WO2014068159A1

WO2014068159A1 - Automatic dispensing machine for multiple perfumes, comprising a display

Info

Publication number: WO2014068159A1
Application number: PCT/ES2013/070742
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto MANZANO MACHO; David Manzano Macho
Original assignee: Manzano Macho Alberto; David Manzano Macho
Priority date: 2012-10-31
Filing date: 2013-10-25
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Also published as: ES2464694B1; ES2464694A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic dispensing machine for perfumes, which provides a sample of a fragrance or perfume scent and which is actuated by proximity sensors and activation sensors that operate by means of interaction with a touch screen or by activation of a physical push button, although it is also possible for it to be activated only by proximity sensors, said machine including a display having multiple sizes and shapes, allowing user interaction and displaying information relating to the product or any other type of information, all protected by a casing having multiple sizes and shapes, by means of which the desired perfume is discharged through diffusers.

Description

AUTOMATIC DISPENSING MACHINE OF MULTIPLE PERFUMES WITH A DISPLAY

OBJECT

The invention consists of an automatic perfume dispensing machine, with which an odorant sample of perfume or fragrance is obtained, which is operated by proximity sensors and activation sensors that work by interacting with a touch screen or by activation by means of a physical button, although it is possible to be activated only by proximity or presence sensor. These machines integrate a display that allows interaction with the user as well as displaying information both related to the product and any other type of information, all protected by a housing of multiple shapes and sizes.

BACKGROUND

The object of this patent is an automatic dispensing machine for perfumes or fragrances, which allows a user to choose between different options, which can be seen on the advertising display. The main function is to test or dispense a sample of the different fragrances offered.

Usually when a user refers to a dispensing machine, it refers to a vending or vending machine that provides a product, such as snacks, drinks, sweets and others to consumers. The goal is to sell or provide a service without the presence of a dependent who charges the items. Periodically an employee replenishes the product and collects the money in the form of coins or, less commonly, bills and others. The possibilities of these machines are wide. The number of patents and utility models that are related to this type of machines is very large, highlighting the ES 1070335 U register in the name of CROSS TECHNOLOGY that presents an automatic dispenser that by means of a magnetic sensor, a magnet and a reducing motor , eject the desired product. The record stands out more close in the state of the art, on behalf of FERNANDO FRANCO CANTOS with number ES 1030000 U, which describes a mechanical perfume dispenser in which you can choose between several perfume options, arranged in serial windows advertising in the front of the machine, for which it is necessary to introduce a coin, choosing by means of a selector that said coin goes to the desired perfume conduit, and once the coin is in the conduit that the user wants, it can be activated the button corresponding to that chosen perfume, the perfume falling from the tank to the exit hole by means of a slide, the tanks being placed inside the machine and in series above each of the windows that show the advertising. The invention object of this patent does not require for its operation any mechanical device and the drive mechanisms are electric, using electronic and safety devices.

On the other hand, there are also multiple fragrance, perfume and aerosol dispensers on the market. There are multiple records of the large companies that manage this market, highlighting records ES 2293593 T3 in the name of SC JOHNSON & SON in which in an electromechanical dispenser perfume cartridges are introduced and a user rotating a carousel can choose the one that perfume you want ; registration ES 2336718 T3 in the name of SC JOHNSON & SON in which a frame for imaging is coupled to a mechanical drive dispenser; registration ES 2387828 T3 in the name of RECKITT BENCKISER in which an individual odor sensor is introduced with a bad smell sensor; registration ES 2272522 T3 in the name of THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY, in which a dispenser can dispense multiple volatile materials to the environment through a mechanism that moves the perfume tanks to the exit holes as desired; the register ES 0156652 U in the name of VICENTE GRANADOS GONZALEZ that details an automatic dispenser that, by means of a lever, activates a perfume dispenser; The register is 1075670 U in the name of ZYXTUDIO DESIGN AND INNOVATION in which a fixed aerosol dispenser is incorporated a presence detector, as there are other multiple records that vary slightly from the latter; being the register ES 1073732 U in the name of OXIDOC EXCLUSIVE another record that can be considered close to the state of the art since it presents an automatic dispenser incorporates that a proximity sensor that drives the pump of the tank that contains the liquid. The invention object of this patent includes a pump, but requires a double check to be activated, not only by the impulse generated by a proximity sensor. In addition the invention object of this patent includes electronic devices that allow the management of different products, and allow to manage other services such as for example to display information and advertising, the inclusion of webcams and others.

The invention object of this patent not only solves the previous problems that are posed by conventional dispensing machines, but also goes a step further by introducing electronic devices that allow machine-user interaction and the management of different perfume options, to the Once it introduces security mechanisms for a correct service to the user.

Below is a complete description of the invention that completes these general ideas introduced at this point.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of an automatic perfume dispensing machine, with which an odorant sample of perfume or fragrance is obtained, which is operated by proximity sensor and activation sensors that work by interacting with a touch screen or by activation by means of a physical button, although it is possible to be activated only by proximity sensor or by presence sensor. This machine integrates a display that can allow interaction with the user as well as display information both related to the product and any other type of information. The potential user approaches the dispensing machine, which can have different formats and sizes. As an example you can think of a digital kiosk.

The dispensing machine has a display, computer and / or screen, which may also vary in size, and in which information will appear on each of the products or perfumes offered, both as a sample or as advertising of any other kind.

It should be noted that in this description that display integrates multiple possibilities, preferably being a touch screen or not; although these screens can also interact by capturing user movements through a webcam built into the machine; it can be a vinyl with an image; or we can understand as a display a physical product inside a transparent container that could integrate a transparent display case that allows the reproduction of contents; and others. The user selects among the different types of perfumes available, being able to be one or more perfumes, as well as among the various possibilities offered by the dispensing machine. For example, two perfumes can be tested at the same time, one dispensed from the right side of the machine and the other from the left side. The user will activate the activation sensor corresponding to the product to be tested by activating the actuator by mechanical means, such as by pressing a button, or by digital means, such as by pressing on a touch screen. The activation sensor is managed through a microcontroller or intelligent controller who executes the activation.

Once the sensor is activated, an actuator action signal is sent to an intelligent microcontroller or controller, type Arduino or similar, which interconnects all the sensors of all the dispensers of the machine. This Intelligent controller discretizes which product is desired and closes the corresponding circuit.

At the same time, the user must bring the hand, or another part of his body, or any object that wishes to receive the fragrance, for example a sample paper strip, to a proximity sensor, duly marked on the outer shell of the vending machine, and which in turn will be close to the diffuser corresponding to that fragrance, which will also be marked on the outer shell. It can be programmed if a minimum exposure time of the hand or object to the sensor is necessary to activate it. Once the hand or object is approached to the proximity sensor, and the programmed exposure requirement has been fulfilled, this sensor is activated and sends a second checking action that closes the circuit of said product.

If both circuits are closed, the pump motor located in the container or tank where the selected perfume is connected is connected. The pump has the effect of sucking the perfume and expels it outwards, towards the external atomizer or diffuser through the flexible tube that communicates precisely the tank with the external atomizer or diffuser.

In the event that the touch or physical button is pressed, but the proximity sensor does not detect the hand or object, the circuit would not close, therefore the tank pump motor would not be activated. It is emphasized again that for the pump to work both circuits must be closed, activating the process by pressing a button or through the interaction with the display mentioned as well as that of the proximity or presence sensor.

The device can be programmed so that there is a time difference between tactile or mechanical pulsation, proximity sensor detection and perfume diffusion.

Likewise, once the circuit is closed and ready to proceed to the dispensing, if the user removes the hand or object from the sensor's area of action of proximity before it has executed its action, the circuit would not be closed and the action could not be completed. In that case, the microcontroller, depending on the programming that has been incorporated, would signal the sensor again so that the hand or object is placed again within its operating range within the established time. If this does not occur within the estimated timeframe, the microcontroller will open the circuit and involve starting the procedure again from the beginning.

It is possible that the dispensing machine eliminates the action of the button and that the device closes only with the proximity or presence sensor. This eliminates the need to have to take any action to make the dispenser available for use, double circuit so that the electric motor of the tank pump is activated. The circuit would be closed in this way, that is, that the user is detected in the vicinity of the dispenser and when the user's hand or object is within the operating range established for the proximity or presence sensor, if applicable, and there is after the exposure time previously defined to execute the action.

All devices will be protected by an outer shell or structure, with the desired shapes or sizes, and with each element duly marked. The microcontroller or intelligent controller will be connected to a power supply, such as through a power adapter, by means of a battery that directly feeds the microcontroller, or by connecting to a computer in the event that the machine presents it . Similarly, the tank suction pump must also be powered electrically by an electric motor connected to a power source.

The tanks or containers contained in the perfume may have the size or shape that is desired and must be made of any material suitable for containing perfumes. They will have mechanisms for recharging, such as covers. These will be located inside the housing so that they are accessible for recharging or replacement, which does not determine the number or how they can be positioned inside the housing. Therefore they can be placed in line or at different heights, as long as it does not affect the power supplies of the pumps and the refill or replacement of the tanks can be carried out.

The area accessible from the outside for recharging, replacement or maintenance of the machine will be locked by a key or other security system. For this, it is recommended to place a door in the housing, for example at the back, which is closed by means of the security system that is considered appropriate. The proximity sensors will be distance measurement modules, preferably by ultrasound, although there are other valid alternatives such as the application of vision sensors that capture images in the case of users. They must be compatible with the other electronic devices of the machine, and must allow the programming of times, distances and operating angles. Preferably the detection range will be 3 to 4 cm, although this range can be regulated as desired.

The atomizer or external diffuser may have different finishes. It can be an atomizer with an extension tube not embedded in the sheet or outer shell, and can be the color of the outer shell, so as to disguise the hole in the doser housing, and in addition the extender tube would prevent part of the perfume from spilling into inside; or it can be an atomizer embedded in the outer shell, without visible hole and therefore that prevents the user from clogging it.

As mentioned previously, the diffusers should be well marked to prevent any user from focusing on the eyes or any other part of the unwanted body. It will be necessary to have special attention with the children, therefore it is recommended that the exits are at a reasonable height. In this sense, the machine may contain additional security elements such as the presence of image captors, for example webcam, which allow determine the height of the subject in front of the dispenser, even determine an approximate age based on previously set parameters.

The screen or display may be various features and properties, as previously mentioned. It can be tactile or not, and transparent or not. The size is recommended to be a minimum of 21 ", although it will depend on the size of the machine and the number of sprayers.

Depending on the final machine model, this may require a CPU that allows more power and additional functionalities in machine management. Specifically, if there is a touch screen, there will be a computer, and if there is a computer, there may be an internet connection and remote operations and interaction with the network. This CPU also requires a power supply. It is recommended not to place the computer attached to the perfume tanks.

The images and videos that would be projected on the screen will be executed by means of a multimedia player. Said multimedia player can be a CPU, in the case that the dispenser has a CPU in its configuration, it can be integrated within the screen itself, it can be another specific hardware dedicated to the reproduction of multimedia content, or another solution that allows the reproduction of a multimedia content and its sending to the corresponding display; therefore, if there is no computer, the same screen can carry this built-in microprocessor. You can even play content from the internet as long as the CPU is available.

In the case of a screen without a CPU, this screen, which can be a conventional one that incorporates the media player, must be connected to a power supply. The housing will have grilles or ventilation means.

For better compression, some drawings of the present invention are attached, by way of explanatory but not limiting example, giving complementary references to continue with the same identifying tone. In the DRAWINGS:

Fig. L- It is an exterior front view of a perfume dispensing machine, in the event that a user can choose between four fragrances. You can see the central screen or display that shows the advertising or information related to each of the fragrances. Properly marked are proximity sensors with external atomizers. As an example, the possibility is represented that the two upper perfumes are activated by interaction with a touch screen, while the lower two are activated by means of a physical button. Fig. 2 - It is a representation of a section of the dispensing machine, in which all the physical and electronic elements that make up said machine are seen.

A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT of the invention is described.

The potential user approaches the dispensing machine, which has an outer casing (1) that protects all the elements that make up the machine and which can have different formats and sizes.

The dispensing machine has a computer display and / or screen (2), which may also vary in size, and in which information regarding each of the perfumes (201, 202, 203 and 204) offered, both As sample or as advertising of any other type. The user selects between the different types of perfumes available (201, 202, 203 and 204), as well as among the various possibilities offered by the dispensing machine.

The user will activate the activation sensor (5) corresponding to the product to be tested by activating the actuator by mechanical means (3), such as by pressing a button, or by digital means (4), such as by pressing on a touch screen. The trigger sensor is managed through a microcontroller (6) or intelligent controller who is the one who executes the activation of the sensor.

Once the sensor is activated, an actuator action signal is sent to a microcontroller (6) or intelligent controller, Arduino type or similar, which interconnects all the sensors (3 and 4) of all the dispensers of the machine. This microcontroller (6) discretizes which product is desired and closes the corresponding circuit (61).

At the same time, the user must bring the hand (7) or any object that wishes to receive the fragrance to a proximity sensor (8) or presence, duly signaled in the outer casing (1) of the vending machine, and that its once it will be close to the diffuser or atomizer (9) corresponding to that fragrance, which will also be signaled in the outer shell (1). It can be programmed if a minimum exposure time of the hand (7) or object to the proximity sensor (8) is necessary to activate it. Once the hand (7) or object is brought closer to the proximity sensor (8), and the programmed exposure requirement has been met, this sensor (8) is activated and sends a second check action that closes the circuit (81) of said product.

If both circuits (61 and 81) are closed, the motor (91) of the pump (92) located in the container or reservoir (93) where the selected perfume is connected is connected. The pump (92) has the effect of sucking the perfume and expels it outwards, towards the external atomizer or diffuser (9) through the flexible tube (94) that precisely communicates the tank (93) with the external atomizer or diffuser (9). The external diffusers (9) can be of different types.

In the event that the touch (4) or physical (3) activation sensor is pressed or operated, but the proximity sensor (8) does not detect the hand (7) or object, the circuit would not close, therefore not the engine (91) of the pump (92) of the tank (93) would be activated. The pump (92) works when both circuits (61 and 81) are closed and activated. The screen (2) or display can be tactile or not. This screen will preferably incorporate a computer or CPU (21). The images and videos that would be projected on the screen (2) would be made by means of a multimedia player (22) incorporated in the computer (21) or on the screen (2) that incorporates a multimedia playback hardware in case of not having computer.

The microcontroller (6) will be connected to a power supply (62) to make it work. The motor (91) of the pump (92) will also be connected to a power source (95). In turn, the computer (21) or the display (2) will be connected to its power supply (23).

The tanks (93) or containers contained in the perfume may have the size or shape that is desired and must be made of any material suitable for containing perfumes. They will have mechanisms for recharging (96).

The housing (1) will have grilles or ventilation means (11). The machine has an opening area, preferably a door at the back of the housing (1), which has a safety opening system, and allows recharges and maintenance of the elements that make up the machine.

There is the possibility of a SECOND EMBODIMENT where the dispensing machine eliminates the action of the activation sensor (3 and 4) and therefore does not require a microcontroller (6), and that the perfume discharge closes only with the proximity sensor (8 ). This eliminates the need for a double circuit (61 and 81) for the electric motor (91) of the pump (92) in the tank to be activated. The dispenser will work only by closing the circuit (81) of the proximity sensor (8) is closed. For this, the hand (7) of the user or object must be within the operating range established for the proximity sensor (8), where appropriate, the exposure time previously defined to execute the action has elapsed. The rest of the devices will be the same as those necessary in the preferred embodiment, as will their power supplies. Described sufficiently in what precedes the nature of the invention, taking into account that the terms that have been drafted in this specification should be taken in a broad and non-limiting sense, as well as the description of how to put it into practice, and, demonstrating which constitutes a positive technical advance, which is why the patent registration is requested, being what constitutes the essence of the aforementioned invention, which is then specified in the following claims.

Claims

1. Automatic dispenser of multiple perfumes with a display, with which an odorant sample is obtained between different perfume options, and in which a casing (1) protects all the elements that form the machine, which is characterized by being composed by a display or screen (2); multiple activation sensors (5), in actuators of both the mechanical type (3) and the push-buttons, or of the digital type (4) and the touch screen; a microcontroller or intelligent controller (6) that interconnects all dispenser sensors (5); sensor or proximity sensors (8) or presence, which are activated by approaching a hand (7) or object that wishes to receive the fragrance; electric motor or motors (91) that activate the suction pumps (92) of the deposits (93) of the fragrance; a diffuser or diffusers (9) that expel the desired fragrance; and flexible tubes (94) communicate each diffuser (9) with the corresponding tank (93) of the perfume.

2. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, characterized in that when the activation sensor (5) is activated, a signal is sent to the microcontroller (6) that discretizes the desired product and closes the circuit (61 ) corresponding to the desired fragrance.

3. Automatic dispenser of multiple perfumes with a display, according to claim 1, characterized in that when the proximity sensor (8) is activated, a signal is released that closes the corresponding circuit (81).

4. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the motor (91) of the pump (92) of the tanks (93) is activated if the two circuits, both that of the microcontroller (61) like that of the proximity sensor (81), are closed.

5. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein each of the engines (91) of the pumps (92) of the tanks (93) are characterized in that each of them are connected to their electric feeder (95).

6. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein microcontroller or intelligent controller (6) is characterized in that it is connected to its power supply (61).

7. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein the screen or display (2) is characterized in that it has a multimedia player (22).

8. Automatic dispenser of multiple perfumes with a display, according to claim 1, wherein the screen or display (2) is characterized by being connected to a computer or CPU (21) that has a multimedia player (22).

9. Automatic dispenser of multiple perfumes with a display, according to claim 8, wherein the CPU (21) is characterized by having an internet connection.

10. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claims 1, 7 and 8, wherein the screen (2), the CPU (21) or the media player (22) are characterized by being connected to their power supply (2. 3).

11. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claims 1 and 8, wherein the screen (2) and the CPU (21) are characterized by having a webcam type camera.

12. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor (8) is characterized in that the minimum exposure time of the hand (7) or object is programmable.

13. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein the tanks (93) containing the perfume are characterized in that they have different refill mechanisms (96).

14. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) is characterized in that it has grilles or ventilation means (11).

15. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) is characterized in that it has an opening area, preferably a door at the back of the housing (1), which has of an opening system is security.

16. Automatic multi-perfume dispensing machine with a display, according to claim 1, characterized in that it only requires the activation of the proximity sensor (8) once the programmed exposure time has elapsed, and therefore the closing of the circuit (81 ) for the activation of the motor or electric motors (91) that activate the suction pumps (92) of the deposits (93) of the fragrance so that the diffusers (9) expel the desired fragrance.