A sliding rail structure of a vending machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses an unmanned vending machine slide rail structure relates to unmanned vending machine technical field, including base, the four edges of base top surface are equipped with baffle, and the four screw rod elevators that pass through first coupling series connection and synchronous rotation are installed in the four corner places of base top surface, the utility model discloses the cooperation of spiral ring in the guide groove box with second motor, driving gear, second gear, when normal blanking, second motor drives driving gear to rotate and engages second gear, drives spiral ring to rotate stably in guide groove box, and the big -sized goods such as beverage bottle, canned food of big -sized goods are pushed along the directional conveying of guide groove box, and the article conveying track is convenient to control, avoids the article and transports the deviation close glass window gap, has improved the directional property and stability of big -sized goods conveying, and further can realize the basic function of big -sized goods accurate guidance conveying, finally solved the problem that big -sized goods is easy to be stuck in the blanking area and glass window gap between the spiral conveying slide rail conveying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vending machine technology, and in particular to a vending machine slide rail structure. Background Technology

[0002] With its advantages of 24 / 7 uninterrupted service, small footprint, and flexible deployment, vending machines have been widely used in communities, office buildings, subway stations, campuses, and other scenarios, becoming an important supplement to the retail industry. As consumer demand upgrades, the capacity of vending machine aisles, the adaptability of product types, and the efficiency of product retrieval have gradually become key factors affecting user experience and operational revenue. As the core component of vending machines that carries goods and enables precise delivery, the performance of the sliding rail structure directly determines the operational stability and service quality of the vending machine. Some vending machines using spiral conveyor systems have issues with transporting large items such as beverage bottles and large canned foods. When these items are pushed into the feeding area by the spiral blades, they can easily get stuck between the spiral blades and the glass window, or in the gap between the edge of the feeding area and the glass window, because the diameter or height of the items exceeds the allowable range of the gap between the spiral conveyor and the glass window. Therefore, improvements are needed to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a sliding rail structure for unmanned vending machines.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a sliding rail structure for an unmanned vending machine, including a base, with baffles on the four sides of the top surface of the base, and four screw jacks connected in series and rotating synchronously at the four corners of the top surface of the base via a first coupling. A first motor is coaxially fixed to one input end of each screw jack, and a screw is coaxially fixed to the output end of each screw jack. Multiple support plates are equidistantly sleeved on the four screws. A support platform is provided on one side of the top surface of each support plate, and multiple guide slots with one open end are equidistantly provided on the top surface of each support platform. Two symmetrically rotating casters are mounted on both sides of the bottom surface of the guide box away from the support platform. A spiral ring is rotatably provided inside the guide box. A connecting assembly is provided between multiple guide boxes. A transmission box is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the guide box away from the opening. A second motor is installed on one side of the outer wall of the transmission box. A drive gear rotatably disposed inside the transmission box is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the second motor. A first gear meshes with one side of the drive gear, and a second gear meshes with the other side of the drive gear. One end of the second gear is coaxially fixedly connected to the spiral ring. An auxiliary feeding assembly is coaxially fixed to the first gear.

[0005] Preferably, the guide box has two mounting blocks symmetrically arranged on both sides of the lower end of the opening. An infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver are respectively mounted on the opposite surfaces of the two mounting blocks. The signal output terminals of the infrared transmitter and the infrared receiver are electrically connected to the main control system of the vending machine.

[0006] Preferably, the connecting assembly includes a connecting block fixed to one side of each guide slot box, a U-shaped plate fixed to one end of the connecting block, and a long plate abutting against the connecting block on the other side of the guide slot box. A slot for inserting one end of the U-shaped plate is opened at one end of the long plate, and a threaded hole is opened coaxially with the top surface of the long plate and the U-shaped plate. A fixing bolt is screwed into the threaded hole.

[0007] Preferably, the auxiliary feeding assembly includes a through hole opened at one end of the guide slot box and coaxial with the first gear. A worm gear is rotatably disposed in the through hole. A left half coupling is coaxially fixed to one end of the worm gear. A shaft seat fixed to the outer wall of the guide slot box is rotatably disposed at the other end of the worm gear. A rotating hole is opened on one side of the guide slot box. A worm wheel meshing with the worm gear is rotatably disposed in the rotating hole. A rotating rod extending out of the top surface of the guide slot box through the rotating hole is coaxially fixed to the top of the worm wheel. A lever is fixed to the top of the rotating rod.

[0008] Preferably, one end of the left half coupling is inserted into and fitted with the right half coupling, and the left half coupling and the right half coupling are combined to form a second coupling. One end of the right half coupling is coaxially fixed to the telescopic end of the electric actuator, and the fixed end of the electric actuator is coaxially fixed to the transmission rod. One end of the transmission rod is coaxially fixed to the first gear.

[0009] Preferably, the outer wall of the dial is covered with a rubber sleeve, and the outer wall of the rubber sleeve has anti-slip texture.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model, through the cooperation of the spiral ring in the guide box with the second motor, the drive gear, and the second gear, allows for normal material feeding. During this process, the second motor drives the drive gear to rotate and mesh with the second gear, causing the spiral ring to rotate stably within the guide box. This propels large items such as beverage bottles and large-sized canned food along the guide box for directional transport, facilitating control of the item transport trajectory and preventing items from shifting and approaching the glass window gap. This improves the directionality and stability of large item transport, thus achieving the basic function of precise guiding and transporting large items. If the infrared transmitter, infrared receiver, and the vending machine's main control system detect that the item has not been dropped after payment (i.e., the infrared signal is not blocked), the second motor will control the speed and rotation angle according to a preset program. After rotating to the specified angle, it will stop. The main control system will then trigger the electric actuator, which pushes the right half of the coupling to engage with the left half to form the second coupling, completing the transmission... After the initial connection, the second motor continues to rotate, driving the transmission rod, electric push rod, second coupling, and worm gear to rotate via the engagement of the drive gear and the first gear. The worm gear engages with the worm wheel to drive the rotating rod and the turntable to rotate, and the turntable assists in pushing the jammed large item out of the gap. After the item is successfully dropped, when the coupling needs to be removed, the second motor still rotates to the specified angle according to the preset program, ensuring that the left and right halves of the coupling are in the preset separation and alignment state. The electric push rod then drives the right half of the coupling to reset and disengage, ensuring that the left and right halves of the coupling can be accurately aligned for the next coupling, avoiding coupling failure due to angular deviation, and improving the accuracy of coupling separation and subsequent connection. Ultimately, this solves the problem of large items easily getting stuck in the gap between the unloading area and the glass window when conveying large items via the spiral conveyor rail, while also avoiding the hidden dangers of disordered motor operation and difficulty in aligning the coupling for the next time during emergency handling. This significantly improves the reliability, success rate of picking up items, and operational safety of the vending machine's conveyor rail for large items. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a first-view schematic diagram of the overall structure proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a first-time schematic diagram of the overall structure of the spiral ring proposed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second gear proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the worm gear proposed in this utility model.

[0012] The numbers in the diagram are: 1. Base; 2. Support plate; 3. Moving wheel; 4. Spiral ring; 5. Connecting block; 6. Second motor; 7. First gear; 8. Second gear; 9. Second coupling; 10. Worm gear; 11. Infrared transmitter; 12. Paddle plate. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0014] Example: See Figures 1 to 4This utility model discloses a sliding rail structure for an unmanned vending machine, comprising a base 1. The base 1 has baffles on its four sides. Four screw jacks, connected in series and rotating synchronously via a first coupling, are installed at the four corners of the base 1's top surface. A first motor is coaxially fixed to one input end of each screw jack, and a screw is coaxially fixed to the output end of each screw jack. Multiple support plates 2 are equidistantly sleeved on the four screws. A support platform is provided on one side of the top surface of each support plate 2. Multiple guide slots with one open end are equidistantly provided on the top surface of each support platform. Two movable wheels 3 are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the bottom surface of each guide slot away from the support platform. A spiral ring 4 is rotatably provided inside each guide slot. A connecting component is provided between the multiple guide slots. The guide slots are located away from the openings. A transmission box is fixed to one end of the outer wall. A second motor 6 is installed on one side of the outer wall of the transmission box. The output shaft of the second motor 6 is coaxially fixed to a drive gear rotatably disposed inside the transmission box. A first gear 7 meshes with one side of the drive gear, and a second gear 8 meshes with the other side of the drive gear. One end of the second gear 8 is coaxially fixed to the spiral ring 4. An auxiliary feeding component is coaxially fixed to the first gear 7. The first motor is a DC servo motor, model 130ST-M06025, with strong speed controllability, suitable for synchronous lifting requirements of the lead screw. The second motor 6 is a stepper motor, model 42HS40, with high control precision, which can accurately adjust the rotation angle of the spiral ring 4. The support plate 2 is made of Q235 steel plate. The structure boasts high strength, stably supporting the weight of the guide box and goods. The guide box is made of ABS engineering plastic, which is lightweight, impact-resistant, and easy to assemble and move. The moving wheels 3 are made of polyurethane, offering excellent shock absorption and low noise during movement. The base 1, in conjunction with the screw jack and screw, synchronously raises and lowers the support plate 2. The guide box transports goods via a spiral ring 4. A second motor 6 and gear set drive the spiral ring 4 and auxiliary feeding components, connecting the components to assemble the guide box. These components together form the basic framework of the device, providing core structural support for goods storage, transportation, and emergency handling. Simultaneously, it solves the problems of loose overall structure and limited functionality of traditional slide rails, improving the overall efficiency of the device. The system ensures operational stability and functionality. Two mounting blocks are symmetrically positioned on either side of the lower end of the guide box. An infrared transmitter 11 and an infrared receiver are mounted on opposite surfaces of the two mounting blocks, respectively. The signal outputs of both the infrared transmitter 11 and the infrared receiver are electrically connected to the main control system of the vending machine. The mounting blocks are made of PP plastic, which offers good corrosion resistance and stable fixation of the infrared equipment. The infrared transmitter 11 and infrared receiver work together to detect the product unloading status. The signal is transmitted to the main control system, which can promptly determine if there is any jamming. This solves the problem that traditional slide rails cannot monitor the product's descent in real time and are difficult to detect jamming promptly, thus improving the device's intelligent monitoring level and the timeliness of jamming handling.The connecting assembly includes a connecting block 5 fixed to one side of each guide slot box. A U-shaped plate is fixed to one end of the connecting block 5, and a long plate abutting against the connecting block 5 is provided on the other side of the guide slot box. One end of the long plate has a slot for inserting one end of the U-shaped plate. Threaded holes are coaxially formed on the top surfaces of the long plate and the U-shaped plate, and fixing bolts are screwed into the threaded holes. The connecting block 5 is made of 304 stainless steel, which provides high strength, is not easily rusted, and ensures stable connection to the guide slot box. The U-shaped plate and the long plate are both made of Q235 steel plate, which provides good structural rigidity and prevents deformation after assembly. The connecting block 5, U-shaped plate, long plate, and fixing bolts work together to achieve flexible assembly of the guide slot boxes. The number of loading units can be adjusted according to the vending machine's cargo channel capacity, solving the problem of fixed loading units in traditional slide rail systems that cannot be adjusted as needed, and improving the device's adaptability to different storage requirements.

[0015] In this utility model, the auxiliary feeding assembly includes a through hole opened at one end of the guide slot box and coaxial with the first gear 7. A worm gear 10 is rotatably installed in the through hole. A left half coupling is coaxially fixed to one end of the worm gear 10, and a shaft seat fixed to the outer wall of the guide slot box is rotatably installed at the other end of the worm gear 10. A rotating hole is opened on one side of the guide slot box located on the worm gear 10. A worm wheel meshing with the worm gear 10 is rotatably installed in the rotating hole. A rotating rod extending out of the top surface of the guide slot box through the rotating hole is coaxially fixed to the top of the worm wheel. A lever plate 12 is fixed to the top of the rotating rod. Both the worm gear 10 and the worm wheel are made of 20CrMnTi. The worm gear 10 and worm wheel made of 20CrMnTi have high hardness and good wear resistance, and the transmission... High efficiency; the bearing seat is made of HT200 gray cast iron, which provides good support stability and reduces shaking when the worm gear 10 rotates; the rotating rod is made of 45# steel, which provides high strength and can stably drive the dial plate 12 to rotate; the worm gear 10, worm wheel, and dial plate 12 work together to form an auxiliary feeding structure, which can push the product out of the gap when it is stuck, solving the problem that traditional slide rails do not have auxiliary feeding function and require manual handling when large products are stuck, thus improving the smoothness of product feeding and the degree of automation of the device; one end of the left half coupling is inserted into the right half coupling, and the left half coupling and the right half coupling are combined to form a second coupling. The second coupling 9 has a right half coupling with one end coaxially fixed to the telescopic end of an electric actuator. The fixed end of the electric actuator is coaxially fixed to a transmission rod, one end of which is coaxially fixed to the first gear 7. The second coupling 9 uses a claw-type coupling, which is easy to assemble and disassemble and allows for quick transmission connection. The electric actuator is a miniature electric actuator with high telescopic accuracy, allowing precise control of the second coupling 9's engagement and disengagement. The transmission rod is made of 304 stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and can stably transmit power. The second coupling 9, in conjunction with the electric actuator, enables the engagement and disengagement of the auxiliary feeding component. The transmission is only engaged when the product is stuck, and disengaged under normal conditions, avoiding idling losses in the auxiliary feeding component and solving the problems associated with traditional transmission methods. The device addresses the issues of continuous operation, high energy consumption, and susceptibility to damage by improving energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of transmission components. A rubber sleeve with anti-slip textures is fitted around the outer wall of the push plate 12. The sleeve is made of nitrile rubber, which offers good elasticity and high friction, providing both anti-slip protection and product safeguarding. The diamond-patterned anti-slip textures increase contact friction with the product, preventing slippage during pushing. The combination of the rubber sleeve and anti-slip textures enhances the stability of contact between the push plate 12 and the product, while also preventing the push plate 12 from scratching the product packaging. This solves the problems of traditional auxiliary feeding components easily damaging products and slipping during pushing, improving the reliability of auxiliary feeding and the safety of product transport.

[0016] Working Principle: In use of this utility model, firstly, the screw jacks at the four corners of the top surface of the base 1 rotate synchronously in series via the first coupling. Starting the first motor drives the four screws at the output end of the screw jacks to rotate synchronously. The synchronous rotation of the four screws drives the multiple support plates 2, which are connected to each other, to rise and fall synchronously along the screws. Raising the support plates 2 reduces the operating height of the staff at the bottom of the vending machine, facilitating inspection and maintenance. Lowering the support plates 2 allows the guide slots to be closer to the replenishment operation surface, making it easier for staff to replenish inventory into the guide slots. The multiple guide slots on the top support platform of the support plates 2 are independent product loading units, which can be combined through connecting components. The U-shaped plate on the connecting block 5 of one guide slot is inserted into the adjacent guide slot. The long plate slot of the box can be assembled by screwing the fixing bolts into the threaded holes, allowing the number of loading units to be adjusted as needed. After the goods are placed in the guide slot box, the moving wheels 3 on the bottom of the guide slot box can help adjust the position of the slot box to ensure that the goods are neatly arranged. During normal goods transportation, the second motor 6 on the outer wall of the transmission box is started. The output shaft of the second motor 6 drives the drive gear to rotate. The drive gear meshes with the second gear 8 on the right side. The second gear 8 drives the spiral ring 4 inside the guide slot box to rotate. The spiral ring 4 pushes the beverage bottles, large canned food and other large items in the slot box to move directionally towards the opening end. When the goods are delivered from the opening end, the infrared transmitter 11 at the lower end of the guide slot box opening cooperates with the infrared receiver. If the goods fall normally, the infrared signal will be blocked. Once the main control system determines that the material feeding is successful, the second motor 6 stops or continues feeding the next item according to the preset program. If the item is not dropped after the user pays, i.e., the infrared signal is not blocked, the main control system triggers an emergency procedure: the second motor 6 first controls the speed and rotation angle according to the preset program, and stops after rotating to the specified angle to prevent the spiral ring 4 from continuously pushing the item and aggravating the jamming. At the same time, the main control system triggers the electric push rod to move. The extension end of the electric push rod pushes the right half of the coupling to the left, and it engages with the left half of the coupling at one end of the worm gear 10 to form the second coupling 9 to complete the transmission connection. Then the second motor 6 restarts, and the drive gear meshes with the first gear 7 on the left. The first gear 7 drives the worm gear 10 to rotate through the transmission rod, the electric push rod, and the second coupling 9. The worm gear 10 meshes with the worm wheel to drive the rotating rod. As the dial plate 12 rotates, it assists in pushing the stuck product out of the gap between the spiral ring 4 and the glass window and the edge of the feeding area, ensuring the product falls smoothly. After the product falls successfully and the infrared signal is restored, the main control system determines that the emergency handling is completed. The second motor 6 then controls the rotation to the specified angle according to the preset program, so that the left half coupling and the right half coupling are in the preset separation and alignment state to ensure that the two can be accurately aligned when coupling next. Then the electric push rod retracts, driving the right half coupling to reset and disengage from the left half coupling, canceling the transmission connection. The second motor 6 resumes normal operation mode and waits for the next product feeding instruction. The rubber sleeve and anti-slip texture on the outer wall of the dial plate 12 can prevent scratching the product during the assisted feeding, enhance the pushing stability, and ensure the product is transported without damage. At this point, the device is in use.

[0017] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sliding rail structure for an unmanned vending machine, comprising a base (1), characterized in that: The base (1) has baffles on all four sides of its top surface. Four screw jacks connected in series and rotating synchronously are installed at the four corners of the top surface of the base (1) via a first coupling. A first motor is coaxially fixed to one input end of each screw jack, and a screw is coaxially fixed to the output end of each screw jack. Multiple support plates (2) are equidistantly sleeved on the four screws. A support platform is provided on one side of the top surface of each support plate (2). Multiple guide slots with one open end are equidistantly provided on the top surface of each support platform. Two movable wheels are symmetrically installed on both sides of the bottom surface of each guide slot away from the support platform. (3) A spiral ring (4) is rotatably provided inside the guide box. A connecting component is provided between multiple guide boxes. A transmission box is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the guide box away from the opening. A second motor (6) is installed on one side of the outer wall of the transmission box. A drive gear rotatably provided inside the transmission box is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor (6). A first gear (7) is meshed on one side of the drive gear. A second gear (8) is meshed on the other side of the drive gear. One end of the second gear (8) is coaxially fixedly connected to the spiral ring (4). An auxiliary feeding component is coaxially fixedly connected to the first gear (7).

2. The slide rail structure for an unmanned vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide box is symmetrically provided with two mounting blocks on both sides of the lower end of the opening. An infrared transmitter (11) and an infrared receiver are respectively installed on the opposite surfaces of the two mounting blocks. The signal output terminals of the infrared transmitter (11) and the infrared receiver are electrically connected to the main control system of the vending machine.

3. The unmanned vending machine slide rail structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting assembly includes a connecting block (5) fixed to one side of each guide slot box. A U-shaped plate is fixed to one end of the connecting block (5). A long plate that abuts against the connecting block (5) is provided on the other side of the guide slot box. A slot for inserting one end of the U-shaped plate is opened at one end of the long plate. A threaded hole is opened coaxially with the top surface of the long plate and the U-shaped plate. A fixing bolt is screwed into the threaded hole.

4. The unmanned vending machine slide rail structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The auxiliary feeding assembly includes a through hole opened at one end of the guide slot box and coaxial with the first gear (7). A worm (10) is rotatably provided in the through hole. A left half coupling is coaxially fixed at one end of the worm (10). A shaft seat fixed at the other end of the worm (10) is rotatably provided at the outer wall of the guide slot box. A rotating hole is opened on one side of the guide slot box located on the worm (10). A worm wheel that meshes with the worm (10) is rotatably provided in the rotating hole. A rotating rod that extends out of the top surface of the guide slot box through the rotating hole is coaxially fixed at the top of the worm wheel. A lever (12) is fixed at the top of the rotating rod.

5. The unmanned vending machine slide rail structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the left half coupling is inserted into and fitted with the right half coupling. The left half coupling and the right half coupling are combined to form a second coupling (9). One end of the right half coupling is coaxially fixed to the telescopic end of the electric push rod. The fixed end of the electric push rod is coaxially fixed to the transmission rod. One end of the transmission rod is coaxially fixed to the first gear (7).

6. The unmanned vending machine slide rail structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall of the dial (12) is covered with a rubber sleeve, and the outer wall of the rubber sleeve has anti-slip texture.

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