Product locker dispensing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locker dispensing machine comprising a plurality of lockers accessible from the front face via an access door, each locker comprising dispensing means configured to successively dispense a plurality of products through the same locker door in the front face of the locker dispensing machine, wherein the dispensing means include, for each locker, at least one partition wall allowing a product-for-sale zone, visible from the front face, and a storage zone for a product in stock, not visible from the front face, to be defined for a single locker, wherein each wall can be actuated to open automatically after each time a product has been dispensed from the product-for-sale zone so as to move the product in stock from the storage zone to the product-for-sale zone.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Automatic product dispenser with lockers

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to an automatic product dispenser with lockers.

[0005] It is particularly applicable for equipping places open to the public, such as train stations, metro stations, waiting rooms, collective catering services, artisans (market gardeners, butchers, farmers) or stores, to enable at least one product to be distributed automatically to a user.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] There are known vending machines with lockers, food or parcel collection, which allow a user to buy and collect a product such as a gourmet basket, vegetables, meal baskets or parcels.

[0008] Such distributors traditionally have a front on which lockers are arranged.

[0009] In traditional locker vending machines, one door opening equals one sale. Once the contents of the locker have been retrieved, the locker operator must refill the locker whose contents have been sold to make a new sale or withdrawal. Such vending machines are not entirely satisfactory because, for each sale made, the operator must refill the locker to sell a new product, which requires frequent refills and therefore wastes considerable time for the operator.

[0010] Another solution for product dispensers is a mobile spiral dispenser, which has a storage part in which the products are arranged between the turns of a mobile spiral, so as to allow a plurality of products to be arranged on a single spiral. Actuation of the spiral then moves a product towards the front of the storage part, which is separated from the front of the dispenser by a free space. The product therefore falls from the spiral towards the bottom of the free space, which advantageously has a collection opening allowing the user to recover the product. Such solutions are however not suitable for all products, since the product falling towards the bottom of the free space risks damaging it.

[0011] Document FR3053819B1 attempts to solve such a problem by proposing an automatic dispenser comprising a recovery device configured to move between the storage part and the collection opening, thus minimizing the fall of the dispensed objects.

[0012] This solution remains, however, complex to implement and more susceptible to malfunction, adding an additional moving part between the spiral part and the sampling opening.

[0013] In addition, the sampling opening presents a security risk for the distributor, making access to the storage part possible.

[0014] This solution, as well as other mobile spiral dispenser solutions, also remain limited to certain product shapes, in particular those allowing the product to be moved by actuating the spiral, i.e. products that are sufficiently robust and of dimensions compatible with the dispenser's mobile spirals. Known mobile spiral dispenser solutions therefore have difficulty adapting to the problems associated with rack dispensers.

[0015] The Applicant therefore submits that there is currently no satisfactory alternative solution for a locker dispenser that allows, in a simple and secure manner, to minimize the number of refills required by the operator.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to resolve, among others, the shortcomings described above of the automatic locker dispensers known from the prior art, by proposing a dispenser whose storage capacities per locker would be multiplied, making it possible to efficiently distribute several products through the same door, and this without having to reload the box concerned between two distributions.

[0018] This aim is achieved by the fact that the invention relates to an automatic dispenser comprising:

[0019] - a dispensing means configured to dispense several products through the same locker door at the front of the locker dispenser, by adding successive partitions in the depth of the locker, said partitions opening automatically via an automatic lock each time the product located upstream is dispensed;

[0020] - a bin reloading device configured to allow the operator to reload the bins of the entire installation, once the bins concerned have carried out zero, one, two or even more distributions;

[0021] - actuation means configured so that only one product at a time is available to the customer, without the possibility of recovering the products in the second compartment (or downstream compartment).The present invention thus relates to a locker dispenser comprising a plurality of lockers accessible on the front facade via an access door, each locker comprising dispensing means configured to successively dispense several products through the same locker door on the front facade of the locker dispenser, in which the dispensing means comprise for each locker, at least one separating partition making it possible for the same locker to define a product for sale area, visible from the front facade, and a storage area for a product in stock, not visible from the front facade, in which each partition is operable to open automatically after each dispensing of a product for sale from the product for sale area so as to move the product in stock from the storage area to the product for sale area.

[0022] It is understood herein within the meaning of the present invention that the concept of front facade is taken into account with respect to the arrangement of the dispenser facing a user, the front facade presenting the set of lockers containing the products to be dispensed, the lockers extending from the front facade along a depth of the dispenser. Similarly, the concepts of product for sale area and storage area are defined according to the orientation of the dispenser and its front facade, so that the product for sale area is located in front of the storage area.

[0023] It is further understood that the movement of the product in stock from the storage area to the product for sale area corresponds alternatively to a physical movement of the product, so as to place it in the product for sale area previously containing the distributed product for sale, or even in the formation of a new product for sale area by opening the partition, the product in stock then being directly accessible by opening the door and thereby becoming a product for sale.

[0024] The dispensing device according to the present invention allows the user to retrieve a product in the first, second or third position of the locker without having to make an additional effort. Indeed, the automatic opening of the partition allows the available products to be displayed directly to the user, the latter being able to retrieve a product for sale, that is to say a product moved into the product for sale area, by opening the access door associated with the locker.

[0025] The dispensing device according to the present invention allows the operator to be able to reload a product in the first, second or third position of the rack without having to make an additional effort. The increase in the number of positions makes it possible to limit the frequency of reloads to be carried out by the operator, and the reloading can be carried out by filling the empty areas and closing the open partitions.

[0026] The automatic locker dispenser according to the present invention can thus be used to dispense all types of products, food or not, whose dimensions do not occupy more than half the depth of an automatic locker dispenser known from the prior art, regardless of its depth. Obviously, the number of distinct zones of the lockers, each being separated from the other zones by a partition, depends on the respective dimensions of the automatic dispenser and the zones, that is to say on the spacing between each partition, itself depending on the dimensions of the products to be dispensed. It is also possible to design a maximum depth of the automatic locker dispenser, so as to ensure simple access to the product in the last position of the locker.

[0027] The invention is set out below in a series of variant embodiments, which can be considered alone or in combination with one or more of the previous ones.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distribution means comprise, for each compartment, first means for locking the partition in the closed position and means for returning the partition, the return means being configured to actuate the partition from the closed position towards its opening, so that the release of the first locking means causes the partition to open automatically.

[0029] In other words, the first locking means are configured to keep the partition in the closed position, making it possible to secure the storage area and block access to it. Unlocking the first locking means then corresponds to stopping the partition from being kept in the closed position, the action of the return means therefore allowing it to open automatically and remain in the open position. The partition therefore remains open and the product located behind it, i.e. the product in stock moved to the product for sale area, is visible and accessible to the customer.

[0030] Preferably, the first locking means on the front of the dispenser comprise a lock and a flange.

[0031] The partition separating the compartments is, for example, locked by an automated lock. The flange then adds additional security for the operator, preventing someone from pushing the intermediate partition to retrieve the product located behind it. Advantageously, the partitioning of each compartment is secured by an impact-resistant partition.

[0032] Preferably, the partition has a small operating clearance relative to the body of the locker, so as to prevent a person from leveraging to pull the intermediate partition. In an additional embodiment, the return means comprise a spring hinge.

[0033] It is understood here that the spring hinge allows the partition to be articulated in rotation, in particular as described below, the hinge thus allowing the partition to tilt between the closed and open positions, and the spring applying a return force allowing the partition to move automatically to the open position. Those skilled in the art understand that the use of a spring hinge allows for a simple and compact design, and that other equivalent means are also conceivable.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, the distribution means comprise at least one door closing sensor, the distribution means being configured to receive door closing information measured by the sensor and to actuate the partition according to the information.

[0035] Preferably, the sensor corresponds to second door locking means. This design thus allows automatic opening of the intermediate partitions once the product located upstream has been dispensed. Indeed, once the dispensing of the product located upstream of the partition is complete, the user closes the door. Once the door is closed, the lock of the intermediate partition downstream of the dispensed product unlocks, in response to the door closing information measured by the sensor.

[0036] In combination with the previous embodiment, the opening of the intermediate partition is then done automatically thanks to a spring hinge, which continuously applies a force to the intermediate partition to open the latter as soon as the first locking means no longer hold it.

[0037] This arrangement ensures that the intermediate partitions can only open once the front door of the locker vending machine is closed. This means that no partition movement is possible when a customer removes a product. This protects the customer from any impact caused by the opening of an intermediate partition.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, each partition is hinged so as to swing open towards the product area for sale.

[0039] In other words, the movable partitions open towards the front of the dispenser. Thus, when they open, they cannot collide with the product in stock behind the movable partition, and the partitions only open when the product on sale has already been removed. This makes it possible to place in each successive compartment a product whose footprint takes up the entire space of the compartment. In an additional embodiment, each partition is hinged so as to allow manual closing of the partition.

[0040] For example, a spring hinge or other return means is provided, as described above, so that the low return force allows the operator, when filling the locker dispenser, to effortlessly close each compartment in succession, by pressing the intermediate partition against its lock in the manner of a traditional locker vending machine door.

[0041] This design allows for automated and secure opening of the partitions, while maintaining simplified closing.

[0042] In one embodiment that can be combined with the previous embodiments, the dispenser comprises control electronics configured to control the opening of each of the doors and partitions.

[0043] The control electronics is for example configured to control the automatic opening of the partitions as described above, for example in communication with the first locking means and the sensor. The control electronics can also be configured to allow manual control of the opening of the doors and partitions, in particular in the context of filling the dispenser by the operator, then allowing the products inside the dispenser to be freely rearranged, as well as emptying it if necessary in the case of perishable products.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, each rack further comprises means for moving the products, the moving means being actuated after each dispensing so as to bring the product in stock towards the front of the dispenser. It is understood here that this design makes it possible to bring the products on sale closer to the user, so as to facilitate viewing and / or access to them. The moving means correspond, for example, to a conveyor belt making it possible to move a variety of products without damaging them.

[0045] In particular, this design makes it possible to remove the constraints linked to the depth of the dispenser and the accessibility of the products, making it possible to increase the possible designs of dispensers and the number of products stored, the filling being carried out for example by actuating the movement means in the opposite direction.

[0046] The use of the distributor, in particular its configuration, for example that of the control electronics described above, is adapted to this new distribution system: - in the case where the articles placed successively behind the same door on the front of the distributor are identical, then as many products in stock are offered as there are compartments behind the door;

[0047] - in the case where the items placed successively behind the same door on the front of the dispenser are different: Only the product on the front is offered for distribution. Once it has been distributed, it is removed from the distribution menu. It is then replaced at the user interface by the product located downstream of the previously distributed product.

[0048] Thus, the present invention, thanks to the various functional and structural technical characteristics described above, makes it possible to provide operators with a reliable distribution tool which requires minimal intervention and recharging, allowing the secure distribution of a wide variety of products.

[0049] Brief description of the drawings

[0050] Other characteristics and advantages of the intervention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the description below given as a non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0051] [Fig.l]

[0052] Figure 1 schematically represents an example of a locker vending machine comprising twenty-one lockers according to the present invention;

[0053] [Fig.2] [Fig.3]

[0054] Figures 2 and 3 show the elements of the invention;

[0055] [Fig.4] [Fig.5] [Fig.6] [Fig.7]

[0056] Figures 4 to 7 show the distribution steps of the two products from the same box; [Fig.8]

[0057] Figure 8 is a representation of the concept underlying the present invention; and [Fig.9]

[0058] Figure 9 is a front view of the dispenser according to the present invention with a graphical user interface.

[0059] Detailed description of the invention

[0060] The present invention will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 9 attached to the description.

[0061] As stated in the preamble to the description, current rack dispenser solutions have limited capacity and require frequent refills, while mobile spiral dispenser solutions are only compatible with a limited range of products.

[0062] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a locker vending machine, which makes it possible to supply a comparatively larger number of products for similar dimensions, while ensuring the integrity of the products and the security of storage.

[0063] This is made possible in the example described below, which considers a vending machine with twenty-one compartments, shown with a system with two distributions per compartment. It will be understood here that this example is not limiting and that the invention will find other applications for vending machines having different dimensions, in particular another number of compartments and a system with three or more distributions per compartment. According to the example of figures 1, 2 and 9, the automatic vending machine with compartments (1) developed within the framework of the present invention comprises a front facade (10) on which are placed all of the twenty-one doors (2) giving access to the products to be distributed. The compartments are also superimposed inside the dispenser (1) by means of shelves (5) (figure 2), defining the lower and upper limits of each compartment along a vertical axis.Each of the doors (2) thus provides access to an individual locker, so that, when using the dispenser (1), it opens a specific door (2) relating to the user's order.

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, each of the twenty-one compartments consists of two product storage areas (11, 12). The upstream storage area (12), called the product for sale area, is the area located directly behind the door (2) on the front, and receives a product for sale (9). The storage area (11), arranged downstream of the product for sale area (12), is separated from the product for sale area (12) by a movable intermediate partition (7), and receives a product in stock (8) (Figure 4). The storage area (11) and the product for sale area (12) have dimensions adapted to the volume of the products in stock (8) and for sale (9), for example substantially similar dimensions allowing a plurality of copies of the same product to be stored in a given compartment.

[0065] Thus, in a first step (A) of Figure 8, when a user arrives in front of the filled dispenser (1), the products in stock (8) located in the downstream zone (11) are initially not available, and the user, or customer, can only access the products on sale (9). The partition (7) is in this example held in the closed position by the use of first locking means (4) (Figure 3), for example a lock and a flange preventing the user from moving the partition (7) to retrieve the product in stock (8). When the user purchases a product on sale (9) located in the product on sale zone (12), the door (2) opens, as illustrated in a second step (B) of Figure 8 and in Figure 5. Advantageously, the door (2) of the locker is held in the closed position by the use of second locking means controlled by the dispenser (1).Thus, control electronics integrated into the automatic dispenser send, for example after the selection of the product for sale (9), a signal to the second locking means, so as to control the opening of the door (2), for example by unlocking a lock. The user can remove the product for sale (9) then close the door (2).

[0066] In accordance with the underlying concept of the invention, the partition (7) is configured to open automatically after dispensing the product for sale (9).

[0067] Advantageously, a sensor (3) is provided for closing the door (2), for example associated with the second locking means. The sensor (3) corresponds for example directly to the lock of the door (2). Thus, when the user has closed the door (2), the sensor (3) sends back the information that the door (2) is closed. The automatic dispenser (1), for example the control electronics presented above, then opens the partition (7), for example by unlocking the first locking means (4). According to the example of Figure 3, the partition (7) is articulated relative to the shelf (5) using return means (6), for example a spring hinge.Thus, as illustrated in Figure 6 and in a third step (C) of Figure 8, once released from the first locking means (4), the partition (7) opens by the action of the return means (6), advantageously by tilting towards the product for sale area (12), the product for sale (9) having already been distributed. This design thus allows automatic opening without risk of collision between the partition (7) and the products stored in the locker. After its opening, the partition (7) then comes to rest against the shelf (5) located above it, as illustrated in Figure 7. The opening of the partition (7) thus brings the product in stock (8) from the storage area (11), that is to say from an area inaccessible to the user, to the product for sale area (12), that is to say to an area accessible to the user, by forming a new product for sale area (12').This allows the next user to have a visual of the newly on-sale product (9') that he would like to remove, and to be able to take this product without having to use a hand to hold the partition (7) open, as illustrated in a fourth step (D) of figure 8. In particular, the newly on-sale product (9') is brought within reach of the next user without running the slightest risk of damaging it, and without constraint on its nature other than having dimensions adapted to the storage area (8).

[0068] Optionally, the rack also comprises means for moving the products, for example an operable conveyor belt, so that after opening the partition (7), the newly on-sale product (9') is brought to the front panel (10) of the dispenser (1), for example inside the initial on-sale product area (12). This design makes it possible in particular to improve the visibility and accessibility of the newly on-sale product (9') regardless of the depth of the rack. The use of a conveyor belt also makes it possible to ensure that the product remains intact and does not constrain its shape or dimensions, unlike a moving spiral.

[0069] Thus, when a new user arrives and wishes to remove a newly on-sale product (9'), he has a visual on it. The newly on-sale product (9') can then be obtained by opening the door (2) (and the second locking means), the partition (7) being already open. The user can therefore directly take the newly on-sale product (9') and close the door (2), as in the case of a conventional distribution with a prior art automatic locker dispenser.

[0070] In a variant suitable for more than two distributions from the same locker, it is understood that the new area of ​​product for sale (12') is separated from another storage area by another movable partition, the steps described above being repeated identically with respect to these elements, making it possible to carry out a plurality of successive distributions of individual products via the same door (2).

[0071] Furthermore, the control electronics are configured to allow the opening of each door (2) and each partition (7) to be controlled. Thus, when the operator wishes to refill his dispenser, he can open the doors (2) and partitions (7) that he wishes, and consequently access all the areas and products of each locker. Advantageously, each partition (7) is articulated so as to allow manual closing, in particular by sizing the return means (6) so as to apply a force sufficient to keep the partition (7) pressed against the shelf (5), but weak enough not to oppose a contrary movement by manual actuation of the partition (7). Thus, once the operator has filled a storage area (8) downstream of a locker, he simply has to push the partition (7) back by hand into the closed position, against the first locking means (4) to lock the storage area (8) downstream.It can then reload the area of ​​product for sale (9) upstream of the locker, or another intermediate storage area, then close the corresponding front door (2). Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides an automatic locker dispenser system allowing, from the same locker accessible by the same door, to carry out several successive distributions, without compromising the integrity of the products distributed or the security of the dispenser, and thus avoiding the problems linked to mobile spiral dispensers.

[0072] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character with respect to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its objective is to remove any possible imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims which follow.

[0073] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Dispenser (1) with lockers comprising a plurality of lockers accessible from the front (10) via an access door (2), each locker comprising dispensing means configured to successively dispense several products through said same access door (2) of locker on the front (10) of the dispenser (1) with lockers, in which said dispensing means comprise, for each locker, at least one partition (7) allowing for the same locker to define a sales product area (12), visible from said front (10), and a storage area (11) for a stocked product (8), not visible from said front (10), in which each partition (7) is actuable to open automatically after each dispensing of a sales product (9) from the sales product area (12) so as to move said stocked product (8) from said storage area (11) to said sales product area (12).

2. Distributor (1) according to claim 1, wherein said distribution means comprise for each compartment first locking means (4) of said partition (7) in closed position and return means (6) of said partition (7), said return means (6) being configured to actuate said partition (7) from said closed position towards its opening, so that the release of said first locking means (4) results in said automatic opening of said partition (7).

3. Distributor (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first locking means (4) comprise a lock and a flange.

4. Distributor (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said return means (6) comprise a spring hinge.

5. Distributor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said distribution means comprise at least one sensor (3) for closing said door (2), said distribution means being configured to receive closing information from said door (2) measured by said sensor (3) and to actuate said partition (7) according to said information.

6. Distributor (1) according to claim 5, wherein said sensor (3) corresponds to second locking means of said door (2).

7. Dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each partition (7) is hinged so as to open by tilting towards said product area for sale (12).

8. Distributor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each partition (7) is hinged so as to permit manual closure of said partition (7).

9. Distributor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which includes control electronics configured to control the opening of each of said doors (2) and said partitions (7).

10. Dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each compartment further comprises means for moving said products, said means for moving being actuated after each distribution so as to bring said product in stock (8) towards said front face (10) of said dispenser (1).

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