Addressing method for vending machines

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic vending machines, and more particularly to an addressing method for automatic vending machines. The automatic vending machine resets to an initial X-axis position; as the automatic vending machine moves from the initial X-axis position toward the other end of a shelf along the X-axis direction, it obtains multiple input X-axis pulse numbers. Each input X-axis pulse number is incremented by one to obtain a corresponding baffle column number, starting from the beginning; each input X-axis pulse number and its corresponding baffle column number are assigned to a corresponding output array; and the output array is stored in an electronic control device. The present invention can automatically obtain the output array of each baffle, thereby achieving automatic addressing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic vending machines, and in particular to an addressing method for automatic vending machines. Background Art

[0002] Traditional vending machines have multiple shelves, each with multiple baffles. When the specifications of the goods being sold change, such as the width and / or height of the goods, the distance between the shelves and the distance between the baffles need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0003] In summary, the existing technology has at least the following technical problems:

[0004] First, after each adjustment, the coordinates of each baffle (ie, the X-axis coordinates and the left side of the Y-axis described later) also need to be manually re-entered, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One purpose of the present invention is to solve or alleviate the above-mentioned first technical problem.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is an addressing method for an automatic vending machine, wherein the automatic vending machine comprises a vending machine cabinet, an automatic cabinet, and a power device arranged on the vending machine cabinet, wherein the vending machine cabinet is provided with an electric control device;

[0007] The automatic container is connected to the output end of the power device, so that the automatic container has power along the X-axis direction and power along the Y-axis direction, and the power along the X-axis direction and the power along the Y-axis direction are both driven by a stepper motor;

[0008] The vending machine cabinet includes multiple layers of detachable shelves;

[0009] Each shelf is provided with multiple rows of baffles, which are detachably connected to the shelf;

[0010] The baffles at one end of each shelf are aligned in the X-axis direction;

[0011] Each baffle is provided with a magnetic body, and the automatic container is provided with a magnetic sensor capable of detecting a single magnetic body;

[0012] The method is characterized in that it further comprises the following steps:

[0013] The automatic container is reset to the initial position of the X axis;

[0014] As the automated container moves from its initial X-axis position toward the other end of the shelf, it obtains multiple X-axis pulse numbers B. Each time it obtains the X-axis pulse number B, it increments by one to obtain the corresponding baffle column number B1.

[0015] Assign each input X-axis pulse number B and its corresponding baffle column number B1 to the corresponding output array G;

[0016] The output array G is stored in the electronic control device.

[0017] A further technical solution is that the shelf is provided with a plurality of mounting buckle holes at equal intervals, the baffle is provided with mounting buckles connected to the mounting buckle holes, and the distance between two adjacent mounting buckle holes is the minimum unit pulse number D;

[0018] Divide the input X-axis pulse number B by the minimum unit pulse number D and take the remainder, which is the input X-axis remainder B2;

[0019] If the input X-axis remainder B2 is greater than the first X-axis redundant pulse number E1, the output X-axis pulse number B9 = (the integer of the input X-axis pulse number B divided by the minimum unit pulse number D + 1) * the minimum unit pulse number D;

[0020] If the input X-axis remainder B2 is less than the second X-axis redundant pulse number E2, the output X-axis pulse number B9 = the integer of the input X-axis pulse number B divided by the minimum unit pulse number D * the minimum unit pulse number D;

[0021] Then the output X-axis pulse number B9 is stored in the corresponding output array G.

[0022] Compared with the method of comparing the input X-axis pulse number B with multiple range values each time the input X-axis pulse number B falls within a certain range, there is no need to compare with multiple range values each time, which can reduce the comparison amount and improve the calculation speed.

[0023] A further technical solution is that if the quotient of the difference between the input X-axis pulse number B of two adjacent baffles divided by the minimum unit pulse number D is less than two, it is determined that magnetic interference exists, and the power device (29) returns to the origin and reports an error.

[0024] A further technical solution further includes the following steps:

[0025] When the number of layers of the rack (12) is set and the Y-axis preset pulse number F corresponding to each rack (12), the range value between each Y-axis preset pulse number F minus the first Y-axis range pulse number F1 and the Y-axis preset pulse number F plus the second Y-axis range pulse number F2 is corresponded to the corresponding input Y-axis pulse number C;

[0026] The automatic container is reset to the initial position of the Y axis;

[0027] When the automatic container moves along the Y-axis direction from the initial position of the Y-axis, a plurality of input Y-axis pulse numbers C are obtained. At the same time, starting from the beginning, each time the input Y-axis pulse number C is obtained, one is added to obtain the corresponding shelf layer number C1;

[0028] If the input Y-axis pulse number C falls within a certain range value, the output Y-axis pulse number C9 is assigned to the Y-axis preset pulse number F corresponding to the range value, and the output Y-axis pulse number C9 and the corresponding layer number C1 are stored in the corresponding output array G.

[0029] A further technical solution further includes the following steps:

[0030] The number of pulses F1 in the first Y-axis range is greater than the number of pulses F2 in the second Y-axis range.

[0031] A further technical solution further includes the following steps:

[0032] The number of pulses F1 in the first Y-axis range is twice the number of pulses F2 in the second Y-axis range.

[0033] A further technical solution is that if the shelf layer number C1 is greater than the set number of shelves or is equal to zero, or if the input Y-axis pulse number C does not fall within any of the range values, the power device returns to the origin and reports an error.

[0034] It can report errors and prevent incorrect data from existing in the output array G.

[0035] The stability test data of the above method when it fails is as follows:

[0036] Test date Continuous running times Number of addressing errors March 30, 2023 100 0 April 1, 2023 65 0 April 13, 2023 114 0 April 14, 2023 79 0 April 20, 2023 140 0

[0037] It can be seen from the above table that the addressing method of the present invention has high reliability and can avoid addressing errors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 3D is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of an automatic vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; the cabinet door is in an open state.

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a front view schematic diagram of an addressing method for a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; direction one DIR1 represents the X-axis direction; direction two DIR2 represents the Y-axis direction.

[0040] Figure 3 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the baffle 11.

[0041] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the automatic container 2, a single baffle 11 and a single automatic container 2.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of detail 1 DTL1.

[0043] Figure 6 4 is a flow chart of an addressing method for a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Direction 1 DIR1; Direction 2 DIR2; Detail 1 DTL1; Vending machine cabinet 1; baffle 11; magnetic body 111; push plate 112; push plate belt 113; mounting buckle 119; shelf 12; mounting buckle hole 129; automatic cabinet 2; magnetic sensor 21; push plate pulley 23; power device 29; layer spacing 3; row spacing 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] As a specific embodiment, the addressing method of the vending machine of the embodiment of the present invention includes a vending machine cabinet 1, an automatic cabinet 2, and a power device 29 provided on the vending machine cabinet 1. The vending machine cabinet 1 is provided with an electronic control device. The electronic control device is a PLC control device, etc.

[0047] The automatic container 2 is connected to the output end of the power device 29, so that the automatic container 2 has power along the X-axis direction and power along the Y-axis direction. The power along the X-axis direction and the power along the Y-axis direction are both driven by a stepper motor. For example, the stepper motor drives a synchronous belt arranged along the Y-axis direction (the straight section of the synchronous belt is along the Y-axis direction), which synchronously drives the automatic container 2 to move in the vertical direction, so that the automatic container 2 has power along the Y-axis direction, and the power along the Y-axis direction is driven by the stepper motor. It is easy to understand that when the stepper motor defaults to requiring (200 * subdivision number) pulses for one rotation, and the subdivision number is set to 8 by default, 1600 pulses are required for one rotation, and one rotation corresponds to the travel distance, that is, travel distance = number of pulses / 1600 * one rotation distance. In other words, the distance (i.e., travel) of the automated container 2's lateral movement (i.e., movement along the X-axis) and vertical movement (i.e., movement along the Y-axis) driven by the stepper motor corresponds to the number of pulses. For example, 1 pulse corresponds to 0.01 mm. Movement along the X-axis corresponds to the number of X-axis pulses; movement along the Y-axis corresponds to the number of Y-axis pulses. It's easy to understand that "pulse number" is essentially a unit of length.

[0048] The vending machine cabinet 1 includes multiple layers of detachable shelves 12. It is easy to understand that the shelves are arranged roughly in the Y-axis direction, and the distance between two adjacent layers of shelves 12 is a layer spacing 3.

[0049] Each shelf 12 is provided with a plurality of rows of baffles 11, which are detachably connected to the shelf 12. It is easy to understand that the layers are arranged roughly along the X-axis direction, and the distance between two adjacent layers of shelves 12 is a row spacing 4.

[0050] It is easy to understand that there are multiple layers of detachable shelves 12 and each shelf 12 is provided with multiple rows of detachable baffles 11 .

[0051] It can be adjusted as needed. For example, for wider products, the baffle 11 can be removed from the shelf 12 and installed in another position on the shelf 12 to achieve a larger column spacing 4 to accommodate wider products. Similarly, for taller products, the shelf 12 can be adjusted to achieve a larger layer spacing 3.

[0052] The baffles 11 at one end of each shelf 12 are aligned in the X-axis direction. Figure 2 As shown, the baffle 11 at the leftmost end of each shelf 12 is aligned vertically. It is easy to understand that the baffle 11 at one end of each shelf 12 can serve as the Y-axis reference point for addressing each shelf 12.

[0053] Each baffle 11 is provided with a magnetic body 111, and the automated container 2 is provided with a magnetic sensor 21 capable of detecting a single magnetic body 111. For example, the magnetic body 111 is a conventional magnet, and the magnetic sensor 21 is a Hall effect sensor. The magnetic sensor 21 moves with the automated container 2, for example, until the magnetic sensor 21 is directly facing the magnetic body 111. The magnetic sensor 21 can detect the magnetic body 111, but cannot detect other magnetic bodies 111.

[0054] Initial pulse number A; initial X-axis pulse number A1; initial Y-axis pulse number A2;

[0055] Automatic container 2 returns to its initial position. The number of pulses corresponding to the initial X-axis position is the initial X-axis pulse number A1, which is typically 0. Of course, the initial X-axis pulse number A1 can also be another integer, such as 20727. As you can easily understand, the initial Y-axis pulse number A2 remains the same.

[0056] As the automated container 2 moves from its initial X-axis position along the X-axis toward the other end of the shelf 12, it obtains a plurality of input X-axis pulse numbers B [i.e., the X-axis pulse numbers corresponding to when the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic body 111]. At the same time, starting from the beginning, each time the input X-axis pulse number B is obtained, one is incremented to obtain the corresponding baffle column number B1.

[0057] Assign each input X-axis pulse number B and its corresponding baffle column number B1 to the corresponding output array G.

[0058] The output array G is stored in the electronic control device.

[0059] As one of the specific implementations, the shelf 12 is provided with a plurality of mounting clip holes 129 at equal intervals, the baffle 11 is provided with a mounting clip 119 connected to the mounting clip holes 129, and the distance between two adjacent mounting clip holes 129 is the minimum unit pulse number D [the minimum unit pulse number D is equal to the clip hole spacing D1].

[0060] Divide the input X-axis pulse number B by the minimum unit pulse number D and take the remainder, which is the input X-axis remainder B2;

[0061] If the input X-axis remainder B2 is greater than the first X-axis redundant pulse number E1, the output X-axis pulse number B9 = (the integer of the input X-axis pulse number B divided by the minimum unit pulse number D + 1) * the minimum unit pulse number D;

[0062] If the input X-axis remainder B2 is less than the second X-axis redundant pulse number E2, the output X-axis pulse number B9 = the integer of the input X-axis pulse number B divided by the minimum unit pulse number D * the minimum unit pulse number D;

[0063] Then the output X-axis pulse number B9 is stored in the corresponding output array G.

[0064] As one of the specific implementations, if the quotient of the difference between the input X-axis pulse numbers B of two adjacent baffles 11 (the difference is a positive integer, or the absolute value is a positive integer) divided by the minimum unit pulse number D is less than two, it is determined that magnetic interference exists, and the power device 29 returns to the origin and reports an error.

[0065] As one of the specific implementation methods, the following steps are also included:

[0066] After setting the number of layers of the rack 12 and the Y-axis preset pulse number F corresponding to each layer 12, the range value between each Y-axis preset pulse number F minus the first Y-axis range pulse number F1 and the Y-axis preset pulse number F plus the second Y-axis range pulse number F2 is mapped to the corresponding input Y-axis pulse number C;

[0067] Automatic container 2 returns to the initial position of the Y axis;

[0068] When the automatic container 2 moves along the Y-axis direction from the initial position of the Y-axis, a plurality of input Y-axis pulse numbers C are obtained. At the same time, starting from the beginning, each time the input Y-axis pulse number C is obtained, one is added to obtain the corresponding shelf layer number C1;

[0069] If the input Y-axis pulse number C falls within a certain range value, the output Y-axis pulse number C9 is assigned to the Y-axis preset pulse number F corresponding to the range value, and the output Y-axis pulse number C9 and the corresponding layer number C1 are stored in the corresponding output array G.

[0070] As one of the specific implementation methods, the following steps are also included:

[0071] The number of pulses F1 in the first Y-axis range is greater than the number of pulses F2 in the second Y-axis range.

[0072] As one of the specific implementation methods, the following steps are also included:

[0073] The number of pulses F1 in the first Y-axis range is twice the number of pulses F2 in the second Y-axis range.

[0074] As one of the specific implementations, if the shelf layer number C1 is greater than the set number of layers of the shelf 12 or is equal to zero, or if the input Y-axis pulse number C does not fall within any of the range values, the power device 29 returns to the origin and reports an error.

[0075] Output array G specifically consists of {"baffle column number B1," "shelf level number C1," output X-axis pulse number B9, output Y-axis pulse number C9}. For example, {0101; 578; 800} corresponds to the first shelf 12 and the first baffle column 11, which correspond to 578 pulses in the X-axis direction and 800 pulses in the Y-axis direction. This shows that there is a one-to-one correspondence between baffle column number B1, shelf level number C1, output X-axis pulse number B9, and output Y-axis pulse number C9.

[0076] The operating principle is that, according to the above method, multiple output arrays G are obtained and stored in the electronic control device. When a purchaser purchases goods from the vending machine, the purchaser selects the output array G corresponding to the purchased product through the electronic control device. The electronic control device controls the power device 29 to run the corresponding number of pulses based on the corresponding output array G, thereby quickly moving the automatic container 2 to the corresponding container.

[0077] When the size of the goods in the vending machine changes and the layer spacing 3 and / or column spacing 4 need to be changed, the baffle 11 and / or the shelf 12 are removed and the installation position is changed, for example, the baffle 11 is installed in a different installation clip hole 129; repeating the above steps can automatically obtain the output array G of each baffle 11 and realize automatic addressing.

[0078] The terms "first", "second", etc. used in the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used for distinction.

[0079] As used herein, the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0080] Terms indicating orientation or position used in the present invention, such as top, bottom, side, longitudinal, lateral, middle, center, outside, inside, horizontal, vertical, left, right, above, below, etc., are intended to reflect relative positions rather than absolute positions.

[0081] As used herein, terms such as "substantially," "entirely," "approximately," and "closely" are qualifiers intended to indicate that a characteristic exists but a certain degree of deviation is permitted. The amount of such deviation may vary depending on the specific context; for example, the specific context of dimensional deviation may include, but is not limited to, national standards for dimensional tolerances.

Claims

1. An addressing method for an automatic vending machine, wherein the automatic vending machine comprises a vending machine cabinet (1), an automatic cabinet (2), and a power device (29) arranged on the vending machine cabinet (1), wherein the vending machine cabinet (1) is provided with an electric control device; The automatic container (2) is connected to the output end of the power device (29), so that the automatic container (2) has power along the X-axis direction and power along the Y-axis direction, and the power along the X-axis direction and the power along the Y-axis direction are both driven by a stepper motor; The vending machine cabinet (1) comprises a plurality of detachable shelves (12), and the shelves (12) are provided with a plurality of mounting buckle holes (129) at equal intervals; Each shelf (12) is provided with a plurality of rows of baffles (11), and the baffles (11) are provided with mounting buckles (119) connected to mounting buckle holes (129), so that the baffles (11) and the shelf (12) can be detachably connected; The baffles (11) at one end of each shelf (12) are aligned in the X-axis direction; Each baffle (11) is provided with a magnetic body (111), and the automatic container (2) is provided with a magnetic sensor (21) capable of detecting a single magnetic body (111); Its characteristics are: The following steps are also included: The automatic container (2) is reset to the initial position of the X axis; During the process of the automatic container (2) moving from the initial position of the X-axis toward the other end of the shelf (12) along the X-axis direction, a plurality of input X-axis pulse numbers B are obtained, and at the same time, starting from the beginning, each time the input X-axis pulse number B is obtained, one is added to obtain the corresponding baffle column number B1; Assign each input X-axis pulse number B and its corresponding baffle column number B1 to the corresponding output array G; The output array G is stored in the electronic control device.

2. The addressing method of a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between two adjacent mounting buckle holes (129) is the minimum unit pulse number D; Divide the input X-axis pulse number B by the minimum unit pulse number D and take the remainder, which is the input X-axis remainder B2; If the input X-axis remainder B2 is greater than the first X-axis redundant pulse number E1, the output X-axis pulse number B9 = (the integer of the input X-axis pulse number B divided by the minimum unit pulse number D + 1) * the minimum unit pulse number D; If the input X-axis remainder B2 is less than the second X-axis redundant pulse number E2, the output X-axis pulse number B9 = the integer of the input X-axis pulse number B divided by the minimum unit pulse number D * the minimum unit pulse number D; Then the output X-axis pulse number B9 is stored in the corresponding output array G.

3. The addressing method of the vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: If the quotient of the difference between the input X-axis pulse numbers B of two adjacent baffles (11) divided by the minimum unit pulse number D is less than two, it is determined that magnetic interference exists, and the power device (29) returns to the origin and reports an error.

4. The addressing method for a vending machine according to claim 2, wherein: The following steps are also included: When the number of layers of the rack (12) is set and the Y-axis preset pulse number F corresponding to each rack (12), the range value between each Y-axis preset pulse number F minus the first Y-axis range pulse number F1 and the Y-axis preset pulse number F plus the second Y-axis range pulse number F2 is corresponded to the corresponding input Y-axis pulse number C; The automatic container (2) is reset to the initial position of the Y axis; The automatic container (2) obtains a plurality of input Y-axis pulse numbers C during the process of moving along the Y-axis direction from the initial position of the Y-axis, and simultaneously, from the beginning, each time the input Y-axis pulse number C is obtained, one is added to obtain the corresponding shelf layer number C1; If the input Y-axis pulse number C falls within a certain range value, the output Y-axis pulse number C9 is assigned to the Y-axis preset pulse number F corresponding to the range value, and the output Y-axis pulse number C9 and the corresponding layer number C1 are stored in the corresponding output array G.

5. The addressing method of the vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The following steps are also included: The number of pulses F1 in the first Y-axis range is greater than the number of pulses F2 in the second Y-axis range.

6. The addressing method for a vending machine according to claim 4, wherein: The following steps are also included: The number of pulses F1 in the first Y-axis range is twice the number of pulses F2 in the second Y-axis range.

7. The addressing method of the automatic vending machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: If the shelf layer number C1 is greater than the number of layers of the set shelf (12) or is equal to zero, or if the input Y-axis pulse number C does not fall within any of the range values, the power device (29) returns to the origin and reports an error.

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