Vending machines featuring wave-shaped baffles for capacity expansion and selective dispensing to prevent drops.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of vending machine technology, specifically to a vending machine employing a wave-shaped baffle for capacity expansion and selective, drop-proof product dispensing. This invention eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures as conveying devices; the entire internal space is used for product storage, incorporating a cross-arrangement to increase the number of products that can be stored—up to 4.5% more than with a linear arrangement. This effectively utilizes the vending machine's internal space, improving space utilization. The conveying power is derived from gravity, reducing energy consumption. The conveying trajectory relies on the wave-shaped baffles, avoiding complex mechanical structures and preventing collisions and damage during transport. Each dispensing device can selectively dispense two types of products, improving device utilization and reducing costs. The changed product dispensing method prevents damage from falling items during delivery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vending machine technology, and to a vending machine that uses a wave-shaped baffle for capacity expansion and selective dispensing with drop protection. Background Technology

[0002] Vending machines are commonly used equipment in commercial automation. They sell goods conveniently and quickly, without being restricted by time or location. They save manpower and facilitate transactions, representing a brand-new form of commercial retail. More and more places are starting to install vending machines.

[0003] The cost of a vending machine includes initial manufacturing and subsequent use and maintenance. Manufacturing costs depend on structural complexity. Operating costs depend on inventory levels, energy consumption, and component lifespan. The method of deployment directly impacts the consumer experience.

[0004] Existing inclined conveyor systems reduce the storage space of the entire shelf by one-third, while conveyor belt systems have complex structures and occupy a large amount of space. These factors result in small storage capacity inside vending machines, low space utilization, and high operating costs.

[0005] Existing spring-loaded spiral vending machines frequently experience product jamming during dispensing, with items becoming stuck between the product and the spring or baffle, preventing consumers from retrieving them. This not only impacts the user experience but also leads to congestion of subsequent products, disrupting the normal operation of the vending machine.

[0006] Existing vending machines use a single-selection dispensing mechanism for each type of product. For dispensing multiple types of products, a separate dispensing device is needed for each type, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0007] Most existing vending machines dispense goods by dropping them, which may cause varying degrees of damage to the products and affect the user experience.

[0008] Simplifying the internal structure of vending machines, improving space utilization, reducing manufacturing and operating costs, avoiding product jams, enabling selective product retrieval (allowing the same retrieval device to retrieve different products based on instructions), replacing drop-throw methods to reduce product damage, and improving the user experience are key technical issues to be addressed when optimizing vending machines. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The main technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a larger-capacity, gravity-driven corrugated baffle-type storage compartment for vending machines, and a product drop-proof dispensing device that allows for selective product retrieval. The corrugated baffle-type storage compartment and dispensing device enable the sale of small, rotating packaged goods, including but not limited to bottled or canned beverages, facial cleanser, cylindrical potato chips, and umbrellas.

[0010] This invention no longer uses complex mechanical structures as storage compartments and conveying devices, but instead uses gravity to provide power and wave-shaped baffles to provide a conveying trajectory, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the vending machine while accurately conveying goods.

[0011] By adopting a rotary drum structure, this invention can selectively dispense two different products from a single dispensing device, while avoiding the occurrence of products falling and being thrown, thus achieving the effect of preventing products from being dropped.

[0012] In this invention, goods are arranged in a crisscross pattern along curved aisles according to their type, making full use of the gaps between cylindrical objects, thereby increasing the number of goods that can be stored, effectively utilizing the internal space of the vending machine, and improving space utilization.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0014] An automatic vending machine employing wave-shaped baffles for capacity expansion and selective product dispensing with drop prevention is characterized by: a square, wave-shaped baffle-partitioned outer shell, an opening and closing door, wave-shaped baffles a and b, curved product channels a and b, a dispensing device a and b, and a dispensing port a and b. The interior of the wave-shaped baffle-partitioned outer shell, arranged from top to bottom, includes: cross-mounted wave-shaped baffles a and b, curved product channels a and b, product placement (a and b), dispensing device a or b, and dispensing port a or b.

[0015] The curved cargo channels a and b are connected to the picking port a or b by a dispensing device a or b. The dispensing device a or b fits snugly against the picking port a or b, thus separating the curved cargo channels a and b from the picking port a or b. The dispensing device a or b is designed with an arc-shaped notch, the notch being just large enough to accommodate a single item a or item b.

[0016] The dispensing devices a and b can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. When the rotation causes the notch to face the curved cargo channel a and curved cargo channel b, a single item a or item b enters the arc-shaped notch of the dispensing device a or dispensing device b under the action of gravity. Then the dispensing device a or dispensing device b returns and dispenses the single item a or item b to the retrieval port a or retrieval port b.

[0017] In the above scheme, the corrugated baffle partitioned warehouse shell is a vertical cabinet type. Its internal space thickness is the height of a single product a or product b, and its width depends on the number of planned product types, increasing with the number of product types. The internal space height depends on the planned inventory quantity. A hinged door is installed on the front for easy management and replenishment of goods. The hinged door is located above the front retrieval port a or retrieval port b of the corrugated baffle partitioned warehouse shell.

[0018] In the above scheme, curved cargo channels a and b are formed by intersecting the corrugated baffles a and b inside the outer shell of the corrugated baffle-separated warehouse, creating multiple curved strip-shaped spaces. The waves of the corrugated baffles a and b are formed by alternating arcs with opposite bending directions, smoothly and tangentially transitioning. The radius of the arc is half the diameter D of the cylindrical goods. Goods a or b are arranged one by one in the intersecting curved cargo channels a and b, and under the action of gravity, they tend to move along the curved cargo channels a and b towards the delivery device a or delivery device b.

[0019] In the above scheme, dispensing device a or dispensing device b is located below curved conveyor channels a and b and can rotate. When not in use, the notch of dispensing device a or dispensing device b faces downwards, closely fitting with the semi-circular arc below to form retrieval port a or retrieval port b. When a consumer makes a purchase, dispensing device a or dispensing device b rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by a corresponding angle, corresponding to product a or product b in curved conveyor channels a and b respectively. The first product at the bottom of curved conveyor channels a and b falls into the arc-shaped notch of dispensing device a or dispensing device b under the action of gravity and is carried to retrieval port a or retrieval port b. Upon return, the first product is separated from the second product. During the separation process, the distance between the two products gradually increases while they move in contact with dispensing device a or dispensing device b, avoiding damage from falling.

[0020] In the above solution, the cross-sectional shape of the picking port a or picking port b is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the notch of the dispensing device a or dispensing device b. It is located below the dispensing device a or dispensing device b and is closely fitted to it. It only allows consumers to pick up the corresponding products after consumption, thus avoiding the situation in the existing technology where the product is jammed during dispensing and consumers can access all products. This protects the common interests of consumers and merchants.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] 1. Complex mechanical structures are no longer used as conveying devices; the entire internal space is dedicated to storing goods, incorporating a staggered arrangement to increase the number of goods that can be stored compared to a linear arrangement (e.g., ...). Figure 16(As shown) It can increase efficiency by up to 4.5%, effectively utilizing the internal space of the vending machine and improving space utilization.

[0023] 2. The transmission power comes from gravity, reducing energy consumption. The transmission trajectory relies on wave-shaped baffles, avoiding complex mechanical structures and preventing collisions and drops during transmission.

[0024] 3. Each dispensing device can selectively dispense two types of goods, improving the utilization rate of the dispensing device and reducing costs.

[0025] 4. The method of placing the goods has been changed to avoid damage to the goods when they fall and are thrown. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 1. Overall schematic diagram of Example 1;

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the dispensing device in Example 1;

[0028] Figure 3 1. Overall schematic diagram of Example 2;

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the dispensing device in Example 2;

[0030] Figure 5 Example 1 Initial Normal State Diagram

[0031] Figure 6 Example 1: Schematic diagram of the dispensing device acquiring commodity m127;

[0032] Figure 7 Example 1: Schematic diagram of the dispensing device acquiring product n129;

[0033] Figure 8 Example 1: Schematic diagram of the product dispensing device completing product dispensing;

[0034] Figure 9 Example 1: Schematic diagram of goods being removed and the system returning to normal;

[0035] Figure 10 Example 2: Initial Normal State Diagram;

[0036] Figure 11 Example 2: Schematic diagram of the product obtained by the dispensing device (p131);

[0037] Figure 12 Example 2: Schematic diagram of the dispensing device obtaining commodity q133;

[0038] Figure 13 Example 2: Schematic diagram of the product dispensing device completing product dispensing;

[0039] Figure 14 Example 2: Schematic diagram of goods being removed and the system returning to normal;

[0040] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the product stacking state in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the stacking state using a conventional straight-line cargo channel.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Corrugated baffle-type warehouse shell; 2. Opening door; 3. Corrugated baffle a; 4. Corrugated baffle b; 5. Curved cargo a; 6. Curved cargo a; 7. Goods a; 8. Goods b; 9. Dispensing device a; 10. Dispensing device b; 11. Retrieval port a; 12. Retrieval port b; 13. Dispensing device body a; 14. Dispensing device body b; 15. Dispensing device end cap a; 16. Dispensing device end cap b; 17. Dispensing device cross-section a; 18. Dispensing device cross-section b; 19. Goods 20. Cross-section a; 21. Commodity cross-section b; 22. Angle α between the line connecting adjacent commodities and the horizontal plane; 23. Angle 90° between the line connecting adjacent commodities and the horizontal plane; 24. Period T of the wave shape of the baffle; 25. Amplitude A of the wave shape of the baffle; 26. Diameter D of the cylindrical commodity; 27. Thickness d of the wave-shaped baffle; 28. Commodity m1; 29. ​​Commodity m2; 30. Commodity n1; 31. Commodity n2; 32. Commodity p1; 33. Commodity p2; 34. Commodity q2. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in general below:

[0045] The vending machine uses a larger capacity, gravity-driven corrugated baffle-type storage compartment, and a product drop-proof dispensing device for selective retrieval. It includes a square corrugated baffle-type storage compartment shell 1, an opening / closing door 2, corrugated baffles a3 and b4, curved product channels a5 and b6, products a7 and b8, a dispensing device a9 and b10, a retrieval port a11 and b12.

[0046] The corrugated baffle-type warehouse shell 1 is a cabinet type. Its internal space thickness is the height of a single product a7 or product b8, and its width depends on the planned number of product types, increasing with the number of product types. The internal space height depends on the planned inventory. A hinged door 2 is installed on the front. The hinged door is closed when the vending machine is working, and opens when restocking is needed.

[0047] The curved cargo channels a5 and b6 are formed by the intersecting installation of corrugated baffles a3 and b4 within the internal space of the corrugated baffle-separated cargo hold shell 1, creating multiple curved strip-shaped spaces for storing and transporting goods. The conveying device has no energy-consuming power supply and relies on gravity for transport. The goods move under the influence of gravity, and the curved cargo channels a5 and b6 provide accurate transport routes.

[0048] The waves of the wavy baffles a3 and b4 are formed by alternating arcs with opposite curvatures, smoothly and tangentially transitioning between them. The radius of each arc is half the diameter D25 of the cylindrical product. Wavy baffle a3 divides the dispensing device a9 or b10 and different product sections, connecting the bottom and top of the vending machine. Wavy baffle b4, using the same dispensing device, can selectively dispense product sections a7 and b8, connecting the dispensing device a9 or b10 and the top of the vending machine.

[0049] The dispensing device a9 or b10 is located below the curved conveyor channels a5 and b6 and is capable of rotation. When not in use, the notch of the dispensing device a9 or b10 faces downwards, closely fitting with the lower semi-circular arc to form the retrieval port a11 or b12. When a consumer makes a purchase, the dispensing device a9 or b10 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by a corresponding angle, corresponding to product a7 or product b8 in curved conveyor channels a5 and b6 respectively. The first product at the bottom of curved conveyor channels a5 and b6 falls into the arc-shaped notch of the dispensing device a9 or b10 under the influence of gravity and is carried to the retrieval port a11 or b12. Upon return, the first product is separated from the second product. During the separation process, the distance between the two products gradually increases while they move in contact with the dispensing device a9 or b10, preventing damage from falling.

[0050] The cross-sectional shape of the retrieval port a11 or retrieval port b12 is the same as the notch cross-sectional shape of the dispensing device a9 or dispensing device b10. It is located below the dispensing device a9 or dispensing device b10 and is closely fitted to it. It only allows consumers to take the corresponding goods after consumption, avoiding the situation in the prior art where the goods are jammed when dispensing and consumers can touch all products, thus protecting the common interests of consumers and merchants.

[0051] Both embodiments listed in this article employ a staggered arrangement when the angle α21 between the line connecting adjacent items and the horizontal plane is 51°. In this case, the period T of the baffle wave shape is 1.55 times the diameter D25 of the cylindrical item, and the amplitude A of the baffle wave shape is 0.34 times the diameter D25 of the cylindrical item. This contrasts with the conventional straight-line arrangement of items (where the angle between the line connecting adjacent items and the horizontal plane is 90°). Figure 16 (marked as 22) The embodiments described herein improve the storage space utilization rate (the ratio of the actual volume of a single item to the space occupied by a single item) by 2.2% without considering edge effects.

[0052] Using the same design scheme, space utilization can be further improved by changing the angle α21 between the line connecting adjacent products and the horizontal plane in the embodiment. This angle ranges from [45°, 53.62°]. When the angle α21 between the line connecting adjacent products and the horizontal plane takes values ​​within this range, the space utilization gradually increases as the value increases. This is in contrast to the conventional linear arrangement of products where the line connecting adjacent products forms a 90° angle with the horizontal plane. Figure 16 The space utilization rate was increased by (1-sin2α)×100% when α was 53.62°. When α was 53.62°, the space utilization rate was increased by 4.5%.

[0053] The usage process of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below:

[0054] A schematic diagram of the dispensing device in Embodiment 1 is shown below. Figure 2 As shown: The left figure is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device a9. The main body of the dispensing device a13 adopts a rotary cylinder structure with an arc-shaped notch. The product cross-section a19 is located inside the dispensing device cross-section a17 and is tangent to the dispensing device cross-section a17. The edge of the notch in the dispensing device cross-section a17 forms a 90° angle with the line connecting the center of the dispensing device cross-section a15.

[0055] Figures 5-9 The usage process of Example 1 is as follows:

[0056] Figure 5 As shown, in the initial state of this embodiment of the invention, the notch portion of the dispensing device a9 faces vertically downwards and is tightly connected to the retrieval port a11, thereby isolating the retrieval port a11 from the curved cargo channels a5 and b6. At this time, the goods m127 and n129 to be dispensed are located at the same height at the bottom of their respective cargo channels and are in contact with the dispensing device a9.

[0057] Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, in this embodiment of the invention, the product m127 to be dispensed is obtained. Compared to the initial state of this embodiment, the dispensing device a9 rotates 135° clockwise around the rotation axis to reach the position shown. The notch portion of the dispensing device a9 faces the channel for product m, and the edge of the notch is connected to the baffles on both sides of the channel for product m. Under the action of gravity, product m127 falls into the notch of the dispensing device a9, and product m228 reaches the same height as product m127 and product n129.

[0058] Figure 7As shown in the figure, in this embodiment of the invention, the product n129 to be delivered is obtained. Compared to the initial state of this embodiment, the delivery device a9 rotates 135° counterclockwise around the rotation axis to reach the position shown. The notch portion of the delivery device a9 faces the channel of product n, and the edge of the notch is connected to the baffles on both sides of the channel of product n.

[0059] Under the influence of gravity, commodity n129 falls into the gap of the delivery device a9, and commodity n230 reaches the same height as commodity m127 when it reaches the position of commodity n129.

[0060] Figure 8 As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention completes the delivery of product m127. After obtaining product m127 to be delivered, the delivery device a9 rotates 135° counterclockwise around the rotation axis to reach the position shown, carrying product m127 to the position shown in the figure to complete the delivery. At this time, product m228 replaces product m127 as the product to be delivered. Product m228 and product m129 are located at the same height at the bottom of their respective channels and are in contact with the delivery device a9. After the delivery is completed, product m127 is now at the retrieval port a11, and the consumer can take product m127.

[0061] Figure 9 As shown in the figure, the product m127 placed in this embodiment of the invention is taken away, and the system returns to its initial state.

[0062] A schematic diagram of the dispensing device in Embodiment 1 is shown below. Figure 2 As shown: The left figure is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device b10. The main body of the dispensing device b14 adopts a rotary cylinder structure with an arc-shaped notch. The cross-section b20 of the product is located inside the cross-section b18 of the dispensing device and is tangent to the cross-section b18 of the dispensing device. The distance from the edge of the notch of the dispensing device is equal to the diameter D25 of the cylindrical product.

[0063] Figures 10-14 The usage process of Example 2 is as follows:

[0064] Figure 10 As shown, in the initial state of this embodiment of the invention, the notch portion of the dispensing device b10 faces vertically downwards and is tightly connected to the retrieval port b12, thereby isolating the retrieval port b12 from the curved cargo channels a5 and b6. At this time, the goods p131 and q132 to be dispensed are located at the same height at the bottom of their respective cargo channels and are in contact with the dispensing device b10.

[0065] Figure 11As shown in the diagram, in this embodiment of the invention, the product p131 to be dispensed is obtained. Compared to the initial state of this embodiment, the dispensing device b10 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis by a specific angle (90°+α in Embodiment 2) to reach the position shown. The notch portion of the dispensing device b10 faces the channel for product p, and the edge of the notch is connected to the baffles on both sides of the channel for product p. Under the action of gravity, product p131 falls into the notch of the dispensing device b10, and product p232 reaches the position of product p131 at the same height as product q132.

[0066] Figure 12 As shown in the diagram, in this embodiment of the invention, the product q132 to be dispensed is obtained. Compared to the initial state of this embodiment, the dispensing device b10 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis by a specific angle (90°+α in embodiment two) to reach the position shown. The notch portion of the dispensing device b10 faces the channel for product q, and the edge of the notch is connected to the baffles on both sides of the channel for product q. Under the action of gravity, product q132 falls into the notch of the dispensing device b10, and product q234 reaches the position of product q132 at the same height as product p131.

[0067] Figure 13 As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention completes the delivery of product p131. After obtaining product p131 to be delivered, the delivery device b10 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis by a specific angle (90°+α in embodiment two) to the position shown, carrying product p131 to the position shown in the figure to complete the delivery. At this time, product p232 replaces product p131 as the product to be delivered. Product p232 and product p132 are located at the same height at the bottom of their respective channels and are in contact with the delivery device b10. After the delivery is completed, product p131 is at the retrieval port b12, and the consumer can take product p131.

[0068] Figure 14 As shown in the figure, the product p131 placed in this embodiment of the invention is taken away, and the system returns to its initial state.

Claims

1. An automatic vending machine with wave-shaped baffles for capacity expansion and selective product dispensing with drop protection, characterized in that: The warehouse includes a square corrugated baffle-type outer shell (1), an opening door (2), corrugated baffle a (3), corrugated baffle b (4), curved cargo channel a (5), curved cargo channel b (6), a delivery device a (9), a delivery device b (10), a retrieval port a (11), and a retrieval port b (12). The interior of the corrugated baffle-type outer shell (1) is arranged from top to bottom as follows: corrugated baffle a (3) and corrugated baffle b (4) are installed in a cross pattern, forming curved cargo channel a (5) and curved cargo channel b (6), a delivery device a (9) or a delivery device b (10) is installed, and a retrieval port a (11) or a retrieval port b (12) is provided. The curved cargo channel a (5) and curved cargo channel b (6) are connected to the picking port a (11) or picking port b (12) by a dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10). The dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10) is fitted with the picking port a (11) or picking port b (12) to separate the curved cargo channel a (5) and curved cargo channel b (6) from the picking port a (11) or picking port b (12). At the same time, the dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10) is designed with an arc-shaped notch, and the notch part can just accommodate a single commodity a (7) or commodity b (8). The dispensing devices a (9) and b (10) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. When the rotation causes the notch to face the curved cargo channel a (5) and curved cargo channel b (6), a single commodity a (7) or commodity b (8) enters the arc-shaped notch of the dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10) under the action of gravity. Then the dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10) returns, dispensing the single commodity a (7) or commodity b (8) to the retrieval port a (11) or retrieval port b (12). The angle between the line connecting adjacent commodities and the horizontal plane is 10°. α (twenty one); The wave-baffle partitioned warehouse shell (1) is a cabinet type. Its internal space thickness is the height of a single commodity a (7) or commodity b (8). Its width depends on the number of planned commodity types and increases with the increase of commodity types. Its internal space height depends on the planned inventory. An opening and closing door (2) is installed on the front to facilitate management and replenishment of goods. The opening and closing door (2) is located above the front picking port a (11) or picking port b (12) of the wave-baffle partitioned warehouse shell (1). The curved cargo channels a (5) and b (6) are formed by cross-installing wavy baffles a (3) and b (4) in the internal space of the corrugated baffle-separated cargo warehouse shell (1), creating multiple curved strip spaces. The waves of the wavy baffles a (3) and b (4) are formed by alternating arcs with opposite bending directions, and are smoothly tangentially connected. The radius of the arc is equal to the diameter of the cylindrical goods. D (25) half; The delivery device a (9) or delivery device b (10) is located below the curved cargo channel a (5) and the curved cargo channel b (6) and can rotate; when not in use, the notch of the delivery device a (9) or delivery device b (10) faces downward and fits tightly with the lower semi-circular arc to form a retrieval port a (11) or retrieval port b (12). The cross-sectional shape of the picking port a (11) or picking port b (12) is the same as the notch cross-sectional shape of the dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10), and is located below the dispensing device a (9) or dispensing device b (10); The angle between the line connecting adjacent products and the horizontal plane α (21) The included angle range is [45°, 53.62°]; The angle between the line connecting adjacent products and the horizontal plane α (21) When the angle is 51°, the period of the baffle wave shape is... T The diameter of the cylindrical product is 1.55 times that of the product. D (25) Amplitude of the wave shape of the baffle A The diameter of the cylindrical product is 0.34 times that of the product. D (25).

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