WO2019104406A1

WO2019104406A1 - Automatic machine and method for selling fresh coconut

Info

Publication number: WO2019104406A1
Application number: PCT/BR2018/050443
Authority: WO
Inventors: William SALADO
Original assignee: Salado William
Priority date: 2017-11-29
Filing date: 2018-11-29
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Also published as: BR102017025646A2

Abstract

Automatic machine and method for selling fresh coconut, having means to keep green coconuts refrigerated and means for serving said coconut and for perforating same for insertion of a drinking straw also provided by the machine, so that the consumer can drink the water from the coconut. The machine has a thermally insulated cabinet (1) with an internal refrigeration unit (2), an ozonization system (28) and a front door (3) with closure (4) and handle (5). Several overhead conveyors (6) are arranged transversally beneath the refrigeration unit (2), each being designed to carry and move a given quantity of green coconut (C) and respective support hook (G). On the base of the cabinet (1) there are a shock-absorbing ramp (7) and a grill box (8). Said door (3) has an electronic unit (9) connected to a payment system for cards (10), banknotes (11) and coins (12), and is also connected to hatches (14) and (17), both having sensors (15) and (18), one having a tray (21) and an automatic drinking straw dispenser (21).

Description

AUTOMATIC MACHINE AND METHOD FOR SALE OF COCONUT IN NATURA.

Field of the Invention.

[01] The present invention relates to an automatic machine specially developed for selling frozen coconut in natura. The machine features different features installed in a refrigerated cabinet with a wide front door, so that a large quantity of coconuts can be stored inside and kept refrigerated and another quantity of coconuts also refrigerated is prepared so that one by one can be dispensed procedures performed by the consumer himself. In said port, there are access openings, payment devices and drilling device of the coconut shell. Each coconut is dispensed after the payment transaction. The machine includes means for drilling the coconut and, with the use of straw, allows the user to consume directly from the fruit. Optionally the machine may also include an automatic coconut cutting mechanism and a mechanism for dispensing a disposable spoon thereby also providing features

State of the art.

[02] There are currently some machines for the sale of frozen coconut in natura, iclusive automatic, also with collection systems, as are taught, for example, documents: BRMU8802071 deposited on 09/19/2008 and

BR102016027498 deposited 11/23/2016. [03] The BRMU8802071 is formed by cabinet with its front door, the latter includes a display, payment device and cup holder. Internally the dispenser has a refrigerated chamber for storage of the frunos, receptacle for storage of the coconut ice, system for drilling and withdrawal of the coconut water, system of potting the coconut water in disposable cups, deposit of the used green coconuts. Green coconuts are packaged in

I dream when the drawers are

mechanic every time gaver.a superror gets

in front of this wall is located the coconut ice water tank, the disposable cannula tank, the empty coconut tank and the disposal of discarded cannulas. Initially the automatic dispenser is supplied with the fruit of the green coconut, and the operation takes place from the moment the consumer makes the payment, via credit card, debit or money, triggering the mechanism that starts the process, positioning a disposable cup at the specific place for the end, then a predetermined amount of ice of coconut water is poured into the cup, at which point the machine positions a disposable extractor pin in the housing, fixes the fruit of the green coconut on it, effects the insertion of the green coconut on the pin and initiates the extraction of the coconut water in natura of the fruit. The extractor pin or cannula, after use, is discarded in a separate housing, as well as the

which is also discarded in proper accommodation outside the consumer's perspective or shopkeeper, then the glass containing fresh coconut water with ice is made available to the consumer or seller.

[04] BR102016027498 also consists of a chilled cabinet with door, the latter housing several devices, mainly for payment by card, banknotes or coins. After the payment transaction, a green coconut unit falls on the slide, sliding up to the exit window. After the green coconut has been removed from the exit window, the consumer positions the same in the box containing the drill set, fitting it over a cradle. After placing the green coconut on the cradle and drilling it, the consumer simultaneously presses with his hands the two buttons beside the casing of the drilling system assembly. After this, the coconut is removed and its contents are consumed using a disposable straw.

[05] Although two machines above the state of the art can

It is noted that the two versions proposed in the above patents are not functioning satisfactorily since, as we know, the green coconut has a substantially irregular shape, size and weight, which makes it difficult for the coconut to be sold. its movement in any automatic mechanism so that the units can be dispensed correctly. Therefore, the automation to move the green coconut is seriously compromised not only by its size and weight variation, but also by its shape variation. Such characteristics cause units, especially when they are queued in drawers, as taught by BRMU8802071, because in this case, placing the units in each drawer must be performed by selecting the coconuts with sizes closest to each other and yet each unit is removed by mechanical system that just pushes the unit out of the drawer and thus the others are moved soon thereafter, which generates friction and uneven handling that usually causes jamming of the system,

[06] Similar drawbacks are found in

BR102016027498, where the coconuts are accumulated in the uppermost and innermost part of the cabinet and at this point are also stored in a row so that the former can always be pushed and dispensed onto a set of gutters which drive each unit of green coconut up to the salda. In this case there is a lot of friction between the coconuts and the gutters, consequently many problems occur, not only of noises and vibrations, but also coconut shock with the internal parts of the machine.

Objectives of the Invention.

[07] In view of the above circumstances, a

the present invention relates to a method for the sale of cOCO IN NATURA, specially designed to serve the whole fruit, so that its frozen contents can be consumed with a straw.

[08] The machine consists of a thermally insulated cabinet with a front door which, in turn, accommodates any collection system by card, banknote or coin, as well as a access for withdrawing the coconut and another flap to position the same coconut withdrawn so that it can be drilled and in another window is the compartment of the straws. On the bottom of the cabinet there is a guiding ramp of the coconuts towards the mackerel door and there is also a storage compartment which, in fact, also constitutes a waiting balloon for a considerable amount of coconut to be fed in the automatic coconut release system after the payment transaction.

In the present invention, the automatic coconut release system is formed by several equal assemblies, each constituting an overhead conveyor, transversely positioned at the topmost point of the enclosure, as also each overhead conveyor is formed by a rotating shaft, the ends are held in the side walls of the cabinet, wherein one of them is coupled to an electric motor, and said shaft has its entire length occupied by a helical rod having its inner diameter substantially greater than the diameter of said axis, with which rotates in solidarity. The helical shaft has one end attached to the shaft, while the other end is free. In this way, when the assembly rotates, both the rod and the shaft are rotated, thereby the rod starts to function as if it were a thread.

In another embodiment, the coconut receives a disposable hook so that it can be hung on said helical rod. It is noted that each conveyor can receive a certain amount of coconuts, which lie side by side and queue all hung on the helix rod. Thereafter, each coconut with its respective disposable hook is hung in a volute of the helical rod, consequently, each turn of said hericoid rod, with which all the coccoes of each overhead conveyor are simultaneously moved and, at the same time, the first coconut in the row upon reaching the end of the helical shank is dispensed and by free fall arrives to the outlet to be removed by the consumer and then placed in the corresponding location to be punched, after which its contents are sorbed by the straw also offered by the machine.

Therefore, the main objective of the machine in question is to offer unprecedented means for automated movement of the coconuts and, unlike the known equipment, does not use ramps, drawers or the like to carry out such a movement, consequently, the operation of the assembly is really very since, as has already been said, the helical shank of each overhead conveyor allows all of the coconuts to be hung and, as the said helical shank is rotated, all the coconuts are simultaneously displaced and released unit per unit at the end of said helical rod. The overhead conveyor is transversely positioned so as to avoid too much friction between the cocons that can force the motor, as well as prevents hooking and / or detachment of the cocks from the helical rod. On the other hand, such construction makes precise the electronic control of each air carrier,

the electric motor of each overhead conveyor is driven enough that the first coconut of the row scales the helical rod, while the next is already in position for further operation to the machine.

[12] As can be seen, advantageously the machine in question adds all the resources so that the

V ø GQ can be sold directly to the consumer through automatic payment transaction. The in natura fruit is easily released and the machine has the means for the chilled coconut water to be consumed directly inside the fruit.

Description of the drawings.

[13] For a better understanding of the present invention, a detailed description thereof is made below, with references to the accompanying drawings:

FIGURE 1 shows an anterosuperior angle view showing the closed machine;

FIGURE 2 shows a front view showing the machine with its door fully open;

FIGURES 3 to 5 illustrate ichorometric views at different angles, highlighting the internal details of the machine; and the

FIGURE 6 reproduces an enlarged front view of the air conveyor.

Detailed description of the invention.

[14] According to these illustrations and in their details, more particularly Figures 1 to 5, the present invention, AUTOMATIC COCONUT SALES MACHINE IN NATURA, comprises:

Thermally insulated cabinet (1), and includes a cooling indoor unit (i , _j, disposed beneath the roof also includes a wide front po rt (3) with closure (4) and handle (5);

below the refrigeration unit 2 of the cabinet 1 are distributed transversely a number of overhead conveyors 6, each designed to support and move u the determined amount of green coconut C and its support hook G;

a damper ramp (7) is located on the bottom of the cabinet (1) and, at its side, a grid box (8) with the open front side facing the side of the front door (3), said damping ramp (7) ) serves to cushion and drive the coconut released by each overhead conveyor (6);

an electronic central unit (9) is disposed in the left median portion of the door (2) and has been developed to control all electrical parts of the machine;

- the electronic central unit (9) is interconnected with a card billing system (10), bills (11) and coins (12);

on the lower left of the front door

(3) there is located an opening (13) and a respective flap (14) with opening and closing sensor (15) interconnected with the electronic central unit (9), this opening consisting of access for removal of the coconut in natura released by the machine after processing of the payment;

porti ital (i) an aperture (17) with opening and closing sensor (18) interconnected with the electronic central unit (9), forming an access for a support plate (19) on which the coconut to be drilled is positioned, said plate being provided with holes or openings for the disposal of liquid and solid waste falling into the purge (22);

- above the support plate 19 is an automatic punch 20 which, in addition to being fixed under the ceiling of the cabinet 1, is also interconnected with the electronic central unit 9, which manages its operation, in particular (17) during drilling the sensor (18) is actuated and the drilling is interrupted, only when the door is closed that the drill re-operates;

- below the opening 16 there is a smaller one and constitutes access to an automatic straw dispenser 21, also interconnected with the electronic central unit 9, so that after the drilling of the coconut a straw is dispensed and collected by the consumer, which allows the consumption of coconut water directly from fresh and frozen fruit; and

an ozonation system (28) for ambient environments which allows the sterility of the environment, products and internal parts of the machine, as well as the conservation of the solid and liquid residues that can leave the coconut after drilling.

[15] Each air conveyor 6, better illustrated in figure 6, is formed by a rotating shaft 23, having (24) in the side walls of the cabinet (1), wherein one of them is coupled in an electric motor (25), as also in said axis (23) extends a helical rod (26), having a substantially larger internal diameter (G) of each coconut (C), said helical rod (26) further having an end (EI) radially engaged in said axis ( 23) while the other end (E2) is free and constitutes outlet for the hook (G) when said shaft (23) is rotated in the direction of move said hook (G) towards the end

TP 9l / "

[16] Referring to Figures 2 ^~, 3 and 5, a sensor

(27) is provided at a point of passage of the

preferably in the region of the ramp 7, so that it can be detected when the coconut is released to the outlet port 14.

[17] The system is programmed to dispense coconuts from the bottom up that are accumulated on the air conveyors (6).

[18] Optionally there is the possibility of adding an automatic coconut cutter in the middle and a spoon dispenser for consumption of the coconut pulp. In this case the cutter could even be combined with the drilling mechanism (20) by taking advantage of the features of the flap (17),

The method for selling cocoa in natura, using the above-described machine, comprises the following steps: a) preparation of the green coconuts by placing in each one a hook (G);

(b) the prepared coconuts are placed in the grid box (8) and the air conveyors (6), it being understood that the coconuts contained in the mesh size of (n) constitute the volume to replenish the

the supply cycle always allows ice coconuts to be placed on said overhead conveyors (6);

c) sale - the user performs the payment system through the card collection system (10), banknotes (11) or coins (12);

d) the payment is approved, the electronic central unit (9) sends a

and starts the engine

rich

to the air conveyor (b) sufficient for a coconut (C) to be displaced to the outlet (E2) of the hollow shaft (Fig.2.6);

the released coconut C falls by free fall on the ramp 7 and is positioned behind the flap 14, where it is detected by the sensor 27 which, together with the electronic central unit 9, releases the flap ( 14);

the consumer only raises the said flap 14 and withdraws the selected coconut, at which point the electronic central unit 9 receives this information through the sensor 15, that is, the coconut has been withdrawn and the flap has been closed;

g) the withdrawn coconut is placed on the tray 19, and at that time the sensor 18 together with the electronic central unit 9 informs the system that the coconut it was possible

was the door (17)

closed, punch drive

etrònica (9) informs the consumer to remove the coc <

bored;

again opens the door (17) for withdrawal of the perforated coconut, the sensor (18) informs the electronic central unit (9) that said door (17) is closed and the coconut has already been removed, sending another signal to the automatic straw dispenser 21), so that a unit can be released for consumption of coconut water directly from the fruit in natura;

j) after the last operation the electronic control unit (9) prepares to repeat a new cycle.

Optionally, a complementary step can be added because, as already mentioned, there is the possibility of adding an automatic coconut cutter to the medium and a spoon dispenser for consumption of the coconut pulp. In this case the cutter could even be combined with the drilling mechanism (20) taking advantage of the features of the flap (17);

k) optionally, automatic coconut cutting after the water is consumed; and

release of a spoon for consumption of sliced coconut pulp.

Claims

1) AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR SALE OF COCONUT IN NATURA, characterized in that it comprises:

thermally insulated cabinet (1) which, in addition to an internal cooling unit arranged under the ceiling, also includes a front door

with lock (4) and handle (5);

below the refrigeration unit

From the cabinet 1 are transversely distributed several overhead conveyors 6, each designed to support and move a certain amount of green coconut C and its support hook G;

- the electronic central unit (9) is interconnected with a card collection system (10), banknotes (11) and coins! 1 or?

- an opening (13) and respective flap (11) with opening and closing sensor (15) interconnected with the electronic central unit (9) are located in the lower left-hand part of the front door (3), this opening consisting of access for the removal of the fresh coconut released by the machine after the payment;

the front door (3) has a right middle aperture (16) with opening (17) opening and closing sensor (18) interconnected with the electronic central unit (9), forming an access for a support plate (19) which coconut is positioned to be drilled, said dish having holes or openings for flow of liquid and solid waste falling into the purge (22);

- above the support plate 19 is located an automatic punch 20 which, in addition to being fixed under the ceiling of the cabinet 1, is also interconnected with the electronic central unit 9, which manages its operation, principally (17) during drilling the sensor (18) is actuated and the drilling is interrupted, only when the door is closed that the drill re-operates;

- below the aperture (16) there is a smaller one and constitutes access to an automatic straw dispenser (21), also interconnected with the electronic control unit, and that after the coction has been drawn a dispensed and withdrawn by the consumer, which allows the consumption of coconut water directly from the fresh and frozen fruit; and

a humidification ozonation system (28) which allows for the sterility of the environment, products and internal parts of the machine, as well as the preservation of solids and liquids which may exit the coconut after drilling. AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR SALE OF COCONUT IN NATURA, according to claim 1, characterized in that each overhead conveyor (6) is supported by a rotary axis

(23) having the ends (24) in the side walls of the cabinet (i), wherein a shaft is coupled in an electric motor (25), as also in said shaft (23) extends a helical shaft (26) having an internal diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the shaft (23), generating sufficient clearance for the arrangement of the hook (G) of each coconut (C), said helical shaft (26) further having a spiked end radially in said axis (23), while the other end (E2) is free and constitutes exit for the gantry

when said shaft (23) is rotated in the direction of move said hook (G) towards the end

AUTOMATIC MACHINE FOR SALE OF COCONUT IN NATURA, according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor (27) arranged at a point of passage of the released coconut, preferably in the region of the ramp (7), so that it can be detected when the coconut is released to the outlet port 14.

4) AUTOMATIC SELLING MACHINE FOR NATURAL COCONUT according to claim 1, characterized in that it optionally comprises an automatic coconut cutter in the middle and a spoon dispenser for consumption of the coconut pulp.

5) METHOD FOR SALE OF COCONUT IN NATURA, using the machine described in the claims 1 to 1, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) preparation of the green coconuts by placing in each one a hook (G);

D ⁾ the coarse coconuts are co-oiled in the barred carcass (8) and in the air conveyors (6), the coconuts contained in the barnage box (8) being understood as constituting the volume for refilling the air conveyors (6) and maintaining the supply cycle always having ice coconuts in said air conveyors (6);

c for sale

through the collection system

card bills (11) or coins (12);

the payment has been approved, the electronic central

sends an electric pulse and drives the electric motor (25) of the overhead conveyor (6) sufficiently that a coconut (C) is moved to the outlet (E2) of the helical shaft (26);

the consumer only raises the said flap 14 and withdraws the coconut. at that time the

This information is obtained through the knowledge Lsor (15), OoUu SsQejj 3a. _f , the coconut was withdrawn and the flap closed;

g. ⁾ Coconut removed is placed on the tray (19), at which point, the sensor (18) together with the electronic control unit (9) tells the system that coconut has been positioned and the flap (17) is closed, sending a signal for driving the punch (20);

h) after completion of drilling, the electronic central unit (9) informs the consumer for withdrawal of the perforated coconut (C);

i) upon opening the flap 17 for withdrawal of the perforated coconut the sensor 18 informs the electronic control unit 9 that said flap 17 is closed and the coconut has been withdrawn, sending another signal to the automatic dispenser of straw (21), so that a unit can be released for consumption of coconut water directly from the fruit in nauura;

j) after the last operation the electronic control unit (9) prepares to repeat a new cycle; and

k) optionally, automatic coconut cutting after the water is consumed; and

l) release of a spoon for consumption of p01p3 OO cut coconut.