WO2022146136A2

WO2022146136A2 - Dispensing device for chemical products for households

Info

Publication number: WO2022146136A2
Application number: PCT/MK2021/000005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mile MILANOVIKJ
Original assignee: Green Future Dooel
Priority date: 2020-12-28
Filing date: 2021-12-27
Publication date: 2022-07-07
Also published as: WO2022146136A3

Abstract

Dispensing device for chemical products for households consists of two main units: front (outer) unit (1) and rear (indoor) unit (2). The front unit is designed for the needs of consumers, where interactive touch screen (1.1) for selecting options, charging system (1.2), packaging platform (1.3), pouring system (1.4) and label printer (1.5) are located. The rear (indoor) unit (2) consists of: control unit (microcomputer) (2.1), tanks (canisters) (2.2) and electronic module (voltage part) (2.3).

Description

Dispensing device for chemical products for households

Technical field to which the invention relates

The invention "Dispensing device for chemical products for households" in accordance to the International Patent Classification (IPC) can be calssified under B67D (Transportation; Opening, closing or cleaning bottles, jars or similar containers; handling liquids), Y02P 70 / 00 (Climate change mitigation or adaptation technologies or applications; Climate change mitigation technologies for the production of final industrial or consumer products), and G07G (Instruments; Registration of receipts, values or tokens generally by digital calculation).

Technical problem solved by the invention

The subject of the invention is a device for dispensing liquid chemical detergents that operates on the principle of vending machines as its purpose is to reduce the consumption of plastic packaging. Worldwide, currently around 1.6 million per hour of plastic packaging are produced, and only 30% of it is recycled or reused. At the same time, the largest share in forming the price of chemical detergents with 45% or even up to 90% belong exactly to the packaging and associated elements such as label, caps, transport, marketing and the like. The invention solves several technical problems, which are of particular importance in the field of ecology and the environment:

- reduction of the production and consumption of plastic packaging used in the segment of household, chemicals,

- drastic reduction of the cost price of household chemical products, and

- encouraging and increasing eco-awareness among final consumers.

State of the Art

The applicant is not familiar with the solutions of this type of dispensing devices, except for conventional vending machines and ATMs. The patented solution, which is relevant to the state of the art to the extent known to the applicant is US patent application: 7083093. Part of the device covered by the said patent is relates to the particular technical problem but does not apply to the invention as a whole. Namely, the mentioned solution does not offer the possibility to use packaging that will be returned but is limited only to the packaging from a specific manufacturer. The system for recognition and collection of the packaging uses a bar code scanner that reads the bar code from the empty packaging, dispense the already determined quantity for which the machine is programmed, and the final price is the same as price from the packaging product, reduced for a discount coupon. At the same time, an additional problem would appear during the reading if the bar code is damaged or not legible. The device in the said patent specification does not contain a system that washes the means for pouring, which makes it possible to be exposed to allergic reactions that may occur as a side effect of mixing different types of detergents that have been poured sequentially. Also, the pouring starts automatically with the placement of the packaging and the closing of the door of the machine in the part that is intended for pouring, and if it is not placed correctly, there is a possibility of the overflowing or leaking of the detergent out of the packaging. The invention "Dispensing device for chemical products for households", with the novelty it introduces, solves the problems that exist in the technical solutions of devices of this type. Namely, this is since the current device provides an opportunity for users to use any packaging that they bring with them, as the start of dispensing does not work on the principle of reading the bar code. An interactive touch screen has been introduced, on which users choose what type of product they want to load and to specify the desired quantity. The device is equipped with a system of multiple means for pouring that are designed for different types of detergents, which completely avoids the possibility of mixing different chemicals. The problem of overflowing and leakage is completely eliminated by the fact that the device has a specially defined platform for placing the packaging, where after selecting the product and the quantity, an LED indicator shows under which means for poring the packaging should be placed. This safety system is connected to sensors that checks the correctness of the position of the packaging, so that the sensor will not allow liquid to leak from the means for pouring if the packaging is not set correctly. Additionally, after filling, the device prints a label for instructions for use, composition, allergic reactions, expiration date, manufacturer and similar information. Thus, this solution differs from similar solutions known in the art.

Description of the invention

For better understanding of the technical solution of the invention, at first the "Dispensing device for chemical products for households " will be described in the several steps. The device consists of: machine part (hardware) and software, located in the front (outdoor) unit (1) and rear (indoor) unit (2). By explaining the schematicc of the solution, the specificity of the equipment used by this device will be understood.

The figures that are an integral part of the description of the essence of the invention and its positions have the following meanings:

Figure 1. Appearance of a device for dispensing for chemical products for households, whose positions indicate:

1) Interactive touch screen,

2) Collection system,

3) Platform for placing packaging,

4) System of pouring means, 5) Label printer.

Figure 2. Schematic representation of the components (units) of the device.

The front (outdoor) unit (1) is designed for the needs of customers and consist of: interactive touch screen (1.1 ) for selecting the options, charging system (1.2), packaging platform (1.3), system of pouring means (1.4) and a label printer (1.5). The rear (indoor) unit (2) consists of: control unit (microcomputer) (2.1), tanks (canisters) (2.2) and electronic module (voltage part) (2.3).

The interactive touch screen (1.1 ) is located at the top of the front unit (1 ) and is used for selecting the operations and commanding the device to perform the operations. The module of the interactive touch screen (1.1 ) or the self-service working element, consists of a touch screen that is controlled by the indoor unit (2) (microcomputer). It is used by the consumer and through the screen the consumer receives information about the offered chemical products and instructions on how to dispense the products. The consumer through the interactive touch screen (1.1 ) makes the choice of chemical product and its quantity, and also receives the information about the chemical products that can be purchased, product type, price, product ingredients, instructions for purchase, method of payment, choice of language, procedure for placing the packaging and time of dispensing of the product. All the mentioned information are displayed through a multimedia broadcast during the pouring of the product. At the same time, the interactive screen displays certain advertising campaigns related to the products or other informative interactive videos, which are entered in the local data memory in the internal control unit (2) (microcomputer). Advertising is reproduced when the automatic sale, i.e. the dispensing of chemical products is not active. For this purpose, a monitoring module (proximity sensor) is installed, which ensures that the operating elements for controlling the automatic dispensing device are displayed when the consumer approaches the vending machine, and the advertising content when there is no consumer in front of vending machine.

On the side of the interactive touch screen (1.1 ) the billing system (1.2) is located, which consists of an electronic device, with a billing interface that accepts banknotes, coins, payment cards or contactless payment via payment cards or mobile phone. The consumer, after making the choice and quantity of the product through the interactive touch screen (1.1 ), receives information about the price and can perform the financial transaction, i.e. payment of the product on the payment system itself (1 .2). This system provides connection to the usual billing systems and is provided with a secure payment system that does not store any personal data, payment card numbers or transaction information of the customer. The middle part of the front unit (1) is designed with an opening in which the packaging platform (1.3) is located. The size and shape of the packaging platform (1.3) are defined in relation to the size and shape of the packaging in which the chemical products are poured. The packaging platform (1.3) is an area, in the lower part of which there is a lattice metal base through which spilled liquid is collected in case of improper handling of the device. As part of the platform for placing packaging (1.3) the system of pouring means (1.4) are located, where under each pouring means on the metal lattice surface, places for correct placement of packaging are clearly marked, as well as a picture that show the type of chemical product which is poured from that pouring means. Also, in the area of the packaging platform (1.3) a sensors for packaging detection are mounted, correctly placed the neck of the packaging under the poring means is correctly placed as well sensor for overflow detection is placed. When the customer complete the selection of the type and quantity of chemical liquid through the interactive module on the interactive touch screen (1.1), the internal control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) provide the information to the consumer under which pouring means, the package needs to be placed. After placing the packaging, the packaging detection sensor sends a control signal to the control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) for the packaging to be placed under the pouring means of the previously selected product type and if it is placed correctly, its starts with pouring. The sensor for correct placement of the packaging under the pouring means is a light signal in the form of a circle, that facilitates the centring, i.e. enables proper placement of the neck of the packaging under the pouring means by the consumer. The detection sensor for overflowing is an ultrasonic sensor that measures the filling of the package with the selected chemical product and sends control signals to the control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) in order not to overflow the product if the consumer places smaller packaging than the selected amount of chemical product. If it is poured into a smaller package, the interactive touch screen (1.1) will be notified that another empty package needs to be placed to prevent the chemical product from overflowing.

The pouring system (1.4) consists of a set of valves and control sensors controlled and managed by an indoor unit (microcomputer) (2.1) connected to the tanks (canisters) (2.3) in which the chemical products are stored. The number of pouring means depends on the type of chemical products, so that one pouring means is used only for one type of chemical product and thus the mixing of different chemical products is avoided, and at the same time the quality of the product itself is maintained. One part of the pouring means is located on the outside of the device, in the area for pouring and placing packaging. Each pouring mean is connected with suitable pipes to flow control valves and peristaltic pumps which are connected to the tank (canister) (2.2) in which the corresponding chemical product is stored. Pouring is performed by peristaltic pumps that do not allow contamination of the pump parts with the chemical liquid being poured. After completing the selection of the type and amount of chemical liquid through the interactive module on the interactive touch screen (1.1), the internal control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) gives the order to start the liquid flow and controls the filled quantity through control sensors and flow control valves. The control sensors that are placed in the area for pouring and placing the packaging, detects any improper operation of the packaging, in order not to overfill the packaging with liquid or to start pouring in case the packaging is not placed. The control sensors send signals to the control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) to stop charging and notifies the consumer accordingly on the interactive touch screen (1.1) with additional instructions for proper dispensing of the chemical liquid. The pouring system (1.4) is connected to the tanks (canisters) (2.2) for chemical products from where the selected chemical product is taken. The tanks (canisters) (2.2) are provided with liquid level sensors and provide information to the control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) about the quantity of the product, which prevents the purchase of a product that is insufficient or has been consumed. Liquid level sensors that are placed on the tanks (canisters) (2.2) at the same time through the control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) provide information to the manufacturer about the level of the chemical product in them, ie give notice if additional filling to be done to someone product.

The label printer (1.5) is mounted on the front (outdoor unit) (1) and is a thermal printer that prints the name of the product, the composition of the purchased chemical product, the date of manufacture, the quantity, the date of purchasing and the manufacturer, on a suitable thermal paper.

The control unit (microcomputer) (2.1) is located in the rear (indoor) unit (2), which is an electronic assembly of several electronic modules that serve for the proper functioning of the device for pouring chemical products for households. The main electronic module (2.3) on which the microcontroller is located, contains the program part (software) through which the electronic module is controlled with relays that controls the control valves, peristaltic pumps and the voltage part, the electronic module for the control sensors to which all sensors are connected, embedded in the device and communicate with the main electronic module, an electronic module through which the interactive touch screen (1.1) communicates with the main electronic module (2.3), and an electronic module for connecting to the Internet and the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Tanks (canisters) (2.2) are cylindrical bodies in which chemical liquids are stored. They contain pistons that have the function of sucking liquid when opening the dispenser when the piston comes out of the cylinder and discharge the liquid with the correct volume to the pouring means from the pouring system (1.4) when the dispenser is closed, which returns the piston to the cylinder. The dosage tanks from the tanks (2.2) are connected to the pouring means with plastic hoses, which open at the exit of the piston from the cylinder, and on the opposite side of the cylinder there is a hose that carries the liquid to the outlet of the grinder. They close when the piston returns to its original position in the cylinder. The tanks themselves (canisters) (2.2) are specially designed so that they can be simple and easily changed with a forklift. They are equipped with sensors that measure the level of liquid and emit notifications about the reduction of volumes. When the information reaches the operator that the critical recharge level has been reached, the detergent can be added to the appliance by completely replacing the tanks (canisters) (2.2) or refilling by pouring directly into the tanks (canisters) (2.2) with special hoses.

The main electronic module (2.3) is a printed electronic board on which the microcontroller is located, in which the program code (software) is written, and to which all additional electronic modules are connected. The program part (software) is a program code through which commands are given for proper functioning of all other electronic modules. The microcontroller writes all the information about the device itself, such as identification number, year of production, program version, errors in the operation of the device and the like.

The explanation of the way of functioning of the device is as follow:

- the user first selects the type, aroma of the product, quantity and receives payment instructions on the interactive touch screen (1.1);

- after the payment is made, an led lamp lights up above the pouring means from the pouring system (1.4) which indicates that under the marked pouring means from the pouring system (1.4) the empty packaging that the user carries should be placed;

- when the packaging is placed at the marked place, the sensors are activated and a pouring means from the pouring system (1.4) enters the packaging and starts with pouring the selected quantity;

- when loading is complete, the label printer (1.5) simultaneously prints the label with product information content;

- The interactive touch screen (1.1) is instructed to display information that charging is complete and recharged packaging can be taken.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Dispensing device for chemical products for households characterized in that it consists of a machine part (hardware) and software (software), housed in: a front (outdoor) unit (1) consisting of an interactive touch screen (1.1), charging system (1.2), packing platform (1.3), system of pouring means (1.4), label printer (1.5) and rear (indoor) unit (2) consisting of control unit (microcomputer) (2.1), tanks (canisters) (2.2) and electronic module (voltage part)

(2.3).

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the interactive touch screen (1.1) controlled by an indoor unit (2) (microcomputer) provides all the necessary information about the offered chemical products, as well as the display of advertising campaigns, related products or other informative interactive videos entered into the local data memory in an internal control unit (2) (microcomputer), whose advertising is played back when auto-sales are not active, in a built-in module (proximity sensor) for monitoring, which ensures that the operating elements of the automatic dispensing device are displayed when the consumer approaches the vending machine, and the advertising content when there is no consumer.

3. Device according to claim 1 , characterized by a billing system (1.2) which accepts banknotes, coins, payment cards or contactless payment via payment cards or mobile phone, ie provides connection to the usual billing systems, but is provided with a secure payment system that does not store any personal data, payment card numbers or transaction information about the consumer.

4. The device according to claim 1 , characterized by a platform for placing packaging (1.3), in the lower part of which there is a lattice metal base for security in case of overflow, with visibly marked places for correct placement of packaging and sensors for detection of properly fitted packaging with a light signal in the form of a circle, which facilitates centering, and an ultrasonic overflow detection sensor that measures the charge.

5. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it consists of a system of pouring means

(1.4) consisting of valves and control sensors operated and controlled by an indoor unit (microcomputer) (2.1) connected by appropriate hoses and peristaltic pumps with tanks (canisters) (2.3) for storage of chemical products, the number of which depends on the number of chemical products, thus avoiding mixing of different chemical products.

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6. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has a label printer (1.5) which prints with thermal mode on a suitable thermal paper.

7. Device according to claim 1 , characterized by a control unit (microcomputer) (2.1), which is an electronic assembly of several electronic modules, so that on the main electronic module

(2.3) there is a microcontroller containing the program part (software) to control the electronic module with relays to control the control valves, peristaltic pumps and the voltage part, the electronic module for the control sensors to which all the sensors built into the device are connected and communicate with the main electronic module, electronic module through which the interactive touch screen (1.1 ) communicates with the main electronic module (2.3), and the electronic module for Internet connection and Global Positioning System (GPS).

8. The device according to claim 1 , characterized by cylindrical tanks (canisters) (2.2), with pistons that suck liquid when opening the dispenser and discharge liquid of exact volume to the pouring means from the pouring system (1.4) when the dispenser is closed, with which the piston returns to the cylinder, and are specially designed for simple and easy change, so that they have sensors for measuring the level of liquid that emit notifications for the reduction of quantities, which can be done by their complete replacement or direct replenishment in a way by transfusion with special hoses.

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