JP2002541569A - Dispensing device and its use - Google Patents

Abstract

A vending machine for vending articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an "X-Y" picker assembly for receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another location as desired.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention inherits by reference and claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 127,629, filed Apr. 2, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to vending machines for selling goods, especially beverage or food containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cabinet having a plurality of vertically partitioned shelves, and receiving packaged beverages from the shelves and dispensing the packaged beverages to a discharge port or other desired location at the front of the cabinet. Vending machine having an "XY" pick-up assembly for transport to a vending machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various vending machines are known which dispense goods from shelves or storage bottles. Conventionally dispensed items fall under the influence of gravity away from shelves or storage. A chute (runway) is typically placed in the path of the falling items and directs the falling items to a discharge port below the shelf or storage.

[0004] Such a conventional vending machine cannot be said to completely utilize the internal volume of the vending machine. Because gravity is used to carry items to the discharge port, the space near and below the discharge port cannot be used to store salable items. Thus, the discharge port is typically located in the lower part of the vending machine, but this is not always convenient for the user.

[0005] Such a conventional dispensing device also has a plurality of escape mechanisms, one for each row of products, which allows one product to be removed from the front of each row. It is shaped like As can be appreciated, such an escapement is costly and it is difficult to provide reliability, for example, for 45 separate escapements.

[0006] A vending machine having a glass door has a glass door on the front so that a person who receives an item opens the glass door from the front. This allows the merchant to retrieve the product through the front opening. This is also advantageous because the consumer can see the item. However, when assembling the device, the packout of the product becomes a problem when assembling the device, especially if the product is upright and has different heights. In such a situation, using short products in the same shelf will result in poor packing due to the tallest product on a particular shelf. Further, the use of gear motors to excite the coils in each product distribution area in a vending machine with glass doors also tends to be costly and suffer from overall distribution equipment reliability.

However, glass door vending machines have several advantages. That is, when a consumer walks up to a glass door vending machine, the consumer can see if there is a product in the vending machine. If they do not see the product, the customer will have some hesitation instead of using this vending machine.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved product distribution that allows viewing of products, improved packing, adaptation to a variety of distribution schemes, and is cost effective and reliable. Machine is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an improved product that allows viewing of the product, improved packing, adaptability to various sales systems, and is cost effective and reliable. Providing a vending machine overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising an outer frame, a plurality of storage locations for storing the products, a discharge location, and a storage location for the products. A device comprising a pick-up device for removing from any one of the locations, transporting it one at a time and distributing it to the discharge location.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing device and its use.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing device that allows the product to be viewed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing device with improved packing.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing device that can be adapted to various sales systems.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing device that is efficient in manufacturing and operating costs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dispensing device that is reliable.

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are numbered similarly in some of the figures shown in FIGS. ing.

General Description of the Method and Apparatus of the Present Invention Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing products, such as cans, bottles, boxes, etc., to a waiting consumer. FIG. 1 shows one view of such a dispensing device 10 which uses a pick-up assembly 20 which is part of an XY traversing assembly 15 to multiplex from a variety of shelves I, II, III and IV. Are distributed.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the pick-up assembly 20 also includes a rotating finger, a stationary finger 22, and left and right blocking members 23, 24, respectively, wherein the blocking members are engaged, It moves horizontally relative to the upper and lower horizontal bars 30,31.

The rotation of the rotating fingers of the pick-up assembly 20 causes the pick-up assembly 20 to “pick up” one product, move the product to a remote location by the XY traverse assembly 15, and move the product as desired. Can be distributed.

The outer frame of the entire outer frame distributor 10 is shown generally at 13 in FIG. The outer frame can be one known in the art in that it provides an enclosure for containing the product, as well as a framework for supporting various other components of the device, such as the XY traverse assembly 15. .

XY Lateral Assembly 15 Referring to FIG. 1, the XY lateral assembly 15 includes a pick-up assembly 20.
And upper and lower horizontal bars 30,31, left and right lateral assembly blocking members 25,26, and left and right vertical bars 32,33.

The left and right vertical rods 32, 33 generally extend parallel and together and are shaped so that the left and right lateral assembly blocking members 25, 26 can be relatively moved along their respective heights. are doing. This can be done by interacting the bars 32,33 with the blocking members 25,26, as used in conventional XY plotter technology.

The horizontal bars 32, 33 have ends attached to the left and right lateral assembly blocking members 25, 26, respectively. The left and right blocking members 23 and 24 respectively engage,
It is shaped to move relatively horizontally across the upper and lower horizontal bars 30,31. Again, the interaction between the bars 30, 31 and the blocking members 23, 24 can be as used in conventional XY plotter technology.

The pick-up assembly 20 moves along the “X” axis by moving relatively along the upper and lower horizontal bars 30, 31. The pick-up assembly 20 also moves along its "Y" axis by moving the left and right transverse assembly blocking members 25, 26 along corresponding left and right vertical bars 32, 33 in parallel.

With such movement along the X and Y axes, the pick-up assembly selects (ie, picks up) the product, moves it to a different location, and then moves it to a single exit chute (not shown), or The guide member 50 as shown in FIG.

Pickup Assembly 20 As described above, one pickup assembly 20 is attached to the outer frame of device 10 by "X
Move along both the "" and "Y" axes. 2, the pick-up assembly includes a pair of rotating fingers 21 and a pair of stationary fingers 22, as well as the left and right pick-up assembly blocking members 23, 24 described above.

Each pair of stationary fingers 22 is shaped such that one of each is mounted inside a corresponding left and right pick-up assembly blocking member 23, 24. As will be described later, the stationary finger members 22 in pairs form the rotating finger members 21.
After the product is picked up by the pick-up assembly 20 and before it is released by the pick-up assembly 20, a "cradle", cr
dle ".

The rotating finger member 21 rotates in one direction (it can be rotated in the opposite direction).
Such rotation is performed about a central, substantially horizontal axis. This pair of rotating fingers 21 "pick up" the product from the front row of products and, as the finger 21 rotates, a comb-like shape in a shelf 12 as described below. Used to pass finger 40.

In addition to having a pick-up function, the rotating finger 21 "blocks" the can behind the target can, as will be described in more detail below, and the next can has its own momentum. It also has a function to prevent it from rolling off the shelf.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 and 3 showing the rack 12 that is used to house the product before it is comb-like finger members have shelf then partitioned. As can be seen in FIG. 1, four rows of products 11, namely I, II, III and IV, are stored on a single shelf 12 as illustrated. The shelf is inclined as is known in the art, and is provided with a divider that hangs a plurality of inclined "chutes", as is known in the art, so that the product, especially a circular product, is gravity driven. It can slide or roll down to the front of the shelf under influence (spring pressure can be used as needed to help drop against rectangular or irregularly shaped products).

At the four corners of the shelf are mounted comb-like lips with a plurality of spaced fingers, which fingers extend generally upward from the four corners of the shelf 12 and To the can in front of it to prevent it from falling. However, this retaining function can be overcome by using the rotating finger 21 passing through the comb-like finger 40 as described above, with the foremost product being picked up by the pick-up assembly 2.
Derived from a particular column by zero.

In the present invention, the distance between the finger members of the comb mechanism can be further increased. However, when programmed, the gripper has "smart" performance enough to know where to pick up the product.

Single Pickup Process See FIGS. 3 and 4 which illustrate the relative motion of the rotating finger 21 as it picks up the product 11 in conjunction with the stationary finger 22. I do. FIG. 3 is a side view of a plurality of different products 11 stored on various shelves 12A, 12B and 12C, and a rotating finger 21 works with a stationary finger 22 to remove the product 11. Figure 9 shows the relative movement of the rotating finger 21 as it moves through the positions indicated by pick-ups 11-A, 11-B and 11-C. Other sized products 11 'are shown to illustrate that the device 10 of the present invention can be adapted to different sized products.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 d show that the rotating finger 21 and the stationary finger 22 as the target product 11 is picked up and the “next” product occupies its position in front of the row of products. It shows the sequential process of picking up.

In FIG. 4 a, the rotating finger 21 is in the “ready” position.

In FIG. 4 b, the rotating finger 21 rotates from the position of FIG. 4 a, passes through the comb-like finger and comes into contact with the target product 11.

In FIG. 4c, the rotating finger 21 has been rotated from the position of FIG. 4b and the target product 11 has been removed from its row, now supported by the stationary finger.
The simultaneously rotating finger 21 "blocks" the next product moving to the location of the product just picked up under the influence of gravity. Such blocking consumes the energy of the next product and prevents it from jumping out of the comb-like lip.

In FIG. 4 d, the rotating finger 21 has rotated from the position of FIG. 4 c, and the product has been placed on the cradle and is in a ready position to be carried by the pick-up assembly 20 and discharged at a remote location. The "next" product is in the next pick-up position as needed.

In some cases, the shelf above the item being picked up helps to hold the item in that the item is prevented from falling from the rotating finger by the shelf above it. You should understand that.

Release Options After the product has been picked up by the pick-up assembly 20, the product is carried by the pick-up assembly 20 and discharged at a remote location. Such a release can take several forms.

One type of discharge carries the product downward until one end contacts a stationary surface and tilts the product from the cradle of the pick-up assembly 20 so that under the action of gravity it is driven by a standby chute or guide (eg, This is a method that allows the user to fall to 50) in FIG.

An alternative is to lower the product down onto an inclined ramp, where the inclined ramp is located between two stationary fingers 22.

In yet another method, one of the stationary finger members 22 is “lost (drop
ut) ", the product could be released without contacting other devices.

Operation of the Configuration of FIG. 1 with Other Device Modules Next, reference is made to FIG. 5, which shows how a job can begin with one vending machine A and how it can be built up. FIG. 5 shows various modules. The first figure shows the concept of the "A" module alone. This "A" module may include one shell, several shelves and one XY pick-up assembly.

The second figure (A + B) shows the combination of the A module with a base module that can be adapted to remove the can from the front, side or where desired.

The third figure (A + C) shows the combination of the A module with a base module which can be taken out of the front several cans at once, but also in an upright container Multiple packs containing multiple products could be prepared.

FIG. 4 (A + B + C) shows the combination of the A module with the base module, which allows to remove several cans at once from the front,
Alternatively, multiple packs containing multiple products could be provided in an upright container provided by an upright D on site.

Another Pickup Device 120-FIGS. 6-10 Next, another pickup device 120 that can be used with another device 200 is shown in FIG.
10 to 10.

FIG. 6 is a view in which another pickup assembly 120 is separated. The pick-up assembly 120 includes a body 119, a rotating shaft assembly 125 having two rotating fingers 121, a stationary support bar 122, a motor 130,
It includes a bevel gear 140, a bevel gear 141, and a pair of bearings 150.

The body 119 is generally “U-shaped” in cross-section in the transverse direction and has a main portion and two side portions extending in the same direction from opposite edges of the main portion. These side portions are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The two side parts and the main part together form a partially closed concealed space for the placement of the driving motor 130.

The stationary support bar 122 is substantially rigidly attached to one of the side walls of the body 199 and configured to work with the rotating shaft 125 as described in detail below. I have.

The rotating shaft assembly 125 includes two rotating fingers, each indicated at 121. When properly operated, these two rotating fingers work together to support an elongated product 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and as shown in broken lines in the cradle of FIG.

The rotating shaft assembly 125 is rotatably mounted on the body 119 of the pick-up assembly 120 by using a pair of bearings 150. One bearing is located inside each side wall and receives the rotating shaft assembly 120 and rotates the rotating shaft assembly 125 with respect to the body 119.
Is rotated appropriately.

The bevel gear 141 has two bearings 1 along a rotating shaft assembly 125.
It is firmly attached to and forms part of a shaft assembly 125 that rotates at 50 intermediate locations. The bevel gear 141 is configured to be fitted with the bevel gear 140, and the bevel gear 140 is driven and rotated by the motor 130 such that the shaft assembly 125 that is rotated by the rotation of the motor 130 is rotated.

By properly controlling the motor 130 in a manner known in the art, the rotating shaft assembly 125 is similarly controlled, and its rotational position, rotational speed, and direction of rotation are all electronic devices or those in the art. Can be appropriately controlled by other appropriate devices known in the art.

The motor 130 can be of any type known in the art, but in one form can be a DC gear motor or a stepper motor.

The main shaft of the rotating shaft assembly 125 is a stationary support rod 122
, But in a preferred embodiment, at substantially the same height as the rotating shaft 125.

In FIG. 6, the rotating shaft assembly 125 is in a position that is considered a so-called “prepare” position, such a position when the pick-up assembly 120 is empty and in motion.

FIG. 7 is another view of the pick-up assembly 120 shown in FIG. 6, in which the rotating shaft assembly 125 has been rotated to a different position. This position can be considered as the position where the picked-up product 11 is "dropped" into the cradle mounted on the members 125,122. In this position, the aforementioned "blocking" function can likewise be performed by the rotating finger 121.

Once the product has been rolled into place in the cradle mounted on members 125, 122, the rotating shaft assembly 125 can move the received product without being disturbed by it. It is preferable to return to the position shown in FIG. This is because the product is "stripped" as described in more detail below.
) "Can be performed immediately before.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the results of the inventor's planning for some of its dimensions, which are absolutely essential to the operation of the present invention. Not important.

In FIG. 8, the dimension A can be 3.375 inches. Dimension B is 5.
658 inches. Dimension C can be 1.600 inches. Dimension D can be 3.0 inches. Dimension E can be 1.175 inches. The diameters d of the main elongated rods of the stationary support rod 122 and the rotating shaft 125 can each be 0.250 inches.

Apparatus 200 and Cable Assembly FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate one way in which the apparatus 120 of FIGS. 6-8 can be moved about a large support apparatus 200. The large support device 200 includes a first cable section 201 and a second cable section 202. In addition, a sliding member 210, a vertical positioning motor 220, a horizontal positioning motor 230, and a distribution location 240 are included. As will be described in greater detail below, the vertical positioning motor 220 moves the pick-up assembly 120 vertically, while the horizontal positioning motor 220 moves the pick-up assembly 120 horizontally, with all of the first and second This is done using the cable part.

The first cable portion 201 is substantially endless in its function, but is in fact a single length of cable, cord or other suitable flexible material. , The ends of which are each attached to a common movable element. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, which show the path of the first cable section 201, this path is defined by a plurality of normal guide pulleys 209 and motor-230 pulleys, all of which are mounted on the frame of the support device 200. It is mounted so that it can move. This frame is not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, but is generally shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the end of the first cable portion 201 is attached to an elongated sliding member 220 described below. First cable part 201
The horizontal positioning motor 230, including the drive pulley engaged with it, moves the pick-up assembly 120 horizontally, as described in more detail below.

The pick-up assembly 120 is slidably mounted with respect to the slide member 210, and the pick-up assembly 120 can slide the elongate slide member 210 up and down under the restraint of the second cable portion 202 as described below. it can.
The vertical positioning motor 200 is attached to the sliding member 210 and moves with it in the horizontal direction.

The second cable portion 202 is substantially endless in its function, but is actually a single length of cable, cord or other suitable flexible material, Are each attached to a common movable element. This common movable element can be the pick-up assembly 120, which can be moved up and down by rotation of the vertical positioning motor 220. The second cable portion 202 is supported by two pulleys, one guide pulley 203 rotatably mounted at the lower end of the sliding member 210, and a drive pulley that forms part of the vertical positioning motor 220.

With proper control of the vertical positioning motor 220, the vertical positioning of the pick-up assembly 120 can be controlled as well.

The elongate sliding member 210 has an upper end attached to the first cable portion 201 and a lower end attached to the first cable portion 201.
Referring to FIG. 10, the arrow 250 causes the cable portion attached to the sliding member 210 to move generally in the same direction, and movement of the first cable portion causes the sliding member 210 to be similarly identified at the same speed as the cable 201. You can see that it moves horizontally.

When the horizontal positioning motor 230 drives the first cable portion 201, the sliding member 210 also moves to the side depending on the rotation of the horizontal positioning motor 230. That is, if the sliding member generally moves to the right, the pick-up assembly 120 will also move to the right with the vertical positioning motor 220.

When the desired vertical position of the pick-up assembly 120 changes, the vertical positioning motor 220 operates similarly.

Accordingly, the vertical positioning motor 220 moves the pick-up assembly 120 vertically, while the horizontal positioning motor 230 moves the pick-up assembly 120 horizontally.

[0074] picked up assembly 120 products 11 picked up using a dispensing location, it was housed in the cradle as shown in Figure 7, it picked assembly 120 moves generally towards the dispensing location 240, the consumer Into it so that it can be removed.

As can be seen, the pick-up assembly 120 shown, for example, in FIG.
Has a certain "cantilever" design, such that the product 11 stored in the cradle comes to the side of the body 119 of the device. Thus, the product contained in the cradle (as well as the supporting fingers 120, a portion of the rotating shaft 125, and a portion of the stationary support bar 122) due to this “cantilever” design is inserted into the distribution location 120. be able to.

When the product stored in the cradle enters the interior of the dispensing location 120, the product can still be withdrawn in the cradle and withdrawn by the consumer. But,
In a preferred alternative, as the pick-up assembly 120 is withdrawn from the dispensing location 120 and returned to the pick-up area, the product is removed from the pick-up assembly 120 by a suitable device that removes the product contained in the cradle from a location within the cradle. You can "extract". In this case, the consumer can reach the product and pick it up. If necessary, suitable barriers could be provided to prevent the moving assembly 120 from reaching and touching it.

The distribution area 240 is included in the flap at the entrance and the distribution area (not frozen)
The pick-up area (frozen) can be appropriately separated. Such flaps could be used to provide a withdrawal function by forming them in the form of "one-way" flaps that pivot inward into the dispensing location cavity but not outward.

Alternatively, the “interference member” could be selectively moved from above, below or beside the location of the product in the cradle to provide a withdrawal function.

Other Alternative Devices Reference is now made to FIGS. 11-12, which illustrate the device 200 and alternative devices 300, 400, 500.

FIG. 11 is a simplified front elevation view showing the operation of the device 200 used with the pick-up device 120, primarily for comparison with FIGS. 12-14.

FIG. 12 shows another device 300 that uses a central support shaft 301 that moves a bar 302 along its axis and has a pick-up assembly 320 attached to one end. By rotating the central shaft 301 and extending or retracting the captured bar 302, the pick-up assembly 320
Can be moved to a suitable location inside a rectangular area defining a general pick-up area.

FIG. 13 shows yet another device 400, in this case the pick-up assembly 42.
0 is used. This articulated arm assembly is attached to the entire equipment frame outside the pick-up area.

FIG. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment 500 in which the telescoping arm assembly 501 supports the pick-up assembly 520 at its free end, but the telescoping arm assembly Lee 501 is supported against a frame of the assembly along a pivot point 505.

FIG. 15 shows a vending assembly 200 having the configuration shown in FIGS. The vending assembly 200 includes a discharge port 241 through which a consumer can manually insert and remove product from a dispensing location.

FIG. 16 shows a conventional sales assembly 1000 for reference.

In another alternative configuration, as described above, the fingers are independent of each other and at one point, or the other of the fingers moves upward and tilts to either side. Can be.

A “two-way” pick-up device with a hand-like gripping member could also be used. The product could also be upright while gripping with this type of gripping member.

As mentioned above, some of the options that come out of use with the present invention include the use of a “variability pack”. This can be done by packing a variaty pack with different products inside the vending machine. The retainer allows the product to be dropped into different slots inside the six packs, and the guides of the six packs include slots to allow for clearance of the device.

The machine can also be used to derive some “entertainment value”.
As mentioned above, the XY pick-up device moves in the user's field of view before making a selection of the product to pick up. If desired, the XY pick-up device can be programmed to move according to the user's hand when the user touches the front glass. In such a situation, the user can place his hand on the front glass and effectively follow the XY pick-up device. The device can also be programmed to select the item corresponding to the point where the user has released his hand from the front glass, if necessary.

It should also be appreciated that the vending apparatus of the present invention can be running even when not in use. In such a case, the XY pick-up device moves through the X and Y axes (without picking up) to attract the user's attention.

Conclusion According to the present invention, therefore, an improvement over the prior art is provided by providing a vending machine for selling containers of goods, especially beverages or foods. In particular, the present invention relates to a cabinet having a plurality of vertically partitioned shelves, and an XY pick-up assembly for receiving packaged beverage from the shelf and discharging the packaged beverage to a discharge port or other desired location on the entire surface of the cabinet. Related to a vending machine.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it is understood that many modifications or changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims. I want to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a dispensing device 10 that uses a pick-up assembly 20 that is part of an XY traverse assembly 15 to dispense a plurality of different products 11 from various rows I, II, III and IV. Pick-up assembly 20 includes upper and lower horizontal bars 30,
The relative movement along 31 moves along the "X" axis. The horizontal bar is attached at each end to left and right lateral assembly blocking members 25,26. The pick-up assembly 20 moves along the "Y" axis due to the parallel movement of the left and right transverse assembly blocking members 25, 26 along corresponding vertical left and right bars 32, 33.

FIG. 2 is a separate perspective view of the pick-up assembly 20 of the present invention. The pick-up assembly includes a rotating finger 21A, a stationary finger 22 and left and right pick-up assembly blocking members 23, 24, respectively, each of which is positioned relative to an upper and lower horizontal bar 30, 31. To move horizontally. Rotating finger 2
1A is a finger-like member of the first embodiment, whereas finger-like members 21B and 21C of the second and third embodiments are described elsewhere.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a plurality of different products 11 loaded on top of various shelves 12A, 12B, and 12C, and with rotating fingers 21B working together when picking up products 11; The relative movement of the rotating finger 21B as it is moved through the positions shown at 11-A, 11-B and 11C is also shown. Apparatus 10 of the present invention
Are shown, to show that can fit various sizes of products, another (small) size product 11 'is also shown.

4a to 4d are side views showing the picking-up process of the rotating finger 21C and the stationary finger 22 as sequential steps.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of module A that can be used with other modules B, C and D.

FIG. 6 is a separate perspective view of another pick-up assembly 120. The pick-up assembly 120 includes a body 119, a rotating shaft assembly 125 with two rotating fingers 121, a stationary support rod 122, a motor 130, and a bevel gear 14.
0, a bevel gear 141, and a pair of bearings 150.

FIG. 7 is another view of the pick-up assembly 120 shown in FIG. In this configuration, the rotating shaft assembly 125 has been rotated to a different position. This position is Product 1
1 is the position where it "falls" into the cradle provided on members 125,122.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the device of FIGS. 7 and 6;

9 and 10 are views of a portion that facilitates movement of the pick-up device 120 within the device 200.

FIG. 11 is a simplified front elevation view showing the operation of the device 200 used with the pick-up device 120, primarily for comparison with FIGS. 12-14.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment 300 using a central support shaft 301 that moves a bar 302 along an axis, with a pick-up assembly 320 attached at one end. By rotating this central shaft 301 to extend and retract the captured bar 302, the pick-up assembly 320 can be moved to a suitable position within the rectangular area defining the general pick-up area.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of another aspect 400 illustrating the use of an articulated arm assembly 401 to support a pick-up assembly 420. The articulated arm assembly is attached to the outer frame of the entire device outside the pick-up area.

FIG. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment 500. In this embodiment, the telescoping arm assembly 501 supports the pick-up assembly 520 at its free end, the telescoping arm assembly 501 supporting a pivot point 505 against the frame of the assembly. Have been.

FIG. 15 is a vending machine 200 having the configuration shown in FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a conventional vending machine 1000 shown for reference. Note that the dispensing location is different from the location shown in FIG.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment

[Submission date] January 29, 2001 (2001.1.29)

[Procedure amendment 1]

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[0005] Such a conventional dispensing device also has a plurality of escape mechanisms, one for each row of products, which allows one product to be removed from the front of each row. It is shaped like As can be appreciated, such an escapement is costly and it is difficult to provide reliability, for example, for 45 separate escapements. Other known devices include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,628 and German Patent DE-U- 946212. The U.S. patent describes a distributor for moving items into and out of a storage compartment through a storage container. The storage container is capable of operating in the Z- direction via a sliding guide. The penetrating device can move the Z- direction in German Patent (piercing device) distributor taking out goods product from the storage chamber through is clearly shown.

[Procedure amendment 15]

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However, glass door vending machines have several advantages. That is, when a consumer walks up to a glass door vending machine, the consumer can see if there is a product in the vending machine. If they do not see the product, the customer will have some hesitation instead of using this vending machine. The above known dispensing device for a customer is not obstructed and this view the goods are not used for application of the glass door with vending machines.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment

[Submission date] April 6, 2001 (2001.4.6)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

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[Claims]

Wherein pulling away the picked up device (20) the first product from a plurality of products (11) (11), that take out the second product from said plurality of products (11) (11) at the same time The device (10) according to claim 1, including a rotating member (21) configured to block.

3. The pick-up device (20) is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes (X, Y) with respect to the outer frame (13). Device (10) according to claim 1.

Claims4】 Multiple products(11)For storing and distributing(10)At
, The device(10)Is the outer frame(13)The product(11)Multiple storage locations supplied by gravity for storing(1 2) , Release location(50),and A pick-up device (20), said pick-up device being one of said products (11); One of the products (11) apart from the release location ( 50) a rotating member that rotates to distribute to Apparatus characterized by comprising (10) .

Wherein said picking device (20) pull the first product from said plurality of products (11) (11), that take out the second product from said plurality of products (11) (11) at the same time The device (10) according to claim 4, including a rotating member (21) configured to block.

6. The pick-up device (20) is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes (X, Y) with respect to the outer frame (13). Device (10) according to claim 4 .

7. An apparatus (10) for storing and distributing a plurality of products (11), the apparatus (10) includes an outer frame (13), and a plurality of storage locations (12) for storing the products (11). ) Wherein at least one of said storage locations (12) includes a comb-like set of protruding fingers (40) defining an elongated gap with open ends, said protruding fingers. (40) a plurality of storage locations (12) at least partially supporting at least one of the products (11) in a pick-up position, a discharge location (50), and a storage location (12) for storing the products (11); Pick-up device (20) which removes from any one of the above, transports them one by one at a distance and distributes them to the discharge location (50), wherein one of the products (11) is in the pick-up position Open end, when picked up from Device characterized in that it comprises at least pick up includes one finger member (21) device configured to pass through at least one gap (20) (10).

8. The pick-up device (20) rotates to pull one of the products (11) away from the plurality of products (11) and to release the one product (11) to the discharge location (11).
The device (10) according to claim 7, including a rotating member (21) configured to transport to (50).

9. The pick device (20) said plurality of products (11) a first pull the product (11) from the second product from the product (11) the plurality of time (11)
The device (10) of claim 7, including a rotating member (21) configured to prevent removal.

10. The pick-up device (20) is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes (X, Y) with respect to the outer frame (13). Device (10) according to claim 7 .

11. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of products (11) in a multi-cavity container having a plurality of storage locations (10), said device (10) is an outer frame (13), the product ( 11) a plurality of storage locations (12) for receiving the multi-cavity containers, a discharge location (C) configured to be able to simultaneously remove the multi-cavity containers, and a pick-up device (20). Wherein the pick-up device (20) separates one of the products (11) from the plurality of products (11) and dispenses one of the products (11) to the multi -cavity container. An apparatus (10) , characterized in that it comprises a rotating member (21) that rotates to perform the operation.

12. The pick-up device (20) comprises a first part from the plurality of products (11) .
Claims of pull the product (11), characterized in that it contains configured rotating member (21) so as to prevent the taking of the second product (11) from said plurality of products (11) at the same time the apparatus of claim 11, wherein (10).

13. The picked up device (20) is characterized by being configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axis to the outer frame (13) (X, Y) Device (10) according to claim 11 .

14. A dispensing device (10 , 200) for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the device (10) includes an outer frame (13) and a plurality of storage locations (12 ) for storing the products (11). ) , A discharge location (240) , an elongate sliding member (210) mounted for movement along said first axis (X ) relative to said outer frame (13 ) , a pick-up device (12), picking device away from said plurality of products one of it the product (11) (11), the rotary member (21 rotating one of the product (11) for distribution to the dissipating competed office (240) ) comprises a, the pick up device (120) relative to said outer frame (13) along a second axis (Y) is attached so as to obtain sliding said sub for long sliding member (210), further ,該滑Ri member (210 along the first axis (X) The first to move the
A cable assembly (202) for moving the pick-up device (120) along the second axis (Y ) relative to the outer frame (13) ; The first and second cable assemblies ( 201, 202) of the dispensing device ( 10, 200) may be configured such that the pick-up device (120) is connected to one of the first and second axes (X, Y ) or Moving along both sides against the outer frame (13) , removing the product (11) from any one of the storage locations (12) , transporting it one by one a distance, An apparatus (10, 200) operable to distribute to (240 ) .

15. The pick device (120) that is pulled apart first product (11) from said plurality of products (11), retrieving the second product from said plurality of products (11) (1 1) at the same time Device (10, 200) according to claim 14 , characterized in that it comprises a rotating member (21) configured to block the rotation.

16. The pick-up device (120) is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes (X, Y) with respect to the outer frame (13). An apparatus (10, 200) according to claim 14 .

17. An apparatus (10,200) for storing and distributing a plurality of products (11).
)), The device comprises: A) a first outer frame (13); B) a plurality of storage locations (12) for storing the product (11); C) a discharge location (50, 240); and D). A pick-up device (20, 120) for removing the product (11) from any one of the storage locations (12), transporting it one by one a distance and distributing it to the discharge location (50, 240); The pick-up device (20, 120) itself comprises: 1) a second outer frame (25, 26) movable with respect to the first outer frame (13) in at least two directions; 2) the second outer frame; 2 is attached to the outer frame (25, 26), and one product (1
1) a cradle member (22, 122) configured to at least assist in accommodating the cradle with 3) including at least one pick-up finger member (21.121), from a first position to a second position. A rotating member having a configuration to rotate to a third position through
125), 4) the fingers (21, 121) replace the first product (11) with the second product (1).
1) rotating the rotating member (125) from the first position to the second position so as to pull away from the cradle member (21). 22) and a first motor (130) for further rotating the rotating member (125) to the third position so as to push it into the cradle position in contact with the cradle position, and the device further comprises E). A second motor (220, 23) for moving the second outer frame (25, 26) relative to the first outer frame (13) along at least one of the two directions;
Device (10, 200) characterized by comprising (0).

18. The cradle member (22, 122) is said second outer frame (25
Device (10, 200) according to claim 17 , characterized in that it is a stationary bar mounted on (26).

19. The cradle member (22, 122), said rotary member (12
Device (10, 200) according to claim 18 , characterized in that it works together with a part of (5) to house the product (11) in a cradle.

20. The rotating member (125) further comprises the pick-up finger (2).
1, 121) comprising an elongated body attached thereto, said first motor (130).
20. The device (10, 200) of claim 19 , wherein the device is configured to rotate the elongate body about its elongate longitudinal axis.

21. A dispensing device (10, 20) containing a plurality of products (11).
In 0), the device (10, 200) is: A) the first outer frame (13), B) the device (10, 200) so that the product (11) to be removed first is next to the product (11) to be removed second. A plurality of storage locations (12) for storing the products (11); C) a discharge location (50, 240); and D) removing the products (11) from the storage locations (12), one by one. A pick-up device (20, 1) that carries a distance and distributes it to the discharge location (50, 240)
20), the pick-up device (20, 120) itself comprising: 1) a second outer frame (25, 26), which is movable with respect to the first outer frame (13) in at least two directions; Cradle members (22, 1) attached to the second outer frames (25, 26)
22), 3) a rotating member including at least one pick-up finger member (21, 121) and configured to rotate from the first position to the third position via the second position.
125), 4) The finger (21, 121) separates the first product (11) to be removed from the second product (11) and simultaneously the finger (21, 121) removes the product (11, 121). In order to prevent the removal of the product (11) to be removed first,
5) is rotated from the first position to the second position and the fingers (21, 1
A first motor (130) further rotates the rotating member (125) to the third position so that the product (11) pushes the product (11) into a cradle position in contact with the cradle members (22, 122). And E) moving the second outer frame (25, 26) relative to the first outer frame (13) in at least one of the two directions. Motors (220, 23
Device (10, 200) characterized by comprising (0).

22. The cradle member (22, 122) is said second outer frame (25
Device (10, 200) according to claim 21 , characterized in that it is a stationary bar attached to (26).

23. The cradle member (22, 122) includes the rotating member (12).
Device (10, 200) according to claim 21 , characterized in that it works together with a part of (5) to house the product (11) in a cradle.

24. The rotary member (125) is further said picked for finger member (2
1, 121) comprising an elongated body attached thereto, said first motor (130).
22. The device (10, 200) of claim 21 , wherein the device is configured to rotate the elongate body about its elongate longitudinal axis.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme court ゛ (Reference) B65G 59/06 104 B65G 59/06 104 (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD) , RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, Z, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ , LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising an outer frame, a plurality of storage locations for storing the products, a release location, and the product from any one of the storage locations. A device comprising a pick-up device for removing, transporting these one by one a distance and distributing them to said discharge location. 2. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to rotate to separate one of the products from the plurality of products and to convey the one product to the discharge location. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The pick-up device separates a first product from the plurality of products,
The apparatus of claim 1 including a rotating member configured to simultaneously prevent removal of a second product from the plurality of products. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pick-up device is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes with respect to the outer frame. 5. An apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising an outer frame, a plurality of storage locations supplied by gravity for storing the products, a discharge location, and A device comprising a pick-up device that removes from any one, transports them one by one a distance, and distributes them to the discharge location. 6. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to rotate to separate one of the products from the plurality of products and to convey the one product to the discharge location. An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: 7. The pick-up device separates a first product from the plurality of products,
The apparatus of claim 5, including a rotating member configured to simultaneously prevent removal of a second product from the plurality of products. 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pick-up device is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes with respect to the outer frame. 9. An apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising an outer frame, a plurality of storage locations for storing the products, at least one of the storage locations having an open end. A plurality of storage locations comprising a comb-like set of protruding fingers defining an elongated gap, the protruding fingers at least partially supporting at least one of the products in a pick-up position; A pick-up device for removing the product from any one of the storage locations, transporting it one by one a distance, and distributing the product to the discharge location, wherein one of the products is removed from the pick-up location. An apparatus, comprising: a pick-up device that includes at least one finger configured to pass through at least one of the open elongated gaps when picked up. 10. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to rotate to pull one of the products away from the plurality of products and to convey the one product to the discharge location. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that: 11. The pick-up device includes a rotatable member configured to separate a first product from the plurality of products and simultaneously prevent removal of a second product from the plurality of products. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that: 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pick-up device is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes with respect to the outer frame. 13. An apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products in a multi-cavity container having a plurality of storage locations, the apparatus comprising: an outer frame; a plurality of storage locations for storing the products; A discharge location configured to receive a tea container and simultaneously remove the multi-cavity container, and remove the product from any one of the storage locations and transport it one by one a distance; A device comprising a pick-up device for dispensing to said discharge location. 14. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to rotate to pull one of the products away from the plurality of products and to transport the one product to the discharge location. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that: 15. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to separate a first product from the plurality of products and simultaneously prevent removal of a second product from the plurality of products. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that: 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pick-up device is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes with respect to the outer frame. 17. A dispensing device for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the device comprising an outer frame, a plurality of storage locations for storing the products, a discharge location, and a first axis with respect to the outer frame. An elongate slide bar movably mounted for picking up and removing the product from any one of the storage locations to the discharge location, the elongate slide along a second axis relative to the slide member. A pick-up device slidably mounted on a rod, a first cable assembly for moving the sliding member along the first axis, the pick-up device along the second axis relative to the sliding member. A second cable assembly for moving the pick-up device, wherein the first and second cable assemblies of the dispensing device are configured such that the pick-up device is mounted on one or both of the first and second shafts. Along the outer frame Te motion, the said product removed from any one of said storage locations, and carry only this one by one a distance,
An apparatus operable to dispense to the discharge location. 18. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to rotate to separate one of the products from the plurality of products and to convey the one product to the discharge location. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that: 19. The pick-up device includes a rotating member configured to separate a first product from the plurality of products and simultaneously prevent removal of a second product from the plurality of products. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that: 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pick-up device is configured to move independently along two substantially perpendicular axes with respect to the outer frame. 21. An apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising: A) a first outer frame; B) a plurality of storage locations for storing the products; C) a discharge location; A pick-up device for removing products from the storage location, transporting them one by one a distance and distributing them to the discharge location, the pick-up device itself comprising: 1) the first outer frame in at least two directions; 2) a cradle member attached to the second outer frame, the cradle member being configured to at least assist in storing one product in the cradle during the transport; 3) at least one A rotating member including two pick-up fingers and configured to rotate from a first position through a second position to a third position; 4) the finger-like members hold the first product. Rotating the rotating member away from the second product; Rotating the rotating member from the first position to the second position and further rotating the rotating member to the third position such that the finger pushes the product into a cradle position in contact with the cradle member. The apparatus further comprises: E) a second motor for moving the second outer frame relative to the first outer frame along at least one of the two directions. An apparatus characterized in that: 22. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said cradle member is a stationary bar mounted on said second outer frame. 23. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said cradle member cooperates with a portion of said rotating member to contain said product in a cradle. 24. The rotating member further includes an elongate body to which the pick-up finger is attached, wherein the first motor rotates the elongate body about its elongate longitudinal axis. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the device has a configuration. 25. An apparatus for storing and distributing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising: A) a first outer frame; B) such that the products to be removed first are next to the products to be removed second. A plurality of storage locations for storage; C) a discharge location; and D) a pick-up device for removing the products from the storage location, transporting them one by one a distance and distributing them to the discharge location; The pick-up device itself comprises: 1) a second outer frame that can move relative to the first outer frame in at least two directions; 2) a cradle member attached to the second outer frame; 3) at least one pick-up A rotating member including a finger member for rotating from a first position to a third position via a second position; 4) the finger member removes the product to be removed first; The finger is separated from the product to be removed second Rotating the rotating member from the first position to the second position such that material prevents removal of the second product to be removed, and wherein the finger contacts the product with the cradle member; A first motor for further rotating the rotating member to the third position so as to push the rotating member into the cradle position. A device comprising a second motor that moves the frame along at least one of the two directions. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said cradle member is a stationary bar mounted on said second outer frame. 27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the cradle member cooperates with a portion of the rotating member to house the product in a cradle. 28. The rotating member further comprises an elongate body to which the pick-up finger is attached, wherein the first motor rotates the elongate body about its elongate longitudinal axis. 26. The device of claim 25 having a configuration.