A product vending machine

Abstract

 A product vending machine comprising a support structure (2) defining an internal compartment (3); at least a storage compartment (4) inside the internal compartment (3) and comprising a plurality of shelves (9) for containing the products (5); a collection compartment (10) for receiving a selected product (5a); transport means (13) of the selected product (5a) for moving the selected product (5a) from the storage compartment (4) to the collection compartment (10); the transport means (13) comprising at least a pusher (14) which is positionable at a location of the selected product (5a) for extraction thereof from the storage compartment (4); the pusher (14) comprising a chain (16) with a first free end (16a) that is mobile in a parallel direction to the shelves (9) in order to push the selected product (5a) from a position inside to a position outside the storage compartment (4) and a second free end (16b) which is mobile in a substantially vertical direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a product vending machine. In particular, the present application is applicable to the distribution of frozen goods. Typically, though not exclusively, the present invention is applicable in the distribution of food products in public places.

[0002] The prior art includes various vending machine models. Generally, machines of this type comprise a support structure defining an internal compartment containing products destined for sale. The front part of the structure comprises a transparent portion permitting visual access to the internal compartment. The products are housed in a storage compartment divided into a plurality of shelves on which the products on sale are supported.

[0003] All the machines are provided with a door giving access to the internal compartment, so that the storage compartment can be replenished with the products.

[0004] In machines of this type, the user selects a product by pressing a button associated to a product position, for example alongside the relevant transparent portion. Alternatively the choice of product is made by entering a numeric code relative to the desired product using a pushbutton panel provided alongside the transparent portion.

[0005] Vending machines are provided with appropriate means for transporting the selected products, which displace the selected products from the storage compartment to a collection compartment where they can be retrieved.

[0006] In vending machines designed for the sale of products of minor dimensions and substantially parallelepiped or cylindrical in shape, the transport means comprise, for example, spiral bodies, the products being located between the volutes of the spirals. In this case the products are expelled and drop by force of gravity into the collection compartment.

[0007] In machines destined to be used for the sale of frozen products, the products are housed individually on a respective shelf in the storage compartment.

[0008] The transport means comprise a pusher that expels the selected product from the storage compartment.

An example pusher of vending machines of the prior art comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator located in a rear portion of the storage compartment and serving to push the selected product in an opposite direction.

[0009] Vending machines of known type also comprise supply and control means which transmit activation signals together with an the necessary electrical power. The supply and control means comprise normal electrical wires.

[0010] Known-type vending machines disadvantageously comprise internal organs of significant bulk, including the substantial dimensions and bulk of the pushers.

[0011] The large internal bulk, in addition to determining a corresponding increase in external bulk, also create the problem of maintaining the necessary internal temperature for conservation of the frozen alimentary products.

[0012] A further disadvantage of the known vending machines is damage to the means of supply and control as a consequence of long exposure to low temperatures, which can be as low as - 18°C. The metal contained in normal electrical wires work-hardens in response to low temperatures and is easily broken as a consequence of the movement of the transport means. Furthermore, low temperatures are also harmful to normal electrical insulating materials.

[0013] The technical aim of the present invention is to provide a product vending machine free of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0014] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a product vending machine that offers significant energy savings.

[0015] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a product vending machine of limited internal and external bulk.

[0016] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a product vending machine offering a high standard of reliability over a significant time span.

[0017] The technical aim and other specific aims of the invention are achieved by a product vending machine comprising the technical characteristics defined in one or more of the claims herein below.

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will better emerge from an indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a product vending machine, made with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:

• figure 1 is a front view of a product vending machine of the present invention;
• figure 2 is a lateral view at least partly in cross-section of the product vending machine of figure 1;
• figure 3 is a lateral view of a first detail of the product vending machine of figure 1;
• figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the vending machine of figure 1 comprising the detail of figure 3 in an operating configuration;
• figure 5 is a perspective view of a further detail of the machine of figure 1.

[0019] With reference to the figures of the drawings, number 1 denotes in its entirety a product vending machine of the present invention.

[0020] The product vending machine 1 comprises a support structure 2 defining an internal compartment 3 containing a storage compartment 4 for the storage of products 5 intended for sale.

[0021] The support structure 2 is normally parallelepiped in shape and presents a front wall 6 provided, preferably though not necessarily, with a transparent portion or window 7. The transparent portion 7 guarantees visual access to inside the internal compartment 3 enabling direct observation of the selectable products 5.

[0022] The internal compartment 3 is refrigerated using appropriate refrigeration means (not illustrated in the figures) and is suitably insulated in order to thermally isolate the internal compartment 3 from the ambient environment.

[0023] The support structure 2 is also provided with an openable door permitting access to the internal compartment 3 for the restocking of the products 5 intended for sale. Preferably but not exclusively, this door comprises the front wall 6 of the support structure 2.

[0024] The storage compartment 4 comprises at least a series of shelves 8 exhibiting a plurality of shelves 9, vertically aligned and with each shelf supporting a product 5.

[0025] In the described embodiment, the storage compartment 4 comprises two series of shelves 8 positioned alongside each other.

[0026] The vending machine 1 also comprises a collection compartment 10 also defined inside the support structure 2, used for collecting the selected product 5a located therein.

[0027] A connecting aperture 11 separates the internal compartment 3 from the collection compartment 10. The connecting aperture 11 is closable by means of a hatch 12. In particular, the connecting aperture 11 is preferably but not necessarily located at a same height as the collection compartment 10.

[0028] The hatch 12 is located between the internal compartment 3 and the collection compartment 10 and is mobile between an open configuration to enable transit of the selected product 5a from the internal compartment 3 to the collection compartment 10 and a closed configuration isolating the internal compartment 3 from the collection compartment 10 and, consequently, from the outside environment.

[0029] The hatch 12 is also insulated to limit thermal transfer.

[0030] Suitable transport means 13 collect the selected product 5a from the storage compartment 4 and transfer it to the collection compartment 10.

[0031] More precisely, the transport means 13 comprise at least a pusher 14 which, as will more clearly emerge in the following description, is movable along a substantially vertical direction such as to be positionable at the location of the selected product 5a (figure 3). In this way the pusher 14 can extract the selected product 5a from the storage compartment 4.

[0032] In the described embodiment, the vending machine 1 comprises two pushers 14, each associated to a corresponding shelving 8 of the storage compartment 4.

[0033] The pushers 14 are located in a rear portion of the internal compartment 3. In other words, the pushers 14 are located behind the storage compartment 4 opposite to a position of the front window 7.

[0034] Furthermore, the transport means 13 comprise a lift platform 15 movable in a substantially vertical direction to receive the selected product 5a expelled from the storage compartment 4 by the pusher 14 (figure 5).

[0035] For this purpose, the lift platform 15 is aligned with the shelf 9 supporting the selected product 5a such that the selected product 5a, when pushed by the pusher 14, slides onto the lift platform 15. Subsequently the lift platform 15 transfers the selected product 5a in proximity of the collection compartment 10.

[0036] In more detail, the lift platform 15 is rigidly associated to the pusher 14 such theat they move simultaneously together.

[0037] With particular reference to the pushers 14, these comprise a chain 16 exhibiting a first free end 16a, mobile in a direction parallel to the shelves 9 of the storage compartment 4, and a second free end 16b, mobile in a substantially vertical direction.

[0038] The first free end 16a of the chain 16 is designed to contact with the selected product 5a to push the selected product 5a from a position inside to a position outside the storage compartment 4.

[0039] In greater detail, the chain 16 comprises a first portion 17a lying substantially horizontal and a second portion 17b that hangs slack under its own weight.

[0040] The first portion 17a comprises the first free end 16a and the second portion 17b comprises the second free end 16b.

[0041] The chain 16 comprises a plurality of links 18, each link engaging to the adjacent links in known ways. An essential characteristic of the chain 16 is that it is flexible in a single direction, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the downward direction. The flexibility of the side of the chain facing upwards is inhibited mechanically by stops preventing the relative rotation of the chain links.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the upward flexibility of the chain is inhibited by a stiffening block 19 associated to each link 18.

[0043] The stiffening blocks 19 permit the chain 16 to flex on one side only such that a concave shape can be assumed only on the side opposite to the side associated to the stiffening blocks 19.

[0044] Each pusher 14 also comprises a mobile support body 20 associated to the lift platform 15. In more detail, the support body 20 exhibits a guide 21 which facilitates and supports the sliding of the chain 16. In particular, the guide 21 facilitates and supports the sliding of the first portion 17a of the chain 16.

[0045] Each support body 20 is associated to a respective chain 16 drive body 22.

[0046] The drive body 22 comprises a cogged wheel 23, rotatably fitted on the support body 20, the cogged wheel 23 engaging and moving the chain 16, and a motor 24 connected to the cogged wheel 23 and associated to the support body 20.

[0047] Each pusher 14 further comprises a respective fixed panel 25, oriented substantially vertically, on a first free end 16a of the chain 16, the panel 25 being interposed between the first free end 16a of the chain 16 and the selected product 5a.

[0048] Regarding the operation of the pusher 14, when a selected product 5a is to be expelled the motor 24 rotates the cogged wheel 23 thereby driving the chain 16 such as to advance the first free end 16a which moves into contact with the selected product 5a and pushes it onto the lift platform 15.

[0049] The lift platform 15 comprises two separate flat portions 26 positioned alongside each other. The flat portions 26 are coplanar such as to define a single support surface 27 for the selected product 5a following expulsion from the storage compartment 4.

[0050] The lift platform 15 also comprises a transfer mechanism 28 required to move the selected product in a prevalent direction of extension of the lift platform 15. In particular, the transfer mechanism 28 is required to move the selected product 5a towards the collection compartment 10.

[0051] The transfer mechanism 28 comprises a conveyor belt 29 arranged parallel to the direction of extension of the lift platform 15 and a fin 30 fixed to the conveyor belt 29 and designed to move the selected product 5a by direct contact.

[0052] In the described embodiment, the transfer mechanism 28 is located between the separate flat portions 26 of the lift platform 15, such that the fin 30 extends such as to intercept the selected product 5a located on the support surface 27 of the lift platform 15.

[0053] As stated herein above, each pusher 14 is rigidly associated to the lift platform 15 such as to move solidly and simultaneously with the lift platform 15.

[0054] For this purpose, the transport means 13 comprise a substantially vertical straight guide 31 and a carriage 32 slideable along the straight guide 31.

[0055] In the described embodiment, the straight guide 31 comprises a pair of vertical bars 33 parallel to each other and located between the two series of shelves 8 of the storage compartment 4. The carriage 32 is associated to each of the pushers 14 and to the lift platform 15.

[0056] More specifically, the transport means 13 also comprise an arm 34 arranged transversally to the straight guide 31 and connected to the support body 20 of each of the pushers 14. The arm 34 exhibits an "L" profile in cross-section.

[0057] The transport means 13 also comprise a motor 35 for powering the carriage 32. More specifically, the motor 35 is connected to the carriage 32 by way of a pair of cogged chains 36 powered by the motor 35 and fixed to the carriage 32. Consequently, the activation of the motor 35 produces an upward or downward movement of the carriage 32 together with the pushers 14 and the lift platform 15.

[0058] With reference to the functioning of the transport means 13, when a selected product 5a is to be transferred from the storage compartment 4 to the collection compartment 10, the motor 35 of the transport means 13 is activated, thus enabling the pushers 14 to move to the shelf where the selected product 5a is located. At this point the motor 24 of the pusher 14 corresponding to the selected product 5a is activated. The cogged wheel 23 pushes the chain 16 such that the first free end 16a approaches the selected product 5a, intercepting and pushing the selected product 5a onto the lift platform 15.

[0059] At this point the carriage 32 moves down to permit the lift platform 15 to reach the connecting aperture 11 between the internal compartment 3 and the collection compartment 10.

[0060] The transfer mechanism 28 is then activated to move the selected product 5a towards the connecting aperture 11. The hatch 12 is opened and the selected product 5a is transferred from the internal compartment 3 to the collection compartment 10. Immediately afterwards the hatch 12 closes to restore the thermal isolation of the internal compartment 3.

[0061] For example, the means for selecting 37 comprise buttons (not illustrated) located on the front wall 6 in proximity of each of the products 5.

[0062] In the described embodiment the means for selecting 37 comprise an alphanumeric keyboard 38.

[0063] The vending machine 1 also comprises a microprocessor unit for acquiring from the means for selecting 37 at least a first signal indicating the selected product 5a and for transmitting to the transport means 13 at least a second signal indicating the position of the selected product 5a in the storage compartment 4.

[0064] The second signal is transmitted by a suitable supply and control device (not illustrated in the figures) associated to the transport means 13.

[0065] The supply and control device transmits to the transport means 13 the second signal to activate the motor 35 of the transport means 13 and the motor 24 of the appropriate pusher 14 for the transfer of the selected product 5a into the collection compartment 10.

[0066] Note that the supply and control device, in addition to transmitting the second signal, also supplies the motors 24, 35 the necessary electrical power for operation.

[0067] Advantageously, the supply and control device comprises a flexible printed circuit board. In this way it is possible to eliminate the damaging effects of the extended exposure of the supply and control device to very low temperatures, there being no metallic parts.

[0068] The vending machine 1 further comprises an identification device 39 of the products 5 contained in the storage compartment 4 for the association to each product 5 of a corresponding information reference relative to the position occupied by the product 5 in the storage compartment 4.

[0069] In the described embodiment, the identification device 39 comprises a bar code reader 40. In detail, the identification device 39 comprises two readers 40, each associated to the support body 20 of a respective pusher 14.

[0070] Advantageously, the identification device 39 considerably simplifies the operations for replenishing products 5 in the vending machine 1.

[0071] Products 5 can be loaded randomly onto the shelves 9 of the storage compartment 4. Subsequently the transport means 13 move the support bodies 20 to which the readers 40 are associated, in order to scan the products 5 and registering the relative positions thereof inside the storage compartment 4.

[0072] In this way, although the products 5 are inserted randomly into the storage compartment, it is always possible to establish an association between each product 5 and its position, such that the selected product 5a is rapidly located regardless of its position.

[0073] The invention achieves the proposed aims and provides important advantages.

[0074] The product vending machine 1 of the present invention guarantees measurable energy savings because the described pushers 14 enable a considerable reduction to be made in internal bulk. This enables a reduction of the volume of the internal compartment 3, thus also reducing the energy required to cool the internal compartment 3 and maintain the temperature inside the internal compartment 3 constant, thus guaranteeing correct conservation of the products 5 contained therein.

[0075] Similarly, the external bulk is also advantageously reduced in relation to machines of known art.

[0076] Finally, as already stated above, the vending machine 1 also provides improved reliability over time.

Claims

1. A product vending machine comprising:

- a support structure (2) defining an internal compartment (3);

- at least a storage compartment (4) located inside the internal compartment (3) and comprising a plurality of shelves (9) for supporting products (5);

- a collection compartment (10) for receiving a selected product (5a);

- transport means (13) of the selected product (5a) for moving the selected product (5a) from the storage compartment (4) to the collection compartment (10); the transport means (13) comprising at least a pusher (14), positionable at a location of the selected product (5a), for extracting the selected product (5a) from the storage compartment (4); the vending machine being characterised in that the pusher (14) comprises a chain (16) exhibiting a first free end (16a), mobile in a direction parallel to the shelves (9) for pushing the selected product (5a) from inside the storage compartment (4) to outside the storage compartment (4) and a second free end (16b) which is mobile in a substantially vertical direction.

2. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the chain (16) comprises a first portion (17a) which is substantially horizontal and a second portion (17b) which lies in a substantially vertical direction.

3. The vending machine of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chain (16) comprises a plurality of links (18) connected to one another, and at least a stiffening block (19) associated to each link (18).

4. The vending machine of claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pusher (14) comprises a mobile support body (20) positionable at the selected product (5a); the support body (20) comprising a sliding guide (21) for the chain (16) for supporting the first portion (17a) of the chain (16).

5. The vending machine of any of the above claims, characterized in that the pusher (14) comprises a drive body (22) of the chain (16); the drive body (22) comprising a cogged wheel (23) engaging with the chain (16) and a motor (24) associated to the cogged wheel (23).

6. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport means (13) also comprise a lift platform (15) for receiving the product (5a) which has been selected and pushed out of the storage compartment (4); the lift platform (15) transporting the selected product (5a) into proximity with the collection compartment (10).

7. The vending machine of claim 6, characterized in that the lift platform (15) is associated to the pusher (14) and moves simultaneously with the pusher (14).

8. The vending machine of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the lift platform (15) comprises a transfer mechanism (28) for translating the selected product (5a) along a prevalent direction of extension of the lift platform (5a), thus moving the selected product (5a) into the collection compartment (10).

9. The vending machine of claim 8, characterized in that the transfer mechanism (28) comprises a conveyor belt (29) mobile in the direction of extension of the lift platform (15) and a fin (30) constrained to the conveyor belt (29) and coming into contact with the selected product (5a), thus moving the selected product (5a).

10. The vending machine of claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the lift platform (15) comprises two separate flat portions (26) alongside each other; the transfer mechanism (28) being located between the separate flat portions (26) of the lift platform (15).

11. The vending machine of any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the transport means (13) comprise a substantially vertical straight guide (31) and a carriage (32) which is slideable along the straight guide (31); the carriage (32) being associated to at least the pusher (14).

12. The vending machine of any of the previous claims, characterized in that the transport means (13) comprise a substantially vertical straight guide (31) and a carriage (32) slideable along the straight guide (31); the carriage (32) being associated to at least the lift platform (15).

13. The vending machine of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the transport means (13) comprise at least a motor (35) for moving the carriage (32); the motor (35) being connected to the carriage (32) by at least a cogged chain (36).

14. The vending machine of any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it further comprises a hatch (12) located between the internal compartment (3) and the collection compartment (10) for the selected product (5a); the hatch (12) being mobile between an open configuration, enabling transfer of the selected product (5a) from the internal compartment (3) to the collection compartment (10), and a closed configuration, maintaining the internal compartment (3) isolated from the collection compartment (10).

15. The vending machine of one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises means for selecting (37) which enable a user to select a product.

16. The vending machine of claim 15, characterized in that it also comprises a microprocessor unit for acquiring, from the means for selecting (37), a first signal indicating a selected product, and for transmitting to the transport means (13) at least a second signal indicating a position of the selected product (5a) in the storage compartment (4).

17. The vending machine of claim 16, characterized in that it comprises an identification device (39) for the products (5) which associates to each product (5) a corresponding information reference relating to a position occupied by the product (5) in the storage compartment.

18. The vending machine of claim 17, characterized in that the identification device (39) for the products (5) comprises a bar code reader (40).

19. The vending machine of any of the above claims characterized in that it also comprises a supply and control device for the transport means (13).

20. The vending machine of claim 19, characterized in that the supply and control device comprises a flexible printed circuit for supplying and controlling the transport means (13).

Drawing