Vending equipment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of self-service vending, and provides automatic vending equipment which comprises a refrigerator and a processing cabinet, one side wall of the refrigerator is provided with at least one window and is movably connected with at least one opening and closing door used for covering the window; the automatic vending equipment further comprises a circulating mechanism arranged in the refrigerator, a plurality of carrying frames are arranged on the circulating mechanism, and the circulating mechanism can drive the carrying frames to circularly move in the refrigerator; the push-out mechanism is arranged in the refrigerator and corresponds to the window, and the push-out mechanism is configured to push the goods on the carrier out of the window; and the conveying mechanism is arranged outside the refrigerator and communicates with the window and the processing cabinet, and the conveying mechanism is configured to convey the goods received from the window into the processing cabinet. According to the refrigerator, on one hand, damage caused by frosting of external water vapor on parts in the refrigerator is relieved, and on the other hand, the space of the refrigerator can be greatly released, so that more carrying racks can be arranged, and energy conservation and emission reduction are better facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of unmanned vending technology, and more particularly to an automated vending machine. Background Technology

[0002] Automated vending machines can be used in homes, communities, shopping malls, or office buildings to automate the sale of goods. For goods requiring low-temperature preservation, these machines are equipped with freezers to ensure quality. Some vending machines also include a goods processing area. For example, when selling ready-to-eat foods, a retrieval robot is installed inside the freezer. When a sale is made, the robot retrieves the goods from the freezer and transports them to the freezer exit. The freezer door opens, and the robot removes the goods. After being taken out of the freezer, the goods enter the heating area to be heated before being served to the customer.

[0003] In the above method, because the retrieval robot (robotic arm) operates inside the freezer, where the temperature is low (typically -18°C for frozen food), frost and ice easily form inside when the freezer door is opened. Due to the complex structure of the robotic arm, with numerous motors, rails, and other components, ice can easily form on its surfaces when the freezer door is opened, potentially causing equipment malfunction. Furthermore, since the robotic arm and shelves are located within the same freezer unit, the freezer has a large volume, resulting in a large refrigeration space. This leads to high compressor power and high overall power consumption, which is detrimental to energy conservation and emission reduction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an automated vending machine that can mitigate damage caused by frost formation on internal components of a freezer due to external moisture, and can also greatly free up freezer space to accommodate more shelves, which is more conducive to energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0005] This application provides an automated vending machine, including a refrigerator and a processing cabinet. One side wall of the refrigerator has at least one window, and at least one door is movably connected to it for covering the window. The automated vending machine further includes:

[0006] A circulation mechanism is provided inside the freezer. The circulation mechanism is equipped with multiple shelves. The circulation mechanism can drive the multiple shelves to circulate within the freezer. The circulation mechanism is configured to move any one shelf to the window.

[0007] An ejection mechanism is provided inside the freezer and is configured to eject goods on the shelf from the window.

[0008] A transfer mechanism is disposed outside the refrigerator and connects the window and the processing cabinet. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer goods received from the window to the processing cabinet.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the automatic vending machine further includes a support frame adapted to be installed inside the refrigerated cabinet, the support frame being used to support the circulation mechanism;

[0010] The circulation mechanism includes:

[0011] The drive component is mounted on the support frame;

[0012] A transmission component is mounted on the support frame and connected to the shelf via a connecting assembly. The transmission component is configured to move the shelf under the drive of the drive component.

[0013] A limiting component is installed on the support frame and is located on the same side as the transmission component. The limiting component is movably connected to the connecting assembly and is configured to limit the shape of the shelf during movement.

[0014] In one feasible implementation, the transmission component includes:

[0015] At least two drive wheels are mounted at intervals along the vertical direction on the support frame, and at least one of the drive wheels is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism;

[0016] A drive bar is wound around two drive wheels located at both ends. The drive bar is connected to the connecting assembly to drive the rack to move cyclically.

[0017] In one feasible implementation, the shelf includes a base plate and side plates connected to both sides of the base plate, and a connecting shaft is installed on the outer wall of the side plate for connecting to the connecting assembly;

[0018] The connection component includes:

[0019] A fixed arm, the first end of which is fixed to the connecting shaft, and the second end of which is movably connected to the limiting component;

[0020] A connecting swing arm is provided, with its first end connected to the transmission bar and its second end movably connected to the connecting shaft.

[0021] In one feasible implementation, the limiting component includes an annular guide rail;

[0022] The second end of the fixed arm is connected to a roller, which is slidably connected to the annular guide rail.

[0023] In one feasible implementation, the number of transmission components is two sets, and the two sets of transmission components are symmetrically arranged on the support frame;

[0024] The number of the limiting components is two sets, and the two sets of the limiting components are staggered on the support frame;

[0025] Each of the aforementioned racks is connected to two sets of the aforementioned connecting components;

[0026] The two fixed arms fixed to the frame are symmetrically arranged about the vertical direction, and the included angle between the two fixed arms is between 30° and 180°; the connecting swing arm includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm with the same structure, and the first swing arm, the second swing arm and part of the transmission bar form a triangle.

[0027] In one feasible implementation, the vending machine further includes an anti-pinch component disposed on the side wall of the refrigerated cabinet at the window. The anti-pinch component is configured such that goods exposed on the shelf trigger the anti-pinch component to stop the circulation mechanism from operating.

[0028] In one feasible implementation, the anti-pinch component includes:

[0029] The sensor is installed on the side wall of the freezer;

[0030] An anti-pinch lever is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the freezer at one end, and the other end of the anti-pinch lever is configured to rotate under the influence of goods exposed on the shelf to trigger the sensor.

[0031] The anti-pinch lever is installed on the upper side of the window and / or the lower side of the window.

[0032] In one feasible implementation, the launching mechanism includes:

[0033] A reel assembly is disposed on the support frame or the circulation mechanism;

[0034] A flexible component, with one end wound around the reel assembly and the other end abutting against the cargo, so as to push the cargo out of the window under the drive of the reel assembly.

[0035] In one feasible implementation, the transmission mechanism includes at least one of a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, and a tilting conveyor.

[0036] The automated vending machine provided in this application embodiment, by incorporating a push-out mechanism inside the refrigerated display case in conjunction with an external conveying mechanism, can conveniently and quickly transfer goods from the refrigerated display case to the processing cabinet, reducing the number of components inside the refrigerated display case and minimizing the use of complex mechanical mechanisms. Furthermore, by providing at least one window on one side wall of the refrigerated display case, the amount of air exchange between the refrigerated display case and the outside air is reduced. This design mitigates damage caused by frost formation on the components inside the refrigerated display case due to external moisture, and also significantly frees up space within the refrigerated display case to accommodate more shelves, thus promoting energy conservation and emission reduction. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated vending machine provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an automated vending machine provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the freezer and processing cabinet provided according to the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support frame and circulation mechanism provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a side view of the circulating mechanism and connecting components provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a circulation mechanism and a shelf according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the circulation mechanism and multiple shelves according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shelf provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the shelf provided according to an embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0049] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the shelf provided according to an embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0050] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the goods provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure label:

[0052] 100. Refrigerator; 110. Window; 120. Door opening / closing; 121. Control panel;

[0053] 200. Circulation mechanism; 210. Drive component; 220. Transmission component; 221. Transmission wheel; 222. Transmission bar; 230. Limiting component; 231. Circular guide rail;

[0054] 300, Shelf; 301, Base plate; 302, Side plate; 310, Connecting assembly; 311, Fixed arm; 3111, Roller; 312, Connecting swing arm; 3121, First swing arm; 3122, Second swing arm; 320, Connecting shaft;

[0055] 400. Issuing organization;

[0056] 500. Transmission mechanism;

[0057] 600. Goods; 610. Identification code;

[0058] 700. Processing cabinet;

[0059] 800. Support frame;

[0060] 900. Anti-pinch components;

[0061] 10. Door body; 11. Display screen;

[0062] 20. Barcode scanner. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "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 the embodiments of this application 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 the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0066] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0067] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0068] Before introducing the automated vending machine of this application embodiment, its application scenario will first be explained. The automated vending machine of this application can sell pre-prepared food (meal boxes) and can heat the meal boxes so that users can quickly obtain their desired food. Of course, the automated vending machine can also be used to sell juice. For example, fruit can be stored in a refrigerated display case, and after a user purchases it, the fruit can be transported to the processing area to be freshly squeezed into juice; or vegetables can be stored in a refrigerated display case for immediate preparation of vegetable juice or vegetable salad. The automated vending machine can also be applied to other catering scenarios, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0069] Because the existing technology places the robotic arm inside the freezer, and because the robotic arm has a complex structure and large size, it is not only susceptible to damage from water vapor freezing and frost when the freezer is opened, but also occupies a lot of refrigeration space, resulting in high compressor power and high overall power consumption.

[0070] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this application provides an automated vending machine. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated vending machine provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an automated vending machine provided according to an embodiment of this application; such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automated vending machine may include a refrigerated display case 100, a processing cabinet 700, a circulation mechanism 200, a dispensing mechanism 400, and a transmission mechanism 500.

[0071] The freezer 100 has at least one window 110 on one side wall and at least one door 120 movably connected to it for closing the window 110; a circulation mechanism 200 is disposed inside the freezer 100 and has multiple shelves 300 on it. The circulation mechanism 200 can drive the multiple shelves 300 to circulate within the freezer 100. The circulation mechanism 200 is configured to move any shelf 300 to the window 110; a push-out mechanism 400 is disposed inside the freezer 100 and is corresponding to the window 110. The push-out mechanism 400 is configured to push the goods 600 on the shelves 300 out of the window 110; a transfer mechanism 500 is disposed outside the freezer 100 and connects the window 110 and the processing cabinet 700. The transfer mechanism 500 is configured to transfer the goods 600 received from the window 110 to the processing cabinet 700.

[0072] It is understandable that by providing at least one window 110 on one side of the freezer 100, for example, two, three or more windows 110 can be provided depending on the width of the side. Since the area of ​​the window 110 is much smaller than the area of ​​one side wall of the freezer 100, the contact area between the freezer 100 and the outside air is minimized after the door 120 is opened, so as to reduce the loss of air inside the freezer 100 and reduce the possibility of frost forming on the internal components of the freezer 100.

[0073] In addition, each of the multiple windows 110 has a corresponding door 120 for closing. One of the doors 120 can be opened according to the shipping position of the goods 600, which is more conducive to reducing the contact area between the freezer 100 and the outside air and reducing the amount of air exchange between the freezer 100 and the outside air.

[0074] Since the opening area of ​​window 110 is small, in order to put the goods 600 into and take out of the freezer 100, a circulation mechanism 200 is set up to drive the shelves 300 to move in a circular manner. Through the movement of the circulation mechanism 200, each shelf 300 can be moved to the position of window 110, so as to put the goods 600 on the shelf 300 or take the goods 600 out of the shelf 300.

[0075] It should be noted that a small window 110 reduces the amount of air exchanged between the freezer 100 and the outside environment. However, the area of ​​the window 110 should not be too small either. An excessively small window 110 reduces the number of exposed shelves 300 at the same time, making it difficult to replenish goods 600 onto the shelves 300. For example, the area of ​​the window 110 is 5%-50% of the area of ​​one side wall of the freezer 100.

[0076] Define the side of the freezer 100 facing the user as the front and the side facing away from the user as the back. In this example, the circulation mechanism 200 can drive any shelf 300 in a forward-upward-backward-downward-forward or forward-downward-backward-upward-forward manner, rather than driving the shelf 300 to circulate left and right.

[0077] Based on the movement of the racks 300 driven by the circulation mechanism 200, a push-out mechanism 400 is provided between the front and rear racks 300. The push-out mechanism 400 can be installed on the circulation rack, or its position can be fixed by a support frame 800, etc. The end of the push-out mechanism 400 that abuts against the goods 600 needs to correspond to the position of the window 110, so that when any rack 300 reaches the window 110, the push-out mechanism 400 is activated to push the goods 600 out of the window 110.

[0078] It should be noted that, in order to accommodate more shelves 300 within the freezer 100, i.e., to minimize the gap between the front and rear shelves 300 (horizontal gap), the ejection mechanism 400 should avoid using a conventional horizontal telescopic rod. Instead, a vertical flexible component ejection mechanism 400 can be used. The flexible component is made of a material similar to a measuring tape. The flexible component can include a vertical section and a horizontal section. The vertical section is clamped and moved by a drive mechanism, while the horizontal section is limited. This allows the horizontal section to move back and forth as the vertical section moves, thus enabling the pushing of goods 600 on the shelves 300. The specific structure of the ejection mechanism 400 is not limited here.

[0079] To further reduce the number of components inside the freezer 100 and save space for the shelf 300, this example places the conveying mechanism 500 for transporting goods 600 to the processing cabinet 700 outside the freezer 100. One end of the conveying mechanism 500 can be located on the side of the window 110, and the other end extends into the processing cabinet 700. When the goods 600 are pushed out of the window 110 by the push-out mechanism 400, the conveying mechanism 500 can receive the goods 600 and start moving the goods 600 to the processing area. It should be noted that in this example, a microwave oven for heating lunch boxes or a juicer for juicing can be installed inside the processing cabinet 700. The arrangement of the processing cabinet 700 can be determined according to different usage scenarios, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0080] In one example, the conveying mechanism 500 includes at least one of a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, and a tilting conveyor. Specifically, in this example, the freezer 100 and the processing cabinet 700 can be arranged side by side. If a belt conveyor, roller conveyor, or chain conveyor is used, the conveyor can be configured as a long strip along the horizontal direction to facilitate the transfer of one or more goods 600 received by the window 110 to the processing cabinet 700. It should be noted that in this example, two or more goods 600 can be pushed out of the freezer 100 at once to close the opening and closing door 120 in time. Two or more goods 600 located on the conveying mechanism 500 can be transferred to the processing cabinet 700 sequentially, or multiple goods 600 can be transferred to the processing cabinet 700 at once according to the number of processing areas in the processing cabinet 700, thereby reducing the user's waiting time for picking up food.

[0081] Of course, in this example, the conveying mechanism can also adopt a flap-type conveying method. A moving component (such as a ball screw) can be installed under the flap to drive the flap to move between the window 110 and the processing cabinet 700. When it is necessary to receive goods 600, the flap is controlled to move to the corresponding window 110. When it moves to the processing cabinet 700, the flap is controlled to tilt to the side so that the goods 600 on it slide into the processing cabinet 700. The specific structure of the above conveying mechanism is not limited here.

[0082] In this application, by providing an ejection mechanism 400 inside the freezer 100 and combining it with an external transfer mechanism 500, the goods 600 inside the freezer 100 can be conveniently and quickly transferred to the processing cabinet 700. This reduces the number of components inside the freezer 100 and the use of complex mechanical mechanisms. Furthermore, by providing at least one window 110 on one side wall of the freezer 100, the amount of air exchange between the freezer 100 and the outside air is reduced. This design mitigates damage caused by frost formation on the components inside the freezer 100 due to external moisture, and also significantly frees up space within the freezer 100 to accommodate more shelves 300, thus promoting energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0083] Below, we will combine the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 13 The structure of the automated vending machine in the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the freezer and processing cabinet provided according to the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support frame and circulation mechanism provided according to the embodiments of this application.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the vending machine also includes a support frame 800, which is adapted to be installed inside the freezer 100 and is used to support the circulation mechanism 200.

[0086] It should be understood that, to minimize damage to the side wall structure of the freezer 100, this example includes a support frame 800 that closely resembles the shape of the freezer 100 inside the freezer 100. The support frame 800 can be a frame structure composed of multiple support columns and support beams. To facilitate the installation of the aforementioned circulation mechanism 200, multiple support plates can also be adaptively installed. The space in the middle of the support frame 800 is used to accommodate the shelf 300 and the ejection mechanism 400. As described above, the ejection mechanism 400 is relatively small and does not occupy too much space inside the freezer 100. Therefore, the freezer 100 can have more space to accommodate the shelf 300. In other words, for the same size freezer 100, this example allows the freezer 100 to hold more goods 600, improving the utilization rate of the freezer 100 and contributing to energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0087] The structure of the circulation mechanism 200 will be described in detail below. Figure 6 This is a side view of the circulating mechanism and connecting components provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between a circulation mechanism and a shelf according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram at point B; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the circulation mechanism and multiple shelves according to an embodiment of this application.

[0088] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the circulation mechanism 200 may include a driving component 210, a transmission component 220, and a limiting component 230. The driving component 210 is mounted on the support frame 800; the transmission component 220 is mounted on the support frame 800 and connected to the shelf 300 via a connecting assembly 310. The transmission component 220 is configured to drive the shelf 300 to move under the drive of the driving component 210; the limiting component 230 is mounted on the support frame 800 and located on the same side as the transmission component 220. The limiting component 230 is movably connected to the connecting assembly 310 and is configured to limit the shape of the shelf 300 during movement.

[0089] Specifically, the circulation mechanism 200 in this example has a simple structure, which can further free up space inside the freezer 100. Its ingenious design allows the shelf 300 to be moved quickly and stably to the window 110. The drive component 210, i.e., the drive motor, can be located in the gap between the support frame 800 and the side wall of the freezer 100. The transmission component 220, connected to the shelf 300, is located inside the support frame 800. Therefore, the output shaft of the drive motor can pass through the support frame 800 to drive the transmission component 220. Since the shelf 300 needs to be moved cyclically, the movement trajectory of the transmission component 220 should be designed as a loop (side view). The specific transmission method can be belt drive or chain drive, which in turn drives the connecting component 310 connected between the transmission component 220 and the shelf 300 to move, thus realizing the cyclic movement of the shelf 300.

[0090] More specifically, the connecting component 310 is used to connect the belt / chain to the shelf 300. When the belt or chain rotates in a cycle, it can drive the connecting component 310 connected to it to move, thereby driving the shelf 300 to move in a cycle.

[0091] Furthermore, to ensure the stability of the shelf 300 during movement—that is, to keep the shelf 300 as unchanged as possible during movement to prevent the risk of goods 600 slipping off due to the shelf 300 swaying—this example also provides a limiting component 230 on the transmission component 220 side. The limiting component 230 can be movably connected to the connecting component 310, or rather, it can be said to be snapped in place. That is, the connecting component 310 can move along the trajectory of the limiting component 230, thereby limiting the shelf 300 to that trajectory and maintaining its shape during movement.

[0092] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the transmission component 220 may include at least two transmission wheels 221 and a transmission bar 222. At least two transmission wheels 221 are mounted vertically spaced on the support frame 800, and at least one transmission wheel 221 is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism; the transmission bar 222 is wound around the two transmission wheels 221 located at both ends, and the transmission bar 222 is connected to the connecting assembly 310 to drive the shelf 300 to move cyclically.

[0093] Specifically, two drive wheels 221 can be installed on one side of the support frame 800, one above the other. The lower drive wheel 221 can act as the driving wheel and connect to the output shaft of the drive mechanism, thereby driving the drive bar 222, which is mounted on the two drive wheels 221, to rotate. In one example, the drive bar 222 is a chain or belt. Taking the drive bar 222 as a chain as an example, the drive wheel 221 is correspondingly set as a drive sprocket. The chain can mesh with the drive sprocket and move through the rotation of the drive sprocket. The circular chain ensures the cyclic movement of the shelf 300, allowing the shelf 300 to move cyclically along a racetrack-shaped trajectory.

[0094] It should be noted that a transmission sprocket is also provided on the drive mechanism, i.e., the drive electrode side, and the two are connected by a chain. This transmission sprocket is connected to a transmission shaft, which is connected to the transmission sprocket in the transmission component 220, thereby realizing the transmission of force from the drive mechanism to the transmission component 220. This arrangement can ensure the stability of force transmission, thereby ensuring the stability of the movement of the shelf 300 and preventing the shelf 300 from shaking and the goods 600 falling off due to jamming or other reasons.

[0095] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shelf provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of the shelf provided according to an embodiment of this application from one perspective; Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the rack provided according to an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0096] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the shelf 300 includes a base plate 301 and side plates 302 connected to both sides of the base plate 301. A connecting shaft 320 is installed on the outer wall of the side plate 302, and the connecting shaft 320 is used to connect to the connecting assembly 310.

[0097] It should be understood that the shelf 300 can be made of plastic, and its base plate 301 and side plates 302 can be adaptively perforated to minimize the weight of the shelf 300 and reduce the driving pressure on the circulation mechanism 200. The connecting shaft 320 installed on the outside of the side plate 302 facilitates connection with the aforementioned connecting assembly 310. Its location on the outside of the side plate 302 will not affect the placement of goods 600 within the shelf 300.

[0098] It should be noted that the rear side of the shelf 300 may not have a side panel 302, or it may have a back panel with a cutout. The cutout back panel is provided to prevent the goods 600 from protruding from the rear of the shelf 300 and easily slipping when the goods 600 are placed on it. On the other hand, it is to allow the push-out mechanism 400 to enter the shelf 300 and push the goods 600 out of the shelf 300.

[0099] In addition, multiple partitions can be set between the two side panels 302 according to the width of the shelf 300 and the size of the goods 600, so as to form multiple areas on a shelf 300 where goods 600 can be placed, making reasonable use of space to place more goods 600.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting assembly 310 may include a fixed arm 311 and a connecting swing arm 312. The first end of the fixed arm 311 is fixed to the connecting shaft 320, and the second end of the fixed arm 311 is movably connected to the limiting member 230; the first end of the connecting swing arm 312 is connected to the transmission bar 222, and the second end of the connecting swing arm 312 is movably connected to the connecting shaft 320.

[0101] Specifically, the connecting assembly 310 serves a dual purpose: connecting with the transmission component 220 to provide power to the shelf 300, and movably connecting with the limiting component 230 to restrict the shape of the shelf 300. To achieve this dual purpose, the connecting assembly 310 includes at least two parts: a fixed arm 311 and a connecting swing arm 312.

[0102] If there is only one connecting arm 312, then the first end of the connecting arm 312 needs to be fixedly connected to the transmission bar 222, and the second end of the connecting arm 312 needs to be movably connected to the connecting shaft 320. That is, a connecting sleeve can be provided at the second end of the connecting arm 312 and fitted onto the connecting shaft 320. This arrangement enables the shelf 300 to rotate cyclically following the transmission bar 222.

[0103] However, since the second end of the connecting arm 312 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 320, the shelf 300 is prone to swaying. Based on this, the first end of the fixed arm 311 is also fixed on the connecting shaft 320. That is, the fixed arm 311 will not rotate relative to the shelf 300. In order to keep the movement trajectory of the shelf 300 consistent with the transmission bar 222, the second end of the fixed arm 311 is movably connected to the limiting member 230. In other words, the second end of the fixed arm 311 can move along the trajectory of the limiting member 230, and this trajectory is consistent with the movement trajectory of the transmission bar 222. This arrangement ensures that the shelf 300 moves cyclically while maintaining the shape of the shelf 300, thus avoiding the risk of the goods 600 slipping off the shelf 300.

[0104] To better understand the principle by which the limiting component 230, in conjunction with the fixing arm 311, restricts the shape of the shelf 300, such as Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting component 230 includes an annular guide rail 231; the second end of the fixed arm 311 is connected to a roller 3111, and the roller 3111 is slidably connected to the annular guide rail 231.

[0105] Specifically, the annular guide rail 231 can be a structure with an annular groove, and the roller 3111 is engaged in the annular groove, enabling it to move along the trajectory of the annular groove. Of course, the annular guide rail 231 can also be a track structure, and the roller 3111 is engaged in the track, which can also achieve the purpose of moving along the annular track.

[0106] To further enhance the stability of the shelf 300's shape restriction by the combination of the annular guide rail 231 and the fixed arm 311, fixed arms 311 can be provided on both side walls of the shelf 300, and annular guide rails 231 for restricting the second end of the fixed arms 311 can also be provided on both sides of the support frame 800. The arrangement of the two fixed arms 311 can be arranged, for example, in a "V" shape. Figure 6 As shown, in other words, by tilting the two fixed arms 311 one forward and one backward, combined with the constraint of the annular guide rail 231, the possibility of the shelf 300 tilting forward or backward is eliminated. It should be noted that, due to the arrangement of the two fixed arms 311, the annular guide rails 231 on both sides are not symmetrically arranged, but staggered, in order to adapt to the movement trajectory of the corresponding fixed arms 311.

[0107] In some embodiments, there are two sets of transmission components 220, which are symmetrically arranged on the support frame 800; there are two sets of limiting components 230, which are staggered on the support frame 800; each shelf 300 is connected to two sets of connecting components 310; wherein, two fixing arms 311 fixed on the shelf 300 are symmetrically arranged about the vertical direction, and the two fixing arms 311 are at a preset angle.

[0108] It should be noted that the transmission component 220, the limiting component 230, and the connecting component 310 can all be provided as a single set. That is, the circulation mechanism 200 can be provided on one side of the freezer 100, which can also achieve driving and shape limiting of the shelf 300. However, providing it on one side can easily cause instability during the movement of the shelf 300. Therefore, in this example, the transmission component 220, the limiting component 230, and the connecting component 310 with the same structure are provided on both the left and right sides of the shelf 300.

[0109] The specific connection method between the support frame 800 and the shelf 300 is explained in the example above and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that, to enhance the stability of the shelf 300 during movement, fixed arms 311 are provided on both the left and right sides of the shelf 300, with one fixed arm 311 tilting forward and the other backward, and symmetrically arranged about the vertical direction. For example, one of the two fixed arms 311 tilts upward and forward, and the other tilts upward and backward; or, one of the two fixed arms 311 tilts downward and forward, and the other tilts downward and backward. The included angle between the two fixed arms 311 needs to be less than 180°, but it cannot be too small. If it is too small, the distance between adjacent shelves 300 will be too large, affecting the number of shelves 300 installed inside the freezer 100 and failing to achieve the purpose of making reasonable use of space.

[0110] In one example, the preset included angle is between 30° and 180°. For example, the included angle between the two fixed arms 311 can be 90°, but there is no specific limitation.

[0111] To improve the stability of the connecting arm 312 connecting the rack 300 and the transmission bar 222, in some embodiments, the connecting arm 312 includes a first arm 3121 and a second arm 3122 with identical structures, and the first arm 3121, the second arm 3122 and part of the transmission bar 222 form a triangle.

[0112] Specifically, two identical first swing arms 3121 and second swing arms 3122 are provided. On the one hand, the two swing arms and the transmission bar 222 together form a triangle, which can increase the structural stability of the entire connecting swing arm 312. On the other hand, based on the aforementioned stability, the connection between the first swing arm 3121, the second swing arm 3122 and the transmission bar 222 can be a rotatable connection (a connecting shaft 320 is provided on the transmission bar 222, and a sleeve is provided at the end of the swing arm, with the sleeve fitted on the connecting shaft 320). This connection method is easier to implement, easier to manufacture, and can improve the service life of the entire circulation system.

[0113] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the vending machine also includes an anti-pinch component 900, which is disposed on the side wall of the freezer 100 at the window 110. The anti-pinch component 900 is configured such that goods 600 exposed on the shelf 300 trigger the anti-pinch component 900 to stop the circulation mechanism 200 from operating.

[0114] It is understandable that when goods 600 are placed on the shelf 300 manually, improper placement can easily occur, resulting in goods 600 protruding from the shelf 300. If the circulation mechanism 200 is activated when goods 600 protrudes from the shelf 300, the goods 600 can easily come into contact with the side wall of the refrigerator 100 and be squeezed, potentially damaging the circulation mechanism 200. To avoid this, this example includes an anti-pinch component 900 on the side wall (specifically the inner wall) of the refrigerator 100 at window 110. The anti-pinch component 900 can be triggered by goods 600 protruding from the shelf 300, thereby sending a signal to the controller or drive component 210 to stop the circulation mechanism 200 from operating.

[0115] The aforementioned anti-pinch component 900 can be an infrared photocell sensor, which can determine the distance of the cargo 600 based on the intensity of the received infrared signal. If the distance between the cargo 600 and the infrared photocell sensor is less than a threshold, the infrared photocell sensor will send a signal to the controller or drive component 210 to control the circulation mechanism 200 to stop running, so as to avoid damage to the cargo 600 or the circulation mechanism 200.

[0116] Of course, the anti-pinch component 900 described above is not limited to an infrared photocell sensor. In some embodiments, the anti-pinch component 900 may include a sensor and an anti-pinch lever (not shown). The sensor is disposed on the side wall of the freezer 100; one end of the anti-pinch lever is rotatably disposed on the side wall of the freezer 100, and the other end of the anti-pinch lever is configured to rotate under the influence of the goods 600 exposed on the shelf 300 to trigger the sensor.

[0117] Specifically, one or more anti-pinch levers are installed on the side wall of the refrigerated container 100 through which the goods 600 pass. The free end of each anti-pinch lever has a metal plate. A proximity switch, which can be used as the sensor, is located on one side of the anti-pinch lever. When the goods 600 protrude beyond the shelf 300 to a certain extent, it will cause the free end of the anti-pinch lever to rotate, bringing it close to the sensor. This triggers the sensor to send a signal, stopping the circulation mechanism 200 to prevent blockage of the goods 600 or damage to the circulation mechanism 200.

[0118] In some embodiments, the anti-pinch lever is installed on the upper side of the window 110 and / or the lower side of the window 110.

[0119] Specifically, the anti-pinch lever can be positioned according to the circulation direction of the shelf 300. If the circulation direction of the shelf 300 is forward-down-back-up-forward, the anti-pinch lever and its corresponding sensor can be installed on the lower side of the window 110 to promptly detect whether the goods 600 are in place after placement. If the circulation direction of the shelf 300 is forward-up-back-down-forward, the anti-pinch lever and its corresponding sensor can be installed on the upper side of the window 110 to promptly detect whether the goods 600 are in place after placement.

[0120] However, in practical applications, for example, to quickly find an empty shelf 300, the circulation of the shelf 300 can be varied. Therefore, anti-pinch levers can be installed on both the upper and lower sides of the window 110 to achieve all-round perception of whether the goods 600 are placed in place. If they are not placed in place, the circulation mechanism 200 will stop in time so that the goods 600 can be adjusted to a suitable position.

[0121] During the process of manually replenishing goods 600 into the shelf 300, the circulation mechanism 200 can be started and stopped manually to accommodate the speed at which goods 600 are placed. In some embodiments, a control panel 121 is provided on the opening and closing door 120 so that the circulation mechanism 200 can be started or stopped by pressing the button on the control panel 121.

[0122] Specifically, the control panel 121 may include forward and reverse buttons, allowing manual pressing to quickly rotate the empty shelf 300 to the window 110 using the circulation mechanism 200. Alternatively, the control panel 121 may display the position of the empty shelf 300, for example, in the lower rear corner, so that pressing the buttons allows the shelf 300 to quickly rotate in a downward-forward direction to the window 110 position.

[0123] In this example, the launching mechanism 400, in addition to the aforementioned steering structure, is... Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the ejection mechanism 400 may include a reel assembly and a flexible component (not shown). The reel assembly is disposed on the support frame 800 or the circulation mechanism 200; one end of the flexible component is wound around the reel assembly, and the other end abuts against the cargo 600 to eject the cargo 600 from the window 110 under the drive of the reel assembly.

[0124] Specifically, the reel assembly may include a housing, a rotating shaft, and a drive motor. The rotating shaft is disposed within the housing, and the side wall of the housing has a limiting hole. The flexible component may be a flexible steel strip, one end of which is wound around the rotating shaft, and the other end extends out of the limiting hole. The portion extending out of the housing is straightened, and the end is used to abut against the cargo 600 to push the cargo 600 out of the window 110. Specifically, the rotating shaft can rotate under the drive of the drive motor, thereby causing the flexible steel strip to retract or unfold. During the unfolding process, the end located outside the housing abuts against the cargo 600 and continuously pushes the cargo 600 out of the window 110.

[0125] In this example, the goods 600 on the rack 300 are pushed out to the window 110 by combining the roller assembly with the flexible assembly. The roller assembly occupies very little space, which provides a basis for the layout of more racks 300, and saves refrigeration space in the freezer 100 to a certain extent, which is conducive to energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0126] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the vending machine further includes a door 10 having a receiving cavity, the door 10 covering the side of the freezer 100 with a window 110; a transmission mechanism 500 is disposed in the receiving cavity; and a display screen 11 is installed on the door 10 for displaying information about the goods 600 inside the freezer 100.

[0127] Specifically, the door 10 is a shell-shaped structure with an opening, used to cover the side of the freezer 100 with the window 110, so as to accommodate the transmission mechanism 500 located outside the freezer 100 within the receiving cavity of the door 10. This arrangement can reduce the amount of outside air entering the freezer 100 through the window 110 when the door 120 is opened. In addition, a display screen 11 can be provided on the outside of the door 10 to display information about the goods 600 currently inside the freezer 100. Alternatively, a touch button can be provided on the outside of the door 10 for the user to select goods 600.

[0128] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the freezer 100 of this application is also equipped with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a barcode scanner 20. The barcode scanner 20 is used to scan the identification code 610 (QR code) on the goods 600, such as... Figure 13 As shown, a first target object that can be sensed by a first sensor is provided on the circulation mechanism 200 or a certain shelf 300, and a second target object that can be sensed by a second sensor is provided on each shelf 300, wherein the number of the first target object is one.

[0129] The first and second sensors can be metal sensors, and the first and second target objects are iron sheets. When the vending machine is first run, since there are no goods 600 inside, the circulation mechanism 200 will circulate once to search for the first target object. When the first target object is identified by the first sensor, this shelf 300 will be marked as "Shelf 1 300", and other shelves 300 will be marked as "Shelf 2 300", "Shelf 3 300", and so on.

[0130] Since each item 600 is labeled with an identification code 610, which can include information such as item 600 information, price information, and shelf-life information, after placing the items 600 in the freezer 100, the "Inventory" command button can be selected. This command button can be on the control panel 121 on the door 120 or on the display screen 11 on the door 10, which is not limited here. The inventory process is that the circulation mechanism 200 drives the shelf 300 to circulate, so that each item 600 that passes through the barcode scanner 20 will have its identification code 610 information and the corresponding shelf 300 position information recorded.

[0131] The aforementioned placement can automatically identify the information of goods 600 inside the freezer 100, automatically read data such as the inventory of goods 600, eliminate the need for manual input of goods 600 information, reduce the time spent opening the freezer 100 door, reduce the risk of ice formation inside the freezer 100, and the automated inventory of goods 600 greatly improves the accuracy of information between the equipment and goods 600, and also improves the efficiency of replenishing goods 600.

[0132] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An automated vending machine, characterized in that, The vending machine includes a freezer and a processing cabinet, wherein one side wall of the freezer has at least one window and at least one door movably connected to it for closing the window; the vending machine also includes: A circulation mechanism is provided inside the freezer. The circulation mechanism is equipped with multiple shelves. The circulation mechanism can drive the multiple shelves to circulate within the freezer. The circulation mechanism is configured to move any one shelf to the window. An ejection mechanism is provided inside the freezer and is configured to eject goods on the shelf from the window. A transfer mechanism is disposed outside the refrigerator and connects the window and the processing cabinet. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer goods received from the window to the processing cabinet.

2. The automated vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic vending machine also includes a support frame, which is adapted to be installed inside the refrigerator and is used to support the circulation mechanism; The circulation mechanism includes: The drive component is mounted on the support frame; A transmission component is mounted on the support frame and connected to the shelf via a connecting assembly. The transmission component is configured to move the shelf under the drive of the drive component. A limiting component is installed on the support frame and is located on the same side as the transmission component. The limiting component is movably connected to the connecting assembly and is configured to limit the shape of the shelf during movement.

3. The automated vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission component includes: At least two drive wheels are mounted at intervals along the vertical direction on the support frame, and at least one of the drive wheels is connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism; A drive bar is wound around two drive wheels located at both ends. The drive bar is connected to the connecting assembly to drive the rack to move cyclically.

4. The automated vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shelf includes a base plate and side plates connected to both sides of the base plate. A connecting shaft is installed on the outer wall of the side plate, and the connecting shaft is used to connect to the connecting assembly. The connection component includes: A fixed arm, the first end of which is fixed to the connecting shaft, and the second end of which is movably connected to the limiting component; A connecting swing arm is provided, with its first end connected to the transmission bar and its second end movably connected to the connecting shaft.

5. The automated vending machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting component includes an annular guide rail; The second end of the fixed arm is connected to a roller, which is slidably connected to the annular guide rail.

6. The automated vending machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of transmission components is two sets, and the two sets of transmission components are symmetrically arranged on the support frame; The number of the limiting components is two sets, and the two sets of the limiting components are staggered on the support frame; Each of the aforementioned racks is connected to two sets of the aforementioned connecting components; The two fixed arms fixed to the frame are symmetrically arranged about the vertical direction, and the included angle between the two fixed arms is between 30° and 180°; the connecting swing arm includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm with the same structure, and the first swing arm, the second swing arm and part of the transmission bar form a triangle.

7. The automated vending machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The automated vending machine also includes an anti-pinch component, which is disposed on the side wall of the refrigerated cabinet at the window. The anti-pinch component is configured such that goods exposed on the shelf trigger the anti-pinch component to stop the circulation mechanism from operating.

8. The automated vending machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The anti-pinch component includes: The sensor is installed on the side wall of the freezer; An anti-pinch lever is rotatably mounted on the side wall of the freezer at one end, and the other end of the anti-pinch lever is configured to rotate under the influence of goods exposed on the shelf to trigger the sensor. The anti-pinch lever is installed on the upper side of the window and / or the lower side of the window.

9. The automated vending machine according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The launching agencies include: A reel assembly is disposed on the support frame or the circulation mechanism; A flexible component, with one end wound around the reel assembly and the other end abutting against the cargo, so as to push the cargo out of the window under the drive of the reel assembly.

10. The automated vending machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes at least one of belt conveyors, roller conveyors, chain conveyors, and tilting conveyors.

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