CA2342804C - Vending machine - Google Patents
Vending machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2342804C CA2342804C CA002342804A CA2342804A CA2342804C CA 2342804 C CA2342804 C CA 2342804C CA 002342804 A CA002342804 A CA 002342804A CA 2342804 A CA2342804 A CA 2342804A CA 2342804 C CA2342804 C CA 2342804C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- product
- operatively connected
- cabinet
- elongate link
- vending machine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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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
- 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
- G07F11/14—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 with means for raising the stack of articles to permit delivery of the topmost
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P19/00—Drugs for skeletal disorders
- A61P19/08—Drugs for skeletal disorders for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P19/00—Drugs for skeletal disorders
- A61P19/08—Drugs for skeletal disorders for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease
- A61P19/10—Drugs for skeletal disorders for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease for osteoporosis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
- A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
- A61P3/12—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for electrolyte homeostasis
- A61P3/14—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for electrolyte homeostasis for calcium homeostasis
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- C07D215/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing quinoline or hydrogenated quinoline ring systems
- C07D215/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing quinoline or hydrogenated quinoline ring systems having no bond between the ring nitrogen atom and a non-ring member or having only hydrogen atoms or carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom
- C07D215/16—Heterocyclic compounds containing quinoline or hydrogenated quinoline ring systems having no bond between the ring nitrogen atom and a non-ring member or having only hydrogen atoms or carbon atoms directly attached to the ring nitrogen atom with hetero atoms or with carbon atoms having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most one bond to halogen, e.g. ester or nitrile radicals, directly attached to ring carbon atoms
- C07D215/38—Nitrogen atoms
- C07D215/42—Nitrogen atoms attached in position 4
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- C07D401/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom
- C07D401/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings
- C07D401/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, having nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, at least one ring being a six-membered ring with only one nitrogen atom containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- C07D409/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms
- C07D409/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms containing two hetero rings
- C07D409/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- C07D413/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms
- C07D413/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms containing two hetero rings
- C07D413/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and oxygen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07D—HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
- C07D417/00—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D415/00
- C07D417/02—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D415/00 containing two hetero rings
- C07D417/12—Heterocyclic compounds containing two or more hetero rings, at least one ring having nitrogen and sulfur atoms as the only ring hetero atoms, not provided for by group C07D415/00 containing two hetero rings linked by a chain containing hetero atoms as chain links
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/62—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
Abstract
A vending machine (10) including a cabinet (12) having therein a storage compartment (21) and product extraction means (20) including a base (29) operatively connected to the cabinet for pivoting about vertical axis (27), first link means (25a) horizontally pivoted to the base, second link means (25b) horizontally pivoted to the other end of the first link, actuators for respectively pivoting the base, first link and second link, and coupling means operatively connected (through guide head (33)) to the other end of the second link means (25b) for coupling with a selected product in the storage compartment (21) for delivery to a product station, the extraction means (20) being controlled by control means (15) after product selection by a customer.
Description
2 PCT/AU98/00694 .
VENDING MACHINE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to vending machines.
The invention has particular application to vending machines for vending chilled or frozen products especially in pre-packaged form. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may also be used with other vendible products.
BACKGROUND ART
The presently available vending machines for vending frozen products fall into two main types. The first type has a cabinet containing a plurality of racks each normally arranged to contain one product line and having a pusher or the like for dispensing a product from the rack upon selection of the desired product by a customer. In some cases, instead of using a pusher each rack may be an auger which rotates to move a product held therein into a delivery chute. This general type of machine is illustrated in United States Patent No. 5025950 to Trouteaud et al. It will be appreciated that in this type of machine, the number of products held in each rack is fairly small and the product line is limited to a fairly specific size and shape to suit the rack.
Furthermore, each rack requires an undesirably large space in order for the dispensing mechanisms to work effectively and the racks themselves must be contained in the freezer compartment which therefor must be undesirably large.
A second known type of vending machine includes a freezer cabinet which houses an extraction device arranged to extract a desired product from the freezer upon selection by a customer and dispense it via a dispensing chute. In such apparatus the extraction device typically includes a beam crane or gantry crane movable to any selected x, y co-ordinates within the cabinet whereupon a suction device supported by the crane moves down into a product compartment at the selected co-ordinates and attaches itself by suction to a product and then lifts it clear of the product compartment then the crane moves to a position above a dispensing chute and releases the selected product which slides down the chute for collection by the customer. In this type of machine the beam crane is typically moved by motor driven (closed loop) cables or rack and pinion devices. A variation on this type of vending machine is disclosed in United States patent No.
5240139 which describes a machine in which a beam crane is movable to any selected x,y co-ordinate above a chest freezer and also includes a mechanism for opening the door of the chest freezer so that a selected product can be extracted and then allows the door to close after the product has been extracted.
It will be appreciated that in this machine, the extraction mechanism is housed outside the chest freezer and is not subject to the hostile environment of the other types mentioned and furthermore, the chest freezer can be almost fully allocated to product storage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine which has at least some of the advantages proffered by the use of a chest freezer in a vending machine and to provide additional advantages arising from the use of a different extraction device.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a storage compartment in said cabinet for storing products to be vended, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means in response to a product selection;
VENDING MACHINE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to vending machines.
The invention has particular application to vending machines for vending chilled or frozen products especially in pre-packaged form. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may also be used with other vendible products.
BACKGROUND ART
The presently available vending machines for vending frozen products fall into two main types. The first type has a cabinet containing a plurality of racks each normally arranged to contain one product line and having a pusher or the like for dispensing a product from the rack upon selection of the desired product by a customer. In some cases, instead of using a pusher each rack may be an auger which rotates to move a product held therein into a delivery chute. This general type of machine is illustrated in United States Patent No. 5025950 to Trouteaud et al. It will be appreciated that in this type of machine, the number of products held in each rack is fairly small and the product line is limited to a fairly specific size and shape to suit the rack.
Furthermore, each rack requires an undesirably large space in order for the dispensing mechanisms to work effectively and the racks themselves must be contained in the freezer compartment which therefor must be undesirably large.
A second known type of vending machine includes a freezer cabinet which houses an extraction device arranged to extract a desired product from the freezer upon selection by a customer and dispense it via a dispensing chute. In such apparatus the extraction device typically includes a beam crane or gantry crane movable to any selected x, y co-ordinates within the cabinet whereupon a suction device supported by the crane moves down into a product compartment at the selected co-ordinates and attaches itself by suction to a product and then lifts it clear of the product compartment then the crane moves to a position above a dispensing chute and releases the selected product which slides down the chute for collection by the customer. In this type of machine the beam crane is typically moved by motor driven (closed loop) cables or rack and pinion devices. A variation on this type of vending machine is disclosed in United States patent No.
5240139 which describes a machine in which a beam crane is movable to any selected x,y co-ordinate above a chest freezer and also includes a mechanism for opening the door of the chest freezer so that a selected product can be extracted and then allows the door to close after the product has been extracted.
It will be appreciated that in this machine, the extraction mechanism is housed outside the chest freezer and is not subject to the hostile environment of the other types mentioned and furthermore, the chest freezer can be almost fully allocated to product storage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine which has at least some of the advantages proffered by the use of a chest freezer in a vending machine and to provide additional advantages arising from the use of a different extraction device.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a storage compartment in said cabinet for storing products to be vended, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means in response to a product selection;
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
In another aspect the invention resides broadly in a vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
WO 99/12132 PCT/AU98/00694.
In another aspect the invention resides broadly in a vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
WO 99/12132 PCT/AU98/00694.
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection;
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
Preferably, said product extraction means is mounted on a stand in said cabinet and said third actuation means is operatively connected to said stand and said base member so as to move said base member relative to said stand.
Preferably, the vending machine includes fourth actuation means operatively connected to said coupling means for moving said coupling means up and down with respect to said second link means so that said coupling means may couple with products located at any depth within the storage compartment. It is also preferred that said coupling means include a flexible and resilient coupling head adapted to abut a surface of the selected product in such manner that vacuum pressure provided at said coupling head may cause the product to be "sucked" on to the WO 99/12132 PCT/AU98/00694.
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
Preferably, said product extraction means is mounted on a stand in said cabinet and said third actuation means is operatively connected to said stand and said base member so as to move said base member relative to said stand.
Preferably, the vending machine includes fourth actuation means operatively connected to said coupling means for moving said coupling means up and down with respect to said second link means so that said coupling means may couple with products located at any depth within the storage compartment. It is also preferred that said coupling means include a flexible and resilient coupling head adapted to abut a surface of the selected product in such manner that vacuum pressure provided at said coupling head may cause the product to be "sucked" on to the WO 99/12132 PCT/AU98/00694.
coupling head thus being securely engaged, the vacuum being provided by a vacuum pump or other source of vacuum operatively connected to said coupling head by a tubular member such as a vacuum tube or hose connected to said coupling head at one end and at the other end to the vacuum pump. Preferably, such vacuum pump or other source has a low flow rate and provides a relatively high negative pressure vacuum, for example, 6 cubic metres per hour at -80kPa. Advantageously, such high negative pressure is believed to decrease the possibility of product slippage sideways and resultant dropping of the product whilst being extracted. In such form of the invention, the vacuum pump is remote from the first and second link means and the tubular member is attached in such manner to allow up and down movement of said tubular member in conjunction with said coupling means.
In a preferred form said tubular member is supported by a semi-rigid sheath which connects said coupling means to said fourth actuation means and preferably the sheath is a helical spring which is guided for linear movement along or beside said first and second link means by rollers mounted thereon whilst in another embodiment the spring passes through a tubular sleeve.
Suitably, the spring has sufficient flexibility to allow bending so as to accommodate pivoting movement of said first and second link means but is sufficiently rigid for linear movement therealong or therebeside. It is also preferred that said fourth actuation means be a short stroke linear actuator connected to said spring via a crank adapted to cause movement of the spring so that the coupling means can be lowered from a first position above the storage compartment to a second position on or close top the bottom of the storage compartment. For this purpose it is preferred that the spring have sufficient flexibility to bend through an arc of about 90 degrees at a radius of about 500mm to 800mm.
Preferably, said control means is arranged to control said first and second actuators for movement in unison so that the height of said distal second end relative to said access opening is maintained substantially constant. It will be appreciated that in such case the height of the coupling means will be varied for coupling with the selected food product. It is also preferred that said control means include sensing means for sensing contact with or proximity to a product to be extracted or other suitable parameter whereby coupling may be effected. In one form of the invention, said sensing means is a proximity switch mounted on or adjacent said coupling means for sensing the position of the coupling means relative to a selected product whereby downward movement of the coupling head can be stopped upon said coupling head reaching a position at a predetermined distance from the product and vacuum may be applied to said coupling means to effect coupling and upward movement may be commenced once coupling has been effected or after a predetermined period. In another embodiment, said sensing means includes a contact member operatively connected to said coupling means and adapted for progressive displacement upon contact with the product to be extracted and a micro-switch arranged to sense a predetermined amount of displacement of said contact member.
In yet another aspect the invention resides broadly in a vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection;
In a preferred form said tubular member is supported by a semi-rigid sheath which connects said coupling means to said fourth actuation means and preferably the sheath is a helical spring which is guided for linear movement along or beside said first and second link means by rollers mounted thereon whilst in another embodiment the spring passes through a tubular sleeve.
Suitably, the spring has sufficient flexibility to allow bending so as to accommodate pivoting movement of said first and second link means but is sufficiently rigid for linear movement therealong or therebeside. It is also preferred that said fourth actuation means be a short stroke linear actuator connected to said spring via a crank adapted to cause movement of the spring so that the coupling means can be lowered from a first position above the storage compartment to a second position on or close top the bottom of the storage compartment. For this purpose it is preferred that the spring have sufficient flexibility to bend through an arc of about 90 degrees at a radius of about 500mm to 800mm.
Preferably, said control means is arranged to control said first and second actuators for movement in unison so that the height of said distal second end relative to said access opening is maintained substantially constant. It will be appreciated that in such case the height of the coupling means will be varied for coupling with the selected food product. It is also preferred that said control means include sensing means for sensing contact with or proximity to a product to be extracted or other suitable parameter whereby coupling may be effected. In one form of the invention, said sensing means is a proximity switch mounted on or adjacent said coupling means for sensing the position of the coupling means relative to a selected product whereby downward movement of the coupling head can be stopped upon said coupling head reaching a position at a predetermined distance from the product and vacuum may be applied to said coupling means to effect coupling and upward movement may be commenced once coupling has been effected or after a predetermined period. In another embodiment, said sensing means includes a contact member operatively connected to said coupling means and adapted for progressive displacement upon contact with the product to be extracted and a micro-switch arranged to sense a predetermined amount of displacement of said contact member.
In yet another aspect the invention resides broadly in a vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection;
transfer means for receiving extracted food products from said product extraction means and transferring said products to said product station, said transfer means including a chute and guide means for guiding a product to be transferred into said chute, said guide means being movable in response to a product selection from a stowed position remote from said storage compartment to a guiding position adjacent said storage compartment upon opening of said compartment closure;
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment and delivered to said transfer means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:
~_ . ..
_.. ~_...._._..W,...~..__ _ _ ..m_._ _ WO 99/12132 PCT/AU98/00694.
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment and delivered to said transfer means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:
~_ . ..
_.. ~_...._._..W,...~..__ _ _ ..m_._ _ WO 99/12132 PCT/AU98/00694.
Fig. 1 is a pictorial representation of a vending machine according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a pictorial representation of the vending machine of Fig. 1 from the front with the front panel of the vending machine cabinet removed;
Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the chest freezer in the vending machine cabinet as shown in Fig. 2 illustrating the operation of the freezer lid;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the vending machine of Fig.
1 with the top wall and side walls of the cabinet all removed and with the freezer lid removed;
Fig. 5 illustrates the operation of the product extractions unit for extracting products from the chest freezer of the vending machine of Fig. 1, and Figs. 6 and 7 are pictorial representations of an alternative coupling head and sensor arrangement for the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a pictorial representation of the vacuum pump of the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Figs. 9 and 10 are schematic representations of the vacuum control valve assembly of the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the mounting frame assembly on which the product extraction unit is mounted in the machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the mounting frame assembly on which the product extraction unit is mounted in the machine of Fig. 1 but showing an alternative arrangement for supporting the extraction tube;
Fig. 13 is a pictorial representation of another alternative arrangement for supporting the extraction tube of the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Figs. 14a and 14b are pictorial representations of the transfer chute of the vending machine of Fig. 1, with guide door in open and closed attitudes respectively, and Fig. 15 is a partial side elevation of the vending machine of Fig. 1 showing the operation of the guide assembly illustrated in Fig. 14.
Fig. 2 is a pictorial representation of the vending machine of Fig. 1 from the front with the front panel of the vending machine cabinet removed;
Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the chest freezer in the vending machine cabinet as shown in Fig. 2 illustrating the operation of the freezer lid;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the vending machine of Fig.
1 with the top wall and side walls of the cabinet all removed and with the freezer lid removed;
Fig. 5 illustrates the operation of the product extractions unit for extracting products from the chest freezer of the vending machine of Fig. 1, and Figs. 6 and 7 are pictorial representations of an alternative coupling head and sensor arrangement for the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a pictorial representation of the vacuum pump of the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Figs. 9 and 10 are schematic representations of the vacuum control valve assembly of the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the mounting frame assembly on which the product extraction unit is mounted in the machine of Fig. 1;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the mounting frame assembly on which the product extraction unit is mounted in the machine of Fig. 1 but showing an alternative arrangement for supporting the extraction tube;
Fig. 13 is a pictorial representation of another alternative arrangement for supporting the extraction tube of the vending machine of Fig. 1;
Figs. 14a and 14b are pictorial representations of the transfer chute of the vending machine of Fig. 1, with guide door in open and closed attitudes respectively, and Fig. 15 is a partial side elevation of the vending machine of Fig. 1 showing the operation of the guide assembly illustrated in Fig. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The vending machine 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 has an outer cabinet 11 having a base wall lla, a top wall llb, two spaced apart side walls llc and lld, a rear wall lle and a removable front wall llf having an outer frame and two side by side hingedly mounted doors 12a and 12b which allow access to the interior of the cabinet for maintenance and restocking. A
product selection panel 13 is mounted on the front door of the cabinet in the normal manner for operation by a customer for selecting a desired product and an electronically operated message display unit 14 is located above the selection panel.
Similarly a coin mechanism 16 and associated coin retrieval chute are mounted in the front door in the usual manner.
A glass window 17 is also provided in the front door and extends across a large part of the upper portion of the cabinet whereby a customer may view the extraction and dispensing of the selected product which can be collected from the delivery station 18 provided in the lower part of the door 12a.
A chest freezer 21 having a food storage compartment 21a stands in the outer cabinet for storage of frozen food products, particulary ice creams and ice blocks which are typically stacked in plastic or cardboard containers opening upwardly towards the lid 22. The lid 22 is pivotally mounted at its rear edge by two spaced apart hinge assemblies 22a for opening upwardly towards the rear wall of the cabinet 12 so that the food products can be accessed from the top of the freezer. Advantageously, the hinge assemblies are constructed to allow the lid to open within the plan area of the freezer so that the maximum width freezer can be accommodated in a preselected size cabinet.
A product extraction unit 20 for extracting products from the freezer and delivering them to the delivery station via delivery chute 19 is mounted to a stand 24 in the cabinet 12 which in turn is secured to the base wall of the cabinet adjacent one side 21b of the freezer 21. The product extraction unit includes a base 29 and a first parallel linkage arm assembly 25a connected at one end to the base 29 5 and a second parallel linkage arm assembly 25b connected to the other end of the first arm assembly 25a. The two arm assemblies 25a and 25b operate in unison as will be more fully described later. A shaft 26 depends from the base 29 and is supported in bearings mounted to the stand 29 for pivotal 10 movement about a vertical axis 27 adjacent the side wall 21b of the chest freezer 21, the base being secured to the shaft for pivoting movement therewith. The first parallel linkage arm assembly 25a includes a first arm member 28 which is pivotally connected at one end to the base 29 by a horizontally disposed pivot pin 30a for up and down pivoting movement and at the other end to a connector member 31 by a horizontally disposed pivot pin 30b. A second arm member 32 is also pivotally connected to the connector member 31 by a horizontally disposed pivot pin 30c for allowing up and down pivoting movement of the second arm member 32 relative to the connector member 31. At its other end the second arm member 32 is pivotally connected to a guide head 33 by a horizontally disposed pin 30d, the guide head 33 having a passage 34 for slidably receiving an extraction tube 35 therethrough for up and down movement into and out of the food storage compartment 21a as will be explained more fully later. The orientation of the guide head 33 such that the passage 34 is substantially vertical is maintained by first and second link members 36 and 37 which are pivotally connected to the base 29, connector member 31 and guide head 33 respectively in parallel with the respective first and second arm members 28 and 32.
Movement of the first and second arm members 28 and 32 is effected by first and second linear actuators 38 and 39 respectively, the first linear actuator 38 being pivotally connected to the base 29 and the first arm member 28 whilst the second linear actuator 39 is pivotally connected to the first arm member 28 and the second arm member 32 in such manner that as the respective linear actuators extend in unison. The first arm member 28 pivots relative to the base 29 and connector member 31 and the second arm member 32 pivots relative to the connector member 31 and the guide head 33 so that the two arm members 28 and 32 are extended to place the guide head 33 at a desired position above the chest freezer 21 with the height of the guide head 33 being maintained substantially constant.
Pivoting of the base 29 about the axis 27 is effected by a third actuator 41 which is pivotally connected at one end to the shaft 26 via a crank assembly having a crank arm 43 extending radially from the shaft 26 and an intermediate link arm 42 as will be more clearly understood from Fig. 4.
Movement of the guide head 33 relative to the freezer 21 is controlled by an electronic controller 15 mounted on the stand 24 which causes the first, second, and third actuators (38, 39 and 41) to position the guide head 33 above a particular product according to preprogrammed coordinates in response to a product selection made by a customer operating selection panel 13 after the appropriate payment has been made via coin mechanism 16. The position of the guide head 33 is determined by the distance each actuator (38, 39 or 41) has extended from a predetermined datum and the preset coordinates are selected according to a particular extension of each actuator. The amount of extension is determined by the inclusion of signal pulse generators attached to the respective actuators and one or more pulses are generated upon one revolution of the actuator motor depending on the degree of accuracy required for positioning of the guide head 33.
The extraction tube 35 in this embodiment is a coil spring which is operatively connected at one end to an actuator 48 within the stand 24 by a crank assembly 45 and passes through a passage 46 provided in the shaft 26, beside the two arm members 28 and 32 and through the passage 34 in the guide head 33 to terminate in a free end 35b which moves up and down into and out of the food storage compartment 21a under the action of the actuator 48. The path of movement of the spring 35 beside each of the arm members is guided by tubular guide members 49 and 51 connected to the first and second arm members 28 and 32 respectively. The path of movement of the spring 35 within the stand 24 below the shaft 26 is guided by a plurality of spaced apart guide roller assemblies 52 each having three guide rollers 53 and the crank arm 47 is arranged to move through a maximum arc of approximately 90 degrees to move the free end of the extraction tube 35 down and up from a position above the food storage compartment 21 to a position near the bottom of the food storage compartment 21 as required. The operation of the extraction tube 35 is more clearly shown in Fig. 11 and an alternative arrangement is shown in Fig 12. In these drawings it can be seen that the crank assembly 45 has a shaft 45a which is mounted for pivotable movement about a horizontal axis extending across the vending machine from side to side and that the actuator 48 is connected at one end to the stand 24 and at the other end to a first crank arm 54 extending from the shaft 45a and that the other crank arm 47 extends from the other end of the shaft 45a and is much longer to give the required arc of movement. The alternative arrangement for guiding the extraction tube 35 illustrated in Fig. 13 includes a sleeve 71 suitably curved at the same radius as the arc of movement of the extraction tube 35. The sleeve 71 has a slot 72 extending from one end of the sleeve to the other and adapted to receive therethrough the end portion of the crank arm 47 for moving the extraction tube 35 within the sleeve 71.
The sleeve 71 is mounted to the stand 24 by brackets 73 only one of which is shown.
A vacuum tube 61 extends fully through the extraction tube 35 and is connected at one end to a vacuum pump 62 mounted to the stand 24 and at its other end to a bellows type rubber suction cup 63, the mouth of which is adapted to deform to the shape of the surface of the article to be extracted as vacuum is applied via the vacuum tube 61. A proximity switch 64 is attached to the extraction tube 35 near its free end and electrically connected to the controller 15 by wire 60 for sensing the position of the free end or the suction cup 63 relative to a product to be extracted and the controller 15 is configured to switch the vacuum pump 62 on in response to a signal from the proximity switch 64. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, a micro-switch is used instead of the proximity switch 64. In this arrangement, an inner sleeve 66 is fitted to the free end of the extraction tube 35 and an outer sleeve 67 is slidably mounted on the inner sleeve 66, the outer sleeve 67 forming a shroud about the suction cup 63 and being adapted to slide relative to the inner sleeve 66 upon making contact with the product 65 to be extracted. A two part switch having a reed 68 mounted on the inner sleeve and axially spaced from the outer sleeve 67 and a complementary magnet 69 mounted on the outer sleeve 67.
Movement of the outer sleeve 67 relative to the inner sleeve 66 by a predetermined distance causes the reed 68 and the magnet 69 to engage, thus causing the controller 15 to switch the vacuum pump 62 on.
The opening and closing of the lid 22 is effected by a fifth linear actuator 56 which is connected at one end to the wall 21b of the freezer and at the other end to the lid 22 via a link member 55, the actuator also being controlled by the electronic controller 15.
The delivery chute 19 has a base wall 19a forming the base of the delivery station 18, two spaced apart side walls 19c and 19d, a rear wall 19e adjacent the freezer 21 and a front wall panel 19f adjacent the cabinet front wall llf. The chute has a product entry 19g at its upper end for receiving products from the extraction unit 20. It will be appreciated that the overall width of the vending machine 10, front to rear must be limited to allow passage through doorways and the like and accordingly the size of the chest freezer 21 which can be accommodated in the cabinet 11 is limited and so too the width of the delivery chute 19. The chute in this case includes a door or flap 19h at its upper end which opens in response to opening of the freezer lid 22 towards the freezer compartment 21a. Advantageously, the door acts as a guide for products being dropped into the chute 19 by the product extraction unit 20 thus allowing the width of the chute 19 to be minimised and the freezer width to be maximised. Opening of the door 19h is effected by a bowden cable 19j which is connected at one end to the door 19h by a crank assembly 19k and to the freezer lid 22 at the other end.
In use, a customer selects a desired product by pressing a button on the control panel 13 whereupon an electronic signal causes actuator 56 to open the lid 22 of the freezer 21 so that the desired product can be extracted by the product extraction unit 20. As the lid 22 opens the chute door 19h opens to provide a product guide and once the freezer lid 22 is open the product extraction unit 20 moves to a position wherein the guide head 33 is directly above the compartment containing the desired product (as indicated in phantom in Fig. 5) whereupon the actuator 48 causes the spring 35 and the vacuum tube 61 sheathed thereby with the attached suction head to move downwardly towards the desired product. Upon the suction head reaching a position of close proximity to the product, the suction head "sucks on" to the product and downward movement of the extraction tube is stopped in response to transmission of a signal from the proximity switch 14a 64 and subsequently the actuator 48 retracts the extraction tube and the product attached to the suction cup 63 to a position above the freezer 21. Once the product is above the freezer 21 as indicated by the position of the actuator 48 (by a signal pulse transmitted to the controller) the product extraction unit 20 pivots about axis 27 and moves to a position above the chute 19 where it releases the product thereinto. The product extraction unit 20 then moves to the fully retracted disposition illustrated in Fig. 5 and the lid 22 is closed by actuator 56 ready for the next customer. In order to inhibit accidental early release of a product from the suction cup 63 due to twitching of the proximity switch, the vacuum tube 61 is connected to the vacuum pump 62 via a valve assembly 81. The valve assembly 81 includes a vacuum activated switch 82 which closes upon start-up of the vacuum pump 62 to complete an auxiliary power supply circuit to the pump, and a vacuum release valve 83 adapted to release the vacuum from the vacuum tube 61 upon the product extraction unit 20 reaching a predetermined delivery position so that the product can be released.
It will of course be realised that while the foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as defined in the appended claims.
The vending machine 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 has an outer cabinet 11 having a base wall lla, a top wall llb, two spaced apart side walls llc and lld, a rear wall lle and a removable front wall llf having an outer frame and two side by side hingedly mounted doors 12a and 12b which allow access to the interior of the cabinet for maintenance and restocking. A
product selection panel 13 is mounted on the front door of the cabinet in the normal manner for operation by a customer for selecting a desired product and an electronically operated message display unit 14 is located above the selection panel.
Similarly a coin mechanism 16 and associated coin retrieval chute are mounted in the front door in the usual manner.
A glass window 17 is also provided in the front door and extends across a large part of the upper portion of the cabinet whereby a customer may view the extraction and dispensing of the selected product which can be collected from the delivery station 18 provided in the lower part of the door 12a.
A chest freezer 21 having a food storage compartment 21a stands in the outer cabinet for storage of frozen food products, particulary ice creams and ice blocks which are typically stacked in plastic or cardboard containers opening upwardly towards the lid 22. The lid 22 is pivotally mounted at its rear edge by two spaced apart hinge assemblies 22a for opening upwardly towards the rear wall of the cabinet 12 so that the food products can be accessed from the top of the freezer. Advantageously, the hinge assemblies are constructed to allow the lid to open within the plan area of the freezer so that the maximum width freezer can be accommodated in a preselected size cabinet.
A product extraction unit 20 for extracting products from the freezer and delivering them to the delivery station via delivery chute 19 is mounted to a stand 24 in the cabinet 12 which in turn is secured to the base wall of the cabinet adjacent one side 21b of the freezer 21. The product extraction unit includes a base 29 and a first parallel linkage arm assembly 25a connected at one end to the base 29 5 and a second parallel linkage arm assembly 25b connected to the other end of the first arm assembly 25a. The two arm assemblies 25a and 25b operate in unison as will be more fully described later. A shaft 26 depends from the base 29 and is supported in bearings mounted to the stand 29 for pivotal 10 movement about a vertical axis 27 adjacent the side wall 21b of the chest freezer 21, the base being secured to the shaft for pivoting movement therewith. The first parallel linkage arm assembly 25a includes a first arm member 28 which is pivotally connected at one end to the base 29 by a horizontally disposed pivot pin 30a for up and down pivoting movement and at the other end to a connector member 31 by a horizontally disposed pivot pin 30b. A second arm member 32 is also pivotally connected to the connector member 31 by a horizontally disposed pivot pin 30c for allowing up and down pivoting movement of the second arm member 32 relative to the connector member 31. At its other end the second arm member 32 is pivotally connected to a guide head 33 by a horizontally disposed pin 30d, the guide head 33 having a passage 34 for slidably receiving an extraction tube 35 therethrough for up and down movement into and out of the food storage compartment 21a as will be explained more fully later. The orientation of the guide head 33 such that the passage 34 is substantially vertical is maintained by first and second link members 36 and 37 which are pivotally connected to the base 29, connector member 31 and guide head 33 respectively in parallel with the respective first and second arm members 28 and 32.
Movement of the first and second arm members 28 and 32 is effected by first and second linear actuators 38 and 39 respectively, the first linear actuator 38 being pivotally connected to the base 29 and the first arm member 28 whilst the second linear actuator 39 is pivotally connected to the first arm member 28 and the second arm member 32 in such manner that as the respective linear actuators extend in unison. The first arm member 28 pivots relative to the base 29 and connector member 31 and the second arm member 32 pivots relative to the connector member 31 and the guide head 33 so that the two arm members 28 and 32 are extended to place the guide head 33 at a desired position above the chest freezer 21 with the height of the guide head 33 being maintained substantially constant.
Pivoting of the base 29 about the axis 27 is effected by a third actuator 41 which is pivotally connected at one end to the shaft 26 via a crank assembly having a crank arm 43 extending radially from the shaft 26 and an intermediate link arm 42 as will be more clearly understood from Fig. 4.
Movement of the guide head 33 relative to the freezer 21 is controlled by an electronic controller 15 mounted on the stand 24 which causes the first, second, and third actuators (38, 39 and 41) to position the guide head 33 above a particular product according to preprogrammed coordinates in response to a product selection made by a customer operating selection panel 13 after the appropriate payment has been made via coin mechanism 16. The position of the guide head 33 is determined by the distance each actuator (38, 39 or 41) has extended from a predetermined datum and the preset coordinates are selected according to a particular extension of each actuator. The amount of extension is determined by the inclusion of signal pulse generators attached to the respective actuators and one or more pulses are generated upon one revolution of the actuator motor depending on the degree of accuracy required for positioning of the guide head 33.
The extraction tube 35 in this embodiment is a coil spring which is operatively connected at one end to an actuator 48 within the stand 24 by a crank assembly 45 and passes through a passage 46 provided in the shaft 26, beside the two arm members 28 and 32 and through the passage 34 in the guide head 33 to terminate in a free end 35b which moves up and down into and out of the food storage compartment 21a under the action of the actuator 48. The path of movement of the spring 35 beside each of the arm members is guided by tubular guide members 49 and 51 connected to the first and second arm members 28 and 32 respectively. The path of movement of the spring 35 within the stand 24 below the shaft 26 is guided by a plurality of spaced apart guide roller assemblies 52 each having three guide rollers 53 and the crank arm 47 is arranged to move through a maximum arc of approximately 90 degrees to move the free end of the extraction tube 35 down and up from a position above the food storage compartment 21 to a position near the bottom of the food storage compartment 21 as required. The operation of the extraction tube 35 is more clearly shown in Fig. 11 and an alternative arrangement is shown in Fig 12. In these drawings it can be seen that the crank assembly 45 has a shaft 45a which is mounted for pivotable movement about a horizontal axis extending across the vending machine from side to side and that the actuator 48 is connected at one end to the stand 24 and at the other end to a first crank arm 54 extending from the shaft 45a and that the other crank arm 47 extends from the other end of the shaft 45a and is much longer to give the required arc of movement. The alternative arrangement for guiding the extraction tube 35 illustrated in Fig. 13 includes a sleeve 71 suitably curved at the same radius as the arc of movement of the extraction tube 35. The sleeve 71 has a slot 72 extending from one end of the sleeve to the other and adapted to receive therethrough the end portion of the crank arm 47 for moving the extraction tube 35 within the sleeve 71.
The sleeve 71 is mounted to the stand 24 by brackets 73 only one of which is shown.
A vacuum tube 61 extends fully through the extraction tube 35 and is connected at one end to a vacuum pump 62 mounted to the stand 24 and at its other end to a bellows type rubber suction cup 63, the mouth of which is adapted to deform to the shape of the surface of the article to be extracted as vacuum is applied via the vacuum tube 61. A proximity switch 64 is attached to the extraction tube 35 near its free end and electrically connected to the controller 15 by wire 60 for sensing the position of the free end or the suction cup 63 relative to a product to be extracted and the controller 15 is configured to switch the vacuum pump 62 on in response to a signal from the proximity switch 64. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, a micro-switch is used instead of the proximity switch 64. In this arrangement, an inner sleeve 66 is fitted to the free end of the extraction tube 35 and an outer sleeve 67 is slidably mounted on the inner sleeve 66, the outer sleeve 67 forming a shroud about the suction cup 63 and being adapted to slide relative to the inner sleeve 66 upon making contact with the product 65 to be extracted. A two part switch having a reed 68 mounted on the inner sleeve and axially spaced from the outer sleeve 67 and a complementary magnet 69 mounted on the outer sleeve 67.
Movement of the outer sleeve 67 relative to the inner sleeve 66 by a predetermined distance causes the reed 68 and the magnet 69 to engage, thus causing the controller 15 to switch the vacuum pump 62 on.
The opening and closing of the lid 22 is effected by a fifth linear actuator 56 which is connected at one end to the wall 21b of the freezer and at the other end to the lid 22 via a link member 55, the actuator also being controlled by the electronic controller 15.
The delivery chute 19 has a base wall 19a forming the base of the delivery station 18, two spaced apart side walls 19c and 19d, a rear wall 19e adjacent the freezer 21 and a front wall panel 19f adjacent the cabinet front wall llf. The chute has a product entry 19g at its upper end for receiving products from the extraction unit 20. It will be appreciated that the overall width of the vending machine 10, front to rear must be limited to allow passage through doorways and the like and accordingly the size of the chest freezer 21 which can be accommodated in the cabinet 11 is limited and so too the width of the delivery chute 19. The chute in this case includes a door or flap 19h at its upper end which opens in response to opening of the freezer lid 22 towards the freezer compartment 21a. Advantageously, the door acts as a guide for products being dropped into the chute 19 by the product extraction unit 20 thus allowing the width of the chute 19 to be minimised and the freezer width to be maximised. Opening of the door 19h is effected by a bowden cable 19j which is connected at one end to the door 19h by a crank assembly 19k and to the freezer lid 22 at the other end.
In use, a customer selects a desired product by pressing a button on the control panel 13 whereupon an electronic signal causes actuator 56 to open the lid 22 of the freezer 21 so that the desired product can be extracted by the product extraction unit 20. As the lid 22 opens the chute door 19h opens to provide a product guide and once the freezer lid 22 is open the product extraction unit 20 moves to a position wherein the guide head 33 is directly above the compartment containing the desired product (as indicated in phantom in Fig. 5) whereupon the actuator 48 causes the spring 35 and the vacuum tube 61 sheathed thereby with the attached suction head to move downwardly towards the desired product. Upon the suction head reaching a position of close proximity to the product, the suction head "sucks on" to the product and downward movement of the extraction tube is stopped in response to transmission of a signal from the proximity switch 14a 64 and subsequently the actuator 48 retracts the extraction tube and the product attached to the suction cup 63 to a position above the freezer 21. Once the product is above the freezer 21 as indicated by the position of the actuator 48 (by a signal pulse transmitted to the controller) the product extraction unit 20 pivots about axis 27 and moves to a position above the chute 19 where it releases the product thereinto. The product extraction unit 20 then moves to the fully retracted disposition illustrated in Fig. 5 and the lid 22 is closed by actuator 56 ready for the next customer. In order to inhibit accidental early release of a product from the suction cup 63 due to twitching of the proximity switch, the vacuum tube 61 is connected to the vacuum pump 62 via a valve assembly 81. The valve assembly 81 includes a vacuum activated switch 82 which closes upon start-up of the vacuum pump 62 to complete an auxiliary power supply circuit to the pump, and a vacuum release valve 83 adapted to release the vacuum from the vacuum tube 61 upon the product extraction unit 20 reaching a predetermined delivery position so that the product can be released.
It will of course be realised that while the foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (17)
1. A vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a storage compartment in said cabinet for storing products to be vended, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means in response to a product selection; and said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
a cabinet;
a storage compartment in said cabinet for storing products to be vended, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means in response to a product selection; and said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
2. A vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection; and said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection; and said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment.
3. A vending machine according to Claim 2, wherein said compartment closure is a lid mounted for up and down pivoting movement about a horizontal axis and said opening means is adapted to raise and lower said lid.
4. A vending machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said product extraction means is mounted on a stand in said cabinet and said third actuation means is operatively connected to said stand and said base member.
5. A vending machine according to Claim 4, including fourth actuation means operatively connected to said coupling means for moving said coupling means up and down with respect to said second link means so that said coupling means may couple with products located at any depth within the storage compartment.
6. A vending machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said coupling means includes a flexible and resilient coupling head adapted to abut a surface of the selected product in such manner that vacuum pressure provided at said coupling head may cause the product to be sucked into secure engagement with said coupling head.
7. A vending machine according to Claim 6, including a vacuum pump operatively connected to said coupling head by a tubular member.
8. A vending machine according to Claim 7, wherein said vacuum pump has a flow rate of about six cubic meters per hour at ~80 kilopascals.
9. A vending machine according to Claim 7, wherein said tubular member is supported by a semi-rigid sheath which connects said coupling means to said fourth actuation means.
10. A vending machine according to Claim 9, wherein said sheath is a helical spring which is guided for linear movement along or beside said first and second link means by respective guide means mounted to said first and second link means.
11. A vending machine according to Claim 10, wherein said fourth actuation means is a short stroke linear actuator connected to said spring via a crank and said crank is mounted for pivoting movement relative to said cabinet.
12. A vending machine according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said control means is arranged to control said first and second actuators for movement in unison so that the height of said distal second end relative to said access opening is maintained substantially constant.
13. A vending machine according to Claim 7, wherein said control means includes sensing means for sensing the position of said coupling head relative to a product to be extracted.
14. A vending machine according to Claim 13, wherein said sensing means includes a proximity switch mounted on or adjacent said coupling head for sensing the position of said coupling head relative to a selected product.
15. A vending machine according to Claim 13, wherein said sensing means includes a contact member operatively connected to said coupling means and adapted for progressive displacement upon contact with the product to be extracted and a micro-switch arranged to sense a predetermined amount of displacement of said contact member.
16. A vending machine according to Claim 13, wherein said sensing means is arranged to switch said vacuum pump on upon said coupling head reaching a predetermined position relative to the product to be extracted.
17. A vending machine including:
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection;
transfer means for receiving extracted food products from said product extraction means and transferring said products to said product station, said transfer means including a chute and guide means for guiding a product to be transferred into said chute, said guide means being movable in response to a product selection from a stowed position remote from said storage compartment to a guiding position adjacent said storage compartment upon opening of said compartment closure;
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment and delivered to said transfer means.
a cabinet;
a refrigerated storage compartment in said cabinet for storing chilled or frozen food products, said storage compartment having an upwardly directed access opening and a compartment closure for closing said upwardly directed access opening;
product extraction means in said cabinet for extracting chilled or frozen food products from said storage compartment and a customer accessible product station for receiving products extracted by said product extraction means;
opening means operatively connected to said compartment closure for selectively opening said closure to allow said product extraction means access to food products in said refrigerated storage compartment;
selection means on a customer accessible position of said cabinet for selecting a product to be extracted;
control means in operative communication with said product extraction means for controlling the operation of said product extraction means and said opening means in response to a product selection;
transfer means for receiving extracted food products from said product extraction means and transferring said products to said product station, said transfer means including a chute and guide means for guiding a product to be transferred into said chute, said guide means being movable in response to a product selection from a stowed position remote from said storage compartment to a guiding position adjacent said storage compartment upon opening of said compartment closure;
said product extraction means including a base member operatively connected to said cabinet or mounted in said cabinet for pivoting movement relative thereto about a vertical axis and first elongate link means operatively connected at one end to said base member for pivoting movement relative thereto about a first horizontal axis and second elongate link means operatively connected at one end to the other end of said first elongate link means for movement relative to said first elongate link means about a second horizontal axis, first actuation means operatively connected to said first elongate link means and said base member for pivotally moving said first elongate link means about said first horizontal axis, second actuation means operatively connected to said first and second elongate link means for pivotally moving said second elongate link means relative to said first elongate link means above said access opening about said second horizontal axis, third actuation means operatively connected to said base member for pivotally moving said base member about said vertical axis, and coupling means operatively connected to the other end of said second elongate link means for coupling with a selected food product wherein it may be extracted from said storage compartment and delivered to said transfer means.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPP3197 | 1997-09-03 | ||
| AUPP0031A AUPP003197A0 (en) | 1997-09-03 | 1997-09-03 | New heterocyclic compounds |
| PCT/AU1998/000694 WO1999012132A1 (en) | 1997-09-03 | 1998-08-26 | Vending machine |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2342804A1 CA2342804A1 (en) | 1999-03-11 |
| CA2342804C true CA2342804C (en) | 2007-11-13 |
Family
ID=3804307
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002342804A Expired - Fee Related CA2342804C (en) | 1997-09-03 | 1998-08-26 | Vending machine |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2002510334A (en) |
| AU (1) | AUPP003197A0 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2342804C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999021835A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2000034269A1 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2000-06-15 | American Home Products Corporation | Thiourea inhibitors of herpes viruses |
| US6166028A (en) | 1998-12-09 | 2000-12-26 | American Home Products Corporation | Diaminopuridine-containing thiourea inhibitors of herpes viruses |
| WO2000041698A1 (en) | 1999-01-13 | 2000-07-20 | Bayer Corporation | φ-CARBOXY ARYL SUBSTITUTED DIPHENYL UREAS AS p38 KINASE INHIBITORS |
| US8124630B2 (en) | 1999-01-13 | 2012-02-28 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | ω-carboxyaryl substituted diphenyl ureas as raf kinase inhibitors |
| US7381744B1 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2008-06-03 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Health And Human Services | Method of treating osteoporosis comprising vacuolar-type (H+)-ATPase-inhibiting compounds |
| DE60023853T2 (en) * | 1999-03-12 | 2006-05-24 | Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield | AROMATIC HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES |
| WO2001017562A1 (en) * | 1999-09-02 | 2001-03-15 | Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Osteogenesis promoting agents |
| AU1617901A (en) | 1999-11-16 | 2001-05-30 | Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Urea derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents |
| CA2441790A1 (en) | 2001-03-27 | 2002-10-03 | Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines derivatives as urotensin ii receptor antagonists |
| MXPA03009648A (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2005-10-05 | Bayer Ag | Inhibition of raf kinase using quinolyl, isoquinolyl or pyridyl ureas. |
| AU2002358071B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2008-06-12 | Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 4-(piperidyl- and pyrrolidyl-alkyl-ureido)-quinolines as urotensin II receptor antagonists |
| CN1318404C (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2007-05-30 | 拜耳制药公司 | Aryl ureas as kinase inhibitors |
| PT1478358E (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2013-09-11 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Sorafenib tosylate for the treatment of diseases characterized by abnormal angiogenesis |
| EP1554249A2 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2005-07-20 | Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 1-pyridin-4-yl-urea derivatives |
| PL1626714T3 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2007-12-31 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Diaryl ureas for diseases mediated by pdgfr |
| CN1856469B (en) | 2003-07-23 | 2013-03-06 | 拜耳医药保健有限责任公司 | Fluoro substituted omega-carboxyaryl diphenyl urea for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions |
| BRPI0414777A (en) | 2003-09-26 | 2006-11-21 | Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd | compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, use of one or more compounds, and method of treating a patient suffering from a disorder |
| KR101271372B1 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2013-06-07 | 액테리온 파마슈티칼 리미티드 | 1-[2-(4-benzyl-4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl)-ethyl]-3-(2-methyl-quinolin-4-yl)-urea as crystalline sulfate salts |
| JP5406030B2 (en) | 2006-10-21 | 2014-02-05 | アボット ゲーエムベーハー ウント カンパニー カーゲー | Heterocyclic compounds and their use as glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitors |
| US9266855B2 (en) | 2010-09-27 | 2016-02-23 | AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG | Heterocyclic compounds and their use as glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors |
| US9090592B2 (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2015-07-28 | AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG | Heterocyclic compounds and their use as glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors |
| PT3837256T (en) | 2018-08-17 | 2023-05-23 | Novartis Ag | Urea compounds and compositions as smarca2/brm atpase inhibitors |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0876345B1 (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 2004-08-18 | Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Heterocyclic compounds as h+-atpases |
-
1997
- 1997-09-03 AU AUPP0031A patent/AUPP003197A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
1998
- 1998-08-26 CA CA002342804A patent/CA2342804C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-10-26 WO PCT/JP1998/004841 patent/WO1999021835A1/en active Application Filing
- 1998-10-26 JP JP52372599A patent/JP2002510334A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2002510334A (en) | 2002-04-02 |
| WO1999021835A1 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
| CA2342804A1 (en) | 1999-03-11 |
| AUPP003197A0 (en) | 1997-11-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |