Delivery device and vending machine

Abstract

This application discloses a delivery device and a vending machine. The delivery device includes a first delivery track, a delivery module, and a second delivery track. The delivery module is slidably disposed on the first delivery track and is movable relative to the first delivery track along a first direction. The delivery module includes a clamping component, a first driving component, and a second driving component. The clamping component is used to clamp goods, and the first driving component is connected to the clamping component and is used to drive the clamping component to clamp or release goods. The second driving component is connected to the clamping component and is used to drive the clamping component to extend or retract. The first delivery track is movable relative to the second delivery track along a second direction, where the first direction and the second direction are different. In the delivery device and vending machine of the embodiments of this application, the delivery module can move along the first and second directions and can clamp food to extend or retract, enabling flexible food handling.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the vending machine technical field, more particularly, to a delivery device and a vending machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, there are more and more vending machines on the market, such as bread vending machines, beverage vending machines, coffee vending machines, fast food vending machines and the like, to meet the needs of people for contactless, convenient and fast shopping mode. However, the vending machines on the market at present can only push goods from the goods cabinet, and cannot take and place goods flexibly. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a delivery device. The delivery device comprises a first delivery track, a delivery module and a second delivery track. The delivery module is slidably arranged on the first delivery track and can move relative to the first delivery track in a first direction. The delivery module comprises a clamping assembly, a first driving assembly and a second driving assembly. The clamping assembly is used to clamp goods, the first driving assembly is connected with the clamping assembly and is used to drive the clamping assembly to clamp or release the goods. The second driving assembly is connected with the clamping assembly and is used to drive the clamping assembly to extend or retract. The first delivery track can move relative to the second delivery track in a second direction, and the first direction is different from the second direction.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first delivery track comprises a first track piece and a moving piece. The delivery module is arranged on the first track piece. The moving piece connects the first track piece and the second delivery track, and the moving piece is used to drive the first track piece to move relative to the second delivery track in the second direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the second delivery track comprises a fixed piece and a second track piece, the second track piece is mounted on the fixed piece, and the moving piece is slidably arranged on the second track piece.

[0006] In some embodiments, the delivery module further comprises a base, and the base is arranged on the first delivery track. The clamping assembly, the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly are arranged on the base.

[0007] In some embodiments, the delivery module further comprises a sliding block piece, the sliding block piece connects the base and the first delivery track, and the sliding block piece is used to drive the base to move relative to the first delivery track in the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly comprises two clamping rods, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the two clamping rods to move towards or away from each other, and the second driving assembly is configured to drive the two clamping rods to extend or retract relative to the base.

[0009] In some embodiments, the delivery module further comprises two sheaths, and each of the two sheaths is sleeved on one of the two clamping rods.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first driving assembly comprises a sliding rail, two clamping seats, a lead screw, a clamping driving motor, and a transmission wheel set. The sliding rail is arranged on the base. The two clamping seats are slidably arranged on the sliding rail. The two clamping rods are arranged on the two clamping seats respectively. The lead screw is arranged on the base. The clamping driving motor is arranged on the base. The transmission wheel set is connected to the clamping driving motor and the lead screw. The clamping driving motor is configured to drive the transmission wheel set to rotate, so that the transmission wheel set drives the lead screw to rotate, so that the two clamping seats move towards or away from each other, and so that the two clamping rods move towards or away from each other.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second driving assembly comprises a transmission rod, a sliding block, a connecting piece, an extension driving motor, and a belt wheel. The transmission rod is rotatably arranged on the base. The sliding block is engaged with the transmission rod. The connecting piece connects the sliding block and the two clamping seats. The extension driving motor is arranged on the base. The belt wheel is connected to the extension driving motor and the transmission rod. The extension driving motor is configured to drive the belt wheel to drive the transmission rod to rotate, so that the sliding block moves along the transmission rod, so that the connecting piece drives the two clamping rods to extend or retract relative to the base.

[0012] The embodiments of the present application also provide a vending machine. The vending machine comprises a storage cabinet, a supply cabinet, a taking device, and the delivery device of any of the above embodiments. The storage cabinet comprises a goods channel and a refrigeration device. The goods channel is configured to store goods. The refrigeration device is configured to freeze or refrigerate the goods. The supply cabinet comprises a heating device and a heat preservation bin. The heating device is configured to heat the goods. The heat preservation bin is configured to store and heat the goods. The taking device is configured to transport the goods from the goods channel to the supply cabinet. The delivery device is configured to transport the goods to the heating device and to the heat preservation bin.

[0013] In the delivery device and the vending machine of the embodiments of the present application, the delivery module can move along the first direction and the second direction, and can clamp and extend or retract the food, so as to take and place the food flexibly.

[0014] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present application will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application are achieved by providing what is described below.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a storage cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a supply cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a delivery module according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a delivery module according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a storage cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a storage cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a storage cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a supply cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0025] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a supply cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0026] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a supply cabinet according to certain embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present application are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the drawings. The embodiments described below are exemplary only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application.

[0028] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "thickness", "upper", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features referred to. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited.

[0029] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, and in one example, it can be fixedly connected, or detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected, or it can communicate with each other; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the vending machine 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a storage cabinet 10, a supply cabinet 20 and a conveying mechanism 30. Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the storage cabinet 10 includes a goods channel 11 and a refrigeration device 12 (as shown in Figure 6 ), the goods channel 11 is used to store food, and the refrigeration device 12 is used to freeze or refrigerate food. Referring to Figure 3 , the supply cabinet 20 includes a heating device 21 and a heat preservation bin 22, the heating device 21 is used to heat food, and the heat preservation bin 22 is used to store and heat food. The conveying mechanism 30 includes a goods taking device 31 and a goods feeding device 32, the goods taking device 31 is used to convey food from the goods channel 11 to the supply cabinet 20, and the goods feeding device 32 is used to convey food to the heating device 21 and to the heat preservation bin 22.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3The embodiment of the present application provides a delivery device 32, which can be applied to the vending machine 100 of the embodiment of the present application, and is used for delivering food to the heating device 21 and to the heat preservation bin 22.

[0032] The vending machine 100 and the delivery device 32 of the embodiment of the present application are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the delivery device 32 comprises a first delivery track 321, a second delivery track 322 and a delivery module 323. The delivery module 323 is arranged on the first delivery track 321 and can move along a first direction (Z1 / Z2) relative to the first delivery track 321. The first delivery track 321 is slidably connected with the second delivery track 322 and can move along a second direction (X1 / X2) relative to the second delivery track 322, and the second direction (X1 / X2) is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Z1 / Z2). Wherein, substantially perpendicular means that the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2) can be completely perpendicular, or can be allowed to have a certain angle variation in actual design. In an embodiment, the included angle between the substantially perpendicular first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2) can be in the range of [85°, 95°], for example, the included angle between the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2) can be 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, and the like, which are not listed one by one. In this way, the delivery device 32 can carry food to move along the substantially perpendicular first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2), and can flexibly take and place food.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 3 In an embodiment, the first direction (Z1 / Z2) is a vertical direction, and the second direction (X1 / X2) is a horizontal direction. The delivery module 323 can move along the vertical direction relative to the first delivery track 321, and the first delivery track 321 can drive the delivery module 323 to move along the horizontal direction relative to the second delivery track 322, so as to realize the movement of the delivery module 323 along the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first delivery track 321 comprises a first track piece 3211 and a connecting piece 3212. The delivery module 323 is arranged on the first track piece 3211, and the connecting piece 3212 connects the first track piece 3211 and the second delivery track 322. The connecting piece 3212 is used to drive the first track piece 3211 to move along the second direction (X1 / X2) relative to the second delivery track 322.

[0036] Please refer toFigure 3 In some embodiments, the second delivery track 322 includes a second track member 3221 and a fixing member 3222, with the second track member 3221 mounted on the fixing member 3222. In one embodiment, the fixing member 3222 may be disposed on the top, bottom, or inner sidewall 252 of the supply cabinet 20, without limitation. In yet another embodiment, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a bracket 27, with the fixing member 3222 fixedly mounted on the bracket 27.

[0037] The movable member 3132 is slidably disposed on the second track member 3221 to drive the first track member 3211 to move relative to the second delivery track 322 along the second direction (X1 / X2). The movable member 3132 can slide along the second track member 3221 to drive the first track member 3211 to move relative to the second delivery track 322 along the second direction (X1 / X2).

[0038] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the delivery module 323 includes a base 3231, a clamping assembly 3232, a first drive assembly 3233, and a second drive assembly 3234. The base 3231 is disposed on a first delivery track 321, and the clamping assembly 3232, the first drive assembly 3233, and the second drive assembly 3234 are disposed on the base 3231. The first drive assembly 3233 is connected to the clamping assembly 3232 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 3232 to clamp or release food. The second drive assembly 3234 is connected to the clamping assembly 3232 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 3232 to extend or retract.

[0039] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the delivery module 323 further includes a slider 3235, which connects the base 3231 and the first track 3211. The slider 3235 is used to move the base 3231 relative to the first delivery track 321 along a first direction (Z1 / Z2). The slider 3235 can slide along the first track 3211 to move the base 3231 relative to the first delivery track 321 along the first direction (Z1 / Z2).

[0040] In another embodiment, the base 3231 may be slidably connected to the first delivery track member so that it can move relative to the first delivery track 321 along a first direction (Z1 / Z2), without limitation.

[0041] Please see Figure 4In some embodiments, the gripping assembly 3232 includes two gripping levers 32321. A first drive assembly 3233 drives the two gripping levers 32321 to move closer or further apart to grip or release food. A second drive assembly 3234 drives the two gripping levers 32321 to extend or retract relative to the base 3231. In other embodiments, the gripping assembly 3232 may also include jaws, robotic arms, magnetic grippers, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0042] In one embodiment, the two gripping levers 32321 are spaced apart. When gripping food, the delivery module 323 moves to align with the food to be gripped. The first drive assembly 3233 drives the two gripping levers 32321 away from each other to a maximum distance. Then, the second drive assembly 3234 drives the two gripping levers 32321 to extend relative to the base 3231 to clamp the food between the two gripping levers 32321. Subsequently, the first drive assembly 3233 drives the two gripping levers 32321 closer together to hold the food. In this way, the delivery module 323 can grip food of different sizes.

[0043] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the two gripping rods 32321 are substantially parallel, enabling them to hold the food relatively stably. "Substantially parallel" means that the two gripping rods 32321 can be completely parallel, or that a certain angular variation is permissible in the actual design. In one embodiment, the included angle between the extensions of the two substantially parallel gripping rods 32321 can be within the range of [175°, 185°]. For example, the included angle between the extensions of the two gripping rods 32321 can be 175°, 176°, 177°, 178°, 179°, 180°, 181°, 182°, 183°, 184°, 185°, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0044] In other embodiments, the two gripping rods 32321 may also be tilted relative to each other. For example, the distance between the two gripping rods 32321 gradually decreases from the end closer to the base 3231 to the end farther away from the base 3231, roughly forming an "eight" shape, so as to prevent the food being gripped from slipping off the end of the two gripping rods 32321 away from the base 3231.

[0045] In some embodiments, the two gripping rods 32321 are made of stainless steel to provide high strength and the ability to grip and support heavier food. In some embodiments, the delivery module 323 also includes two sheaths 3236, each fitted over one of the gripping rods 32321. The sheaths 3236 serve a shock-absorbing function, reducing the impact of vibrations on the food during transport. For example, if the food being gripped is packaged soup, the shock-absorbing effect of the sheaths 3236 can reduce vibrations and prevent the soup from splashing or spilling inside the packaging. The sheaths 3236 also serve an anti-slip function, preventing food from slipping off the gripping rods 32321. In some embodiments, the sheaths 3236 have anti-slip textures to improve the anti-slip effect.

[0046] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the delivery module 323 further includes a detection sensor 324 disposed between the two gripping levers 32321 and facing the direction of the food to be gripped. The detection sensor 324 detects the presence of food between the two gripping levers 32321, and drives the two gripping levers 32321 closer together to grip the food if food is present between them. In one embodiment, the detection sensor 324 is a photoelectric sensor. When food is already positioned between the two gripping levers 32321, the photoelectric sensor triggers a sensing signal, and the first drive assembly 3233 drives the two gripping levers 32321 closer together to grip the food based on the sensing signal. In yet another embodiment, the detection sensor 324 is an infrared sensor capable of detecting the distance between the food between the two gripping levers 32321 and the infrared sensor, so as to determine the placement position of the food when the delivery module 323 lowers the food. For example, the two gripping levers 32321 are configured to grip the food when they are retracted to their closest position relative to the base 3231, in which case the distance detected by the infrared sensor is a reference distance. When the two gripping rods 32321 extend relative to the base 3231 to place food in the heating device 21 or the heat preservation chamber 22, the infrared sensor can detect the distance the food extends relative to the reference distance. When the food extends a suitable distance relative to the reference distance, the sensor signal is triggered. The first clamping assembly 3232 drives the two gripping rods 32321 to move away from each other according to the sensor signal to put down the food, thereby putting the food down in the appropriate position.

[0047] In some embodiments, the base 3231 has two spaced limiting ports 32311, and the two gripping rods 32321 pass through the limiting ports 32311 respectively. The limiting ports 32311 are used to limit the travel of the two gripping rods 32321 towards or away from each other.

[0048] For example, when food needs to be gripped, the first drive assembly 3233 drives the two gripping levers 32321 to move away from each other for a predetermined time. This predetermined time is greater than or equal to the time required for the two gripping levers 32321 to move from their closest position to their farthest position. This ensures that the two gripping levers 32321 can move from any position to their farthest position, which is the furthest point where the two limiting ports 32311 are opposite to each other. In some embodiments, the farthest position of the two gripping levers 32321 can be set as the reset position of the gripping levers 32321 before each food gripping action, ensuring that the gripping levers 32321 can grip the largest size food item.

[0049] Please see Figure 3 In one embodiment, the food gripped by the delivery module 323 is a lunchbox 200, which includes a box body and a flange extending outward from the box body. When gripping the lunchbox 200, the two gripping rods 32321 only need to approach each other until they are located below the flange, so that the flange can be supported by the two gripping rods 32321. The gripping force provided by the two gripping rods 32321 to the box body is mainly used to prevent the lunchbox 200 from slipping. If the travel distance of the two gripping rods 32321 is not limited, the two gripping rods 32321 may come too close to each other and squeeze the lunchbox 200, causing the lunchbox 200 to deform or be damaged. The limiting port 32311 limits the travel distance of the two gripping rods 32321 to prevent the two gripping rods 32321 from excessively clamping the food during the process of gripping the food, which could lead to deformation or damage to the food.

[0050] In some embodiments, the base 3231 may only have a limiting port 32311, with both gripping rods 32321 passing through the limiting port 32311. The limiting port 32311 is used to limit the travel distance between the two gripping rods 32321. Since the distance between the two gripping rods 32321 and each other is not limited, the delivery module 323 can grasp smaller-sized food items.

[0051] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 3233 further includes two clamps 32331, which are slidably disposed on the base 3231. The first drive assembly 3233 is used to drive the lead screw 32333 to move the two clamps 32331 closer to or further away from each other, thereby moving the two gripping bars 32321 closer to or further away from each other to grip or release the goods.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 3233 further includes a slide rail 32332. The slide rail 32332 is disposed on the base 3231, and two clamps 32331 are slidably disposed on the slide rail 32332 and are movable along the slide rail 32332 to move closer to or further away from each other. In some embodiments, the clamp 32331 includes a seat body 323311 and a moving block 323312. The moving block 323312 is slidably disposed on the slide rail 32332, and the seat body 323311 is connected to the moving block 323312. The seat body 323311 is used to support the gripping rod 32321.

[0053] In some embodiments, there are two slide rails 32332, and each clamp 32331 includes two moving blocks 323312, with the two moving blocks 323312 of each clamp 32331 slidably disposed on the two slide rails 32332 respectively. In this way, the movement of the two clamps 32331 toward or away from each other can be more stable.

[0054] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the delivery module 323 further includes a position sensor 3237 for detecting whether the two clamps 32331 are at extreme positions of proximity or distance from each other. In one embodiment, the two clamps 32331 can synchronously move closer or further away from each other by the same distance. The position sensor 3237 is used to detect the position of one of the clamps 32331 and determine whether the two clamps 32331 have moved to the extreme distance of proximity or distance from each other based on the position of the one clamp 32331. For example, the position sensor 314 consists of two photoelectric sensors. The two photoelectric sensors are fixedly connected to the base 3231 and located below the seat body 323311, arranged sequentially along the clamping direction of the two clamps 32331. One photoelectric sensor is located at the extreme position of clamp 32331 away from the other clamp 32331, and the other photoelectric sensor is located at the extreme position of clamp 32331 close to the other clamp 32331. When clamp 32331 is located at an extreme position far from another clamp 32331, the seat body 323311 blocks the photoelectric sensor at that position, while the other photoelectric sensor remains unblocked. Similarly, when clamp 32331 is located at an extreme position close to another clamp 32331, the seat body 323311 blocks the photoelectric sensor at that position, while the other photoelectric sensor remains unblocked. When neither photoelectric sensor is blocked, it indicates that clamp 32331 is located between the farthest and closest extreme positions. Thus, the position of clamp 32331 can be determined based on the blocking status of the two photoelectric sensors, thereby determining whether the two gripping rods 32321 are located at extreme positions close to or far from each other.

[0055] Please see Figure 4In some embodiments, the clamp 32331 further includes a sleeve 323313. The sleeve 323313 is mounted on the base 323311, and the gripping rod 32321 passes through the sleeve 323313 and can move relative to the sleeve 323313 in a direction that extends or retracts relative to the base 3231. Thus, when the two clamps 32331 move closer or further away from each other, they can drive the two sleeves 323313 to move closer or further away from each other, thereby driving the two gripping rods 32321 provided on the sleeve 323313 to move closer or further away from each other; and the gripping rods 32321 can move relative to the sleeve 323313 in a direction that extends or retracts relative to the base 3231, so that the movement of the two gripping rods 32321 moving closer or further away from each other will not interfere with the movement of the two gripping rods 32321 extending or retracting relative to the base 3231.

[0056] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 3233 further includes a lead screw 32333, which is rotatably mounted on the base 3231 and engages with two clamps 32331. The first drive assembly 3233 is used to drive the lead screw 32333 to rotate. The two clamps 32331 are restricted by the slide rail 32332 and cannot rotate with the lead screw 32333. Therefore, when the lead screw 32333 rotates, the two clamps 32331 move along the axial direction of the lead screw 32333 under the engagement action with the lead screw 32333, thereby causing the two clamps 32331 to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0057] In one embodiment, there are two lead screws 32333, which engage with two clamps 32331 respectively. The first drive assembly 3233 is used to drive the two lead screws 32333 to rotate, so as to move the two clamps 32331 respectively, so that the two clamps 32331 move closer to or further away from each other.

[0058] Please combine Figure 5 In another embodiment, the lead screw 32333 is a single unit, and both clamps 32331 include mating portions 323314 disposed on the base body 323311. The lead screw 32333 includes a transmission section 323331 and two threaded sections 323332 located at opposite ends of the transmission section 323331. The transmission section 323331 mates with the first drive assembly 3233. The mating portions include threaded holes, and the two threaded sections 323332 respectively engage with the threaded holes (not shown) of the two mating portions 323314. The two threaded sections 323332 have different thread directions, and when the lead screw 32333 rotates, the transmission directions of the two threaded sections 323332 are opposite, so that when the lead screw 32333 rotates, it drives the two mating portions 323314 to move closer or further apart, causing the two clamps 32331 to move closer or further apart.

[0059] Please see Figure 4 andFigure 5 In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 3233 further includes a clamping drive motor 32334, a drive wheel 32335, and a transmission wheel 32336. The drive wheel 32335 and the transmission wheel 32336 are gears. The drive wheel 32335 is connected to the output shaft of the clamping drive motor 32334, and the transmission wheel 32336 is sleeved on the transmission section 323331 of the lead screw 32333 and meshes with the drive wheel 32335. The clamping drive component drives the drive wheel 32335 to rotate, thereby rotating the lead screw 32333, causing the two clamps 32331 to move closer or further apart, and causing the two gripping rods 32321 to move closer or further apart. For example, when the clamping drive motor 32334 rotates in the forward direction, it drives the two clamps 32331 closer together; when the clamping drive motor 32334 rotates in the reverse direction, it drives the two clamps 32331 further apart. In one embodiment, the clamping drive motor 32334 is a stepper motor, which can precisely control the distance between the two clamps 32331 and each other, so that the two grippers 32321 are close to or far from each other at a suitable distance, avoiding excessive clamping of the food (food packaging) due to large movement steps of the two grippers 32321 approaching each other, which would cause the food (food packaging) to be deformed or damaged.

[0060] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the second drive assembly 3234 includes a transmission rod 32341, a slider 32342, two connecting members 32343, a telescopic drive motor 32344, and a pulley 32345. The transmission rod 32341 is rotatably mounted on the base 3231, the slider 32342 engages with the transmission rod 32341, and the two connecting members 32343 connect the slider 32342 and the two gripping rods 32321. The telescopic drive motor 32344 is mounted on the base 3231, and the pulley 32345 connects the telescopic drive motor 32344 and the transmission rod 32341. The telescopic drive motor 32344 drives the pulley 32345 to rotate the transmission rod 32341. When the transmission rod 32341 rotates, the rotation of the slider 32342, which is connected to the gripper 32321 via the connector 32343, is restricted. This prevents the slider 32342 from rotating with the transmission rod 32341, but instead causes it to move axially along the transmission rod 32341 under the meshing action of the slider 32342 and the transmission rod 32341. The two connectors 32343 move together with the slider 32342 to drive the two grippers 32321, causing them to extend or retract relative to the base 3231. For example, when the telescopic drive motor 32344 rotates forward, the two grippers 32321 extend relative to the base 3231; when the telescopic drive motor 32344 rotates in reverse, the two grippers 32321 retract relative to the base 3231.

[0061] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the slider 32342 includes an engaging portion 323421 and two extension portions 323422 extending from opposite sides of the engaging portion 323421. The engaging portion 323421 is used to engage with the transmission rod 32341, and two connecting members 32343 are respectively sleeved on the two extension portions 323422 and can slide relative to the extension portions 323422 to approach or move away from the engaging portion 323421. Thus, when the engaging part 323421 moves along the transmission rod 32341, the two extensions 323422 can drive the connecting member 32343 to move together with the slider 32342, so as to drive the two gripping rods 32321 to extend or retract relative to the base 3231; when the two gripping rods 32321 are close to or far away from each other, the two connecting members 32343 can slide relative to the extensions 323422 to move closer to or away from the engaging part 323421, so as not to hinder the two gripping rods 32321 from moving closer to or away from each other.

[0062] In another embodiment, the two gripping rods 32321 can also be directly connected to the slider 32342, which is not a limitation.

[0063] In some embodiments, the telescopic drive motor 32344 is a stepper motor to precisely drive the two gripping rods 32321 to extend or retract relative to the base 3231 by a certain distance, so as to place the food in the appropriate position.

[0064] Please see Figure 4In some embodiments, the delivery device 32 further includes a positioning sensor 325. The positioning sensor 325 is disposed on the base 3231 and is used to detect the position of the slider 32342 relative to the base 3231. In one embodiment, the positioning sensor 325 is a photoelectric sensor, which is fixedly mounted on the base 323311 and located below the connector 32343, and is used to detect the zero position of the slider 32342. The zero position of the slider 32342 represents the position of the slider 32342 when the two gripping rods 32321 are retracted to their closest position relative to the base 3231. When the slider 32342 is away from the zero position, the connector 32343 moves away from the photoelectric sensor, ensuring that the photoelectric sensor is not obstructed; when the slider 32342 is at the zero position, the connector 32343 is above the photoelectric sensor and obstructs the photoelectric sensor to trigger a sensing signal from the photoelectric sensor, which indicates that the slider 32342 has reached the zero position. In some embodiments, after the two gripping levers 32321 grasp the food, they retract relative to the base 3231, carrying the food. Once the sensor signal indicates that the slider 32342 has reached the zero position, the first delivery track 321 or the second delivery track 322 moves the delivery module 323 to another location, such as the location of the heating device 21 or the insulation compartment 22. This avoids the gripping levers 32321 extending too far and colliding with other devices when the delivery module 323 moves.

[0065] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the food sold by vending machine 100 may be packaged food, such as a food container 200 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown), packaged snacks, canned beverages, etc.; or unpackaged food, such as bread, pastries, etc. That is, food can refer to the food itself or the food and its packaging, without limitation.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 The food to be sold in the vending machine 100 is stored in the delivery channel 11 and is kept at room temperature, refrigerated or frozen depending on the different working levels of the refrigeration unit 12. For example, the refrigeration unit 12 has three working levels: room temperature, refrigeration and freezing, which are used to maintain the temperature of the storage cabinet 10 at room temperature, refrigeration or freezing temperature, respectively.

[0067] After food is sold, the retrieval device 31 transports the food from the delivery channel 11 to the supply cabinet 20, and then the delivery device 32 delivers the food to the heating device 21 for heating, and then transports the heated food to the insulated compartment 22, where it awaits user pickup. In this way, the vending machine 100 can freeze or refrigerate food in the delivery channel 11 for long-term storage; and can heat frozen or refrigerated food to a suitable eating temperature and store it in the insulated compartment 22 to prevent the food from getting cold or spoiling due to excessively long waiting times for users to retrieve it.

[0068] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In some implementations, the vending machine 100 is capable of selling multiple types of food and can selectively heat the food according to the type of food being sold.

[0069] Please combine Figure 6 For example, when vending machine 100 sells packaged snacks, the refrigeration unit 12 can be set to the normal temperature operating setting. After the snacks are sold, they do not need to be heated by the heating unit 21; they can be directly placed into the insulated compartment 22 to await user pickup. When vending machine 100 sells beverages, the refrigeration unit 12 can be set to the refrigeration operating setting. After the beverages are sold, they can be directly placed into the insulated compartment 22 to await user pickup. The insulation of the insulated compartment 22 keeps the beverages at a refrigerated temperature, preventing them from heating up and losing their refreshing taste when the outside temperature is too high. Alternatively, when vending machine 100 sells hot drinks, the beverages can be heated by the heating unit 21 and then placed into the insulated compartment 22. The insulation of the insulated compartment 22 maintains the temperature of the hot drinks, preventing them from cooling down. When vending machine 100 sells ice cream, the refrigeration unit 12 can be set to the freezing mode. After the ice cream is sold, it does not need to be heated by the heating unit 21; it is directly placed in the insulated compartment 22 to await customer pickup. The insulation of the insulated compartment 22 prevents the ice cream from melting while waiting for the customer to pick it up. When vending machine 100 sells ready-made meals, fast food, boxed meals, or other refrigerated / frozen cooked foods, the refrigeration unit 12 can be set to the refrigeration or freezing mode to prevent the food in the storage compartment 10 from spoiling. The sold food is heated to a suitable eating temperature by the heating unit 21 and then placed in the insulated compartment 22 to keep it warm, preventing the heated food from cooling down or spoiling.

[0070] In some implementations, the vending machine 100 may sell only food that requires heating, or only food that does not require heating; there are no limitations on this.

[0071] Please see Figure 1In some embodiments, the storage cabinet 10 and the supply cabinet 20 are two separate cabinets. In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 10 and the supply cabinet 20 are fixedly connected. In yet another embodiment, the storage cabinet 10 and the supply cabinet 20 are detachably connected to facilitate transportation after disassembly and to facilitate maintenance after disassembly of the storage cabinet 10 and / or the supply cabinet 20. In yet another embodiment, the storage cabinet 10 and the supply cabinet 20 are an integral structure, which is not limited here.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the storage cabinet 10 and the supply cabinet 20 are provided with multiple casters 103 at their bottoms for supporting the vending machine 100 and facilitating its movement. In some embodiments, the casters 103 are trolley wheels capable of switching between fixed and mobile modes. When the vending machine 100 needs to be transported, the casters 103 can be switched to mobile mode to allow them to roll for easy transport; when the vending machine 100 is moved to an operating point, the casters 103 can be switched to fixed mode to prevent them from rolling and to keep the vending machine 100 stationary at the operating point.

[0073] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the retrieval device 31 is located inside the storage cabinet 10. Please refer to... Figure 3 The delivery device 32 is located inside the supply cabinet 20. In this way, the picking device 31 can be located close to the goods channel 11, and the delivery device 32 can be located close to the insulated compartment 22 or the heating device 21, so as to shorten the transportation path of the picking device 31 and the delivery device 32 for transporting food, and make the device layout in the vending machine 100 more compact, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the vending machine 100.

[0074] In other embodiments, the conveying mechanism 30 may be disposed within the storage cabinet 10, and the delivery device 32 may extend from the storage cabinet 10 into the supply cabinet 20 to deliver food into the heating device 21 or the insulated compartment 22. Alternatively, the conveying mechanism 30 may be disposed within the supply cabinet 20, and the retrieval device 31 may extend from the supply cabinet 20 into the storage cabinet 10 to transport food located in the delivery channel 11 to the supply cabinet 20.

[0075] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 includes a retrieval surface 2511 for users to retrieve food, and the storage cabinet 10 is arranged side by side with the supply cabinet 20 along the extension direction of the retrieval surface 2511.

[0076] For example, in Figure 1In one embodiment, the side where the dispensing door 228 of the insulated compartment 22 is located is the retrieval side 2511 of the supply cabinet 20, allowing the user to open the dispensing door 228 and retrieve food from the insulated compartment 22. On the left side of the retrieval side 2511, the storage cabinet 10 is arranged side-by-side with the supply cabinet 20. In other embodiments, the storage cabinet 10 may also be arranged side-by-side with the supply cabinet 20 on the right side of the retrieval side 2511. In some embodiments, the cabinet wall 13 of the storage cabinet 10 on the side of the retrieval side 2511 is a transparent cabinet wall 13, facing the same side as the retrieval side 2511. The user can observe the food for sale inside the storage cabinet 10 through the transparent cabinet wall 13, facilitating food selection. In some embodiments, a transparent display window (not shown) may also be provided on the cabinet wall 13 of the storage cabinet 10 to allow the user to observe the food for sale inside the storage cabinet 10.

[0077] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the cargo channel 11 includes a shelf 111 and a conveying module 112 disposed on the shelf 111. The shelf 111 is used to hold food, and the conveying module 112 is used to convey the food on the shelf 111 to the picking device 31. In this way, the picking device 31 does not need to actively grab the food on the shelf 111. The picking device 31 only needs to be able to move to the corresponding position on the shelf 111 and wait for the conveying module 112 to deliver the food, which simplifies the design of the picking device 31.

[0078] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the shelves 111 include multiple shelves that are stacked along the height direction, and the retrieval device 31 can move along the height direction to retrieve food from different shelves 111.

[0079] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the shelf 111 includes a plate 1111 and a wall 1112 extending upward from the edge of the plate 1111. A receiving space 1113 is formed between the wall 1112 and the plate 1111, and the receiving space 1113 is used to place food. The wall 1112 has a conveying port 11121 communicating with the receiving space 2211, and a conveying module 112 is used to push the food out of the conveying port 11121. After the food is sold, the retrieval device 31 can move the conveying port 11121 corresponding to the sold food, and the conveying module 112 can transfer the food from the conveying port 11121 to the retrieval device 31.

[0080] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the refrigeration unit 12 is capable of generating cold air and delivering it to the cargo channel 11. Please refer to... Figure 6The plate 1111 has multiple air holes 11111 for cold air circulation, so that cold air can flow through multiple shelves 111 and ensure that food in different shelves (different height shelves) can be cooled.

[0081] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the refrigeration unit 12 includes an evaporator 121, a compressor 122, and a condenser 123 for generating cold air to cool the storage cabinet 10. In some embodiments, the refrigeration unit 12 also includes a blower (not shown) for blowing cold air toward the aisle 11 to facilitate the flow of cold air through the shelves 111.

[0082] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the shelf 111 is mounted between two opposing inner sidewalls 14 of the storage cabinet 10 (horizontally). The inner sidewalls 14 are provided with a heat insulation layer to insulate the storage cabinet 10 from external heat, preventing external heat from being conducted into the storage cabinet 10 and improving the refrigeration / freezing effect of the storage cabinet 10.

[0083] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, each shelf 111 is provided with multiple conveying modules 112, which divide the receiving space 1113 into multiple subspaces, each subspace being used to receive at least one food item. Each conveying module 112 is capable of pushing the food item contained in the corresponding subspace out of the conveying port 11121.

[0084] In some embodiments, the conveying module 112 includes a pusher plate 1121, a synchronization track 1122, a synchronization element 1123, and a conveying drive (not shown). The synchronization track 1122 is used to divide the receiving space 1113 into multiple sub-spaces. The pusher plate 1121 is movably disposed on the synchronization track 1122. The synchronization element 1123 connects the pusher plate 1121 and the conveying drive. The drive is used to drive the synchronization element 1123 to rotate, thereby moving the pusher plate 1121 along the synchronization track 1122 and pushing the food contained in the corresponding sub-space toward the conveying port 11121. In one embodiment, the conveying drive can be a motor. The synchronization element 1123 can include a conveyor belt and a pulley 32345. The motor can drive the pulley 32345 to rotate, and the rotation of the pulley 32345 drives the conveyor belt to rotate. The pusher plate 1121 is connected to the conveyor belt and moves within the sub-space as the conveyor belt rotates, thereby pushing the food within the sub-space. In other embodiments, the synchronizing element 1123 may also include a transmission chain and a synchronizing wheel, or a slide rail 32332 and a slider 32342, etc., without limitation.

[0085] In some embodiments, the conveying module 112 includes a pusher plate 1121, a synchronous track 1122, a synchronizing element 1123, and a first mating element (not shown). The synchronizing element 1123 connects the pusher plate 1121 and the first mating element. The picking device 31 includes a conveying drive element (not shown) and a second mating element (not shown). The second mating element is used to cooperate with the first mating element. The conveying drive element drives the second mating element to rotate, thereby causing the first mating element to rotate. This causes the first mating element to drive the synchronizing element 1123 to rotate, thereby moving the pusher plate 1121 along the synchronous track 1122 and pushing the food towards the conveying port 11121. The conveying drive element can be a motor, the synchronizing element 1123 can be a conveyor belt and pulleys 32345, and the first and second mating elements can be gears or other transmission methods, which are not limited here. In this way, it is not necessary to set a transmission drive unit in each transmission module to drive the push plate 1121 to move. Only one transmission drive unit needs to be set on the picking device 31 to drive the push plate 1121 corresponding to the subspace where the food is located during picking, which can save costs.

[0086] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the storage cabinet 10 is equipped with a monitoring camera (not shown in the figure) to monitor the remaining food in the delivery channel 11 so that staff can replenish the food in a timely manner.

[0087] Please see Figure 7 In some embodiments, the shelf 111 is equipped with a gravity sensor 113. The gravity sensor 113 is used to detect the weight of the food carried on the shelf 111 to determine the remaining food on the shelf 111, so as to remind the staff to replenish the food in time when the remaining food on the shelf 111 is insufficient. For example, each shelf 111 is equipped with a gravity sensor 113, and the remaining food of the entire aisle 11 can be obtained by combining the data of the gravity sensor 113 corresponding to each shelf 111. When the remaining food of the entire aisle 11 is lower than a preset threshold, the communication module sends a prompt message to remind the staff to replenish the food in time.

[0088] In some implementations, the retrieval device 31 can determine whether there is food remaining on each shelf 111 based on the data from the gravity sensor 113 corresponding to each shelf 111, so as to avoid the retrieval device 31 taking food from a shelf 111 without food.

[0089] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 8In some embodiments, the picking device 31 includes a first picking track 311, a second picking track 312, and a picking module 313. The second picking track 312 is slidably connected to the first picking track 311 and is movable relative to the first picking track 311 along a first direction (Z1 / Z2). The picking module 313 is used to carry food and is disposed on the second picking track 312 and is movable relative to the second picking track 312 along a second direction (X1 / X2). The second direction (X1 / X2) is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Z1 / Z2). "Substantially perpendicular" means that the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2) can be completely perpendicular, or that a certain angular variation is allowed in the actual design. In one embodiment, the included angle between the substantially perpendicular first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2) can be in the range of [85°, 95°]. For example, the included angle between the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2) can be 85°, 86°, 87°, 88°, 89°, 90°, 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0090] For example, in Figure 2 In this embodiment, the first direction (Z1 / Z2) is vertical, and the second direction (X1 / X2) is horizontal. The picking module 313 can move relative to the second picking track 312 along the second direction (X1 / X2) to pick up food at different horizontal positions on the same shelf 111. The second picking track 312 can move relative to the first picking track 311 along the first direction (Z1 / Z2) to move the picking module 313 to different shelf 111 layers.

[0091] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the retrieval module 313 includes a main body 3131, a movable member 3132, and a moving motor (not shown). The main body 3131 is used to carry food. The movable member 3132 is slidably connected to the second retrieval track 312 and is capable of moving relative to the second retrieval track 312 along a second direction (X1 / X2). The moving motor is used to drive the movable member 3132 to move along the second direction (X1 / X2) on the second retrieval track 312, thereby moving the main body 3131.

[0092] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the picking module 313 further includes a conveyor belt 3133 disposed on the main body 3131. The conveyor belt 3133 is used to carry food and can move relative to the main body 3131 along a third direction (Y1 / Y2), which is orthogonal to the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2). Please refer to... Figure 3After the food is sold, the pickup module 313 moves to the location of the delivery port 11121 where the sold food is located. The delivery module 112 pushes the food out of the delivery port 11121 and delivers it to the conveyor belt 3133. The conveyor belt 3133 moves the food along a third direction (Y1 / Y2) so that the food leaves the shelf 111 and is fully supported on the conveyor belt.

[0093] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the picking module 313 further includes a baffle plate 3134 disposed on the main body 3131 to block the movement of food along a third direction (Y1 / Y2) to prevent the food from falling off the main body 3131. In some embodiments, the picking module 313 also includes a distance sensor 3135 disposed on the baffle plate 3134. The distance sensor 3135 is used to detect the distance between the food and the baffle plate 3134, and the conveyor belt 3133 can stop moving when the distance between the food and the baffle plate 3134 is less than a preset distance, so that the food stays on the main body 3131.

[0094] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a transfer platform 23, and the picking device 31 further includes a position sensor 314 disposed on the picking module 313. The position sensor 314 is used to detect the position of the picking module 313 relative to the transfer platform 23. When the picking module 313 reaches the preset position, the picking module 313 unloads the food onto the transfer platform 23.

[0095] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the picking module 313 further includes a pusher 3136 for pushing food along a second direction (X1 / X2) to move the food to the transfer platform 23. In one embodiment, the pusher 3136 is slidably connected to a baffle 3134 and is capable of sliding relative to the baffle 3134 along the second direction (X1 / X2). In yet another embodiment, the body 3131 is provided with a pusher track.

[0096] For example, the second picking track 312 moves relative to the first picking track 311 along a first direction (Z1 / Z2), causing the picking module 313 to move to a position aligned horizontally with the transfer platform 23. The picking module 313 then moves relative to the second picking track 312 along a second direction (X1 / X2) toward the transfer platform 23. The position sensor 314 is a distance sensor. When the distance sensor detects that the distance between the picking module 313 and the transfer platform 23 is less than a preset distance, the picking module 313 stops moving along the second direction (X1 / X2), and the pusher 3136 pushes the food to the transfer platform 23.

[0097] Please see Figure 3 and 9 In some embodiments, the inner sidewall 14 of the storage cabinet 10 adjacent to the supply cabinet 20 has a first passage opening 141 for food to be delivered out of the storage cabinet 10. Please refer to... Figure 8 The supply cabinet 20 includes a housing 25. A second access opening 2521 is provided on the side wall 252 of the housing 25 adjacent to the storage cabinet 10. The second access opening 2521 is aligned with the first access opening 141 and is used to deliver food into the supply cabinet 20. In some embodiments, the first access opening 141 is adjacent to the second access opening 2521, and the transfer platform 23 is aligned with and adjacent to the second access opening 2521. The retrieval module 313 can push food to the transfer platform 23 at the access opening. In another embodiment, there is a certain distance between the transfer platform 23 and the second access opening 2521, and the retrieval device 31 can extend from the access opening and into the second access opening 2521 to deliver food to the transfer platform 23.

[0098] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the storage cabinet 10 further includes a first sealing device 15 for selectively closing or opening the first access port 141. When no food is being transported from the storage cabinet 10 to the supply cabinet 20, the first sealing device 15 closes the first access port 141 to isolate cold air from the storage cabinet 10, preventing cold air leakage that could reduce cooling efficiency, and preventing cold air from entering the supply cabinet 20 from the second access port 2521. When the retrieval module 313 transports food from the storage cabinet 10 to the supply cabinet 20, the first sealing device 15 opens the first access port 141 to allow the retrieval module 313 to deliver food from the first access port 141 out of the storage cabinet 10.

[0099] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first sealing device 15 includes a sealing door 151 and a sealing door actuator 152. The sealing door actuator 152 is connected to the sealing door 151 and is used to drive the sealing door 151 to move relative to the first passage opening 141, so as to selectively close or open the first passage opening 141. The sealing door actuator 152 may be a motor, cylinder, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0100] In one embodiment, a closing door 151 and a closing door actuator 152 are disposed on the inner side of the storage cabinet 10, and the closing door 151 is slidably connected to the inner sidewall 14 of the storage cabinet 10. For example, the closing door 151 is provided with a slide rail or a slider, and correspondingly, the inner sidewall 14 is provided with a slider or a slide rail, and the slide rail and the slider are slidably connected. The closing door actuator 152 is used to drive the closing door 151 to slide along the inner sidewall 14. In this way, the first closing device 15 does not occupy the space between the first passage opening 141 and the second passage opening 2521, and the storage cabinet 10 and the supply cabinet 20 can be arranged close together, so that the first passage opening 141 and the second passage opening 2521 are close together, reducing the food transmission distance.

[0101] In another embodiment, a closing door 151 and a closing door actuator 152 are disposed on the outside of the storage cabinet 10, with the closing door 151 slidably connected to the outer side wall 16 of the storage cabinet 10. For example, the closing door 151 is provided with a slide rail or a slider, and correspondingly, the outer side wall 16 is provided with a slider or a slide rail, with the slide rail and slider slidably connected. The closing door actuator 152 is used to drive the closing door 151 along the outer side wall 16. In this way, the closing door actuator 152 can be prevented from operating in low-temperature environments, thereby improving its service life.

[0102] In another embodiment, a door closing actuator 152 is disposed on the inside or outside of the storage cabinet 10, and a door closing 151 is retractably disposed within the first passage opening 141. The door closing actuator 152 is used to drive the door closing 151 to extend to close the first passage opening 141, and to drive the door closing 151 to retract to open the first passage opening 141.

[0103] Please see Figure 9 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a second sealing device (not shown) for selectively closing or opening the second access port 2521. When no food is being transported from the storage cabinet 10 to the supply cabinet 20, the second sealing device closes the second access port 2521 to isolate cold air from the storage cabinet 10 and prevent cold air from entering the supply cabinet 20 through the second access port 2521. When the retrieval module 313 transports food from the storage cabinet 10 to the supply cabinet 20, the second sealing device opens the second access port 2521 to allow the retrieval module 313 to feed food into the supply cabinet 20 through the second access port 2521.

[0104] The structure of the second sealing device can be the same as or approximately the same as that of the first sealing device. For example, the second sealing device may also include a sealing door and a sealing door actuator, which is not limited here. The position of the second sealing device in the supply cabinet 20 can be similar to the position of the first sealing device 15 in the storage cabinet 10. For example, the sealing door can be located on the outside, inside or inside the supply cabinet 20, or inside the second passage 2521, and the sealing door actuator can be located on the outside or inside the supply cabinet 20, which will not be elaborated here.

[0105] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the heating device 21 includes a heating chamber 211 and a heater 212. A heating cavity 2111 is formed inside the heating chamber 211, and the heater 212 is disposed inside the heating chamber 211 for heating the food inside the heating cavity 2111. The heater 212 can be a microwave heater 212, a resistance wire heater 212, a gas stove, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0106] In some embodiments, multiple heating chambers 211 are included to accommodate the heating of multiple food items, thereby increasing the speed of food service. In one embodiment, each heating chamber 211 is equipped with a heater 212, allowing for individual control of the heating time and temperature of each chamber 211, thus adapting to the heating of different types of food. In yet another embodiment, multiple heating chambers 211 share the same heater 212 to save costs. Food can be heated to different degrees by controlling its heating time.

[0107] In some embodiments, the heating device 21 further includes a heating chamber door 213 slidably disposed in the heating chamber 211. In one embodiment, the heating chamber door 213 is movable in a vertical direction relative to the heating chamber 211 to close or open the heating chamber 2111.

[0108] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the insulated compartment 22 includes a compartment 221 and a loading door 222. The compartment 221 has a receiving space 2211 and a loading opening 2212 communicating with the receiving space 2211. The receiving space 2211 is used to store food and keep food warm. The loading door 222 is rotatably installed in the compartment 221 and can cover the loading opening 2212. Please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The grab bar 32321 can push the loading door 222 to flip and extend into the receiving space 2211, and deliver the food held by the grab bar 32321 into the compartment 221.

[0109] Please see Figure 11In some embodiments, there are multiple compartments 221, which are distributed along a first direction (Z1 / Z2) and a second direction (X1 / X2). The delivery device 32 is able to carry food along the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and / or the second direction (X1 / X2) to deliver the food into the corresponding compartment 221.

[0110] In some embodiments, the loading door 222 is rotatably connected to the compartment 221 via connecting parts such as hinges, pivots, torsion springs, and chain hinges.

[0111] In some embodiments, the loading door 222 is mounted on the upper end of the loading opening 2212 via a hinge (not shown). Thus, without external force pushing the loading door 222 to flip, the loading door 222 closes the loading opening 2212 under its own weight.

[0112] In some embodiments, the hinge includes an automatic spring-back hinge for automatically closing the loading opening 2212 of the loading door 222. Without external force pushing the loading door 222 to flip, the loading door 222 closes the loading opening 2212 due to the spring-back action of the automatic spring-back hinge. Thus, the loading door 222 is not limited to being located above the loading opening 2212; it can also be located at the lower, left, or right end of the loading opening 2212.

[0113] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the food sold by the vending machine 100 is packaged in food containers 200. Multiple (packaged) food items can be stacked along the height of the compartment 221, and the delivery device 32 can repeatedly clamp and release multiple food items stacked into the same compartment 221. For example, if a user purchases a meal set from the vending machine, the main dish, side dish, and soup are packaged in three food containers 200. The delivery device 32 can separately deliver the food containers 200 corresponding to the main dish, side dish, and soup to the heating device 21 for heating and then deliver them into the same compartment 221, allowing the three food containers 200 corresponding to the same meal set to be stacked in the same compartment 221, so that the user does not need to retrieve food from different compartments 221.

[0114] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 11 In yet another embodiment, the pickup device 31 stacks multiple food items on the transfer platform 23 (e.g., Figure 8 As shown), the heating device 21 can hold multiple stacked foods, and the delivery device 32 can pick up multiple stacked foods from the transfer platform 23 at one time and send them to the heating device 21 for heating, and send the heated multiple stacked foods into the same compartment 221.

[0115] Please see Figure 11In some embodiments, the insulated compartment 22 further includes an alignment unit (not shown in the figure). The alignment unit is located in the compartment 221 or the loading door 222. Please refer to... Figure 3 The delivery device 32 also includes an alignment sensor (not shown) disposed on the delivery module 323. The alignment sensor identifies the alignment unit to align the delivery module 323 with the loading port 2212. For example, the alignment unit is a Hall element, and the alignment sensor is a Hall sensor. A sensing signal is triggered when the Hall sensor detects the Hall element. Please refer to... Figure 9 The second drive assembly 3234 drives the two grippers 32321 to extend relative to the base 3231 according to the sensing signal, so as to deliver the food into the compartment 221.

[0116] Please see Figure 11 In some embodiments, the insulated compartment 22 further includes a baffle 225, which, together with the loading door 222, is used to cover the loading opening 2212. The baffle 225 is provided with two clearance slots 2251, which are used to accommodate two grab bars 32321 (e.g., Figure 9 (As shown) Removed from compartment 221.

[0117] In some embodiments, the compartment 221 is provided with heat insulation material to give the insulated compartment 22 better heat preservation effect. In some embodiments, the loading door 222 and the side of the cover 225 facing the inside of the compartment 221 are provided with heat insulation material, which can improve the heat preservation effect of the compartment 221 when the loading door 222 and the cover 225 cover the loading opening 2212.

[0118] In some embodiments, the warming compartment 22 further includes a heat-insulating element disposed within the compartment 221 to maintain the temperature of the compartment 221 within a preset temperature range. The heat-insulating element may include heating elements 212 such as heating wires or heat lamps, and is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-insulating element may be a heat lamp, capable of generating thermal radiation light to irradiate the food inside the compartment 221, thereby maintaining the temperature of the food and preventing it from cooling or spoiling. Another example is a heating wire; the warming compartment 22 also includes a partition (not shown) disposed at the bottom of the compartment 221, with the heating wire disposed below the partition for heating the partition. Food fed into the warming compartment 22 is placed above the partition and heated by the heating wire. This prevents the heating wire from directly contacting the food and scalding it.

[0119] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 11In some embodiments, the loading door 222 is located at the upper end of the loading opening 2212, and the baffle 225 is located at the lower end of the loading opening 2212. Two grab bars 32321 push the loading door 222 to flip it over at a certain height above the bottom of the compartment 221 to deliver food into the compartment 221. Then, they carry the food down into the compartment 221 to place the food at the bottom of the compartment 221, so as to prevent the food from falling and breaking when it is released from the bottom of the compartment 221. If there is already food in the compartment 221, when the two grippers 32321 descend into the compartment 221 carrying food, they can stack the food on top of the existing food in the compartment 221. The positions of the two clearance slots 2251 correspond to the farthest positions of the two grippers 32321. After the two grippers 32321 release the food, the first drive assembly 3233 drives the two grippers 32321 to move away from each other to their farthest positions. Then, the first delivery track 321 drives the delivery module 323 along the first direction Z2 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown, the two gripping rods 32321 descend, respectively entering the two clearance slots 2251. Then, the second drive assembly 3234 drives the two gripping rods 32321 to retract relative to the base 3231, causing the two gripping rods 32321 to move out of the compartment 221. With the two gripping rods 32321 completely in the two clearance slots 2251, the external force that pushed the loading door 222 to flip disappears, and the loading door 222 returns to its initial position when no external force is applied, together with the cover plate 225, blocking the loading opening 2212.

[0120] In some embodiments, the insulated compartment 22 also includes an infrared sensor 227 disposed at the bottom of each compartment 221 for detecting whether there is food in the compartment 221, so that if there is food in the compartment 221, the vending machine 100 prompts the user to pick up the food in the corresponding compartment 221.

[0121] In some implementations, the infrared sensor 227 at the bottom of the compartment 221 is also used to detect whether the delivery module 323 has delivered the food into the appropriate position in the compartment 221, so as to ensure that after the two grippers 32321 retract relative to the base 3231, the food in the compartment 221 will not block the loading door 222 from returning to its initial position.

[0122] Please see Figure 11 In some embodiments, the compartment 221 is provided with a discharge port 2213 that communicates with the receiving space 2211 and is opposite to the loading port 2212. The discharge port 2213 is used for users to take food out of the compartment 221. The insulated compartment 22 also includes a discharge door 228, which is disposed in the compartment 221 and corresponds to the discharge port 2213. When there is food in the compartment 221, the discharge door 228 is locked to close the discharge port 2213.

[0123] In some implementations, the dispensing door 228 is made of a transparent material, allowing users to observe the food inside the storage compartment 221 through the dispensing door 228, making it convenient for users to retrieve their food. It also allows passersby passing by the vending machine 100 to see the food inside the storage compartment 221, stimulating their desire to purchase.

[0124] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 9 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a housing 25, within which the delivery device 32, heating device 21, and insulated compartment 22 are housed. In some embodiments, the housing 25 includes a supply wall 251 and an operation panel 253 disposed on the supply wall 251. Please refer to... Figure 1 The receiving surface 2511 of the supply cabinet 20 is the outer wall of the supply wall 251. Please refer to... Figure 11 The supply wall 251 has an opening 2512, which corresponds to the outlet 2213 of the insulated compartment 22. The outlet door 228 of the insulated compartment 22 covers the outlet 2213 and the opening 2512. The operation panel 253 is used for users to input purchase information. Purchase information may include order information, meal pickup information, etc., and is not limited here. In some embodiments, the operation panel 253 may also be located in the storage cabinet 10. For example, in Figure 1 In one embodiment, the operation panel 253 is located on the same side of the storage cabinet 10 and the retrieval surface 2511, which is not limited here.

[0125] In some implementations, after the user enters order information and makes payment, the ordered food will be delivered to the insulated compartment 22. After the user enters pick-up information (e.g., pick-up code), the corresponding delivery door 228 of the insulated compartment 22 will unlock and open the compartment 221, allowing the user to retrieve the food from the compartment 221.

[0126] In some embodiments, the operation panel 253 includes a touchscreen for displaying purchase information. Users can use the touchscreen to input purchase information. In yet another embodiment, the operation panel 253 includes a display screen showing purchase information and operation buttons for users to input purchase information.

[0127] In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 also includes a main control system (not shown), which is electrically connected to the operation panel 253 and the transmission mechanism 30, and is used to control the transmission mechanism 30 to retrieve food from the storage cabinet 10, send the food to the heating device 21 for heating, and send the food to the insulated compartment 22 according to the purchase information.

[0128] In some implementations, the main control system is also electrically connected to the insulated compartment 22. The insulated compartment 22 can report the availability of compartment 221 to the main control system, enabling the main control system to control the conveying mechanism 30 to deliver food into the available compartment 221. After the user inputs their food pickup information, the main control system controls the corresponding compartment 221's delivery door 228 to unlock and open the compartment 221, allowing the user to retrieve the food from inside.

[0129] In some embodiments, the vending machine 20 also includes a network module (not shown), which is electrically connected to the main control system and used to connect to the Internet. Users can remotely enter purchase information on the online ordering page of the vending machine 100 via an app, mini-program, etc. The network module can obtain the user's remote purchase information, enabling the main control system to dispense food based on this information. The food prepared according to the remote purchase information is stored in the insulated compartment 22, which maintains the food's temperature to prevent it from cooling or spoiling while waiting for the user to pick it up. Thus, users do not need to pick up their orders immediately after placing them, and they do not need to worry about the food cooling or spoiling due to delayed pickup. Furthermore, users can place orders remotely in advance, allowing them to pick up their food immediately from the insulated compartment 22 when they arrive at the vending machine 100, avoiding long waiting times.

[0130] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a ticket printing device 261, which is electrically connected to the main control system and is used to print tickets based on purchase information. The supply wall 251 is provided with a ticket outlet 254 for ticket output.

[0131] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a tableware dispensing device 262, which is electrically connected to the main control system and is used to provide a corresponding number of tableware according to the purchase information. The supply wall 251 is provided with a tableware outlet 255 for dispensing tableware.

[0132] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 further includes a packaging bag dispensing device 263, which is electrically connected to the main control system and is used to provide packaging bags according to purchase information. The supply wall 251 is provided with a packaging bag outlet 256 for dispensing packaging bags.

[0133] Please see Figure 3In some embodiments, the supply cabinet 20 may include a placement table 28 disposed on the pick-up surface 2511, whereby users can place food on the placement table 28 after picking up their meals and wait for receipts, cutlery, or packaging bags to be dispensed. In some embodiments, cutlery can be dispensed from the cutlery outlet 255 to the placement table 28 to prevent cutlery from falling to the ground.

[0134] In summary, in the delivery device 32 and vending machine 100 provided in the embodiments of this application, the delivery module 323 can move along the first direction (Z1 / Z2) and the second direction (X1 / X2), and can grip food to extend or retract, so as to flexibly pick up and put away food.

[0135] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "some embodiments," "in one example," "exemplarily," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the described embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0136] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A delivery device, characterized in that, The delivery device includes: First delivery track; A delivery module, slidably disposed on a first delivery track and movable relative to the first delivery track in a first direction, the delivery module including a clamping component, a first driving component, and a second driving component; the clamping component is used to clamp goods; the first driving component is connected to the clamping component and is used to drive the clamping component to clamp or release the goods; the second driving component is connected to the clamping component and is used to drive the clamping component to extend or retract. A second delivery track is slidably connected to the first delivery track, and the first delivery track is movable relative to the second delivery track in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction; The delivery module further includes a base, which is disposed on the first delivery track, and the clamping component, the first driving component, and the second driving component are disposed on the base; The delivery module further includes a slider, which connects the base and the first delivery track. The slider is used to drive the base to move relative to the first delivery track along the first direction. The clamping assembly includes two gripping rods. The first driving assembly is used to drive the two gripping rods to move closer to or further away from each other, and the second driving assembly is used to drive the two gripping rods to extend or retract relative to the base. The first driving component includes: The slide rail is provided on the base; Two clamps are slidably disposed on the slide rail, and two gripping rods are respectively disposed on the two clamps; A lead screw is provided on the base; A clamping drive motor is disposed on the base; and A transmission wheel assembly, wherein the transmission wheel assembly is connected to the clamping drive motor and the lead screw; The clamping drive motor is used to drive the transmission wheel set to rotate, so that the transmission wheel set drives the lead screw to rotate, so that the two clamps move closer or further apart, thereby driving the two gripping rods to move closer or further apart; The second driving component includes: A transmission rod rotatably mounted on the base; The slider engages with the transmission rod; A connector that connects the slider and the two clamps; A telescopic drive motor is installed on the base; and A pulley, the pulley connecting the telescopic drive motor and the transmission rod; The telescopic drive motor is used to drive the pulley to rotate the transmission rod, so that the slider moves along the transmission rod, and the connecting member drives the two gripping rods to extend or retract relative to the base.

2. The delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first delivery track includes: A first track component, wherein the delivery module is disposed on the first track component; and A movable component, which connects the first track component and the second delivery track, is used to drive the first track component to move relative to the second delivery track along the second direction.

3. The delivery device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second delivery track includes a fixing member and a second track member, the second track member being mounted on the fixing member, and the movable member being slidably disposed on the second track member.

4. The delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The delivery module also includes two protective sleeves, which are respectively fitted onto the two grippers.

5. A vending machine, characterized in that, include: A storage cabinet includes a cargo channel and a refrigeration unit, wherein the cargo channel is used to store goods and the refrigeration unit is used to freeze or refrigerate the goods; The supply cabinet includes a heating device and an insulated compartment, wherein the heating device is used to heat the goods and the insulated compartment is used to store and keep the goods warm; A picking device for conveying the goods from the cargo channel to the supply cabinet; and The delivery device according to any one of claims 1-4, the delivery device being used to transport the goods to the heating device and to the insulated warehouse.

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