WO1999038132A1 - Distributeur automatique de produits, notamment de produits conditionnes en emballages souples, et dispositif de retention et d'expulsion pour un tel distributeur - Google Patents

Distributeur automatique de produits, notamment de produits conditionnes en emballages souples, et dispositif de retention et d'expulsion pour un tel distributeur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999038132A1
WO1999038132A1 PCT/EP1999/000176 EP9900176W WO9938132A1 WO 1999038132 A1 WO1999038132 A1 WO 1999038132A1 EP 9900176 W EP9900176 W EP 9900176W WO 9938132 A1 WO9938132 A1 WO 9938132A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
channel
retention
package
spiral
retaining element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1999/000176
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Egle Restelli
Guglielmo Macchi
Original Assignee
Futura S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Futura S.R.L. filed Critical Futura S.R.L.
Priority to EP99930898A priority Critical patent/EP1050030A1/fr
Priority to AU32492/99A priority patent/AU3249299A/en
Publication of WO1999038132A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999038132A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means

Definitions

  • the invention refers to automatic vendors for products for consumption.
  • the state of the art comprises spiral-feed automatic vendors. Basically they comprise a channel within which a rotating spiral is set, which is fed with products, or rather packages, to be dispensed that are held between two consecutive turns of the spiral.
  • the rotation of the spiral feeds the packages to be dispensed between one upstream or entry end located before the channel, generally set at the bottom, and one downstream dispensing or delivery end of the channel, generally set at the top.
  • an opening is provided, through which the individual product is dispensed, generally by being dropped.
  • a problem in this sector is thus to provide a vendor of soft products or products in soft packets (generally known as "FAPs"), such as bags containing two coffee bags for automatic coffee-making machines".
  • FAPs soft products or products in soft packets
  • Distribution of these articles is generally done by hand, for example by caretakers in schools and various staff in offices.
  • the aim has thus been to dispense products wrapped in soft packaging in an automatic and reliable way, without resorting to staff.
  • a further aim is to prevent any thefts or tampering with these machines.
  • Forming the subject of the present invention is also a device that can be adapted on preexisting equipment, as is described in Claim 7.
  • the new apparatus comprises at least one part that forms a channel, which works in conjunction with a rotatable dispensing spiral in order to feed the packages individually, and comprises for each channel a retaining element which can move between an extended retaining position, in which it holds the bag at the exit end of the channel of the vending machine, and a position retracted behind the said bag, in which it exerts a push to eject the said bag through the delivery opening.
  • the retention device may be supplied as a separate element for application on already existing vendors.
  • the retention device may moreover be built individually for each channel, or else may be a single device having retaining elements for a number of channels set side by side.
  • Each retention device comprises at least one plate or retaining element, hinged to a movement or control bar and bound to the latter by means of an extension spring.
  • the control bar is actuated by a rotating shaft via a cam.
  • the rotating shaft is operated by the same motor that actuates the dispensing spiral, or else by a motor which works in co-ordination with the motor driving the spiral.
  • the new device and the vending machine equipped with it enable individual dispensing, in a reliable manner, of soft bags containing products, which are dropped down or picked out by the user. Moreover this device and the vending machine present the advantage of preventing or hampering thefts, as well as any tampering with the machine, in that it is difficult or even impossible for anybody to insert his fingers in the channel containing the bags in which the spiral is housed.
  • Fig. 1 is an axonometric representation of the dispensing ends of two channel shaped elements of a spiral type vendor; in one of these ends a bag, of the FAP type, is shown which is just about to be dispensed by the vendor;
  • Fig. 2 is a part sectional side view of a prior art dispensing channel
  • Fig. 3 is a broken-away axonometric view of a dispensing channel of a vendor equipped with the retaining device according to the present invention; the device is in an extended, i.e., retaining, condition;
  • Fig. 4 is a median vertical cross sectional view, taken in a plane indicated by 4-4 in Fig. 3, of the device of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but shows the device in an intermediate condition, in which a retaining element is a retracting step;
  • Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figs. 4 and 5 and shows the device with the retaining element in a retracted, i.e., pushing, position;
  • Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but shows the device with retaining elements in a retracted, i.e., pushing, condition.
  • a containing channel 2 generally made of cut and bent sheet metal, is internally equipped with a feed spiral 4, which is located longitudinally in the channel.
  • the spiral is free to turn about its own axis under the action of a driving motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow indicated by R in the same figure.
  • a vendor of articles may comprise one, two or more channels set side by side.
  • into an upstream or entry end (at the bottom in the figure) of each spiral 4 is fed a packaged product having a shape, in plan view, which is substantially correlated to the cross section of the chamber defined by the channel 2.
  • the package which is held between two consecutive turns of the spiral, is translated along the chamber (in the particular case shown the package is lifted up) at each turn of rotation of the spiral, by a distance equal to the pitch between two consecutive turns of the spiral.
  • the package arrives at a section of the channel in which a dispensing opening 3 is provided, it is delivered through the said opening.
  • the channels may be set inclined with the opening 3 facing downwards, so that the delivery of the package takes place by gravity.
  • An apparatus 10 thus comprises, in addition to a channel 2 with an opening for dispensing 3 and feed spiral 4, as mentioned above, a device 20, as will be described in what follows.
  • the device 20 comprises, for each dispensing channel 2 or at least for one of these, a plate or retaining element referenced 22.
  • Element 22 has its distal end preferably curved, terminating with a part, referenced 24, acting as a follower and its proximal end, hinged by means of a horizontal pin 25 on an actuating element or bar, referenced 26.
  • the latter is driven by a connecting rod or driving rod 28.
  • the arm is pivoted in 27 to the bar 26 and pivoted in 29 to an eccentric arm or crank mechanism 30.
  • the latter is integral with an output shaft 32 of a gearmotor or motor-reducer 34.
  • the gearmotor is preferably connected to the motor (not shown) for operating the spiral 4 by means of an electronic timing system, not described herein because it is readily available to any person skilled in the field and of average experience.
  • An extension spring is mounted with one end on the element 22, and with the other end on the bar 26.
  • a cover 38 for the channel comprises an inclined wall 39 sloping towards the channel so as to operate in conjunction with the follower end 24 of the element 22.
  • Means 40, 42 (Fig. 7) having slots or the like may be provided for guiding the movement of the bar 26 backwards and forwards.
  • To one and the same driving bar 26 may be connected a number of retaining elements for a number of channels set side by side. 5
  • the distance d left free between the lower rim of the opening 3 and the facing edge of the element 22 is smaller than the thickness of the bag S, so that it is not possible to pull out a bag S for which no authorization has been issued.
  • the actuation of the dispensing mechanism which can be obtained, in a per se known way and hence not described herein, via the introduction of a coin, a key or some other means, operates a member which drives rotation of the spiral and the motor-reducer that operates the retaining device with appropriate timing intervals.
  • the start of movement of the motor-reducer that actuates the retaining member precedes by a short interval of time the entry into operation of the spiral.
  • the motor-reducer 34 then rotates the eccentric arm 30, which actuates the plate 26, and thus the retaining member 22, in the direction of the retracted condition, i.e., towards the right in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 (arrow FR).
  • An intermediate position is illustrated in Fig. 5.
  • the element 22 is seen to be shifted towards the right, lifting up under the action of the spring 36, guided throughout by the contact between a cam surface 39' of the cover 39 and the end 24 of the element 22.
  • the spiral 4 by turning, can lift the bag S into a position that corresponds to the delivery opening 3.
  • Fig. 6 the bag S is shown completely lifted up, possibly right against the plate 39 of the cover 38.
  • the retaining device 22 is in the fully retracted position and is starting the ejection stroke in the direction of the arrow FE indicated in the figure.
  • one part 23 of the arm 22 engages the trailing end of the bag S and pushes the bag through the delivery opening 3.
  • the arm 22 is again back in the condition illustrated in Fig. 4, in which it contributes to withholding a subsequent bag S. 6
  • vending machines may be produced that already comprise incorporated a device 20; or else, devices 20 may be supplied to be mounted on already existing vending machines and to be co-ordinated with the latter as regards movement.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à distributeur automatique du type distributeur à spirales rotatives (4), comprenant un dispositif de rétention ayant un élément (22) qui est maintenu contre un paquet (S) au niveau d'une position terminale, en aval de la goulotte de distribution, et qui est susceptible de se déplacer entre deux positions. La première de ces positions est celle correspondant à une condition détendue de rétention dans laquelle le paquet est retenu et l'autre de ces positions est celle correspondant à une condition de retrait derrière ledit paquet et permettant l'expulsion. L'avance de l'élément (22) permet l'expulsion du paquet qui est en position supérieure, c'est à dire de celui à l'extrémité de la goulotte, puis l'élément (22) est ramené en position de rétention sur le paquet suivant.
PCT/EP1999/000176 1998-01-23 1999-01-14 Distributeur automatique de produits, notamment de produits conditionnes en emballages souples, et dispositif de retention et d'expulsion pour un tel distributeur WO1999038132A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP99930898A EP1050030A1 (fr) 1998-01-23 1999-01-14 Distributeur automatique de produits, notamment de produits conditionnes en emballages souples, et dispositif de retention et d'expulsion pour un tel distributeur
AU32492/99A AU3249299A (en) 1998-01-23 1999-01-14 Automatic vendor of products, including soft-wrapped ones, and retention and expulsion device for said vendor

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT98MI000114A IT1298185B1 (it) 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Distributore automatico di prodotti, anche in confezione floscia, e dispositivo di ritenuta e spinta per detto distributore.
ITMI98A000114 1998-01-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999038132A1 true WO1999038132A1 (fr) 1999-07-29

Family

ID=11378666

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP1999/000176 WO1999038132A1 (fr) 1998-01-23 1999-01-14 Distributeur automatique de produits, notamment de produits conditionnes en emballages souples, et dispositif de retention et d'expulsion pour un tel distributeur

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1050030A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU3249299A (fr)
IT (1) IT1298185B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999038132A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITMI20110139A1 (it) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-03 De Longhi Appliances Srl Macchina da caffe presentante un dispositivo di caricamento selettivo di una capsula di caffe in un infusore

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3815781A (en) * 1972-11-16 1974-06-11 C Armstrong Vending machine with improved auger conveyor
FR2267593A1 (en) * 1974-04-10 1975-11-07 Distribution Automatique Cie F Vending machine for bags of sweets etc. - has screw shafts moving ejector plates to push bags to pivotal gates
US3993215A (en) * 1974-09-30 1976-11-23 Umc Industries, Inc. Spiral vendor
WO1987001846A1 (fr) * 1985-09-13 1987-03-26 Bergstedth Henri Dispositif dans un distributeur automatique a pre-paiement
GB2262517A (en) * 1991-12-18 1993-06-23 Bradwell A Ltd Vending machine dispensing mechanism

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3815781A (en) * 1972-11-16 1974-06-11 C Armstrong Vending machine with improved auger conveyor
FR2267593A1 (en) * 1974-04-10 1975-11-07 Distribution Automatique Cie F Vending machine for bags of sweets etc. - has screw shafts moving ejector plates to push bags to pivotal gates
US3993215A (en) * 1974-09-30 1976-11-23 Umc Industries, Inc. Spiral vendor
WO1987001846A1 (fr) * 1985-09-13 1987-03-26 Bergstedth Henri Dispositif dans un distributeur automatique a pre-paiement
GB2262517A (en) * 1991-12-18 1993-06-23 Bradwell A Ltd Vending machine dispensing mechanism

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITMI20110139A1 (it) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-03 De Longhi Appliances Srl Macchina da caffe presentante un dispositivo di caricamento selettivo di una capsula di caffe in un infusore

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3249299A (en) 1999-08-09
IT1298185B1 (it) 1999-12-20
EP1050030A1 (fr) 2000-11-08
ITMI980114A1 (it) 1999-07-23

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