IT201600096423A1 - DISTRIBUTOR MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS - Google Patents

Description

"DISTRIBUTING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING PRODUCTS"

FIELD OF THE TROVATO

The present invention relates to a vending machine and a method for dispensing products. For example, the vending machine and the method object of the present invention can be used for the delivery of food product packages or any marketable item that can be housed in a warehouse and delivered on request. In particular, the invention can find an advantageous application for dispensing boxes for: coffee capsules, coffee pods, tea capsules, tea pods, capsules and / or pods for obtaining similar beverages.

STATE OF THE ART

As is known, there are and are widely distributed on the market machines for distributing products consisting of a warehouse capable of containing a predetermined number of products which are put up for sale. Through a user interface, the user selects the desired product and, following payment of the requested amount, the machine releases the product itself in a pickup area accessible to the user.

As for example described in European patent application EP2589028A1, vending machines are known in which the magazine is made up of a plurality of drawers which extend horizontally and each mount a plurality of dispensing spirals: each product is immediately interposed between coils. successive steps of the spiral. The spirals are mounted with a horizontal axis and keyed to a suitable mechanism for rotating drive.

The user sees through a transparent window the various drawers and the various spirals that carry the respective products. Following the selection of the desired product and its payment, the machine activates a motor which, through a transmission, rotates the spiral of interest; a rotation, for example of 180 ° or 360 ° of the spiral, corresponds to an advancement of the product towards the display case. Between the terminal area of the spiral and the display case, a drop volume is generally provided such that the last product of the spiral is pushed towards the aforementioned volume, being able to freely fall towards a withdrawal area. This lower pick-up area includes a fixed tray designed to communicate with the external environment and from which the user can pick up the selected product.

A further example of vending machines is described in the PCT patent application n. WO2009138864A1. In this application a magazine is shown having a drawer structure similar to that of the European application EP2589028A1. However, the PCT application provides for a mobile collection system configured to receive the fallen product in correspondence with the spiral. In particular, this collection system comprises a movable frame bound to the warehouse and placed in the drop volume of the products. The frame develops along a parallel plane and faces the vending machine window; the frame carries a product collection tray which is configured to move in two directions along the development plane of the same frame. Following the selection of the desired product and its payment, the machine moves the collection tray in correspondence with the product itself and then proceeds to drive a motor which, through a transmission, rotates the spiral of interest: the product (first product facing the display case) is then pushed out of the spiral and collected by the tray. The tray is configured to bring the selected product - always with a movement that takes place along two directions parallel to the development plane of the frame - in correspondence with a pick-up area from which the end user can collect the product.

Although the solutions described above allow the selection and automatic dispensing of products, the Applicant has found that the currently known vending machines are not free from limitations and drawbacks.

One of the problems of known vending machines is linked to the product dispensing capacity; these machines have in fact been conceived to be able to manage and then provide the customer with a single product for each purchase operation carried out: in the event that the user wishes to purchase a plurality of products, the same must perform the selection and payment procedure several times and withdrawal. The repetition of these steps negatively affects the convenience of the user-side process and the delivery times of the products. The problem just described also makes the vending machines known today not very flexible in their use.

PURPOSE OF THE FIND

The aim of the present invention is therefore to substantially solve at least one of the drawbacks and / or limitations of the previous solutions.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of delivering a plurality of products in a simple, rapid and orderly manner. In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a vending machine that is quick and efficient in the delivery of products and which at the same time has a simple and economical structure. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine that has a simple structure capable of facilitating ordinary maintenance phases of the machine, for example the loading of products inside the machine, and any extraordinary maintenance phases, for example example repair or replacement of machine components. It is also the aim of the present invention to provide a vending machine that is flexible in its use that can, in particular, be effectively suitable for the delivery of any type of product. Furthermore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a vending machine and a method for dispensing reliable and safe products: in particular capable of achieving the objective of a rapid, precise and orderly dispensing of products without compromising the aesthetics of the latter.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fast and convenient method of dispensing products for the user in such a way that the latter can quickly and in an orderly manner obtain the required products.

These aims and others, which will become more apparent from the following description, are substantially achieved by a vending machine and a method for dispensing products in accordance with what is expressed in one or more of the attached claims and / or the following aspects, taken from alone or in any combination with each other or in combination with any of the appended claims and / or in combination with any of the further aspects or characteristics described below.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention are described below. In a 1st aspect a vending machine (1) of products (P) is provided, comprising:

a casing (2) inside which products (P) can be housed, said casing (2) comprising at least one main wall (4) having an access opening (5) configured to communicate an internal volume (3) of the casing (2) with the external environment and allow the withdrawal of products (P) from the vending machine (1),

a warehouse (6) placed in the casing (2) and configured to support a plurality of products (P),

a handling system (7) housed in the casing (2) at least partly in interposition between the warehouse (6) and the main wall (4), said handling system (7) being configured for:

o receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6);

or bring the predetermined number of products (P) to the access opening (5).

In a 2nd aspect in accordance with the 1st aspect, the movement system (7) comprises at least a first mobile element (8) and at least a second mobile element (9), each of said first and second mobile element (8, 9) ) being configured to receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6), and in which at least one of said first and second movable elements (8, 9) is configured to bring a predetermined number of products (P) in correspondence the access opening (5).

In a 3rd aspect in accordance with the 2nd aspect, the warehouse (6) and the main wall (4) are spaced apart and delimit a displacement area (S), the first and the second mobile element (8, 9) being movable along a plane defined in the displacement zone (S).

In a 4th aspect in accordance with the 2nd or 3rd aspect, the first and second movable elements (8, 9) can be moved independently of each other.

In a 5th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 2nd to the 4th the first movable element (8) is movable along a displacement direction (D1), called displacement direction (D1) of the first movable element (8) , under conditions of use of the vending machine (1), being substantially vertical.

In a 6th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 2nd to the 5th the second movable element (9) is movable along a respective direction of displacement (D2) transversal, in particular orthogonal, to the direction of displacement (D1) of the first movable element (8), said displacement direction (D2) of the second movable element (9), in conditions of use of the vending machine (1), being substantially horizontal.

In a 7th aspect in accordance with the 5th or 6th aspect the first movable element (8) is movable exclusively along the respective displacement direction (D1).

In an 8th aspect in accordance with the 6th or 7th aspect the second movable element (9) is movable exclusively along the respective direction of displacement (D2).

In a 9th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 2nd to the 8th, the first movable element (8) is movable at least between:

> a main loading position in which said first mobile element is configured to receive, in particular directly, a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6);

> a pick-up position in which the first mobile element is placed in correspondence with the access opening (5).

In a 10th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the first movable element (8) can also be displaced to an auxiliary loading position in which said first movable element (8) is configured to receive, in particular directly, a predetermined number of products (P) from the second mobile element (9).

In an 11th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the main loading position is defined in interposition between the auxiliary unloading position and the picking position.

In a 12th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 9th to the 11th the pick-up position of the first mobile element (8) - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - is defined above the loading position principal of the same first movable element (8).

In a 13th aspect in accordance with any of the 2nd to 12th aspects the second movable element (9) is movable at least between:

> a loading position in which said second mobile element is configured to receive, in particular directly, a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6);

> an unloading position in which said second mobile element is configured to release the predetermined number of products loaded during the loading position on the first mobile element (8).

In a 14th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the second mobile element (9), in the unloading position, is interposed between the first mobile element (8) and the access opening (5).

In a 15th aspect in accordance with the 13th or 14th aspect, the second mobile element (9), in the unloading position and in conditions of use of the vending machine (1), is placed above the first mobile element ( 8).

In a 16th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 13th to 15th the unloading position of the second mobile element (9) - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - is defined above the loading position of the the same second mobile element (9).

In a 17th aspect in accordance with any of the 13th to 16th aspects the unloading position of the second movable element (9) essentially coincides with the main loading position of the first movable element (8), the second movable element ( 9) being displaceable from the loading position to the unloading position at least in the case in which the first mobile element (8) is arranged in the auxiliary loading condition.

In an 18th aspect in accordance with any of the 2nd to 17th aspects the first movable element (8) comprises a base (12) configured to receive and support products (P), optionally the base comprises a flat plate.

In a 19th aspect in accordance with any of the 2nd to 18th aspects the second movable element (9) comprises:

> a base (13) configured to receive and support products (P), optionally the base (13) of the second movable element (9) comprises a flat plate,> a thrust element (14) engaged to the base (13) and movable in relation to the latter at least between:

o a retracted position in which the thrust element allows the positioning of a predetermined number of products on the base (13),

or a forward position spaced from the retracted position,

the thrust element (14) being configured to slide on the base between the retracted position to the advanced one to allow the thrust of the predetermined number of products supported by the second mobile element (9) outside the base (13). In a 20th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect the pusher element (14) is configured to move relative to the base (13) at least during the displacement of the second element (9) from the unloading to the loading position in a manner such that the predetermined number of products (P) supported by the second movable element (9) can fall on the first movable element (8).

In a 21st aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the warehouse (6) comprises an output of the products (P) defined - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - at a lower end of the same magazine (6), the magazine (6) further comprising at least one dispensing device (15) associated with the outlet of the same magazine (6) and which is configured to allow the dispensing of one product (P) at a time by gravity from the same warehouse (6).

In a 22 ° aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the machine (1) comprises a transport member (16) placed, in conditions of use of the vending machine (1), below the warehouse (6), called transport member (16) being configured to receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6) and supply the latter to the handling system (7). In a 23rd aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the transport member (16) is configured to receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6) and supply the latter to at least one of the first and second elements mobile (8, 9). In a 24th aspect in accordance with the 22nd or 23rd aspect, the dispensing device (15) is configured to allow the fall by gravity of one product (P) at a time onto the transport member (16) which is configured to convey the predetermined number of products that have fallen onto the handling system (7).

In a 25th aspect in accordance with any one of the 13th to 24th aspects, the movement system (7) comprises a control unit (11) connected to the first and second mobile element (8, 9), called control being configured for:

> command the movement of the first mobile element (8) at least between the following positions:

o main loading position,

o pickup location,

or optionally, auxiliary loading position,

> controlling the movement of the second mobile element (9) independently of the movement of the first mobile element (8) at least between the respective loading and unloading positions.

In a 26th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the control unit (11) is connected to the thrust element (14) of the second mobile element (9) and is configured for:

> following the receipt of a predetermined number of products by the second mobile element (9), command the movement of the latter from the loading position to the unloading position, in particular above the first mobile element (8),

> then, command the displacement of the second mobile element (9) from the unloading position to the loading position and at the same time command the sliding of the thrust element (14) from the retracted to the advanced position to allow the predetermined number of products to fall supported by the second movable element (9) on the first movable element (8).

In a 27th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the envelope (2) includes:

> an auxiliary access (17) delimited by a perimeter border (18),

> a door (19) engaged at the perimeter edge (18) of the auxiliary access, said door (19) being movable relative to the perimeter edge (18) at least between:

o a closed position in which the same door is configured to prohibit communication through the auxiliary access (17) between the internal volume (3) of the casing (2) and the external environment,

o an opening position in which the door itself is configured to allow communication through the auxiliary access (17) between the internal volume (3) of the casing (2) and the external environment,

the magazine (6) being movable relative to the casing (2) and being configured to be at least partially extracted from the casing (2) through the auxiliary access (17) in the condition in which the door (19) is in the position of opening.

In a 28th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the warehouse (6) is completely removable from the casing (2) through the auxiliary access (17).

In a 29th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects the warehouse (6) comprises a plurality of modules (6a) distinct from each other and each of which is configured to support a plurality of products (P), the vending machine (1) - for each module (6a) - including:

> a dispensing device (15) configured to allow the dispensing, in particular the release, of one product (P) at a time from the respective module (6a),> a transport member (16) configured to receive, in particular for fall, a predetermined number of products (P) from the respective module (6a) of the warehouse (6).

In a 30th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect each module (6a) of the warehouse (6) includes:

> a trolley (20) configured to allow handling of the respective module,

> a storage section (21) configured to contain a plurality of products (P), the storage section (21) - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - being placed above the trolley (20).

In a 31st aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the vending machine (1) - for each module (6a) - including:

> a transport member (16) interposed between the trolley (20) and the storage section (21) of a respective module (6a), said transport member (16) being configured to receive, in particular by gravity, a predetermined number of products (P) from the respective module (6a) of the warehouse (6),

a dispensing device (15) associated with each storage section and configured to allow the dispensing of one product (P) at a time from the respective module (6a).

In a 32nd aspect in accordance with the 30th or 31st aspect each module (6a) is movable relative to the enclosure (2) by means of the carriage (20) and is configured to be at least partially extracted from the enclosure (2 ) through the auxiliary access (17) in the condition in which the door (19) is in the open position, in particular each module (6a) of the magazine (6) is totally extractable from the casing (2).

In a 33rd aspect in accordance with any of the 30th to 32nd aspects the storage section (21) of each module (6a) comprises:

a lower wall in correspondence of which an output of the products (P) is defined, said output being defined - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - at a lower end of the same module (6a),

a lateral wall emerging from the lower wall and able to define with the latter a storage room for the products (P), the lateral wall comprises a through inlet delimited by a perimeter free edge, said through inlet being configured to allow communication between the storage chamber and the external environment, in particular the insertion of products (P) in the storage section.

In a 34th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect each module (6a) comprises a plurality of separator baffles (22) housed in the storage chamber, said baffles extending parallel to each other and parallel to the side wall of the storage section (21) , said baffles being configured to define in the storage chamber a predetermined number of sectors side by side and each of which is able to contain at least one column of products (P) aligned along the direction of extension of the baffles (22).

In a 35th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect each module (6a) includes a closing system (23) engaged at the perimeter free edge of the entrance to the storage section (21), said closing system includes:

a plurality of doors (24) configured to move relatively, in particular by rotation, to the side wall of the storage section (21) between:

o a closing position in which each door at least partially blocks the through entrance of the same side wall and therefore access from the outside to the storage room,

o an open position in which they allow access from the outside to the storage chamber,

a displacement element (25) adapted to connect the plurality of leaves to each other and configured to simultaneously move the leaves from the closed to the open position, and vice versa.

In a 36 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the doors (24) develop for the entire extension, in particular vertical, of the separating partitions (22), optionally the doors extend for the entire extension of the sectors of the section storage (21).

In a 37th aspect in accordance with any of the 34th to 36th aspects each module (6a) comprises at least one indicator (26) associated with each sector which is configured to visually represent the type of products (P) contained in the respective sector.

In a 38 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect the indicator (26) comprises a luminous indicator, for example a led light, each indicator (26) being connected to a control unit (11) which is configured for command the activation of the indicator (26).

In a 39 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect each indicator (26) comprises at least one LED configured to define a plurality of different colors, the control unit (11) being configured to command each LED to emit a specific colored light.

In a 40th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 29th to the 39th, the control unit (11) is connected to the dispensing device (15) of each module of the warehouse (6) and is configured for:

> command the dispensing device (15) of at least one module (6a) to release - one product at a time - a predetermined number of products (P),

determine the number of products (P) released by each module (6a) and therefore the number of products (P) served to the first and second mobile element, in the event that the presence of products (P) is determined exclusively on the first element mobile, to control the movement of the latter from the loading position to the pick-up position,

if it is determined the presence of at least one product on the second mobile element:

controlling the movement of the second mobile element from the loading position to the unloading position, in particular above the first mobile element (8),

then, to control the displacement of the second mobile element (9) from the unloading to the loading position and at the same time to control the sliding of the thrust element (14) from the retracted to the advanced position to allow the predetermined number of supported products to fall from the second movable element (9) on the first movable element (8), thereafter, to control the displacement of the first movable element (8) from the loading position to the pick-up position.

In a 41st aspect there is a method for dispensing products (P) through a vending machine in accordance with any of the previous aspects, said method comprising the following phases:

dispense from the warehouse (6) a predetermined number of products (P),

arrange said predetermined number of products (P) on at least one of the first and second movable elements (8, 9),

move at least one of said first and second mobile elements (8, 9), carrying the predetermined number of products (P), at the access opening (5).

In a 42 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect in which only the first mobile element (8) - following receipt of the predetermined number of products (P) - moves the latter in correspondence with the access opening (5).

In a 43 ° aspect in accordance with the 41 ° or 42 ° aspect the first movable element (8) - following the reception of the predetermined number of products (P) - moves the latter between the following positions:

starting from the main loading position to the picking position,

starting from the auxiliary loading position to the picking position.

In a 44 ° aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from 41 ° to 43 °, the phase of dispensing the predetermined number of products from the warehouse (6) provides for the release of one product at a time from the warehouse through an exit placed in correspondence with a lower end of said magazine (6).

In a 45 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the phase of arranging the predetermined number of products on at least one of the first and second movable elements (8, 9) provides:

the arrangement of a predetermined number of products on the transport organ (16),

subsequently, the handling of said predetermined number of products through the transport organ in the direction of the handling system (7) and the unloading of said products on the first and / or second mobile element.

In a 46th aspect in accordance with any one of the 41st to 45th aspects, the phase of dispensing the predetermined number of products from the warehouse (6) comprises at least one of the following sub-phases:

dispensing from at least a first module (6a) a predetermined number of products on a respective transport member (16), the products dispensed by the first module being destined for the first mobile element (8),

dispensing from at least a second module (6a) a predetermined number of products on a respective transport member (16), the products dispensed by the second module being destined for the second mobile element (9).

In a 47th aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the phase of arranging the predetermined number of products on at least one of the first and second movable elements (8, 9) includes at least the following sub-phases:

move and then position, through a respective transport device, the predetermined number of products released by the first module on the first mobile element (8),

moving and then positioning, by means of a respective transport member, the predetermined number of products released by the second module on the second mobile element (9).

In a 48 ° aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, if the step of arranging the products provides for the positioning of the latter at least on the second mobile element, the method also comprises the following steps: optionally, arrange the first mobile element in the position auxiliary load,

arrange the second mobile element in the unloading position, above the first mobile element,

download the products placed on the second mobile element on the first mobile element.

In a 49th aspect a method of loading a vending machine (1) is provided in accordance with any one of the aspects from the 1st to the 40th, said process comprising at least the following steps:

arrange the door (19) in the open position where the same door allows communication through the auxiliary access (17) between the internal volume (3) of the casing (2) and the external environment,

extract at least part of the warehouse (6) and house a new plurality of products (P) inside it,

re-house the warehouse (6) carrying the new products in the casing (2),

place the door (19) in the closed position.

In a 50th aspect a method of loading a vending machine (1) is provided in accordance with any one of the aspects from the 1st to the 40th, said process comprising at least the following steps:

arrange the door (19) in the open position where the same door allows communication through the auxiliary access (17) between the internal volume (3) of the casing (2) and the external environment,

completely extract the magazine (6) to replace it with a new magazine (6) carrying a new plurality of products (P),

house said new warehouse (6) in the casing (2),

place the door (19) in the closed position.

In a 51st aspect, use of the vending machine (1) is envisaged in accordance with any of the aspects from the 1st to the 40th for the delivery of a predetermined number of products (P) including coffee capsules or pods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for indicative purposes only and therefore not limitative in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a vending machine according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a vending machine in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a magazine of a vending machine according to the present invention;

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a module of the warehouse of a vending machine according to the present invention;

Figures 8 to 11 are detailed views of a magazine of a vending machine according to the present invention;

Figures 12 to 19 are schematic views illustrating different operating conditions of a vending machine according to the present invention; Figures 20 and 21 are respective schematic representations of phases of a method for dispensing products in accordance with the present invention.

DEFINITIONS AND CONVENTIONS

It should be noted that in the present detailed description corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated with the same numerical references. The figures could illustrate the object of the invention through non-scale representations; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures relating to the object of the invention could only concern schematic representations.

The term product refers to a package or box containing food and / or commercial items. For example, the product may comprise a box or package containing a plurality of capsules and / or pods for obtaining beverages. In a preferential but not limiting embodiment of the invention, the product comprises a box containing a plurality of coffee capsules.

The term control unit refers to an electronic component which can comprise at least one of: a digital processor (CPU), a memory (or memories), an analog circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processing with one or more analog circuits. The control unit can be "configured" or "programmed" to perform some phases: this can be practically achieved by any means that allows the control unit to be configured or programmed. For example, in the case of a control unit comprising one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs can be stored in appropriate memory banks connected to the CPU or CPUs; The program or programs contain instructions which, when executed by the CPU (s), program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described in relation to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is or includes analog type circuitry, then the control unit circuit may be designed to include circuitry configured, in use, to process electrical signals so as to perform the steps related to the control unit. control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Automatic vending machine

With 1 a product distribution machine P has been indicated overall, for example usable for the delivery of food product packages or any marketable item. In particular, the machine 1 can find an advantageous application for dispensing boxes for: coffee capsules, coffee pods, tea capsules, tea pods, capsules and / or pods for obtaining similar beverages.

As visible in figure 1, the vending machine 1 includes a casing 2 inside which the products P can be housed. The casing 2 includes at least a substantially flat base designed to allow the support and grounding of the machine 1; the envelope 2 also comprises a side wall emerging from an external perimeter edge of the base along a transverse direction, in particular orthogonal to a plane of the base. The envelope 2 also includes an upper wall associated with the side wall on the opposite side to the base: the side wall, the base and the upper wall define and delimit an internal volume 3 of the envelope 2 (Figure 2).

In a non-limiting way, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the envelope 2 can have a parallelepiped shape. In particular, the base has a rectangular or square shape from which a lateral wall with four sides emerges: the upper wall has a shape identical to the base (rectangular or square).

As can be seen for example in Figure 1, the casing 2, in particular the side wall of the casing 2, comprises a main wall or front wall 4 which has at least one access opening 5 configured to communicate the internal volume 3 of the casing 2 with the external environment and to allow the withdrawal of products P from the vending machine 1. In a non-limiting way, the access opening 5 has a polygonal shape, for example rectangular or square. The dimensions of the access opening 5 will depend on the type of products P that is intended to be distributed and the number of products to be delivered simultaneously.

Advantageously but not limitedly, the casing 2 also comprises an auxiliary access 17 delimited by a perimeter edge 18. In greater detail, the auxiliary access 17 is defined as opposed to the access opening 5 of the casing 2 and in particular in correspondence of a rear side wall of the casing 2. The auxiliary access 17 substantially defines a rear through opening adapted to allow access to the internal volume 3. As illustrated in Figure 3, the auxiliary access 17 extends substantially throughout the surface development of one side (rear side) of the side wall of the casing 2.

Advantageously, the envelope (see for example Figure 3) comprises a door 19 engaged at the perimeter edge 18 of the auxiliary access 17. The door 19 is movable relative to the perimeter edge 18 at least between:

A closed position in which the door 19 itself is configured to block communication, through the auxiliary access 17, between the internal volume 3 <of the enclosure 2 and the external environment (see for example Figure 2), >

� an opening position in which the same door 19 is configured to allow communication, through the auxiliary access 17, between the internal volume 3 of the casing 2 and the external environment (see for example Figures 3 and 4).

Advantageously, the door 19 is hinged to the free edge 18 and is movable by rotation with respect to the casing 2 between the closed and open positions.

Dimensionally, envelope 2 can define a maximum external volume of less than 12 m³, in particular between 10.2 m³ and 1.2m³. The envelope 2 is also configured to define an internal volume 3 greater than 1 m³, in particular between 1 and 10 m³. In greater detail, the casing 2 can have a height, defined by the minimum distance between the base and the upper wall of the casing 2, between 150 cm and 200 cm.

As can be seen for example in Figure 1, the vending machine 1 also comprises a magazine 6 housed in the casing 2 and configured to support a plurality of products P. The warehouse 6 is movable relative to the casing 2 and is configured to be at least partially extracted from the casing 2 through the auxiliary access 17 in the condition in which the door 19 is in the open position (Figure 3). Advantageously, the warehouse 6 is totally removable from the casing 2; in this way it is possible to quickly replace the magazine 6 in the event that there is a need to supply products P to the vending machine. The total extractability of the warehouse 6 also makes it possible to facilitate the maintenance and replenishment phases of the same.

In detail, the magazine 6 comprises at least one module 6a having a trolley 20 configured to allow the movement of the module 6a with respect to the casing 2. The module 6a, thanks to the trolley 20, is at least partially extractable, advantageously totally extractable, from the casing 2 through the auxiliary access 17 in the condition in which the door 19 is in the open position (see for example Figures 3 and 4).

The trolley 20 engages and is able to support a storage section 21 configured to contain a plurality of products P: the storage section 21 - in conditions of use of the vending machine 1 - is placed above the trolley 20 (see for example Figure 7).

The storage section 21 advantageously has a parallelepiped shape (see for example figure 7) equipped with a bottom or lower wall and a side wall having four sides of which at least one is at least partially open to allow the insertion of the products. P. A product outlet 21a is defined in correspondence with the bottom wall or lower wall of the storage section 21: in other words, the bottom of the section 21 is open in such a way as to allow the release (fall) of the products P.

The side wall emerges from the lower wall (bottom of the section) of section 21 and is able to define with the latter a storage room for the products P. On one side of the side wall, in particular, a through inlet delimited by a free edge is defined perimeter: the pass-through entrance is configured to allow communication between the storage chamber and the external environment, in particular the insertion of P products in the storage section 21.

As can be seen for example from Figures 6-10, the module 6a advantageously comprises a plurality of separator baffles 22 housed in the storage chamber. The baffles extend parallel to each other and parallel to the side wall of the storage section 21. The baffles are configured to define in the storage chamber a predetermined number of sectors placed side by side and each of which is able to contain at least one column of products P aligned along the direction of extension of the baffles 22. The storage chamber of the section 21 is divided into sectors - preferably having the same shape and size - each of which is able to receive and support a column of products. The products P of the column are aligned exclusively along a single direction of development parallel to the direction of development of the septa 22. In this way the products P can be inserted laterally from the outside into each sector of the storage chamber of the section 21 through the inlet passerby. Figure 10 also illustrates a step for inserting a product P into the storage chamber through the through inlet defined on one side of the section 21. The product is inserted from one side of the storage section 21 into the respective sector defined between two immediately adjacent septa 22.

In a preferential but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the module 6a comprises a closing system 23 engaged in correspondence with the perimeter free edge of the entrance to the storage section 21. The closing system 23 comprises a plurality of doors 24 ( see Figures 8-10), one for each sector of section 21. Each leaf 24 is configured to move relatively, in particular by rotation, to the side wall of the storage section 21 between:>

� a closing position in which each leaf prevents at least part of the through entry of the same side wall and therefore access <from the outside to the storage chamber (condition illustrated in figure 8),> � an opening position in which they allow access from the outside to the storage chamber (condition illustrated in figures 9 and 10).

In particular, each leaf 24 in the closed position is capable of at least partially occluding the through entrance defined between two immediately consecutive (immediately adjacent) partitions 22 so that the products P cannot be introduced and extracted from the respective sector (yes see figure 8). In other words, each leaf 24 is associated with a respective sector to control the entry and extraction of products from the storage section 21.

From a structural point of view, each door 24 includes a plate extending for the entire extension, in particular vertical, of the separating baffles 22; optionally, the doors extend over the entire extension of the sectors of the storage section 21. Each door 24 has a width equal to or less than the minimum distance present between two immediately consecutive partitions 22.

As always visible in the figures, the closing system 23 further comprises at least one displacement element 25 adapted to connect the plurality of leaves 24 together and configured to simultaneously move the leaves 24 from the closed to the open position, and vice versa. In particular, the displacement element 25 comprises a plate placed above the baffles 22 and in particular in interposition with the lower or bottom wall of the storage section 21 of the module 6a. The plate extends for the entire length of the module 6a essentially defined by a maximum distance between two extremal septa of the storage section 21: the length of the module 6a is defined along a direction of longitudinal development, orthogonal to the direction of extension of the septa 22 and orthogonal to the side wall of the storage section 21. The plate of the element 25 comprises an engagement portion defined by a plurality of grooves adapted to slidingly receive at least one respective pivot of the plurality of leaves 24: the pivot of each leaf 24 is constrained to the respective groove of the element 25 and is movable by sliding inside said groove. The plate is configured to slide along the longitudinal development direction of the module 6a and to allow, during sliding, the rotation of the plurality of leaves 24 between the closed and the open position. Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the module 6a comprising at least one indicator 26 associated with each sector which is configured to visually represent the type of products P contained in the respective sector. In greater detail, the indicator 26 may include, without limitation, a light indicator such as a LED. Advantageously, the module 6a can comprise different LEDs for at least part of the sectors suitable for emitting different colors; in this way the colored LEDs can allow a quick identification of the P products present in the various sectors.

Advantageously, the vending machine 1 comprises a control unit 11 connected to the indicators 26, in particular to the LEDs: the control unit 11 is configured to command the activation of the indicator 26. Each sector can be equipped with a plurality of LEDs of different colors; the control unit 11 can be connected to the plurality of LEDs associated with each sector and be configured to control the activation of a specific LED; the control unit 11 is configured to control the color of the LED associated with a specific sector: the color of a sector can therefore be changed by the control unit 11 in the event that the type of product of the respective sector needs to be changed.

As can be seen from the accompanying figures, each module 6a further comprises a dispensing device 15 associated with the storage section 21 at the bottom or lower wall; the dispensing device 15 is configured to allow the dispensing of one product P at a time from the module 6a through the outlet 21a of the storage section 21. In particular, the dispensing device 15 is configured to allow the release of a product at the vault from one or more sectors of the storage section 21.

As described above, the vending machine 1 comprises a control unit 11; the unit 11 is advantageously connected to the dispensing device 15 of the module 6a and configured to command said device 15 to release - one product at a time - a predetermined number of products P. The control unit 11 can be advantageously programmed to determining the type of product P inserted in each sector of the storage section 21; therefore based on the type of product P to be dispensed, the control unit 11 can command the release of a product P placed in a specific sector to the dispensing device 15. The control unit 11 can also be configured to determine the number of total products released by module 6a on the basis of the releases of the ordered products.

The accompanying figures show a preferential embodiment of the vending machine 1 comprising a plurality of modules 6a distinct from each other and housed in the casing 2. The modules 6a in the casing 2 are side by side with each other along a transverse direction , in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal development direction of each module 6a. Figures 1 and 21 show two respective configurations of the machine 1 having two modules 6a and three modules 6a respectively; however, the possibility of making a magazine 6 comprising a number of modules equal to 1 or equal to or greater than 3 is not excluded. Advantageously, the modules 6a are equal to each other in shape and size: they can however be configured to support at least in part different products.

As described above, the module 6a comprises a trolley 20; in this configuration each 6a is movable independently of another module 6a: the modules are therefore extractable independently from the casing 2 as illustrated for example in figure 3.

Each module also comprises a dispensing device 15, advantageously controlled by the control unit 11, which is configured to dispense the products from the respective module 6a.

The vending machine 1 may include a transport member 16 placed, in conditions of use of the vending machine 1, under the storage section 21; the transport member 16 is configured to receive a predetermined number of products P from the warehouse 6 and move them along a direction of advancement. In particular, the machine 1 comprises a transport member 16 for each module 6a: the transport member 16 is adapted to receive the falling products from the exit 21a of the module 6a and to move them along the direction of advancement. As can be seen in Figure 21, the machine comprises a plurality of transport members 16 - one for each module - independent of each other and adapted to independently move the products P arriving from the respective module 6a. The transport member 16 may comprise an inclined plane suitable for sliding the products released by the module 6a along the direction of advancement. However, the possibility of using a different type of transport member 16, consisting for example of a conveyor belt, is not excluded.

The transport member 16 of a module 6a is interposed between the trolley 20 and the dispensing device 15, in particular between the trolley 20 and the storage section 21, of the respective module 6a; the dispensing device 15 is configured to allow the fall by gravity of one product P at a time onto the respective transport member 16 which is configured to convey the predetermined number of fallen products along the direction of advance.

As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the vending machine 1 comprises a handling system 7 housed in the casing 2 at least partly in interposition between the warehouse 6 and the main wall 4. The handling system 7 is <configured for:>

<� receive a predetermined number of P products from warehouse 6;>

� bring the predetermined number of products P to the access opening 5.

In a preferential but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the handling system 7 receives the products P from the transport member 16, and in particular from the transport members 16 of the individual modules 6a of the warehouse 6. However, the possibility of providing a vending machine in which the handling system 7 receives the products directly from the warehouse 6, or without the interposition of further elements such as for example the transport member 16 (condition not illustrated in the accompanying figures).

The movement system 7 comprises at least a first mobile element 8 and at least a second mobile element 9; each of said first and second movable elements 8, 9 is configured to receive a predetermined number of products P from the magazine 6 and in particular from respective transport members 16 of the modules 6a. In particular, the movement system 7 provides a movable element for each module 6a.

Figure 1 illustrates, for example, an embodiment of the machine 1 in which the magazine comprises two modules 6a: a first and a second movable element 8, 9. Figure 21 illustrates a further variant of the machine 1 in which there are: a first movable element 8, a second movable element 9 and a third movable element 10. In the case of three movable elements, the first movable element 8 is interposed between the second and the third movable element 9, 10. However, the possibility is not excluded to realize a movement system 7 having a number of movable elements greater than three.

At least one of said movable elements (8, 9 and 10) is configured to carry a predetermined number of products P in correspondence with the access opening 5. In greater detail, the magazine 6 and the main wall 4 are spaced apart and delimit a displacement zone S (figure 2): the movable elements can be moved along a plane defined in the displacement zone S. In particular, the movable elements are configured to move within the space defined between the warehouse and the main wall 4 of the casing 2. In greater detail, all the movable elements present are independently movable with respect to each other. In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, it is the first movable element configured to bring the products P into correspondence with the opening 5. In fact, the first element 8 is movable along a direction of displacement D1 which, in conditions of use of the vending machine 1, is substantially vertical. The first element 8 is movable exclusively along said direction D1 at least between:

a main loading position in which the first mobile element 8 is configured to receive a predetermined number of products P from the warehouse;

a pick-up position in which the first mobile element 8 is placed in correspondence with the access opening 5.

In the condition of use of the machine 1, the loading position is placed below the pick-up position. In fact, the mobile element 8 in the withdrawal position is located at a higher height than the same mobile element 8 placed in the main loading position.

In a preferential but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first movable element 8 is also movable to an auxiliary loading position defined below the main loading position. In particular, the main load position is defined in interposition between the auxiliary load position and the pick-up position. The movement between said positions takes place, for the first movable element 8 only along the direction D1 as schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In greater detail, the first element 8 in the main loading position is configured to receive a predetermined number of products from a respective transport member 16 and / or from a further mobile element, for example the second or third mobile element 9, 10 The first mobile element 8, in the auxiliary loading position, is configured to receive a predetermined number of products exclusively from a further mobile element, for example the second or third mobile element 9, 10.

From the structural point of view, the first movable element 8 essentially comprises a base 12 comprising a flat plate having, in a non-limiting way, a polygonal shape, for example square or rectangular.

The second movable element 9 is movable exclusively along a respective direction of displacement D2 transversal, in particular orthogonal, to the displacement direction D1 of the first movable element 8. The displacement direction D2 of the second movable element 9, in conditions of use of the machine distributor 1, is substantially horizontal. The second movable element 9 is movable at least between: a loading position in which said second movable element 9 is configured to receive a predetermined number of products P from the warehouse 6;

an unloading position in which said second mobile element 9 is configured to release the predetermined number of products loaded during the loading position on the first mobile element 8.

In fact, the second mobile element 9 is not configured to bring the loaded products directly into the access opening 5, but essentially represents a loading element of the first element 8. The second mobile element 9 is therefore configured exclusively to receive a predetermined number of products from a respective transport member and unloading said products onto the first mobile element 8 (the only element configured to reach the access opening 5).

The second mobile element 9, in the unloading position, is arranged above the first element and in particular in interposition between the first mobile element 8 and the access opening 5. The first mobile element 8 is therefore configured to receive, in particularly directly, a predetermined number of products P from the second mobile element 9.

Figure 14 schematically illustrates the first element 8 placed in correspondence with the auxiliary loading position while the second element 9 is placed in the unloading position, above the first element 8: in this condition the unloading position of the second mobile element 9 essentially it coincides with the main loading position of the first mobile element 8. The second mobile element 9 can therefore be moved from the loading position to the unloading position only if the first mobile element 8 is arranged in the auxiliary loading condition.

From a structural point of view, the second element 9 essentially comprises a base 13 comprising a flat plate having, in a non-limiting way, a polygonal shape, for example square or rectangular. The base plate 13 is configured to receive and support the products P. As can be seen for example in Figure 12, the second element 9 also comprises a thrust element 14 engaged with the base 13 and movable relative to the latter at least between:

> a retracted position in which the pushing element allows the positioning of a predetermined number of products on the base 13 (see for example figure 12),> an advanced position spaced from the retracted position (see for example figure 15) .

The thrust element 14 is configured to slide on the base between the retracted to the advanced position to allow the thrust of the predetermined number of products supported by the second mobile element 9 out of the base 13, and in particular above the first element 8 as illustrated in figure 15. In greater d tt li the l t of i t 14 is fi t i relative to the base 13 at least during the displacement of the second element 9 from the unloading position to the loading position so that the predetermined number of products P supported by the second movable element 9 can fall on the first movable element 8.

If the third movable element 10 is present (see for example Figure 21), the latter is substantially identical to the second movable element 9; in particular also the third element 10 is movable exclusively along the same direction D2 between a loading position and an unloading position placed above the first element 8. Also the third element 10 essentially represents a loading element of the first element 8; as for the second element, the third element comprises a base and a thrust element 14: the thrust element 14 is configured to push the products P out of the third element 10 during the movement of the latter between the unloading to loading.

As described above, the vending machine 1 comprises control unit 11 - advantageously housed in the casing 2 as shown in figure 1 - which is connected to the mobile elements, for example to the first, second and optionally the third mobile element; the control unit is configured to control the movement of the moving elements and in particular for:

command the movement of the first mobile element 8 at least between the following positions:

o main loading position,

o pickup location,

or optionally, auxiliary loading position,

controlling the movement of the second mobile element 9 independently of the movement of the first mobile element 8 at least between the respective loading and unloading positions;

optionally, if present, to control the movement of the third movable element 10 independently of the movement of the first movable element 8 and the second movable element 9 at least between the respective loading and unloading positions.

Advantageously, the control unit 11 is connected to the thrust element 14 of the second mobile element 9 and, if present, of the third mobile element 10 and is configured for:

following the receipt of a predetermined number of products by the second mobile element 9, command the movement of the latter from the loading position to the unloading position, in particular above the first mobile element 8,

then, to control the displacement of the second mobile element 9 from the unloading position to the loading position and at the same time to control the sliding of the thrust element 14 from the retracted to the advanced position to allow the predetermined number of products supported by the second mobile element to fall 9 on the first movable element 8.

In a preferential but not limiting embodiment of the invention, the control unit 11 is also connected to the dispensing devices 15 associated with each module 6a of the warehouse 6; the control unit 11 is configured to: command the dispensing device 15 of at least one module 6a to release - one product at a time - a predetermined number of products P,

determine the number of products P released by each module 6a and therefore the number of products P served to the mobile elements,

in the event that the presence of products P is determined exclusively on the first mobile element 8, command the movement of the latter from the loading position to the withdrawal position,

if the presence of at least one product is determined on the second mobile element and / or on the third mobile element if present:

controlling the movement of the second mobile element from the loading position to the unloading position, in particular above the first mobile element 8,

then, to control the displacement of the second mobile element 9 from the unloading position to the loading position and at the same time to control the sliding of the thrust element 14 from the retracted to the advanced position to allow the predetermined number of products supported by the second mobile element to fall 9 on the first movable element 8, optionally if present, to control the movement of the third movable element 10 from the loading position to the unloading position, in particular above the first movable element 8,

optionally, if present, subsequently, to control the displacement of the third mobile element 10 from the unloading position to the loading position and at the same time to control the sliding of the thrust element from the retracted to the advanced position to allow the predetermined number of products supported by the third movable element 10 on the first movable element 8

thereafter, controlling the displacement of the first movable element 8 from the loading position to the pick-up position.

On the basis of the size of the moving elements (8, 9, 10), each of these defines a respective capacity for receiving and supporting the products P. However, thanks to the possible independent movement of the moving elements, it is possible to quickly and orderly load a high quantity of products P on the first movable element 8 as for example illustrated in figures 20 and 21. For example, each movable element can receive directly from a transport member 16 (condition illustrated in figure 12) a number of products equal to or greater than 1 , in particular between 1 and 6. Thanks to the transport members 16, the products are placed in an orderly manner on each movable element. In the following and as will be better described in the dispensing method reported below, the second and third mobile elements 9, 10 are configured to load their products on the first element 8 which will carry the products towards the pick-up position. In this way, the end user will be able to take a maximum number of products from the access opening 5 given by the sum of the reception and support capacities of the mobile elements.

As can be seen from the figures shown in the annex, the vending machine also includes at least one selection and payment unit 27 advantageously defined on the main wall 4 and flanked by the access opening 5; thanks to the unit 27, the user can perform the selection of the number and type of products available in the warehouse and the payment of the products P. The selection and payment unit 27 is advantageously connected to the control unit 11 which is configured to receive d ll 'ity 27 l d' of L 'ity of t ll i f i d the received order signal, it commands the delivery of the products requested by the warehouse.

In a preferential but not limiting embodiment of the invention, the vending machine 1 can comprise a display 28 on which at least one of the following information can be displayed:

the type of products dispensable by machine 1,

information on the products that can be dispensed,

the selection of products made by the user,

information on selected products,

expense related to the order executed,

any errors in the delivery procedure and / or in the purchase procedure. In a preferential but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the dispensing machine 1 further comprises a bag dispensing system 29 connected to the control unit 11. The system 29 is configured to deliver, upon request, a predetermined number of bags to be a passage opening defined on the main wall of the enclosure 2.

Method for dispensing products

The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing products P by means of a vending machine 1 in accordance with any of the attached claims or aspects and / or in accordance with the above description.

The method initially involves a phase of selection by a user of the type and number of products. Based on the type and number of products selected, the warehouse 6 dispenses a predetermined number of products: the products can be dispensed from a single module 6a or, depending on the selection required, the dispensing can take place from multiple modules 6a.

As described above, each movable element has a maximum product support receiving capacity. In the event that the user selects a number of products greater than the capacity of a mobile element, the method provides for the delivery of products from two or more modules 6a so that a plurality of mobile elements can be served. In particular, the phase of dispensing the predetermined d tti d l i 6 d il il i di d tt ll time from the warehouse through the outlet 21 at the bottom of the storage section 21. In particular, the dispensing phase provides the release of one product at a time from at least one module on a respective transport organ 16.

Following the dispensing phase, the method provides for the movement of the products - through one or more transport members 16 - towards the handling system 7: each transport system 16 then unloads a predetermined number of products on the system 7 and in particular on the movable elements.

Once the handling system 7 has been loaded, the procedure involves the handling of at least one mobile element, in particular the first element 8, at the access opening 5 so that the products can be picked up by the user.

As described above, elements 8, 9 and 10 are movable relatively and independently of each other. Furthermore, the movement of the first element 8 in the auxiliary loading position allows the second and third mobile element (the latter if present) to move to the unloading position above the first element 8; in this condition, the second and third mobile elements (elements in the unloading position) are configured to receive the products P from the transport member 16 adapted to serve the first mobile element. In other words, the second and third mobile elements (the latter if present) are configured to receive the products from two different transport devices 16.

In greater detail, the second element 9 is able to receive the products from:

a transport organ solely intended to supply products to the second element 9, e

from the transport element designed to serve the products P to the first mobile element 8 when the latter is in the main loading position.

If present, the third element 10 is able to receive the products from:

a transport unit intended solely for supplying products to the third mobile element 10, e

from the transport element designed to serve the products P to the first mobile element 8 when the latter is in the main loading position.

Therefore, the loading possibilities of the moving elements are different. The following are listed below

In the event that the user's selection provides for products P not available in module 6a suitable for directly serving the first mobile element 8, the method provides for the delivery of products from at least one module 6a suitable for serving, through a respective transport organ. 16, the second movable element 9 when the latter is in the loading position. The method then provides for the displacement of the first movable element 8 to the auxiliary loading position and the displacement of the second movable element 9 to the unloading position above the first movable element 8 (condition illustrated in Figure 14). Subsequently, the second mobile element 9 is moved from the unloading position to the loading position and - thanks to the relative movement between the thrust element 14 and the base 13 - the products placed on the second element are unloaded onto the first element (Figure 15).

In the event that it is necessary to unload a predetermined number of products also on the third movable element 10, the method provides - at the end of the unloading of the products from the second movable element 9 - the unloading of further products carried by the third movable element on the first element 8.

Only later, the first mobile element 8 is moved to the pick-up position, at the opening 5.

Figures 20 and 21 show further examples of loading a plurality of products P onto the handling system 7.

Figure 20 schematically illustrates a condition in which it is necessary to arrange a number of products on the second mobile element 9 greater than the capacity of the same element 9. In this condition, the method initially provides for the unloading of a first number of products P1 on the second element 9 The first element 8 is then positioned in the auxiliary unloading position, subsequently or simultaneously the second mobile element 9 is placed in the unloading position above the first element 8. Subsequently, the second element 9 is moved from the unloading position to that of loading and - thanks to the relative movement between the thrust element 14 and the base 13 - the first number of products P1 placed on the second element 9 are unloaded on the first element 8. The first element is kept in the auxiliary loading position while on the second element they are loaded a second number of products P2 able to define, with the first number, the predetermined number of products selected by the user. Following further loading of the second mobile element 9, the latter is arranged again above the first element 8 so that, as described above, the second number of products P2 can be unloaded onto the first element 8. Only in following the displacement of the second movable element into the loading position, the first element 8 is moved from the auxiliary loading position to the pick-up position. In this way it is possible to dispense a predetermined number of products P greater than the capacity of a single mobile element (sum of the products P1 P2).

Figure 21 instead schematically shows a condition in which both the second and the third movable element 9, 10 are provided and in which there is the need to load on the second movable element 9 a number of products P greater than the number of products to be loaded on the first movable element 8. It should be noted that, given the need to load all the products on the first movable element 8 (the only element configured to reach the access opening 5), the first layer of products placed on the first movable element must have a number of products at least equal to the number of products of the further upper layers of products which will then be deposited on the same first mobile element 8.

In particular, figure 21 illustrates a condition in which a number of products equal to 5 must be loaded on the first element 8 by means of the organ 16, while on the second and third mobile element 6 and 4 products respectively.

In this condition, the method initially provides for the discharge of six products P1 on the second element 9. The first element is then positioned in the auxiliary discharge position, subsequently or simultaneously the second mobile element 9 is arranged in the discharge position above the first element 8. Subsequently, the second element 9 is moved from the unloading position to the loading position and - thanks to the relative movement between the thrust element 14 and the base 13 - the six products P1 placed on the second element 9 are unloaded onto the first element 8. The first element 8 is kept in the auxiliary loading position while four products P2 are loaded on the third element. Five products P3 are placed on the second element 9, brought back to the loading position; following the further loading of the second mobile element 9, the latter is arranged again above the first element 8 so that, as described above, the five products P3 can be placed above the six products P1 previously loaded on the first element 8. Only following the displacement of the second mobile element 9 the third mobile element 10 is placed above the first element 8 so that, as for the second element 9, the four products P2 of the third element 10 can be positioned above the five P3 products previously loaded on the first element 8.

On the first mobile element 8 we therefore have three layers of products P; each layer - starting from the lower layer to the upper one - have a number of products equal to six (products P1), five (products P3) and four (products P2).

Only following the displacement of the second mobile element 9 into the loading position, the first element 8 is moved from the auxiliary loading position to the pick-up position.

Vending machine loading method

The present invention also relates to a method for loading products into the vending machine 1 in accordance with any one of the attached claims or aspects and / or in accordance with the above description.

The method comprises a step of moving the door 19 from the closed to the open position. Subsequently, the method includes at least partial extraction of the warehouse 6 through the auxiliary access.

In a first embodiment, the method involves at least partial extraction of the warehouse from the casing 2 and the insertion of a plurality of P products within the latter. In particular, in this condition the method includes an at least partial extraction step of at least one module 6a from the casing 2; then, the movement of the element 25 is moved so that the doors 24 can move from the closed to the open position: the movement of the doors allows access from the outside to the storage chamber of section 21.

Subsequently, it is possible to proceed with the lateral insertion of a predetermined number of P products in the storage chamber, in particular within the sectors delimited by immediately adjacent partitions 22. In this way, you can perform a quick replenishment of the module.

Following the refueling of module 6a, the method provides for a new activation of the displacement element in such a way as to be able to move the doors 24 from the open to the closed position: in this condition the products are substantially blocked inside the section. storage 21.

Subsequently, it is possible to reinsert the refilled module 6a again in the casing 2 and close the internal volume through the door 19 (move the door from the open to the closed position).

In a second embodiment, the method provides for the total extraction of at least one module 6a from the casing 2 and the insertion of a new module 6a loaded with products P inside the casing 2. Following the replacement of one or more more modules with new modules loaded with products P the method provides for the closure of the internal volume 3 through the door 19 (move the door from the open to the closed position).

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Distribution machine (1) of products (P) comprising: a casing (2) inside which products (P) can be housed, said casing (2) comprising at least one main wall (4) having an access opening (5) configured to communicate an internal volume (3) of the casing (2) with the external environment and allow the withdrawal of products (P) from the vending machine (1), a warehouse (6) placed in the casing (2) and configured to support a plurality of products (P), a handling system (7) housed in the casing (2) at least partly in interposition between the warehouse (6) and the main wall (4), said handling system (7) being configured for: receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6); bring the predetermined number of products (P) to the access opening (5), characterized in that the movement system (7) comprises at least a first mobile element (8) and at least a second mobile element (9), each of said first and second mobile element (8, 9) being configured to receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6), and in which at least one of said first and second movable element (8, 9) is configured to carry a predetermined number of products (P) in correspondence with the access opening (5) . 2. Machine according to claim 1, in which the magazine (6) and the main wall (4) are spaced apart and delimit a displacement area (S), the first and second movable elements (8, 9) being movable along a plane defined in the displacement zone (S). 3. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first movable element (8) is movable along a displacement direction (D1), said displacement direction (D1) of the first movable element (8), in conditions of use of the vending machine (1), being substantially vertical; and in which the second movable element (9) is movable along a respective displacement direction (D2) transversal, in particular orthogonal, to the displacement direction (D1) of the first movable element (8), said displacement direction (D2) of the second mobile element (9), in conditions of use of the vending machine (1), being substantially horizontal. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first movable element (8) is movable at least between: a main loading position in which said first mobile element is configured to receive, in particular directly, a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6); a pick-up position in which the first mobile element is placed in correspondence with the access opening (5); optionally, the pick-up position of the first mobile element (8) - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - is defined above the main load position of the same first mobile element (8). 5. Machine according to the preceding claim, in which the first movable element (8) can also be displaced to an auxiliary loading position in which said first movable element (8) is configured to receive, in particular directly, a predetermined number of products (P) from the second movable element (9), the main loading position being defined in interposition between the auxiliary unloading position and the pick-up position. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second movable element (9) is movable at least between: a loading position in which said second mobile element is configured to receive, in particular directly, a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6); an unloading position in which said second mobile element is configured to release the predetermined number of products loaded during the loading position on the first mobile element (8), optionally in which the second mobile element (9), in the unloading position, is interposed between the first mobile element (8) and the access opening (5). 7. Machine according to the previous claim, in which the second mobile element (9), in the unloading position and in conditions of use of the vending machine (1), is placed above the first mobile element (8), and in which the unloading position of the second mobile element (9) - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - is defined above the loading position of the same second mobile element (9). Machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second movable element (9) comprises: a base (13) configured to receive and support products (P), optionally the base (13) of the second movable element (9) comprises a flat plate, a thrust element (14) engaged at the base (13) and movable relative to the latter at least between: o a retracted position in which the thrust element allows the positioning of a predetermined number of products on the base (13), or a forward position spaced from the retracted position, the thrust element (14) being configured to slide on the base between the retracted position to the advanced one to allow the thrust of the predetermined number of products supported by the second mobile element (9) outside the base (13), wherein the thrust element (14) is configured to move relative to the base (13) at least during the displacement of the second element (9) from the unloading to the loading position so that the predetermined number of products (P) supported by the second movable element (9) can fall on the first movable element (8). Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the warehouse (6) comprises a product outlet (P) defined - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - at a lower end of the same warehouse (6), the magazine (6) further comprising at least one dispensing device (15) associated with the outlet of the same magazine (6) and which is configured to allow the dispensing by gravity of one product (P) at a time from the same warehouse (6), and in which the machine (1) comprises a transport member (16) placed, under conditions of use of the vending machine (1), below the magazine (6), said transport member (16) being configured to receive a predetermined number of products (P) from the warehouse (6) and supplying the latter to the handling system (7), in particular to at least one of the first and second mobile elements (8, 9), and in which the dispensing device (15) is configured to allow the fall by gravity of one product (P) at a time onto the transport member (16) which is configured to convey the predetermined number of products fallen onto the handling system (7). 10. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, in which the casing (2) comprises: an auxiliary access (17) delimited by a perimeter edge (18), a door (19) engaged at the perimeter edge (18) of the auxiliary access, said door (19) being movable relative to the perimeter edge (18) at least between: a closed position in which the door itself is configured to prohibit communication through the auxiliary access (17) between the internal volume (3) of the casing (2) and the external environment, an opening position in which the door itself is configured to allow communication through the auxiliary access (17) between the internal volume (3) of the casing (2) and the external environment, the magazine (6) being movable relative to the casing (2) and being configured to be at least partially extracted, in particular completely extracted, from the casing (2) through the auxiliary access (17) in the condition in which the door ( 19) is in the open position. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magazine (6) comprises a plurality of modules (6a) distinct from each other and each of which is configured to support a plurality of products (P), the machine distributor (1) - for each module (6a) - including: a dispensing device (15) configured to allow the dispensing, in particular the release, of one product (P) at a time from the respective module (6a), a transport member (16) configured to receive, in particular by gravity, a predetermined number of products (P) from the respective module (6a) of the warehouse (6), and in which each module (6a) of the warehouse (6) comprises: a trolley (20) configured to allow handling of the respective module, a storage section (21) configured to contain a plurality of products (P), the storage section (21) - in conditions of use of the vending machine (1) - being placed above the trolley (20), the vending machine (1) - for each module (6a) - including: a transport member (16) interposed between the trolley (20) and the storage section (21) of a respective module (6a), said transport member (16) being configured to receive, in particular by gravity, a predetermined number of products (P) from the respective module (6a) of the warehouse (6), a dispensing device (15) associated with each storage section and configured to allow the dispensing of one product (P) at a time from the respective module (6a ), each module (6a) is movable relative to the casing (2) by means of the trolley (20) and is configured to be at least partially extracted from the casing (2) through the auxiliary access (17) in the condition in which the door (19) is in the open position, in particular each module (6a) of the magazine (6) is totally extractable from the casing (2). 12. Method for dispensing products (P) through a vending machine in accordance with any of the previous claims, said method comprising the following steps: dispense from the warehouse (6) a predetermined number of products (P), arrange said predetermined number of products (P) on at least one of the first and second movable elements (8, 9), move at least one of said first and second mobile elements (8, 9), carrying the predetermined number of products (P), at the access opening (5).