FR2665783A1 - VENDING MACHINE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic dispenser intended mainly for the flow of cans of cold refreshing drinks (15), consisting of a series of compartments, the products being deposited on a platform capable of pivoting by engagement on the axis, then by a second platform fixed, the underside of which is connected to a plate (5) in the form of a spiral, forming a spiral duct for the storage of products. The extractor element (16) ends on one side in the shape of an "L" between the branches of which is placed the element to be extracted, said position being detected by a microphone (17), while its other end is ends with a claw (19) which blocks the gate (20). The outer gate (11), pivoting on its axis (14), has two transparent areas while it has bearings in its interior in correspondence with the platforms, as well as an arched extension (24) which blocks the gate. (20) when it is opened.

Description

PISTR Il B Ul TEUR AUTO 1% 1 & TIQIE

OBJECT OF INV 1 "NTON

  As expressed in the description of this specification,

  the invention described below consists of an automatic dispenser, mainly

  bearing intended for the flow of products being contained in cylindrical containers, which is actuated automatically by the user by means of the introduction of coins. It can just as easily dispense products of all shapes and sizes, provided that their size does not exceed the limits allowed by the configuration of the

machine itself.

  In fact, the automatic dispenser has a generally cylindrical shape, similar to a can of refreshing drinks, and has inside a series of horizontal compartments, so

  that the products rest on a pivoting platform and are

  duits by a spiral secured to a fixed platform, from which the product is removed according to two successive operations: the first by driving the product chosen by the extractor proper towards the platform which is secured to the door operated by the user to remove it, and the second

  by actuating it and removing the product.

  During a second execution, for the extraction of the product, the base platform on which the products are deposited is moved by pivoting by means of a motor whose drive axis transmits the movement to a toothed wheel which engages with a rack chain

  secured to the base platform.

  The products are led in a spiral circuit by the pivoting of the base platform, until the moment when the first product ready for extraction comes up against a microphone which starts a motor, which

  activates an extraction claw at the same time as the platform stops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

  Among the automatic dispensers intended to deliver boxes or refreshments of generally rectangular prismatic shape and which are actuated by means of the introduction of coins, we can mention those having a structure in which the boxes are contained, the motor being housed in its lower part , so that the boxes fall into cavities therein formed for this purpose, the movement

  of the engine then producing the ejection of the box.

  By constituting the extractor by means of the aforementioned motor, this causes a reduction in space which results in a lower capacity of

  storage of boxes in the dispenser.

  In another type of automatic dispenser for cans or drinks, the devices consist of a series of compartments in which the cans are stacked vertically, resting respectively on their lateral surface, that is to say that they stand in transverse position, their lower part being positioned on a plate

  lateral projection on which the box rests and which prevents it from falling.

  For the extraction of the box, the side plate on which the lower box rests undergoes a withdrawal allowing its free fall, then

  immediately resumes its position to avoid dropping the next box.

  The extraction of the boxes in the manner described causes the product to shake, and results in its pressure gushing when the box is opened. Furthermore, it is not possible to deliver products with configuration otherwise.

than cylindrical.

DESCRIPTION OF TINVEN 7 TION

  The vending machine that is described in this manual

  moire has a generally cylindrical shape similar to a refreshing can, and has the motor in its lower part

refrigeration.

  In its inner part, the machine has various compartments for the storage of products, which remain deposited

  on a gyratory platform then, during its pivoting, are driven

  born by the rotation towards a spiral circuit of which the delimitation plate

  is connected to a fixed upper platform.

  The extractor element itself is located above the mouth of the spiral duct, and will act upon actuation of the

product selection button.

  The aforementioned extractor is provided with a microphone for the purposes of detecting the product to be removed, so that by pivoting for the extraction of the product, it makes it possible to release a flap with free flapping and to locate the product on the flat -form of reception which is provided with the gate for the use of the user,

  allowing him to access the selected product.

  The aforementioned free-swing gate separating the product delivery platform from the reception base is controlled by the action of a spring which pushes it back to its rest position, i.e.

closed position.

  Once the extractor is in the rest position and blocks the free-flap door communicating with the interior of the product positioning duct, the user can tilt the external transparent door with the selected product on the platform provided this effect, so that this gate, which has in its internal part a curved extension, in turn blocks by pivoting the interior door to

free beat.

  For the perfect functioning of the machine during the extraction maneuver and so that one cannot access its interior during this operation, the external door is provided with a microphone which detects its

  perfect closure, for start-up after prior blocking.

  The product extraction claw has the shape of an 'L' which is connected to a microphone. When the product to be cut comes up against it, the microphone gives the order to a motor whose setting in motion triggers the pivoting of the claw The stroke of the extraction claw is delimited by two stops, one of which, specifically that of expulsion, causes the reversal of the direction

  of rotation of the drive motor.

  The selection buttons are aligned vertically on the front of the machine, near the external pivoting gate. This external pivoting gate has, around its central part, two

  transparent areas located on either side of the pivot axis, allows

  both to visualize on the one hand the product extraction operation, and on the other

  the product placed on the platform of the external gate.

  This embodiment allows that the product to be delivered can be in any form or size, provided that the dimensions are smaller than those of the spiral collector which is provided for positioning and conveying the products during the

  pivoting of the platform on which they are arranged.

  During pivoting, each of the pivoting platforms remains engaged and integral with the axis to which the movement is transmitted by the

drive motor.

  In a specific embodiment of the invention, the platforms

  instead of having a single axis to which the platform is attached

  shape corresponding to the product selected at the time of its extraction, are presented in such a way that each of the pivoting platforms of the compartments comprises a rack chain on which a toothed pinion secured to the drive axis of a small

  motor which transmits the movement to it.

  Since the different compartments are slightly offset from the vertical geometric axis of the cylindrical machine, the boxes are extracted on the side with the highest eccentricity

  axial In a variant, it is possible to have platforms

  fixed forms at the level of the pivoting platforms, on which is deposited

  the product to be debited until it is withdrawn by the user.

  In this case and when the product has been ejected, it remains on the delivery base platform, to which the user can access

  weighing on an external gate which tilts inwards.

  This product access door, pivoting towards the inside of the machine, is provided around its axis with a spur projecting inwards which acts on a cam and produces the blocking of the exit door.

  products to the base picking platform.

  Thus, when the product is ready to be collected by the user, the latter will open the external door, and the latter, acting on the cam by means of the internal spur, will block the internal door, preventing free

access to products.

  To prevent the user from having access to the interior products during the operating life of the extraction claw, the microphone blocks the extraction operations when trying to open the

exterior gate.

  In order to complete the following description and in order to help

  a better understanding of its characteristics, a set of plans is annexed to this descriptive memory, the figures of which, by way of illustration but not limitation, represent the most significant details

of the invention.

  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 Shows a vertical projection view of the cylindrical automatic dispenser in the front position, in which we note the vertically aligned selection buttons, as well as the

  exterior gate with its two transparent zones.

  Figure 2 Shows a vertical section of the automatic distributor

  tick in the shape of a refreshment box, in which you can see the

  different compartments for product positioning, with the platform

  gyratory form for their installation and the fixed platform of which is attached the helical plate which configures the duct of equal form for the transfer

  products until they are collected.

  Figure 3 Shows a cross section revealing the helical plate, the insulating wall, and the extractor element in its position

  the most external, having extracted a box with the external gate blocked.

  Figure 4 Shows a cross-sectional view similar to the previous figure, showing the helical plate, the insulating wall, the extractor element again in the rest position, and the external door to allow the product to exit at the same time that the internal gate

is blocked.

  FIG. 5 shows a detailed plan of the extractor proper in the rest position, in which a product has been seen which has contacted the micro of the extractor element which, in turn, blocks the internal door with free flap after release, as well as the exterior gate in position

  blocked, the latter in connection with the positioning microphone.

  FIG. 6 shows a view of the various compartments of the automatic distributor, with the pivot axes and the platforms for depositing the products there, independent from one another, to which a rack chain is made integral for setting them in motion, as well as the spiral plate which configures the path to

  follow by the products until their extraction.

  Figure 7 Shows a detailed view of the pivot axis which is integral with the pivoting platform for product storage, according to the

realization of figure 6.

  Figure 8 Shows a plan view of a dispenser compartment

  automatic stopper, according to the execution of figure 6, allowing to observe the plate in spiral, the longitudinal members of fixing to the structure of the machine,

  as well as the extraction and delivery mechanisms of the product.

  Figure 9 Shows a detailed plan of the extraction mechanisms

  tion of the products according to the execution of FIG. 6, making it possible to observe the outer gate in an intermediate position during its opening path, with its spur in the process of acting on the cam which blocks the internal gate for the outlet of the products ; there is also a partial view of the rack chain with the meshing of the gear through

  which is transmitted the movement of the motor.

  DESCRIPTHON OF A PREFEIABLE EXECUTION

  Taking into account the commented figures and according to the enumeration

  adopted we can see how the vending machine 1 des-

  tiné at the delivery and distribution of refreshing drinks, usable by means of coins, has a generally cylindrical shape with a perimeter rebate of low height in its lower part, while the upper part culminates in a first frustoconical segment followed '' a straight segment giving it a configuration as a refreshment beverage can.

  The automatic dispenser 1 has a series of compartments

  elements 2 intended for the products, so that these compartments 2 configure a pivoting platform 3 on which the product is deposited, and a fixed platform 4 of which is fixed a spiral plate 5, constituted by a circuit 6 of helical shape for receiving and handling the product. The products that can be debited by the distributor 1 will be all of which the size would be admitted by the circuit 6, regardless of their shape, and they will be conveyed without sudden movements, so that

  shaking of the product is avoided.

  The front exposure part of the automatic dispenser 1 includes all the elements allowing the intervention of the user to obtain the desired product. It thus includes the mouth for the introduction of the coins 8, 1 i screen 7 displaying the sum introduced. , as well as the box

  collector 9 for refunds and exchange.

  It also presents the pivoting gate 11 with the pushers 10 aligned vertically in the immediate vicinity. The pushers 10 display the product to be identified and allow the choice to be made, while the pivoting gate 11 comprises the transparent zones 12 and 13 and, a once blocked,

  allows to observe the extraction of the product from the conduit 6 to its platform

  respective form, as well as the exposure of the extracted product for its subsequent

  direct debit by the user by unlocking the gate 11.

  The gate 11 is pivotable relative to the axis 14 and, in correspondence

  dance with each of the compartments 2, it has up to the platform

  form 3 pivoting a support base for the product 15 extracted.

  The extractor element 16 itself ends in the form of "L 'between the branches of which the product 15 is housed for its extraction, one of the branches of" L' being provided with a microphone 17 which detects the presence of the product to be extracted Said ejection element is pivotable relative to the axis 18 and, at the end opposite to that for extracting the product, has in turn

  a claw 19 for retaining the door 20 for closing the duct 6 to the

outlet of the product.

  The gate 11 has a curved extension 24, so that when the user rotates it to remove the product, it causes its backing against the free end of the gate 20, pivoting on the axis 21, which produces its blocking , thus avoiding possible opening from

  outside to have access to products.

  During the introduction of coins for the operation of the machine and the execution of the extraction operation, the door 11 must be in the closed position, as does for example the retention element 23 whose detection is made by the microphone 22 Blocking

  the gate 20 is perfectly visible in FIG. 4.

  The operation of the machine takes place as follows: By inserting the coins by the introduction mouth 8 for the operation of the machine, the gate 11 must be closed, position which is detected by the microphone 22, and in weighing on one of the pushers 10, the extractor element 16 is put into action If said element

  extractor 16 does not have a box 15 in the standby position, the platform

  form 3 of compartment 2 snaps to axis 26 so that it pivots until the first product is positioned by abutting against the microphone 17, which

  detects its correct position and rotates the extractor element 16.

  The axis 26 has a free rotation and only the platform 3 becomes integral therewith, on which the selected product is supported, so as to

  do not have to drive all 3 swivel platforms.

  When the extractor element 16 rotates, it drives the pro-

  duit 15 and, at the same time, the claw 19 pivots by unlocking the gate 21, crossing the passage to the product towards the platform or base of the gate 11 located at its bearing, this operation being visible through the transparent zone 12 of the gate 11. When the product 15 is on the base of the gate 11, it is visible through the area 13, and when the gate 11 is unlocked, the user can rotate it to remove the product, this rotation causing the blocking of the

  wicket 20 by means of the curved segment 24, thus preventing the use

  tor may have access to conduit 6 containing the products.

  The vending machine is also fitted with insulation 25

  intended for maintaining the temperature.

  In an alternative embodiment, the compartments 2 located eccentrically relative to the vertical geometric axis of the machine,

  are placed independently of each other in the automatic dispenser

  tick 1, constituted by a pivoting platform 3 on which the products 15 to be delivered are deposited This platform 3 is connected to the pivoting axis 27 by

  relative to the structure 28 by means of the bearings 29.

  The compartments 2 remain integral with the structure of the machine by means of the upper side members 30, and the said compartments also form a path 6 in a spiral, while being entirely

  independent from each other.

  Perimeterally on the platform 3 and in its lower part, a rack chain 1 is installed in which the toothed pinion 32 engages, which transmits movement to it from the motor 33 The rack chain 31 is configured by a series of toothed sections, such

as shown in figure 8.

  Thus, when the platform 3 pivots, the products 15 deposited therein advance through the conduit configured in a spiral, by the plate 5, to the extraction claw 19 which has the shape of a ' L "whose branch 34 against which the products abut is in connection with a microphone 35 which detects the perfect positioning of the product between the arms of the extraction claw 19. When the microphone 35 detects the perfect positioning of the product between the branches of the "L" extraction claw, a motor 36 is activated, which moves the extraction claw 19 until the product 15 is positioned on the fixed platform 37, while having previously stopped the movement of the

platform 3.

  When the extraction claw acts on the product 15, it opens the flap 38 with free flapping, depositing the product on the platform 37 The path of the extraction claw is delimited by two end stops; thus, when the extraction claw displaces the product, it pivots until it comes into contact with the corresponding end-of-travel stop, which causes the reversal of the rotational movement of the motor 33, causing the extraction claw returns to its rest position, limited by the

second end of travel stop.

  Once the product 15 has been deposited on the fixed platform 37 and the end of travel has caused the rotation of the motor 33 which acts

  on the extraction claw 19 to return it to its rest position, the holder

  tillon 38 closes under the pressure of a spring which pushes it back until it

'closed' position.

  When the product 15 is on the platform 37, the user actuates the gate 39 to reach it, so that by pivoting the gate 39, its internal spur abuts against the fin 42 of the cam pivoting on the axis 41, causing the free end of the other fin 43 of the cam to move on the internal gate 38, preventing its opening and thus avoiding

direct access to products.

  To facilitate the extraction of products of various shapes and sizes, it is possible to provide the extraction claw 19 with an extension 46 allowing the extraction of larger products. This extension is capable of being coupled by simple pressure. if it is desired to deposit in their respective compartments products with larger dimensions, this so as to facilitate their training and to avoid that the goods can

  may not be completely clear.

  Longitudinal conduits 44 and 45 have been configured in the internal structure of the automatic distributor, which allow the circulation of cold air near the products furthest from the spiral circuit, allowing better and faster refrigeration, since these will be

  the first products to be extracted.

  The machine has a microphone which informs when it needs to be recharged as a result of the reduction in the number of products, in order to recharge and allow the cooling of new ones.

stored products.

  To reload, the direction of pivoting of the platform 3 is reversed, and they must only be placed near the extraction claw, so that the rotation of the platform includes all the

  products until complete filling of the entire spiral circuit.

  To facilitate the task of filling the various compartments

  ments 2, in relation to the fixed platforms 37, the machine 1 has a door allowing access to it over its entire height, the operator thus having easy access to the internal door 38 and therefore

  inside the spiral duct, in relation to the extraction claw.

he

Claims (6)

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S   1. AUTOMATIC DISPENSER, intended mainly for dispensing cold drinks or refreshment cans, essentially characterized by having a generally cylindrical shape, similar to that of a thirst-quenching beverage can, comprising a series of compartments (2) in which the products are arranged on platforms (3) capable of pivoting as soon as they can interlock, individually and independently, to the axis (26) which transmits the movement, while a second fixed plate (41 is integrally connected at its lower surface by   a spiral plate (5), which configures a spiral circuit (6) for-   product advancement to the outlet mouth through the gate   pin (20), having been provided that the extractor element (16) pivoting properly   dit ends in the shape of an "L" in order to receive between its two branches the pro-   due to extract; the positioning of the latter is detected by a microphone (17), while its opposite end ends in the form of a claw (19) for the   blocking the gate (20), with the particularity that the gate (11) posi-   tiated on the front part has two transparent zones (12) and (13) located on either side of their axis of rotation (14) and that its internal side has a curved extension (24) which causes, during its opening, blocking the gate (20), as well as a series of platforms or bases   which remain level with the pivoting platforms (3).   2. AUTOMNIATIC DISTRIBUTOR, according to claim 1, charac-   terrified by the fact that the actuation of the extractor element (16) is connected to the blocking of the gate (11) by the retention element (23), said blocking being detected by the microphone (22).   3. AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR, according to claim 1, charac-   merited by the fact that the device (1) can charge any product, regardless   depending on its shape and size, as far as its dimensions   are admitted by the spiral circuit (6).   4 AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR, according to claim 1, charac-   terrified by the fact that the dispensing device (1) has a generally cylindrical shape and that its interior is distributed in a series of compartments (2) independent of each other and superimposed, which are fixed to the structure of the machine at by means of a pair of upper side members (30), said compartments (2) being constituted by a platform (3) joined to an axis of rotation (27) and positioned eccentrically with respect to the vertical geometric axis of the machine (1), at the same time as perimeter and in the lower part of the machine (1), is arranged a rack chain (31) in which engages a toothed pinion (32) intended to transmit the movement to it from the motor (33), being also provided that above the   platform (3) for taking products (15), positioning and   during these is configured by a plate (5) in a spiral.   5. AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR, according to claim 4 th,   characterized by the fact that in correspondence with the mouth of the   ment of the products (15) from their respective compartments (2), and situated in the position of maximum eccentricity with respect to said compartments (2) is a flap (38) with free flap controlled by the extraction claw (19), during the transfer of the product to the fixed platform (37) for sampling by the user, provision being made there for the extractor element (16) to act when the product (15) strikes a microphone (35) which activates the motor (36) responsible for transmitting the movement to the extraction device (16). 6. AUTOMATIC DISPENSER, according to claim 4 th, characterized in that the user accesses the product (15) to be sampled, located   on the platform (37 d, through the external gate (39), so that in pivoting   as the latter, the protruding spur (40) internally disposed near the pivot axis of the gate (39) comes to rest against the fin (42) of an "L" safety cam, of which the second fin (43) is then moved against the internal door (38), thus avoiding its possible manipulation to access to products.