Beverage vending machine

Abstract

An automatic beverage vending machine (1) has a cabinet (2) and is closed by a door (8) for housing a beverage preparation assembly (5) and at least one dispensing assembly (9) for holding / mixing the same beverage body; the dispensing assembly (9) for holding / mixing the body is connected to the door (8) by a quick-connect and locking device (10) having at least one pair of retaining pins (18) stably connected to the dispensing assembly (9) and a shaped retaining plate (30) stably connected to the door (8) and defining a guide groove (34) for each retaining pin (18), the guide groove (34) being configured to be passed through by an attachment (28) of the retaining pin (18) and configured to guide the shaft (25) of the same retaining pin (18).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian patent application No. 102021000011945, filed on May 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an automatic beverage vending machine. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, beverage vending machines include cabinets or containers that have a front entrance that closes with a door and house multiple components for making beverages.

[0005] Each cabinet also contains one or more different sub-components, which can be configured according to the buyer's requirements during the assembly of the vending machine.

[0006] Examples of these sub-components and related configurations can be found as follows:

[0007] - Paper or plastic cup dispensers of different diameters, such as 58mm, 70mm, 73mm and 80mm; the cup dispenser may then have a single turret or two or more turrets to dispense beverages into similar cups.

[0008] - A lid dispenser for closing the cup. In some embodiments, this lid dispenser may be omitted; and

[0009] - It may or may not have a stirring rod dispenser of different sizes, depending on the application.

[0010] The aforementioned sub-components have support and attachment structures, which in some cases are connected to parts of the cabinet, or to an attachment frame also housed in the cabinet, or to a door to move with the door.

[0011] Connecting to a door is generally preferred because opening the door provides direct and easy access to these sub-components.

[0012] Regardless of how the sub-components are arranged, they are secured to the associated attachment frame or door by connecting elements such as screws, pins, and Seeger rings.

[0013] Inserting these components requires tools and equipment, but these tools and equipment are not always easy to use because of the compact structure of known vending machines, which reduces the operating space.

[0014] D1 describes a beverage vending machine, while D2 describes a beverage vending machine in which two components are connected to each other by a pin that slides in an inverted keyhole slot.

[0015] Document D5 describes a snap-fit ​​quick-connect device having a groove for securing a pin and snap-fit ​​locking teeth for the pin located within the groove.

[0016] The applicant has been able to determine that, while they guarantee high stability, these connecting elements do not meet the growing need for sub-components to be installed quickly, but most importantly, for operators to replace sub-components in an already operating machine without much effort or the use of loosening fasteners and mechanical tools to insert and remove them, thereby reconfiguring or improving the machine, that is, making it easy and quick to adapt to new allocation requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic beverage vending machine that can solve the above-mentioned problems in a simple and economical way, thereby meeting the above-mentioned needs.

[0018] According to the present invention, an automatic beverage vending machine as described in the appended claims has been realized. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an automatic beverage vending machine implemented according to the present invention, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified 3D view showing the details, with the parts separated for clarity.

[0021] Figures 3 to 5 The diagram shows three different connection configurations. Figure 1 A front view of the connecting device for the components of a beverage vending machine.

[0022] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 A magnified cross-sectional view of the VI-VI line, with some parts removed for clarity.

[0023] Figure 7 and Figure 8 They are shown at magnified scale. Figure 3 and Figure 5 Two different details, and some parts have been removed for clarity. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to make and use it. Those skilled in the art will quickly understand various modifications to the described embodiments, and that the general principles disclosed can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments shown and described, but must be granted the widest possible scope of protection based on the disclosed and claimed features.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly used by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the event of conflict, this invention, including the definitions provided, shall be binding. Furthermore, the examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered restrictive.

[0026] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, reference will be made to specific embodiments and these embodiments will be described using specific language. The terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular implementations and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] exist Figure 1 In the attached diagram, reference numeral 1 indicates the entire beverage vending machine.

[0028] The beverage vending machine 1 includes a cabinet 2, which in turn includes a box-shaped body 3 and a chamber 4 for housing components for preparing and dispensing one or more beverages, which are known in themselves and not described in detail, and are indicated by reference numeral 5 in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The chamber 4 is connected to the outside through an entrance 6 that is closed by a flap door 8, which forms part of the cabinet 2.

[0030] The beverage vending machine 1 also includes three turret dispensing assemblies 9, commonly referred to as "filling subassemblies," for dispensing paper or plastic cups of different sizes, and, depending on the application, also includes a lid and a stirring rod for sealing the same cup. However, the dispensing assembly for sealing the lid and stirring rod may not be included.

[0031] The distribution component 9 is carried by the door 8, and each distribution component is connected by a corresponding quick-connect and locking device 10. Figure 2 and Figures 3 to 6 It is releasable or detachable connected to door 8, wherein the corresponding quick-connect and locking device 10 is not constrained by other quick-connect and locking devices 10.

[0032] Specifically, each distribution component 9 includes a distribution base 11 that is known but not described in itself, and an attachment frame 12 that partially or completely accommodates the associated distribution base 11.

[0033] Each quick-connect and locking device 10 includes a pair of upper 16 retaining pins 18 and a pair of lower 19 retaining pins 18, which are perpendicularly spaced from each other. The pins 18 cantilevered from the surface 20 of the frame 12 facing the door 8.

[0034] Reference Figure 6 Each retaining pin 18 includes a shaft 22, which is stably connected to the frame 12 and terminates in an externally threaded section onto which a fastening nut 23 is screwed. A shaped collar 24, preferably but not necessarily made of an anti-friction material, is adapted to be mounted on the shaft 22 and fastened to the surface 20 of the frame 12 by the associated nut 23. Each collar 24 has a generally H-shaped cross-section. Figure 6 It includes a central cylindrical portion 25 and two lateral circular flanges 26 and 27, wherein the outer diameter of flange 27 is smaller than that of flange 26 and its position is close to the opposite nut 23 so as to define the attachment 28 of the opposite retaining pin 18 together with the nut 23 itself.

[0035] On the other hand, the flange 26 is located close to the surface 20 and together with the cylindrical annular portion 25 and the flange 27, defines the circumferential groove 29.

[0036] According to a variant not shown, each retaining pin 18 does not have its opposite collar 24, and the attachment 28 is defined only by the nut 23.

[0037] Still refer to Figure 2 and Figures 3 to 5 Each quick-connect and locking device 10 also includes an attachment plate 30 of the opposite shape of the pin 18 and is fixed to the door 8.

[0038] Appropriately, the forming plate 30 forms a continuous segment of the forming crossbar 31, which is shared by all the distributing components 9 and stably connected to the door 8.

[0039] According to a variant not shown, the shaped attachment plates 30 are separated from each other and each is stably connected to the door 8.

[0040] Whether the forming plates are separate or part of a single crossbar 31, each forming plate 30 is C-shaped. Figure 2 and Figure 6 It also includes a vertical intermediate wall 32 and two horizontal side walls or wings 33, which are connected to the door 8 by nuts 34A.

[0041] For each retaining pin 18, each intermediate wall 32 includes a retaining and guiding groove of opposite shape to the pin 18, indicated by 34. Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7 ).

[0042] Each slot 34 includes a vertical section 35, a horizontal section 36, and an entrance channel 37 arranged above the vertical section 35 and communicating with the vertical section 35 itself.

[0043] Special reference Figure 7 A portion of the inlet 37 is located on the intermediate wall 32, and the remainder of the inlet 37 passes through the upper wing 33. The inlet 37 through the wing 33 is an upward-opening inlet so as to allow the relevant attachment 28 to be inserted into the corresponding slot 34 by simply sliding it in the vertical direction.

[0044] According to a variant not shown, all entrances are located on the intermediate wall 32.

[0045] In any case, each inlet 37 is configured to be passed through by the attachment 28 of the opposite pin 18, that is, through the opposite nut 23 and the opposite flange 27, but not through the opposite flange 26.

[0046] On the other hand, segments 35 and 36 are shaped such that their widths are close to or exceed the outer diameter of the opposing tubular portion 25, so as to allow the tubular portion 25 itself to slide freely within segments 35 and 36.

[0047] Without collar 24, the widths of segments 35 and 36 are close to exceeding the diameter of shaft 22.

[0048] For the sake of illustration, only one distribution component 9 is considered. The assembly and disassembly of the distribution component 9 itself are carried out in the following manner.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 The frame 12 is positioned facing the crossbar 31 by placing the pin 18 attachment 28 at the opposite entrance 37. The frame 12 is then pushed toward the crossbar 31 and the pin attachment 28, pushing it through the opposite entrance 37 until the flange 26 abuts against the wall 32.

[0050] At this point, the frame 12 is first lowered by pushing the tubular portion 25 of the pin 18 along the vertical section 35 until they rest on the horizontal section 36, and then the frame is translated by moving the tubular portion 25 itself within the horizontal section 36 until the tubular portion abuts against the bottom surface of the horizontal section 36 itself.

[0051] Secondly, in a variant not shown, segments 35 and 36 extend along directions that together form an angle not equal to 0 and 90°.

[0052] In this way, pin 18 and frame 12 are guided along a predetermined and unchanging path that allows dispensing assembly 9 to enter a precise functional position. When pin 18 abuts against the bottom surface of section 36, locking pin 40, carried by frame 12 and forming part of quick-connect and locking device 10, descends and inserts into a retaining seat located at the upper wing 33 of crossbar 31, as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0053] Appropriately, each pin 40 is equipped with a spring so that it engages with its retainer when the pin 18 reaches the bottom surface of the segment 36.

[0054] As can be clearly seen from the foregoing, the quick-connect and locking device 10 allows each distribution component 9 to be installed / removed and replaced independently without the use of any loose fasteners or any tools or machinery.

[0055] In addition, each quick-connect and locking device 10 allows each distribution component 9 to be positioned and locked in a unique and unchanging location without reference or the attention of the installer.

[0056] First, this facilitates the operation of the components or initial equipment of the vending machine 1, reducing time. But most importantly, it allows for the quick replacement of the dispensing components 9 in machines already operating in the service area, so that they can be reconfigured or modified to easily and quickly adapt to new dispensing requirements. The operator does not need to exert much effort; they can simply move and lift the dispensing component, replace it with another dispensing component, repeat the same operation in reverse order, pull out the pin 40, and separate the entire dispensing component 9.

[0057] It is also evident from the foregoing that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of protection defined by the independent claims. In particular, the retaining pins 18 may be configured differently from those shown, but still be part of forming a sliding engagement, and the number of retaining pins 18 may differ from those shown.

[0058] The geometry of the same slots 35 and 36 may differ from those shown.

[0059] However, the beverage vending machine 1 may consist of only one dispensing component 9.

[0060] Finally, the retaining pin 18 can be carried by the shaped retaining plate 30 and the slots 35 and 36, as well as the opposite inlet 37, which is carried by the frame 12 of the dispensing assembly 9.

[0061] Finally, the pin 40 can be supported by the forming fixing plate 30, and the opposite fixing seat is supported by the dispensing assembly 9.

Claims

1. A drinks vending machine (1) comprising a box-shaped body (3) defining a housing chamber (4) and an opening (6) for accessing said chamber (4); a door (8) for closing said opening (6); at least one dispensing assembly (9) having a body for containing / mixing said drinks and connection means for connecting said dispensing assembly (9) to said door (8) or to said box-shaped body (3), said connection means comprising quick connection and locking means (10); said quick connection and locking means (10) comprising: - a pair of upper (16) and a pair of lower (19) fixing pins (18) vertically spaced apart from each other, each fixing pin (18) being stably connected to one between said dispensing assembly (9) and said door (8) or said box-shaped body (3), and - a shaped fixing plate (30) stably connected to the other between said dispensing assembly (9) and said door (8) or said box-shaped body (3), said shaped fixing plate (30) being C-shaped and comprising a vertical intermediate wall (32) and two horizontal wings (33) stably connected to the other between said dispensing assembly (9) and said door (8) or said box-shaped body (3), said shaped fixing plate (30) defining for each said fixing pin (18) at least one guide slot (34) guiding the opposite said fixing pin (18), each guide slot (34) comprising a vertical segment (35), a horizontal segment (36) and an access channel (37) arranged above said vertical segment (35) and communicating with said vertical segment (35) itself, said fixing plate (30) defining an upper guide slot (34) adapted to receive said pair of upper (16) fixing pins (18) and a lower guide slot (34) adapted to receive said pair of lower (19) fixing pins (18), each said fixing pin (18) comprising a shaft (22) slidably engaging the respective said guide slot (34) and an attachment head (28) arranged next to a portion of said shaped fixing plate (30) defining the respective said guide slot (34) and insertable through the respective access channel (37), each said attachment head (28) comprising a portion (24) provided with a circumferential groove (29) slidably engaging the portion of said shaped fixing plate (30) defining the respective said guide slot (34), said circumferential groove (29) being laterally defined between a first circular flange (26) and a second circular flange (27), the outer diameter of said second circular flange (27) being smaller than the outer diameter of said first circular flange (26). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ wherein each inlet channel (37) is configured to be crossed by the attachment head (28) of the opposite fixed pin (18) so that the second circular flange (27) crosses the inlet channel (37) while the first circular flange (26) does not cross the inlet channel (37), wherein each vertical segment (35) and each horizontal segment (36) is shaped so that its width approximately exceeds the outer diameter of each opposite circumferential groove (29) to allow the opposite circumferential groove (29) to freely slide within the vertical segment (35) and the horizontal segment (36), each of the upper guide slots (34) has the inlet channel (37) which is open upwards and partly through the intermediate wall (32) and partly through the upper wing of the horizontal wing (33); the attachment head (28) of each fixed pin (18) of the pair of upper (16) fixed pins (18) is insertable from above through the inlet channel (37) of the respective upper guide slot (34), which is open upwards, wherein the beverage vending machine (1) further comprises releasable locking means (40) arranged for locking the shafts (22) in the guide slots (34).

2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein, The releasable locking means comprise a stop pin (40) carried by one of the distribution assembly (9) and the fixed plate (30) and a fixed seat releasably engaged by the pin (40) and located on the other of the distribution assembly (9) and the fixed plate (30).

3. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein, The shaped fixed plate (30) is stably connected to the door (8) and the distribution assembly (9) comprises attachment structures (12) to which the shafts (22) of the fixed pins (18) are stably connected in cantilevered manner.

4. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein, Each of the shafts (22) comprises a stem and the attachment head (28) comprises a nut (23) screwed onto the stem.

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