The present invention relates to a device for storing and dispensing products. This device may be integrated in a drawer of a dispensing machine such as those commonly used in offices, schools, hospitals, railroad stations and more in general any public or private environment in which a product vending service may be provided. In particular, the device of the present invention is arranged to dispense bottles, cans or similar products.

Automatic product dispensing machines, and particularly product vending machines, are well known in the art. These machines have the purpose of dispensing a product upon payment by the user. Payment may be made in cash or, more and more frequently, with electronic money. Dispensing machines can dispense any type of product, most typically food products such as soft drinks and snacks even though, especially at airports and railroad stations, different products, such as consumer electronics and travel accessories, are being increasingly dispensed thereby.

Devices for storing and dispensing products are known in the field of dispensing machines. These devices comprise a storage compartment for products. In particular, the storage compartment has a front area having an opening for dispensing products, and a rear area, opposite to the front area.

For example, one type of product dispensing machines comprises a coil within the storage compartment. Such coil extends from the rear area to the front area. The products to be dispensed are arranged in a row in the storage compartment, each arranged between two turns of the coil. By this arrangement, the dispensing operation simply requires the coil to be rotated about its axis for the product situated at the opening to be pushed out, and for the other products to be fed in the storage compartment from the rear area to the front area.

One drawback of the structure of the coil dispensing system is that it limits the number of products that can be stored in the storage compartment. The maximum number of storable products is given by number of turns of the coil, and the pitch between turns must be necessarily greater than the size of the product, to prevent the mechanism from jamming.

US 2009/084812 discloses another type of product dispensing machines, with products arranged in a row in the storage compartment. In addition to the above discussed storage compartment, this dispensing machine also comprises a door at the opening of the storage compartment and a plate opposite to the opening. In particular, the plate contacts the product in the row that is farthest away from the opening. During dispensing, the door opens and the product that is closest to the opening is allowed to come out. At the same time, the plate causes all the row of products to advance toward the opening, and makes them ready for later dispensing.

One drawback of this mechanism is that it limits product arrangement to one row. No element is provided to stop the products in addition to the door, and if the products were arranged in more than one row, multiple products would be dispensed at the same time.

US 2015/102052 discloses a dispensing machine with different rows of products arranged in its storage compartment. All the products are arranged on a roller, which feeds them during dispensing. This dispensing machine comprises a stop member, which contacts the product closest to the opening, and is configured to afford controlled dispensing. In particular, during dispensing the stop member is disabled and the roller moves thereby causing the product to come out. As soon as the product has passed, the stop member is enabled and the roller stops. The device also comprises a dispensing element, which receives the product that has passed the stop member and lets it fall or guides it to the opening for dispensing.

One drawback of this arrangement is that the size and shape of the product must conform with the above discussed dispensing element, which also requires the dispensing operation to include an additional step.

Therefore, the technical purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for storing and dispensing products that can obviate the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for storing and dispensing products that can store a larger number of products in a storage compartment having a smaller or equal volume. Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a simpler device that affords quicker dispensing.

The aforementioned technical purpose and objects are substantially fulfilled by a device for storing and dispensing products that comprises the technical features as disclosed in one or more of the accompanying claims.

More in particular, a device for storing and dispensing products of the present invention is adapted to dispense products whose predominant axis of extension is the center axis.

The device comprises a storage compartment. The storage compartment has a front area with an opening for dispensing products and a rear area opposite to the front area.

The storage compartment is configured to accommodate a plurality of products to be dispensed with their central axes arranged vertically and that products grouped in two parallel rows. These parallel rows extend from the rear area to the front area of the storage compartment. The rows are offset from each other so that each product of each row partially fits between two products of the other row.

The device 1 comprises feeding means which are configured to contact the product of each row that is farthest away from the opening, thereby pushing all the products toward the opening.

A stop member is situated at the opening to stop both rows of products by abutting the product that is closest to the opening.

The device also comprises dispensing means operable on the stop member to disable it and allow product dispensing. These dispensing means are configured to contact the product that is closest to the opening and push the product out of the opening.

This device solves the aforementioned technical problem, as it can dispense products having an axially symmetrical geometry, arranged vertically and in two offset rows. This is the most efficient arrangement for this type of products, whereby a storage compartment having a given volume will be able to contain a larger number of products than in the prior art.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will result clearer from the illustrative, non-limiting description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a device for storing and dispensing products as shown in the annexed drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for storing and dispensing products of the present invention, with certain parts omitted to better show other parts;
• Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first detail of the device of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second detail of the device of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 5 is a perspective rear view of the detail of Figure 4; and
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a drawer for automatic dispensing machines comprising a plurality of devices for storing and dispensing products according to the present invention.

Referring to the annexed figures, numeral 1 generally designates a device for storing and dispensing products according to the present invention.

The device 1 is adapted to dispense the products 100. These products 100 are not themselves part of the present invention, but will be briefly described to better illustrate the structure and operation of the inventive device 1.

Each product 100 has a shape with a center axis "A". In particular, the product 100 extends symmetrically with respect to the axis "A". Preferably, the product 100 has a cross section transverse to the center axis "A" with a polygonal, or more preferably circular shape. In the embodiments as described and illustrated herein, the products 100 are embodied by axially symmetric containers, such as bottles or cans, e.g. containing water and/or beverages.

Particularly referring to Figure 3, the device 1 comprises a storage compartment 2. The storage compartment 2 has a front area 2a, a rear area 2b opposite to the front area 2a and a pair of sides 2c, extending from the rear area 2b to the front area 2a. The front area 2a has an opening 3 for dispensing the products 100.

More in detail, the storage compartment 2 is delimited by a pair of side walls 4 which particularly extend from the front area 2a to the rear area 2b of the storage compartment 2. In particular, the side walls 4 are located at the sides of the storage compartment 2. It shall be noted that the aforementioned opening 3 is partially defined by the side walls 4.

The storage compartment 2 also has a bottom 5, which has the purpose to support the products 100. This bottom 5 is placed between the side walls 4. Furthermore, the bottom 5 extends substantially seamlessly from the front area 2a to the rear portion 2b.

The storage compartment 2 may further comprise a flexible element (not shown), for example a cable or a spring. Such flexible element is located at the opening 3 and has the purpose of maintaining the orientation of the products 100 during dispensing.

According to the present invention, the storage compartment 2 is configured to accommodate a plurality of products 100 to be dispensed with the central axes "A" of the products 100 arranged vertically. In addition, the products 100 are grouped in the storage compartment 100 in two rows 101. These rows 100 are particularly parallel and extend from the rear area 2a to the front area 2b of the storage compartment 2.

It shall be noted that the rows 101 are offset from each other so that each product 100 of each row 101 partially fits between two products 100 of the other row 101. In other words, in any central zone of the rows 101, each product 100 contacts two products of the same row 101, and two products 100 of the other row 101.

More in detail, the products 100 are fed in the storage compartment 2 from the rear area 2b to the front area 2a, i.e. is along the rows 101. This will define a direction of feed "B" of the products 100 oriented parallel to the rows 101.

It shall be noted that the offset arrangement of the rows 101 causes the products 100 of each row to be unable to slide relative to the products 100 of the other row. As a result, the rows 101 cannot be fed independently of each other in the direction of feed "B", but are forced to be fed together. In other words, by simply stopping the feed of one row 101 both will be stopped.

In order to move the products 100 in the storage compartment 2, the device 1 comprises feeding means 19 configured to contact the product 100 that is farthest away from the opening 3 of each row 101 and push all the products 100 toward the opening 3; These feeding means 19 are embodied by a movable wall 20 situated between the side walls 4. The movable wall 20 particularly faces the opening 3. More in particular, the mobile wall 20 is driven by a first motor 21 between the rear area 2b and the front zone 2a of the storage compartment 2. The feeding means 19 also comprise a limit stop sensor (not shown), which has the purpose to disable the first motor 21 when the movable wall 20 arrives proximate to the opening 3.

To prevent undesired ejection of products 100 from the storage compartment 2, the device 1 comprises a stop member 6. This stop member 6 is particularly placed at the opening 3 and, more in particular, substantially halfway between walls 4. By this arrangement, the stop member 6 will be able to stop both rows 101 of products 100 by abutting the product 100 that is closest to the opening 3, as shown for example in Figure 2.

More in detail, the stop member 6 comprises a wedge 11 placed between the rows 101 of products 100. This wedge 11 has the purpose of stopping the feed of both rows 101. In operation, wedge 11 is able to move in a direction transverse to the aforementioned direction of feed "B" of the products 100, to thereby alternately clear the passage for the products 100 of one row 101 or the other. Further details about the wedge 11 will be provided hereinbelow.

Particularly referring to Figure 1, it will be appreciated that the device 1 has dispensing means 7. These dispensing means 7 are operable on the stop member 6, to thereby disable it and allow dispensing of the products 100. The dispensing means 7 are further configured to contact the product 100 that is closest to the opening 3 and push it out of the opening 3.

More in detail, the dispensing means 7 comprise a pair of pushing members 8. These pushing elements 8 are located substantially at the front area 2a of the storage compartment 2. Each pushing member 8 is particularly associated with a respective row 101 of products 100, to thereby contact the foremost product 100 of the respective row 101, in particular the one directly in front of the opening 3.

Particularly referring to Figure 5, each pushing member 8 comprises a wheel 9. Each wheel 9 has a perimeter 9a. The wheels 9 are disposed at the opening 3, in particular each at a respective side 2c of the storage compartment 2. The center of the wheels 9 is particularly located below the bottom 5 of the storage compartment 2. Referring to Figure 1, it shall be noted that the wheels 9 partially emerge from the bottom 5.

More in detail, the wheels 9 are coaxial. In particular, the wheels 9 are rigidly joined to a shaft 12. As a result, the wheels 9 are adapted to rotate together and particularly in a direction of rotation "R".

In order to drive the wheels 9, the device 1 is equipped with a second motor 13 which is actuated when a product 100 is being dispensed. This second motor 13 is connected to the wheel 9 via transmission means 14. In particular, the transmission means 14 comprise a toothed edge 15 formed on one of the two wheels 9. Furthermore, the transmission means 14 comprise a gear 16. This gear 16 meshes with the toothed edge 15, and is driven by the second motor 13 to rotate the wheels 9.

Particularly referring to Figure 1, it shall be noted that at least one of the two wheels has at least one recess 25 particularly formed at its perimeter 9a. Preferably, this wheel has a pair of recesses 25 located in diametrically opposite positions of the perimeter 9a. Detection means (not shown) of the type known to the skilled person detect the passage of the recesses 25 during rotation of the wheels 9 and, upon such detection, disable the second motor 13.

Each pushing member 8 further comprises a protrusion 10 connected to its respective wheel 9. The projection 10 extends into the storage compartment 2. Furthermore, the projection 10 is located at the perimeter 9a of its respective wheel 9. The projection 10 preferably has an arc shape to conform with part of the perimeter 9a. Preferably, the projection 10 extends over an angular width that ranges from 30° to 70°, and is preferably 50°.

More in detail, each projection 10 comprises a first portion 10a which extends into the storage compartment 2 to a first length. The projection 10 further comprises a second portion 10b, which extends into the storage compartment 2 to a second length which is particularly less than the first length. It shall be noted that the first portion 10b directly follows the first portion 10a when the wheel 9 moves in the direction of rotation "R".

More in detail, each projection 10 has a front edge 23 particularly located at the first portion 10a. Likewise, each projection has a rear edge 24 located on the second portion 10b and particularly opposite to the front edge 23. It shall be noted that, in operation, the front edge 23 is designed to contact the product 100 to be dispensed to push it toward the opening 3.

It shall be noted that the bottom 5 of the storage compartment 2 has a pair of slots 17. Each pushing member 8 is associated with a respective slot 17, to extend therethrough and contact the product 100 to be dispensed. In particular, each projection 10 is associated with a respective slot 17 to extend therethrough.

More in detail, each slot 17 is adjacent to a respective side 2c of the storage compartment 2, and is located substantially at the perimeter 9a of the wheel 9 adjacent thereto. Thus, as the wheel 9 rotates, the projection 10 can extend through the slot 17 and enter the storage compartment through the bottom 5. It shall be noted that, when the dispensing means 7 are inactive, one of the front edges 23 is placed substantially at its respective slot 17.

In order to cooperate with the stop member 6, each pushing member 8 comprises an abutment area 18 for the wedge 11. Such abutment area18 is formed on its respective wheel 9, and is configured to prevent displacement of the wedge 11 in the direction of its respective wheel 9. The abutment area 18 is particularly arranged to contact the wedge 11 and/or release the wedge 11 depending on the rotation of its respective wheel 9. It shall be noted that, when the wedge 11 is released, it is displaced sideways by the product 100 that moves toward the opening 3. Once the dispensing operation has been completed, elastic means 22 return the wedge 11 to the central position.

It shall be noted that each abutment area 18 is defined on a respective projection 10, in particular at the first portion 10a. The wheels 9 are oriented such that their first portions 10a are offset by 180°.

Particularly referring to figure 6, it shall be noted that, according to the present invention, multiple devices 1 may be integrated in a single drawer 50 for product dispensing machines. Advantageously, the modularity of the device 1 allows devices for different products, possibly having different sizes, to be integrated in a single solution. It shall be noted that, by this arrangement, the side walls 4 of the storage compartments 2 of two devices 1 are adjacently shared, i.e. is belong to both devices 1.

The device 1 operates as follows. The dispensing means 7 are actuated, and namely their wheels 9 are rotated in the direction of rotation "R", namely through 180°, to dispense the product 100 that is closest to the opening 3. This will cause the projection 10 associated with the product 100 being dispensed to emerge from the slot 17, and abut the product 100, thereby feeding the latter toward the opening 3. At the same time, the rotation of the other wheel 9 moves the abutment area 18 away from the wedge 11, thereby allowing the product 100 to pass by pushing it sideways. Hence, the product 100 is pushed out of the opening 3.

Once the product has been dispensed, the feeding means 19 are actuated, namely by moving the movable wall 20 forward toward the opening 3. By this arrangement, the first product of the other row 101 will be moved in front of the opening 3, and be ready to be dispensed.