Structural arrangement applied to a self-service apparatus for selling containers

Abstract

The present arrangement generally pertains to the technological sector of self-service machines and relates, more specifically, to a novel structural arrangement applied to an apparatus (1) for refilling and supplying containers (A or G) with liquids and gases, preferably water and cooking gas, capable of providing a means for receiving and supplying cooking gas or water, inter alia, such that the user can serve themselves, wherein the apparatus is provided with payment means (4), control software, and an automated system for managing and delivering containers (A or G).

Description

CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS Field of Application of the Utility Model

[0001] In general, this provision belongs to the technological sector of self-service machines and refers, more specifically, to a new construction arrangement applied to equipment for the sale and supply of containers with liquids and gases, preferably water and cooking gas, capable of providing a means of receiving and supplying cooking gas, water, or others, so that the user can perform self-service, with the equipment being equipped with a payment method, control software and an automated system for managing and delivering containers.

[0002] This new design makes the equipment environmentally friendly, as it not only allows connection to the local power grid but also allows the use of solar panels for photovoltaic power generation with a battery bank. This results in greater application variability, as it can be used in any type of location. Background of the Utility Model

[0003] In the current state of the art, water gallons and cooking gas cylinders are, as a rule, purchased and collected in person at points of sale, by telephone or cell phone applications, and in most cases, are delivered by cars, trucks or motorcycles.

[0004] In the case of gas cylinders purchased by the consumer directly at the gas stations, the empty cylinder can be delivered through a revolving security door outside the gas stations, a The employee then receives the empty cylinder, confirms payment and delivers a full cylinder through the same door through which the empty cylinder entered.

[0005] It should be noted that, for both water and gas, there is a clear need for professionals to carry out the procedure of receiving empty containers, confirming payment, delivering the new filled container, and managing the empty containers in order to allocate them for refilling.

[0006] The need for professionals to perform the services previously mentioned ends up increasing the cost of the current system of selling, refilling and managing containers.

[0007] Some patent examples can be seen below, in order to elucidate the current existing solutions and their disadvantages in relation to the equipment now proposed.

[0008] Document BR202018003748-5 (Esidio C. Damiani. 2018) discloses a machine specially designed for cooking gas cylinder distributors that comprises a front panel, an empty cylinder input cabinet with a door, a full cylinder output cabinet with a door, an instrument panel, a protective structure, a spiral structure for housing the cylinders, which has gravity movement, a cylinder height control support, an access ladder, a quick access gate, pneumatically operated empty cylinder locking doors, cylinder identification plates, and housings for inductive sensors, which is characterized by a pneumatic cylinder coupled to a guide for moving the empty cylinder.

[0009] There is also document BR202020001 379-9 (Ultragaz. 2020) which discloses a constructive provision for automated sale of gas cylinder comprising: a service face; a self-service totem with a cage for the entry and exit of gas cylinders; a storage structure for full and empty cylinders; and an automated handling system for moving cylinders between the storage structure and the cage.

[0010] These cited documents present a complex construction and are difficult to install and operate, with the first prior document intended only for the sale of cooking gas and the second intended only for water, which makes them less useful and functional than the invention now proposed.

[0011] Finally, document BR202018015944-0 (Esidio C. Damiani, 2018) stands out, presenting a machine that allows the purchase and sale of gas cylinders and gallons of mineral water, dispensing with the intervention of employees. It is a pneumatic CNC equipment equipped with an automated system for collecting the empty cylinder / gallon from the location provided by the customer through a lifting winch with a pneumatic or hydraulic vertical telescopic system, which positions the product on the floor or on another empty product. Subsequently, the telescopic system collects the full cylinder and makes it available at the exit for the customer to collect it. This machine has a large door at the back for easy feeding with an internal system of four sliding drawers to replenish the product quickly and safely. In addition, the payment system is automatic online and the machine informs the distribution or rental company when the stock is at its limit.

[0012] This cited document allows for the distribution of both cooking gas and water, using a system of horizontal drawers and cages assisted by a telescopic hoist winch, complex assembly and maintenance, which completely differentiates it from the technology revealed here, as the internal construction is very complex, resulting in several stoppages due to technical problems with lifting and moving the containers.

[0013] Therefore, based on all the drawbacks existing in the systems and equipment currently used, described above in the state of the art, it is clear that there is a gap in the creation of self-service equipment for receiving and supplying containers with liquids or gases, preferably water and cooking gas, capable of providing a means of refilling and supplying cooking gas, water, or others, so that the user can perform self-service. Utility Model Summary and News

[0014] The proposed construction arrangement presents a rotating storage system for containers known as a "magazine". In this system, the compartments are properly identified, recognized and controlled, for example, through a programmable logic controller (PLC) and container identification sensors, whether by QR Code, barcode or any other similar unique identification technology.

[0015] The equipment proposed here also has solar panels for generating photovoltaic energy and, optionally, a battery bank, which makes it environmentally friendly, since its components are designed to be powered practically exclusively by the photovoltaic energy system.

[0016] Additionally, when the equipment's supply capacity reaches a predetermined limit (10% of total capacity, for example), the equipment sends a message, whether by SMS, WhatsApp, or any other equivalent means, informing the need for refueling.

[0017] If the user cannot find the machine stocked, a message may be sent from the machine informing that, at the moment, it will not be possible to refill due to a lack of supplies.

[0018] Thus, with the aim of remedying the flaws in the current state of the art highlighted above, the present invention patent aims to propose a solution for self-service equipment for receiving and supplying containers with liquids or gases, preferably water and cooking gas, in an automated manner, in which the user can perform self-service. Description of the Drawings

[0019] In order for the present invention to be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, it will be described in a clear, concise and sufficient manner, based on the attached drawings, which illustrate and support it, listed below:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the complete equipment.

[0021] Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of the complete equipment.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the front view of the complete equipment.

[0023] Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional view from the perspective of the complete equipment.

[0024] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the complete equipment.

[0025] Figure 6 shows the internal perspective view of the complete equipment.

[0026] Figure 7 shows the internal rear perspective view of the complete equipment. Detailed Description of the Utility Model

[0027] In order for this utility model to be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, as shown in figures 1 to 7, the equipment (1) must have a traction system (2), preferably using an electric motor, controlled, for example, by PLC (not shown), which must rotate the axis (6) on which are fixed, for example, circular floors of compartments (5) of the “magazine” type, in which the gas cylinders (G) or water gallons (A) must be inserted, a means of payment (4), with each floor being equipped with at least one door (3) through which empty containers can be inserted and full containers can be removed.

[0028] The keyboard and the payment method screen (4) can be used as an interface between the user and the equipment, since through them the user can request the opening of one of the doors for the delivery of the empty container (A or G) and the receipt of a full container (A or G) upon confirmation of payment.

[0029] Please note that if the user does not have an empty container (A or G) with them, the equipment may be programmed to charge an extra fee for the container (A or G).

[0030] Once the occupancy of full containers falls below the established minimum (10%, for example), the equipment (1) sends a message, either by SMS, WhatsApp, or any other equivalent means, informing the person responsible of the need to refill.

[0031] If the user does not find the equipment (1) properly supplied, a message will appear on the payment method screen (4) informing that, at the moment, it will not be possible to make the sale due to a lack of supplies.

[0032] The doors (3) are released and locked according to the status of the sale, upon confirmation of payment, insertion of an empty container (A or G) or removal of a full container (A or G). The release and locking of the doors is controlled by the PLC (not shown) together with the payment method (4) and identification sensors (not shown) of containers (A or G) present in the compartments (5).

[0033] In order for the equipment (1) to correctly make the compartments (5) available for the insertion of empty containers (A or G) or the removal of full containers (A or G), the sensors (not shown) identify the status of the compartment (occupied or unoccupied) and inform the PLC programmed to position the correct compartment (5) on the door (3) of the respective floor by rotating the shaft (6) with the servomotor (2).

[0034] The equipment (1) is equipped with a circular structure (10) with floors, depending on the usage needs, with “magazine” type compartments (5), in which gas cylinders (G) or water gallons (A) must be inserted, and in the central portion the structure (10) has an axis (6) linked to each floor and fixed in the lower portion, allowing circular movement through the actuation of the servomotor (2).

[0035] By way of example, a complete way of using the equipment (1) proposed here will be described:

[0036] A user starts the machine operation (1) by using the payment method keypad (4), through which he / she will inform whether he / she wishes to deliver an empty container (A or G).

[0037] Afterwards, if you do not deliver an empty container (A or G), the payment method (4) will inform the full amount for payment and if you deliver an empty container (A or G), the payment method (1) will make a discount on the total amount and inform a lower amount for payment.

[0038] After payment is confirmed, the axis (6) rotated by servomotor (2) will position the appropriate compartment (5) (occupied or unoccupied) on the door (3) of the floor where compartment (5) is located, and will unlock the door to insert the empty container (A or G) or remove the full container (A or G), according to the reading performed by the PLC through the sensors (both not shown).

[0039] Once the full container (A or G) has been removed, the equipment will close and lock the door, restarting the program while waiting for a new customer.

[0040] The compartments (5) are equipped with container identification sensors (A)(G), either by QR Code, barcode or any other analog unique identification technology.

[0041] Optionally, the compartments (5) may be fitted with a scale to identify the weight of the container placed inside the equipment.

[0042] The equipment (1) can be powered by connection to the local electrical grid or by means of solar panels for generating photovoltaic energy and, optionally, with a battery bank, which makes it environmentally friendly, since its components are sized to be powered practically exclusively by the photovoltaic energy system.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS characterized by comprising a traction system (2), PLC (not shown), payment method (4) and doors (3), consisting of an axis (6) fixed to circular floors of compartments (5) of the “magazine” type in which containers (A or G) are inserted.

2. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis (6) is rotated by a traction system (2) and positions the occupied or unoccupied compartment (5) at the door (3) of the floor on which it is located and by the PLC (not shown) unlocks the door for insertion of the empty container (A or G) or removal of the full container (A or G).

3. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the PLC together with the sensors (both not shown) is responsible for checking the occupancy of the equipment (1) by identifying the presence of full or empty containers (A or G).

4. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by informing the person in charge of the need for refilling once the occupancy of full containers is below the established minimum.

5. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by informing the user that it will not be possible to carry out the sale due to lack of inputs if the occupation of full containers (A or G) is zero.

6. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED TO SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the payment method (4) is the communication interface between the user and the equipment (1).

7. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the compartments (5) are equipped with container identification sensors (A)(G), either by QR Code, barcode and weighing scale.

8. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION APPLIED IN SELF-SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE OF CONTAINERS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment (1) is equipped with solar panels to activate the entire system.

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