct du premier capteur permet alors de déterminer le type de la bouteille de manière encore plus fiable, notamment lorsque la bouteille présente des couleurs différentes en fonction de son positionnement par rapport au capteur ou en fonction de la hauteur à laquelle est placée le capteur de couleur correspondant.The second color sensor 64 for detecting the color of the bottle at a point distinct from the first sensor then makes it possible to determine the type of the bottle even more reliably, especially when the bottle has different colors depending on its positioning by relative to the sensor or depending on the height at which the corresponding color sensor is placed.

Les bobines électromagnétiques 70, 74 du capteur de détection ferromagnétique présentent une hauteur supérieure ou égale à 50 cm, afin de pouvoir émettre un champ magnétique et respectivement capter le champ magnétique réfléchi par la bouteille sur une majeure partie de la hauteur de cette dernière.The electromagnetic coils 70, 74 of the ferromagnetic detection sensor have a height greater than or equal to 50 cm, in order to be able to emit a magnetic field and respectively to capture the magnetic field reflected by the bottle over a major part of the height of the latter.

On conçoit ainsi que le système de distribution de bouteilles de gaz selon l'invention permet une identification plus précise d'une bouteille rendue par un utilisateur, tout en limitant les coûts.It is thus conceivable that the gas bottle dispensing system according to the invention allows a more precise identification of a bottle made by a user, while limiting costs.

Claims (12)

  1. System (10) for distribution of gas cylinders, the gas cylinders (11) being likely to be of different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colours, the system (10) comprising means (20) for identification of the type of gas cylinder (11), the means of identification (20) having a first sensor (60) for sensing the colour of the gas cylinder,
    characterised in that the means of identification (20) also comprise a sensor (62) for detection of ferromagnetic material, which sensor (62) is adapted to take at least one measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material of the gas cylinder (11) allowing the identification of the latter.
  2. System (10) according to claim 1, in which the detection sensor (62) has a first electromagnetic coil (70) adapted to emit a magnetic field around it when a predetermined current flows in the said first coil (70), means (72) for supplying the first coil (70) with the said predetermined current, a second electromagnetic coil (74), a current being capable of being induced in the second electromagnetic coil (74) under the influence of a magnetic field reflected by the gas cylinder (11) the type of which is to be identified from the magnetic field emitted by the first coil (70), and means (76) for measurement of the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil (74).
  3. System (10) according to claim 2, in which the detection sensor (62) is adapted to measure the amplitude of the induced current.
  4. System (10) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the detection sensor (62) is adapted to measure the phase shift between the current induced in the second electromagnetic coil (74) and the predetermined current capable of flowing in the first electromagnetic coil (70).
  5. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the means of identification (20) comprise at least one second sensor (64) for sensing the colour of the gas cylinder, the two colour sensors (60, 64) being adapted to determine the colour of the cylinder at two separate points.
  6. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a display unit (12) having a plurality of gas cylinder lockers (14), each locker (14) having an open position in which the gas cylinder is accessible and a closed position in which the gas cylinder is retained in the locker, and a terminal (16) for control of the display unit adapted to order the opening of a locker (14), the control terminal (16) and the display unit (12) being distant and connected by a data link (18), in which the control terminal (16) comprises the detection sensor (62) and the colour sensor or sensors (60, 64).
  7. System (10) according to claims 2 and 6, with the control terminal extending in a vertical direction (Z), in which the electromagnetic coils (70, 74) extend in a vertical plane.
  8. System (10) according to claim 7, in which the electromagnetic coils (70, 74) have a height greater than or equal to 25 cm, preferably equal to 30 cm.
  9. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising means (21) for measurement of the mass of the gas cylinder (11) and means (84) for determining the quantity of gas left in the gas cylinder (11).
  10. Method for identification of the type of a gas cylinder (11) of a system (10) for distribution of gas cylinders, the gas cylinders (11) being likely to be of different types defined by different shapes, volumes and colours,
    the method comprising a first measurement of the colour of the gas cylinder (11) with the aid of a first sensor (60) for sensing the colour of the cylinder,
    the method being characterised in that it also comprises at least one measurement of a quantity of ferromagnetic material of the gas cylinder (11) with the aid of a sensor (62) for detection of ferromagnetic material.
  11. Method according to claim 10, also comprising a second measurement of the colour of the gas cylinder (11) with the aid of a second sensor (64) for sensing the colour of the gas cylinder, at a point separate from the point at which the first measurement was carried out with the aid of the first sensor for sensing the colour (60).
  12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, also comprising the measurement of the mass of the gas cylinder (11) and the determination of the quantity of gas left in the gas cylinder (11).
EP12730426.9A 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Distribution system for gaz bottles including means for identifying the type of said bottles comprising a colour detector and a magnetic detector Active EP2720580B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1155223A FR2976701B1 (en) 2011-06-15 2011-06-15 GAS BOTTLE DISPENSING SYSTEM COMPRISING BOTTLE TYPE IDENTIFICATION MEANS COMPRISING A COLOR SENSOR AND A SENSOR FOR DETECTING FERROMAGNETIC MATERIAL
PCT/EP2012/060998 WO2012171873A1 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 System for distributing gas cylinders, including means for identifying the type of cylinder, comprising a colour sensor and a sensor for detecting ferromagnetic material

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2720580A1 EP2720580A1 (en) 2014-04-23
EP2720580B1 true EP2720580B1 (en) 2017-08-16

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12730426.9A Active EP2720580B1 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Distribution system for gaz bottles including means for identifying the type of said bottles comprising a colour detector and a magnetic detector

Country Status (8)

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US (1) US9730532B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2720580B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2012269176B2 (en)
FR (1) FR2976701B1 (en)
MA (1) MA35249B1 (en)
TN (1) TN2013000512A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012171873A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201309408B (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3002358B1 (en) * 2013-02-20 2015-02-27 Siraga Sa DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF DOMESTIC GAS BOTTLES
US9880320B2 (en) 2014-10-08 2018-01-30 Ratermann Manufacturing, Inc. Tank sensor array for inventory signaling in a tank management system
US10817925B2 (en) 2014-10-08 2020-10-27 Ratermann Manufacturing, Inc. Gas cylinder inventory signaling apparatus and method
FR3032547B1 (en) * 2015-02-10 2017-03-10 Butagaz SEMI-AUTOMATIC DISPLAY OF GAS BOTTLES AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
PL70971Y1 (en) * 2017-10-12 2019-08-30 Noa Tech Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Self-service device for purchasing liquefied flammable gas in cylinders with the volume up to 11 kilograms

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2757249B1 (en) * 1996-12-16 1999-01-15 Air Liquide DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A STOCK OF GAS BOTTLES
FR2855893B1 (en) * 2003-06-04 2005-09-16 Sudco S A APPARATUS FOR MANAGING THE DISTRIBUTION OF GAS BOTTLES

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA201309408B (en) 2015-08-26
TN2013000512A1 (en) 2015-03-30
EP2720580A1 (en) 2014-04-23
FR2976701A1 (en) 2012-12-21
MA35249B1 (en) 2014-07-03
AU2012269176B2 (en) 2017-06-29
US9730532B2 (en) 2017-08-15
AU2012269176A1 (en) 2014-01-09
FR2976701B1 (en) 2013-07-26
WO2012171873A1 (en) 2012-12-20
US20140163727A1 (en) 2014-06-12

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