An automated vending system

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automated vending system, including a vending machine and a vending robot. A charging pile is installed on one side of the vending machine, and the vending robot is electrically connected to the charging pile. The vending machine includes a body, with shelves installed inside. A dispensing box is located on one side of the shelves, and front and rear dispensing conveyor belts are installed inside the dispensing box. Left and right dispensing conveyor belts are located at the rear of the dispensing box, and a side dispensing door is installed on the side of the body. The vending robot includes a cart frame, with chimney pipes on both sides of the front end of the cart frame. A first display screen is located between the two chimney pipes, and a cart compartment is fixed to the rear end of the cart frame. This automated vending system is designed for locations such as hotels and restaurants. Customers can purchase goods directly from the vending machine or place orders remotely via software. The vending robot retrieves goods from the side of the vending machine and delivers them to the customer. The customer can then scan a code to retrieve the goods from the vending robot's cart, improving customer convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of vending, and in particular to an automated vending system. Background Technology

[0002] Among existing vending machines, the most common type is the fixed-location vending machine, where customers take out goods from the front dispensing slot by scanning a code or inserting coins. For customers in places like hotels, they want to be able to have the goods delivered to their rooms while purchasing them, saving them time when leaving the hotel. Utility Model Content

[0003] One objective of this utility model is to provide an automated vending system that meets the requirements of customers to pick up goods on-site or remotely, thereby increasing the applicable scenarios.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An automated vending system includes a vending machine and a vending robot, wherein a charging station is installed on one side of the vending machine, and the vending robot is electrically connected to the charging station;

[0006] The vending machine includes a body, inside which a shelf is installed. Several storage trays are arranged vertically on the shelf, and partitions are installed on the storage trays. A channel is formed between the partitions. A picking robot is installed in front of the shelf. A dispensing box is installed on one side of the shelf. A front and rear dispensing conveyor belt is installed inside the dispensing box. The dispensing box moves in the front-back direction. A left and right dispensing conveyor belt is installed behind the dispensing box. The left and right dispensing conveyor belt moves in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. A side dispensing door is installed on the side of the machine body. The side dispensing door moves vertically on the machine body.

[0007] The vending robot includes a cart frame, with chimney pipes on both sides of the front end of the cart frame. A first display screen is positioned between the two chimney pipes, and a swing gear is mounted on the side of the first display screen. A vertical movement assembly is slidably connected to the middle of the chimney pipes, and a locking spring is installed inside the vertical movement assembly. A clip is connected to the locking spring and engages with the swing gear. The first display screen rotates on the vertical movement assembly. A carriage is fixed to the rear end of the cart frame, and an upper and lower compartment are provided on the carriage. An upper compartment door is provided on one side of the upper compartment, and a lower compartment door is provided on one side of the lower compartment. A second display screen is mounted on the rear side of the upper compartment.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, a push belt is provided on the partition plate along the front-back direction, and push pulleys are installed at both ends of the partition plate. The push belt drives the push pulleys, and a push plate is fixed on the push belt.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, a hanging plastic component is suspended from the lower end of the storage plate, and one side of the push plate pushes the hanging plastic component, which has a rib formed on it.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the upper and lower ends of the picking robot are fixed with a first horizontal linear module, and a first vertical linear module is connected between the drive ends of the two sets of first horizontal linear modules. A picking module is connected to the drive end of the first vertical linear module, and a suction nozzle is provided on the picking module.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, a guide rod is provided on the outer side of the shipping box along the vertical direction, an intermediate plate is provided at the lower end of the left and right shipping conveyor belts, a guide sleeve is fixed on the intermediate plate, the guide sleeve slides on the guide rod, a shipping motor is provided above the guide rod, a shipping screw is connected to the drive end of the shipping motor, a shipping nut is fixed on the intermediate plate, and the shipping nut is threaded onto the shipping screw.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the side of the machine body is provided with a side loading port, and a door panel motor is provided at the upper end of the side loading port. The drive end of the door panel motor is connected to a rotating shaft, and a door panel pulley is installed on the rotating shaft. A door panel belt is driven and connected to the door panel pulley. The upper end of the side loading door is fixedly connected to the door panel belt. Guide shafts are provided on both sides of the side loading port, and guide wheels are rotatably connected to both sides of the side loading door. The guide wheels roll on the guide shafts.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, a door hinge is installed inside the carriage, a first curved arm is connected to the upper end of the door hinge, an upper panel is fixed to the upper door, the end of the first curved arm is hinged to the upper panel, a second curved arm is connected to the lower end of the door hinge, a lower panel is fixed to the lower door, and the end of the second curved arm is hinged to the lower panel.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, LED lights are installed inside the chimney pipe, and a control module is installed at the lower end of the trolley bracket. The control module controls the LED lights, the first display screen, and the second display screen.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, a charging plug is provided at the lower rear end of the trolley bracket, and a sensor is installed on the side of the trolley bracket.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the trolley bracket is provided with fixed base plates on both sides, an auxiliary wheel is provided in the middle of the fixed base plate, a locking shaft is fixed on the fixed base plate, and a compression spring is installed on the locking shaft.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: It provides an automatic vending system designed for places such as hotels and restaurants. Customers can directly purchase goods at the vending machine or place an order remotely via software. The vending robot retrieves the goods from the side of the vending machine and delivers them to the customer. The customer can then scan the code to retrieve the goods from the vending robot's compartment, thus improving the customer's ability to pick up their goods. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated vending system as described in the embodiment (charging piles are not shown);

[0020] Figure 2 This is an internal frame diagram of the vending machine described in the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the storage plate described in the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the storage plate described in the embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hanging plastic part described in the embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the shipping mounting rack described in the embodiment;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the picking robot described in the embodiment;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the left and right conveyor belts for shipment described in the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the side loading door described in the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the vending robot described in the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the combination of the chimney pipe and the first display screen as described in the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary wheel described in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 13 This is an internal structural diagram of the carriage described in the embodiment.

[0032] Figures 1 to 13 middle:

[0033] 1. Vending machine; 101. Machine body; 102. Shelf; 103. Storage plate; 104. Divider; 105. Dispensing box; 106. Front and rear dispensing conveyor belts; 107. Left and right dispensing conveyor belts; 108. Side dispensing door; 109. Push belt; 110. Push plate; 111. Hanging plastic parts; 112. Ribbon; 113. First horizontal linear module; 114. First vertical linear module; 115. Picking module; 116. Suction nozzle; 117. 118. Shipping mounting frame; 119. Rack and pinion; 120. Housing gear; 121. Recycling bin; 122. Front and rear slide rails; 123. Guide rod; 124. Intermediate plate; 125. Guide sleeve; 126. Shipping motor; 127. Shipping screw; 128. Left and right slide rails; 129. Door panel motor; 130. Rotary shaft; 131. Door panel pulley; 132. Door panel belt; 133. Guide shaft; 134. Guide wheel; 135. Front shipping plate; 136. Control display screen;

[0034] 2. Vending Robot; 201. Cart Bracket; 202. Chimney Pipe; 203. First Display Screen; 204. Swing Gear; 205. Vertical Movement Kit; 206. Locking Spring; 207. Clip; 208. Cart Body; 209. Upper Box; 210. Lower Box; 211. Upper Box Door; 212. Lower Box Door; 213. Second Display Screen; 214. Door Hinge; 215. First Bent Arm; 216. Upper Slat; 217. Second Bent Arm; 218. Lower Slat; 219. Protrusion; 220. Control Module; 221. Doll Placement Position; 222. Charging Plug; 223. Fixed Base Plate; 224. Auxiliary Wheel; 225. Locking Shaft; 226. Compression Spring; 227. Universal Casters. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 13As shown in this embodiment, an automated vending system includes a vending machine 1 and a vending robot 2. A charging pile is installed on one side of the vending machine 1, and the vending robot 2 is electrically connected to the charging pile. When a customer chooses not to take goods from the vending machine 1, the vending robot 2 will take the goods from the side of the vending machine 1 and move them to the customer's location. When the vending robot 2's battery is low or it does not need to deliver goods, it will automatically return to the charging pile to recharge. This automated vending system is designed for places such as hotels and restaurants. Customers can directly purchase goods from the vending machine 1 and take them away, or they can place an order through remote software. The vending robot 2 can take the goods from the side of the vending machine 1 and move them to the customer. The customer can scan the code to take the goods from the vending robot 2's compartment 208.

[0037] In the specific structure, the vending machine 1 includes a body 101, inside which a shelf 102 is installed. Several storage plates 103 are arranged vertically on the shelf 102. Dividers 104 are installed on the storage plates 103, and aisles are formed between the dividers 104. A picking robot is arranged in front of the shelf 102. A dispensing box 105 is arranged on one side of the shelf 102. A front and rear dispensing conveyor belt 106 is installed inside the dispensing box 105. The dispensing box 105 moves in the front and rear direction. A left and right dispensing conveyor belt 107 is arranged behind the dispensing box 105. The left and right dispensing conveyor belt 107 moves in the left and right direction and in the up and down direction. A side dispensing door 108 is installed on the side of the body 101. The side dispensing door 108 moves vertically on the body 101.

[0038] Different goods are placed in different levels and positions of the aisles. When a customer makes a purchase, the picking robot moves to the front of the picking aisle. The goods placed on the storage plate 103 are picked up by the picking robot and placed on the front and rear conveyor belts 106. If the customer is in front of the vending machine 1, the goods are directly output forward and taken by the customer. If the customer is not in front of the vending machine 1, or is in a hotel room, the goods are output backward. The left and right conveyor belts 107 are raised to catch the goods falling from the front and rear conveyor belts 106, and then fall to the side delivery door 108. The side delivery door 108 is opened to output the goods into the carriage 208 of the vending robot 2, waiting for the vending robot 2 to deliver the goods to the customer.

[0039] A push belt 109 is provided on the partition plate 104 along the front-to-back direction. Push pulleys are installed at both ends of the partition plate 104. The push belt 109 is driven by the push pulleys. A push plate 110 is fixed on the push belt 109. Flat goods are placed on the storage plate 103. Different types of goods are separated by the partition plate 104. The push pulleys rotate under the action of the motor, controlling the push belt 109 to push the push plate 110 forward, moving the goods forward so that they can be grasped by the picking robot.

[0040] A hanging plastic component 111 is suspended from the lower end of the storage plate 103. One side of the push plate 110 pushes the hanging plastic component 111. The hanging plastic component 111 has a rib 112 formed on it. The bag ears of the hanging goods are hung on the rib 112 of the hanging plastic component 111. The push plate 110 pushes the hanging plastic component 111 forward, so that the hanging plastic component 111 moves forward together with the goods. After the picking robot takes away the goods, the hanging plastic component 111 is recycled into the recycling box 120.

[0041] The picking robot is fixed with a first horizontal linear module 113 at both the top and bottom. A first vertical linear module 114 is connected between the drive ends of the two sets of first horizontal linear modules 113. A picking module 115 is connected to the drive end of the first vertical linear module 114. A suction nozzle 116 is provided on the picking module 115. When picking up goods, the first horizontal linear module 113 moves together with the first vertical linear module 114, so that the suction nozzle 116 on the picking module 115 is aligned with the goods on the shelf 102 to pick up the goods.

[0042] A shipping mounting frame 117 is fixed to the side of the shelf 102. A rack 118 is provided on the upper end of the shipping mounting frame 117 along the front-back direction. A box motor is provided on the upper end of the shipping box 105. A box gear 119 is connected to the drive end of the box motor. The box gear 119 meshes with the rack 118. With the power provided by the box motor, the box gear 119 and the rack 118 are driven, so that the entire shipping box 105 can move back and forth, which is convenient for outputting goods forward or sending goods backward into the left and right shipping conveyor belts 107.

[0043] A recycling bin 120 is provided below the shipping box 105. Front and rear slide rails 121 are installed on both sides of the shipping box 105 and both sides of the recycling bin 120. The front and rear slide rails 121 are fixed on the shipping mounting frame 117. The hanging plastic parts 111 that need to be recycled and the goods that have not been taken away in front move back and forth to cooperate with the front and rear conveyor belts 106 above to receive the goods.

[0044] A guide rod 122 is vertically arranged on the outer side of the shipping box 105. A middle plate 123 is arranged at the lower end of the left and right shipping conveyor belts 107. A guide sleeve 124 is fixed on the middle plate 123 and slides on the guide rod 122. A shipping motor 125 is arranged above the guide rod 122. The drive end of the shipping motor 125 is connected to a shipping screw 126. A shipping nut is fixed on the middle plate 123 and the threaded drive of the shipping nut is on the shipping screw 126. The middle plate 123 is provided with left and right slide rails 127. The left and right delivery conveyor belts 107 slide on the left and right slide rails 127. The delivery motor 125 provides power in the vertical direction and controls the delivery screw 126 to rotate. The middle plate 123 drives the left and right delivery conveyor belts 107 to lift and lower along the guide rod 122 to receive goods. In the horizontal direction, the left and right slide rails 127 drive the left and right delivery conveyor belts 107 to move, so as to facilitate the transfer to the carriage 208 of the vending robot 2.

[0045] A side loading port is provided on the side of the machine body 101. A door panel motor 128 is provided at the upper end of the side loading port. The drive end of the door panel motor 128 is connected to a rotating shaft 129. A door panel pulley 130 is installed on the rotating shaft 129. A door panel belt 131 is driven and connected to the door panel pulley 130. The upper end of the side loading door 108 is fixedly connected to the door panel belt 131. Guide shafts 132 are provided on both sides of the side loading port. Guide wheels 133 are rotatably connected on both sides of the side loading door 108. The guide wheels 133 roll on the guide shafts 132. When loading from the side, the door panel motor 128 controls the rotating shaft 129 to rotate, which drives the door panel pulley 130 and the door panel belt 131, and the side loading door 108 rises upward. After opening, the left and right conveyor belts 107 output the goods.

[0046] A front dispensing plate 134 is provided on one side of the front end of the machine body 101. The front dispensing plate 134 moves vertically. A control display screen 135 is provided above the front dispensing plate 134. When a customer is in front of the vending machine 1, the front dispensing plate 134 is opened to dispense goods. Customers can purchase goods on the control display screen 135.

[0047] The vending robot 2 includes a cart support 201. Chimney pipes 202 are installed on both sides of the front end of the cart support 201. A first display screen 203 is installed between the two chimney pipes 202. A swing gear 204 is installed on the side of the first display screen 203. A vertical movement assembly 205 is slidably connected to the middle of the chimney pipes 202. A locking spring 206 is installed inside the vertical movement assembly 205. A clip 207 is connected to the locking spring 206 and engages with the swing gear 204. The first display screen 203 rotates on the vertical movement assembly 205. A carriage 208 is fixed to the rear end of the cart support 201. An upper box 209 and a lower box 210 are installed on the carriage 208. An upper box door 211 is installed on one side of the upper box 209, and a lower box door 212 is installed on one side of the lower box 210. A second display screen 213 is installed on the rear side of the upper box 209.

[0048] Goods delivered from the side opening of vending machine 1 are layered and placed into the upper compartment 209 and the lower compartment 210 according to the customer and the type of goods. The trolley bracket 201 moves the goods to the customer. The customer can open the corresponding compartment and take out the goods by scanning the QR code on the first display screen 203 with an electronic device. The first display screen 203 can be adjusted in orientation by the vertical movement kit 205. The locking spring 206 controls the clip 207 to lock upward into the tooth position of the swing gear 204 to fix the first display screen 203. The second display screen 213 plays advertisements, animations, or even instructions to improve the user experience. In addition, the vertical movement kit 205 can control and adjust the height of the first display screen 203.

[0049] The interior of the carriage 208 is equipped with a door hinge 214. The upper end of the door hinge 214 is connected to a first curved arm 215. The upper door 211 is fixed with an upper slat 216. The end of the first curved arm 215 is hinged to the upper slat 216. The lower end of the door hinge 214 is connected to a second curved arm 217. The lower door 212 is fixed with a lower slat 218. The end of the second curved arm 217 is hinged to the lower slat 218. Under the action of the door hinge 214, the first curved arm 215 and the second curved arm 217 respectively control the upper slat 216 and the lower slat 218 to swing, thereby driving the opening and closing of the upper door 211 and the lower door 212.

[0050] Both the upper slat 216 and the lower slat 218 have protrusions 219 formed on them, and both the side of the upper box 209 and the side of the lower box 210 have recesses formed on them. The protrusions are inserted into the recesses. When the upper box door 211 and the lower box door 212 are closed, in order to ensure the closed state, the protrusions 219 and the recesses are sensed when they are combined, and the vending robot 2 can move.

[0051] LED lights are installed inside the chimney pipe 202. A control module 220 is installed at the lower end of the trolley bracket 201. The control module 220 controls the LED lights, the first display screen 203, and the second display screen 213. Under the control of the pre-entered program, the control module 220 controls the LED lights to emit light. In addition, the images displayed on the first display screen 203 and the second display screen 213 are also controlled by the control module 220.

[0052] The cart support 201 is equipped with a doll placement position 221, which is located between the carriage 208 and the first display screen 203. Different dolls are placed on the doll placement position 221 to enhance the aesthetics of the entire vending robot 2.

[0053] A charging plug 222 is provided at the lower rear end of the car support 201. A sensor is installed on the side of the car support 201. When the car support 201 moves back to the charging station, the charging plug 222 is aligned with the charging port to connect and charge the power inside the car support 201. The side sensor acts as a radar, automatically stopping or turning when it approaches an object or person to prevent accidental contact.

[0054] The trolley bracket 201 has fixed base plates 223 on both sides, and auxiliary wheels 224 are provided in the middle of the fixed base plates 223. A locking shaft 225 is fixed on the fixed base plates 223, and a compression spring 226 is installed on the locking shaft 225. A universal caster 227 is installed at the bottom of the trolley bracket 201. When the auxiliary wheels 224 are subjected to force, the compression spring 226 retracts, and the universal caster 227 can turn.

[0055] It should be stated that the above-described specific embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and the technical principles applied thereto. Within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, any variations or substitutions that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automated vending system, characterized in that, It includes a vending machine and a vending robot. A charging station is installed on one side of the vending machine, and the vending robot is electrically connected to the charging station. The vending machine includes a body, inside which a shelf is installed. Several storage trays are arranged vertically on the shelf, and partitions are installed on the storage trays. A channel is formed between the partitions. A picking robot is installed in front of the shelf. A dispensing box is installed on one side of the shelf. A front and rear dispensing conveyor belt is installed inside the dispensing box. The dispensing box moves in the front-back direction. A left and right dispensing conveyor belt is installed behind the dispensing box. The left and right dispensing conveyor belt moves in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. A side dispensing door is installed on the side of the machine body. The side dispensing door moves vertically on the machine body. The vending robot includes a cart frame, with chimney pipes on both sides of the front end of the cart frame. A first display screen is positioned between the two chimney pipes, and a swing gear is mounted on the side of the first display screen. A vertical movement assembly is slidably connected to the middle of the chimney pipes, and a locking spring is installed inside the vertical movement assembly. A clip is connected to the locking spring and engages with the swing gear. The first display screen rotates on the vertical movement assembly. A carriage is fixed to the rear end of the cart frame, and an upper and lower compartment are provided on the carriage. An upper compartment door is provided on one side of the upper compartment, and a lower compartment door is provided on one side of the lower compartment. A second display screen is mounted on the rear side of the upper compartment.

2. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, A push belt is provided on the partition plate along the front-to-back direction. Push pulleys are installed at both ends of the partition plate. The push belt drives the push pulleys. A push plate is fixed on the push belt.

3. The automated vending system of claim 2, wherein, A hanging plastic component is suspended from the lower end of the storage plate. One side of the push plate pushes the hanging plastic component, and the hanging plastic component has ribs formed on it.

4. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, The picking robot is fixed with a first horizontal linear module at both ends. A first vertical linear module is connected between the drive ends of the two sets of first horizontal linear modules. A picking module is connected to the drive end of the first vertical linear module. The picking module is equipped with a suction nozzle.

5. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, A guide rod is provided on the outer side of the shipping box along the vertical direction. A middle plate is provided at the lower end of the left and right shipping conveyor belts. A guide sleeve is fixed on the middle plate and slides on the guide rod. A shipping motor is provided above the guide rod. The driving end of the shipping motor is connected to a shipping screw. A shipping nut is fixed on the middle plate and is threaded onto the shipping screw.

6. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, The machine body has a side loading port on its side. A door panel motor is installed at the upper end of the side loading port. The drive end of the door panel motor is connected to a rotating shaft. A door panel pulley is installed on the rotating shaft. A door panel belt is driven through the door panel pulley. The upper end of the side loading door is fixedly connected to the door panel belt. Guide shafts are provided on both sides of the side loading port. Guide wheels are rotatably connected to both sides of the side loading door. The guide wheels roll on the guide shafts.

7. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, The interior of the carriage is equipped with a door hinge, the upper end of which is connected to a first curved arm. The upper door is fixed with an upper slat. The end of the first curved arm is hinged to the upper slat. The lower end of the door hinge is connected to a second curved arm. The lower door is fixed with a lower slat. The end of the second curved arm is hinged to the lower slat.

8. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, LED lights are installed inside the chimney pipe, and a control module is installed at the lower end of the trolley bracket. The control module controls the LED lights, the first display screen, and the second display screen.

9. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, A charging plug is provided at the lower rear end of the trolley bracket, and a sensor is installed on the side of the trolley bracket.

10. The automated vending system of claim 1, wherein, The trolley bracket has fixed base plates on both sides, an auxiliary wheel in the middle of the fixed base plate, a locking shaft fixed on the fixed base plate, and a compression spring installed on the locking shaft.

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