EP0950995A2 - Anordnung einer Kippschale als Kundenzugang zu einem Verkaufsautomat - Google Patents

Anordnung einer Kippschale als Kundenzugang zu einem Verkaufsautomat Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0950995A2
EP0950995A2 EP99106217A EP99106217A EP0950995A2 EP 0950995 A2 EP0950995 A2 EP 0950995A2 EP 99106217 A EP99106217 A EP 99106217A EP 99106217 A EP99106217 A EP 99106217A EP 0950995 A2 EP0950995 A2 EP 0950995A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hollow body
assembly according
tipping
package
product
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99106217A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0950995A3 (de
Inventor
Adriano Adriani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FAS International SRL
Original Assignee
FAS International SRL
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 FAS International SRL filed Critical FAS International SRL
Publication of EP0950995A2 publication Critical patent/EP0950995A2/de
Publication of EP0950995A3 publication Critical patent/EP0950995A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G07F11/16—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
    • G07F11/04—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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tipping tray assembly acting as a customer access vend door, particularly for use in vending machines which can be installed in places open to the public.
  • a conventional vending machine comprises a magazine for storing products to be sold, a dispensing device which can be controlled by a control unit, which can be usually enabled by means of a token or cash or an electronic key or the like, and a vend door for access to a delivery compartment from which a requested product can be retrieved.
  • the whole unit is supported by a stout frame which is closed by metal sheets suitable for providing adequate resistance to any breaking attempts.
  • Automation and motorization of vend doors for access to the delivery compartment has the drawback that its control operating systems are liable to become jammed, and thus periodic and accurate maintenance of the vending machine is required.
  • the problem also consists of keeping the delivery compartment clean, i.e., free from any soiling or trash deposited by ill-intentioned people. Cleanliness and hygiene are in any case indispensable requirements to avoid irritating and discouraging customers from purchasing goods through a vending machine. To this end, it is important to provide a delivery compartment in a vending machine, which is clearly visible and has no dark or hardly accessible regions.
  • the main object of the present invention is to provide a tipping delivery compartment acting as a vend door which is of quite practical and efficient operation and ensures that its content is fully discharged each time, in order to prevent dispensed products from remaining uncollected or to avoid the delivery compartment being used as a place for collecting objects or trash deposited by the customer.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a delivery compartment, which can be easily accessible and washable or otherwise cleaned from outside.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a delivery compartment, which is theft-proof.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a tipping delivery compartment that can be used as an access vend door which allows easy and quick removal of dispensed products, besides being simple and thus of low cost to manufacture.
  • a tipping delivery assembly acting as an access vend door, particularly suitable for a vending machine, comprising a hollow body which is arranged to oscillate about a horizontal axis of rotation between a loading position for loading therein at least one package of product and a tipping position for unloading each package of product, an inner compartment or chamber delimited in said body for receiving and collecting one or more packages of products, an access opening at the top of said chamber, which in said loading position is arranged to act as an inlet passage for each package of product whereas in said tipping or unloading position allows access to said compartment or chamber to remove each package loaded therein, and a tab which is shaped as a handle for manual tipping of said hollow body by an operator about said axis of rotation starting from said loading position.
  • said hollow body is asymmetrically distributed around said axis of rotation, so as to move automatically and quickly into its loading position starting from a tipping position upon being released by the operator.
  • the reference numeral 1 generally designates a delivery compartment assembly acting as a vend door for retrieving (packaged) items dispensed by a vending machine, which comprises a supporting frame 2 for a magazine (not shown) containing the items to be distributed and a dispensing device controlled by a token, a card or an electronic key, as in common practice in the art.
  • a gravity downhill path 3 extends from the magazine and terminates at its lower part at assembly 1, where it can be closed by a gate 6.
  • the gate 6 has an edge which is articulated to the internal wall of the path or duct 3.
  • a block 10 is welded or otherwise fixed to the inner wall 9 of the path 3 and has a hinge 11 which is rigidly coupled to the gate 6.
  • the block 10 is preferably at least partly covered by a metal plate 8 to prevent falling items from being retained by the block.
  • the inner wall 9 of the path 3 opposite to the hinge 11 ends close to, but not in contact with, the outer wall of the delivery compartment 1 and its edge 12 is radiused and curved outwards with respect to the passage 3 for stiffening purposes.
  • the assembly 1 comprises a shell or hollow body 4 which is substantially shaped like a portion of a hollow cylinder and is mounted on the frame 2 so that it can rotate on two lateral pivots 5 which are axially aligned so that the hollow body 4 can oscillate about a horizontal axis of rotation between a loading position ( Figure 1) and a tipping or unloading position (Figure 3).
  • the hollow body 4 has a rear opening 13 at its cylindrical portion, while on the opposite side it has an end wall 14 and side walls 15 which might be slightly convex towards the outside, said end and side walls delimiting an internal compartment or chamber 16 for receiving or collecting (packaged) items to be dispensed.
  • At least part of the walls 14 and 15 can be perforated or grilled for lightening purposes and to prevent liquids from being collected in the chamber 16.
  • the steps of loading, rotation and unloading of the drum 4 occur by means of a counterclockwise angular movement of said hollow body in the direction shown by arrow A.
  • Lateral reinforcement disks 18 are provided between the shell 4 and the pivots 5.
  • a portion 19 of the hollow body 4 is designed to protrude from the frame 2 and has a rounded ridge which is externally shaped as a longitudinal lip 20, which can be accessed from the outside of the vending machine and is designed to act as a grip element for the user.
  • the configuration of the hollow body 4 is such that its center of gravity is offset with respect to its axis of rotation, and thus, if released, it is automatically arranged as shown in Figure 1, i.e., in its loading position.
  • the lip 20 abuts against an upper wall 21 of the frame 2, while the lower portion of the hollow body 4 is arranged against a shoulder and is accommodated in a recess 22 formed in a lower portion 23 of the frame 2, whereas in its overturned or unloading position the end part of the portion 19 abuts against an external chamfer 24 close to the recess 22 in the wall 23.
  • the thickness of the wall 21 and 23 of the frame 2 facing the hollow body 4 has a respective rounded region 25 and 26 to ensure minimum clearance between frame 2 and hollow body 4 and thus to leave no free space for inserting breaking tools to have access to the vending machine.
  • the gate 6 During the loading step the gate 6 remains lowered and resting at its free end on the lower edge 27 of the rear opening 43. In this position, the gate 10 is inclined toward the opening 13 and acts as an inclined-plane chute to guide the descent of the product or products to be dispensed ( Figure 1).
  • the gate 6 In moved by the edge 27 of the opening 13 and rotates in the direction of the arrow B ( Figure 1) and before reaching its unloading position ( Figure 2) it closes the lower end or mouth of the path 3 and keeps it closed until the hollow body 4 is rotated backward. This position of the gate 6 makes it possible to keep another product possibly selected by customer on standby position until the hollow body 4 is again rotated to its loading position.
  • the selected product or item descends by gravity along path 3, slides along gate 6 arranged at an angle and is directed to the receiving chamber 16 while passing through opening 13. At this point the customer grips the lip 20 and pushes it downward, thus turning the hollow body 4 in the direction of the arrow A, possibly overcoming the contrast of a counterweight (not shown in the drawings). At the same time, the gate 6 is moved to its horizontal position, thereby closing the lower end of the passage 3. Once the hollow body 4 is completely tipped forward toward the customer (unloading position), the customer can have easy access to the inside of the receiving chamber 16, which is clearly visible from the outside of the vending machine, in order to remove the selected product.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a different embodiment in which the wall 15 of the receiving chamber 16 is flat in order to ensure that in the fully tipped position the chamber 16 is completely and automatically emptied.
  • Figures 5 to 9 illustrate an embodiment in which the grip element of the hollow body 4 is constituted by a longitudinal groove 28, e.g. in the shape of a semicircle in cross-section and having a raised lip 29, which can be received during a loading step ( Figure 5), in a respective seat 30 formed in the outer wall 31 of the frame 2.
  • a fixed chute acting as an inclined plane 32 at the lower mouth of the passage 3.
  • the hollow body 4 has a raised portion 33 which is adjacent to the opening 13 and is arranged to abut against a shoulder 35 which is formed in the internal wall 34 of the frame 2 ( Figure 12).
  • the sequence of Figures 9 to 12 illustrates the steps of rotation of the hollow body 4 from the loading position ( Figure 9) to the unloading position ( Figure 12).
  • the gate 6 is L-shaped, so as to rest on the opening 13 and be moved by the edge of the raised portion 33.
  • the product receiving chamber 16 has a relatively larger capacity.
  • Figures 15 to 18 illustrate another embodiment, in which the receiving chamber 16 has a wall 15 with a broad concave portion 36.
  • the movement of the hollow body 4 preferably is caused manually by the customer.
  • the hollow body 4 can be provided with resilient return means or be operatively connected to a source of motion.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
  • Mechanical Pencils And Projecting And Retracting Systems Therefor, And Multi-System Writing Instruments (AREA)
EP99106217A 1998-04-15 1999-04-12 Anordnung einer Kippschale als Kundenzugang zu einem Verkaufsautomat Withdrawn EP0950995A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT98VR000027A IT1299658B1 (it) 1998-04-15 1998-04-15 Gruppo vano di raccolta ribaltabile adibibile a portello di prelievo
ITVR980027 1998-04-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0950995A2 true EP0950995A2 (de) 1999-10-20
EP0950995A3 EP0950995A3 (de) 1999-11-24

Family

ID=11428519

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99106217A Withdrawn EP0950995A3 (de) 1998-04-15 1999-04-12 Anordnung einer Kippschale als Kundenzugang zu einem Verkaufsautomat

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0950995A3 (de)
IT (1) IT1299658B1 (de)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004047033A1 (en) * 2002-11-21 2004-06-03 Necta Vending Solutions S.P.A. Packaged product vending machine
WO2008028266A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-13 Whirlpool S.A Device for dispensing beverage cans
EP1916633A2 (de) * 2006-10-25 2008-04-30 Sielaff Gmbh & Co. Kg Automatenbau Ausgabefach, Verkaufsautomat und Verfahren
EP1821268B1 (de) * 2005-12-02 2014-08-27 R. Weiss Verpackungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG Abgabeeinrichtung für Lebensmittel

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1998625A (en) * 1934-02-05 1935-04-23 John F Meyer Delivery device
DE2120406B2 (de) * 1971-04-26 1976-09-23 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Muenzrueckgabe
US4576272A (en) * 1984-06-21 1986-03-18 The Coca-Cola Company Counter-top or wall-mounted vending machine
DE9107866U1 (de) * 1991-06-26 1991-09-26 Siemens Ag, 8000 Muenchen, De
US5375737A (en) * 1993-09-29 1994-12-27 Unidynamics Corporation Vend door assembly

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004047033A1 (en) * 2002-11-21 2004-06-03 Necta Vending Solutions S.P.A. Packaged product vending machine
EP1821268B1 (de) * 2005-12-02 2014-08-27 R. Weiss Verpackungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG Abgabeeinrichtung für Lebensmittel
WO2008028266A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-13 Whirlpool S.A Device for dispensing beverage cans
AU2007294419B2 (en) * 2006-09-06 2010-07-29 Whirlpool S.A. Device for dispensing beverage cans
CN101484926B (zh) * 2006-09-06 2011-01-19 惠而浦股份有限公司 用于分配饮料罐的装置
EP1916633A2 (de) * 2006-10-25 2008-04-30 Sielaff Gmbh & Co. Kg Automatenbau Ausgabefach, Verkaufsautomat und Verfahren
EP1916633A3 (de) * 2006-10-25 2009-03-11 Sielaff Gmbh & Co. Kg Automatenbau Ausgabefach, Verkaufsautomat und Verfahren

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0950995A3 (de) 1999-11-24
ITVR980027A1 (it) 1999-10-15
IT1299658B1 (it) 2000-03-24

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