Anti-tilting self-positioning cup stand of popcorn vending machine

Abstract

The utility model provides an anti-tilting self-positioning cup saucer of a popcorn automatic vending machine, a cup saucer body is a bowl-shaped bearing piece matched with the outer contour of the lower end of a subpackaging cup, the lower end of the cup saucer body is connected with a transfer mechanism, and at least three groups of locking units are uniformly arranged at the upper end of the cup saucer body along the circumferential direction and are used for abutting against and fixing the subpackaging cup through a circumferential friction wheel; a laser receiving module is arranged in the center of the bottom of the inner side of the cup holder, a first laser emitting module and a second laser emitting module are arranged at the lower ends of the cup distributing device and the hopper correspondingly and used for forming three-dimensional positioning detection through laser communication, and a pressure detection module is further arranged at the bottom of the cup holder and used for detecting the placing state of the split-charging cups. And the transfer mechanism, the locking unit, the pressure detection module and the laser receiving module are electrically connected with the control system. The problems that an existing cup holder system is large in positioning deviation, insufficient in dynamic stability, waste in materials and the like are solved, and an efficient, reliable and low-maintenance-cost solution is provided for the popcorn vending machine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of popcorn production, especially to a popcorn vending machine anti-overturning self-positioning cup holder. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, as a new unmanned retail terminal, the positioning accuracy and stability of the cup holder in the core function module of the popcorn vending machine directly affect the sub-packaging efficiency and user experience. The traditional vending machine generally adopts a fixed cup holder structure, and the sub-packaging cup is passively limited through a simple groove or buckle. However, in actual operation, due to the mechanical assembly tolerance between the cup separating device and the hopper discharge port, and the cumulative error caused by the long-term reciprocating movement of the transfer mechanism, it is easy to cause millimeter-level deviation of the docking position of the cup holder and the sub-packaging cup. This deviation will be further amplified during the popcorn sub-packaging process, resulting in material leakage caused by poor sealing of the cup mouth and the hopper discharge port, causing raw material waste and sanitary pollution in the machine box.

[0003] The existing technology often uses a cup holder with elastic clamping jaws, which is prone to clamping failure when encountering slight deformation or surface stains of the cup body. During the transfer process, the traditional cup holder lacks a dynamic stability mechanism, and the sub-packaging cup is prone to axial rotation or radial displacement under the action of inertia, especially when stopping or turning, there is a risk of the cup body popping out, which directly leads to the failure of the subsequent process alignment.

[0004] Therefore, the cup holder system of the existing popcorn vending machine still has multiple technical obstacles in terms of positioning accuracy, dynamic stability, and cost control, and a new type of cup holder structure that can actively correct deviation, realize three-dimensional real-time positioning, and has an anti-overturning function is urgently needed. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0005] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a popcorn vending machine anti-overturning self-positioning cup holder, which solves the problem of deviation in the positioning process of the cup holder transfer, poor dynamic stability, and the risk of popping out or overturning.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme: a popcorn vending machine anti-overturning self-positioning cup holder, the cup holder body is a bowl-shaped supporting member matched with the lower end outer contour of the sub-packaging cup, the lower end is connected with the transfer mechanism, and the upper end is uniformly provided with at least three groups of locking units along the circumference for fixing the sub-packaging cup through the circumferential friction wheel, the inside bottom center of the cup holder is provided with a laser receiving module, the cup separating device and the lower end of the hopper are respectively provided with a first laser emitting module and a second laser emitting module for forming three-dimensional positioning detection through laser communication, and the bottom of the cup holder is also provided with a pressure detection module for detecting the placement state of the sub-packaging cup, and the transfer mechanism, the locking unit, the pressure detection module, the laser receiving module, and the control system are electrically connected.

[0007] In the preferred solution, the locking unit comprises a friction wheel rotatably connected to the upper end of the cup holder through an eccentric shaft, a first pulley coaxially fixed on the eccentric shaft and axially spaced from the friction wheel, and a driving motor driving the friction wheel to rotate around the axis of the eccentric shaft through a second pulley on the output shaft of the driving motor and a belt, so that the distal end of the friction wheel rotates towards the inside of the cup holder and abuts against the cup wall of the divided cup.

[0008] In the preferred solution, the diameter of the smallest circular cavity surrounded by the distal ends of the friction wheels of the three locking units on the inside of the cup holder is smaller than the outer diameter of the divided cup at the height of the upper end surface of the cup holder.

[0009] In the preferred solution, the outer circumference of the friction wheel is provided with an elastic material layer, and the surface of the elastic material layer is provided with anti-slip lines.

[0010] In the preferred solution, the divided cup is made of transparent material or has a laser transmission window at the center of the bottom.

[0011] In the preferred solution, the first laser emission module comprises at least three laser emission units uniformly arranged along the circumference of the cup falling port at the lower end of the cup dividing device, and the extended lines of the emission paths of the laser emission units intersect at a first preset point below the central axis of the cup falling port.

[0012] In the preferred solution, the first laser emission module uses an infrared laser emitter, and the vertical distance from the first preset point to the lower end surface of the cup dividing device is 0.8-1.5 times the height of the divided cup.

[0013] In the preferred solution, the second laser emission module comprises at least three laser emission units uniformly arranged along the circumference of the discharge port at the lower end of the hopper, and the extended lines of the emission paths of the laser emission units intersect at a second preset point below the central axis of the discharge port.

[0014] In the preferred solution, the second laser emission module uses an infrared laser emitter, and the vertical distance from the second preset point to the lower end surface of the hopper is the height of the divided cup.

[0015] The array circle diameter of the three emission units on the lower end surface of the hopper is greater than the diameter of the cup mouth of the divided cup.

[0016] In the preferred solution, the pressure detection module is electrically connected to the control system, used for acquiring the falling signal of the divided cup and controlling the locking unit to fix the divided cup, or used for detecting whether the divided cup is tightly abutted against the end surface of the discharge port at the lower end of the hopper.

[0017] The laser receiving module is electrically connected to the control system, used for driving the transfer mechanism to realize three-dimensional positioning calibration by comparing the intersection points of the first laser emission module and the second laser emission module.

[0018] The utility model provides a kind of popcorn vending machine anti-inclination self-positioning cup holder, it has beneficial effect for: high-precision three-dimensional dynamic positioning: through the first laser emission module and second laser emission module being set respectively in cup dividing device and hopper lower end, in combination with the laser receiving module of cup holder bottom, the three-dimensional real-time positioning calibration of subpackaging cup is realized, effectively eliminates mechanical assembly tolerance and cumulative error of transfer mechanism, positioning accuracy can reach millimeter level, ensure seamless docking of subpackaging cup and hopper discharge port.

[0019] Active anti-overturning and dynamic stability: at least three groups of locking units are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction, the eccentric drive friction wheel is applied to the subpackaging cup to exert a downward circumferential clamping force, and the elastic material layer and the anti-skid pattern design are matched, so that the dynamic stability is significantly improved.

[0020] Intelligent state detection and cooperative control: the pressure detection module monitors the placement state and abutting pressure of the subpackaging cup in real time, the clamping action of the locking unit or the position of the transfer mechanism is triggered by the control system to avoid the cup from being ejected due to impact or damaged due to overload pressure, and the continuity and safety of the subpackaging process are ensured.

[0021] Reduce material waste and operation and maintenance cost: the cooperation of laser positioning and mechanical locking can ensure the sealing of the subpackaging cup and the discharge port, completely solve the material leakage problem caused by deviation of the traditional structure, reduce raw material loss and reduce the cleaning and maintenance frequency of the machine box.

[0022] Full-automatic process improves efficiency: through laser communication, pressure feedback and motor-driven closed-loop control, the whole unmanned operation from cup receiving, positioning to loading is realized, the need for manual intervention is greatly reduced, and the subpackaging efficiency and user experience are improved.

[0023] The above technical effects collectively solve the problems of large positioning deviation, insufficient dynamic stability and material waste of existing cup holder systems, and provide an efficient, reliable and low-maintenance-cost solution for popcorn vending machines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The utility model will be further described below in combination with the drawings and examples:

[0025] Figure 1 is the internal structure diagram of the popcorn machine of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 is the cup holder and transfer mechanism connection structure diagram of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 is the side view of the subpackaging cup fixed structure in the cup holder of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 4Is the utility model cup in cup tray fixed structure plan view;

[0029] Figure 5 Is the utility model locking unit structure diagram;

[0030] Figure 6 Is the utility model cup tray bottom element plan view;

[0031] Figure 7 Is the utility model first laser emission module setting schematic view;

[0032] Figure 8 Is the utility model cup tray and cup device positioning schematic view;

[0033] Figure 9 Is the utility model second laser emission module setting schematic view;

[0034] Figure 10 Is the utility model cup tray and hopper positioning schematic view;

[0035] Figure 11 Is the utility model control system connection diagram.

[0036] In the drawing: cup tray 1;Transfer mechanism 2;Locking unit 3;Friction wheel 301;Eccentric shaft 302;First pulley 303;Drive motor 304;Second pulley 305;Surrounding belt 306;Laser receiving module 4;Cup device 5;Cup falling port 501;Hopper 6;Discharge port 601;First laser emission module 7;Second laser emission module 8;Pressure detection module 9;Control system 100. Specific embodiments

[0037] Example 1

[0038] As Figures 1-11 shown, a popcorn vending machine anti-inclination self-positioning cup tray, cup tray 1 body is the bowl-shaped supporting member that is compatible with the lower end outer contour of sub-packaging cup, its lower end is connected with transfer mechanism 2, and the upper end is uniformly provided with at least three groups of locking units 3 along the circumference, is used for through the circumferential friction wheel 301 and is fixed sub-packaging cup, and the inside bottom center of cup tray 1 is equipped with laser receiving module 4, and cup device 5 and hopper 6 lower end are respectively equipped with first laser emission module 7 and second laser emission module 8, are used for through laser communication and form three-dimensional positioning detection, and cup tray 1 bottom is also equipped with pressure detection module 9, is used for detecting sub-packaging cup placement state, and transfer mechanism 2, locking unit 3, pressure detection module 9, laser receiving module 4 and control system 100 are electrically connected.

[0039] The present application uses at least three groups of locking units 3 arranged circumferentially to realize the circumferential positioning of the sub-packaging cup, preventing it from overturning during movement. During the operation of the popcorn machine, after the cup holder 1 is moved below the cup dispensing device 5 by the transfer mechanism 2, the first laser emitting module 7 and the laser receiving module 4 check and calibrate the cup holder 1 to the optimal cup receiving position through laser communication. After the sub-packaging cup falls into the cup holder 1, the falling impact triggers the pressure detection module 9, so that the control system 100 knows that the sub-packaging cup has fallen into the cup holder 1, and immediately controls the locking unit 3 to apply a downward force to fix the sub-packaging cup. After the pressure detection module 9 detects that the sub-packaging cup applies a circumferentially uniform and constant force to the cup holder 1, it is determined that the sub-packaging cup has been fixed in the cup holder 1.

[0040] After the transfer mechanism 2 continues to drive the fixed sub-packaging cup to the corresponding hopper 6, the second laser emitting module 8 and the laser receiving module 4 check and calibrate the sub-packaging cup to the material receiving position through laser communication. At this time, the upper end surface of the sub-packaging cup tightly abuts against the lower end surface of the hopper 6, so that a reaction force is generated on the cup holder 1. After the pressure detection module 9 detects that the force reaches a certain value, it is determined that the sub-packaging cup has been tightly connected with the discharge port of the hopper 6 at this time, and the force will not crush the sub-packaging cup.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the locking unit 3 includes a friction wheel 301 rotatably connected to the upper end of the cup holder 1 through an eccentric shaft 302. A first pulley 303 is coaxially fixed on the eccentric shaft 302 and axially spaced from the friction wheel 301. A driving motor 304 drives the friction wheel 301 to rotate around the axis of the eccentric shaft 302 through a second pulley 305 on the output shaft of the driving motor 304 and a surrounding belt 306, so that the distal end of the friction wheel 301 rotates inwardly of the cup holder 1 and abuts against the cup wall of the sub-packaging cup.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the smallest circular cavity surrounded by the distal ends of the three groups of locking units 3 on the inner side of the cup holder 1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the sub-packaging cup at the height of the upper end surface of the cup holder 1.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the outer circumference of the friction wheel 301 is provided with an elastic material layer, and the surface of the elastic material layer is provided with anti-slip patterns.

[0044] The locking unit 3 applies a downward force to the sub-packaging cup through the surface of the friction wheel 301 to fix it in the cup holder 1. The distal end of the friction wheel 301 abuts against the cup wall to produce a certain amount of elastic deformation, increase the arc length of the contact part, and improve the reliability of the fixation.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the sub-packaging cup is made of transparent material or has a laser transmission window at the center of the bottom.

[0046] The infrared laser has strong penetration and is suitable for high-precision positioning occasions. A controllable infrared laser projection structure is arranged at the corresponding position of the split cup. The laser receiver is coincided with the focal point of the laser array, and the position is determined by the peak value of the superimposed light intensity.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the first laser emitting module 7 comprises at least three laser emitting units arranged uniformly along the circumference of the cup falling port 501 at the lower end of the cup splitting device 5. The extension lines of the emitting paths of the laser emitting units intersect at a first preset point below the central axis of the cup falling port 501.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the first laser emitting module 7 adopts an infrared laser emitter, and the vertical distance from the first preset point to the lower end surface of the cup splitting device 5 is 0.8-1.5 times the height of the split cup.

[0049] The cup receiving height is related to the height of the split cup. If the distance is too short, the separated split cup and the remaining split cups to be separated may not be fully separated, and collision may occur. If the distance is too long, due to gravity acceleration, the split cup may bounce out of the cup holder 1 after falling into the cup holder 1 due to excessive speed, so it is necessary to find a safe cup receiving height range between them.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the second laser emitting module 8 comprises at least three laser emitting units arranged uniformly along the circumference of the discharge port 601 at the lower end of the hopper 6. The extension lines of the emitting paths of the laser emitting units intersect at a second preset point below the central axis of the discharge port 601.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the second laser emitting module 8 adopts an infrared laser emitter, and the vertical distance from the second preset point to the lower end surface of the hopper 6 is the height of the split cup.

[0052] The array circle diameter of the three emitting units at the lower end surface of the hopper 6 is greater than the cup port diameter of the split cup.

[0053] The height of the split cup is equal to the second preset point, so that when the points are aligned, the split cup is in the counterweight position against the lower end surface of the hopper 6. The array circle diameter of the emitting units is greater than the cup port diameter of the split cup, preventing the split cup from blocking the emitting units and affecting positioning.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment, the pressure detection module 9 is electrically connected with the control system 100, used for acquiring the falling signal of the split cup and controlling the locking unit 3 to fix the split cup, or used for detecting whether the split cup is tightly against the end surface of the discharge port 601 at the lower end of the hopper 6.

[0055] The laser receiving module 9 is electrically connected with the control system 100, used for driving the transfer mechanism 2 to realize three-dimensional positioning calibration by comparing the intersection points of the first laser emitting module 7 and the second laser emitting module 8.

[0056] The above-mentioned embodiments are only preferred technical solutions of the present application, and should not be regarded as limiting the present application, and the protection scope of the present application should be the technical solutions recited in the claims, including the equivalent replacement solutions of the technical features recited in the claims as the protection scope. That is, the equivalent replacement improvements within the scope are also within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A self-positioning, tilt-resistant cup holder for a popcorn vending machine, characterized in that: The cup holder (1) is a bowl-shaped support that fits the outer contour of the lower end of the dispensing cup. Its lower end is connected to the transfer mechanism (2). At least three sets of locking units (3) are evenly provided on the upper end along the circumference. These units are used to fix the dispensing cup against the circumferential friction wheel (301). A laser receiving module (4) is provided at the center of the bottom of the inner side of the cup holder (1). The lower ends of the cup dispensing device (5) and the hopper (6) are respectively provided with a first laser emitting module (7) and a second laser emitting module (8) for forming three-dimensional positioning detection through laser communication. A pressure detection module (9) is also provided at the bottom of the cup holder (1) for detecting the placement status of the dispensing cup. The transfer mechanism (2), locking unit (3), pressure detection module (9), laser receiving module (4) are electrically connected to the control system (100).

2. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking unit (3) includes a friction wheel (301) rotatably connected to the upper end of the cup holder (1) via an eccentric shaft (302). A first pulley (303) is coaxially fixed on the eccentric shaft (302) and axially spaced from the friction wheel (301). The drive motor (304) drives the friction wheel (301) to rotate around the axis of the eccentric shaft (302) via the second pulley (305) on its output shaft and the surrounding belt (306), so that the distal end of the friction wheel (301) rotates towards the inside of the cup holder (1) and abuts against the cup wall of the dispensing cup.

3. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the smallest circular cavity enclosed by the distal end of the friction wheel (301) of the three locking units (3) inside the cup holder (1) is smaller than the outer diameter of the dispensing cup at the height of the upper end face of the cup holder (1).

4. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer circumference of the friction wheel (301) is provided with an elastic material layer, and the surface of the elastic material layer is provided with anti-slip texture.

5. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dispensing cups are made of transparent material or have a laser transmission window at the center of their bottom.

6. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first laser emitting module (7) includes at least three laser emitting units evenly arranged around the cup-dropping opening (501) at the lower end of the cup-dividing device (5), and the extended emission paths of each laser emitting unit intersect at a first preset point below the central axis of the cup-dropping opening (501).

7. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first laser emitting module (7) uses an infrared laser emitter, and the vertical distance from the first preset point to the lower end face of the cup dispensing device (5) is 0.8 to 1.5 times the height of the dispensing cup.

8. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second laser emitting module (8) includes at least three laser emitting units that are evenly arranged around the discharge port (601) at the lower end of the hopper (6), and the extended emission paths of each laser emitting unit intersect at a second preset point below the central axis of the discharge port (601).

9. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second laser emitting module (8) adopts an infrared laser emitter, and the vertical distance from the second preset point to the lower end face of the hopper (6) is the height of the dispensing cup; The diameter of the array circle of the three launching units on the lower end face of the hopper (6) is larger than the diameter of the dispensing cup mouth.

10. The anti-tilt self-positioning cup holder for a popcorn vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure detection module (9) is electrically connected to the control system (100) to obtain the signal of the dispensing cup falling in and to control the locking unit (3) to fix the dispensing cup, or to detect whether the dispensing cup is tightly against the end face of the discharge port (601) at the lower end of the hopper (6); The laser receiving module (4) is electrically connected to the control system (100) and is used to drive the transfer mechanism (2) to achieve three-dimensional positioning calibration by comparing the intersection point of the first laser emitting module (7) and the second laser emitting module (8).

Images