FR3071143A1 - SEMI-AUTOMATIC DISPENSER OF FOODSTUFFS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a semi-automatic food dispenser (30) comprising: - a storage magazine, protected by a wall (2) at least partly transparent, - a locking means locking the storage magazine, - a round glove (3a) arranged across the wall (2), - a sleeve (3b) fixed around the circumference of the round of glove (3a) and having at its end a glove (3c), and - a collection zone (3a); 18) arranged in the storage magazine and having a hatch (18c) opening towards the outside of the storage magazine, so that the storage store protects food for example against theft and contaminations, a user can introduce his hand in the sleeve to palpate and select a foodstuff before buying it. The invention also relates to a method of using a semiautomatic food dispenser according to the invention.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention is in the field of self-service food dispensers.

The present invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the distribution of fresh products, in particular fruit and vegetables. The present invention finds application in the distribution of bulk commodities such as confectionery, grain, etc.

State of the art

There are many self-service food distributors, this type of device is advantageous for the seller because it protects the sold product from theft and damage and does not require the permanent presence of personnel.

The prior art knows the document FR2807853 which discloses an automatic fruit dispenser which contains ten shelves on which the fruits are aligned. Said distributor is equipped with a robotic manipulator which picks up the fruit at the end of a shelf and then deposits it directly in a delivery terminal. The automatic distributor described by document FR2807853 only allows a visual examination of the fruit before purchase, and again, limited to a restricted angle of view.

The prior art knows the document EP244990 which describes a vending machine for foods such as drink cans and sweets, but which does not allow a specific item to be selected from among others. In addition, it is not suitable for distributing fruit since the latter would be stacked on top of each other and therefore subjected to a crushing force.

None of the known devices makes it possible to meet all the required requirements, namely to offer a self-service food dispenser which allows the consumer a tactile examination and an improved visual examination of the product before purchase, while retaining the advantages of '' a vending machine, in particular those relating to the protection of the product against theft and against the risks of contamination or degradation.

Statement of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy the limitations of self-service distributors known from the prior art. Indeed, the experience of selecting a food offered by self-service distributors described by the prior art is not satisfactory for certain type of food that the consumer likes to handle and examine before buy.

These types of food include in particular fruits, vegetables, bulk food and any other product whose sensory characteristics related to touch (firmness, roughness, etc.) inform the consumer about the quality of the product. In addition, the self-service dispensers described by the art do not allow the consumer to turn around the product to examine it visually.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a semi-automatic food distributor which comprises:

- a storage warehouse, protected by an at least partially transparent wall,

- a locking means locking the storage magazine,

- a round of glove arranged across the wall,

- a sleeve fixed on the periphery of the glove ring and comprising a glove at its end, and

- a collection area set up in the storage store and comprising a hatch opening towards the outside of the storage store.

Thanks to these provisions, the user can palpate the food made available by the semi-automatic dispenser, he can also grasp the food and rotate it on itself for an improved visual examination through the transparent wall. In addition, the wall is locked, which protects the food against theft and possible risks of contamination from the outside environment.

In addition, the store also serves as a display. The user can easily view all of the fruit offered for sale.

Advantageously, the fruits are arranged in bulk in the storage store, so the distributor does not require shelves or other arrangements of the storage store.

In some embodiments, the ambient temperature in the storage store is regulated by means of a temperature sensor and a heating means and / or a cooling means.

Thanks to these provisions, temperature regulation allows longer storage of the food stored in the store.

In some embodiments, the ambient humidity in the storage store is controlled.

In some embodiments, the storage magazine is sealed.

Thanks to these provisions, an improved control of the temperature and humidity conditions can be exercised on the storage warehouse. In addition, these provisions allow increased protection against contamination of the foodstuffs contained in the storage warehouse.

In embodiments, the sleeve has a bellows structure allowing its longitudinal extension.

Thanks to these provisions, the user can move his hand positioned in the glove more freely in the storage store.

In embodiments, the glove comprises a ring pivotally mounted in a joining means, fixed to the sleeve.

Thanks to these provisions, a user who has inserted his hand in the glove and a part of his forearm in the sleeve can turn his hand without being constrained. Such arrangements allow increased comfort for the user and a more efficient visual examination of the food entered by the user who can rotate the food.

In embodiments, at least one tensioning wire connecting the glove ring to the glove is configured to allow passive return of the glove to a storage position attached to the glove ring.

Thanks to these provisions, the storage of the glove in its storage position is ensured between each use of the glove.

In embodiments, the glove has a pressure sensor which measures the pressure exerted between two parts of the glove and in which a visual, audible or silent alarm is triggered when the measured pressure value exceeds a predetermined value.

Thanks to these provisions, degradation of a commodity caused by too rough handling of this commodity can be avoided by alerting the user and / or by alerting personnel in charge of monitoring the distributor.

In embodiments, the collection area comprises, in addition to the hatch, a second hatch, said hatches closing two openings of an airlock.

Thanks to these provisions, an airlock is formed between the interior space formed by the storage store and the exterior space. The airlock prevents access to the storage warehouse and thus reinforces protection against theft and contamination.

In embodiments, at least one of the doors is movable in translation by means of a screw-nut system, and of a motor.

In embodiments, the collection area includes an electronic scale.

Thanks to these provisions, the product can be weighed during the purchase, in particular to determine its weight for the calculation of the sale price.

In embodiments, the semi-automatic food distributor further comprises a computer processing system provided with a device configured to carry out at least the following operations:

- weigh the weight of the food placed on the scale by the user,

- define the price to be paid according to the weight of the commodity,

- record the order and payment for the commodity, and

- order at least one hatch to allow the user to recover the product purchased.

In embodiments, the semi-automatic food dispenser includes an electronic display.

In embodiments, at least one of the doors can be kept closed by means of an electromechanical locking mechanism.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of using a semi-automatic food dispenser according to the invention which comprises:

- a step of threading the consumer's hand into the glove,

- a selection step by visual observation and / or palpation of a commodity by the gloved hand,

a step of manual displacement of the selected foodstuff towards a collection zone by the gloved hand, and

- a stage of collection of the selected commodity.

In embodiments, the method of using a semi-automatic food dispenser further comprises at least one of the following steps:

- a step of weighing a commodity selected by a user,

- a step of determining the price of the commodity weighed,

- a step of displaying the price of the weighed commodity,

- an order and payment step, and

- a step of opening at least one hatch to allow direct access to the food.

The advantages, aims and characteristics of the process which is the subject of the invention being similar to the advantages of the semi-automatic food dispenser which is the subject of the invention, they are not repeated here.

Presentation of the figures

Other particular advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows, schematically and in perspective view, a particular embodiment of a semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention,

FIG. 2 represents, schematically and in perspective view, a particular embodiment of a semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention, the storage magazine is shown open and the sleeve is folded back on itself,

FIG. 3 is a 3/4 view of a particular embodiment of a semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention, the storage store is shown closed and the sleeve is stretched,

FIGS. 4 and 4bis represent, schematically and in perspective view, a particular embodiment of the sleeve,

- Figure 5 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of the sleeve,

FIG. 6 represents, diagrammatically and in perspective view, a particular embodiment of the semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention,

FIGS. 7 to 10 show from various angles a particular embodiment of the collection zone,

FIGS. 11 to 12 represent, schematically and in perspective view, a particular embodiment of the semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention,

FIG. 13 represents, schematically and in perspective view, a particular embodiment of the semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention, and

- Figure 14 shows, in the form of a flowchart, a particular embodiment of the method of using the semi-automatic food dispenser object of the invention.

Detailed description of a particular embodiment of the invention

This description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment can be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

We note, as of now, that the figures are not to scale.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a representation of a particular embodiment of a semi-automatic food distributor 20. The semi-automatic food distributor 20 comprises a base 1 which carries at least part of the elements of the distributor semi-automatic commodity 20.

A wall 2 at least partially transparent is carried by the base 1. Advantageously the wall can be solid, formed of a glass or plexiglass material, for example. The wall 2 can also be formed by a mesh of metallic material or plastic for example.

The volume delimited and protected by the base 1 and the wall 2 forms the storage magazine. Said storage store is configured to house the food 11,12 intended for distribution or sale. In preferred embodiments these commodities are fresh fruit. The storage store serves both as a fruit storage area, but also as a display.

Advantageously, the storage store has a simple shape having a volume sufficient to contain several types of food. Said storage magazine is thus adapted to contain a wide range of foodstuffs, moreover it is configured so as to be easy to clean, in compliance with hygiene standards.

In embodiments, the base 1 is made of wood like a piece of furniture. The base 1 can also be made of painted metal or covered with a printed plastic film.

In embodiments the wall 2 is mounted movable in translation on the base 1 by means of two guide rails 5a and 5b so that the wall 2 can be moved along the axis formed by the two guide rails 5a and 5b. This characteristic of the invention makes it possible to open the storage magazine to allow access to it in order to replenish it with food.

The operation of the guide rails 5a and 5b can easily be understood by observing FIG. 1 in which the storage magazine is shown closed and by observing FIG. 2 in which the storage magazine 2 shown open.

The semi-automatic food dispenser 20 includes a locking means (not shown) which allows the wall 2 to be locked in the closed position. In embodiments the locking means is a latch with lock mounted on the base 1 and configured to block the translation of said storage magazine when it is locked, in other embodiments the locking means is an electromechanical lock .

The wall 2 is pierced with an opening dimensioned to accommodate a round of glove 3a. The glove ring 3a is a ring-shaped piece which is fixed on the opening drilled in the wall 2. A sleeve 3b is fixed on the periphery of the glove ring 3a. The sleeve 3b has at its end a glove 3c, the dimensions of which allow the hand of a user to be accommodated.

FIG. 4, 4bis and 5 show a particular embodiment of the sleeve 3b.

A user who wishes to examine a commodity contained in the storage store can introduce his forearm into the sleeve 3b and his hand into the glove 3c and thus handle the commodities.

Advantageously, the sleeve 3b is formed of a flexible, extensible sheath whose diameter allows the passage of one hand.

In embodiments, the sleeve 3b has a bellows structure which allows its longitudinal extension and its folding.

In embodiments at least one tensioning wire 3e connects the glove ring 3a to the glove 3c. At least one tensioner wire 3e is configured so that, in the absence of constraint imposed by the hand of a user, the sleeve folds back on itself and the glove is repositioned on a storage position attached to the glove ring 3a.

In embodiments the tensioning wire 3e can be formed by an elastic wire. In embodiments the tensioner wire 3e comprises an inextensible wire connected to a wire winder 3d. Other examples of embodiment include a 3rd tension wire comprising an inextensible wire connected to a spring or weight system.

We can easily understand the operation of the sleeve 3b by observing Figures 4 and 4bis which show a sleeve mounted on a glove ring. Said sleeve is shown folded back on itself in Figure 4 and is shown in elongated function in Figure 4bis, that is to say when the user puts his hand inside and exerts a force there.

One end of the sleeve 3b is fixed to the glove ring 3a and one end is fixed by means of junction 3f and 3g making it possible to link the sleeve 3b and the glove 3c. The joining means 3f and 3g are in the form of a ring and enclose a ring 3h mounted on the glove 3c.

In embodiments the glove 3c comprises a ring 3h pivotally mounted in the joining means 3f and 3g fixed to the sleeve 3b. These provisions allow the glove 3c to rotate freely on itself without the twist being transmitted to the sleeve 3b, this allows the user to manipulate and analyze the fruits from all angles.

When the user introduces his forearm into the sleeve 3b via the glove ring 3a, his hand comes into being in the glove 3c. The force exerted on said glove 3c will elongate and bend the sleeve 3b in order to reach all the areas inside the storage magazine. When the user removes his hand from the sleeve 3b, the sleeve 3b automatically folds in on itself thanks to the action of the 3d wire winders located in the base of the sleeve. The 3rd wires from these 3d winders run along the sleeve 3b and are fixed at the level of the junction means 3f and 3g.

In embodiments, the glove 3c has only one separation between the thumb and the other fingers to allow left and right-handed use.

In embodiments the glove 3c is knitted, seamless and formed at least in part from a material resistant to abrasion, tears and cuts by slicing.

In embodiments, the glove 3c includes a pressure sensor which measures the pressure exerted between two parts of the glove and a visual, audible or silent alarm is triggered when the measured pressure value exceeds a predetermined value.

In Figures 2 and 3, there is a payment system 7 integrated into the base 1 and connected to a computer processing system (not shown). This payment system 7 is suitable for receiving payments by coins, bank cards, tokens, magnetic cards and any other means of payment.

A delivery terminal 6 is located on the lower part of the base 1. The delivery terminal is the place where the fruit is delivered to the user.

An electronic display 4 is integrated into the base 1, the electronic display can include a screen or an electronic ink display, for example. Said electronic display 4 is also linked to the computer processing system, it makes it possible to provide all of the information relating to the use and operation of the machine. This information includes, for example, the measured weight of a commodity, the pricing applied per kilo, the price to pay for a transaction to purchase a commodity, a measured data representative of the conditions in the storage store (temperature, humidity ), information or alerts intended for maintenance personnel in charge of maintenance.

In FIGS. 1 to 3 and in FIG. 6, there is a collection zone 8 arranged in the base 1. When purchasing a commodity, the collection zone 8 is the place where the user positions the commodity that he grabbed his hand inserted into the glove 3c.

Figures 6 to 10 show a perspective view of the collection area 8 and the motor 10a to which the second door 8b is connected. The collection area 8 is a closed enclosure which has two openings closed by sliding walls. The receptacle 8a is a fixed part of the collection area, it is attached to the base 1 of the dispenser. A sliding hatch 8c forms the front face of the collecting zone 8. The opening of the hatch 8c allows the user to access the collecting zone 8 in order to deposit the chosen fruit there. The second hatch 8b is the second movable part configured to move in translation in one direction then in the other.

The glove 3c allows both the user to enter foodstuffs in the storage store, but also to manually open and close the sliding door 8c of the collection area 8. A sensor is integrated at the level of the storage area. collection 8 in order to determine whether the sliding hatch 8c is open or closed. When the sliding hatch 8c is closed and the user has validated the payment, an electromechanical lock blocks said hatch during the entire period of delivery of the commodity.

In embodiments, the sliding of the hatch 8c and the sliding of the second hatch 8b is automated and controlled by the computer processing system.

In embodiments, the semi-automatic food dispenser 20 includes a scale which makes it possible to measure the weight of the food placed in the collection area 8. Said scale is also connected to the computer processing system of the dispenser.

The fruit is distributed by sliding the second door 8b integral with a support piece 9. The support piece 9 is mounted on a screw-nut system provided with a motor 10a. The operation of the motor 10a allows movement in translation in both directions of the assembly formed by the support piece 9 and the second hatch 8b.

A commodity positioned on the second hatch 8b during a purchase is released by the movement of the second hatch 8b, the commodity then falls into the chimney 11. The chimney 11 positioned under the collection zone 8 makes it possible to guide the commodity to at delivery terminal 6, this routing is effected by gravitational force.

In embodiments, at least one limit switch is mounted on at least one of the doors. The limit switch allows to detect the open or closed position of a hatch.

The elements needing an electrical supply are preferably supplied by an attachment of the semi-automatic food distributor 20 to the sector. In embodiments, the semi-automatic food dispenser 20 attached to the sector is provided with a battery which is either used continuously, or used occasionally if the mains power supply is out of service.

Detailed description of an alternative embodiment of the invention

FIGS. 11 to 13 show a particular embodiment of a semi-automatic food distributor 30. The semi-automatic food distributor 30 has a wall 2 at least partially transparent mounted on a base 10. The volume defined and protected by the base 10 and the wall 2 forms the storage magazine.

The wall 2 is pierced with an opening dimensioned to accommodate a round of glove 3a. The glove ring 3a is a piece in the form of a ring which is fixed on the opening pierced in the wall 2. The semi-automatic food dispenser 30 also comprises a payment system 7 and an electronic display 4. The specificities of the wall 2, of the glove ring 3a, of the payment system 7 and of the display 4 being similar to those previously described they are not recalled here.

The semi-automatic food dispenser 30 has the particularity of comprising a collection zone 18 positioned on the front face and on the upper face of the base 10.

The positioning of the collection zone 18 is advantageous because it allows direct access to the foodstuff after a purchase via the semi-automatic foodstuff dispenser 30. Unlike the embodiment presented in one of Figures 1 to 10 neither chimney nor terminal delivery is only necessary to transport a purchased commodity. In other words, the collection zone 18 combines the functions of zone for the deposit of the commodity selected by a buyer and of delivery zone to allow the user to recover the commodity after purchase.

The collection zone 18 comprises a hatch 18c opening on the front face of the base 1 and a second hatch 18b opening on the storage magazine.

The collection area 18 is equipped with an electronic scale which makes it possible to measure the weight of the food placed in the collection area 18. Said scale is also connected to the distributor's computer processing system.

When purchasing a commodity from the semi-automatic commodity distributor 30, a user observes and selects the commodity he wishes to purchase. Then the user inserts his hand into the glove 3c and manually deposits the food he has selected in the collection zone 18 by depositing the food through the location of the hatch 18c which is in the open position. The weight of the commodity is measured by the electronic scale located in the collection area and the price of the commodity is calculated. The price is displayed via the electronic display 4, the user can then proceed to payment by means of the payment system 7.

Once the payment has been confirmed, the hatch 18c closes and the second hatch 18b opens. The user who has removed his hand from the glove 3c can then grab the food directly.

We can easily understand the operation of the airlock formed by the hatch 18c and the second hatch 18b in view of FIG. 11 which represents the hatch 18c in the closed position and the second hatch 18b in the open position, and in view of FIG. 12 which represents the hatch 18c in the open position and the second hatch 18b in the open position.

In embodiments the semi-automatic food dispenser 30 has a means for measuring the passage of time, for example by means of an internal clock of the computer processing system of the semi-automatic food distributor. Advantageously, an audible, visual or silent alarm is triggered when the electronic balance registers a weight exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined duration.

For example, if a weight greater than fifty grams is measured over a period exceeding three minutes, a silent alarm addressed to the personnel in charge of managing the distributor is triggered. The informed personnel can thus go to check if a food has been left by a user in the collection area, if necessary the staff can store the food in the storage store.

FIG. 13 shows a particular embodiment of a semi-automatic food dispenser 30 in which the rear part of the base 10 is pierced with an opening. A door 19 is mounted on the base 10 so as to cover said opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the door 19 is pivotally mounted on at least two hinges fixed to the base 10. Advantageously, a seal is inserted between the door 19 and the base 10. A locking means (not shown) makes it possible to lock the door 19 in the closed position.

This advantageous arrangement allows the personnel in charge of the management of the semi-automatic dispenser 30 easy access to the storage store from the rear in order to store, maintain, clean and replenish the stock of food for sale. This arrangement also allows easy access to the technical elements positioned in the base 10 for their maintenance.

Detailed description of a particular process for using a semi-automatic dispenser object of the invention

FIG. 14 shows a method 50 of using a semi-automatic distributor (20, 30) of foodstuffs according to the invention. The method 50 comprises the following steps:

a step 505 of threading the consumer's hand into the glove,

a step 510 of selection by visual observation and / or palpation of a commodity by the gloved hand,

a step 515 of manual displacement of the selected foodstuff towards a collection zone by the gloved hand,

a step 516 of weighing a commodity selected by a user,

a step 517 of determining the price of the commodity weighed,

a step 518 of displaying the price of the product weighed,

a step 519 for ordering and paying,

a step 520 of opening at least one hatch to allow direct access to the foodstuff, and

- A step 525 of collecting the selected commodity.

The advantages, aims and characteristics of the process which is the subject of the invention being similar to the advantages of the semi-automatic food dispenser which is the subject of the invention, they are not repeated here.

Claims (10)

1. Semi-automatic food distributor (20,30) characterized in that it comprises: - a storage magazine, protected by a wall (2) at least partially transparent, - a locking means locking the storage magazine, - a glove ring (3a) arranged across the wall (2), - a sleeve (3b) fixed on the periphery of the glove ring (3a) and comprising at its end a glove (3c), and - a collection zone (8, 18) arranged in the storage store and comprising a hatch (8c, 18c) opening towards the outside of the storage store, so that the storage store protects foodstuffs for example against theft and contamination, a user being able to insert his hand into the sleeve in order to palpate and select a commodity before recovering it. 2. Semi-automatic food dispenser (20,30) according to the preceding claim, wherein in that the sleeve (3b) has a bellows structure allowing its longitudinal extension. 3. Semi-automatic food distributor (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the glove (3c) comprises a ring (3h) pivotally mounted in a joining means (3f, 3g) fixed to the sleeve ( 3b). 4. Semi-automatic food distributor (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one tensioning wire (3e) connecting the glove ring (3a) to the glove (3c) is configured to allow a return passive glove (3c) to a storage position attached to the glove ring (3a). 5. Semi-automatic food dispenser (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the glove (3c) comprises a pressure sensor which measures the pressure exerted between two parts of the glove and in which a visual alarm, Audible or silent is triggered when the measured pressure value exceeds a predetermined value. 6. Semi-automatic food dispenser (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the collection zone (8, 18) comprises, in addition to the hatch (8c, 18c), a second hatch (8b, 18b ), said hatches closing two openings of an airlock. 7. Semi-automatic food distributor (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the hatches (8b, 18b, 8c, 18c) is movable in translation by means of a screw system - nut (9, 10b) and a motor (10a). 8. Semi-automatic food dispenser (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the collection area (8, 18) comprises an electronic balance. 9. Semi-automatic food dispenser (20,30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the hatches (8b, 18b, 8c, 18c) can be kept closed by means of a locking mechanism. electromechanical locking. 10. Method 50 for using a semi-automatic food distributor according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: a step 505 of threading the consumer's hand into the glove, a step 510 of selection by visual observation and / or palpation of a commodity by the gloved hand, a step 515 of manual displacement of the selected foodstuff towards a collection zone by the gloved hand, and - A step 525 of collecting the selected commodity.