WO2018163142A2 - Modular vending machine in stackable units - Google Patents

Modular vending machine in stackable units Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018163142A2
WO2018163142A2 PCT/IB2018/054090 IB2018054090W WO2018163142A2 WO 2018163142 A2 WO2018163142 A2 WO 2018163142A2 IB 2018054090 W IB2018054090 W IB 2018054090W WO 2018163142 A2 WO2018163142 A2 WO 2018163142A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
modular unit
products
lower base
modular
dispensing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2018/054090
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2018163142A3 (en
Inventor
Lucía CHEUNG
Jaime QIU
Manuel TONG
Elena CHONG
Original Assignee
Tinkerall
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tinkerall filed Critical Tinkerall
Publication of WO2018163142A2 publication Critical patent/WO2018163142A2/en
Publication of WO2018163142A3 publication Critical patent/WO2018163142A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/10—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other two or more magazines having a common delivery chute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/24—Rotary or oscillatory members
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means

Definitions

  • the present invention can be included in the technical field of vending machines, in particular modular vending machines.
  • the object of the invention is a modular device for vending products, which is autonomous and mobile with a rotating platform for dispensing products chosen by the user.
  • Vending machines have a fixed, large and voluminous design, making it so that a large amount of space is required in the area where these machines are located.
  • Document US20160364930 describes a vending machine with a plurality of containers for different products with an electrical access door in each container.
  • Document US20040217165 describes a machine for vending floral arrangements with a stack of circular carousels in which each carousel has compartments for mounting the floral arrangements. The machine is mobile by means of a system of wheels.
  • Document US20120029690 describes a static and voluminous vending machine that enables another vending unit to be added to the same system. It has a central module that controls the entire system of vending units.
  • the invention is a modular device for vending products that is autonomous and mobile with a rotating platform for dispensing the different products chosen by the user.
  • one aspect of the present invention relates to a modular device for vending products, which is autonomous and mobile, comprising:
  • At least one stackable modular unit comprising a lower base, an upper cover and a central area
  • At least one autonomous mobile robot in the lower base of the modular unit comprising the power source of the modular vending device and enables the movement of the device
  • At least one dispensing system for the products on the rotating platform at least one dispensing system for the products on the rotating platform, a support for the products located below the dispensing system,
  • At least one control sensor which exchanges information with the autonomous mobile robot by means of wireless connections, located in the upper cover of the modular unit,
  • At least one mechanism for coupling to the modular unit arranged in the lower base and/or in the upper cover of the modular unit, the coupling mechanisms being complementary to each other,
  • the rotating platform will move the chosen product and said product is deposited in the dispensing gap by means of the dispensing system where the user accesses it.
  • the dispensing system is a spiral where the products are placed on each twist of said spiral.
  • the dispensing gap has an automated door.
  • the lighting element is an LED light.
  • the central area of the modular unit is made of transparent material enabling the visibility of all the products.
  • the coupling mechanism comprises electrical connections, supply tubes, additional ducts and a safety and locking system for the coupling between different modular units.
  • the safety and locking system is controlled by an autonomous mobile robot.
  • control screen comprises elements for selecting the product and the payment method.
  • the cooling system is removable.
  • the rotating platform rotates on itself in both directions.
  • the support of the products comprises number and price indicators for identifying each product.
  • control sensor is connected to the autonomous mobile robot by GPS and wireless connections, enabling a certain movement route for said device in the sale area to be chosen.
  • the wireless connection is a Wi-Fi connection.
  • FIG 1 shows a front view of the modular unit of the vending device.
  • FIG 2 shows a side view of the modular unit of the vending device.
  • FIG 3 shows an inside upper view of the modular unit of the vending device.
  • FIG 4 shows an upper view of the modular unit of the vending device.
  • FIG 5 shows a lower view of the modular unit of the vending device.
  • FIG 6 shows a general front view of the vending device with several stackable modular units.
  • FIG 1 shows a modular unit of the vending device comprising an upper cover (1 ) where the LED lights (6) for lighting the device are situated. It also shows the central area (7) made of transparent material where the spiral dispensers (2) and the support of the products (14) are situated and the lower base (3) where the dispensing gap (4), the control screen (5) and the ventilation area (9) are situated. Finally, the complementary coupling mechanisms in the upper cover (8a) and in the lower base (8b) are shown.
  • FIG 2 shows a modular unit of the vending device comprising the upper cover (1 ) where the LED lights (6) for lighting the device are situated. It also shows the central area (7) made of transparent material where the spiral dispensers (2) and the support of the products (14) are situated and the lower base (3) where the cooling system (10) and the ventilation area (9) are situated. Finally, the complementary coupling mechanisms in the upper cover (8a) and in the lower base (8b) are shown.
  • FIG 3 shows an upper view of the inside which shows the rotating platform of the central area (7) where the spiral dispensers (2) and the support of the products (14) are situated and the lower base (3) where the dispensing gap (4) is situated.
  • FIG 4 shows the complementary coupling mechanism (8a) in the upper cover (1 ) comprising electrical connections (1 1 a), supply pipes (12a) and additional ducts (13a).
  • FIG 5 shows the complementary coupling mechanism (8b), in the lower base (3), comprising electrical connections (1 1 b), supply pipes (12b) and additional ducts (13b).
  • FIG 6 shows a front general view of the vending device with several stackable modular units comprising the upper cover (1 a and 1 b) where the LED lights (6a and 6b) for lighting the device are situated. It also shows the central area (7a and 7b) made of transparent material where the spiral dispensers (2a and 2b) and the support of the products (14a and 14b) are located and the lower base (3a and 3b) where the dispensing gap (4a and 4b), the control screen (5a and 5b) and the ventilation area (9a and 9b) are situated. Finally, the complementary coupling mechanisms in the upper cover (8b) of the upper modular unit and in the lower base (8a) of the lower modular unit are shown.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is a modular device for vending products that is autonomous and mobile with a rotating platform for dispensing the different products chosen by the user. This modular vending device comprises: at least one stackable modular unit, an autonomous mobile robot that enables the movement of said device to be controlled, a rotating platform with a spiral dispensing system and a support for the products, lighting elements and information exchange sensors, a control screen, a dispensing gap where the product chosen by the user is deposited and a ventilation area and a cooling system for the products. Each stackable modular unit has coupling mechanisms that are complementary to each other, with a safety and locking system.

Description

MODULAR VENDING MACHINE IN STACKABLE UNITS
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention can be included in the technical field of vending machines, in particular modular vending machines.
More specifically, the object of the invention is a modular device for vending products, which is autonomous and mobile with a rotating platform for dispensing products chosen by the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vending machines have a fixed, large and voluminous design, making it so that a large amount of space is required in the area where these machines are located.
Document US20160364930 describes a vending machine with a plurality of containers for different products with an electrical access door in each container. Document US20040217165 describes a machine for vending floral arrangements with a stack of circular carousels in which each carousel has compartments for mounting the floral arrangements. The machine is mobile by means of a system of wheels. Document US20120029690 describes a static and voluminous vending machine that enables another vending unit to be added to the same system. It has a central module that controls the entire system of vending units.
Thus, keeping in mind the prior documents, it is necessary to find alternatives that lead to modular vending machines that can be adjusted to the needs of the users and the vendors, which are mobile and accessible to all users and which comprise a wireless information system for exchanging information, for example, regarding a product being out of stock.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a modular device for vending products that is autonomous and mobile with a rotating platform for dispensing the different products chosen by the user.
Thus, one aspect of the present invention relates to a modular device for vending products, which is autonomous and mobile, comprising:
at least one stackable modular unit comprising a lower base, an upper cover and a central area,
at least one autonomous mobile robot in the lower base of the modular unit comprising the power source of the modular vending device and enables the movement of the device,
a rotating platform in the central area of the modular unit that enables the contents to be shown in 360°,
at least one dispensing system for the products on the rotating platform, a support for the products located below the dispensing system,
a motor in the lower base of the modular unit, connected to the rotating platform, which enables said platform to rotate on itself,
at least one lighting element in the upper cover of the modular unit,
at least one control sensor, which exchanges information with the autonomous mobile robot by means of wireless connections, located in the upper cover of the modular unit,
at least one mechanism for coupling to the modular unit, arranged in the lower base and/or in the upper cover of the modular unit, the coupling mechanisms being complementary to each other,
a control screen in the lower base of the modular unit,
at least one dispensing gap in the lower base of the modular unit where the product chosen by the user is deposited,
a ventilation area arranged in the lower base of the modular unit, and
a cooling system for the products arranged in the lower base of the modular unit,
where the user chooses a product on the control screen, the rotating platform will move the chosen product and said product is deposited in the dispensing gap by means of the dispensing system where the user accesses it.
In one preferred embodiment, the dispensing system is a spiral where the products are placed on each twist of said spiral.
In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing gap has an automated door.
In another preferred embodiment, the lighting element is an LED light.
In another preferred embodiment, the central area of the modular unit is made of transparent material enabling the visibility of all the products.
In another preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanism comprises electrical connections, supply tubes, additional ducts and a safety and locking system for the coupling between different modular units.
In another preferred embodiment, the safety and locking system is controlled by an autonomous mobile robot.
In another preferred embodiment, the control screen comprises elements for selecting the product and the payment method.
In another preferred embodiment, the cooling system is removable.
In another preferred embodiment, the rotating platform rotates on itself in both directions.
In another preferred embodiment, the support of the products comprises number and price indicators for identifying each product.
In another preferred embodiment, the control sensor is connected to the autonomous mobile robot by GPS and wireless connections, enabling a certain movement route for said device in the sale area to be chosen.
In a final preferred embodiment, the wireless connection is a Wi-Fi connection.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1 shows a front view of the modular unit of the vending device.
FIG 2 shows a side view of the modular unit of the vending device.
FIG 3 shows an inside upper view of the modular unit of the vending device.
FIG 4 shows an upper view of the modular unit of the vending device.
FIG 5 shows a lower view of the modular unit of the vending device.
FIG 6 shows a general front view of the vending device with several stackable modular units.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the invention based on the figures shown is described below.
FIG 1 shows a modular unit of the vending device comprising an upper cover (1 ) where the LED lights (6) for lighting the device are situated. It also shows the central area (7) made of transparent material where the spiral dispensers (2) and the support of the products (14) are situated and the lower base (3) where the dispensing gap (4), the control screen (5) and the ventilation area (9) are situated. Finally, the complementary coupling mechanisms in the upper cover (8a) and in the lower base (8b) are shown.
FIG 2 shows a modular unit of the vending device comprising the upper cover (1 ) where the LED lights (6) for lighting the device are situated. It also shows the central area (7) made of transparent material where the spiral dispensers (2) and the support of the products (14) are situated and the lower base (3) where the cooling system (10) and the ventilation area (9) are situated. Finally, the complementary coupling mechanisms in the upper cover (8a) and in the lower base (8b) are shown.
FIG 3 shows an upper view of the inside which shows the rotating platform of the central area (7) where the spiral dispensers (2) and the support of the products (14) are situated and the lower base (3) where the dispensing gap (4) is situated.
FIG 4 shows the complementary coupling mechanism (8a) in the upper cover (1 ) comprising electrical connections (1 1 a), supply pipes (12a) and additional ducts (13a).
FIG 5 shows the complementary coupling mechanism (8b), in the lower base (3), comprising electrical connections (1 1 b), supply pipes (12b) and additional ducts (13b).
FIG 6 shows a front general view of the vending device with several stackable modular units comprising the upper cover (1 a and 1 b) where the LED lights (6a and 6b) for lighting the device are situated. It also shows the central area (7a and 7b) made of transparent material where the spiral dispensers (2a and 2b) and the support of the products (14a and 14b) are located and the lower base (3a and 3b) where the dispensing gap (4a and 4b), the control screen (5a and 5b) and the ventilation area (9a and 9b) are situated. Finally, the complementary coupling mechanisms in the upper cover (8b) of the upper modular unit and in the lower base (8a) of the lower modular unit are shown.

Claims

1 . A modular device for vending products, which is autonomous and mobile, comprising:
- at least one stackable modular unit comprising a lower base, an upper cover and a central area,
at least one autonomous mobile robot in the lower base of the modular unit comprising the power source of the modular vending device and enables the movement of the device,
- a rotating platform in the central area of the modular unit that enables the contents to be shown in 360°,
at least one dispensing system for the products on the rotating platform, a support for the products located below the dispensing system,
a motor in the lower base of the modular unit, connected to the rotating platform, which enables said platform to rotate on itself,
at least one lighting element in the upper cover of the modular unit,
at least one control sensor, which exchanges information with the autonomous mobile robot by means of wireless connections, located in the upper cover of the modular unit,
- at least one mechanism for coupling to the modular unit, arranged in the lower base and/or in the upper cover of the modular unit, the coupling mechanisms being complementary to each other,
a control screen in the lower base of the modular unit,
at least one dispensing gap in the lower base of the modular unit where the product chosen by the user is deposited,
a ventilation area arranged in the lower base of the modular unit, and
a cooling system for the products arranged in the lower base of the modular unit,
where the user chooses a product on the control screen, the rotating platform will move the chosen product and said product is deposited in the dispensing gap by means of the dispensing system where the user accesses it.
2. The device according to claim 1 , where the dispensing system is a spiral where the products are placed on each twist of said spiral.
3. The device according to claim 1 , where the dispensing gap has an automated door.
4. The device according to claim 1 , where the lighting element is an LED light.
5. The device according to claim 1 , where the central area of the modular unit is made of transparent material enabling the visibility of all the products.
6. The device according to claim 1 , where the coupling mechanism comprises electrical connections, supply tubes, additional ducts and a safety and locking system for the coupling between different modular units.
7. The device according to claim 6, where the safety and locking system is controlled by an autonomous mobile robot.
8. The device according to claim 1 , where the control screen comprises elements for selecting the product and the payment method.
9. The device according to claim 1 , where the cooling system is removable.
10. The device according to claim 1 , where the rotating platform rotates on itself in both directions.
1 1 . The device according to claim 1 , where the support of the products comprises number and price indicators for identifying each product.
12. The device according to claim 1 , where the control sensor is connected to the autonomous mobile robot by GPS and wireless connections, enabling a certain movement route for said device in the sale area to be chosen.
13. The device according to claim 1 , where the wireless connection is a Wi-Fi connection.
PCT/IB2018/054090 2018-05-22 2018-06-07 Modular vending machine in stackable units WO2018163142A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PA92203 2018-05-22
PA9220301 2018-05-22

Publications (2)

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WO2018163142A2 true WO2018163142A2 (en) 2018-09-13
WO2018163142A3 WO2018163142A3 (en) 2018-11-22

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020060783A1 (en) * 2018-09-18 2020-03-26 Pepsico, Inc. Vending machine
CN113470254A (en) * 2021-06-30 2021-10-01 任功嘉 Modularized unmanned vending machine and use method thereof

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4736826A (en) * 1985-04-22 1988-04-12 Remote Technology Corporation Remotely controlled and/or powered mobile robot with cable management arrangement
US4831841A (en) * 1988-05-20 1989-05-23 Unidynamics Corporation Cooling system for a multiple-product merchandising machine
US5671856A (en) * 1996-05-28 1997-09-30 Lisch; Scott Universal stackable locking container
KR100645379B1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-11-15 삼성광주전자 주식회사 A robot controlling system and a robot control method
US7747347B2 (en) * 2005-10-03 2010-06-29 Sabal Medical, Inc. Mobile medication storage and dispensing apparatus

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020060783A1 (en) * 2018-09-18 2020-03-26 Pepsico, Inc. Vending machine
US10867463B2 (en) 2018-09-18 2020-12-15 Pepsico, Inc. Vending machine
US11450169B2 (en) 2018-09-18 2022-09-20 Pepsico, Inc. Vending machine
CN113470254A (en) * 2021-06-30 2021-10-01 任功嘉 Modularized unmanned vending machine and use method thereof

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