Goods channel structure for vending machine and power supply and position identification method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of vending equipment, and discloses a goods channel structure for a vending machine and a power supply and position identification method thereof, and the goods channel structure comprises a goods channel plate body, a power supply contact module, a position identification contact module and a circuit control module. A goods channel plate body; the power supply contact module and the position identification contact module are both arranged on one side of the goods channel plate body, the power supply contact module is used for obtaining power supply electric energy for a power source on the goods channel plate body, and the position identification contact module is used for collecting real-time position data of the goods channel plate body; and the circuit control module comprises a board body, and a position identification contact signal module and a power supply contact signal module which are arranged on the board body. According to the goods channel, the position recognition contact module and the power supply contact module are electrically connected with the circuit control modules corresponding to the position recognition contact module and the power supply contact module in a contact mode. Contact type electrical connection is adopted, so that the power supply stability and the system durability are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vending equipment, and in particular to a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine and a power supply and position identification method thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, most of the simple vending machines that are popular on the market have fixed aisles and sell products of the same size. The power supply method of the side push motor at the end of the aisle is basically connected by plug and socket terminals. If you want to put a product of another size on the shelf, you need to remove the extra aisle. At the same time, you must unplug the motor power plug wire at the end of the aisle from the aisle motor. On the one hand, frequent plugging and unplugging of the plug wire will cause poor contact of the terminal head or the aisle motor, or even damage it. On the other hand, after unplugging the motor power plug of the corresponding shelf aisle, the operator must also remember the physical address of the shelf where the unplugged plug is located. It must be consistent with the aisle address corresponding to the front touch screen, otherwise it will cause abnormal operation of the vending machine. Such operations are really complicated for the stocker who frequently changes the shelves to sell products of different sizes.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cargo channel structure for a vending machine and a power supply and position identification method thereof to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine to solve the problem of motor power supply plug being easily damaged and address confusion causing abnormal operation when frequently changing cargo aisles.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a goods channel structure for a vending machine, comprising:

[0006] Cargo lane board;

[0007] The power supply contact module and the position identification contact module are both arranged on one side of the cargo lane plate. The power supply contact module is used to obtain power supply energy for the power source on the cargo lane plate, and the position identification contact module is used to collect real-time position data of the cargo lane plate.

[0008] Circuit control module: includes a position identification contact signal module and a power supply contact signal module, wherein the position identification contact signal module is in contact electrical connection with the position identification contact module, and the power supply contact signal module is in contact electrical connection with the power supply contact module.

[0009] As a preferred solution for the aisle structure of a vending machine, the circuit control module is composed of a PCB integrated circuit board, the position identification contact signal module and the power supply contact signal module are both electrical contacts, the power supply contact module and the position identification contact module are both probes, and the electrical contacts are electrically connected to the probes in a contact manner.

[0010] As a preferred solution for the aisle structure of a vending machine, it also includes a control source. There are several circuit control modules, and the several circuit control modules are electrically connected to the control source through a bus port.

[0011] As a preferred solution for the aisle structure of a vending machine, the power supply contact signal module includes an upper row of power supply points and a lower row of power supply points, at least two of the upper row of power supply points form an independent power supply unit, and each of the independent power supply units is connected to the bus port.

[0012] As a preferred solution for the aisle structure of a vending machine, each of the lower row power supply points is short-circuited and connected to the bus port.

[0013] As a preferred solution for the aisle structure of a vending machine, the position identification contact signal module includes an upper row position identification power point and a lower row position identification power point, at least two of the upper row position identification power points form an independent identification unit, and each of the independent identification units is connected to the bus port.

[0014] As a preferred solution for the aisle structure of a vending machine, the position identification contact signal module includes an upper row of position identification power points and a lower row of position identification power points. The upper row of position identification power points are electrically connected to the position identification contact module through an independent detection circuit.

[0015] A method for powering and identifying the position of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine, using the cargo aisle structure described in the claims, comprises the following steps:

[0016] S1: Establishing a contact-type electrical connection between the power supply contact module on the cargo lane plate and the power supply contact signal module on the circuit control module; and establishing a contact-type conductive path between the position identification contact module on the cargo lane plate and the position identification contact signal module on the circuit control module.

[0017] S2: The circuit control module outputs a working voltage to the power supply contact module through the power supply contact signal module, thereby providing the power source on the cargo channel plate with the required electrical energy for operation;

[0018] S3: The control source reads the conduction state between the position identification contact module and the position identification contact signal module to determine the position coordinate data of the cargo channel plate.

[0019] As a preferred solution for a method of power supply and position identification of a vending machine aisle structure, the S1 also includes: S1-1 uses multiple circuit control modules to be electrically connected to the control source, and the control source centrally supplies power to the circuit control modules at each layer.

[0020] As a preferred solution for the power supply and position identification method of the aisle structure for a vending machine, the S3 also includes: S3-1: the control source reads the conduction state between the position identification contact module and the position identification contact signal module, and combines the electrical signal characteristics of each independent identification unit to determine the specific hierarchical position of the aisle plate and the relative position between adjacent aisle plates.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the use of contact-type electrical connections completely avoids problems such as loose interfaces and poor contact caused by frequent plugging and unplugging of terminal connectors, significantly improving power supply stability and system durability. When the vending machine needs to display goods of different sizes and specifications and needs to replace the aisle plate, there is no need to tediously operate the motor plug and power supply cable. It only needs to directly disassemble and install the aisle plate, which greatly shortens the time for adjusting the product display and effectively improves operational efficiency. In addition, the position recognition contact signal module can accurately identify the installation position of each aisle, helping the system to quickly build a product placement map of the shelf. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlargement diagram of the middle part;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first circuit control module in a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a four-circuit control module in a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7A schematic diagram of the steps of a method for powering and identifying the position of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine provided by the present invention.

[0029] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0030] 1. Cargo channel plate; 2. Power supply contact module; 3. Position identification contact module;

[0031] 4. Circuit control module;

[0032] 401, power supply contact signal module;

[0033] 411, upper power supply point; 412, lower power supply point;

[0034] 402. Position identification contact signal module;

[0035] 421, upper position identification power point; 422, lower position identification power point;

[0036] 5. Drive motor; 6. Synchronous belt; 7. Push plate; 8. Bus port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", etc., and the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0041] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish in the description and have no special meaning.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1-5 As shown, a vending machine aisle structure is provided, comprising: an aisle plate 1, a power supply contact module 2, a position identification contact module 3, and a circuit control module 4. The aisle plate 1 comprises: a power supply contact module 2 and a position identification contact module 3, both disposed on one side of the aisle plate 1; the power supply contact module 2 is used to obtain power for a power source on the aisle plate 1; and the position identification contact module 3 is used to collect real-time position data of the aisle plate 1; and the circuit control module 4 comprises a plate, an integrated printed circuit, and a position identification contact signal module 402 and a power supply contact signal module 401 disposed on the plate. The position identification contact signal module 402 is in contact-type electrical connection with the position identification contact module 3, and the power supply contact signal module 401 is in contact-type electrical connection with the power supply contact module 2.

[0043] The aisle structure for the vending machine provided by the present invention adopts a contact electrical connection, which completely avoids problems such as loose interfaces and poor contact caused by frequent plugging and unplugging, and significantly improves the power supply stability and system durability. When the vending machine needs to display goods of different sizes and specifications and needs to replace the aisle plate 1, there is no need to tediously operate the motor plug and power supply cable. It is only necessary to directly disassemble and install the aisle plate 1, which greatly shortens the time for adjusting the product display. In addition, the position recognition contact signal module 402 can accurately identify the installation position of each aisle and automatically construct an aisle distribution map on the shelf. There is no need for the internal material-picking robot to scan the entire shelf from top to bottom and left to right, which greatly improves the operating efficiency of the machine.

[0044] In this embodiment, the circuit control module 4 is composed of a PCB integrated circuit board, the position identification contact signal module 402 and the power supply contact signal module 401 are both electrical contacts, the power supply contact module 2 and the position identification contact module 3 are both probes, and the electrical contacts and the probes are electrically connected. There is no need to tediously operate the motor plug and power supply cable. Only the aisle plate 1 needs to be directly disassembled and installed. The power source on the aisle plate 1 can be connected to the PCB integrated circuit board to push out the goods in a controllable manner. In addition, the electrical contacts of the position identification contacts can accurately identify the installation position of each aisle, helping the system quickly build a product placement map of the shelf.

[0045] The power supply contact module 2 mentioned in the present invention is above the position identification contact module 3, but it is also suitable for protecting the position identification contact module 3 above the power supply contact module 2; and the power supply contact signal module 401 is now above the position identification contact signal module 402, which is also suitable for the layout mode of the position identification contact signal module 402 above the power supply contact signal module 401;

[0046] Furthermore, the drive motor 5 is the power source for the aisle plate 1, whose output is linked to the push plate 7 via a timing belt 6, forming a complete product delivery system. When the control system receives a delivery instruction, the drive motor 5 precisely outputs torque, which is transmitted to the push plate 7 via the timing belt 6, pushing the product to slide smoothly along the aisle to the pickup port.

[0047] The aisle structure for vending machines provided by the present invention also includes a control source, which is a main control electronic board; the circuit control module 4 is provided with several blocks, each of which is provided with an independent address port; they are respectively installed on the aisle board body 1 of each level; each circuit control module 4 is electrically connected to the control source through the bus port 8 to realize centralized power supply control and data interaction of multi-layer aisles; the aisle board body 1 of each level can be flexibly configured according to sales needs, and is connected to the control system through a unified communication protocol to realize modular management.

[0048] Specifically, the power supply contact signal module 401 includes an upper row of power supply points 411 and a lower row of power supply points 412 (ninety each). The upper row of power supply points 411 and the lower row of power supply points 412 are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the upper end of the circuit control module 4, and are used to form a contact conductive connection with the power supply contact module 2 on the cargo channel plate 1.

[0049] Furthermore, at least two (seven) upper-row power supply points 411 are connected together through integrated circuit design, and the last group consists of six, forming an independent power supply unit. Each (thirteen) independent power supply unit is connected to the bus port 8 through the integrated circuit, which can distribute the current more evenly, avoid overheating or damage of a single contact due to carrying excessive current, and improve the stability and reliability of the system.

[0050] Furthermore, each lower row of power supply points 412 is short-connected to the bus port 8 via a printed integrated circuit circuit to provide a unified reference potential and return path.

[0051] Specifically, the position identification contact signal module 402 includes an upper row of position identification power points 421 and a lower row of position identification power points 422 (ninety each). The upper row of position identification power points 421 and the lower row of position identification power points 422 are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the lower end of the circuit control module 4, and are used to form a contact conductive connection with the position identification contact module 3 on the cargo channel plate 1.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, at least two (seven) upper-row position identification power points 421 are connected together via printed integrated circuit lines to form independent identification units. The final group consists of six, and each (thirteen) independent identification unit is then connected to bus port 8 via an integrated circuit. This allows for more even current distribution, preventing overheating or damage to individual contacts due to excessive current, and improving system stability and reliability.

[0053] Furthermore, if Figure 6 As shown, the ninety upper row position identification power points 421 are electrically connected to the position identification contact module 3 via an independent detection circuit. The independent detection circuit includes a current-limiting resistor, a filter capacitor, and a comparator, which is used to filter, amplify, and perform logical judgment on the identification signal when the cargo channel board 1 is plugged in.

[0054] When the aisle board 1 is inserted into the shelf, the lower row position identification power point 422 is connected to the corresponding position identification contact module 3 on the circuit control module 4, and the independent detection circuit generates an identification signal and transmits it to the control source. The control source accurately identifies the hierarchical position of the aisle board 1 in the shelf and the relative position between adjacent aisle boards 1 based on the identification signal.

[0055] During the delivery instruction execution phase of the present invention, after a user selects an item on the vending machine interface, the control source transmits the delivery instruction to the corresponding aisle's circuit control module 4 via bus port 8. The power contact signal module 401 immediately supplies rated power to the drive motor 5. The synchronous belt 6 at the output of the drive motor 5 drives the push plate 7, pushing the item along the aisle plate 1 with precise torque.

[0056] During the position recognition and feedback phase of the present invention, the lower row of position recognition power points 422 maintains a continuous connection with the corresponding contacts of the circuit control module 4 during the insertion or replacement of the aisle panel 1. The independent detection circuit continuously processes the recognition signal. Once the position of the aisle panel 1 changes, the control source can obtain the updated position data in real time and adjust the shelf merchandise placement map synchronously.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, a method for powering and identifying a position of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine is provided, using the cargo aisle structure, including the following steps:

[0058] S1: The power supply contact module 2 provided on the cargo channel plate 1 is electrically connected to the power supply contact signal module 401 on the circuit control module 4; at the same time, the position identification contact module 3 on the cargo channel plate 1 is electrically connected to the position identification contact signal module 402 on the circuit control module 4;

[0059] S2: The circuit control module 4 outputs the operating voltage to the power supply contact module 2 through the power supply contact signal module 401, providing the power source on the cargo channel plate 1 with the required power for operation;

[0060] S3: The control source reads the conduction state between the position identification contact module 3 and the position identification contact signal module 402 to determine the position of the cargo channel plate 1;

[0061] The power supply and position identification method for the aisle structure of a vending machine provided by the present invention eliminates the traditional plug and socket method through the contact connection of the upper and lower rows of power supply and position identification contacts, so that the aisle plate 1 can be plug-and-play, which significantly improves the installation efficiency; by establishing a contact conduction path between the position identification contact module 3 on the aisle plate 1 and the position identification contact signal module 402 on the circuit control module 4, the position of the aisle can be automatically identified by identifying the conduction state of different contact combinations, and then a merchandise placement map of the shelf can be quickly constructed.

[0062] Specifically, S3 also includes: S3-1: the control source reads the conduction state between the position identification contact module 3 and the position identification contact signal module 402, and combines the electrical signal characteristics of each independent identification unit to determine the specific hierarchical position of the cargo aisle plate 1 and the relative position between adjacent cargo aisle plates 1.

[0063] This step can efficiently and accurately identify the hierarchical information of the aisle plate 1 and the spacing relationship between it and the adjacent aisles, so that a complete shelf layout map can be quickly constructed.

[0064] Preferably, S1 further includes: S1-1: using multiple circuit control modules 4 to establish electrical connections with a control source, and the control source provides centralized power supply to the circuit control modules 4 at each level through a unified power supply path.

[0065] The multiple circuit control modules 4 are centrally powered by the control source, thus avoiding the wiring complexity and safety risks caused by each circuit control module 4 being individually connected to the power supply.

[0066] Furthermore, it also includes S4: when receiving the shipping instruction, the control source sends a driving signal to the power source according to the identified cargo channel position information to complete the product pushing action.

[0067] Furthermore, it also includes S5: the circuit control module 4 continuously collects power supply status, motor operating parameters and cargo channel plug-in status information, and uploads it to the control source through the bus port 8 for inventory management, abnormality detection and operation scheduling.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention is disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this profession can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes by using the technical content disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments according to the technology of the present invention are all within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cargo channel structure for a vending machine, characterized in that: include: Cargo lane board; The power supply contact module and the position identification contact module are both arranged on one side of the cargo lane plate. The power supply contact module is used to obtain power supply energy for the power source on the cargo lane plate, and the position identification contact module is used to collect real-time position data of the cargo lane plate. Circuit control module: includes a position identification contact signal module and a power supply contact signal module, wherein the position identification contact signal module is in contact electrical connection with the position identification contact module, and the power supply contact signal module is in contact electrical connection with the power supply contact module.

2. The aisle structure for a vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit control module is composed of a PCB integrated printed circuit board, the position identification contact signal module and the power supply contact signal module are both electrical contacts, the power supply contact module and the position identification contact module are both probes, and the electrical contacts are in contact electrical connection with the probes.

3. A goods channel structure for a vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a control source. There are several circuit control modules, each of which is provided with an independent address port. Several circuit control modules are electrically connected to the control source through a bus port.

4. The aisle structure for a vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power supply contact signal module includes an upper row of power supply points and a lower row of power supply points. At least two of the upper row of power supply points form an independent power supply unit, and each of the independent power supply units is connected to the bus port.

5. The aisle structure for a vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the lower row power supply points is short-circuited and connected to the bus port.

6. The aisle structure for a vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position identification contact signal module includes an upper row position identification power point and a lower row position identification power point. At least two of the upper row position identification power points form an independent identification unit, and each independent identification unit is connected to the bus port.

7. The aisle structure for a vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position identification contact signal module includes an upper row of position identification power points and a lower row of position identification power points. The upper row of position identification power points are electrically connected to the position identification contact module through an independent detection circuit.

8. A method for powering and identifying the position of a cargo aisle structure for a vending machine, using the cargo aisle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Establishing a contact-type electrical connection between the power supply contact module on the cargo lane plate and the power supply contact signal module on the circuit control module; and establishing a contact-type conductive path between the position identification contact module on the cargo lane plate and the position identification contact signal module on the circuit control module. S2: The circuit control module outputs a working voltage to the power supply contact module through the power supply contact signal module, thereby providing the power source on the cargo channel plate with the required electrical energy for operation; S3: The control source reads the conduction state between the position identification contact module and the position identification contact signal module to determine the position coordinate data of the cargo channel plate.

9. The method for powering and identifying the position of a vending machine aisle structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The S1 also includes: S1-1 uses multiple circuit control modules to be electrically connected to the control source, and the control source provides centralized power supply to the circuit control modules at each layer.

10. The method for powering and identifying the position of a vending machine aisle structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The S3 also includes: S3-1: the control source reads the conduction state between the position identification contact module and the position identification contact signal module, and combines the electrical signal characteristics of each independent identification unit to determine the specific hierarchical position of the cargo lane plate and the relative position between adjacent cargo lane plates.

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