Lifting device and vending machine
By using aluminum alloy guide rails and a compact design in vending machines, the problems of high processing costs and high installation accuracy requirements in existing technologies have been solved, achieving the effects of reducing production costs and simplifying assembly and debugging.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422639520.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing lifting devices in vending machines suffer from high processing costs and high installation precision requirements, especially when installing standard guide rails on cabinets made of foam material, which makes assembly and debugging difficult.
The lifting device is designed with a base, drive mechanism, transmission mechanism, hopper and guide rail. The guide rail is made of aluminum alloy. By setting up a accommodating space and sliding cavity, the installation of the transmission mechanism is simplified, production costs are reduced and assembly and debugging difficulties are reduced.
It reduces production costs, simplifies assembly and debugging, improves installation accuracy, and features a simple and practical structure.
Smart Images

Figure CN223665033U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vending machine technology, and in particular to a lifting device and a vending machine. Background Technology
[0002] Vending machines are common equipment in commercial automation. They are not limited by time or location, save manpower, and facilitate transactions, representing a new form of commercial retail, often referred to as 24-hour mini-supermarkets. Furthermore, with market changes, vending machines have evolved into various styles, including those selling beverages, cigarettes, toys, and food. Generally speaking, most of these vending machines require a lifting device to drive the receiving mechanism to pick up goods.
[0003] Existing lifting devices typically use standardized linear guides. Although standard guides are produced in a standardized manner, the processing cost is still very high. Moreover, the installation accuracy requirements for standard guides are also relatively high. When installing standard guides on the cabinet of a vending machine, the cabinet is usually made of foam material, so the pre-set mounting holes on the cabinet may have slight deviations. Therefore, the assembly and adjustment of standard guides are quite difficult.
[0004] In view of this, a new technical solution is needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a lifting device and an automatic vending machine to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this utility model provides a lifting device, including a base, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a hopper, and guide rails disposed on both sides of the base. The drive mechanism is mounted on the base, and the transmission mechanism is mounted on the guide rails. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the input end of the transmission mechanism, and the output end of the transmission mechanism is connected to the hopper, for driving the hopper to slide up and down on the two guide rails. The guide rails include a base plate, a first vertical plate, and a second vertical plate. The first vertical plate and the second vertical plate are respectively disposed on both sides of the base plate, and a receiving space for mounting the transmission mechanism is formed between the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the base plate.
[0007] In a further technical solution, the middle part of the first vertical plate protrudes towards the second vertical plate to form a first locking protrusion, and the middle part of the second vertical plate protrudes towards the first vertical plate to form a second locking protrusion. An installation cavity is formed between the first locking protrusion, the first vertical plate, the second locking protrusion, the second vertical plate, and the bottom plate.
[0008] In a further technical solution, the top of the first vertical plate protrudes towards the second vertical plate to form a third locking protrusion, and the top of the second vertical plate protrudes towards the first vertical plate to form a fourth locking protrusion. A sliding cavity is formed between the first locking protrusion, the first vertical plate, the third locking protrusion, the second locking protrusion, the second vertical plate, and the fourth locking protrusion.
[0009] In a further technical solution, mounting plates are respectively provided on both sides of the loading hopper, and a pulley is provided between the mounting plate and the guide rail. The first end of the pulley is connected to the outer side of the mounting plate, and the second end of the pulley is slidably installed in the sliding cavity.
[0010] In a further technical solution, the mounting cavity and the sliding cavity form the receiving space.
[0011] In a further technical solution, the first vertical plate and the bottom plate have a circular arc transition, and the second vertical plate and the bottom plate have a circular arc transition.
[0012] In a further technical solution, the transition between the first vertical plate and the first protrusion is an arc, and the transition between the second vertical plate and the second protrusion is also an arc.
[0013] In a further technical solution, the width of the first vertical plate gradually increases from the first protrusion to the bottom plate, and the width of the second vertical plate gradually increases from the second protrusion to the bottom plate.
[0014] In a further technical solution, the guide rail is made of aluminum alloy.
[0015] Secondly, this utility model also provides an automatic vending machine, including a lifting device.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model brings the following technical effects:
[0017] The lifting device of this utility model uses a space to accommodate a transmission mechanism, which can move up and down within the lifting device to drive the retrieval bucket to move downhill to complete the retrieval action. Compared with the prior art, it reduces production costs, assembly and debugging difficulties, and installation precision requirements. It has a simple structure and strong practicality.
[0018] The automatic vending machine of the present invention includes all the technical features and effects of the lifting device, and therefore will not be described in detail. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting device of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the lifting device of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the guide rail structure of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 5 This is a top view of the guide rail.
[0025] Explanation of key component symbols:
[0026] 1. Base;
[0027] 2. Transmission mechanism;
[0028] 3. Picking bin; 31. Mounting plate; 311. Pulleys;
[0029] 4. Guide rail; 41. Base plate; 42. First vertical plate; 421. First locking protrusion; 422. Third locking protrusion; 43. Second vertical plate; 431. Second locking protrusion; 432. Fourth locking protrusion; 44. Accommodation space; 441. Mounting cavity; 442. Sliding cavity;
[0030] 5. Counterweight. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0034] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0035] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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.
[0036] Example 1
[0037] like Figure 1-5As shown, the lifting device includes a base 1, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism 2, a retrieval hopper 3, and guide rails 4 disposed on both sides of the base 1. The drive mechanism is mounted on the base 1, and the transmission mechanism 2 is mounted on the guide rails 4. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the input end of the transmission mechanism 2, and the output end of the transmission mechanism 2 is connected to the retrieval hopper 3, for driving the retrieval hopper 3 to slide up and down on the two guide rails 4. The guide rails 4 include a base plate 41, a first vertical plate 42, and a second vertical plate 43. The first vertical plate 42 and the second vertical plate 43 are respectively disposed on both sides of the base plate 41. A receiving space 44 is formed between the first vertical plate 42, the second vertical plate 43, and the base plate 41 for installing the transmission mechanism 2. The transmission mechanism 2 can move up and down within the lifting device by the receiving space 44, thereby driving the retrieval hopper 3 to move downhill to complete the retrieval action. Compared with the prior art, this reduces production costs, assembly and debugging difficulties, and installation accuracy, and has a simple structure and strong practicality. It should be noted that the transmission mechanism 2 in this embodiment uses a synchronous belt pulley set. Since this setting is a relatively mature existing technology, it will not be described in detail.
[0038] In a further specific embodiment, the middle portion of the first vertical plate 42 protrudes towards the second vertical plate 43 to form a first locking protrusion 421, and the middle portion of the second vertical plate 43 protrudes towards the first vertical plate 42 to form a second locking protrusion 431. A mounting cavity 441 is formed between the first locking protrusion 421, the first vertical plate 42, the second locking protrusion 431, the second vertical plate 43, and the base plate 41. The top of the first vertical plate 42 protrudes towards the second vertical plate 43 to form a third locking protrusion 422, and the top of the second vertical plate 43 protrudes towards the first vertical plate 42 to form a fourth locking protrusion 432. A sliding cavity 442 is formed between the first locking protrusion 421, the first vertical plate 42, the third locking protrusion 422, the second locking protrusion 431, the second vertical plate 43, and the fourth locking protrusion 432. Mounting plates 31 are respectively provided on both sides of the loading hopper. A pulley 311 is provided between the mounting plate 31 and the guide rail 4. The first end of the pulley 311 is connected to the outer side of the mounting plate 31, and the second end of the pulley 311 is slidably mounted on the sliding cavity 442. The mounting cavity 441 and the sliding cavity 442 form the receiving space 44.
[0039] The sliding cavity 442 allows the dispensing hopper to slide within it via pulleys 311. It is understood that the lifting device of this invention can be equipped with a counterweight 5 on the transmission mechanism 2 to increase weight, helping to maintain the stability and balance of the machine and reduce swaying and shaking during the lifting of the dispensing hopper 3. It should be noted that a guide rail 4 can be added when equipping the counterweight 5. The counterweight 5 slides within the guide rail 4 via the receiving space 44. Pulleys 311 are also provided on both sides of the counterweight 5 to reduce friction and guide its movement. The pulleys 311 are mounted on the counterweight 5, with their outer sides slidably mounted within the sliding cavity 442. The mounting cavity 441 provides installation space for the counterweight 5, allowing it to be smoothly installed within the receiving space 44. The structure is simple and highly practical.
[0040] In a further specific embodiment, the first vertical plate 42 and the base plate 41 have a rounded transition, and the second vertical plate 43 and the base plate 41 also have a rounded transition. This rounded transition increases the connection strength between the first vertical plate 42 and the base plate 41, and also increases the connection strength between the second vertical plate 43 and the base plate 41, resulting in a simple structure and high stability.
[0041] In a further specific embodiment, the first vertical plate 42 and the first latching protrusion 421 have a rounded transition, and the second vertical plate 43 and the second latching protrusion 431 have a rounded transition. This rounded transition increases the connection strength between the first vertical plate 42 and the first latching protrusion 421, and also increases the connection strength between the second vertical plate 43 and the second latching protrusion 431, resulting in a simple structure and strong stability.
[0042] In a further specific embodiment, the width of the first vertical plate 42 gradually increases from the first latching protrusion 421 to the base plate 41, and the width of the second vertical plate 43 gradually increases from the second latching protrusion 431 to the base plate 41. This arrangement further strengthens the first vertical plate 42 and the second vertical plate 43, thereby enhancing the stability of the guide rail 4.
[0043] In a further specific embodiment, the guide rail 4 is made of aluminum alloy. It should be noted that the guide rail 4 made of aluminum alloy has lower precision requirements, can have a certain degree of error, and has lower production costs.
[0044] Example 2
[0045] An automated vending machine includes a lifting device. This embodiment includes all the technical features and effects of Embodiment 1, and therefore will not be repeated.
[0046] The terms "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 this utility model. 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.
[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments, as long as they meet the purpose of the present invention, and all such changes should be within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. For example, different combinations of specific embodiments and different combinations of distinguishing technical features.
Claims
1. A lifting device, comprising a base (1), a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism (2), a hopper (3), and guide rails (4) disposed on both sides of the base (1), wherein the drive mechanism is mounted on the base (1), the transmission mechanism (2) is mounted on the guide rails (4), the output end of the drive mechanism is connected to the input end of the transmission mechanism (2), and the output end of the transmission mechanism (2) is connected to the hopper (3), for driving the hopper (3) to slide up and down on the two guide rails (4), characterized in that: The guide rail (4) includes a base plate (41), a first vertical plate (42) and a second vertical plate (43). The first vertical plate (42) and the second vertical plate (43) are respectively disposed on both sides of the base plate (41). A receiving space (44) for installing the transmission mechanism (2) is formed between the first vertical plate (42), the second vertical plate (43) and the base plate (41).
2. The lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle part of the first vertical plate (42) protrudes towards the second vertical plate (43) to form a first locking protrusion (421), and the middle part of the second vertical plate (43) protrudes towards the first vertical plate (42) to form a second locking protrusion (431). An installation cavity (441) is formed between the first locking protrusion (421), the first vertical plate (42), the second locking protrusion (431), the second vertical plate (43), and the bottom plate (41).
3. The lifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the first vertical plate (42) protrudes towards the second vertical plate (43) to form a third locking protrusion (422), and the top of the second vertical plate (43) protrudes towards the first vertical plate (42) to form a fourth locking protrusion (432). A sliding cavity (442) is formed between the first locking protrusion (421), the first vertical plate (42), the third locking protrusion (422), the second locking protrusion (431), the second vertical plate (43), and the fourth locking protrusion (432).
4. The lifting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Mounting plates (31) are respectively provided on both sides of the loading hopper. A pulley (311) is provided between the mounting plate (31) and the guide rail (4). The first end of the pulley (311) is connected to the outside of the mounting plate (31), and the second end of the pulley (311) is slidably installed in the sliding cavity (442).
5. The lifting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting cavity (441) and the sliding cavity (442) form the receiving space (44).
6. The lifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first vertical plate (42) and the bottom plate (41) have a rounded transition, and the second vertical plate (43) and the bottom plate (41) have a rounded transition.
7. The lifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first vertical plate (42) and the first card protrusion (421) are connected by an arc transition, and the second vertical plate (43) and the second card protrusion (431) are connected by an arc transition.
8. The lifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The width of the first vertical plate (42) gradually increases from the first protrusion (421) to the bottom plate (41), and the width of the second vertical plate (43) gradually increases from the second protrusion (431) to the bottom plate (41).
9. The lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide rail (4) is made of aluminum alloy.
10. An automatic vending machine, characterized in that: Includes the lifting device as described in any one of claims 1-9.