Device and method for the automatic distribution of products

Abstract

Device 1 for the automatic distribution of products 2, comprising a containment structure 3 for containing a plurality of boxes 4 for housing products 2 which are resealable on themselves in the absence of products; an extraction element 5 situated near the perimeter of containment structure 3 and arranged to feed products 2 outside containment structure 3, wherein containment structure 3 comprises a mechanical arm 6 arranged to withdraw at least one product 2 from at least one box 4 and to transport product 2 from the relative box 4 to extraction element 5; and a movement system 7 situated below plurality of boxes 4 to displace at least one full box 4 inside structure 3.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for the automatic distribution of products.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a device arranged to be temporarily or permanently placed in specific areas capable of allowing the automatic distribution of products.

[0003] The aim of the present invention is particularly related to the field of the sale of products containing liquid, for example the sale of detergents. However, different uses are not to be excluded, all of which fall within the scope of the automatic distribution of other consumer products of different kinds or in the preparation of mixed product orders to be shipped. Generally, the sale of products in enclosed environments is known, inside which one or more employees are responsible for managing the shop.

[0004] In particular, the staff has the function of controlling the opening and closing of the shop, setting up the shop display with the special products, managing the warehouse and supporting the customer when purchasing products. Therefore, in some shops, a large number of staff may be required to carry out all of the aforesaid functions, each with one or more specialisations (e.g., cashiers, warehouse workers, sales consultants, etc.).

[0005] For this reason, each shop is only accessible at certain times of the day and / or is managed by a large number of staff to ensure access to the shop for an extended period of the day, in some cases even 24 hours a day. Furthermore, to ensure efficient sales, the staff must constantly monitor the presence of the products to be sold inside the shop and coordinate with the warehouse so as to always have the necessary variety and quantity of products available.

[0006] However, controlling the quantity of products present in the shop is particularly complicated, especially at busy times in the shop.

[0007] To solve such problems, automatic distribution machines are proposed which are capable of dispensing the product following a request made by the user.

[0008] In other words, the user makes a selection of the desired product by means of an interface device which communicates with the machine for dispensing the product.

[0009] Generally, these known devices have a box-like containment frame of the products which is of reduced size.

[0010] Typically, the inner volume of the frame is divided into levels and each level is further divided into columns. Each column is further divided into a plurality of seats and each seat is arranged to accommodate a single product. In particular, each seat of each column comprises the same type of product. To facilitate the display of the products, the frame comprises a display case. Generally, each column is associated with a number, whereby the user selects the product by selecting the number associated with the relative column and, as a result, the device activates a dispensing system associated with the relative column of the selected product.

[0011] The activated dispensing system allows the selected product to advance and subsequently fall into an expulsion area accessible to the user. However, this type of known device has a limitation in its ability to contain products.

[0012] In fact, the box-like frame has a reduced number of available seats. Therefore, the quantity of product present in the frame is also limited, requiring constant intervention by the technician to restock the device. Moreover, this type of known device also has a limitation in the complete dispensing of all the products contained in the device.

[0013] In particular, if the dispensing system associated with the relative column of the selected product is damaged and, as a result, the selected product is not dispensed, the products placed behind the selected product can also no longer be dispensed until the manual intervention of a technician.

[0014] This implies a considerable drawback in terms of the efficiency of the device and, consequently, in the sale of products.

[0015] The known devices have a further drawback in the correct dispensing of the product. In particular, if the product is placed inside the relative seat incorrectly, during dispensing, the product interferes with the dispensing process itself.

[0016] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a device for the automatic distribution of products which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art as described above.

[0017] In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a device for the automatic distribution of products which is capable of containing a large number of products and, as a result, is capable of reducing the number of interventions by the technician to refill the device with products.

[0018] In more detail, an aim of the present invention is to provide a device capable of optimising the product distribution process.

[0019] Another aim of the present invention is to optimise the loading of the device itself.

[0020] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a device capable of overcoming any misalignment of the product to be dispensed and, as a result, reduce the number of products which cannot be dispensed.

[0021] It is a further aim of the present invention to have a device arranged for the distribution of the product also throughout the day.

[0022] Another aim of the present invention is to have a system for controlling the quantity of product present in the device.

[0023] These and other aims are achieved by an automatic product distribution device comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

[0024] In particular, the device which is the subject matter of the invention comprises a containment structure for containing a plurality of product housing boxes which are closable on themselves in the absence of products; an extraction element situated near the perimeter of the containment structure and arranged to externally feed the products to the containment structure, wherein the containment structure comprises a mechanical arm arranged to withdraw at least one product from the at least one box and to transport the product from the relative box to the extraction element; and a movement element situated below the plurality of boxes to move at least one full box inside the structure.

[0025] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for the automatic distribution of products, comprising the steps of arranging a containment structure to contain a plurality of boxes for housing products, said boxes being closable on themselves in the absence of products; said structure comprising a mechanical arm and a movement system situated below the plurality of boxes and arranged to translate at least one of said plurality of boxes; arranging an extraction element situated near the perimeter of the containment structure; withdrawing, by means of the mechanical arm, at least one product from at least one box; transporting, by means of the mechanical arm, the product from the relative box to the extraction element; distributing, by means of the extraction element, the product outside the containment structure.

[0026] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of a device for the automatic distribution of products. Such a description will be set forth herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided for merely indicative and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for the automatic distribution of products, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the distribution device during the loading of the same device with the plurality of boxes; Figure 3A shows a magnification of a first step performed by the distribution device; Figure 3B shows a magnification of a second step performed by the distribution device; Figure 4 shows a magnification of a third step performed by the distribution device; Figure 5 shows a magnification of a detail of the device of Figure 1.

[0027] With reference to the above-mentioned figures, a device for the automatic distribution of products 2 has been referred to with reference number 1. More in particular, device 1 is suitable for operating in accordance with a method for the automatic distribution of products 2 which is also the subject matter of the present invention, for controlling the distribution thereof. Device 1 comprises an opening containment structure 3 arranged to hold a plurality of boxes 4 configured to contain the containers. The boxes are of the "resealable" type in a respective condition in which they do not contain aforementioned products 2.

[0028] "Resealable boxes" 4 is intended as foldable boxes. Each box, the technology of which is already known, consists of a bottom wall and side walls, the latter of which are arranged to fall by gravity (e.g., folding) inside the box so as to optimise space and be reused later.

[0029] In particular, the resealable box can close completely if the space inside the side walls is completely empty. Therefore, in the closed configuration, each side wall is in contact with the bottom wall. In the open configuration, the box contains at least one product near the side walls of the box itself. Alternatively, the box can be partially opened if it contains at least one object which hinders closing the box. Alternatively, the box can be partially open due to the presence of an object which is incorrectly oriented with respect to a predefined orientation, wherein the predefined orientation can change as a function of the product allocated in the box.

[0030] Advantageously, containment structure 3 protects plurality of boxes 4. Containment structure 3 comprises a lower portion 10 and an upper portion 11.

[0031] In an embodiment shown purely by way of example and therefore not limiting in Figure 1, lower portion 10 is a hollow structure having a substantially rectangular shape defined by two larger sides A and two smaller sides B and comprises a base wall and side walls.

[0032] In particular, smaller side B of the side walls can be opened (Figure 2). Therefore, the smaller side B is arranged to allow the insertion of the plurality of resealable boxes 4 inside containment structure 3.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, each smaller side B of the side wall can be in an open configuration.

[0034] In particular, in such a configuration, each side wall B defines a continuous surface with the bottom wall of containment structure 3.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, upper portion 11 is a hollow structure having the same shape and size as lower portion 10. In other words, upper portion 11 is integral with lower portion 10 and together they define a containment volume 13 of containment structure 3.

[0036] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is evident that containment volume 13 is partially occupied by plurality of boxes 4.

[0037] For example, upper portion 11 is made of transparent material, e.g., glass or plexiglass, to allow an external user to see at least partially inside containment volume 13.

[0038] Containment structure 3, in particular lower portion 10, comprises a storage area 15 for empty and closed boxes 4a, a storage area 16 for boxes 4b, a containment area 17 of plurality of boxes 4.

[0039] Always referring to Figures 1 and 2, storage area 15 for empty and closed boxes 4a is situated near larger side A of lower portion 10 and is arranged to contain a plurality of stacked empty and closed boxes 4a.

[0040] Storage area 16 for partially open boxes 4b is situated near larger side A of lower portion 10 and is arranged to contain at least one partially open box 4n.

[0041] In particular, the box is partially open if a product 2b is oriented at an undefined position inside the box.

[0042] Typically, with reference to Figure 5, each open and full box contains a plurality of products 2. Each product 2 is housed in a seat, in particular they are housed with a predefined position and orientation inside the box.

[0043] As highlighted in Figures 1-2, all products 2 are aligned with each other. Always referring to Figure 5, it can occur that a product 2b has a different orientation and / or inclination from the predefined position and orientation. Therefore, such product 2b in an undefined position can inhibit closing box 4 and, therefore, it remains partially open.

[0044] As is always shown in Figures 1 and 2, storage area 15 for closed boxes and storage area 16 for partially open boxes 4b extend along the same larger side A of containment structure 3.

[0045] Containment area 17 of plurality of boxes 4 is adjacent to storage area 15 for closed boxes 4a and storage area 16 for partially open boxes 4b.

[0046] Containment area 17 of plurality of boxes 4 comprises a first and a second 44 plurality of boxes. The first plurality of boxes is arranged to contain a plurality of first products 2a. The second plurality of boxes is arranged to contain a plurality of second products 22.

[0047] With reference to Figure 1, the first plurality of boxes comprises a plurality of stacked columns of boxes 40a, 40b, 40c.

[0048] In an embodiment shown purely by way of example and therefore not limiting in Figure 1, the first plurality of boxes comprises sixteen columns of stacked boxes and preferably each column (Figure 2) comprises four boxes 400, 401, 402, 403. Each box comprises a plurality of first products 2a.

[0049] For example, each box contains twelve products 2a.

[0050] Second plurality of boxes 44 comprises at least one column of stacked boxes 44a.

[0051] Similarly to the first plurality of boxes, a column of boxes 44a of second plurality 44 comprises four boxes and each box comprises plurality of second products 22. In particular, each box includes twelve second products.

[0052] Device 1 further comprises an extraction element 5 situated near the perimeter of containment structure 3 to bring products 2, in particular products 2a of the first plurality of boxes, outside containment structure 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, extraction element 5 crosses containment structure 3 and, in particular, upper portion 11.

[0053] Extraction element 5 comprises an inlet opening 51 and an outlet opening 52.

[0054] Always referring to Figures 1 and 2, outlet opening 52 is placed outside containment structure 3 and is arranged to be crossed by product 2 and distribute product 2 outside containment structure 3. Thereby user, outside containment structure 3, can withdraw product 2.

[0055] Conversely, inlet opening 51 is placed inside containment structure 3 and is arranged to accommodate product 2 and convey it towards outlet opening 52 of extraction element 5.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, extraction element 5 can be a chute.

[0057] In other words, inlet opening 51 and outlet opening 52 are placed at different heights. For example, inlet opening 51 is placed at a higher height with respect to outlet opening 52.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment not shown, extraction element 5 can be a belt integral with upper portion 11, whose inlet opening 51 is placed at the same height as outlet opening 52.

[0059] In such case, a hatch arranged to be opened during the dispensing of product 2 is placed near outlet opening 52 and the product is transported from inlet opening 51 to outlet opening 52.

[0060] Containment structure 3 further comprises mechanical arm 6 arranged to withdraw product 2 from one of plurality of boxes 4.

[0061] Mechanical arm 6 comprises a support base 61 and a free end 62. Generally, mechanical arm 6 is placed in containment volume portion 13. In other words, support base 61 is placed at a height substantially coinciding with the height of the side walls of lower portion 10.

[0062] Furthermore, support base 61 can be placed in any area of lower portion 10, and in particular in any area of containment area 17.

[0063] Therefore, mechanical arm 6, in particular free end 62, is free to move in containment volume 13. Thereby, mechanical arm 6 can easily reach any area of containment volume 13.

[0064] Mechanical arm 6, in particular near free end 62, comprises a gripping element for withdrawing a product 2. Exemplarily, the gripping element is a gripper or a suction system with suction cups to withdraw and retain any type of product and, in particular, products or boxes. In particular, if the gripping member is a suction system with suction cup, the vacuum reservoir and vacuum pump are present below support base 61 to enable the operation of the suction system with suction cup.

[0065] Advantageously, the spaces of the containment volume are optimised as the vacuum system and vacuum pump occupy the space below support base 61 of mechanical arm 6.

[0066] Mechanical arm 6 is arranged to withdraw a product 2 from a box 400 of first plurality of boxes 40a. Initially, mechanical arm 6 withdraws product 2 placed near the perimeter of box 400.

[0067] Mechanical arm 6 is further arranged to transport product 2 withdrawn from relative box 400 to extraction element 5.

[0068] In particular, mechanical arm 6 is arranged to transport product 2 from relative box 400 to inlet opening 51 of extraction element 5.

[0069] Mechanical arm 6 further comprises an acquisition system 20 configured to acquire environmental images representative of plurality of boxes 4, images of products 2 representative of the orientation of the products, and grasping images representative of free end 62 of mechanical arm 6.

[0070] For example, acquisition system 20 can be a camera configured to acquire environmental images representative of plurality of boxes 4, images of products 2 representative of the orientation of products 2 and grasping images representative of free end 62 of mechanical arm 6.

[0071] It is thereby possible to constantly monitor the presence of products 2 in each box, the orientation of products 2 in relative box 400 and the correct operation of free end 62 of mechanical arm 6.

[0072] Advantageously, acquisition system 20 allows the correct orientation of product 2 inside box 400 to be recognised.

[0073] Mechanical arm 6 further comprises a processing unit configured to generate displacement signals from mechanical arm 6 as a function of the environmental images, product images and grasping images acquired by acquisition system 20.

[0074] Furthermore, the processing unit is configured to generate the displacement signal of mechanical arm 6 as a function of an activation signal.

[0075] Thereby, the processing unit controls the movement of mechanical arm 6. In an embodiment not shown, containment structure 3 includes a gripper tool containment compartment placed near the mechanical arm.

[0076] The compartment contains different types of tools which can be adapted to free end 62 of mechanical arm 6 so as to retain products which differ in size, shape and placement.

[0077] Advantageously, mechanical arm 6 is particularly versatile, as it can be used for different product types.

[0078] In particular, device 1 can also be used if products 2 inside relative box 400 are not all oriented in the same direction. In such , mechanical arm 6 can use a suitable tool to easily withdraw the generically oriented product 2a. Containment structure 3 further comprises a movement system 7 situated below plurality of boxes 4 and arranged to move at least one of plurality of boxes 4.

[0079] In an embodiment shown in Figures 2, movement system 7 comprises a carriage 7a and rails 7b.

[0080] In particular, bogie 7a is arranged to support at least one resealable box 4 and is arranged to translate along rails 7b.

[0081] In particular, rails 7b are made on the bottom wall and on at least one side of containment structure 3, e.g., on smaller sides B of the side walls of lower portion 10, so that in the open configuration rails 7a of the bottom wall and side walls create a continuous rail.

[0082] Always referring to Figure 2, it is evident that carriage 7a can move along the rails and thereby plurality of boxes 4, in the open configuration of structure 3, can be extracted from and / or inserted in containment structure 3.

[0083] As shown always in Figure 2, movement system 7 also comprises stabilising elements 7c.

[0084] In detail, each stabilising element 7c is counter-shaped at the corner of resealable box 4 and is situated at the top of carriage 7a.

[0085] Therefore, by extending along the entire height of column of stacked boxes 40a, each stabilising element 7c stabilises resealable boxes 4 during the translation of carriage 7a.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment not shown, movement system 7 can comprise rollers arranged along the bottom wall and side walls of lower portion 10, the rollers being arranged to convey plurality of boxes 4 inside containment structure 3.

[0087] Device 1 further comprises a translation system positioned laterally and inside containment structure 3. In particular, the translation system is positioned laterally and inside larger side A of lower portion 10.

[0088] For example, the translation system is a roller system.

[0089] The translation system is arranged to align plurality of boxes 4 inside containment structure 3.

[0090] Advantageously, the translation system allows the alignment of plurality of boxes 4, thereby avoiding misalignment of the boxes during the translation of plurality of boxes 4 inside containment structure 3.

[0091] Device 1 further comprises a removable transport system comprising wheels arranged outside containment structure 3, and in particular, along smaller side B of lower portion 10.

[0092] Thereby, the device can be transported and placed in the location arranged for the sale of the products.

[0093] Advantageously, device 1 can be temporarily placed in a location.

[0094] Device 1 further comprises an interface device (not shown) positioned outside containment structure 3 and arranged to receive an input, generate an activation signal as a function of the input and transmit the activation signal to the processing unit of mechanical arm 6.

[0095] The interface device is made for example in the form of a "totem" which has a touch screen monitor in which quantity and type of product 2 can be selected.

[0096] Thereby, mechanical arm 6 can withdraw product 2 as a function of the input received by means of the interface device.

[0097] Device 1 further comprises a transmission system configured to transmit to a remote control device a signal representative of operating error, absence of products 2 in containment area 17 and presence of at least two boxes in storage area 16 for partially open boxes.

[0098] It is thereby possible to send alarm signals to a control centre. Advantageously, the technician can intervene on the device when actually needed, in particular in the event of an operating error, absence of product 2 in containment area 17 and the presence of other anomalies.

[0099] The present invention, described above in a mainly structural sense, further comprises a method for the automatic distribution of products 2.

[0100] The method comprises the step of arranging a containment structure 3 adapted to contain a plurality of boxes 4 for housing products 2, said boxes being resealable on themselves in the absence of products; said structure comprising a mechanical arm 6 and a movement system 7 situated below plurality of boxes 4 and arranged to translate at least one of plurality of boxes 4.

[0101] The method further comprises the step of arranging an extraction element 5 situated near the perimeter of containment structure 3.

[0102] The method further comprises the step of mapping containment structure 3. Thereby, the processing unit of mechanical arm 6 is configured to define a map of the position of the different types of products 2 inside containment structure 3.

[0103] Having defined the map of the different types of products 2, mechanical arm 6 can withdraw product 2 from one of the plurality of boxes 4.

[0104] In detail, the withdrawal step comprises the step of receiving an input, by means of the interface device.

[0105] In particular, an external user selects, by means of the interface device (e.g., monitor), the type and quantity of product 2 to be dispensed.

[0106] Therefore, the interface device processes and transmits an activation signal representative of product 2 to be withdrawn.

[0107] Next, the processing unit of mechanical arm 6 receives the activation signal. Simultaneously, acquisition system 20 transmits environmental images representative of plurality of boxes 4, product images representative of the orientation of products 2 inside box 4 and grasping images representative of free end 62 of mechanical arm 6 to the processing unit of mechanical arm 6.

[0108] As shown in Figure 3A, free end 62 of mechanical arm 6 withdraws a product 2 from plurality of boxes 4.

[0109] Preferably, free end 62 withdraws product 2a from the first plurality of boxes. In particular, mechanical arm 6 withdraws product 2a as a function of the activation signal received from the interface device and the environmental and product images acquired.

[0110] Typically, mechanical arm 6 initially withdraws products 2a placed along the perimeter of box 400.

[0111] Therefore, mechanical arm 6 grasps product 2a (as shown in Figure 3A) as a function of the activation signal, environmental images and product images and simultaneously acquisition system 20 transmits grasping images representative of free end 62 of mechanical arm 62. Advantageously, the processing unit controls the step of withdrawing product 2a by comparing a plurality of representative images of free end 62 acquired during the step of withdrawing product 2a, to optionally optimise the same step.

[0112] Thereby the processing unit can optimise the step of withdrawing product 2a by rotating mechanical arm 6 in the most appropriate manner.

[0113] By controlling the correct rotation of free end 62 of mechanical arm 6, it is therefore possible to obtain an efficient withdrawal and, consequently, it is possible to reduce the probability of product 2a falling during withdrawal and subsequent transport towards extraction element 5.

[0114] In fact, following the withdrawal step, the method comprises the step of transporting, by means of mechanical arm 6, product 2a from relative box 400 to extraction element 5.

[0115] As best shown in Figure 3A, mechanical arm 6 is controlled by the processing unit to withdraw product 2a from box 400 and transport it near inlet opening 51 of extraction element 5.

[0116] Therefore, free end 62 releases product 2a to be fed towards the outside of containment structure 3.

[0117] Then, product 2a is distributed, by means of extraction element 5, towards the outside of containment structure 3.

[0118] Simultaneously with the distribution of product 2a, mechanical arm 6 rotates towards a second plurality of boxes 44.

[0119] Then, as shown in Image 3B, mechanical arm 6 withdraws a second product 22 from second plurality of boxes 44 and places it in box 400 and in particular in the point in which distributed product 2a was withdrawn. Advantageously, second product 22 inhibits the closing of box 400 and, therefore, mechanical arm 6 can subsequently withdraw a further product 2a.

[0120] At the same time, the processing unit updates the map defined during the mapping step to track the empty, previously occupied position of distributed product 2a and, therefore, store where in containment area 17 new product 22 is present.

[0121] Referring to Figure 4, the method further comprises the steps of: withdrawing the completely closed box from column of boxes 40a; transporting it from relative column of boxes 40a towards storage area 15 for closed boxes 4a; releasing closed box 4a withdrawn from storage area 15 for the closed boxes.

[0122] Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of: withdrawing partially opened box 4b from the column of boxes; transporting it from the relative column of boxes towards storage area 16 for partially opened boxes 4b; releasing partially opened box 4b withdrawn from storage area 16 for partially opened boxes.

[0123] Advantageously, the present invention solves the drawbacks mentioned in the prior art and achieves the intended aims.

[0124] In particular, device 1 for the automatic distribution of products 2 is capable of containing a large number of products and, consequently, reducing the number of interventions by the technician to refill the device with products. Furthermore, device 1 is capable of optimising the loading step of the products to be sold.

[0125] In particular, with the presence of the boxes, which can furthermore also be closed automatically, the loading step is simpler and faster with respect to loading the individual products inside containment structure 3. Therefore, the operator reduces the loading time of the device itself.

[0126] A further important advantage of the invention is to overcome any misalignment of the product to be dispensed and to reduce the number of products which cannot be dispensed.

[0127] In fact, even if a product is misaligned / tilted, device 1 is capable of dispensing other products inside the same box.

[0128] In other words, device 1 is capable of keep the boxes open until the last product 2a is withdrawn placing products 2b arranged to keep the box open. Furthermore, device 1 is capable of autonomously distributing the product throughout the day and autonomously monitoring the quantity of product present inside the device itself.

[0129] Finally, in accordance with the method for the automatic distribution of products, the device allows the optimisation of the product distribution process.

Claims

1. Device (1) for the automatic distribution of products, in particular products (2) comprising: a containment structure (3) for containing a plurality of boxes (4) for housing products (2) which are resealable on themselves in the absence of products; an extraction element (5) situated near the perimeter of containment structure (3) and arranged to feed products (2) outside containment structure (3), wherein containment structure (3) comprises: a mechanical arm (6) arranged to withdraw at least one product (2) from at least one box (4) and to transport product (2) from relative box (4) to extraction element (5); and a movement system (7) situated below plurality of boxes (4) to move at least one full box (4) inside structure (3).

2. Automatic distribution device (1), according to the preceding claim, wherein containment structure (3) comprises a lower portion (10) having: a storage area (15) for empty and closed boxes (4a), a storage area (16) for boxes (4b) in which at least one product (2) is in an undefined position, a containment area (17) of said plurality of open boxes (4) containing said products.

3. Automatic distribution device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein storage area (15) for closed boxes (4a) is situated near a larger side (A) of lower portion (10) and is arranged to contain a plurality of stacked closed boxes (4a); and wherein storage area (16) for boxes (4b) is situated near a larger side (A) of lower portion (10) and is arranged to contain at least one box (4b); and wherein containment area (17) of said plurality of boxes (4) comprises a first (40a, 40b, 40c...) and a second (44) plurality of boxes; and wherein first plurality of boxes (40a, 40b, 40c) is arranged to contain a plurality of first products (2a).

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein containment area (17) further comprises a second plurality of boxes (44) for containing a plurality of second products (22); wherein the at least one product, housed in a box 4, is arranged to keep the relative box open.

5. Automatic distribution device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a translation system positioned laterally and inside containment structure (3) for aligning plurality of boxes (4) in a predefined position inside structure (3).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein movement system (7) comprises a carriage (7a) for supporting and displacing at least one resealable box (4) containing products (2); wherein movement system (7) further comprises vertical stabilising elements (7c) placed at the tops of carriage (7a) for stabilising box (4) during the displacement of carriage (7a).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein extraction element (5) comprises an inlet opening (51) and an outlet opening (52); wherein outlet opening (52) is placed outside containment structure (3); wherein inlet opening (51) is placed inside containment structure (3).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein mechanical arm (6) comprises a gripping element for withdrawing at least one product (2).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical arm (6) further comprises an acquisition system (20) and a processing unit; wherein acquisition system (20) is configured to acquire environmental images representative of plurality of boxes (4), product images representative of the orientation of products (2) inside box (4) and grasping images representative of a free end (62) of mechanical arm (6); and wherein the processing unit generates displacement signals of mechanical arm (6) as a function of said environmental images, of said product images and of said grasping images acquired and as a function of an activation signal.

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, further comprising an interface device placed outside containment structure (3) and arranged to receive an input, generate the activation signal as a function of said input and transmit the activation signal to the processing unit of mechanical arm (6).

11. Method for the automatic distribution of products (2), comprising the steps of: - arranging a containment structure (3) for containing a plurality of boxes (4) for housing products (2), said boxes (4) being resealable on themselves in the absence of products (2); said structure (3) comprising a mechanical arm (6) and a movement system (7) situated below plurality of boxes (4) and arranged to translate at least one of said plurality of boxes (4); - arranging an extraction element (5) situated near the perimeter of containment structure (3); - withdrawing, by means of mechanical arm (6), at least one product (2) from at least one box (4); - transporting, by means of mechanical arm (6), product (2) from the relative box to extraction element (5); - distributing, by means of extraction element (5), product (2) outside containment structure (3).

12. Method according to claim 10, wherein the withdrawal step comprises the step of: - receiving, from an interface device to a processing unit, an activation signal; - receiving, from an acquisition system (20) to a processing unit, environmental images representative of plurality of boxes (4), product images representative of the orientation of products (2) inside box (4) and grasping images representative of a free end (62) of mechanical arm (6); - grasping product (2) as a function of the activation signal and environmental and grasping images.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the receiving step comprises the step of selecting, by means of an interface device, the type and quantity of products (2) to be dispensed.

14. Method according to any one of claims 10 and 13, further comprising, before the withdrawal step, the step of mapping containment structure (3).

Images