Tableware storing and pushing mechanism and meal selling machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a tableware storing and pushing mechanism and a meal selling machine, the tableware storing and pushing mechanism comprises a tableware storing frame, a bottom plate and a tableware pushing-out assembly, the tableware storing frame is provided with a plurality of containing cavities, the containing cavities are arranged in the first direction, the bottom plate is arranged on the lower portion of the tableware storing frame, and the tableware pushing-out assembly is arranged on the bottom plate. A blanking groove with a forward opening is formed in the front end of the bottom plate; the tableware pushing-out assembly comprises a storage frame driving device, a stirring piece and a stirring driving device, the storage frame driving device can drive the tableware storage frame to move forwards relative to the bottom plate in the first direction, so that the discharging groove can communicate with any containing cavity in the vertical direction, and the stirring piece is movably arranged at the front end of the bottom plate; the stirring driving device can drive the stirring piece to stretch into the discharging groove and move towards the opening from the rear side of the discharging groove. The meal selling machine comprises a storage cabinet and a supply cabinet, the storage cabinet is communicated with the supply cabinet, and the tableware storage and pushing mechanism is arranged in the supply cabinet. Tableware can be taken out quickly, and waiting time of a user can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of automatic vending machines, in particular to a tableware storage and pushing mechanism and a tableware vending machine. Background Art

[0002] At present, more and more vending machines are appearing on the market, such as bread vending machines, beverage vending machines, coffee vending machines, fast food vending machines, etc., to meet people's current demand for contactless, convenient and fast shopping mode.

[0003] Fast food vending machines require users to be provided with tableware while selling meals. For example, patent document CN220189039U discloses a tableware conveying device and a food vending machine. The tableware conveying device includes a main body and a conveying mechanism. The main body has a plurality of accommodating cavities for accommodating a plurality of tableware boxes. A conveying port connected to the accommodating cavities is provided on a first side of the main body. The conveying mechanism is provided on a second side of the main body away from the conveying port. The conveying mechanism is used to drive the tableware boxes to move and at least partially protrude from the conveying port for users to access. The main body also includes a plurality of partitions that divide the plurality of tableware boxes into a plurality of vertical columns. In order to facilitate the output of the tableware boxes in each vertical column, the conveying port must be sufficiently large. When the tableware boxes in certain vertical columns are used up, due to the lack of the sealing effect of the tableware boxes, a large gap will appear in the conveying port. The larger the gap, the easier it is for external contaminants to enter the interior of the main body, which is not conducive to the safety and hygiene of the tableware. Moreover, since the conveying mechanism uses a push rod to push the cutlery box outward from one end of the cutlery box, when the user needs more than two cutlery boxes, the user must first take out one cutlery box before the push rod will push out another cutlery box, which causes the user to take a long time to get the cutlery. Utility Model Content

[0004] The first purpose of the utility model is to provide a tableware storage and pushing mechanism which can save the time of taking out tableware.

[0005] The second object of the present utility model is to provide a food vending machine comprising the above-mentioned tableware storage and pushing mechanism.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned first purpose, the utility model provides a tableware storage and pushing mechanism, including a tableware storage frame, a bottom plate and a tableware pushing assembly. The tableware storage frame is provided with a plurality of accommodating cavities, and the plurality of accommodating cavities are arranged along a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the length direction of the tableware storage frame. The bottom plate is arranged at the lower part of the tableware storage frame, and a blanking trough is provided at the front end of the bottom plate in a downward recessed manner, and the blanking trough has an opening forward; the tableware pushing assembly includes a storage frame driving device, a toggle member and a toggle driving device. The storage frame driving device can drive the tableware storage frame to move forward relative to the bottom plate along the first direction so that the blanking trough can be connected with any accommodating cavity up and down. The toggle member is movably arranged on the front end of the bottom plate, and the toggle driving device can drive the toggle member to extend into the blanking trough and move from the rear side of the blanking trough to the opening.

[0007] It can be seen from the above scheme that by providing a plurality of accommodating cavities in the tableware storage frame for storing a plurality of tableware, it is beneficial to ensure the storage capacity of tableware; by providing a drop trough at the front end of the bottom plate, the plurality of accommodating cavities can be connected to the drop trough respectively, so that the tableware in the accommodating cavity can automatically fall into the drop trough under the action of gravity; by providing a storage frame driving device to drive the tableware storage frame to move, when all the tableware in the first accommodating cavity is pushed out, the storage frame driving device drives the storage frame forward a certain distance, at which time the second accommodating cavity is connected to the drop trough, and so on, until the tableware in all the accommodating cavities is pushed out; by providing a toggle member for actively pushing out the tableware in the drop trough, it is avoided that the user needs to pick up the tableware before pushing the next tableware. When more than two tableware are needed, all the tableware can be pushed quickly, which is beneficial to saving user waiting time and improving user experience.

[0008] A further solution is that the toggle member performs a rotational motion, and the first end of the toggle member can rotate forward around the second end thereof.

[0009] A further solution is that the front end of the base plate is provided with a first bending portion and two second bending portions, the first bending portion is arranged between the two second bending portions, and a gap is formed between the first bending portion and the second bending portion; a blanking chute is arranged on the first bending portion, the gap is connected to the blanking chute, a rotating shaft is provided between the two second bending portions, the first end of the toggle member is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the second end of the toggle member can be embedded in the gap and rotate forward.

[0010] As can be seen from the above solution, the tableware is removed by the rotational movement of the toggle member, which has the advantages of simple structure and convenient operation.

[0011] A further solution is that the toggle member performs a translational motion and moves forward along the first direction.

[0012] A further solution is that the tableware storage and pushing mechanism also includes a slide plate assembly and two fixed seats, the two fixed seats are arranged opposite to each other, the tableware storage frame is slidably arranged between the two fixed seats, the slide plate assembly is arranged at the front end of the fixed seat at an angle downward, and the slide plate assembly is arranged corresponding to the blanking chute.

[0013] It can be seen from the above solution that by providing a slide assembly, tableware is transported to the tableware outlet, thereby preventing tableware from piling up in front of the chute.

[0014] A further solution is that two movable side panels, two first slide rails and two second slide rails are provided between the cutlery storage frame and the fixed seat, the first slide rails and the second slide rails are parallel to the first direction, the bottom plate is connected between the two movable side panels, the movable side panels and the fixed seat are slidably engaged through the first slide rails, the cutlery storage frame is provided between the two movable side panels, and the movable side panels and the cutlery storage frame are slidably engaged through the second slide rails.

[0015] It can be seen from the above scheme that by setting the first slide rail, the cutlery storage frame can be easily moved relative to the bottom plate; by setting the second slide rail, the cutlery storage frame and the bottom plate can be moved together relative to the fixed seat, making it convenient for staff to put in new cutlery.

[0016] A further solution is that a first detection device is provided at the front end of the fixing seat, and the first detection device is provided above the blanking chute and emits detection light directly above the blanking chute.

[0017] It can be seen from the above scheme that a first detection device is set up to detect whether there is tableware directly above the drop chute. If not, the storage frame drive device is triggered to start, causing the tableware storage frame to move forward, so that the rear accommodating cavity is connected to the drop chute.

[0018] A further solution is that a second detection device is provided on the movable side panel, and the second detection device can emit detection light upward; a plurality of detection avoidance grooves are provided on one side of the tableware storage frame, and the plurality of detection avoidance grooves are arranged along the first direction above the second detection device, and the plurality of detection avoidance grooves are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of accommodating cavities.

[0019] It can be seen from the above solution that the provision of the second detection device is conducive to improving the accuracy of the moving position of the tableware storage frame, ensuring that each accommodating cavity can be accurately connected to the material chute.

[0020] A further solution is that the upper portion of the tableware storage frame is detachably connected to an upper cover.

[0021] In order to achieve the second purpose mentioned above, the utility model provides a food vending machine, including a supply cabinet, which is provided with a cabinet door that can be opened and closed, a tableware temporary storage groove is provided on the inner side of the cabinet door, a tableware outlet is opened through the cabinet door, and the supply cabinet is provided with the above-mentioned tableware storage and pushing mechanism. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism is provided in correspondence with the tableware temporary storage groove, and the tableware outlet is connected to the tableware temporary storage groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the tableware storage and pushing mechanism of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of an embodiment of the tableware storage and pushing mechanism of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the bottom plate and storage frame driving device in an embodiment of the tableware storage and pushing mechanism of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the tableware storage frame in the embodiment of the tableware storage and pushing mechanism of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the tableware storage and pushing mechanism of the present utility model.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of the fixed seat and movable side plate in an embodiment of the tableware storage and pushing mechanism of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the utility model meal vending machine.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the supply cabinet without the cabinet door in the embodiment of the meal vending machine of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of a supply cabinet in an embodiment of the meal vending machine of the present invention.

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Tableware storage and pushing mechanism embodiment:

[0034] See also Figures 1 to 6 The tableware storage and pushing mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment includes a tableware storage frame 1, a bottom plate 2 and a tableware pushing assembly 3.

[0035] The cutlery storage frame 1 is provided with a plurality of cavities 11 arranged along a first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is parallel to the length of the cutlery storage frame 1. Each cavity 11 is connected vertically. Cutlery 30 enters the cavity 11 from the top and automatically exits the cavity 11 from the bottom under the action of gravity. A top cover 4 is detachably connected to the top of the cutlery storage frame 1. When necessary, the top cover 4 can be manually removed to open the entrance to the cavity 11. The top cover 4 also prevents dust and debris from entering the cavity 11.

[0036] The bottom plate 2 is positioned below the cutlery storage frame 1 and is provided with a support surface 21 for holding cutlery 30. A chute 25 is recessed downwardly at the front end of the bottom plate 2 in a first direction, opening forward. This chute 25 is recessed within the support surface 21 of the bottom plate 2 and extends in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. Only one cutlery 30 can be accommodated within the chute.

[0037] The cutlery ejection assembly 3 includes a storage frame drive device 31, a toggle member 32, and a toggle drive device 33. The storage frame drive device 31 can drive the cutlery storage frame 1 to move forward relative to the base plate 2 in a first direction, so that the blanking chute 25 can be connected to any accommodating cavity 11 in the upper and lower directions. Specifically, the storage drive device is arranged on the base plate 2, and the storage drive device includes a power source 311, a screw 312, and a screw nut 313. The power source 311 is preferably a motor, which is arranged on the rear end of the base plate 2. The screw 312 extends in the first direction, and the screw nut 313 is sleeved on the screw 312; the rear end of the cutlery storage frame 1 is provided with an ear seat 12 for being fixedly connected to the screw nut 313. The power source 311 drives the screw 312 to rotate around its own axis through a belt drive assembly or a chain drive assembly, thereby driving the screw nut 313 and the cutlery storage frame 1 to move forward and backward along the axis of the screw 312 relative to the base plate 2. When the tableware storage frame 1 moves forward, the plurality of accommodating cavities 11 are sequentially connected with the drop chute 25 up and down, so that the tableware 30 in the accommodating cavities 11 can automatically fall into the drop chute 25 .

[0038] The toggle member 32 is movably arranged on the front end of the base plate 2. The toggle drive device 33 can drive the toggle member 32 to extend into the chute 25 and move from the rear side of the chute 25 to the opening, and the tableware 30 in the chute 25 is pushed out by the movement of the toggle member 32.

[0039] In this embodiment, the toggle member 32 performs a rotational motion, and the first end of the toggle member 32 can rotate forward around the second end thereof. Specifically:

[0040] The front end of the base plate 2 is provided with a first bent portion 22 and two second bent portions 23. The first bent portion 22 is disposed between the two second bent portions 23, and a gap 24 is formed between the first bent portion 22 and the second bent portion 23. A material chute 25 is provided on the first bent portion 22. The bottom of the material chute 25 is the upper surface of the first bent portion 22, and the gap 24 is connected to the material chute 25. A rotating shaft 34 is provided between the two second bending portions 23, and the first end of the toggle member 32 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 34, and the second end of the toggle member 32 extends radially outward along the rotating shaft 34. A toggle drive device 33 is provided on the bottom wall of one of the second bending portions 23. The toggle drive device 33 is preferably a motor. The toggle drive device 33 can drive the rotating shaft 34 to rotate around its axis, thereby driving the toggle member 32 to rotate, so that the second end of the toggle member 32 can be embedded in the gap 24 and rotated forward to push out the tableware 30 on the first bending portion 22.

[0041] A hook portion 321 is provided on the second end portion of the toggle member 32. The hook portion 321 is provided with an arc surface, which can directly abut against the side wall of the tableware 30, so that the toggle member 32 applies a horizontal forward force to the tableware 30, ensuring that the tableware 30 is thrown horizontally and falls on the slide assembly 5.

[0042] In other embodiments, the toggle member performs translational motion and is disposed at the rear side of the chute; the toggle drive device may be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, which may drive the toggle member to move back and forth in a first direction to push out the tableware in the chute.

[0043] See also Figure 5 and Figure 7 , and combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The tableware storage and pushing mechanism 10 further includes a slide plate assembly 5 , two fixing seats 6 and two movable side panels 7 .

[0044] Two fixed bases 6 are positioned opposite each other, with the cutlery storage frame 1 and base plate 2 positioned between them. A slide assembly 5 is positioned at the front end of the fixed bases 6. The first end of the slide assembly 5 is aligned with the chute 25, and the second end of the slide assembly 5 extends downwardly at an angle. The slide assembly 5 includes a slide and a plurality of rollers disposed on its surface. In other embodiments, the slide assembly 5 may also be a smooth flat plate or a conveyor belt structure, which is not limited here.

[0045] A movable side panel 7, a first slide rail 71, and a second slide rail 72 are provided between the cutlery storage frame 1 and the fixed base 6. Both the first and second slide rails 71 and 72 are parallel to the first direction. The two sides of the base 2 are fixedly connected to the two movable side panels 7. The movable side panels 7 and the fixed base 6 slide together via the first slide rails 71, allowing staff to pull out the cutlery storage frame 1 and base 2 as a whole and insert new cutlery 30. The movable side panels 7 and the cutlery storage frame 1 slide together via the second slide rails 72, allowing the storage frame drive 31 to drive the cutlery storage frame 1 back and forth in the first direction.

[0046] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 6 The front end of the fixed seat 6 is provided with a first perforation and a first detection device 8, and the movable side plate 7 is provided with a second perforation, which is connected to the first perforation. The first detection device 8 is provided corresponding to the first perforation and the second perforation. In the vertical direction, the first detection device 8 is slightly higher than the chute 25. Preferably, the vertical distance from the first detection device 8 to the chute 25 does not exceed the sum of the heights of the two tableware 30. The first detection device 8 is preferably a photoelectric switch. The first detection device 8 can emit a detection light directly above the chute 25 to detect whether there is a tableware 30 directly above the chute 25, that is, to detect whether there is at least one tableware 30 stacked above the tableware 30 in the chute 25.

[0047] When the first detection device 8 detects that there is no tableware 30 directly above the drop chute 25, it triggers the storage frame driving device 31 to drive the tableware storage frame 1 to move forward a unit distance, so that the next accommodating cavity 11 is just above the drop chute 25, and the tableware 30 in the accommodating cavity 11 can automatically fall into the drop chute 25.

[0048] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 4 A second detection device 9 is provided on the movable side plate 7. The second detection device 9 is preferably a photoelectric switch. The second detection device 9 can emit detection light upward or downward.

[0049] Correspondingly, a plurality of detection avoidance slots 13 are provided on one side of the cutlery storage frame 1. The plurality of detection avoidance slots 13 are arranged along a first direction and correspond to the plurality of accommodating cavities 11, respectively. A shielding portion is provided between two adjacent detection avoidance slots 13. When the second detection device 9 emits detection light upward, the second detection device 9 is positioned below the detection avoidance slots 13 and the shielding portion; when the second detection device emits detection light downward, the second detection device 9 is positioned above the detection avoidance slots 13 and the shielding portion.

[0050] When the accommodating cavity 11 is in communication with the blanking chute 25, the detection avoidance groove 13 corresponding to the accommodating cavity 11 coincides with the second detection device 9. As the cutlery storage frame 1 moves forward a unit distance, the detection light of the second detection device 9 is first blocked by the blocking portion. Then, the second detection device 9 coincides with the next detection avoidance groove 13, at which point the cutlery storage frame 1 is determined to have been moved into position. The provision of the second detection device 9 in this embodiment facilitates improved accuracy in determining the position of the cutlery storage frame 1.

[0051] Meal vending machine embodiment:

[0052] See also Figures 8 to 10 The meal vending machine 20 provided in this embodiment includes a storage cabinet 201 and a supply cabinet 202. The storage cabinet 201 is connected to the supply cabinet 202. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism 10 of the above embodiment is provided in the supply cabinet 202.

[0053] The supply cabinet 202 is provided with an openable and closable cabinet door 2021. A cutlery temporary storage slot 2022 is provided inside the cabinet door 2021. The cutlery temporary storage slot 2022 is arranged corresponding to the slide assembly 5 of the cutlery storage and pushing mechanism 10, facilitating the automatic drop of cutlery 30 along the slide assembly 5 into the cutlery temporary storage slot 2022. The cabinet door 2021 is also provided with a cutlery outlet 2023 and a door panel 2024. The cutlery outlet 2023 is connected to the cutlery temporary storage slot 2022. The door panel 2024 is hinged on one side of the cutlery outlet 2023. The user can remove the cutlery 30 by opening the door panel 2024.

[0054] In summary, it can be seen that the present invention provides a plurality of accommodating cavities 11 in the cutlery storage frame 1 for storing a plurality of cutlery 30, which is conducive to ensuring the storage capacity of cutlery 30; by providing a drop chute 25 at the front end of the bottom plate 2, the plurality of accommodating cavities 11 can be respectively connected to the drop chute 25, so that the cutlery 30 in the accommodating cavity 11 can automatically fall into the drop chute 25 under the action of gravity; by providing a storage frame driving device 31 to drive the cutlery storage frame 1 to move, when all the cutlery 30 in the first accommodating cavity 11 are pushed out, the storage frame driving device 31 drives the storage frame forward a certain distance, at this time the second accommodating cavity 11 is connected to the drop chute 25, and so on, until the cutlery 30 in all the accommodating cavities 11 are pushed out; by providing a toggle member 32, for actively pushing out the cutlery 30 in the drop chute 25, it is avoided that the user needs to pick it up before pushing the next cutlery 30. When more than two cutlery 30 are needed, all cutlery 30 can be pushed quickly, which is conducive to saving user waiting time and improving user experience.

[0055] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tableware storage and pushing mechanism, comprising a tableware storage frame, a bottom plate, and a tableware pushing assembly, wherein the tableware storage frame is provided with a plurality of accommodating cavities, the plurality of accommodating cavities being arranged along a first direction parallel to the length of the tableware storage frame, the bottom plate being provided at the bottom of the tableware storage frame, and characterized in that: The front end of the bottom plate is provided with a material drop chute which is concave downwards, and the material drop chute is opened forward; The tableware ejection assembly includes a storage frame driving device, a toggle member and a toggle driving device. The storage frame driving device can drive the tableware storage frame to move forward relative to the bottom plate along the first direction, so that the material trough can be connected with any of the accommodating cavities up and down. The toggle member is movably arranged on the front end of the bottom plate, and the toggle driving device can drive the toggle member to extend into the material trough and move from the rear side of the material trough to the opening.

2. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toggle member performs a rotational motion, and the first end of the toggle member can rotate forward around the second end thereof.

3. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front end of the bottom plate is provided with a first bending portion and two second bending portions, the first bending portion is provided between the two second bending portions, and a gap is formed between the first bending portion and the second bending portion; The blanking trough is arranged on the first bending part, the gap is connected to the blanking trough, a rotating shaft is set between the two second bending parts, the first end of the toggle member is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the second end of the toggle member can be embedded in the gap and rotate forward.

4. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toggle member performs translational motion and moves forward along the first direction.

5. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The tableware storage and pushing mechanism also includes a slide assembly and two fixed seats. The two fixed seats are arranged opposite to each other, and the tableware storage frame is arranged between the two fixed seats. The slide assembly is arranged at an angle downward at the front end of the fixed seat, and the slide assembly is arranged corresponding to the blanking chute.

6. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: Two movable side panels, two first slide rails and two second slide rails are provided between the tableware storage frame and the fixed seat. The first slide rails and the second slide rails are parallel to the first direction. The bottom plate is connected between the two movable side panels. The movable side panels and the fixed seat are slidably engaged through the first slide rails. The tableware storage frame is provided between the two movable side panels. The movable side panels and the tableware storage frame are slidably engaged through the second slide rails.

7. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first detection device is provided at the front end of the fixing seat. The first detection device is provided above the blanking chute and emits detection light directly above the blanking chute.

8. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The movable side plate is provided with a second detection device, which can emit detection light upward; A plurality of detection avoidance grooves are provided on one side of the tableware storage frame. The plurality of detection avoidance grooves are arranged above the second detection device along the first direction, and the plurality of detection avoidance grooves are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of accommodating cavities.

9. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: An upper cover is detachably connected to the upper portion of the tableware storage frame.

10. Food vending machine, characterized in that : It includes a supply cabinet, which is provided with a cabinet door that can be opened and closed, a tableware temporary storage groove is provided on the inner side of the cabinet door, and a tableware outlet is provided through the cabinet door. The tableware storage and pushing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided in the supply cabinet, the tableware storage and pushing mechanism is provided corresponding to the tableware temporary storage groove, and the tableware outlet is connected to the tableware temporary storage groove.

Images