EP2363841A1 - Distributeur de produits et procédé de distribution - Google Patents

Distributeur de produits et procédé de distribution Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2363841A1
EP2363841A1 EP10155534A EP10155534A EP2363841A1 EP 2363841 A1 EP2363841 A1 EP 2363841A1 EP 10155534 A EP10155534 A EP 10155534A EP 10155534 A EP10155534 A EP 10155534A EP 2363841 A1 EP2363841 A1 EP 2363841A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
product
line
dispensing mechanism
dispensing
tray
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Withdrawn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
EP10155534A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Eric Van Velzen
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.)
AUTOMATED RETAIL CONCEPTS BV
Original Assignee
AUTOMATED RETAIL CONCEPTS BV
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 AUTOMATED RETAIL CONCEPTS BV filed Critical AUTOMATED RETAIL CONCEPTS BV
Priority to EP10155534A priority Critical patent/EP2363841A1/fr
Publication of EP2363841A1 publication Critical patent/EP2363841A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
    • 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
    • G07F11/165—Delivery means using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/005—Special arrangements for insuring that only one single article may be dispensed at a time
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a product dispensing machine and a dispensing method.
  • Vending machines are known to have a plurality of product trays for storing products before they get dispensed. Some vending machines comprise trays having separate compartments for every product. The separating means take up space and therefore reduce space and also narrow down the variety of dispensable articles. Furthermore, for each tray such vending machines will need a separate motor for driving the articles on the tray towards an outlet.
  • WO 03/074396 A1 describes a dispensing mechanism which adjusts for dispensing different product packaging formats and dimensions.
  • One or more sliding carrier back-sleds are used which force a product last in line towards the outlet thereby forcing the products in front of the last product in the same direction.
  • the dispensing mechanism of WO 03/074396 A1 does not have separating means for separating the products. But still it needs at least one motor for each product tray. The more motors that are needed, the more expensive the vending machine will become. Furthermore, the chance of a malfunctioning increases with the number of motors as well.
  • the invention provides a product dispensing machine comprising a motorized collecting means and a plurality of product trays , each being arranged to store products in line and comprising a dispensing mechanism at an outer end of the tray.
  • the motorized collecting means is arranged to approach each of said product trays and to move at least one dispensing mechanism from a blocking position, in which said dispensing mechanism blocks a product first in line on said tray, into a dispense position in which the product first in line is removed from the tray onto the collecting means, said dispensing mechanism being arranged to block a product second in line while being in the dispense position.
  • the invention enables dispensing products that vary in size and weight in a vending machine, maximizing product space and using a minimum of motorized elements, thus reducing production costs, maintenance and incidents.
  • the motorized collecting means is arranged to move said at least one dispensing mechanism from said dispense position back into said blocking position.
  • each of said product trays further comprises pushing means for pushing a product last in line towards the dispensing mechanism. If the trays are placed horizontal, the gravity force cannot be used, and a pushing means can deliver the necessary force.
  • a pushing means can deliver the necessary force.
  • An example is a sliding carrier back sled.
  • the pushing means are arranged to bias said products on said tray by means of springs, so no additional motor needed to push the products.
  • the dispensing mechanism may comprise a blocking surface for blocking said product first in line and a pushing surface for pushing said product first in line out of place.
  • the dispensing mechanism is arranged, when activated by said collecting means, to lift said product first in line.
  • the dispensing mechanism comprises a lever arranged to rotate about a pivoting axis and having a first lever arm for engaging said collecting means and a second arm connected to the pushing surface.
  • the dispensing mechanism described above may comprise:
  • two side edges of the blocking surface are guided by guiding means so as to be forced in a substantially upright position in the blocking position of the dispensing mechanism, and be able to pivot once the dispensing mechanism gets pivoted to a certain degree by the collecting means.
  • the first product only needs to be lifted just a little bit and will then be pushed forward due to the pushing force of the product behind and or the pushing means.
  • the guiding means comprise a cam having a curved edge at the top.
  • the invention also relates to a product tray for use in a dispensing machine as described above.
  • the invention relates to a method of dispensing products out of a vending machine, the method comprising:
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a product dispensing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the machine 1 comprises a housing 2 with an outlet opening 3 for taking out an ordered product.
  • the machine 1 comprises a plurality of product trays 4 on which products 5-8 can be stored.
  • the last product 8 in line is pushed towards the dispensing mechanism 10 by means of a back sled 11 slidably arranged on said product tray 4.
  • the machine 1 comprises a collecting means 15 for collecting a product from one of the trays 4.
  • the collecting means comprise an elevator 15 which can move up and down, and from left to right. Inside the elevator 15 a slide is arranged that can be moved out of the elevator 15 as will be explained in more detail below.
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a front view of the machine 1 in which only one product is shown, see product 5.
  • Figure 2 shows that the trays 4 are arranged in so-called floors 20, 21.
  • Each floor 20, 21 may comprise one or more product trays 4.
  • the elevator 15 can be moved in two dimensions. In this way, the elevator 15 can approach any product tray 4 on any floor 20, 21.
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a floor 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the floor 20 comprises three product trays 31, 32, 33.
  • the trays are defined by walls 34,35,36,37.
  • the trays are preferably manufactured out of aluminum.
  • products can be lined up.
  • the products are packed in box-shaped packages. Due to their flat outer surfaces, box-shaped packages can be positioned close to each other.
  • a single product tray 31, 32, 33 can contain one or multiple dispensing mechanisms depending on the products to be vended.
  • the tray 31 contains two dispensing mechanisms 41 and 42.
  • FIG 4 is a perspective view of a single dispensing mechanism 41 according to an embodiment.
  • the dispensing mechanism 41 of this embodiment works as a lever and is also referred to as lever mechanism 41.
  • the lever mechanism 41 pivots around an axis 51 which also holds the lever mechanism 41 in its position.
  • the axis 51 is clamped into an axis holder 57 which is arranged next to a base plate 58 of the dispensing mechanism 41.
  • the axis holder 57 comprises a slit for passing through the lever arm 52.
  • the pivot arm 52 comprises two suitable kinks which also make the lever arm more flexible.
  • the dispensing mechanism 41 comprises a first lever arm 52 and a second lever arm 53.
  • the lever arms 52 and 53 are manufactured out of single sheet steel which results in a strong and simple design.
  • the second lever arm 53 transcends into a first blocking plate 54 which makes an angle ⁇ with the second lever arm 53.
  • a second blocking plate 55 is pivot ably connected to the second lever arm 53 by means of a hinge 58. That part of the upper surface of the second lever arm 53 which makes contact with the product 5 first in line is also referred to as pushing surface 53.
  • guiding means 56 are arranged at both sides of the dispensing mechanism 41.
  • the dispensing mechanism 41 is in a blocking position in which the product first in line is prevented from leaving the tray.
  • the collecting means 15, i.e. the elevator 15 moves above the product tray to be approached.
  • it extends a bucket 16 and moves slowly downward. By moving downward, the bucket 16 will push down on the front of the lever arm 52 resulting in a pivoting/rotating movement about the axis 51, which lifts up the rear end of the second lever arm 53.
  • the lever arm 52 is flexible making it possible that the relative heavy products can be dispensed onto the collecting means.
  • the bucket 16 will be retracted into the elevator 15, so that the elevator can go down and pass the lever arm 52.
  • the bucket 16 is beneath the lever arm 52, it extends again and the elevator 15 will go up so that the lever arm 52 is pushed up and the dispensing mechanism is back into its blocking position. Due to the lever mechanism, the back side of the lever arm 53 pushes the next product, i.e. product 6, a bit back when the front of the lever is being tilted, creating room for the lever mechanism to get back in its blocking position.
  • the two guiding means 56 also referred to as side ridges 56, make sure the top arm 55 is being guided along the rotation.
  • the lever mechanism 41, 42 shown in Figures 4-7 is capable of dispensing a range of products that vary in size, weight and packaging.
  • the lever By pushing downward on one side of the lever, the first product is being lifted out of its position from the particular tray. While one side is lifting up the article, the next article in line is being held back by the backside of the lever mechanism. Once the product has been dispensed, the lever can be pushed upward, thus creating the possibility for the next article to move onto the lever.
  • FIG 8 shows a cross section of a dispensing mechanism according to a further embodiment.
  • the dispensing mechanism comprises a roller 80 rotatable around an axis, mounted at an outer end of a product tray.
  • the roller has a circular cross section and comprises a recess which results in a pushing surface 83 for pushing the first product out of line.
  • the roller 80 can be activated by a gear mechanism 82 present on the elevator 15.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
EP10155534A 2010-03-04 2010-03-04 Distributeur de produits et procédé de distribution Withdrawn EP2363841A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10155534A EP2363841A1 (fr) 2010-03-04 2010-03-04 Distributeur de produits et procédé de distribution

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10155534A EP2363841A1 (fr) 2010-03-04 2010-03-04 Distributeur de produits et procédé de distribution

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2363841A1 true EP2363841A1 (fr) 2011-09-07

Family

ID=42342895

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10155534A Withdrawn EP2363841A1 (fr) 2010-03-04 2010-03-04 Distributeur de produits et procédé de distribution

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2363841A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103723380A (zh) * 2013-12-16 2014-04-16 富美科技集团有限公司 一种自助服务站用存货箱
WO2015019645A1 (fr) * 2013-08-09 2015-02-12 富士電機株式会社 Dispositif de stockage de produits
CN107452132A (zh) * 2017-08-02 2017-12-08 成都先讯物联网技术有限公司 智能售货机
EP3332672A1 (fr) * 2016-12-12 2018-06-13 smark - Philipp Hoening & Maximilian Ittermann GbR Magazine mobile
CN110009808A (zh) * 2019-04-01 2019-07-12 广州巨米智能设备有限公司 一种自动售货机的出货限位顶出机构
CN110073422A (zh) * 2016-12-16 2019-07-30 百事可乐公司 倚靠式自动售货机
CN110120127B (zh) * 2019-05-20 2021-07-09 株式会社镰仓食品有限公司 分配器装置及自动售货机

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2784872A (en) * 1952-12-19 1957-03-12 Eugene J Lux Vending machine
US5121854A (en) * 1990-01-16 1992-06-16 Hobart Corporation Apparatus for storing and dispensing frozen comestibles
US5873489A (en) * 1995-08-25 1999-02-23 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Commodities storing apparatus of vending machine
US6513677B1 (en) * 1997-10-14 2003-02-04 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Apparatus and method for vending products
WO2003074396A1 (fr) 2002-03-04 2003-09-12 Alexandre Maldonado Mecanisme de distribution ajustable faisant intervenir une poussee vers l'avant
US6682289B1 (en) * 1999-04-02 2004-01-27 The Coca-Cola Company Dispensing apparatus and method of using same
US20050067426A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 Holdway John Barrett Clear door vending machine

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2784872A (en) * 1952-12-19 1957-03-12 Eugene J Lux Vending machine
US5121854A (en) * 1990-01-16 1992-06-16 Hobart Corporation Apparatus for storing and dispensing frozen comestibles
US5873489A (en) * 1995-08-25 1999-02-23 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Commodities storing apparatus of vending machine
US6513677B1 (en) * 1997-10-14 2003-02-04 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Apparatus and method for vending products
US6682289B1 (en) * 1999-04-02 2004-01-27 The Coca-Cola Company Dispensing apparatus and method of using same
WO2003074396A1 (fr) 2002-03-04 2003-09-12 Alexandre Maldonado Mecanisme de distribution ajustable faisant intervenir une poussee vers l'avant
US20050067426A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 Holdway John Barrett Clear door vending machine

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015019645A1 (fr) * 2013-08-09 2015-02-12 富士電機株式会社 Dispositif de stockage de produits
JP5794392B2 (ja) * 2013-08-09 2015-10-14 富士電機株式会社 商品収納装置
CN103723380A (zh) * 2013-12-16 2014-04-16 富美科技集团有限公司 一种自助服务站用存货箱
EP3861891A1 (fr) * 2016-12-12 2021-08-11 smark - Philipp Hoening & Maximilian Ittermann GbR Système de stockage et de préhension
EP3332672A1 (fr) * 2016-12-12 2018-06-13 smark - Philipp Hoening & Maximilian Ittermann GbR Magazine mobile
CN110073422B (zh) * 2016-12-16 2022-09-16 百事可乐公司 倚靠式自动售货机
CN110073422A (zh) * 2016-12-16 2019-07-30 百事可乐公司 倚靠式自动售货机
EP3555868A4 (fr) * 2016-12-16 2020-05-06 Pepsico, Inc. Distributeur automatique allégé
US11170599B2 (en) 2016-12-16 2021-11-09 Pepsico, Inc. Lean vending machine
AU2017377937B2 (en) * 2016-12-16 2022-04-28 Pepsico, Inc. Lean vending machine
US11928910B2 (en) 2016-12-16 2024-03-12 Pepsico, Inc. Lean vending machine
EP4375960A3 (fr) * 2016-12-16 2024-06-19 Pepsico Inc Distributeur automatique à faible encombrement
CN107452132A (zh) * 2017-08-02 2017-12-08 成都先讯物联网技术有限公司 智能售货机
CN110009808A (zh) * 2019-04-01 2019-07-12 广州巨米智能设备有限公司 一种自动售货机的出货限位顶出机构
CN110009808B (zh) * 2019-04-01 2023-11-14 广州巨米智能设备有限公司 一种自动售货机的出货限位顶出机构
CN110120127B (zh) * 2019-05-20 2021-07-09 株式会社镰仓食品有限公司 分配器装置及自动售货机

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