EP4177855A1 - Automated bulk material dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) of products (6) in bulk in a container (11), comprising:- a plurality of compartments (5) configured to store the at least one product, each compartment comprising a selective opening ( 7),- a man-machine interface (14) configured to allow the selection of one or more products to be dispensed,- a mobile support (9) configured to support and move the container between an access position in which the movable support is accessible from outside the dispenser and a plurality of filling positions in which the container is placed under the selective opening of one of the compartments,- a scale (12) configured to measure a weight of the container,- a device (20) for actuating the selective openings of the compartments, - a shape recognition device (13) configured to determine the shape and volume of the container.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the technical field of the distribution of products stored in bulk.

It relates more particularly to a dispenser automatically filling containers with one or more products stored in bulk in the dispenser.

The invention is suitable for the distribution of solid food products, such as nuts, pulses, powders (flour, sugars, spices, etc.), seeds, cereals, starchy foods and sticky products ( dried fruits, sweets, etc.).

The invention is also suitable for the distribution of other solid products, such as animal feed, litter, hygiene products (for example solid soap, shampoo and toothpaste), mechanical parts (screws, collars, clips, nuts, powders, lubricants, etc.).

The invention is also applicable to the distribution of liquid products, for example food (oils, milks, honey, syrups, juices, alcohols, sodas, beers, etc.), household products (vinegar, detergent, dishwashing liquid, liquid soap, stain remover ...) or cosmetics (creams, oils, make-up remover, solvent...).

Prior technique

Distributors of bulk products are known from the prior art. Many businesses implement display sets, such as bins, that hold bulk products that a customer can pick up at will, usually using a tool, such as a shovel or tongs. .

This type of device, however, presents hygiene problems because the contents of the displays are freely accessible and therefore do not protect the stored products.

In addition, it is not possible to accurately measure the quantity of products withdrawn, without using, in addition to the device, a scale for measuring the weight. If the container is a solid container, such as a glass jar, the user must also manually tare the container before filling it.

The implementation of distributors of bulk products comprising a plurality of storage compartments each provided with a manual opening is also widespread. In such devices, each compartment is filled with a certain type of product. The actuation of the manual opening, typically a handle arranged at the bottom of each compartment, allows the products to pour out by gravity flow. Thus, by manually controlling the opening, the customer can pour the quantity of products he wants into a bag or into a container that he is holding or that he is depositing under said opening.

A distributor of this type is generally used for the distribution of solid, medium-grained and non-sticky products. Indeed, fine powders as well as sticky products tend to agglomerate, which can prevent or hinder the flow of these products. Products with a grain size that is too high are likely to block the opening.

In addition, these devices are not ergonomic. The user must manipulate the device for opening a compartment while controlling the quantity of product served. This quantity cannot be measured accurately without separately using a scale.

There are also dispensers assisted by electromechanical flow measurement devices configured to measure the flow of a product at the compartment outlet. These electromechanical devices can be hoppers arranged under the compartments, equipped with an activation button and generally with a screen indicating in particular the quantity of product dispensed. They can also consist of pumps allowing the distribution of products in liquid form.

Such devices can pose hygiene problems: in fact, cleaning is recommended between each change of batch of product. In practice, these devices are generally difficult to clean due in particular to the electronics they carry.

Moreover, a weight measurement system based on the use of a flowmeter is relatively complex and the precision of the measurement is limited.

Finally, a device of this type must be installed on each compartment of the dispenser: this increases the cost and the ecological footprint of the dispenser. This also makes it necessary to test a device for each compartment during the periodic verification phases when this is a legal requirement. For example, in France, a verification must be carried out every two years for an approved weight and measure scale.

The dispensers of the prior art described above also have the disadvantage of not ensuring the preservation of foodstuffs under controlled conditions, in particular of temperature and humidity. Moreover, they do not always make it possible to fill a reusable or returnable container of the glass jar type, nor to weigh the container before filling or to check the state of cleanliness of the container before filling. Finally, only one type of product per compartment can be offered and the use of these distributors is relatively complex.

Requirement WO 2005/040014 A2 describes a dispenser and a method for dispensing bulk products. In this application, the distributor comprises a plurality of product storage compartments which pour their contents into a transport device common to all the compartments. The transport device transports the products to a container. This mode of distribution with transport of the products leads to potential problems of hygiene and contamination of the products sold, for example in the event of the presence of allergens in some of these products. It is also likely to damage the products by transport between the outlet of a compartment and the container.

Requirement CA 2895672 A1 discloses a dispenser and method for dispensing and selling bulk products. The use of the dispenser is based on the identification of the containers used, which is carried out in particular by means of radio-identification tags (RFID for "Radio Frequency Identification". The information relating to the container, for example its dimensions and its weight, are pre-recorded in a database: the dispenser therefore does not allow the use of containers not previously recorded. The dispenser disclosed in this application comprises several storage compartments. The container, deposited by the user on a mobile tray, is moved under the compartments corresponding to the products selected by the user on a man-machine interface.Each compartment is equipped with an automated opening mechanism to allow the pouring of a desired quantity of product: it is therefore It is necessary to provide an opening mechanism for each compartment.The dispenser is also of complex design.

There is therefore a need for a distributor of bulk products which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular by proposing a sober design and by allowing the free use of a wide variety of containers to take away the products after distribution.

The object of the invention is to respond at least in part to this need.

Disclosure of Invention

• une pluralité de compartiments configurés pour stocker l'au moins un produit en vrac, chaque compartiment comportant une ouverture sélective pour permettre le versement du produit,
• une interface homme-machine configurée pour permettre la sélection par un utilisateur d'un ou de plusieurs produits à distribuer,
• un support mobile configuré pour supporter et déplacer le récipient entre une position d'accès dans laquelle le support mobile est accessible depuis l'extérieur du distributeur et une pluralité de positions de remplissage dans lesquelles le récipient est placé sous l'ouverture sélective de l'un des compartiments,
• une balance, de préférence agencée sur le support mobile ou disposée fixe sous la position d'accès du support mobile, configurée pour mesurer un poids du récipient,
• un dispositif d'actionnement des ouvertures sélectives des compartiments,
• un dispositif de reconnaissance de forme configuré pour déterminer la forme et le volume du récipient.

To do this, the subject of the invention is, according to one of its aspects, a dispenser for bulk products, intended to pour at least one product into a container, comprising:

• a plurality of compartments configured to store the at least one product in bulk, each compartment comprising a selective opening to allow pouring of the product,
• a man-machine interface configured to allow the selection by a user of one or more products to be dispensed,
• a movable support configured to support and move the container between an access position in which the movable support is accessible from outside the dispenser and a plurality of filling positions in which the container is placed under the selective opening of the one of the compartments,
• a scale, preferably arranged on the mobile support or arranged fixed under the access position of the mobile support, configured to measure a weight of the container,
• a device for actuating the selective openings of the compartments,
• a shape recognition device configured to determine the shape and volume of the container.

By “accessible from the outside”, it is understood here and in the context of the invention that a user can position near or in the dispenser a container on the mobile support which is therefore in an ad hoc position.

By "selective opening" is meant in the context of the invention an opening of the compartment which can be selectively closed or not. The selective aperture includes a shutter device configured to selectively shutter the aperture. The selective opening can allow a forced flow or a flow by gravity of the product contained in the compartment. The closure device can advantageously comprise means for forcing or facilitating the flow of a product, such as paddle wheels or a device configured to produce vibrations.

The dispenser according to the invention advantageously allows a user to place any container in the dispenser. The combination of the balance of the mobile support, which makes it possible to tare the container, and of the shape recognition device, which makes it possible to determine its shape and volume, makes it possible to use any container. There is therefore no need to record the characteristics of the container beforehand and to restrict the choice of container to a pre-recorded container.

The dispenser according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to fill the same container sequentially with several products originating from several compartments. This makes it possible to produce personalized mixtures of products in the same container and therefore to offer more distribution choices for the user without increasing the number of compartments in the dispenser.

According to an advantageous variant, the device comprises an enclosure in which the compartments are arranged, the enclosure comprising a front comprising a closable door giving access from outside the dispenser to the mobile support in the access position, the front preferably closing hermetically the enclosure of the distributor when the door is closed and the atmosphere in the enclosure being preferably controlled and regulated so as to favor the conservation of the products contained in the distributor.

The front panel protects the dispenser enclosure. This is desirable for example for reasons of hygiene to prevent a user from coming into direct contact with the compartments of the dispenser or for safety reasons to prevent any contact with the moving device of the mobile support.

When the facade closes the enclosure hermetically, that is to say in an impermeable manner, the atmosphere in the enclosure can advantageously be controlled and regulated so as to promote the proper preservation of the products stored in the enclosure. This control can be exercised over the composition of the atmosphere, in particular by minimizing the level of oxygen and/or the level of humidity, and over the temperature in the enclosure. A dioxygen level of less than 2% and preferably less than 1%, a humidity level of less than 75% and preferably less than 50%, 30% or 10%, and/or a temperature between 2°C and 10°C is particularly advantageous.

A humidity level adjustable between 0% and 75% and regulated to within 5% advantageously makes it possible to adapt the storage conditions to the stored products.

According to a preferred characteristic, the actuating device is configured to individually actuate the selective openings of each of the compartments.

Thus, the actuation device is pooled for all the selective openings. The use of a single actuation device for all the compartments, as opposed to a dispenser comprising an individual actuation device for each compartment, has the advantage of allowing a sober design of the dispenser, minimizing its costs and its footprint. ecological.

Preferably, the dispenser according to the invention comprises a container sterilization device configured to at least partially sterilize the container before filling.

The sterilization device may in particular comprise a source of ultraviolet light and/or an ozone generator.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispenser according to the invention comprises at least one sensor configured to measure a filling level of the container and/or to display a state of cleanliness of the container and/or to measure a position of the container relative to the mobile support and/or to control a filling level of the container.

The sensor can in particular be an infrared sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, an ultrasound sensor or an optical camera. Several sensors can be used in combination.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the dispenser comprises a plurality of man-machine interfaces, the facade comprising a plurality of doors.

This characteristic advantageously allows several users to place an order at the same time, each user going through a different man-machine interface. Thus, a user does not need to wait for a previous user to retrieve their filled container to begin entering their product selection.

Preferably, the dispenser includes a container dispensing device configured to dispense a container onto the movable support in the access position, the container preferably being adapted to a selection of type and quantity of product.

This advantageously allows a user who does not have a container at his disposal to be served by the dispenser. The distributed containers can be reusable, recyclable or disposable, for example made of paper, cardboard, glass, plastic or metal. They can advantageously be recorded.

The container dispensing device is advantageously configured to dispense a container suitable for a type of product and a quantity of products selected with the man-machine interface, in particular according to the volume and/or the shape and/or the material of the container.

Preferably, the dispensing of the container is carried out after the user has entered his product order. The dispensed container can then be determined according to the type of product and the quantity of product chosen by the user.

Preferably again, the man-machine interface comprises a printer configured to print tickets bearing one or more information on the product dispensed.

According to a particular embodiment, the dispenser comprises a first information reader configured to read information on the container, the information being preferably encoded in the form of barcodes and/or two-dimensional barcodes and/or or RFID radio tags.

This makes it possible to identify the container if it has a means of identification.

Alternatively or in combination, the dispenser comprises a second information reader configured to read information on the plurality of compartments, the information being preferably encoded in the form of barcodes and/or two-dimensional barcodes and/or or RFID radio tags, the dispenser being preferably configured to record a filling level of the compartments in a database and to display an alert message on the man-machine interface or to send an alert message by a remote alert system, in particular via the Internet and SMS, if a predetermined filling level is reached.

This advantageously makes it possible to ensure traceability of the products. Indeed, by identifying the compartment corresponding to a given product, it is possible to correlate a weight of product sold to a weight of product remaining in the compartment. When the compartment reaches a low filling level, the dispenser can advantageously alert the operator of the machine by triggering an alert, for example via the man-machine interface or via an alert system via the internet, SMS or other means of communication connected to a database recording the filling levels of the compartments .

Alternatively or in combination, the dispenser comprises a third information reader configured to read information on a device presented by the user, the information being preferably encoded in the form of a barcode and/or a barcode with two dimensions and/or accessible by NFC or Bluetooth communication.

The device presented by the user can in particular be a telephone or a tablet. The barcode or two-dimensional barcode may advantageously represent the data and/or identifiers of a product order. This information can also be transmitted by wireless communication of the NFC or Bluetooth type or other between the dispenser and the device. So instead of using a touch screen or buttons arranged on the dispenser to make a product selection, the user can set their remote control on their device and simply present the barcode or barcode to the dispenser. in two dimensions generated for its control or present the NFC antenna of the device to the reader of the distributor to pair the device to the distributor and thus transmit the information from the wireless control to the distributor.

The dispenser according to the invention may comprise a measured weight indicator which may or may not be independent of the man-machine interface, the measured weight indicator preferably being a screen or a digital display.

According to an advantageous variant, the shape recognition device comprises an infrared curtain comprising a plurality of infrared sources arranged along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to an axis X of displacement of the mobile support and a plurality of infrared sensors 32) arranged in face of the infrared sources, the shape recognition device preferably being arranged between the access position and the filling positions of the mobile support.

Alternatively or in combination, the shape recognition device comprises a sensor, preferably an optical camera, the shape recognition device being configured to measure the volume of the container and the shape of the container by image analysis.

Advantageously, the dispenser comprises a device for centering the container on the movable support in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of displacement of the mobile support, the centering device preferably comprising centering arms, a torque limiter and/or a sensor for measuring the angle of displacement of the centering arms, the centering device being preferably configured to determine a dimension of the container in a centering direction.

The centering device can also make it possible to measure a width of the container in the centering direction.

1. (a) sélectionner un produit et une quantité de produit à distribuer avec l'interface homme-machine,
2. (b) placer le récipient sur le support mobile dans la position d'accès,
3. (c) peser le récipient avec la balance du support mobile pour faire la tare,
4. (d) mettre en œuvre une reconnaissance de forme avec le dispositif de reconnaissance de forme pour contrôler la forme et le volume du récipient,
5. (e) si le récipient est de forme et de volume adaptés, déplacer le support mobile vers une position de remplissage sous un compartiment correspondant au produit sélectionné,
6. (f) actionner l'ouverture sélective du compartiment avec le dispositif d'actionnement,
7. (g) verser la quantité sélectionnée du produit dans le récipient, la quantité versée étant mesurée par la balance du support mobile,
8. (h) fermer l'ouverture sélective du compartiment,
9. (i) déplacer le support mobile vers la position d'accès.

The invention also relates to a method for dispensing bulk products into a container, implementing a dispenser according to the invention and comprising the steps consisting of:

1. (a) select a product and a quantity of product to be dispensed with the human-machine interface,
2. (b) placing the container on the movable support in the access position,
3. (c) weigh the container with the balance of the mobile support to make the tare,
4. (d) implementing shape recognition with the shape recognition device to control the shape and volume of the container,
5. (e) if the container is of suitable shape and volume, moving the mobile support to a filling position under a compartment corresponding to the selected product,
6. (f) actuating the selective opening of the compartment with the actuating device,
7. (g) pouring the selected quantity of the product into the container, the poured quantity being measured by the scale of the movable support,
8. (h) close the selective opening of the compartment,
9. (i) moving the gantry to the access position.

Brief description of the drawings

• [ Fig 1 ] There figure 1 represents a distributor of bulk products according to the invention.
• [ Fig 2A ] There figure 2A illustrates a first step in the use of the distributor of the figure 1 to pour a product into a container.
• [ Fig 2B ] There figure 2B illustrates a second step in the use of the distributor of the figure 1 to pour a product into a container.
• [ Fig 2C ] There Fig. 2C illustrates a third step in the use of the distributor of the figure 1 to pour a product into a container.
• [ Fig 2D ] There 2D figure illustrates a fourth step in the use of the distributor of the figure 1 to pour a product into a container.
• [ Fig 2E ] There figure 2E illustrates a fifth step in the use of the distributor of the figure 1 to pour a product into a container.
• [ Fig 2F ] There figure 2F illustrates a sixth step in the use of the dispenser of the figure 1 to pour a product into a container.
• [ Fig.3 ] There picture 3 schematically represents a device for actuating the selective openings of compartments of a dispenser according to the invention.
• [ Fig 4 ] There figure 4 illustrates sensors that can be implemented in a dispenser according to the invention.
• [ Fig.5 ] There figure 5 represents an embodiment of a device for recognizing the shape of a dispenser according to the invention.
• [ Fig 6 ] There figure 6 illustrates the profile of a container as obtained by the shape recognition device of the figure 5 .
• [ Fig 7 ] There figure 7 is a side view of a container placed on a mobile support of a dispenser according to the invention.
• [ Fig.8 ] There figure 8 is a perspective view of a dispenser centering device according to the invention.
• [ Fig.9 ] There figure 9 is a profile view of the centering device of the figure 8 in the open position.
• [ Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 is a profile view of the centering device of the figure 8 in closed position.

detailed description

Throughout this application, the terms "vertical", "lower", "upper", "low", "high", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference to a dispenser according to the invention. installed in an operating position, in which the products stored in the distributor can flow by gravity or by entrainment through the selective openings of the compartments.

It has been illustrated at figure 1 a distributor 1 according to the invention. The distributor 1 comprises an enclosure 2 with a facade 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the facade 3 hermetically closes the enclosure: this makes it possible to exercise control over the atmosphere within the distributor, for example by minimizing the rate of oxygen and/or by minimizing the humidity level and/or by controlling the temperature, so as to promote the preservation of the products 6 stored in the dispenser.

The facade 3 illustrated comprises a reclosable door 4 which allows selective access to the interior of the dispenser 1 from the outside.

The facade 3 also includes a man-machine interface 14 configured to allow a user to select one or more products to be dispensed as well as a quantity of product to be dispensed.

The facade 3 is preferably transparent and can in particular be a glazed facade.

A plurality of compartments 5 for storing products 6 in bulk is arranged in the enclosure 2 of the dispenser. Each compartment 5 has a selective opening 7 which makes it possible, when it is open, to dispense the product 6 contained in this compartment by gravity and, when it is closed, to block the dispensing of the product 6.

The selective openings 7 are actuated automatically by an actuating device 20, an embodiment of which is detailed in picture 3 . Preferably, a single actuating device 20 makes it possible to actuate the selective openings of all the compartments 5. In comparison to a dispenser comprising an actuating device on each compartment, this advantageously makes it possible to limit the number of devices of actuation and therefore to minimize the complexity, the cost and the ecological footprint of the dispenser 1.

Preferably, each compartment 5 also includes a refueling opening 8 arranged on an upper face of the compartment: this refueling opening advantageously makes it possible to fill the compartments without it being necessary to extract them from the enclosure 2 of the dispenser.

A mobile support 9 is arranged in the enclosure 2. The mobile support can be moved by a moving device 10 also arranged in the enclosure 2.

In a particular embodiment, the displacement device 10 can advantageously comprise at least one pulley 18 rotated by an actuator, making it possible to rotate a belt 19 supporting the mobile support 9 and thus to move the mobile support linearly.

The mobile support 9 is provided to support a container 11. The container 11 can be brought by a user and does not need to be identified or registered prior to its use. However, the dispenser 1 can also include a container dispenser configured to dispense containers suitable for a selected type and quantity of product. It can also comprise an information reader configured to read information, such as a two-dimensional barcode (QR code, Flashcode, 2D-Doc, etc.) or an RFID radio tag, placed on a container in order to identify the container.

The mobile support 9 comprises a scale 12 configured to measure the weight of the container 11, either when it is empty to tare it, or when it is filled to precisely measure the quantity of product poured into the container. Scale 12 may also measure the weight of the container when filling is complete to perform the transactional weight measurement, on the basis of which billing will be made.

Alternatively, the balance 12 can be independent of the mobile support 9 and arranged in a fixed manner under the displacement device 10. The balance 12 then weighs the assembly constituted by the displacement device, the mobile support and the container.

According to a preferred variant, the scale 12 is an approved weights and measures scale.

The mobile support 9 can be moved between an access position, in which the mobile support is accessible from outside the device through the door 4, and a plurality of filling positions, in each of which the container 11 placed on the movable support is located under a selective opening 7 of a compartment 5, so that the product poured through this selective opening pours into the container.

The dispenser 1 also comprises a shape recognition device 13 configured to determine the shape of the container 11 after the introduction of the latter into the enclosure. 2. The shape recognition device 13 is preferably arranged close to the door 4 of the enclosure.

Thanks to the shape recognition device 13, the shape of the container can be taken into account to determine which products can, or cannot, be poured into this container 11. For example, a container 11 comprising a neck, such as a bottle, does not is not suitable for filling with products of large grain size, such as nuts or pasta.

In addition, the determination of the shape of the container 11 advantageously makes it possible to estimate the volume of the latter. Knowing the volume of the container is used to avoid pouring too much product.

Thus, if a user places a container that is not suitable for the product or the quantity of product requested, the distributor 1 can prevent the distribution of the product.

The man-machine interface 14, preferably arranged on the facade 3, authorizes the selection of the type and quantity of products to be poured into the container 11. Optionally, it also makes it possible to communicate information on the shape and the volume of the container 11 and on the compatibility of the container 11 with a choice of product and quantity of the product.

In the embodiment of the figure 1 , the interface 14 comprises a touch screen 15 and a printer 16 configured to print tickets 17, which can for example be receipts or labels. Advantageously, the printer 16 is configured to print self-adhesive labels.

The tickets 17 may in particular include a barcode allowing a transaction to be carried out at the checkout of a store and/or a two-dimensional barcode-type identification means such as a QR code, a flashcode or a 2D- Doc, or RFID radio tag to obtain additional information on the product and/or on the transaction, such as expiry date, composition, identification of allergens, origin, type of agriculture. This additional information can be made available to the user, for example via an application or via a web page.

The interface 14 can also or alternatively include a non-touch screen associated with control buttons.

According to an advantageous variant, the man-machine interface 14 can be displayed by an application or by a web page on a user's device, such as a telephone or a tablet.

The dispenser can then include a measured weight indicator independent of the man-machine interface 14, for example in the form of a screen or a digital display visible by a user. The weight indicator is preferably weight and measure certified. The dispenser may also include a location visible to the user to receive a certification nameplate.

The weight indicator can also be part of the man-machine interface 14 when the latter is present on the dispenser.

THE figures 2A to 2F represent different stages of the operation of the dispenser 1.

In a first step illustrated in figure 2A , the user uses the man-machine interface 14 to select a type of product and a desired quantity of product. Mobile support 9 is on hold in its access position.

Optionally, the user can select a plurality of products to be poured into a container, in order to produce a mixture.

In a second step illustrated in figure 2B , the user places a container 11 on the mobile support 9. The scale 12 of the mobile support 9 measures the weight of the container 11, which allows the distributor to perform the tare of the latter. The shape recognition device 13 is also implemented to determine the shape and the volume of the container 11. If the order placed by the user is compatible with the deposited container, the dispenser 1 performs the next step of the dispensing process. . If the container is incompatible with the order placed, the distributor 1 blocks the distribution of the product and an error message can advantageously be displayed on the screen 15 of the man-machine interface 14.

If the container is compatible, a third step shown in Fig. 2C is implemented. In this step, the mobile support 9 is moved by the moving device 10 to a filling position in which the container 11 is placed directly under the selective opening 7 of the compartment 5 corresponding to the selected product.

In a fourth step illustrated in 2D figure , the actuating device 20 actuates the selective opening 7 which allows the pouring of the product 6 contained in the compartment 5 into the container 11. The scale 12 of the mobile support 9 measures the quantity of product dispensed. The dispensing of the product stops when the quantity requested by the user is reached, the device 20 then closing the selective opening 7.

If the user has selected several products to be poured into the container 11, the third and fourth steps are repeated for each of the selected products.

In a fifth step illustrated in figure 2E , the mobile support is returned to the access position.

In a sixth step illustrated in figure 2F , the man-machine interface prints a ticket 17 indicating the quantity and type of product dispensed. The user can then retrieve the receipt and open the door 4 to retrieve the container 11 containing the desired product.

We represented in picture 3 an exemplary embodiment of the device 20 for actuating the selective openings of the compartments. In this embodiment, the device 20 is common to all the compartments. In other words, the distributor 1 comprises a single device 20, optionally secured to the mobile support 9. When it is secured to the support, the actuating device 20 is moved at the same time as the mobile support 9 and remains in a fixed position by relation to the latter.

In the embodiment of the picture 3 , the actuating device 20 comprises a linear actuator 21 in sliding connection with a rod 22, movable by the actuator 21 in a vertical direction. The rod 22 has one end 23 shaped so as to actuate a handle of the selective opening 7 of the container 11 when the rod 22 is moved downwards, and to release the handle when the rod 22 is moved upwards.

Optionally, the actuation device 20 also comprises a sensor 24. In the example illustrated, the sensor 24 is an infrared sensor arranged so that its viewing angle is directed substantially vertically towards an upper opening of the container 11 when the container is placed on the mobile support 9. The sensor 24 makes it possible to control the filling level of the container 11.

As seen at picture 3 , the mobile support 9 comprises a scale 12. The scale 12 makes it possible to tare the container 11 when the container is placed on the mobile support. It also makes it possible to control the quantity of product poured into the container by comparing the measured weight to the empty weight of the container.

According to an advantageous variant illustrated in figure 4 , the dispenser 1 comprises, instead of the infrared sensor 24 or in addition to the infrared sensor 24, an optical camera 25. The optical camera 25 makes it possible to visualize the state of cleanliness of the container 11 and/or to measure the volume of the container 11 by image analysis and detection of the shape contour and/or to confirm the position of the container 11 with respect to the mobile support 9 and/or to control the filling level of the container 11.

There figure 5 details an embodiment of the shape recognition device 13 of a dispenser 1 according to the invention. In this example, the shape recognition device 13 comprises an infrared curtain 30 comprising a plurality of infrared sources 31 arranged along a vertical axis Z, perpendicular to the axis X of movement of the mobile support 9. The infrared curtain 30 also comprises a plurality of infrared sensors 32 arranged opposite the infrared sources. The shape recognition device 13 is advantageously arranged between the access position and the filling positions of the mobile support 9. Thus, the mobile support necessarily crosses the infrared curtain 30 before arriving in a filling position.

When the mobile support 9, supporting the container 11, passes through the infrared curtain 30, the shape recognition device 13 makes it possible to collect the shape of the container 11 as projected on the axis X, as illustrated in figure 6 , as well as the position of the container 11 on the movable support 9 along the axis X, as illustrated in figure 7 .

Advantageously, the dispenser according to the invention therefore makes it possible to determine the shape of the container 11. Thus, it is possible to know the volume of the container 11 without it being necessary to implement a prior recording of the characteristics of the container. 11. In addition, it is possible to check that the container 11 has a shape suitable for dispensing a selected product.

This therefore allows a user to use his own containers. The user is then not dependent on a distribution of predetermined containers. In particular, the combination of the balance 12, which makes it possible to carry out the tare of the empty container 11, and of the shape recognition device 13 authorizes the use of any containers 11.

Knowing the position of the container 11 relative to the mobile support 9 along the X axis advantageously makes it possible to place the container 11 with precision under the selective opening 7 of the compartment storing the product selected by the user. This minimizes the risk of pouring the product partly next to the container.

Other embodiments of the shape recognition device 13 than the one illustrated are possible. Thus, according to an advantageous variant, the device 13 comprises an optical camera. The implementation of shape recognition software based on the data provided by the optical camera makes it possible to estimate the shape and volume of the container 11.

According to a preferred variant illustrated in figure 8 , the dispenser 1 comprises a device 35 for centering the container 11 on the mobile support 9 along the Y axis perpendicular to the X and Z axes, that is to say in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the mobile support .

In the embodiment of the figure 8 , the centering device 35 comprises two centering arms 36 arranged on either side, along the Y axis, of the movable support 9 in its access position. The centering arms 36 are rotatable around a pivot 37 of axis X.

In a first step of a centering process represented in figure 9 , the centering arms 36 are in an open position, in which they allow free access to the mobile support 9, while the mobile support is in the access position. A user places a container 11 on the mobile support 9. The scale 12 of the mobile support detects the presence of the container 11.

In a second step represented in figure 10 , the centering arms 36 are rotated around the pivot 37 to come into contact with the container 11 and center it along the Y axis on a predefined position of the movable support 9.

In a third step, the container 11 is centered along the Y axis and the centering arms 36 are placed in their open position.

The position of the centering arms 36 is advantageously controlled by a servo-control. The centering device 35 preferably comprises a torque limiter, configured to limit the torque produced by the centering arms 36, and/or a sensor for measuring the angle of movement of the centering arms 36. This makes it possible in particular to prevent the centering arms from exerting excessive pressure on the container 11. The sensor for measuring the angle of movement of the centering arms also makes it possible to determine a dimension of the container in the centering direction. The correlation of this information with the information acquired in particular by the shape recognition device 13 advantageously allows a more precise estimation of the volume of the container.

Other variants and improvements may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

Distributor (1) of bulk products, intended to pour at least one product (6) into a container (11), comprising: - a plurality of compartments (5) configured to store the at least one product in bulk, each compartment comprising a selective opening (7) to allow pouring of the product, - a man-machine interface (14) configured to allow a user to select one or more products to be dispensed, and preferably comprising a printer (16) configured to print tickets (17) bearing one or more information on the product distributed, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises: - a mobile support (9) configured to support and move the container between an access position in which the mobile support is accessible from outside the dispenser and a plurality of filling positions in which the container is placed under the opening selection of one of the compartments, - a scale (12), preferably arranged on the mobile support or arranged fixed under the access position of the mobile support, configured to measure a weight of the container, - an actuation device (20) of the selective openings of the compartments, - a shape recognition device (13) configured to determine the shape and volume of the container. Dispenser according to claim 1, comprising an enclosure (2) in which the compartments are arranged, the enclosure comprising a front (3) comprising a reclosable door (4) giving access from outside the dispenser to the mobile support in the position of access, the facade preferably hermetically closing the enclosure of the dispenser when the door is closed and the atmosphere in the enclosure preferably being controlled and regulated so as to promote the conservation of the products contained in the dispenser. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, in which the actuating device (20) is configured to individually actuate the selective openings of each of the compartments. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a container sterilization device configured to at least partially sterilize the container (11) before filling. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor (24, 25) configured to measure the volume of the container by image analysis and detection of the shape contour and/or to display a state of cleanliness of the container and/ or to measure a position of the container relative to the mobile support and/or to control a level of filling of the container. Dispenser according to one of Claims 2 to 5, comprising a plurality of man-machine interfaces (14) and in which the facade (3) comprises a plurality of doors (4). Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a container dispensing device configured to dispense a container (11) on the movable support (9) in the access position, the container being preferably adapted to a selection of type and quantity of product (6). Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first information reader configured to read information on the container (11), the information being preferably encoded in the form of a bar code and/or a bar code with two dimensions and/or RFID tags. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second information reader configured to read information on the plurality of compartments (5), the information being preferably encoded in the form of barcodes and/or barcodes two-dimensional and/or RFID radio tags, the dispenser being preferably configured to record a filling level of the compartments in a database and to display an alert message on the man-machine interface or to send a alert message by a remote alert system, in particular by internet and by SMS, if a predetermined filling level is reached. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a third information reader configured to read information on a device presented by a user, the information being preferably encoded in the form of bar codes and/or bar codes at two dimensions and/or accessible by NFC or Bluetooth communication. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a measured weight indicator which may or may not be independent of the man-machine interface (14), the measured weight indicator preferably being a screen or a digital display. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, the shape recognition device (13) comprising an infrared curtain (30) comprising a plurality of infrared sources (31) arranged along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to an axis X of movement of the mobile support (9) and a plurality of infrared sensors (32) arranged opposite the infrared sources, the shape recognition device (13) preferably being arranged between the access position and the filling positions of the mobile support. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, the shape recognition device (13) comprising a sensor, preferably an optical camera, the shape recognition device being configured to measure the volume of the container and the shape of the container by analysis of 'picture. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device (35) for centering the container on the mobile support in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the mobile support, the centering device preferably comprising centering arms (36 ), a torque limiter and/or a sensor for measuring the angle of movement of the centering arms, the centering device being preferably configured to determine a dimension of the container in a centering direction. Method for dispensing bulk products into a container (11), implementing a dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising the steps consisting in: (a) selecting a product (6) and a quantity of product to be dispensed with the man-machine interface (14), (b) placing the container (11) on the mobile support (9) in the access position, (c) weighing the container with the scale (12) of the mobile support to make the tare, (d) implementing shape recognition with the shape recognition device (13) to check the shape and volume of the container (11), (e) if the container is of suitable shape and volume, moving the mobile support to a filling position under a compartment (5) corresponding to the selected product, (f) actuating the selective opening (7) of the compartment with the actuating device (20), (g) pouring the selected quantity of the product into the container, the poured quantity being measured by the scale of the movable support, (h) close the selective opening of the compartment, (i) moving the gantry to the access position.

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