EP3901085A1 - Vorrichtung zur optimierten verdünnung und ausgabe von produkten wie reinigungsmitteln biologischer art - Google Patents

Vorrichtung zur optimierten verdünnung und ausgabe von produkten wie reinigungsmitteln biologischer art Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3901085A1
EP3901085A1 EP21169307.2A EP21169307A EP3901085A1 EP 3901085 A1 EP3901085 A1 EP 3901085A1 EP 21169307 A EP21169307 A EP 21169307A EP 3901085 A1 EP3901085 A1 EP 3901085A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bottle
detergents
dispensing
operator
colour
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21169307.2A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Massimo Pinna
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP3901085A1 publication Critical patent/EP3901085A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/20—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for washing or drying articles, e.g. clothes, motor cars
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/04—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by weight
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of products such as detergents of a biological type.
  • the present invention relates to a device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of products such as detergents of a biological type, of the type comprising electronic components and advanced sensor equipment for fine and precise metering of products for professional super-concentrated cleaners.
  • the invention is also directed towards a method for filling a bottle or container by means of a device of this type.
  • the technical field referred to is that of professional cleaning for structures of medium-sized dimensions, for example, hotels, hospitals, schools, barracks, large ships.
  • a first example of a known device for diluting and dispensing detergents is described in the patent application IT2014BG00008 , which was granted in 2016 and which relates to an automatic distributor of products with a mixer group with two inlets and one outlet, and a first inlet tube for water which is connected to a tank with a ballcock.
  • the outlet of the tank is connected to a pump which increases the pressure of the water to at least 2 bar and the outlet of which is connected to a filter, from which it reaches the first inlet of the mixer.
  • the second inlet of the mixer receives, via a second tube and by means of other solenoid valves, the concentrated detergent which is contained in an individual container (with, for example, eight specific containers).
  • the mixture of water and detergent reaches a conveyor and thereby an empty bottle which is positioned by an operator.
  • an electronic control unit controls the operating logic of the distributor and a function panel which is positioned at the front of the distributor allows the selection of the product to be dispensed and the quantity which is desired in the bottle to be filled which is placed near the dispenser.
  • an automatic distributor which comprises a plurality of tanks, each one adapted to contain a liquid product, a plurality of supply pumps which are associated with the tanks, respectively, and a plurality of supply pipes which are connected to the pumps and the tanks and which are suitable for supplying the liquids to a dispensing compartment which receives a bottle.
  • the ends of the supply pipes lead vertically and in a parallel manner into the dispensing compartment, where alignment means are provided and can generate a relative movement in the horizontal plane between the bottle and the outlet of the supply pipe which dispenses the liquid, so as to vertically align the opening of the bottle.
  • a weight sensor which can detect the weight of the bottle present in the dispensing compartment.
  • the document CN203799442U which relates to a patent application for a utility model, describes a detergent distributor which comprise a frame, lateral openings and a supply unit.
  • a control board, a coin container, a POS and a slidable display are further arranged in the front portion of the frame/cabinet.
  • the distributor involved is characterized in that a panel of the frame/cabinet is provided with at least one opening for removing the detergent, while a tank for storing the same detergent is arranged inside the frame in the region of the removal openings.
  • Extraction pumps are arranged in the lower portion of the tank of the detergents and are connected with an outlet and with the removal openings through tubes.
  • Solenoid valves are arranged in the tubes between each pump and the corresponding opening for removal of the liquid, with a start push-button and a stop push-button which are electrically connected to the control board and which are provided to control the solenoid valves.
  • the known devices for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents have intrinsic limitations, such as the reduced capacity for keeping track of the working activity of an operator of the cleaning, an employee of the professional cleaners, particularly in relation to the products which are usually used by the same operator, by types and quantities.
  • Another significant problem of the devices of the prior art is the high risk of human error, which could lead to the use of an incorrect detergent resulting in ineffective cleaning or even risks in terms of safety to humans and the environment.
  • An object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, by providing a device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of products such as detergents, in particular of a biological type, which is safe, effective and economical.
  • the invention is further directed towards a safe and effective method for filling a container or bottle by using such a device.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type which allows the dispensing of the detergents to be correlated with the operator who is making use of them during the working activity, , by optimizing it in a dedicated manner for each operator, therefore having such characteristics as to overcome the limitations which still influence the current devices for the dilution and dispensing of detergents, with reference to the prior art.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type which allows the storage quantities and times for the same detergents to be reduced, reducing the occurrences of waste of product and minimizing the environmental impact.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type which implements a data-processing functionality in a reserved manner in relation to lists of files connected with the working activity of the individual operator, and in a clear manner for disclosing publicity content and tutorials.
  • the device 100 for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type comprises:
  • the device 100 is provided with a connection 108 to a water supply network.
  • connection 108 to the water supply network advantageously allows to take the water necessary for carrying out a dilution of detergents of a biological type which are used, preferably in super-concentrated states, each of them being contained in an individual tank which is comprised in the plurality of tanks 107a, ... 107n.
  • the device 100 comprises at least one pair of nozzles 109 which are positioned in an upper portion of the compartment 106 and which are suitable for filling the bottle 60, at predetermined relative percentages, with detergent and water.
  • each detergent is dispensed by means of an individual electric pump which is comprised in the plurality of electric pumps 102a, ... 102n and the water comes from the connection 108.
  • the device 100 comprises a colour sensor 104 which is connected to the electronic unit 101 and which is suitable for identifying a bottle 60 which is introduced into the compartment 106 by the operator, for example, an operator involved in cleaning.
  • the device 100 is constituted by a structure which is preferably made of metal in the form of a multimedia totem or automatic distributor of products, the electronic and electromechanical components of which, specifically the electronic unit 101, the electric pumps 102, the electronic scale 103, the colour sensor 104 and the control interface 105, for example, a touch-screen display, are supplied with power by means of individual voltage regulators which are included in the device 100 from the network voltage to which the same device 100 is connected.
  • the electronic unit 101 is a printed-circuit board which is based on a microcontroller, for example, a Raspberry module PI.
  • control interface 105 is connected and controlled by the electronic unit 101 and is configured for reserved access by the operator to the automated dispensing functions of the detergents by means of a unique password or identification code and to a reserved area which is accessible by means of an OTP (one-time password) which is populated with a list of personal files which are inherent to the working register, comprising, for example, payslips, work contracts, certificates of courses taken, schedules and shifts, orders of service.
  • OTP one-time password
  • the electronic scale 103 or weighing module is implemented by means of a load cell which is connected to an integrated circuit connected with the electronic unit 101 and is configured to evaluate in real time the weight of the bottle 60 which is introduced by the operator into the compartment 106.
  • the colour sensor 104 is preferably an opto-electronic module comprising an array of photodiodes, which are excited by the light reflected by the bottle 60 which is inserted into the device 100, and a current/frequency converter which is suitable for converting the electric current of the photodiodes into the frequency of the colour to be detected.
  • the bottle 60 is filled with detergent of a biological type and water at predetermined relative percentages by means of a control logic running on the electronic unit 101 following the above-mentioned access in protected and reserved mode by the operator and the identification of the bottle 60.
  • the identification of the operator is carried out by means of a unique password which is preselected and inserted by means of the control interface 105.
  • a bottle 60 when a bottle 60 is positioned frontally relative to the colour sensor 104 in the compartment 106, it is illuminated by LEDs with white light which are mounted on the colour sensor 104, with the light reflected from the bottle 60 which, by exciting the photodiodes, generates an electric current which is converted downstream of the converter into a signal with a square wave, the frequency of which is proportional to the shade of colour of the bottle 60 to be filled.
  • the device 100 carries out a double control, with regard to the identity of the operator and the type of bottle 60 which has been inserted into the compartment 106 and which is identified by means of the specific colour by means of the colour sensor 104, in the terms described above. Only in the case of positive verification with respect to the correspondence between the detergent of a biological type, which is selected by means of the control interface 105, and the colour of the bottle 60, which is introduced and intended to receive the detergent, which correspondence is mapped in the control logic for each detergent/bottle 60 pair, does the device 100 dispense the detergent and the water.
  • the device 100 dispenses the detergent of a biological type and the water at the respective relative percentages which are evaluated by the electronic unit 101 and which can be reprogramed where necessary until full.
  • the use of the electronic scale 103 allows the dispensing of the detergent of a biological type and the water to be stopped when the bottle 60 is full, which is evaluated in real time on the basis of the difference between the weight of the full bottle 60, which is mapped in the control logic for each bottle 60, and the current weight of the same bottle 60 during the filling operation, always in accordance with the software control logic running on the electronic unit 101.
  • the verification of the identity of the operator and the correspondence between the detergent selected and the bottle 60 which is identified by means of the colour allows the dispensing of the water from the connection 108 and the detergent, for example, the one contained in the tank 107a, to be initiated with the actuation of the electric pump 102a connected to the tank 107a, the whole operation being controlled by the electronic unit 101 and by means of intermediate electromechanical devices, such as solenoid valves and relays, only in the case of a positive result of both the steps of the verification operation, preventing disadvantageous occurrences of waste which are caused mainly by human error, and incorrect associations of detergents with bottles 60 which are not provided to contain them.
  • the operation for diluting the detergents of a biological type is carried out directly in the bottle 60.
  • the device 100 dispenses the quantity of detergent of a biological type and water necessary for filling the bottle 60 by conveying them as far as nozzles 109, so as to be dispensed into the bottle 60 until full.
  • the device 100 allows a record to be kept for the operator who has carried out the access, his/her role, the access hours, the exact quantities and the type of detergent dispensed, by generating statistics on a configurable time basis.
  • the data relating to the working activity of each operator for example, the type of detergents of a biological nature which it is usual for them to use when carrying out their assignments, are stored in one or more solid-state memory unit(s), for example, flash memories, such as SD or micro SD, which are installed in the device 100 and which are connected to the electronic unit 101.
  • solid-state memory unit(s) for example, flash memories, such as SD or micro SD
  • the data which relate to the working activity of each operator and which are stored in one or more solid-state memory unit(s) are transmitted on a preselectable periodic basis to one or more server(s), which are local or in the cloud and which are connected to the device 100 for the bi-directional data communication by means of the network interface of the electronic unit 101.
  • the personal files which relate to the working register of each operator are stored on the local server or cloud server and the consultation of a list thereof can be carried out visually, directly by means of the control interface 105, following the access to an individual reserved area by means of the OTP (one-time password), which is preferably received on a Smart phone following a request placed by means of the same control interface 105.
  • OTP one-time password
  • the operator accesses the individual personal files which relate to the working register after having selected them from the above-mentioned list and having arranged for transmission to an individual email address, so as to see that compliance with data privacy is ensured.
  • control interface 105 is a touch-screen display.
  • the touch-screen display 105 is configured to reproduce video clips, which are inherent, for example, to publicity content and tutorials.
  • the touch-screen display 105 allows the operators to consult by video technical sheets, security sheets and the method of use of the detergent products of a biological type being used.
  • the electronic unit 101 is configured to run, as anticipated, the control logic of the device 100, that is to say, a firmware, which can be updated where applicable, which is inherent both to the steps of actuation of the operations for dilution and dispensing of the detergents and to the control of the internal components which are described above.
  • the control logic of the device 100 that is to say, a firmware, which can be updated where applicable, which is inherent both to the steps of actuation of the operations for dilution and dispensing of the detergents and to the control of the internal components which are described above.
  • the electronic unit 101 is configured to control the archiving of the data which relate to the working activity of the operator in the at least one solid-state memory unit and the periodic transmission of those data to the local server or cloud server.
  • the device 100 dispenses in the bottle 60 enzymatic/probiotic based detergents.
  • the high performance levels ensured by using this type of detergents allow the dilution in the device 100 of very low quantities thereof in the order of a few grammes per litre with very fine precision.
  • the device 100 comprises a GPS geolocation module.
  • the presence of the GPS module allows geographical referencing on WebGIS maps, thanks also to the internet connection, of the group of devices 100 which are located and in use in the respective installation sites so as to rationalize the use and maintenance methods.
  • the installation of the devices 100 directly in situ, such as hotels, industrial premises, hospitals, where the detergents of a biological type are used advantageously allows a reduction of the requirement for supplying and storing huge quantities of the same detergents, with a resultant reduction of the transport operations and the relevant costs.
  • the device 100 can be used, while keeping the same components described above, in the agricultural and livestock sectors, by being able to be used for the optimized dilution and dispensing of products of a resin and terpene derivation, such as fungicides and/or adjuvants for treatments for the protection of plants, in agriculture, and of resin and terpene derivation for the care and hygiene of the environment of domestic animals, in animal husbandry.
  • a resin and terpene derivation such as fungicides and/or adjuvants for treatments for the protection of plants, in agriculture, and of resin and terpene derivation for the care and hygiene of the environment of domestic animals, in animal husbandry.
  • the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type allows optimization of the fine metering and administration of super-concentrated detergent products of a biological type, in particular enzymatic/probiotic based detergents, by relating them with the control of the operators employed for the professional cleaning which make use thereof.
  • Another advantage of the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type according to the invention is that it ensures the elimination of human error by means of the system for recognition of the different bottles to be filled which is described above and recognition of the operator by means of a unique password, overcoming any shortcomings from which the known technical solutions suffer.
  • the recognition of the bottle on the basis of the colour thereof is particularly effective for preventing errors, more robust with respect, for example, to a label recognition system. While a label can be removed, discoloured by use or can be applied in error, the colour of the bottle does not vary with use and therefore the recognition of the colour provides a device which is particularly reliable because it always ensures the certainty of using the correct bottles for each detergent.
  • a label 110 which can set out data relating to the content, for example, the name, the ingredients, the use, the doses, etc.
  • an identification code for the colour of the bottle for example, pantone code, RAL or other type of colour code.
  • the colour code can be printed on the label with alphanumeric characters or with a bar code or with a QR code.
  • the device in this case detects the colour of the bottle and reads the colour code on the label by means of a reading device of the type generally known, for example, a bar code reader, a camera, or other reader which is suitable for the purpose.
  • the device compares the colour identified on the label and the colour detected on the bottle and carries out the dispensing of the product only if the two colours coincide. If, however, the colour of the bottle is different from the coded colour on the label, the device prevents the dispensing and provides an error message. In this manner, there is a double control and it is ensured that the label which is applied to the bottle, with all the information relating to the content, is also correct.
  • the method for filling a generic container, for example, a bottle, by means of the device 100 as described above may comprise a number of steps, including the insertion of the bottle 60 in the compartment 106 and the identification thereof by analysing the colour thereof with the colour sensor 104.
  • the electronic scale 103 it is possible to evaluate in real time the weight of the bottle 60 and therefore to stop dispensing when the bottle is full.
  • Another advantage of the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type according to the invention is that the use thereof is applicable in different types of structures, characterized by great dimensions, in relation both to the surfaces to be cleaned and to the number of operators provided for this activity.
  • the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type not only allows products to be dispensed, but also performs as an information point, allowing the operators employed for the professional cleaning to gain access in a protected and reserved manner by means of a temporary password to an individual register sheet, and in addition acts as a co-marketing system by means of the reproduction on the integrated display of advertising clips, tutorials or clips of another type.
  • Another advantage of the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type according to the invention is that it can be branded by means of films which are intended to be attached to the entire body.
  • Another advantage of the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type according to the invention is that it is secure.
  • the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type according to the invention is easy to use.
  • the device for the optimized dilution and dispensing of detergents of a biological type allows economies of scale as a result of the reduction of the costs connected with the logistics, storage and waste of product which in a short time allow the cost items connected with the serial industrialization and control to be offset.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
EP21169307.2A 2020-04-20 2021-04-20 Vorrichtung zur optimierten verdünnung und ausgabe von produkten wie reinigungsmitteln biologischer art Pending EP3901085A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102020000008347A IT202000008347A1 (it) 2020-04-20 2020-04-20 Dispositivo per la diluizione e l’erogazione ottimizzate di detergenti di natura biologica

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3901085A1 true EP3901085A1 (de) 2021-10-27

Family

ID=71452616

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21169307.2A Pending EP3901085A1 (de) 2020-04-20 2021-04-20 Vorrichtung zur optimierten verdünnung und ausgabe von produkten wie reinigungsmitteln biologischer art

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3901085A1 (de)
IT (1) IT202000008347A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115283342A (zh) * 2022-07-16 2022-11-04 深圳市第三人民医院 一种医用清洗装置供液系统

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4976137A (en) * 1989-01-06 1990-12-11 Ecolab Inc. Chemical mixing and dispensing system
WO2010064064A1 (en) * 2008-05-02 2010-06-10 Ar-Co Chimica Srl Apparatus for controlled distribution of detergent solutions
ITVR20090108A1 (it) * 2009-07-16 2011-01-17 Pizzolotto S P A Dispositivo erogatore a self-service di sostanze sfuse e procedimento di erogazione delle stesse
US20140231449A1 (en) * 2013-02-19 2014-08-21 Gojo Industries, Inc. Refill container labeling
CN203799442U (zh) 2014-04-04 2014-08-27 扬州昊能电气有限公司 洗涤液售卖机

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4976137A (en) * 1989-01-06 1990-12-11 Ecolab Inc. Chemical mixing and dispensing system
WO2010064064A1 (en) * 2008-05-02 2010-06-10 Ar-Co Chimica Srl Apparatus for controlled distribution of detergent solutions
ITVR20090108A1 (it) * 2009-07-16 2011-01-17 Pizzolotto S P A Dispositivo erogatore a self-service di sostanze sfuse e procedimento di erogazione delle stesse
US20140231449A1 (en) * 2013-02-19 2014-08-21 Gojo Industries, Inc. Refill container labeling
CN203799442U (zh) 2014-04-04 2014-08-27 扬州昊能电气有限公司 洗涤液售卖机

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115283342A (zh) * 2022-07-16 2022-11-04 深圳市第三人民医院 一种医用清洗装置供液系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT202000008347A1 (it) 2021-10-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10672234B2 (en) Method and system for enhanced lottery ticket accounting and sales with smart bin dispensers at a retail establishment
CN102609826A (zh) 一种物流配送系统及方法
US20070023512A1 (en) Inventory management system using rfid tags to aid in dispensing and restocking inventory
CN108876242A (zh) 一种智能化物资管理方法及装置
WO2007027779B1 (en) Automatically configurable chemical dosing apparatus for cleaning equipment
EP3901085A1 (de) Vorrichtung zur optimierten verdünnung und ausgabe von produkten wie reinigungsmitteln biologischer art
CN102687130A (zh) 用于复合生产工序的管理和设计的系统和方法
CN103955848A (zh) 移动终端销售管理实现方法及系统
US20130075468A1 (en) System and method for recycling of articles
CN103348372A (zh) 零售点种子处理系统及其方法
CN110751436A (zh) 基于动态库存管理的仓库管理系统
CN108550013A (zh) 一种对象入库的处理方法和设备
WO2019090199A1 (en) Systems and methods for automating delivery prioritization at a distribution center
US20190016584A1 (en) Fuel pump
EP2511227A1 (de) Vorrichtung zum betreiben von Reinigungstätigkeiten
CN111291952A (zh) 智能点餐送餐系统
JPH087014A (ja) 薬品払出し管理システム
US11926517B2 (en) Container management system
CN110866566A (zh) 仓储管理方法
CA2875968C (en) Gas meter reading system and meter reading method
CN105825357B (zh) 基于物联网的托盘数据处理方法及装置
DE102020115883A1 (de) Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Lagern loser Waren in Behältern und zu deren kontrolliertem Einfüllen und Entnehmen
CN105551254A (zh) 一种商品混凝土运送车辆管理系统及方法
CN205375683U (zh) 一种智能物流交易柜
RU2749209C1 (ru) Система интеллектуального розлива технических жидкостей

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

B565 Issuance of search results under rule 164(2) epc

Effective date: 20210914

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220422

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230608