VENDING MACHINE FOR WOODEN PELLETS FOR BRIQUETTES PACKED INTO PACKAGES

Abstract

 Present invention relates to a vending machine (1) for wooden pellets or briquettes packed into packets. Vending machine (1) comprises a housing (3), a payment terminal (4) on the housing (3), a control device (5) in the housing (3), a package gripper (6), which is movable in the longitudinal and crosswise direction of the housing and also movable in the vertical direction of the housing, a conveyor (7) for moving packages into a package dispensing position and a package dispensing module (8). The housing (3) is adapted to the receival of packages (2) stacked onto pallets (9), where said housing comprises at least one filling door, where said housing is provided with at least one base movable through the filling door in and out of said housing for loading pallets (9) into the housing (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vending machine for wooden pellets or briquettes packed into packages.

Background Art

[0002] From the state of the art, several vending machines are known, including vending machines for selling packed products (incl. products in packages). Likewise, several vending machines selling firewood, packed or bound into a bundle are known.

[0003] In an international patent application WO9506301A1 (publ. 02.03.1995), a vending machine with a vacuum gripper is described, which comprises a vacuum gripper that can be positioned, an automatic controller and a refrigerating system.

[0004] In a European patent application EP1693805A1 (publ. 23.08.2006), a firewood (faggots) dispensing apparatus / vending machine is described. There, the prepared faggots are placed on vertical conveyer belts with compartments. The distribution of faggots takes place through the hatches on the machine side.

[0005] In a French patent application FR2849947A1 (publ. 16.07.2004), a firewood (faggots) distribution device / vending machine is described. In this device, the prepared faggots are placed on a vertical wheel-shaped holding element with compartments (so-called vertical carousel). From this device, the faggots are also distributed from the hatches on the side of the device.

[0006] From the United States patent document US5538159 (publ. 23.07.1996) a so-called mailbox-type dispenser is known. Each wood bundle (firewood set) for sale is placed separately into an individual compartment behind an openable hatch.

[0007] In the United States patent document US6547096 (publ. 15.04.2003) a vending machine is described where a product package that has been stacked into a corresponding vertical compartment will be gripped with a vacuum gripper and transported into a dispensing position. The vacuum gripper is movable up and down, as well as in the longitudinal and crosswise direction in the horizontal plane.

[0008] In the United States patent document US2007151981 (publ. 05.07.2007) a firewood vending machine with vertical compartments on a carousel is described. The package for sale will be removed from the lower part of the vertical compartment from the stack of firewood packages piled upon each other.

[0009] In a German patent document DE2455673A1 (publ. 25.05.1976) a vending machine, meant especially for distribution of wrapped blocks of ice-cream, which comprises a suction head for picking up the wrapped blocks of ice-cream, is described. The suction head structure has been suspended on rails that enable to move the suction head in the longitudinal and crosswise direction in the vending machine in the product storage space. A wrapped block of ice-cream will be gripped from the stack by means of the suction head and moved into the dispensing position.

[0010] The referred firewood vending machines are inconvenient to fill - each firewood packet/package/bundle should be loaded separately into the machine. The above referred vending machines are not suitable for a direct filling from many pallets where the packages of products for sale, laid on the pallets, such as wooden pellets or briquettes, will be lifted into the vending machines together with the pallets.

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to propose a vending machine for packages of wooden pellets or briquettes that can be easily filled with the products for sale in such a way that it is not necessary to unload or reload the packages from the pallets for loading them into the vending machine.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is also to propose a vending machine that is equipped with means for remote (e.g. through remote administration) monitoring of the filling (content) of the vending machine, including with the help of video cameras.

Summary of invention

[0013] The present invention hereby proposes a vending machine for wooden pellets or briquettes packed into packages. The vending machine comprises a housing, means on the housing for displaying the user interface and receiving the data entry of the user and making payments, which preferably includes a payment terminal.

[0014] The vending machine also comprises a control means in the housing, a package gripper, which is movable in the longitudinal, crosswise and vertical directions of the housing, a conveyer for moving the packages into a package dispensing position and a package dispensing module.

[0015] The housing is adapted for receiving packages stacked onto pallets. For this purpose the housing comprises at least one filling door where the housing is provided with at least one base movable through the filling door in and out for loading the pallets into the housing.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the package gripper of the vending machine is provided with optical means for detection of the position of the package being gripped. Preferably, the optical means for detection of the position of the package being gripped comprise at least one camera.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyer used in the vending machine is either a belt conveyor, a roll conveyor or a slide.

[0018] Preferably, the package gripper is embodied as a vacuum gripper.

[0019] In addition, the package gripper has been embodied as a swivel work head that can be turned around its yaw axis for changing the position of the package by turning the package in horizontal plane.

[0020] In one of the preferred embodiment options of the invention, the bases for receiving the packages on pallets are movable out from the housing and again back into the housing through the filling doors in the longer side wall of the housing.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment option of the invention, the bases for receiving the packages on pallets are movable out from the housing and again back into the housing through the filling doors in the shorter side wall of the housing.

[0022] In one of the preferred embodiment options of the invention, a package dispensing module together with the payment terminal (i.e. with means for displaying the user interface and receiving the data entry of the user) is located on the longer side of the housing.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment option of the invention, a package dispensing module together with the payment terminal is located on the shorter side of the housing.

[0024] Preferably the vending machine is equipped with at least one camera for the remote monitoring of the interior of the housing.

[0025] Preferably the vending machine is equipped with a temperature sensor and an air conditioner located in the housing to maintain constant temperature inside the housing.

[0026] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the housing of the vending machine is mainly of rectangular form and preferably with overall dimensions of a standard freight container.

Brief description of drawings

[0027] Following is a description of the vending machine according to the present invention by means of non-restrictive embodiment examples with references to the attached schematic drawings where:

Figure 1 depicts the side view of the vending machine according to the present invention in partial section;

Figure 2 depicts the vending machine according to the present invention along the section line A-A in Figure 1;

Figure 3 depicts the embodiment of the vending machine according to the present invention in top view with the removed ceiling, where the filling doors for the pallets are located at the end of the vending machine housing;

Figure 4 depicts the embodiment of the vending machine according to the present invention in top view with the removed ceiling, where the filling doors for the pallets are located in one of the longer sides of the vending machine housing;

Figure 5 depicts a pallet on a base that is sliding out of the housing in top view and sectional view in embodiment according to Figure 3;

Figure 6 depicts a pallet on a base that is sliding out of the housing in top view and sectional view in embodiment according to Figure 4.

Description of embodiments

[0028] The attached drawings are schematic, and for the sake of clarity details irrelevant from the viewpoint of the idea of the invention such as lighting, cabling etc. are not depicted.

[0029] The vending machine 1 according to the present invention is designed for selling wooden pellets or briquettes packed into packages 2. The vending machine 1 comprises a housing 3 and a payment terminal 4 on the housing 3, which is primarily meant for making payments but also for displaying the user interface, receiving the data entry of the user (and making the payments): The payment terminal 4 shown in the view on Figure 1 comprises a display, a keyboard, a slot for inserting / removing a bank card and a slot for a receipt output.

[0030] As an option, the payment terminal may comprise a cash payment unit, a touch screen (in this case a separate keyboard is not necessary).

[0031] The vending machine 1 in the housing 3 comprises also a control means 5, a package gripper 6, which is movable in the longitudinal, crosswise and vertical direction of the housing, a conveyor 7 for moving packages into a package dispensing position, a package dispensing module 8 that comprises a roller track in the embodiment, depicted in the drawings. In the embodiment, depicted if the drawings a belt conveyor is used as a conveyor 7.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the payment terminal and the control means are integrated into a single unit.

[0033] One of the characteristic features of the vending machine 1 according to the present invention is a fact that the housing 3 is adapted for receiving packages stacked on pallets 9.

[0034] There are filling doors 10 on the housing 3 for loading the pallets 9. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the filling doors 10 are located in the end wall of the housing 3. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 4, the filling doors 10 are located in one of the longer walls of the housing 3.

[0035] The pallets 9 will be moved into the housing by means of bases 11 that are sliding out of the housing for loading.

[0036] The filling doors 10 may be located either in both longer side walls of the housing or simultaneously both in one end wall and in one longer side wall.

[0037] In the housing 3, each pallet 9 is located on a base 11, movable through the filling doors 10 into and out of the housing, shown in Figure 5 and

[0038] Figure 6. In these drawings a situation is depicted where a pallet 9 together with packages 2 stacked on it has been placed on the base 11 that has been moved out through an open filling door 10.

[0039] The bases 11 may be embodied as sliding out of the housing rails.

[0040] The floor of the vending machine may be embodied, for example, as a stationary fixed roller track.

[0041] In addition, there is an air conditioner 12 in the housing 3. Preferably, the housing 3 comprises also a door 13 to allow access for the service technician into the interior of the housing 3.

[0042] The package gripper 6 moves along the housing 3 on longitudinal guide rails 14, e.g. on carriages 16 at the ends of transverse guide rails 15. There is a sledge 17 on the transverse guide rails 15 where a package gripper 6 is placed/cleaved. The package gripper 6 is movable up and down and turnable around its yaw axis. In addition, the sledge 17 has optical means 18, e.g. a camera for detection the position of the package being gripped.

[0043] The movement of carriages 16 along the longitudinal guide rails 14 takes place with an electrical drive (not shown) with transmission that is controlled with a control means 5.

[0044] The movement of the sledge 17 along the transversal guide rails 15 takes place also with an electrical drive (not shown) with transmission that is controlled with a control means 5.

[0045] The package gripper 6 is preferably embodied as a vacuum gripper that is provided with suction pads for gripping the packages.

[0046] The package gripper 6 is lowered on the package and raised up, for example, with a telescope mechanism that one end is fastened to the bottom side of the sledge 17 and on the other end of which the package gripper is located. The package gripper 6 is turnable in the horizontal position.

[0047] Also other types of mechanisms can be used for moving the package gripper in the vertical direction, e.g. pantograph-type mechanisms, etc.

[0048] There is an additional video camera 19 in the housing for monitoring the interior of the housing 3 from a distance. For example, in case of a malfunction this camera enables to assess the situation inside of the housing.

[0049] The packages 2 have been stacked on the pallets 9 by five packages per layer where each next package layer is with respect to its laying pattern 180 degrees shifted in the horizontal plane in relation to the previous layer. As can be seen from the drawings, three packages have been laid beside each other by their longer edges in one layer, and two other packages have been laid beside each other by their shorter edges, whereas their longer edges are laid against the shorter edges of the three packages placed beside each other.

[0050] The control means comprise all electronics and software necessary for control of the package gripper, making payments through the payment terminal, the control of camera or cameras in the housing, the control of optical means and operations used for detection of the position of the package being gripped, etc.

[0051] The control means also contain a communication module either for wired or wireless communication that is necessary for making payments and for the remote monitoring and control of the vending machine.

[0052] The control module is connected to the central administration server via which the vending machine is being monitored and administered. This includes the monitoring of package reserve, the environmental conditions inside the vending machine, and in case of possible malfunction, assessment of the nature of the failure with the help of a video camera or video cameras in the housing.

[0053] The vending machine operates in the below described manner.

Version 1

[0054] The buyer comes to the vending machine, selects the desired product or products on the payment terminal, i.e. a pellet package or a briquette package and the quantity of corresponding packages, and after making the payment the vending machine moves the packages one by one into a package dispensing position.

Version 2

[0055] The buyer selects a pellet package or a briquette package and their quantity and makes the payment via a mobile communication device, e.g. a smartphone. For that purpose, an application, which is downloadable into a smartphone and operating via the central administration server, is designed through which the nearest vending machine can be found, availability of the desired product (pellet package or briquette package) checked and a purchase made. When making the payment, a code will be issued for the buyer, which the buyer enters into the vending machine terminal (manually or electronically) and a package or packages purchased from the vending machine will be dispensed for the buyer.

[0056] Irrespective of which version is used for the purchase of a package or packages, the package gripper 6 is moved, for example, to the nearest pallet 9 where a suitable package 2 is located. Using the optical means 18, the control means 5 detect the position of the package and turns the package gripper 6 around its yaw axis to the suitable position and lowers the package gripper 6 onto the package 2. The package 2 is gripped with the vacuum suction pads of the package gripper 6, lifted up from the stack of the packages 2 on the pallet 9 and moved to the conveyor 7. The conveyor 7 moves the package 2 through the door (not shown) into the package dispensing module 8 that is, for example, a roller track. The end of the roller track is preferably provided with a barrier that protects the package from falling down.

[0057] The buyer seizes the package 2 from the end of the roller track of the dispensing module 8 and lifts it, for example, into their means of transport.

[0058] It is obvious for a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to the embodiment examples described above and depicted in the attached drawings, but the invention has other possible embodiment options within the limits of attached claims.

Claims

1. A vending machine (1) for wooden pellets or briquettes packed into packages (2) that comprises a housing (3), a payment terminal (4) on the housing where the vending machine (1) comprises also a control means (5) in the housing, a package gripper (6), which is movable in the longitudinal, crosswise and vertical directions of the housing, a conveyor (7) for moving packages into a package dispensing position and a package (2) dispensing module (8), characterized in that the housing (3) is adapted for receiving packages (2) stacked on pallets (9) where the housing (3) comprises at least one filling door (10) where the housing (3) is provided with at least one base (11) movable through the filling door (10) in and out of the housing (3) for loading pallets (9) into the housing (3).

2. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the package gripper (6) is equipped with optical means (18) to detect the position of the package being gripped.

3. The vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the optical means (18) for detecting the position of the package being gripped comprises at least one camera.

4. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor (7) for moving packages into a package dispensing position is either a belt conveyor, a roll conveyor or a roller track.

5. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the package gripper (6) has been embodied as a vacuum gripper.

6. The vending machine according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the package gripper (6) has been embodied as a swivel work head that can be turned around its yaw axis for changing the position of the package by turning the package in horizontal plane.

7. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling doors (10) are located in the longer side wall of the housing (3).

8. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling doors (10) are located in the shorter side wall of the housing (3).

9. The vending machine according to 1, characterized in that the package dispensing module (8) together with the payment terminal (4) are located on the longer side of the housing.

10. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the package dispensing module (8) together with the payment terminal (4) are located on the shorter side of the housing.

11. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is provided with at least one camera (19) for monitoring the interior of the housing from a distance.

12. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that there is an air conditioner (12) equipped with a temperature sensor in the housing to maintain constant temperature inside of the housing.

13. The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is mainly of rectangular form.

Drawing