Storage rack and vending machine
The magnetically connected limiting plate solves the problem of difficult positioning in traditional storage racks, enabling quick fixation of phone cases and model adaptation, thus improving the restocking efficiency of vending machines.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU RED HARE INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Traditional storage racks are difficult and cumbersome to position phone cases, especially when changing different models of phone cases, which is inefficient and the fixing method is inconvenient.
The movable limiting plate uses magnetic connection and is attracted to the storage compartment by magnets, which enables quick installation, removal and position adjustment of the limiting plate, and is compatible with different mobile phone case models.
It improves the flexibility and efficiency of phone case positioning, simplifies the restocking process, and enhances the operational capabilities of vending machines.
Smart Images
Figure CN224501325U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of self-service vending equipment technology, specifically relating to a storage rack and a vending machine. Background Technology
[0002] Terminal electronic products, especially mobile phones, are already everyday consumer electronics products with a large existing market. Due to the relatively high price of mobile phones and other electronic products, as well as the personalized needs of some users, mobile phones are often protected with phone cases. At the same time, the patterns and designs on the phone cases are also a great place to display personalization, thus giving rise to various personalized phone case products and sales models. Among them, personalized self-service DIY phone case vending machines are one such product form.
[0003] Self-service phone case vending machines operate unmanned, so they have storage racks inside the cabinets to store phone cases. To accommodate most commercially available phone models, the racks often have multiple storage compartments to hold different phone models. The production of these racks is generally standardized, but phone models vary in size, which means the size of the storage compartments is not the same as the size of the phone cases. Typically, the storage compartments are larger than most phone cases.
[0004] This leads to higher requirements for the placement and stability of phone cases when using self-service equipment, in order to accurately pick up the phone case using a robotic arm (or similar structure). Sometimes, in order to reduce the need for manual intervention due to the phone case not being able to be picked up, operators will fix the side panel of the phone case with screws. However, although this method solves the fixation problem, it is cumbersome to operate, inefficient, and not suitable for changing different models of phone cases. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of this, in order to solve the problems in the prior art, the first objective of this utility model is to propose a storage rack that solves the problem that traditional storage racks are difficult to position mobile phone cases or that the operation after positioning is cumbersome and difficult.
[0006] This utility model solves the above problems through the following technical means:
[0007] A storage rack, characterized in that it comprises:
[0008] The frame is divided into several roughly rectangular storage compartments.
[0009] At least one of the storage compartments is provided with a movable limiting plate, which limits the distance of an item stored in the storage compartment in at least one horizontal direction;
[0010] The limiting plate and the storage plate are magnetically connected.
[0011] By using a magnetic connection method, unlike traditional methods that do not have a limiting plate and rely on screws for fixing, the efficiency of quick assembly and disassembly according to the specifications of the phone case is greatly improved. Moreover, the position and shape of the limiting plate can be placed arbitrarily, greatly improving adaptability.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the number of limiting plates in each storage compartment is 1-4, which can achieve at least 4 horizontal directions (front, back, left, and right). Of course, considering that most of the storage compartments themselves have their own sides and back, they often only need to include side limiting plates and front limiting plates. Combined with the structure of the storage compartment itself, the 4 sides of the phone case can be effectively limited.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the limiting plate includes at least a vertical abutting surface and a bearing surface located below the abutting surface and substantially perpendicular to the abutting surface. Since the shape of the phone case is generally a cuboid and the overall structure is also cuboid when stacked, the limiting plate needs to have at least one abutting surface that abuts and matches the side of the stacked phone case. At the same time, in order to ensure that the limiting plate can be placed in the storage compartment, a bearing surface is also needed as a support.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing surface is perpendicular to the blocking surface and extends to one side. Although it can extend to both perpendicular surfaces, the bearing surface itself has thickness, i.e., height, which will affect the placement of the phone case or other items. Therefore, it is preferable to extend only to one side to eliminate this impact.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing surface is fixed with a plurality of magnets, which form a magnetic connection and disconnection with the storage compartment, as well as a positional movement.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the magnet has a horizontal contact surface, and multiple magnets are evenly distributed at the bottom of the bearing surface. As the simplest implementation, the fixed magnets directly attract and contact the storage compartment and support the limiting plate, resulting in a simple structure.
[0017] As another preferred embodiment, the bearing surface is provided with multiple fixed chambers, and the magnet is embedded in the fixed chambers. This design is more aesthetically pleasing, but the cost will increase.
[0018] A vending machine including the storage rack.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] The storage rack employs several magnetically connected positioning plates, which can fix and adjust the position of items, such as stacked mobile phone cases, according to different mobile phone models and sizes, reducing the difficulty of positioning and improving operational efficiency.
[0021] The vending machine using the aforementioned storage rack can improve replenishment efficiency and thus enhance product operational capabilities. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a self-service phone case printing vending machine in its open state, with some of the internal components already removed.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the storage rack, which includes a limit plate and a mobile phone case (for storage).
[0024] Figure 3 This is a magnified schematic diagram of a portion of the storage rack;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the limiting plate and phone case 6 being taken out of the storage compartment and flipped over for display.
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a gripper with a robotic arm. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0029] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
[0032] Figure 1 The image shows a self-service phone case printing vending machine in its open state, including the machine frame 1, which contains a printer 2.
[0033] Figure 2 The storage rack 3, which is separated from the inside of the self-service phone case printing vending machine, is shown. It includes: a frame 31, on which several roughly rectangular storage compartments 32 are set. Depending on the size of the frame 31 and the stored items such as phone cases, the number of storage compartments is generally set between 40 and 120.
[0034] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the storage compartment 32, at least one movable limiting plate (4 and 7) is provided, which limits the distance of the item stored in the storage compartment 32 in at least one horizontal direction; the limiting plate (4 and 7) is magnetically connected to the storage plate 32.
[0035] By using a magnetic connection method, unlike the traditional method which does not have a limiting plate (4 and 7) and uses screws and other fixing methods, the efficiency of quick assembly and disassembly according to the specifications of the phone case is greatly improved. Moreover, the position and shape of the limiting plate can be placed arbitrarily, greatly improving the adaptability.
[0036] In this embodiment, there are two limiting plates in each storage compartment, including a side limiting plate 7 and a front limiting plate 4. Combined with the side wall and back of the storage compartment 32 itself, the four sides of the phone case can be effectively limited. Of course, the number of limiting plates (4 and 7) can be increased according to actual needs.
[0037] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows the removal of the limiting plates (4 and 7) and the phone case 6 from the storage compartment and their flipping display. The limiting plates (4 and 7) include at least one vertical abutment surface and a support surface located below the abutment surface and approximately perpendicular to it. Given that the phone case is roughly a cuboid shape and is also a cuboid structure when stacked, the limiting plates (4 and 7) need to have at least one abutment surface that fits against the side of the stacked phone case. In addition, a support surface is also needed to ensure that the limiting plates (4 and 7) can be placed in the storage compartment 32.
[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The bearing surface is perpendicular to the blocking surface and extends to one side. Although it can extend to both perpendicular surfaces, the bearing surface itself has thickness, i.e. height, which will affect the placement of the phone case or other items. Therefore, it is preferable to extend only to one side to eliminate this effect.
[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The bearing surface is fixed with three evenly distributed magnets 5, which form a magnetic connection and disconnection with the storage compartment, as well as allow for positional movement. The magnets 5 have horizontal contact surfaces, and multiple magnets 5 are evenly distributed at the bottom of the bearing surface. As the simplest implementation, the fixed magnets 5 directly attract and contact the storage compartment 32, supporting the limiting plate, resulting in a simple structure.
[0040] Of course, as another preferred embodiment, the bearing surface is provided with multiple fixed chambers, and the magnet is embedded in the fixed chambers. This design is more aesthetically pleasing, but the cost will increase.
[0041] Combination Figures 1-5The self-service vending machine for mobile phone cases is installed with storage rack 3 and gripping rack with robotic arm 8 into frame 1. On the one hand, the position of stacked mobile phone cases can be fixed by limiting plates (4 and 7), which makes it easy for the robotic arm to grasp them accurately. On the other hand, when restocking is needed, especially when restocking a different model, adjusting the side limiting plate 7 and the front limiting plate 4 can quickly fix the new model.
[0042] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A storage rack, characterized in that, include: The frame is divided into several roughly rectangular storage compartments. At least one of the storage compartments is provided with a movable limiting plate, which limits the distance of an item stored in the storage compartment in at least one horizontal direction; The limiting plate and the storage cell are magnetically connected.
2. The storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of limiting plates in each storage cell is 1-4.
3. The storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting plate includes a side limiting plate and a front limiting plate.
4. The storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting plate includes at least one vertical abutment surface and a bearing surface located below the abutment surface and substantially perpendicular to the abutment surface.
5. The storage rack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bearing surface is perpendicular to the blocking surface and extends to one side.
6. The storage rack according to claim 4, characterized in that: Several magnets are fixed to the bearing surface.
7. The storage rack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The magnet has a horizontal contact surface, and a plurality of the magnets are evenly distributed at the bottom of the bearing surface.
8. The storage rack according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bearing surface is provided with multiple fixed chambers, and the magnet is embedded in the fixed chambers.
9. A vending machine, characterized in that, Includes the storage rack described in any one of claims 1-8.