A paper feeding structure and a vending machine having the same

Abstract

The application relates to the vending machine technical field and discloses a paper feeding structure and an automatic vending machine with the same. The paper feeding structure comprises a supporting plate, a push plate, a baffle, a pushing mechanism, a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a first sensor. The baffle is arranged close to the end of the supporting plate, and printing paper is adapted to be placed on the placing area. The pushing mechanism is connected with the push plate, and the pushing mechanism is adapted to push the push plate to move towards or away from the baffle. The first roller is arranged at the top of the outlet, the second roller is arranged at the bottom of the outlet, the second roller is connected with a third motor, a gap is left between the third roller and the second roller, and the printing paper is adapted to pass through the gap. The first sensor is arranged at the bottom of the gap. When the first sensor detects that the printing paper passes through the gap, the second motor stops rotating. The paper feeding structure effectively prevents multiple printing papers from being delivered to the printer at a time, guarantees normal printing of the printing mechanism, and prevents waste of the printing paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vending machine technology, and more specifically to a paper feeding structure and an automatic vending machine having the same mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] A vending machine is a machine that automatically dispenses goods based on the amount of money inserted. Vending machines are commonly used equipment in commercial automation; they are not limited by time or location, saving manpower and facilitating transactions. Vending machines represent a new form of retail business and are also known as 24-hour mini-supermarkets.

[0003] In existing technology, vending machines that print photos require paper to be fed to the printing mechanism one by one during operation. However, it has been found that the paper feeding mechanism may feed multiple sheets of paper to the printer at once, causing the printing mechanism to malfunction and resulting in paper waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the fact that the paper feeding structure in the prior art may feed multiple sheets of paper to the printer at one time, which causes the printing mechanism to be unable to print normally and results in paper waste.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a paper feeding structure, comprising:

[0006] Support plate;

[0007] A push plate is disposed on the support plate;

[0008] A baffle is provided near the end of the support plate, and an outlet is provided between the baffle and the end of the support plate. A placement area is formed between the baffle, the push plate and the support plate, and the placement area is suitable for placing printing paper.

[0009] A pushing mechanism, connected to the push plate, is adapted to push the push plate toward or away from the baffle.

[0010] A first roller is located at the top of the outlet and near the baffle. The first roller is connected to a second motor, and the rotating surface of the first roller is adapted to abut against the printing paper.

[0011] The second roller is located at the bottom of the outlet and is connected to the third motor.

[0012] The third roller is located at the bottom of the outlet, and a gap is left between the third roller and the second roller for the printing paper to pass through;

[0013] A first sensor is located at the bottom of the gap. When the first sensor detects the printing paper, the second motor stops rotating.

[0014] Furthermore, while the second motor is rotating, the pushing mechanism repeatedly switches between pushing the push plate toward the baffle and moving it away from the baffle.

[0015] Furthermore, the end of the support plate near the outlet is provided with a rounded chamfer.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a guide plate, which is disposed on one side of the outlet and located between the first roller and the third roller.

[0017] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided at the rotation shaft of the third roller, and the elastic element applies an elastic force to the rotation shaft in the direction of the second roller.

[0018] Furthermore, a groove is provided on the support plate, and the bottom of the push plate passes through and extends out of the groove;

[0019] The pushing mechanism includes a slider, a rack, and a first motor. The slider is connected to the bottom of the push plate. The rack is located at the bottom of the support plate and extends along the length of the groove. The first motor is fixed inside the slider, and the drive end of the first motor meshes with the rack.

[0020] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism also includes a guide rod, which is arranged parallel to the rack, and the slider is movably disposed on the guide rod along the axial direction of the guide rod.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a first limit switch and a second limit switch, which are respectively disposed near both ends of the support plate, and are electrically connected to the first motor.

[0022] Furthermore, a second sensor is provided on the baffle, and a through hole is provided on the push plate corresponding to the second sensor. When printing paper is placed in the placement area, the printing paper blocks the through hole.

[0023] The present invention also proposes an automatic vending machine, comprising: a paper feeding structure disposed inside the automatic vending machine.

[0024] The technical solution of this invention has the following advantages:

[0025] 1. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention includes a support plate, a push plate, a baffle, a pushing mechanism, a first roller, a second roller, a third roller, and a first sensor. The push plate is movably mounted on the support plate. The baffle is positioned near the end of the support plate, and an outlet is provided between the baffle and the end of the support plate. A placement area is formed between the baffle, the push plate, and the support plate, and printing paper is suitable for placement in the placement area. The pushing mechanism is connected to the push plate and is adapted to push the push plate towards or away from the baffle. The first roller is positioned at the top of the outlet and near the baffle. The first roller is connected to a second motor, which drives the first roller to rotate. The rotating surface of the first roller is suitable for contact with the printer. The second roller is positioned at the bottom of the outlet and is connected to a third motor, which drives the second roller to rotate. The third roller is positioned at the bottom of the outlet, and a gap is provided between the third roller and the second roller, allowing printing paper to pass through the gap. The first sensor is positioned at the bottom of the gap. When the first sensor detects that printing paper has passed through the gap, the second motor stops rotating.

[0026] This paper feeding structure uses a pusher mechanism to drive a pusher plate to push the paper in the placement area towards the baffle, so that the paper in the placement area comes into contact with the rotating surface of the first roller. The second motor rotates the first roller, causing the paper in the placement area to move towards the outlet, further allowing the paper to enter the outlet and into the gap between the second and third rollers. When the first sensor detects that the paper has passed through the gap between the second and third rollers, the second motor stops rotating to prevent the first roller from continuing to feed the paper in the placement area downwards. The third motor rotates the second roller, so that the paper from the first roller is smoothly delivered to the outlet under the rotation of the second and third rollers. This effectively prevents the paper feeding structure from feeding multiple sheets of paper to the printer at once, ensuring normal printing and preventing paper waste.

[0027] 2. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention, when the second motor is rotating, the pushing mechanism repeatedly switches between moving the pushing plate toward the baffle and moving away from the baffle. That is, by frequently pushing and pulling the pushing plate, the pushing mechanism controls the squeezing force between the printing paper in the placement area and the first roller, ensuring that the first roller can only transport one sheet of printing paper when it rotates, effectively preventing multiple sheets of printing paper from entering the outlet at the same time.

[0028] 3. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention has a rounded chamfer at the end of the support plate near the outlet. By setting the rounded chamfer, it is ensured that only one sheet of printing paper enters the outlet, which further effectively prevents multiple sheets of printing paper from entering the outlet at the same time.

[0029] 4. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention also includes a guide plate, which is disposed on one side of the outlet and located between the first roller and the third roller. The guide plate guides the printing paper into the outlet, preventing the printing paper from deviating during the conveying process and preventing paper jams in the paper feeding structure.

[0030] 5. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention has an elastic element at the rotating shaft of the third roller. The elastic element applies an elastic force to the rotating shaft in the direction of the second roller. That is, under the action of the elastic element, the third roller will apply a certain elastic force in the direction of the second roller, so that the second roller and the third roller apply a certain pressure to the printing paper in the gap, and prevent the printing paper from rolling after it is fed out of the outlet.

[0031] 6. The paper feeding structure provided by this invention has a groove on the support member, through which the bottom of the push plate passes and extends. The pushing mechanism includes a slider, a rack, and a first motor. The slider is connected to the bottom of the push plate, the rack is disposed at the bottom of the support plate, and extends along the length of the groove. The first motor is fixed inside the slider, and the drive end of the first motor meshes with the rack. By rotating the first motor, the first motor and the slider move along the rack direction, thereby driving the push plate to move along the groove direction, realizing the pushing mechanism pushing the push plate to push the printing paper towards the baffle.

[0032] 7. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention further includes a guide rod in the pushing mechanism. The guide rod is arranged parallel to the rack, and the slider is movably arranged on the guide rod along the axial direction of the guide rod. The guide rod is used to prevent the slider from deviating during movement.

[0033] 8. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention further includes a first limit switch and a second limit switch. The first limit switch and the second limit switch are respectively arranged near the two ends of the support plate. The first limit switch and the second limit switch are respectively electrically connected to the first motor. The first limit switch and the second limit switch are set to facilitate the addition of printing paper to the placement area and to remind the staff to add printing paper to the placement area.

[0034] 9. The paper feeding structure provided by the present invention has a second sensor on the baffle and a through hole on the push plate corresponding to the second sensor. When printing paper is placed in the placement area, the printing paper blocks the through hole, and the second sensor is used to determine whether there is any remaining printing paper in the placement area.

[0035] 10. The present invention also provides an automatic vending machine, including a paper feeding structure disposed inside the automatic vending machine.

[0036] This vending machine, by placing the paper feeding mechanism inside the vending machine, effectively prevents the paper feeding mechanism from feeding multiple sheets of printing paper to the printer at one time, ensuring normal printing and preventing paper waste. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the paper feeding structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the paper feeding structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic internal plan view of the paper feeding structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A planar diagram from another angle.

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

[0043] 1. Housing; 2. Support plate; 201. Slide groove; 3. Push plate; 301. Through hole; 4. First guide rod; 5. Slider; 6. First motor; 7. Second guide rod; 8. First limit switch; 9. Second limit switch; 10. Rack; 11. Baffle; 12. Second sensor; 13. Second motor; 14. First roller; 15. Rounded chamfer; 16. Guide plate; 17. Third motor; 18. Second roller; 19. Third roller; 20. First sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] This embodiment provides a paper feeding structure, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the system includes: a support plate 2, a push plate 3, a baffle 11, a pushing mechanism, a first roller 14, a second roller 18, a third roller 19, and a first sensor 20. The push plate 3 is movably mounted on the support plate 2. The baffle 11 is positioned near the end of the support plate 2, and an outlet is provided between the baffle 11 and the end of the support plate 2. A placement area is formed between the baffle 11, the push plate 3, and the support plate 2, where printing paper is placed. The pushing mechanism is connected to the push plate 3 and is adapted to push the push plate 3 towards or away from the baffle 11. The first roller 14 is positioned at the top of the outlet and near the baffle 11. The first roller 14 is connected to a second motor 13, which drives the first roller 14 to rotate. The rotating surface of the first roller 14 is adapted to contact the printer. The second roller 18 is located at the bottom of the outlet and is connected to the third motor 17. The third motor 17 drives the second roller 18 to rotate. The third roller 19 is located at the bottom of the outlet, and a gap is left between the third roller 19 and the second roller 18, allowing the printing paper to pass through the gap. The first sensor 20 is located at the bottom of the gap. When the first sensor 20 detects that the printing paper has passed through the gap, the second motor 13 stops rotating.

[0050] This paper feeding structure uses a pusher mechanism to drive the pusher plate 3 to push the printing paper in the placement area toward the baffle 11, so that the printing paper in the placement area comes into contact with the rotating surface of the first roller 14. The second motor 13 rotates, driving the first roller 14 to rotate, causing the printing paper in the placement area to move toward the outlet, and further into the outlet, so that the printing paper enters the gap between the second roller 18 and the third roller 19. When the first sensor 20 detects that the printing paper has passed through the gap between the second roller 18 and the third roller 19, the second motor 13 stops rotating, preventing the first roller 14 from continuing to feed the printing paper in the placement area downward. The third motor 17 rotates, driving the second roller 18 to rotate, so that the printing paper from the first roller 14 is smoothly delivered to the outlet under the rotation of the second roller 18 and the third roller 19. This effectively prevents the paper feeding structure from feeding multiple sheets of printing paper to the printer at one time, ensuring normal printing and preventing paper waste.

[0051] Specifically, the outer surface of the paper feeding structure can be covered with a shell 1.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the second motor 13 is rotating, the pushing mechanism repeatedly switches between moving the pushing plate 3 toward the baffle 11 and moving away from the baffle 11. That is, by frequently pushing and pulling the pushing plate 3, the pushing mechanism controls the squeezing force between the printing paper in the placement area and the first roller 14, ensuring that the first roller 14 can only transport one sheet of printing paper when it rotates, effectively preventing multiple sheets of printing paper from entering the outlet at the same time.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end of the support plate 2 near the outlet has a rounded chamfer 15. This rounded chamfer 15 ensures that only one sheet of printing paper enters the outlet, effectively preventing multiple sheets from entering simultaneously. The chamfer parameters are related to the thickness of the printing paper.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a guide plate 16, which is disposed on one side of the outlet. The guide plate 16 is located between the first roller 14 and the third roller 19. The guide plate 16 guides the printing paper into the outlet, preventing the printing paper from deviating during the conveying process and preventing paper jams in the paper feeding structure.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, an elastic element is provided at the rotation shaft of the third roller 19. The elastic element applies an elastic force to the rotation shaft in the direction of the second roller 18. That is, under the action of the elastic element, the third roller 19 will apply a certain elastic force in the direction of the second roller 18, so that the second roller 18 and the third roller 19 apply a certain pressure to the printing paper in the gap, preventing the printing paper from rolling after it is fed out of the outlet. The elastic element can be a spring.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a groove 201 is provided on the support member, and the bottom of the push plate 3 passes through and extends out of the groove 201. The pushing mechanism includes a slider 5, a rack 10, and a first motor 6. The slider 5 is connected to the bottom of the push plate 3, and the rack 10 is set at the bottom of the support plate 2, extending along the length direction of the groove 201. The first motor 6 is fixed inside the slider 5, and the drive end of the first motor 6 is engaged with the rack 10. By rotating the first motor 6, the first motor 6 and the slider 5 move along the direction of the rack 10, thereby driving the push plate 3 to move along the direction of the groove 201, so that the pushing mechanism pushes the push plate 3 to push the printing paper towards the baffle 11.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pushing mechanism also includes a guide rod, which is arranged parallel to the rack 10. The slider 5 is movably mounted on the guide rod along its axial direction. The guide rod is used to prevent the slider 5 from shifting during movement. Figure 3 As shown, the guide rod includes a first guide rod 4 and a second guide rod 7.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a first limit switch 8 and a second limit switch 9. The first limit switch 8 and the second limit switch 9 are respectively set near both ends of the support plate 2. The first limit switch 8 and the second limit switch 9 are electrically connected to the first motor 6. The first limit switch 8 and the second limit switch 9 are set to facilitate the addition of printing paper to the placement area and to remind the staff to add printing paper to the placement area. Figure 4 As shown, when printing paper needs to be placed in the placement area, the first motor 6 will move to the first limit switch and stop to facilitate the placement of printing paper by the staff. If the printing paper in the placement area is about to run out, the first motor 6 will trigger the second limit switch 9 to remind the staff to place printing paper in the placement area.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, a second sensor 12 is provided on the baffle 11, and a through hole 301 is provided on the push plate 3 corresponding to the second sensor 12. When printing paper is placed in the placement area, the printing paper blocks the through hole 301, and the second sensor 12 is used to determine whether there is any remaining printing paper in the placement area.

[0060] The present invention also provides an automatic vending machine, including a paper feeding structure disposed inside the automatic vending machine.

[0061] This vending machine, by placing the paper feeding mechanism inside the vending machine, effectively prevents the paper feeding mechanism from feeding multiple sheets of printing paper to the printer at one time, ensuring normal printing and preventing paper waste.

[0062] The working principle of the paper feeding structure in this embodiment is as follows:

[0063] The pusher mechanism drives the pusher plate 3 to push the printing paper in the placement area toward the baffle 11, so that the printing paper in the placement area abuts against the rotating surface of the first roller 14. When the second motor 13 rotates and drives the first roller 14 to rotate, the pusher mechanism frequently pushes and pulls back the pusher plate 3 to control the squeezing force between the printing paper in the placement area and the first roller 14, ensuring that the first roller 14 can only transport one sheet of printing paper at a time, effectively preventing multiple sheets of printing paper from entering the outlet at the same time. At the same time, the rounded chamfer 15 ensures that only one sheet of printing paper enters the outlet, further effectively preventing multiple sheets of printing paper from entering the outlet at the same time, so that the printing paper in the placement area faces the baffle 11. The paper moves in the exit direction, further allowing the printing paper to enter the exit and into the gap between the second roller 18 and the third roller 19. When the first sensor 20 detects that the printing paper has passed through the gap between the second roller 18 and the third roller 19, the second motor 13 stops rotating to prevent the first roller 14 from continuing to feed the printing paper in the placement area downwards. The third motor 17 rotates to drive the second roller 18 to rotate, so that the printing paper from the first roller 14 is smoothly fed out of the exit under the rotation of the second roller 18 and the third roller 19. This effectively prevents the paper feeding structure from feeding multiple sheets of printing paper to the printer at one time, ensuring normal printing of the printing mechanism and preventing waste of printing paper.

[0064] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A paper feeding structure, characterized in that, include: Support plate (2); A push plate (3) is disposed on the support plate (2); A baffle (11) is provided near the end of the support plate (2), and an outlet is provided between the baffle (11) and the end of the support plate (2). A placement area is formed between the baffle (11), the push plate (3) and the support plate (2), and the placement area is suitable for placing printing paper. A pushing mechanism, connected to the push plate (3), is adapted to push the push plate (3) to move toward or away from the baffle (11); A first roller (14) is located at the top of the outlet and close to the baffle (11). The first roller (14) is connected to a second motor (13). The rotating surface of the first roller (14) is adapted to abut against the printing paper. The second roller (18) is located at the bottom of the outlet and is connected to the third motor (17); The third roller (19) is located at the bottom of the outlet, and a gap is left between the third roller (19) and the second roller (18) for the printing paper to pass through; The first sensor (20) is located at the bottom of the gap. When the first sensor (20) detects the printing paper, the second motor (13) stops rotating. While the second motor (13) is rotating, the pushing mechanism repeatedly switches between pushing the push plate (3) toward the baffle (11) and moving it away from the baffle (11). By frequently pushing and pulling the push plate (3) back, the pushing mechanism controls the squeezing force between the printing paper in the placement area and the first roller (14), so that the first roller (14) can only deliver one sheet of printing paper when it rotates.

2. The paper feeding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the support plate (2) near the outlet is provided with a rounded chamfer (15).

3. The paper feeding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a guide plate (16), which is located on one side of the outlet and between the first roller (14) and the third roller (19).

4. The paper feeding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third roller (19) is provided with an elastic element at its rotation shaft, and the elastic element applies an elastic force to the rotation shaft toward the direction of the second roller.

5. The paper feeding structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The support plate (2) is provided with a groove (201), and the bottom of the push plate (3) passes through and extends out of the groove (201); The pushing mechanism includes a slider (5), a rack (10) and a first motor (6). The slider (5) is connected to the bottom of the push plate (3). The rack (10) is located at the bottom of the support plate (2) and extends along the length of the slide groove (201). The first motor (6) is fixed inside the slider (5), and the driving end of the first motor (6) meshes with the rack (10).

6. The paper feeding structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism also includes a guide rod, which is arranged parallel to the rack (10), and the slider (5) is movably disposed on the guide rod along the axial direction of the guide rod.

7. The paper feeding structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a first limit switch (8) and a second limit switch (9), the first limit switch (8) and the second limit switch (9) are respectively disposed near the two ends of the support plate (2), and the first limit switch (8) and the second limit switch (9) are respectively electrically connected to the first motor (6).

8. The paper feeding structure according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The baffle (11) is provided with a second sensor (12), and the push plate (3) is provided with a through hole (301) corresponding to the second sensor (12). When the printing paper is placed in the placement area, the printing paper blocks the through hole (301).

9. An automatic vending machine, characterized in that, The vending machine has a paper feeding structure as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the paper feeding structure is disposed inside the vending machine.

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