A lifting platform for receiving and delivering goods from a vending machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods from a vending machine, comprising a main frame module, two linear guide rail modules, a lifting platform module, and two counterweight modules. The main frame module includes a frame, two guide wheels mounted on the top sides of the frame, a drive motor mounted on the bottom of the frame, drive shafts with their ends inserted on both sides of the bottom of the frame, drive synchronous pulleys mounted on the drive shafts, and two lifting synchronous pulleys mounted on both ends of the drive shafts. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the drive synchronous pulleys via a drive synchronous belt, and the lifting synchronous pulleys and guide wheels on the same side are connected via the lifting synchronous belt. The two linear guide rail modules are mounted on both sides of the frame and are located within the loop of the lifting synchronous belt on the same side. The lifting platform module is connected at both ends to the linear guide rail modules on the same side and one side of the lifting synchronous belt, and the two counterweight modules are mounted on the other side of the two lifting synchronous belts. This not only enables receiving and conveying goods to a specific dispensing slot but also supports the purchase of multiple items at once.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lifting platform, mainly used for receiving and dispensing goods in vending machines. Background Technology

[0002] As a type of unmanned retail terminal equipment, vending machines aim to replace manual labor with machinery, enabling consumers to quickly make purchases in various unmanned scenarios.

[0003] There are many types of vending machines on the market, which can be roughly divided into two categories based on their dispensing method:

[0004] The first method involves the product falling directly to the ground, with the user retrieving the product from the retrieval port at the bottom of the device. However, this method of delivery can easily damage the product and results in a poor user experience.

[0005] The second method involves using a lifting platform to deliver the goods to a designated pickup point, from which the user can then collect them. However, this method has low delivery efficiency; furthermore, existing vending machine lifting platforms on the market cannot support the purchase of multiple items at once, or if they can support the purchase of multiple items at once, they suffer from a high rate of delivery failures; in addition, the lifting platforms used in vending machines on the market are generally greatly affected by the precision of the foamed housing, requiring high precision in the overall assembly of the machine.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of vending machine dispensing structure to better serve users. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods in vending machines, enabling users to purchase multiple items at once using the vending machine.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods in vending machines, comprising a main frame module, two linear guide rail modules, a lifting platform module, and two counterweight modules.

[0009] The overall frame module includes a frame, two guide wheels respectively installed on the top two sides of the frame, a drive motor installed at the bottom of the frame, a drive shaft with its two ends inserted through the bottom two sides of the frame, a drive synchronous wheel mounted on the drive shaft, and two lifting synchronous wheels respectively mounted on the two ends of the drive shaft. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the drive synchronous wheel via a drive synchronous belt, and the lifting synchronous wheel and the guide wheel on the same side are connected via a lifting synchronous belt.

[0010] The two linear guide rail modules are respectively installed on both sides of the frame and located within the ring of the lifting synchronous belt on the same side.

[0011] The lifting platform module is connected to a linear guide rail module and a lifting synchronous belt on the same side at both ends, and can move up and down along the linear guide rail module under the drive of the drive motor.

[0012] The two counterweight modules are respectively installed on the other side of the two lifting synchronous belts, and their movement direction is opposite to that of the lifting platform module.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the drive motor drives the drive shaft to rotate via the drive synchronous belt and drive synchronous pulley. The drive shaft then drives the lifting synchronous belt via the lifting synchronous pulley, causing the lifting platform module to move in opposite directions under the guidance of the linear guide rail, and the counterweight module to move in opposite directions under the guidance of the guide wheel. Furthermore, one end of the lifting platform module and the counterweight module are respectively installed on both sides of each lifting synchronous belt, which helps to counteract gravity, reduce the workload, and ensure the stability and reliability of the mechanism's operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the lifting platform module includes a base, a trolley mounting plate installed on the top of the base, a receiving basket trolley installed on the trolley mounting plate, and left and right mounting plates of the lifting platform installed on both sides of the base.

[0015] The receiving basket trolley is equipped with a push plate assembly that can push out goods;

[0016] The base cavity is equipped with a trolley power assembly capable of driving the receiving basket trolley to move left and right, and a pusher power assembly capable of driving the pusher assembly to move.

[0017] The left and right mounting plates of the lifting platform are respectively connected to the linear guide rail module and the lifting synchronous belt on the same side, so that the lifting platform module can move up and down along the linear guide rail module.

[0018] Furthermore, the trolley power assembly includes a trolley power motor and a trolley power synchronous pulley respectively installed at the left and right ends of the base cavity. The output shaft of the trolley power motor is connected to the trolley power synchronous pulley through the trolley power synchronous belt. A trolley guide slot is opened on the trolley mounting plate along the direction of the trolley power synchronous belt, and the bottom end of the receiving basket trolley passes through the trolley guide slot to connect to the trolley power synchronous belt.

[0019] Furthermore, infrared symmetrical sensors are installed at the top front end of the left and right mounting plates of the lifting platform for shipment detection.

[0020] Furthermore, a gravity sensing module capable of detecting shipment is installed in the base cavity, and the trolley mounting plate is fixed on the gravity sensing module.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the infrared symmetry sensor and gravity sensing module are used to detect shipment. When the goods fall into the receiving basket trolley, they will first pass the infrared symmetry sensor. The system initially judges that the goods have fallen into the receiving basket trolley. At the same time, the gravity sensing module senses the change in gravity, and the system confirms again that the goods have entered the receiving basket trolley, thus ensuring the reliability of shipment.

[0022] Furthermore, the receiving basket trolley includes a receiving basket trolley base, a push plate driven assembly installed under its base plate, a push plate guide rail installed on its base plate, a push plate guide slot opened on its base plate parallel to the push plate guide rail, and a push plate assembly placed on the push plate guide rail.

[0023] Furthermore, the bottom of the pusher assembly is connected to the pusher driven assembly via the pusher guide gap. When the pusher driven assembly is connected to the pusher power assembly, it can drive the pusher assembly to move along the pusher guide rail.

[0024] Furthermore, the pusher power assembly includes a pusher power motor installed in the base and close to the shipping end, and a drive gear A installed on the output shaft of the pusher power motor;

[0025] The push plate driven assembly includes an active synchronous wheel installed below the base plate of the receiving basket trolley, a drive gear B coaxially connected to it, and a driven synchronous wheel. The active synchronous wheel and the driven synchronous wheel are located at both ends of the push plate guide gap and are connected by a drive belt. The bottom of the push plate assembly passes through the push plate guide gap and is connected to the drive belt.

[0026] The trolley mounting plate has a gear guide slot that is parallel to the trolley guide slot, and the drive gear B passes through the gear guide slot and is placed in the base cavity;

[0027] When the receiving basket trolley moves to the point where drive gear A and drive gear B mesh, the push plate on the receiving basket trolley is driven by the push plate motor to move along the push plate guide rail toward the outlet and push out the goods.

[0028] Furthermore, a guide wheel assembly is installed under the bottom plate of the receiving basket trolley to ensure its stable operation on the trolley mounting plate 3-2.

[0029] Furthermore, position sensors are installed at both ends of the receiving basket trolley to assist in determining the position of the cargo aisle. When the position of the cargo aisle changes, the lifting platform is automatically activated, and the position of the cargo aisle is re-identified and read by the position sensors, and the data is recorded in the background to realize the automatic repositioning function.

[0030] Furthermore, the trolley mounting plate is equipped with stroke control switches at both ends of the left and right sides, which are used to control the initial and final positions of the push plate assembly.

[0031] In summary, the technical solution of the present invention enables the lifting platform to receive and transport goods to a specific pickup port without requiring users to bend over to pick up the goods, thus improving the user experience. On the other hand, the lifting platform can support users to purchase multiple items at once, and the lifting platform is equipped with multiple detection mechanisms to ensure the stability and reliability of the delivery.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the technical advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] 1. This lifting platform adopts an overall modular design, which improves the efficiency of mass production. At the same time, each module is installed independently, reducing the precision requirements of the whole machine and thus reducing production costs.

[0034] 2. During the operation of the lifting platform module, the counterweight module plays a role in counteracting the weight of the lifting platform module and reducing the motor load, which can effectively reduce the motor power and ensure the stability of operation.

[0035] 3. The lifting platform module is equipped with multiple sets of sensors, which perform two checks on the goods during the shopping process to ensure the reliability of the delivery.

[0036] 4. The lifting platform module is equipped with a receiving basket trolley that can move left and right. Together with the two outgoing inspections mentioned above, it can enable users to purchase multiple items at once and ship them out simultaneously.

[0037] 5. The receiving basket trolley is equipped with a push plate assembly. This push plate assembly transmits power through a set of clutch gears to push the goods out of the receiving basket to the picking port. This structure makes the receiving basket trolley free of extra wires and eliminates the need for wires to run out on the receiving basket trolley, making the appearance simpler and facilitating wire routing.

[0038] 6. The receiving basket trolley is equipped with two sets of positioning sensors, which can automatically locate the position of the cargo lane. When the position of the cargo lane is adjusted, the system can reposition each cargo lane through self-learning. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a left view of the structure of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the bottom of the overall frame module in this invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the lifting platform module in this invention;

[0044] Figure 6This is an exploded view of the lifting platform module in this invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the internal structure of the lifting platform module in this invention;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the interior of the base of the lifting platform module in this invention;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the top surface of the receiving basket trolley of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the bottom surface of the receiving basket trolley of the present invention;

[0049] In the diagram: 1-1 Overall frame module, 11. Drive motor, 12. Drive synchronous pulley, 13. Drive synchronous belt, 14. Drive shaft, 15. Lifting synchronous pulley, 16. Lifting synchronous belt, 17. Guide wheel; 1-2 Linear guide rail module, 1-3. Lifting platform module, 1-4. Counterweight module, 3-1. Base, 3-2. Trolley mounting plate, 3-3. Receiving basket trolley, 3-4. Lifting platform left mounting plate, 3-5. Lifting platform right mounting plate. Mounting plate, 3-6, trolley power assembly, 3-7, gravity sensing module, 3-8, push plate power assembly, 3-9, infrared symmetric sensor, 3-10, travel control switch, 4-1, receiving basket trolley base, 4-2, push plate assembly, 4-3, push plate guide rail, 4-4, positioning sensor, 4-5, drive gear B, 4-6, guide wheel assembly, 4-7, driven synchronous wheel, 4-8, drive belt, 4-9, push plate guide gap. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the lifting platform of the present invention adopts a modular design concept based on comprehensive consideration of the ease of installation and maintenance, and is mainly divided into the following modules: the main frame module 1-1 with power system, the linear guide rail module 1-2, the lifting platform module 1-3, and the counterweight module 1-4.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, the overall frame module 1-1 includes a frame, a drive motor 11 mounted on the inner side of the bottom of the frame, a drive shaft 14 extending across both sides of the bottom of the frame, a drive synchronous pulley 12 mounted on the drive shaft 14, and the drive synchronous pulley 12 and the output shaft of the drive motor 11 are connected by a drive synchronous belt 13. Figure 2 As shown, the main frame module 1-1 also includes two lifting synchronous wheels 15 located on the two outer sides of the bottom of the frame and respectively installed at both ends of the drive shaft 14, and two guide wheels 17 respectively installed on the two outer sides of the top of the frame, and the lifting synchronous wheels 15 and guide wheels 17 on the same side are connected by lifting synchronous belt 16.

[0053] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the linear guide rail module 1-2 is fixed on both outer sides of the frame and located within the lifting synchronous belt 16 on the same side. The two ends of the lifting platform module 1-3 are respectively installed on the linear guide rail module 1-2 on the same side, and the two ends of the lifting platform module 1-3 are respectively installed on both sides of the lifting synchronous belt 16 on the same side with a counterweight module 1-4.

[0054] In use, since each lifting synchronous belt 16 has a lifting platform module 1-3 installed on one end and a counterweight module 1-4 installed on both sides, the lifting platform module 1-3 can move up and down along the linear guide module 1-2 under the drive of the drive motor 11. At the same time, the counterweight module 1-4 can move up and down in the opposite direction under the guidance of the guide wheel 17, so as to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of the mechanism.

[0055] like Figure 4-10 As shown, the core design of this invention lies in the lifting platform module 1-3, which includes a base 3-1, a trolley mounting plate 3-2 mounted on the top of the base 3-1, a receiving basket trolley 3-3 mounted on the trolley mounting plate 3-2, and left and right lifting platform mounting plates 3-4 and 3-5 mounted on both sides of the base 3-1.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, the base 3-1 cavity is equipped with a trolley power assembly 3-6 that drives the receiving basket trolley 3-3 to move left and right, a gravity sensing module 3-7 for detecting the shipment, and a push plate power assembly 3-8 that drives the push plate 4-2 of the receiving basket trolley 3-3 to move.

[0057] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown, a trolley mounting plate 3-2 for mounting the receiving basket trolley 3-3 is provided on the top of the base 3-1. The trolley mounting plate 3-2 is fixed on the gravity sensing module 3-7 and has trolley guide slots and gear guide slots. A travel control switch 3-10 is installed at each end of the trolley mounting plate 3-2 along the direction of the trolley guide slots to control the initial and final positions of the push plate 4-2.

[0058] like Figure 1 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the left mounting plate 3-4 and the right mounting plate 3-5 of the lifting platform are used to connect the linear guide rail module 1-2 and the lifting synchronous belt 16 on the same side, respectively, so that the lifting platform module 1-3 can move up and down along the linear guide rail module 1-2. Infrared symmetrical sensors 3-9 are installed on the top inner side of the left and right mounting plates 3-4 and 3-5 of the lifting platform for shipment detection.

[0059] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the trolley power assembly 3-6 includes a trolley power motor and a trolley power synchronous pulley installed at both ends of the cavity of the base 3-1. The output shaft of the trolley power motor is connected to the trolley power synchronous pulley via a trolley power synchronous belt. The bottom end of the receiving basket trolley 3-3 passes through the trolley guide gap and is connected to the trolley power synchronous belt, allowing the receiving basket trolley 3-3 to move left and right along the trolley guide gap under the drive of the trolley power motor. Furthermore, a guide wheel assembly 6 is installed at the bottom of the receiving basket trolley 3-3 to ensure the smooth and free movement of the receiving basket trolley 3-3 on the trolley mounting plate 3-2.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown, the receiving basket trolley 3-3 mainly consists of a basket trolley base 4-1, a push plate 4-2 for pushing out goods placed inside, a push plate guide rail 4-3 mounted above its base plate, and a push plate driven assembly mounted below its base plate. The base plate of the receiving basket trolley base 4-1 has a push plate guide slot 4-9 parallel to the push plate guide rail 4-3. A position positioning sensor 4-4 is installed at each end of the parallel push plate guide rail 4-3 within the inner cavity of the receiving basket trolley 3-3.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the pusher power assembly 3-8 includes a pusher power motor installed in the base 3-1 and close to the shipping end, and a drive gear A installed on the output shaft of the pusher power motor.

[0062] like Figure 9 , 10As shown, the pusher driven assembly includes an active synchronous wheel and a passive synchronous wheel 4-7 mounted below the base plate of the receiving basket trolley base 4-1, and a drive gear B4-5 coaxially connected to the active synchronous wheel. The active synchronous wheel and the passive synchronous wheel 4-7 are located at opposite ends of the pusher guide gap 4-9 and are connected by a drive belt 4-8. The bottom end of the pusher assembly 4-2 passes through the pusher guide gap 4-9 and connects to the drive belt 4-8. The drive gear B4-5 passes into the gear guide gap of the trolley mounting plate 3-2 and is located below the gear guide gap. When the receiving basket trolley 3-3 moves to the point where the drive gear A meshes with the drive gear B4-5, the pusher 4-2 on the receiving basket trolley 3-3 is driven to move along the pusher guide rail 4-3 toward the outlet and push out the goods.

[0063] When the lifting platform of this invention is in operation, firstly, the various modules are assembled. The lifting platform module 1-3 is installed on the main frame module 1-1 with a power system. Driven by the power system composed of the drive motor 11 and others, the lifting platform module 1-3 moves along the linear guide rail module 1-2 to the selected floor height position. Then, the receiving basket trolley 3-3 moves left and right under the drive of the trolley power component 3-6 and moves to the designated cargo channel position.

[0064] Secondly, when goods are output from the conveyor, as the goods pass the infrared symmetrical sensors 3-9 on the left and right mounting plates 3-4 and 3-5 of the lifting platform, the system determines that the goods have fallen into the receiving basket trolley 3-3. At this time, the gravity sensing module 3-7 located below the trolley mounting plate 3-2 senses the change in gravity, thus confirming that the goods are in the receiving basket trolley 3-3. Similarly, when a user purchases multiple items together, the system determines that each item has fallen into the receiving basket trolley 3-3 as each item passes the infrared symmetrical sensors 3-9 on the left and right mounting plates 3-4 and 3-5 of the lifting platform. At the same time, the gravity sensing module 3-7 located below the trolley mounting plate 3-2 senses the change in gravity to accurately determine whether each item has entered the receiving basket trolley 3-3.

[0065] Next, after the goods fall into the receiving basket trolley 3-3, as... Figure 7 As shown, the receiving basket trolley 3-3 moves to the right to the designated position. At this time, the drive gear A in the pusher power assembly 3-8 will mesh with the drive gear B 4-5 in the pusher driven assembly. Under the action of the pusher power assembly 3-8, the pusher assembly 4-2 will move, thereby delivering the goods to the picking port. At the same time, the initial and final positions of the pusher assembly 4-2 are determined by the travel control switch 3-10.

[0066] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the above preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods in a vending machine, characterized in that, It includes a main frame module, two linear guide rail modules, a lifting platform module, and two counterweight modules; The lifting platform module is connected to the linear guide rail module and the lifting synchronous belt on the same side at both ends, and can move up and down along the linear guide rail module under the drive of the drive motor. The lifting platform module includes a base, a trolley mounting plate installed on top of the base, a receiving basket trolley installed on the trolley mounting plate, and left and right mounting plates of the lifting platform installed on both sides of the base. The receiving basket trolley is equipped with a push plate assembly that can push out goods; The base cavity is equipped with a trolley power assembly capable of driving the receiving basket trolley to move left and right, and a pusher power assembly capable of driving the pusher assembly to move. The left and right mounting plates of the lifting platform are respectively connected to the linear guide rail module and the lifting synchronous belt on the same side, so that the lifting platform module can move up and down along the linear guide rail module. The receiving basket trolley includes a receiving basket trolley base, a push plate driven assembly installed under its base plate, a push plate guide rail installed on its base plate, a push plate guide slot opened on its base plate parallel to the push plate guide rail, and a push plate assembly placed on the push plate guide rail. Furthermore, the bottom of the pusher assembly is connected to the pusher driven assembly via the pusher guide gap. When the pusher driven assembly is connected to the pusher power assembly, it can drive the pusher assembly to move along the pusher guide rail. The pusher power assembly includes a pusher power motor installed in the base and close to the shipping end, and a drive gear A installed on the output shaft of the pusher power motor; The push plate driven assembly includes an active synchronous wheel installed below the base plate of the receiving basket trolley, a drive gear B coaxially connected to it, and a driven synchronous wheel. The active synchronous wheel and the driven synchronous wheel are located at both ends of the push plate guide gap and are connected by a drive belt. The bottom of the push plate assembly passes through the push plate guide gap and is connected to the drive belt. The trolley mounting plate has a gear guide slot that is parallel to the trolley guide slot, and the drive gear B passes through the gear guide slot and is placed in the base cavity; When the receiving basket trolley moves to the point where drive gear A and drive gear B mesh, the push plate on the receiving basket trolley is driven by the push plate power motor to move along the push plate guide rail toward the discharge port. The lifting platform is equipped with infrared symmetrical sensors installed at the top front end of the left and right mounting plates for shipment detection. The base cavity is equipped with a gravity sensing module that can detect shipments, and the trolley mounting plate is fixed on the gravity sensing module. Position sensors are installed at both ends of the receiving basket trolley to help determine the position of the cargo aisle.

2. The lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods in a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trolley power assembly includes a trolley power motor and a trolley power synchronous pulley respectively installed at the left and right ends of the base cavity. The output shaft of the trolley power motor is connected to the trolley power synchronous pulley through the trolley power synchronous belt. A trolley guide slot is opened on the trolley mounting plate along the direction of the trolley power synchronous belt, and the bottom end of the receiving basket trolley passes through the trolley guide slot to connect to the trolley power synchronous belt.

3. A lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods in a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide wheel assembly is also installed under the bottom plate of the receiving basket trolley.

4. A lifting platform for receiving and dispensing goods in a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trolley mounting plate is equipped with limit control switches at both the left and right ends.

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