A method for operating a vending machine having an overhead storage and retrieval mezzanine warehouse

Abstract

This invention discloses a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine, comprising a vending machine and a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse. The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is located at a height of two meters or more, and has multiple sets / multiple layers of product aisles. Storage space is provided on these aisles for displaying goods for sale. The vending machine / storage and sales mezzanine warehouse includes a controller, a shopping screen operation panel, a dispensing port, a conveyor, product aisles, and goods. The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse can be either a separate type or an integrated type. A separate storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is located two meters or more above the vending machine and is connected to the top of the vending machine to expand storage space. An integrated storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is formed when the upper part of the vending machine is extended upwards to a height of two meters or more, connecting the vending machine and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse to create an integrated storage space. This invention utilizes the height to increase storage volume, thus making full use of the space above the vending machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of expanding storage capacity for vending machines, and more particularly to a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, unmanned vending machines in the market still follow the early coin-operated vending machine model of displaying goods by loading them into a pusher track and facing the shopper. To accommodate human eye level, these machines are generally less than two meters high. This method of displaying goods is no longer up to date, as the height limitation results in a large area occupied, leading to wasted space. Previously, when vending machines used coin-operated machines, there were no shopping display screens, making it essential for shoppers to see the goods. However, with the advent of modern shopping display screens, goods are presented to shoppers in a visually appealing way, with clear information. After selecting and paying, shoppers can retrieve their goods from the dispensing slot. Therefore, placing goods within the shopper's line of sight is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the space above vending machines is difficult to utilize, resulting in wasted space. Solving the problem of utilizing the space above vending machines has significant economic and social benefits and is a problem that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse that utilizes the space above a vending machine to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine includes the vending machine and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse. The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is located at a height of two meters or more and has multiple sets / multiple layers of aisles inside. The aisles are used for storage space for sale but not for displaying goods. The "goods not displayed" refers to goods placed on aisles at a height of more than two meters, making it difficult for shoppers standing in front of the vending machine to clearly identify whether the goods are the items they need to buy.

[0006] The vending machine / storage mezzanine warehouse includes a controller, a shopping screen operation panel, a retrieval port, a conveyor, a product aisle, and goods; the controller, shopping screen operation panel, and retrieval port are located below the vending machine / storage mezzanine warehouse for the convenience of shoppers to operate and retrieve goods;

[0007] The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse includes: a split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse and an integrated storage and sales mezzanine warehouse;

[0008] The split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is set up in the space two meters or more above the vending machine, and is connected to the top of the vending machine to expand the storage space, so that the vending machine can expand its storage space by utilizing the height.

[0009] When the vending machine is extended upwards to a height of two meters or more, the vending machine and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse are connected as one to expand the storage space, allowing the vending machine to extend into the high-altitude storage and sales mezzanine warehouse.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the controller is provided with a control system, which includes a microprocessor and a cargo sorting and storage module. The microprocessor is connected to the cargo sorting and storage module, the tracked machine module, the conveyor module, the payment system module, and the power supply module.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention, a conveyor is provided in the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse; a three-dimensional stacked cargo channel unit layer is provided in the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse, each cargo channel unit layer consists of three or more cargo channels arranged horizontally side by side, and the cargo outlet of the cargo channel faces the conveyor or the shopper.

[0012] The goods are placed in the aisles, and are arranged in the order of goods classification in each aisle; the vending machine and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse can be connected and fixed by connecting parts and connecting bolts.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the present invention, when the vending machine is expanded to utilize high altitude for storage by adopting a split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse, the split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse can be set up with a shopping screen operation panel, a dispensing port and a conveyor separately, or it can be set up to share the existing vending machine structure such as the shopping screen operation panel, the dispensing port and the conveyor with the vending machine, which can save costs.

[0014] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor is a combination of horizontal and vertical slide rails, comprising a conveyor base, a Y-axis support, a Y-axis motor, a Y-axis drive wheel, a Y-axis driven wheel, a main shaft, bearing A, bearing B, synchronous wheel A, synchronous wheel B, synchronous belt A, synchronous belt B, counterweight A, counterweight B, a Y-axis slide rail, a Y-axis slider, an X-axis support, an X-axis motor, an X-axis drive wheel, an X-axis driven wheel, a synchronous belt C, an X-axis slide rail, an X-axis slider, and a picking hopper;

[0015] The lower ends of the Y-axis bracket and Y-axis slide rail are connected to the conveyor base, and the upper end of the Y-axis slide rail is connected to the upper end of the Y-axis bracket; the Y-axis motor is fixed to the upper end of the Y-axis bracket.

[0016] The controller controls the Y-axis motor of the conveyor to rotate. The Y-axis motor drives the Y-axis drive wheel, which in turn drives the Y-axis driven wheel. The driven wheel drives the main shaft to rotate. The main shaft is fixed by bearings A and B. Synchronous pulleys A and B are fixed at both ends of the main shaft, respectively. Synchronous pulleys A and B drive synchronous belts A and B, respectively. One end of each synchronous belt A and B is fixed to the Y-axis slider, and the other end is connected to counterweights A and B, respectively. Synchronous belts A and B drive the Y-axis slider to slide on the Y-axis slide rail. One end of the X-axis bracket and the X-axis slide rail is connected to the Y-axis slider. The controller controls the X-axis motor of the conveyor to rotate. The X-axis motor drives the X-axis drive wheel, which in turn drives synchronous belt C and the X-axis driven wheel. Synchronous belt C drives the X-axis slider to slide on the X-axis slide rail. A picking hopper is connected to the X-axis slider. The picking hopper moves synchronously with the X-axis slider. The picking hopper reaches the designated outlet position according to the control command to pick up the goods and transport them to the picking outlet.

[0017] The controller determines the operating position of the picking bin based on the cargo classification and storage information.

[0018] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a tracked machine is installed on the cargo channel and horizontally conveys the goods according to the controller instructions, sending the goods into the picking hopper set on the conveyor; the goods reach the picking port through the picking hopper set on the conveyor.

[0019] Several tracked machines are set up on several cargo channels, and these tracked machines are designated as tracked machine No. 1, tracked machine No. 2, ..., tracked machine No. N;

[0020] The shopping screen control panel has a goods interface and / or a payment interface; the controller sends goods transfer instructions to the conveyor, and the conveyor slides the picking bin to the designated position.

[0021] The controller sends a cargo transfer instruction to the tracked machine, and tracked machine No. 1, tracked machine No. 2, or tracked machine No. N transfers the cargo to the picking hopper according to the instruction;

[0022] The microprocessor, after receiving and confirming the information input from the shopping screen operation panel, reads the goods classification and storage data, and issues instructions to the conveyor and tracked machine, which then operate accordingly. The shopping screen operation panel has a goods interface and / or a payment interface. After the shopper selects goods using the goods interface or completes payment using the payment interface, the microprocessor confirms the payment received on the shopping screen operation panel's payment interface and issues an instruction to the conveyor. The conveyor operates according to the control instructions, sliding the hopper on the conveyor to the corresponding goods outlet. The controller issues an instruction to the tracked machine on the corresponding goods outlet, and the tracked machine operates according to the control instructions, feeding the goods into the hopper on the conveyor. The hopper then transports the goods to the retrieval outlet via the slide rail on the conveyor.

[0023] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the retrieval port / retrieval port is provided with at least one of a sensor / touch switch / light control switch, a retrieval door and a door opening and closing mechanism;

[0024] The system includes sensors / touch switches / light switches for detecting goods and limit switch circuits. When the sensor in the retrieval slot detects goods, it activates the door opening mechanism to open the retrieval door, allowing the shopper to take the goods. When the sensor detects no goods, the door opening mechanism closes the retrieval door. The door opening mechanism uses limit switches to control the circuit's on / off state, ensuring accurate door operation. The retrieval slot is equipped with a door frame, a retrieval door, and light grating sensors, with a row of light grating sensors on each side. When the retrieval door opens and the shopper takes the goods, the detection sensor detects no goods, and simultaneously, the light grating sensors at the retrieval slot detect whether the shopper's hand has left the retrieval slot. When the light grating sensors at the retrieval slot simultaneously confirm that the shopper's hand has left the retrieval slot, they notify the controller. The controller then sends a closing command to the door opening mechanism motor, and the retrieval door closes. If the light grating sensors at the retrieval slot simultaneously confirm that the shopper's hand is still in the retrieval slot, the controller sends a stop command to the door opening mechanism motor, and the retrieval door pauses closing to prevent injury to the shopper.

[0025] The door opening and closing mechanism includes a door opening and closing mechanism motor, a drive wheel, a synchronous belt, a driven wheel, slide rail A, slide rail B, limit switch A, and limit switch B. The retrieval door is connected to the synchronous belt via a door connector. The door opening and closing mechanism motor drives the drive wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the synchronous belt and the driven wheel to rotate. The synchronous belt drives the retrieval door to open and close. The retrieval door is slidably connected to slide rail A and slide rail B on both sides. Limit switches A and B are installed near the synchronous belt to ensure accurate operation of the retrieval door.

[0026] As a further aspect of the present invention, the shopping screen operation panel is provided with a goods interface and / or a payment interface for shoppers to use.

[0027] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the tracked machine is composed of a tracked motor, a tracked support, a drive wheel E, a timing belt E, a conveyor belt and rollers;

[0028] When the track motor rotates according to the control command, the track motor drives the drive wheel E to rotate, the drive wheel E drives the timing belt E to rotate, the timing belt E drives the roller to rotate, the roller drives the conveyor belt to run, and the conveyor belt drives the goods to move.

[0029] As a further aspect of the present invention, the dispensing outlet of the vending machine's internal channel is configured to face the conveyor or the shopper.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: the present invention adds a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse above the vending machine, making full use of the high altitude and increasing the variety and quantity of vending machine storage; the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse of the present invention reaches a height of two meters or more, making full use of the high-altitude three-dimensional space; the present invention saves the vending machine's floor space and makes effective use of the high-altitude mezzanine warehouse. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the control system in the example controller;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse in a split form, which is used as an example of a vending machine.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a vending machine in a split-type form, utilizing a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse above the vending machine as an example.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a combined three-dimensional structure in the form of a split storage and sales mezzanine warehouse above a vending machine, as an example.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an integrated storage and sales mezzanine warehouse above a vending machine, as an example.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the conveyor in an embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the conveyor in an embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the picking port in an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the rear view of the picking port structure in an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the left side view of the picking port in an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tracked machine in an embodiment.

[0042] Wherein: 101-Vending machine, 102-Storage and sales mezzanine warehouse, 104-Controller, 105-Shopping screen operation panel, 106-Dispensing port, 107-Connector, 108-Connecting bolt, 201-Conveyor, 202-Base, 203-Y-axis bracket, 204-Y-axis motor, 205-Y-axis drive wheel, 206-Y-axis driven wheel, 207-Main shaft, 208-Bearing A, 209-Bearing B, 210-Synchronous pulley A, 211-Synchronous pulley B, 212-Synchronous belt A, 213-Synchronous belt B, 214-Counterweight A, 215-Counterweight B, 216-Y-axis slide rail, 217-X-axis slide rail, 218-Dispensing hopper, 219-X-axis bracket, 220-X-axis motor, 221 222-X-axis drive wheel, 223-Synchronous belt C, 224-Y-axis slider, 225-X-axis slider, 301-Cargo channel, 302-Outlet, 303-Cargo, 304-Crawler, 305-Crawler motor, 306-Crawler support, 307-Conveyor belt, 308-Roller, 309-Cargo detection sensor, 310-Drive wheel E, 311-Synchronous belt E, 401-Retrieval door, 402-Door frame, 403-Light grating sensor, 404-Door opening / closing mechanism motor, 405-Drive wheel, 406-Synchronous belt, 407-Driven wheel, 408-Slide rail A, 409-Slide rail B, 410-Limit switch A, 411-Limit switch B, 412-Door connector. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "middle," "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 this invention. The term "storage and sale" means storing and selling. The terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, mechanical connection, electrical connection, direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the controller is equipped with a control system, which includes a microprocessor and a cargo sorting and storage module. The microprocessor is connected to the cargo sorting and storage module, the tracked machine module, the conveyor module, the payment system module, and the power supply module.

[0047] The tracked machine module connects to tracked machine No. 1, tracked machine No. 2, ..., tracked machine No. N respectively; the conveyor module connects to the hopper and hopper switch module; and the payment system module sets up the payment interface and the goods interface.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 above the vending machine 101 is a split-type structure. The split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is set up in the space above the vending machine 101 at a height of more than two meters, and is connected to the top of the vending machine 101 to expand the storage space, so that the vending machine 101 can expand its storage space by utilizing the height; the total height of the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is 2.6 meters.

[0050] The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is equipped with multiple sets / multi-layer cargo channels 301. Goods 303 are placed on the cargo channels 301 and are hidden inside the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102. Goods 303 are not displayed and are placed in a hidden manner.

[0051] The vending machine 101 and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 include a controller 104, a shopping screen operation panel 105, a dispensing slot 106, a conveyor 201, a product channel 301, and goods 303; the controller 104, the shopping screen operation panel 105, and the dispensing slot 106 are located below the vending machine 101 / storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 for the convenience of shoppers to operate and retrieve goods;

[0052] The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is equipped with a conveyor 201. The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is equipped with a three-dimensional stacked cargo channel 301 unit layer. Each cargo channel 301 unit layer consists of multiple cargo channels 301 arranged horizontally side by side. The outlet 302 of all cargo channels 301 faces the conveyor 201.

[0053] In this system, goods 303 are placed in the aisles 301, arranged according to their classification order. When the controller 104 confirms payment on the shopping screen 105 payment interface, it sends a command to the conveyor 201. The conveyor 201 operates according to the command, moving the retrieval hopper 218 on the conveyor 201 to the corresponding aisle outlet 302. The controller 104 sends a command to the conveyor belt 304 on the aisle 301 storing the corresponding goods 303. The conveyor belt 304 operates according to the command, feeding the goods 303 into the retrieval hopper 218 on the conveyor 201. The retrieval hopper 218 then transports the goods 303 to the retrieval outlet 106. A connector 107 and connecting bolts 108 are provided between the vending machine 101 and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 for connection and fixation.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the vending machine 101 is used in an integrated storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 above the vending machine 101. The integrated storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 extends the upper part of the vending machine 101 upward to a space of more than two meters and connects with the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 to expand the storage space. This allows the vending machine 101 to extend into the high-altitude storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102, with a total height of 2.6 meters after the extension.

[0056] The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is equipped with multiple sets / multi-layer cargo channels 301. Goods 303 are placed on the cargo channels 301 and are hidden inside the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102. Goods 303 are not displayed and are placed in a hidden manner.

[0057] The vending machine 101 and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 include a controller 104, a shopping screen operation panel 105, a dispensing port 106, a conveyor 201, a goods channel 301, and goods 303; the controller 104, the shopping screen operation panel 105, and the dispensing port 106 are located below the vending machine 101 for the convenience of shoppers to operate and retrieve goods.

[0058] The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse 102 is equipped with stacked cargo channels 301 unit layers. Each cargo channel 301 unit layer consists of three cargo channels 301 arranged horizontally side by side. The outlet 302 of all cargo channels 301 faces the conveyor 201.

[0059] In this process, goods 303 are placed in the channels 301, and are arranged in the order of classification in each channel 301. When the controller 104 confirms payment on the payment interface of the shopping screen operation panel 105, it sends an instruction to the conveyor 201. The conveyor 201 operates according to the control instruction, moving the picking hopper 218 set on the conveyor 201 to the corresponding outlet 302 of the channel 301 to pick up the goods. The controller 104 sends an instruction to the tracked machine 304 on the channel 301 that stores the corresponding goods 303. The corresponding tracked machine 304 operates according to the control instruction, sending the goods 303 into the picking hopper 218 set on the conveyor 201. The picking hopper 218 then transports the goods 303 to the picking port 106.

[0060] Example 4

[0061] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the conveyor 201 is a combination of horizontal and vertical slide conveyor 201, consisting of a conveyor base 202, a Y-axis support 203, a Y-axis motor 204, a Y-axis drive wheel 205, a Y-axis driven wheel 206, a main shaft 207, bearings A208 and B209, synchronous pulleys A210 and B211, synchronous belts A212 and B213, counterweights A214 and B215, a Y-axis slide rail 216, a Y-axis slider 224, an X-axis support 219, an X-axis motor 220, an X-axis drive wheel 221, an X-axis driven wheel 222, a synchronous belt C223, an X-axis slide rail 217, an X-axis slider 225, and a picking hopper 218.

[0062] The lower ends of the Y-axis bracket 203 and the Y-axis slide rail 216 are connected to the base 202 of the conveyor 201, and the upper end of the Y-axis slide rail 216 is connected to the upper end of the Y-axis bracket 203; the Y-axis motor 204 is fixed to the upper end of the Y-axis bracket 203.

[0063] When the controller sends a control command to rotate the Y-axis motor 204 of the conveyor 201, the Y-axis motor 204 drives the Y-axis drive wheel 205, the Y-axis drive wheel 205 drives the Y-axis driven wheel 206, and the Y-axis driven wheel 206 drives the main shaft 207 to rotate. The main shaft 207 is fixed by bearings A208 and B209. Synchronous pulleys A210 and B211 are fixed at both ends of the main shaft 207, respectively. Synchronous pulleys A210 and B211 drive synchronous belts A212 and B213, respectively. One end of each of synchronous belts A212 and B213 is fixed to the Y-axis slider 224, and the other end is connected to the counterweight A21. 4. Connected to counterweight B215; synchronous belts A212 and B213 drive Y-axis slider 224 to slide on Y-axis slide rail 216; one end of X-axis bracket 219 and X-axis slide rail 217 is connected to Y-axis slider 224. When the controller sends a control command to make X-axis motor 220 rotate, X-axis motor 220 drives X-axis drive wheel 221. X-axis drive wheel 221 drives synchronous belt C223 and X-axis driven wheel 222 to move. Synchronous belt C223 drives X-axis slider 225 to slide on X-axis slide rail 217. Picking hopper 218 is connected to X-axis slider 225; picking hopper 218 and X-axis slider 225 run synchronously.

[0064] Example 5

[0065] like Figure 8-10 As shown, the retrieval port 106 is equipped with a retrieval door 401 and a door frame 402. A vertical row of optical grating sensors 403 is installed on each of the left and right sides of the retrieval port 106. Inside the retrieval port 106 are a cargo detection sensor 309 and a door opening / closing mechanism. The door opening / closing mechanism includes a door opening / closing mechanism motor 404, a drive wheel 405, a synchronous belt 406, a driven wheel 407, slide rails A408 and B409, limit switches A410 and B411. The retrieval door 401 is located inside the retrieval port 106 and is connected to the synchronous belt 406 via a door connector 412. Slide rails A408 and B409 are located inside the door frame 402 and are connected to the left and right sides of the door frame 402, respectively. The two sides of the retrieval door 401 are slidably connected to slide rails A408 and B409, respectively.

[0066] A limit switch A410 is installed near the upper section of the synchronous belt 406, and a limit switch B411 is installed near the lower section of the synchronous belt 406. The door opening and closing mechanism uses limit switches A410 and B411 with limit functions to switch the circuit on and off, so that the picking door can operate accurately.

[0067] When the cargo detection sensor 309 detects cargo 303, it transmits information to the controller. The controller sends an opening command to the door opening and closing mechanism motor 404 located in the picking-up slot 106. The door opening and closing mechanism motor 404 drives the drive wheel 405 to rotate, which in turn drives the timing belt 406 to rotate. The timing belt 406 drives the driven wheel 407 to rotate. The timing belt 406 is connected to the picking-up door 401, which in turn drives the picking-up door 401 to open. After the picking-up door 401 is opened, the shopper takes the cargo 303.

[0068] When the goods detection sensor 309 detects no goods, the grating sensor 403 located at the picking port 106 simultaneously detects whether the shopper's hand has left the picking port 106. When the grating sensor 403 at the picking port 106 simultaneously confirms that the shopper's hand has left the picking port 106, it notifies the controller. The controller then sends a closing command to the door opening and closing mechanism motor 404, and the picking port 401 closes. If the grating sensor 403 at the picking port 106 confirms that the shopper's hand is still at the picking port 106, the controller sends a stop command to the door opening and closing mechanism motor 404, and the picking port 401 pauses closing to prevent the shopper from being injured.

[0069] Example 6

[0070] like Figure 11 As shown, the tracked machine 304 consists of a tracked motor 305, a track support 306, a drive wheel E310, a timing belt E311, a conveyor belt 307, and rollers 308.

[0071] When the track motor 305 rotates according to the control command, the track motor 305 drives the drive wheel E310 to rotate, the drive wheel E310 drives the timing belt E311 to rotate, the timing belt E311 drives the roller 308 to rotate, the roller 308 drives the conveyor belt 307 to run, and the conveyor belt 307 drives the goods to move.

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention; therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention; no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0073] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine, comprising a vending machine and a storage and sales mezzanine warehouse, characterized in that, The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is located at a height of two meters or more, and has multiple sets / multiple layers of cargo channels inside, on which goods for sale are placed but not displayed. The vending machine / storage mezzanine warehouse includes a controller, a shopping screen operation panel, a dispensing slot, a conveyor, a cargo channel, and goods; The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse includes: a split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse and an integrated storage and sales mezzanine warehouse; The split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is set up in the space two meters or more above the vending machine, and is connected to the top of the vending machine to expand the storage space; When the vending machine is extended upwards to a height of two meters or more, the vending machine and the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse are connected as one to expand the storage space. The conveyor is a combination of horizontal and vertical slide rails, consisting of a conveyor base, Y-axis support, Y-axis motor, Y-axis drive wheel, Y-axis driven wheel, main shaft, bearing A, bearing B, synchronous pulley A, synchronous pulley B, synchronous belt A, synchronous belt B, counterweight A, counterweight B, Y-axis slide rail, Y-axis slider, X-axis support, X-axis motor, X-axis drive wheel, X-axis driven wheel, synchronous belt C, X-axis slide rail, X-axis slider, and picking hopper; the lower ends of the Y-axis support and Y-axis slide rail are connected to the conveyor base, and the upper end of the Y-axis slide rail is connected to the upper end of the Y-axis support; the Y-axis motor is fixed to the upper end of the Y-axis support.

2. The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is equipped with a control system, which includes a microprocessor and a cargo sorting and storage module. The microprocessor is connected to the cargo sorting and storage module, the tracked machine module, the conveyor module, the payment system module, and the power supply module.

3. The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is equipped with a conveyor; the storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is equipped with stacked cargo aisle unit layers, each cargo aisle unit layer consists of three or more cargo aisles arranged horizontally side by side, the outlet of the cargo aisle faces the conveyor or the shopper; the goods are placed in the cargo aisles.

4. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is used to expand the storage of vending machines at high altitudes, the split-type storage and sales mezzanine warehouse is equipped with a separate shopping screen operation panel, a retrieval port and a conveyor, or it shares the shopping screen operation panel, a retrieval port and a conveyor with the vending machine.

5. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller controls the Y-axis motor of the conveyor to rotate. The Y-axis motor drives the Y-axis drive wheel, which in turn drives the Y-axis driven wheel. The driven wheel drives the main shaft to rotate. The main shaft is fixed by bearings A and B. Synchronous pulleys A and B are fixed at both ends of the main shaft, respectively. Synchronous pulleys A and B drive synchronous belts A and B, respectively. One end of each synchronous belt A and B is fixed to the Y-axis slider, and the other end is connected to counterweights A and B, respectively. Synchronous belts A and B drive the Y-axis slider to slide on the Y-axis slide rail. One end of the X-axis bracket and the X-axis slide rail is connected to the Y-axis slider. The controller controls the X-axis motor of the conveyor to rotate. The X-axis motor drives the X-axis drive wheel, which in turn drives synchronous belt C and the X-axis driven wheel. Synchronous belt C drives the X-axis slider to slide on the X-axis slide rail. A retrieval hopper is connected to the X-axis slider, and the retrieval hopper moves synchronously with the X-axis slider. The controller determines the operating position of the picking bin based on the cargo classification and storage information.

6. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A tracked machine is installed on the cargo channel and horizontally conveys the cargo according to the controller's instructions, sending the cargo into the picking hopper on the conveyor; the cargo reaches the picking port through the picking hopper on the conveyor.

7. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retrieval port / retrieval port is equipped with at least one of the following: a sensor / touch switch / light control switch, a retrieval door, and a door opening / closing mechanism; the door opening / closing mechanism is equipped with a door opening / closing mechanism motor, a drive wheel, a synchronous belt, a driven wheel, slide rail A, slide rail B, limit switch A, and limit switch B; the retrieval door is connected to the synchronous belt.

8. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shopping screen operation panel includes a goods interface and / or a payment interface.

9. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tracked machine consists of a track motor, track support, drive wheel E, timing belt E, conveyor belt and rollers.

10. A storage and sales mezzanine warehouse utilizing the space above a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dispensing outlet of the vending machine's internal channel is set to face the conveyor or the shopper.

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