Automatic dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic dispenser equipped with an ejection assembly which includes at least a geared motor, an ejection device fitted to the output shaft of the geared motor, and detection means configured to detect the movement of the ejection device, wherein the detection means includes at least one magnet associated with the output shaft of the geared motor, and at least one magnetic sensor positioned in a manner such as to detect when the magnet passes through a predetermined region; and the ejection assembly further includes an overcurrent protection device connected electrically upstream of the geared motor.

1 . An automatic dispenser equipped with an ejection assembly, wherein said ejection assembly comprises at least:
 a geared motor,   an ejection device fitted to the output shaft of said geared motor,   detection means configured to detect the movement of said ejection device,   wherein said detection means comprise:   at least one magnet associated with the output shaft of said geared motor,   at least one magnetic sensor positioned in a manner such as to detect when said at least one magnet passes through a predetermined region;   and wherein said ejection assembly additionally comprises:   an overcurrent protection device connected electrically upstream of said geared motor.   
     
     
         2 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising two magnets associated with the output shaft of said geared motor, said magnets being positioned in a manner such as to pass through said predetermined region when said geared motor is rotating. 
     
     
         3 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein said two magnets are located at such a distance as to form an angle between 30° and 90° with the axis of said shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 3 , further comprising a third magnet associated with the output shaft of said geared motor, said third magnet being positioned in a manner such as to pass through said predetermined region when said geared motor is rotating, and wherein said third magnet is located at such a distance from one of said two magnets as to form an angle of approximately 180° with the axis of said shaft. 
     
     
         5 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein said geared motor is configured to rotate in both directions and to reverse its direction of rotation. 
     
     
         6 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic sensor is a magnetic proximity sensor and comprises a Hall effect sensor or a Reed contact sensor or an inductive sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein said overcurrent protection device comprises a fuse or a magnetic switch or a thermal switch or a PTC. 
     
     
         8 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein said overcurrent protection device is a resettable one. 
     
     
         9 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein said magnetic sensor is a magnetic proximity sensor and comprises a Hall effect sensor, and said overcurrent protection device comprises a PPTC. 
     
     
         10 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein said geared motor comprises a direct current electric motor. 
     
     
         11 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an electric drive circuitry for driving said geared motor,   at least two electric conductors connected to said electric drive circuitry at a first end and to said geared motor at a second end; and wherein said magnetic sensor and said overcurrent protection device are arranged at said second end.   
     
     
         12 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 11 , further comprising a power supply circuitry arranged at said second end for supplying power to said geared motor and/or to said magnetic sensor, and wherein said overcurrent protection device is connected electrically upstream of said power supply circuitry. 
     
     
         13 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a cylindrical or prismatic element fitted to the output shaft of said geared motor, wherein said at least one magnet is secured onto or within said cylindrical or prismatic element. 
     
     
         14 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein said ejection device is either a spiral or a screw. 
     
     
         15 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1  being an articles dispenser, in particular a dispenser configured to dispense foods and/or beverages. 
     
     
         16 . The automatic dispenser of  claim 1  by being a doses dispenser, in particular a dispenser configured to dispense powder or granulated material.