Knife fork device and self-service pizza machine

By introducing clamping and guiding components into the knife and fork dispensing device of the self-service pizza machine, the problem of poor dispensing when the knife and fork box is low in the storage mechanism is solved, ensuring stable dispensing of the knife and fork box, avoiding jamming, and improving dispensing efficiency.

CN224457418UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03CHANGSHA ZHONGGU INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHANGSHA ZHONGGU INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-30
Publication Date
2026-07-03

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a knife and fork dispensing device and a self-service pizza machine, including a mounting base and a material storage mechanism. The mounting base is installed on the self-service pizza machine housing, and the material storage mechanism is installed on the mounting base. The material storage mechanism has a storage cavity for placing the knife and fork box, and the bottom of the storage cavity has a dispensing slot for the knife and fork box to pass through. It also includes a pressing mechanism installed on the material storage mechanism, and the output end of the pressing mechanism slides up and down in the storage cavity. The structure is simple. By setting up the pressing mechanism, the weight borne by the knife and fork box near the dispensing slot is increased, allowing it to dispense smoothly and preventing jamming.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vending machine technology, and in particular to a knife and fork dispensing device and a self-service pizza machine. Background Technology

[0002] Vending machines are commonly used equipment in commercial automation. They are not limited by time or location, save manpower, and facilitate transactions, representing a new form of retail business, often referred to as 24-hour mini-supermarkets. Furthermore, with market changes, vending machines have evolved into various styles, including self-service pizza machines that sell items like pizzas.

[0003] Typically, a pizza, after heating, is a single piece and needs to be cut with a knife before being eaten with a fork. Therefore, pizza machines are equipped with a knife and fork dispensing device to deliver the pre-prepared knife and fork box to the serving spout. Existing knife and fork dispensing devices, such as those described in Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. CN202421225139.1, use a drive mechanism to move a pusher block between the storage device and the mounting base, causing the knife and fork box to sequentially pass through the second, third, and fourth dispensing slots to complete the dispensing process. Because the knife and fork boxes are relatively light, when there are many boxes in the storage mechanism, the box closest to the second dispensing slot is located at the bottom and therefore bears a greater weight, allowing it to be dispensed smoothly from the second dispensing slot. However, when there are fewer boxes in the storage mechanism, the box closest to the second dispensing slot bears less weight due to the fewer boxes above it, making it difficult to dispense smoothly from the second dispensing slot and potentially causing jamming.

[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 knife and fork device and a self-service pizza 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 knife and fork dispensing device, including a mounting base and a material storage mechanism. The mounting base is installed on the self-service pizza machine housing, and the material storage mechanism is installed on the mounting base. The material storage mechanism has a storage cavity for placing a knife and fork box, and the bottom of the storage cavity has a dispensing groove for the knife and fork box to pass through. The device also includes a pressing mechanism, which is installed on the material storage mechanism. The output end of the pressing mechanism slides up and down in the storage cavity.

[0007] In a further technical solution, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping component, which is slidably installed in the storage cavity and presses down against the cutlery box located in the storage cavity.

[0008] In a further technical solution, the clamping mechanism further includes a guide component, which is installed on the material storage mechanism, and the clamping component is connected to the movable end of the guide component.

[0009] In a further technical solution, a connector is provided between the clamping component and the guiding component, with the first end of the connector connected to the clamping component and the second end of the connector connected to the guiding component.

[0010] In a further technical solution, the pressing assembly includes a pressing block, a connecting shaft, and a fixing block. The connecting shaft passes through the fixing block and is installed on the pressing block. The fixing block slides up and down on the connecting shaft. The fixing block is installed on the connector. The pressing block presses against the cutlery box located in the storage cavity.

[0011] In a further technical solution, the storage mechanism has at least two storage cavities, and each storage cavity is equipped with a clamping component, and the fixing block of each clamping component is connected to the connecting member.

[0012] In a further technical solution, the storage mechanism also has an adjustment cavity, which is located between the two storage cavities. At least one of the storage cavities has a first through groove on its outer side for the passage of the connector. A second through groove is provided between the adjustment cavity and the storage cavity or between the two storage cavities for the passage of the connector. The connector passes through the first through groove and the second through groove in sequence and extends into the storage cavity to connect with the fixed block respectively.

[0013] In a further technical solution, the clamping assembly also includes an elastic element, the first end of which abuts against the pressure block, and the second end of which abuts against the fixing block.

[0014] In a further technical solution, the guiding assembly includes a guide shaft and a linear bearing. The first end of the guide shaft is connected to the top of the storage mechanism, and the second end of the guide shaft is connected to the bottom of the storage mechanism. The linear bearing is slidably mounted on the guide shaft and is connected to one side of the pressing assembly.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model also provides a self-service pizza machine, including a knife and fork dispensing device.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model brings the following technical effects:

[0017] The knife and fork dispensing device of this utility model has a simple structure. By setting up a clamping mechanism, the weight borne by the knife and fork box near the dispensing chute is increased, so that it can be delivered smoothly and avoid jamming.

[0018] The self-service pizza machine of this utility model includes all the technical features and beneficial effects of the knife and fork dispensing device, so they will not be described in detail here. 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 schematic diagram of the knife and fork dispensing device of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the knife and fork dispensing device of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the clamping components and connectors.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A breakdown diagram is shown in the image.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The main view in the text.

[0026] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0027] 1. Mounting bracket;

[0028] 2. Material storage mechanism; 21. Material storage chamber; 211. First through groove; 22. Adjustment chamber; 221. Second through groove;

[0029] 3. Clamping mechanism; 31. Clamping assembly; 311. Clamping block; 312. Connecting shaft; 313. Fixing block; 32. Guide assembly; 321. Guide shaft; 322. Linear bearing; 33. Connecting piece; 34. Adjusting piece;

[0030] 4. Cutlery box. 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] See Figure 1-6As shown, the knife and fork dispensing device includes a mounting base 1 and a material storage mechanism 2. The mounting base 1 is installed on the self-service pizza machine housing, and the material storage mechanism 2 is installed on the mounting base 1. The material storage mechanism 2 has a material storage cavity 21 for placing the knife and fork box 4. The bottom of the material storage cavity 21 has a material dispensing groove for the knife and fork box 4 to pass through. It also includes a pressing mechanism 3, which is installed on the material storage mechanism 2. The output end of the pressing mechanism 3 slides up and down in the material storage cavity 21.

[0038] In this embodiment, by setting up the clamping mechanism 3, the weight borne by the cutlery box 4 near the discharge chute is increased, so that it can be shipped out smoothly and avoid jamming.

[0039] In a further specific embodiment, the clamping mechanism 3 includes a clamping component 31, which is slidably mounted vertically within the storage cavity 21. The clamping component 31 presses downward against the cutlery box 4 located within the storage cavity 21. By setting the clamping component 31, the weight of the clamping component 31 itself is applied to the cutlery box 4, thereby increasing the weight of the cutlery box 4 and enabling it to be smoothly discharged from the discharge chute.

[0040] In a further specific embodiment, the clamping mechanism 3 further includes a guide component 32, which is installed on the storage mechanism 2, and the clamping component 31 is connected to the movable end of the guide component 32.

[0041] The guide component 32 guides and limits the lifting and lowering of the pressing mechanism 3. At the same time, the guide mechanism ensures that the bottom of the pressing component 31 is always parallel to the cutlery box 4 and the mounting base 1, which can further prevent the cutlery box 4 from jamming when it is shipped.

[0042] It should be noted that, as a preferred embodiment, the clamping component 31 is located in the middle of the storage cavity 21, which can make the knife and fork box 4 bear force evenly and can better deliver goods. In other specific embodiments, the clamping component 31 can also be located in other positions within the storage cavity 21.

[0043] In a further specific embodiment, a connector 33 is provided between the clamping component 31 and the guide component 32, with the first end of the connector 33 connected to the clamping component 31 and the second end of the connector 33 connected to the guide component 32.

[0044] This configuration allows the weight of both the connector 33 and the moving end of the guide assembly 32 to be applied to the cutlery box 4, further increasing the weight that the cutlery box 4 can bear and enhancing the stability of shipment.

[0045] In a further specific embodiment, the pressing assembly 31 includes a pressing block 311, a connecting shaft 312, and a fixing block 313. The connecting shaft 312 passes through the fixing block 313 and is installed on the pressing block 311. The fixing block 313 slides up and down on the connecting shaft 312. The fixing block 313 is installed on the connector 33. The pressing block 311 presses against the cutlery box 4 located in the storage cavity 21.

[0046] It should be noted that the fixing block 313 in this embodiment has a through hole for the connecting shaft 312 to pass through. The diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting shaft 312. Therefore, the fixing block 313 can move up and down along the connecting shaft 312.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the storage mechanism 2 of this embodiment has two storage cavities 21, and each storage cavity 21 is equipped with a clamping component 31. The fixing block 313 of each clamping component 31 is connected to the connecting member 33.

[0048] The arrangement of two storage chambers 21 can increase the storage capacity of the cutlery box 4. Moreover, when the two storage chambers 21 alternately dispense the cutlery box 4, the weight of the adjacent clamping components 31 will be partially or fully applied to the cutlery box 4 that needs to be dispensed, further increasing the weight borne by the cutlery box 4 and enhancing the stability of the dispensing.

[0049] In other specific embodiments, depending on actual needs, the storage mechanism 2 may also have three or four storage cavities 21 to accommodate more cutlery boxes 4. It is understood that although this arrangement increases the storage capacity, it will correspondingly occupy space in the self-service pizza machine and increase production costs. When the three or four storage cavities 21 are alternately dispensing cutlery boxes 4, the weight of the adjacent clamping components 31 will also be partially or entirely applied to the cutlery boxes 4 that need to be dispensed.

[0050] In a further specific embodiment, the storage mechanism 2 also has an adjustment cavity 22, which is disposed between the two storage cavities 21. At least one of the storage cavities 21 has a first through groove 211 for the passage of the connector 33 on its outer side. A second through groove 221 for the passage of the connector 33 is formed between the adjustment cavity 22 and the storage cavity 21 or between the two storage cavities 21. The connector 33 passes through the first through groove 211 and the second through groove 221 in sequence, extends into the storage cavity 21, and is connected to the fixing block 313 respectively.

[0051] The adjustment chamber 22 and the storage chamber 21 are connected by the first through groove 211 and the second through groove 221 so that the connecting member 33 can drive the pressing component 31 located in each storage chamber 21 to move. It can be understood that the first through groove 211 and the second through groove 221 extend from the upper end to the lower end of the storage chamber 21, that is, from the top position to the bottom position of the storage chamber 21, but do not penetrate through the storage chamber 21.

[0052] It should be noted that an adjusting member is provided inside the adjusting cavity 22 in this embodiment. The adjusting member is installed on the connecting member 33 and protrudes from the adjusting cavity 22. When replenishing the knife and fork box 4 to the storage mechanism 2, the adjusting member allows the operator to directly pick up the adjusting member, thereby moving the moving ends of the pressing assembly 31 and the guide assembly 32 to the top of the adjusting cavity 22.

[0053] The opening direction of the regulating cavity 22 is the same as the opening direction of the storage cavity 21. Therefore, when replenishing the stock, the regulating component can be picked up directly from the opening of the regulating cavity 22.

[0054] In other specific embodiments, the adjusting member can also be set at the guide component 32, that is, on the side of the storage mechanism 2, and can be moved up and down by simply moving the adjusting member, without setting the adjusting cavity 22, so as to reduce the volume of the entire knife and fork dispensing device.

[0055] In a further embodiment, the clamping assembly 31 further includes an elastic element, the first end of which abuts against the pressure block 311, and the second end of which abuts against the fixing block 313.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, a spring is used as the elastic element, and the spring is sleeved on the connecting shaft 312 to prevent the spring from shifting or twisting when compressed. The spring ensures that the pressure block 311 is always pressed downwards against the cutlery box 4 by the gravity of the connecting shaft 312, the fixing block 313, and the connecting member 33, thus guaranteeing that the cutlery box 4 always bears a weight higher than itself, allowing for smooth shipping. It should be noted that the specific structure and location of the spring are hidden in the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In a further specific embodiment, the guide assembly 32 includes a guide shaft 321 and a linear bearing 322. The first end of the guide shaft 321 is connected to the top of the storage mechanism 2, and the second end of the guide shaft 321 is connected to the bottom of the storage mechanism 2. The linear bearing 322 is slidably mounted on the guide shaft 321 and is connected to one side of the pressing assembly 31.

[0058] The linear bearing 322 and guide shaft 321 are used to guide the lifting and lowering of the clamping assembly 31, preventing the clamping assembly 31 from deviating during lifting and lowering.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] A self-service pizza machine, including a knife and fork dispensing device. The self-service pizza machine of this embodiment includes all the technical features and effects of Embodiment 1, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 knife and fork dispensing device, comprising a mounting base (1) and a storage mechanism (2), wherein the mounting base (1) is mounted on the body of a self-service pizza machine, and the storage mechanism (2) is mounted on the mounting base (1), wherein the storage mechanism (2) has a storage cavity (21) for placing a knife and fork box (4), and the bottom of the storage cavity (21) has a dispensing groove for the knife and fork box (4) to pass through, characterized in that: It also includes a pressing mechanism (3), which is installed on the storage mechanism (2). The output end of the pressing mechanism (3) slides up and down in the storage cavity (21). The pressing mechanism (3) includes a pressing component (31), which slides up and down in the storage cavity (21). The pressing component (31) presses down against the cutlery box (4) located in the storage cavity (21).

2. The tool holder assembly of claim 1, wherein: The clamping mechanism (3) further includes a guide component (32), which is installed on the storage mechanism (2), and the clamping component (31) is connected to the movable end of the guide component (32).

3. The tool holder assembly of claim 2, wherein: A connector (33) is provided between the clamping assembly (31) and the guide assembly (32). The first end of the connector (33) is connected to the clamping assembly (31), and the second end of the connector (33) is connected to the guide assembly (32).

4. The tool holder assembly of claim 3, wherein: The pressing assembly (31) includes a pressing block (311), a connecting shaft (312), and a fixing block (313). The connecting shaft (312) passes through the fixing block (313) and is installed on the pressing block (311). The fixing block (313) slides up and down on the connecting shaft (312). The fixing block (313) is installed on the connector (33). The pressing block (311) presses against the cutlery box (4) located in the storage cavity (21).

5. The tool holder assembly of claim 4, wherein: The storage mechanism (2) has at least two storage cavities (21), and each storage cavity (21) is equipped with a clamping assembly (31). The fixing block (313) of each clamping assembly (31) is connected to the connector (33).

6. The tool holder assembly of claim 5, wherein: The storage mechanism (2) also has an adjustment cavity (22), which is located between the two storage cavities (21). At least one of the storage cavities (21) has a first through groove (211) for the connection member (33) to pass through on its outer side. A second through groove (221) for the connection member (33) to pass through is provided between the adjustment cavity (22) and the storage cavity (21) or between the two storage cavities (21). The connection member (33) passes through the first through groove (211) and the second through groove (221) in sequence and extends into the storage cavity (21) to connect with the fixing block (313) respectively.

7. The tool holder assembly of claim 4, wherein: The clamping assembly (31) also includes an elastic element, the first end of which abuts against the pressure block (311), and the second end of which abuts against the fixing block (313).

8. The tool holder assembly of claim 2, wherein: The guide assembly (32) includes a guide shaft (321) and a linear bearing (322). The first end of the guide shaft (321) is connected to the top of the storage mechanism (2), and the second end of the guide shaft (321) is connected to the bottom of the storage mechanism (2). The linear bearing (322) is slidably mounted on the guide shaft (321) and is connected to one side of the clamping assembly (31).

9. A self-service pizza machine characterized by: Includes the knife and fork dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1-8.