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EP3540701A1 - Automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Automatic vending machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3540701A1
EP3540701A1 EP19020129.3A EP19020129A EP3540701A1 EP 3540701 A1 EP3540701 A1 EP 3540701A1 EP 19020129 A EP19020129 A EP 19020129A EP 3540701 A1 EP3540701 A1 EP 3540701A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vending machine
automatic vending
products
machine according
product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19020129.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lorenzo Balli
Alberto Paroni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Everex SRL
Original Assignee
Everex SRL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Everex SRL filed Critical Everex SRL
Publication of EP3540701A1 publication Critical patent/EP3540701A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
    • G07F11/58—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the articles being supported on or by endless belts or like conveyors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
    • G07F11/50—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted
    • G07F11/52—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about horizontal axes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vending machine capable of dispensing products of various types such as, for example, instant lottery tickets, packets of cigarettes, packages of shredded tobacco, smoker's products, food products, soft drinks, etc.
  • vending machines are dispensing machines that automatically supply various types of products according to a choice made and a relevant payment executed.
  • vending machines are provided with:
  • the vending machines are often provided with shredded tobacco dispensing devices, i.e. devices comprising a storage compartment consisting of a containment and transport channel in which a spiral thrust element is arranged to contain shredded tobacco packages between its coils and move them packages along said channel by rotating the thrust element about its own longitudinal axis.
  • shredded tobacco dispensing devices i.e. devices comprising a storage compartment consisting of a containment and transport channel in which a spiral thrust element is arranged to contain shredded tobacco packages between its coils and move them packages along said channel by rotating the thrust element about its own longitudinal axis.
  • the vending machines are usually provided with cigarette pack dispenser devices, which are fixed to the structure of the vending machine by means of vertical uprights which support the so-called "columns" intended for cigarette packets
  • the fixing of the shredded tobacco dispensing devices is carried out using the said vertical uprights.
  • the shredded tobacco dispensing devices are mounted on the machines with the axes of the coils arranged vertically.
  • the vertical arrangement of the shredded tobacco dispensing devices determines the location of the relevant motors in the front area of the machine, an area which is intended for housing the columns for cigarette packets, with the corresponding reduction in the number of cigarette dispensing devices in a ratio which it is usually 2 to 1.
  • the placement of each shredded tobacco dispensing device causes the elimination of two cigarette columns, constituting a relatively important drawback from the machine design point of view and for the relative functional operating characteristics.
  • a further negative aspect of spiral devices of the known type consists of the encumbrance of the motor that moves the spiral of the thrust member.
  • Fig. 16 shows a possible embodiment of such a spiral device taken from the document US2013313280A1 ; the numbering used in this drawing is different from that of the other drawings because the one in document US2013313280A1 has been left.
  • the motor (50) is placed with its own output axis (51) coaxial to the axis (61) of the spiral element (62), in an area which is arranged on the right in the drawing with respect to that of the containment and handling channel (indicated with CA) of the products to be dispensed.
  • a space encumbrance (indicated by XL) is determined constituting an increase in the space required within the vending machine and negatively affecting the design of the same machine, also considerably limiting the functionality of the distributor in relation to the external encumbrance.
  • Similar space problems are also present in other solutions in which the motor (represented in Fig.16 by the added block in dotted line 50') does not have its own output shaft coaxial with that of the spiral organ but arranged on a parallel axis and connected to that of the spiral element with appropriate angular gearbox.
  • Another negative aspect of the vertical arrangement relates to the possibility of undesired detachment of the shredded tobacco packages from the coils that support them.
  • the outlet mouth, or the product withdrawal compartment is arranged below and the packages are pushed downwards, any stresses on the machine can cause the packs of shredded material to fall downwards in correspondence with the withdrawal compartment.
  • Another drawback of known vending machines relates to the means for closing the door which allows access to the inside; usually the door is closed with one or more padlocks which pass in corresponding pairs of eyelets placed between the fixed structure of the machine and the door leaf.
  • This solution determines the protrusion of the padlocks, which are often large and have sharp edges, with the possibility of defining a hindrance for the passers-by and of causing any damage in the event of impacts.
  • a further drawback of the known art also connected to the vertical positioning of the spiral devices, relates to the correct identification of the products dispensed due to the impossibility of determining with relative certainty the correspondence between the choice and the payment made with the product actually delivered.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of solving the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • the present invention aims to improve the optimization of the internal arrangement of the dispensing devices with devices capable of occupying a relatively small space and which, at the same time, are able to control which products are actually supplied by the vending machine.
  • the vending machine has an extremely small encumbrance while maintaining a functionality comparable with that of much larger machines equipped with the same number of spiral dispensing devices; that the offer provided to users with a plurality of dispensing devices, even of different types, can be extended, maintaining the convenience of use in the choice of the products of a traditional machine; that can be eliminated the padlock closing systems with the relative negative aspects; that it is possible to create an archive relating to the products actually delivered by storing the corresponding images and a possible comparison between the choice made and the image of the product delivered; that the vending machine has a relatively low cost in particular if compared with the advantages it determines; that its realization is easily achievable by the same operators who build traditional machines, without requiring particular investments.
  • an automatic vending machine (1) in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of dispensing devices suitable for dispensing products of various types.
  • devices for dispensing instant lottery tickets which equip the distributor (1);
  • the reference (4) indicates a screen or other means for displaying the products to be chosen and (5) a door or withdrawal compartment for withdrawing the dispensed products.
  • the same screen (4) that displays the products can be of the touch screen type so as to allow not only visualization but also product selection.
  • the vending machine (1) shown in the drawings is provided with a front door (6) connected to the vertical upright by means of a vertical axis hinge (7) which extends for most of the height of the distributor body.
  • the leaf (6) is provided with a closing block (3) which can advantageously comprise, as described below, a lock cover with magnetic coding and / or an electrically controlled lock connected to suitable recognition means capable of identify a person to allow the door to open.
  • the vending machine (1) is of the type provided with:
  • the longitudinal axis (X) of the thrust element of the shredded tobacco dispensing device is arranged horizontally.
  • the motor (13) is placed in correspondence of the same containment and transport channel (17) so as not to increase the encumbrance of the device (10) in the axis development direction (X).
  • the motor (13) is arranged in correspondence of the channel (17) in the area of the same channel, not protruding from the latter (17) in the direction of development of the axis (X).
  • the motor (13) is located above the channel (17) and is kinematically connected to the spiral (19) by a kinematic chain not described in detail and which can comprise, for example, gear trains and/or belts and/or joints and/or other convenient means for transmitting the motion.
  • the closing means (3) of the door (6) can comprise an electrically controlled lock.
  • the said outlet mouth (5) is provided with a camera (50) adapted to produce an image of a dispensed product, an archive (51) of reference images being provided to which the image thus obtained is compared.
  • the shredded tobacco dispenser device (10) is provided with fastening means (12) to the structure of the vending machine (1) shaped and sized so as to allow fixing to the vertical uprights (22) provided for cigarette pack dispenser devices.
  • the device (10) is provided with brackets which allow it to be stably fastened to the structure of the distributor using the uprights (22) already provided for the cigarette columns.
  • the shredded tobacco delivery device (10) is provided with a passage sensor (11) arranged and acting in correspondence with said containment and transport channel (17).
  • the passage sensor will be connected to the central unit (UC) of the distributor so as to make it possible to monitor the operation of the device (10).
  • each device (10) which is arranged horizontally thanks to the small size due to the advantageous positioning of the motor (13), is provided with the passage sensor (11) which detects that a product has been released by the spiral device (10); the released product passes into the camera shooting area (50) which scans and sends the acquired image to the processing unit (UC) which, thanks to the comparison with the images contained in the archive (51), is able to "recognize” the product supplied by the vending machine.
  • the containment and transport channel (17) of the shredded tobacco delivery device (10) consists of an open box-shaped structure, that is U-shaped in cross section.
  • the devices can be coupled two by two or joined in groups of four, as shown in the examples.
  • the vending machine (1) comprises two shredded tobacco dispenser devices (10) arranged superimposed
  • the relative box-like structures (17) can be overlapped and supported by a single vertical support plate (16).
  • Fig. 10 it is visible how instead of three columns for packets of cigarettes it is possible to house four shredded tobacco dispensing devices (10); with a vending machine of a known type the positioning of the four devices (10) would have determined the "loss" of eight columns.
  • the distributor (1) can be provided with a cover-lock (3) with magnetic coding, so as to eliminate the conventional padlocks that are cumbersome and which, protruding from the profile of the machine, can constitute an obstacle for possible impacts; moreover, the elimination of the padlocks makes the distributor more appreciable from the aesthetic point of view.
  • An electrically controlled lock can be provided, connected via an intelligent electronic card, for example in serial or via can-bus, and controlled by a software application via a fingerprint reader (30) present on the vending machine. It is in fact sufficient that the manager of the vending machine registers himself in order to be identified by the same vending machine (1), for example by showing his own footprint in a specific sequence to open the distributor door without a key.
  • the electrically operated lock is connected to a reader (30) of a recognition code that can be configured differently.
  • a system for recognizing a code (32) sent via a software application can be provided.
  • a software application which can also be resident on a mobile phone, an opening or closing command can be sent to the lock (3).
  • the lock will be connected to a communication network.
  • the electrically operated lock can also be connected to a reader (30) for biometric recognition capable of identifying a person based on one or more biological and/or behavioral characteristics by comparing them with data previously acquired and stored in a database (31).
  • a reader for biometric recognition capable of identifying a person based on one or more biological and/or behavioral characteristics by comparing them with data previously acquired and stored in a database (31).
  • biological characteristics one or more of those of the whole can be used, including: fingerprints, the color and size of the iris, the retina, the shape of the hand, the palm of the hand, the vascularization, the shape of the ear, the physiognomy of the face.
  • the behavioral characteristics one or more of those of the whole can be used, including: the vocal impression, the graphic writing, the signature. Obviously, for the recognition of each specific characteristic a corresponding reader will be provided.
  • the vending machine can comprise a conveyor belt (100), adapted to transport the dispensing products towards the outlet mouth (5), arranged according to the depth direction (P) of the vending machine (1), i.e. in an orthogonal direction compared to the front (L) of the vending machine (1).

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
  • Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
  • Formation And Processing Of Food Products (AREA)
EP19020129.3A 2018-03-16 2019-03-15 Automatic vending machine Withdrawn EP3540701A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT201800003657A IT201800003657A1 (it) 2018-03-16 2018-03-16 Distributore automatico

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3540701A1 true EP3540701A1 (en) 2019-09-18

Family

ID=62751250

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19020129.3A Withdrawn EP3540701A1 (en) 2018-03-16 2019-03-15 Automatic vending machine

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3540701A1 (it)
IT (1) IT201800003657A1 (it)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080087720A1 (en) * 2006-10-11 2008-04-17 Yevgeny Boris Levitov Biometric Access Control System for Vending Machines
EP1994509A2 (en) * 2006-03-16 2008-11-26 Officine Meccaniche F.lli Manea S.r.l. Gearmotor group for a vending machine of products
EP2535878A1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2012-12-19 DAMIAN S.r.l. Product vending machine
US20130313280A1 (en) 2012-05-24 2013-11-28 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Dispensing device
US20150279147A1 (en) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-01 Avt, Inc. Systems and methods for automated dispensing systems in retail locations

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1994509A2 (en) * 2006-03-16 2008-11-26 Officine Meccaniche F.lli Manea S.r.l. Gearmotor group for a vending machine of products
US20080087720A1 (en) * 2006-10-11 2008-04-17 Yevgeny Boris Levitov Biometric Access Control System for Vending Machines
EP2535878A1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2012-12-19 DAMIAN S.r.l. Product vending machine
US20130313280A1 (en) 2012-05-24 2013-11-28 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Dispensing device
US20150279147A1 (en) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-01 Avt, Inc. Systems and methods for automated dispensing systems in retail locations

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT201800003657A1 (it) 2019-09-16

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