Lid dropping and closing mechanism for cup used in vending machines

Abstract

This invention relates to a lid dropping and closing mechanism for cups used in vending machines developed for vending machines used in beverage packaging, food service industry, grocery and self-service stations and its characterized by; at least one tube (1) integrated into the vending machine and placed inside the lid (3), at least one balancing mass (2) that is connected to the lid (3) which is lined up above each other and, provides weight for the lid column to fall vertically, including at least one lids separator (4.3), which separates the lids (3) from each other by the scraper it contains for the closure of the cups (6) and, at least one motor (4.1) that moves the lever of the lids separator (4.3) as a result of moving the gear (4.2) mechanism and, at least one lid separator mechanism (4), which separates the lids (3), at least one lid closure plate (5), which holds the lid (3) vertically fixed toward the cup (6) at least one load cell (7), which detects the presence of lid (3) and measure the lid (3) closing pressure, at least one robotic arm (8) that carries the cup (6) and lid (3) and presses the assembly up towards the lid closure plate (5) for vending machine sales.

Description

[0001] LID DROPPING AND CLOSING MECHANISM FOR CUP USED IN VENDING MACHINES

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] This invention relates to a lid dropping and closing mechanism for cup used in vending machines developed for vending machines used in beverage packaging, food service industry, grocery and self-service stations.

[0004] State of the Art:

[0005] In the existing systems used today, vending machines that serve tea, coffee, etc. are in the form of giving the desired beverage after the user selects the product he wants and gives his approval. There are many patent applications available in the market for this kind of purpose.

[0006] In the patent application numbered TR200504366, “An Automatic Coffee Making Machine” is described. The invention is an automatic coffee cooking machine that includes a cooking pot, a body positioned on the said cooking pot and a lid positioned on the upper part of the said body and suitable for the cooking pot mouth, a cover control element that allows the cover to close automatically while the cookware is positioned on the body, and an automatic coffee brewing device, the cookware contains a heat sensor that gives the internal heat amount information to a control unit for temperature- controlled cooking.

[0007] A system that provides remote control of the above-mentioned vending machines, prepares coffee in the coffee vending machine and gives the user a cardboard cup with a lid has been described. However, such inventions have many disadvantages, which are mentioned below. Self-Closing Lids: There are self-closing closures available in the market that include a mechanical or sealing mechanism. These closures usually have a tab or button that when pressed releases a sealing member such as a gasket or valve to form a tight seal with the closure.

[0008] Pneumatic or Hydraulic Lid Closing Systems: In some coffee vending machines, the lids of paper cups are closed pneumatically or hydraulically. These systems use air pressure or fluid pressure to activate a mechanism that drops the lid into the cup. Here, the lid dropping and closing mechanism has a different structure compared to pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Rather than relying on air or fluid pressure, it uses mechanical components, motor and levers to drop and close the lid.

[0009] In patent applications examined as a result of technical research; There are many disadvantages when dispensing cups used in standard beverage dispensers to the user. These are given below, in order:

[0010] - Lid separation challenges: use multiple servo motor and helices to accurately separate the lids,

[0011] - Lids balancing challenges: use of cylindrical hollow mass to force an horizontal positioning of lids,

[0012] - Lid accurate fall challenges: use a channeling pipe to guide the lid onto the cup accurately

[0013] - Lid close: use of mechanical lid fitting mechanism to press the lid onto the cup perimeter for tight closure.

[0014] As a result, there is a need for a new technology that can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above, can be easily integrated with other machines, does not require the use of self-closing covers, allows the use of standard covers, and performs the separation process correctly.

[0015] Description of the Invention:

[0016] This invention is a lid dropping and closing mechanism for cups used in vending machines, and its feature is; It is a new technology that can be easily integrated with other machines, does not require the use of self-closing covers, allows the use of standard covers, and makes the separation process correctly.

[0017] The advantages of the device subject to the invention are as follows:

[0018] Convenience and Efficiency: The primary goal is to enhance the convenience and efficiency of serving hot / cold beverages in coffee vending machines. By automating the lid drop and close mechanism, the process of sealing the paper cup becomes faster and more seamless. This saves time for both the vending machine operators and the customers, allowing for a smoother and more efficient coffee dispensing experience.

[0019] Improved User Experience: The invention aims to improve the overall user experience for individuals using coffee vending machines. With the lid drop and close mechanism, customers no longer need to manually handle and place a lid on their cups, which can be cumbersome and prone to spills. The automated process ensures a secure lid attachment, minimizing the risk of accidents and enhancing user satisfaction.

[0020] Enhanced Hygiene and Safety: The lid drop and close mechanism contribute to improved hygiene and safety standards. By eliminating the need for manual lid placement, the invention reduces the contact between the customer's hands and the cup's surface. This reduces the potential for contamination and maintains a hygienic serving environment, especially in high-traffic areas where multiple people use the vending machine.

[0021] Spill Prevention: Spills are a common concern when using paper cups for hot beverages. The lid drop and close mechanism help prevent spills by ensuring a tight seal between the cup and the lid. This is particularly important in settings where customers may carry their cups while on the go, such as in airports or train stations. Minimizing spills not only improves user experience but also reduces waste and potential accidents.

[0022] Branding and Differentiation: The development of innovative features like the lid drop and close mechanism can also serve as a point of differentiation for coffee vending machine manufacturers and operators. The lids is fixed above each other. It adds a unique selling proposition to their products and distinguishes them from competitors. This can be particularly beneficial in a crowded market, attracting more customers and generating increased interest in their machines. The objectives of the system subject to the invention are stated below:

[0023] Convenience and Time Saving: The mechanism automates the process of closing the paper cup with a lid, eliminating the need for manual lid placement. This saves time and effort for both vending machine operators and customers. Users can simply select their desired beverage, and the mechanism will automatically drop and close the lid, streamlining the serving process.

[0024] Improved Hygiene and Safety: The structure of the mechanism reduces the need for direct contact between the customer's hands and the cup's surface. By eliminating manual lid placement, it minimizes the risk of contamination and enhances the overall hygiene and safety of the beverage serving process.

[0025] Spill Prevention: The mechanism ensures a secure seal between the cup and the lid, minimizing the chances of spills during handling and transportation. The structural design guarantees a proper fit and alignment between the cup and lid, effectively preventing leaks and reducing the risk of accidents caused by spills.

[0026] Consistent Lid Attachment: The structure of the mechanism ensures consistent and uniform lid attachment to the paper cup. This helps maintain beverage temperature and quality by preventing heat loss and preserving aroma. It also enhances the overall presentation of the cup, giving it a professional and appealing appearance.

[0027] Customizability: Depending on the specific design of the lid drop and close mechanism, it can be customized to accommodate different cup sizes and lid types. This flexibility allows the invention to be adapted to various cup and lid specifications, making it suitable for a wide range of coffee vending machines and beverage packaging requirements.

[0028] Enhanced User Experience: The structural features of the mechanism provide an improved user experience by simplifying the process of obtaining a cup of coffee. With the automated lid drop and close mechanism, customers can quickly and easily access a sealed cup without the need for additional steps or manual lid placement. This user- friendly design contributes to a positive customer experience and encourages repeat usage of the vending machine.

[0029] The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the product subject to the invention will be understood more clearly thanks to the figures given below and the detailed explanation written by making reference to these figures, and therefore the evaluation should be made by taking these figures and detailed explanation into consideration.

[0030] Description of the Figures:

[0031] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, so that the features of the invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated, but the purpose of this is not to limit the invention to these certain regulations. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, changes and equivalences that can be included in the area of the invention defined by the accompanying claims. The details shown should be understood that they are shown only for the purpose of describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are presented in order to provide the most convenient and easily understandable description of both the shaping of methods and the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In these drawings;

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a part of the mechanism that is the subject of the invention.

[0033] Figure 2 A detailed view of the cover separating mechanism that is the subject of the invention.

[0034] Figure 3 A perspective view of a part of the mechanism that is the subject of the invention.

[0035] The figures to help understand the present invention are numbered as indicated in the attached image and are given below along with their names.

[0036] Description of References:

[0037] 1. Tube

[0038] 2. Balancing Mass

[0039] 3. Lid

[0040] 4. Lid Drop Mechanism

[0041] 4.1. Motor 4.2. Gear

[0042] 4.3. Lids Separator

[0043] 4.4. Lid Drop Bottom Cover

[0044] 4.5. Lid Drop T op Cover

[0045] 5. Lid Closure Plate

[0046] 6. Cup

[0047] 7. Load Cell

[0048] 8. Robotic Arm

[0049] Detailed Description of The Invention:

[0050] Invention; at least one balancing mass (2), lid ( 3) at least one lid drop mechanism (4); In order to close the cups (6), at least one lids separator (4.3) separating the lids (3) from each other by the scraper it contains, moves the gear (4.2) mechanism and at least one that moves the arm of the lids separator (4.3) motor (4.1), lid (3) that directs the lid (3) separated by the lid drop mechanism (4) to the correct closing position, and the asymmetric lid closure plate (5), the presence of lid (3) at least one load cell (7), cup (6) and lid (3) which detects and predicts the lid (3) closure pressure and presses the assembly towards the lid closure plate (5) for vending machine sales, includes one robotic arm (8).

[0051] The function of the lid drop, and close mechanism is to ensure a successful separation of the lid (3), drop it accurately onto the cup (6) and close tightly to avoid a spillage of the drink. At start, a core xy system attached to a robotic arm (8) brings the open cup (6) below the lid drop mechanism (4). The servo motor (4.1) actuates the lid separator (4.3), which travels through, between the edges of the bottom and adjacent lids (3) thus separating the two. The separated lid drops onto the cup (6). The core xy system brings the cup (6) and lid (3) to the closing station. Once positioned, the arm is lifted upward, pressing the lid in sandwich between the cup (6) and the lid closure plate (5). After, the sealed cup is ready for delivery at the door.

Claims

CLAIMS1- The invention relates to the lid dropping and closing mechanism for cups used in vending machines, and it's characterized by; at least one tube (1) integrated into the vending machine and placed inside the lid (3), at least one balancing mass (2) that is connected to the lid (3) which is lined up above each other and, provides weight for the lid column to fall vertically, including at least one lids separator (4.3), which separates the lids (3) from each other by the scraper it contains for the closure of the cups (6) and, at least one motor (4.1) that moves the lever of the lids separator (4.3) as a result of moving the gear (4.2) mechanism and, at least one lid separator mechanism (4), which separates the lids (3), at least one lid closure plate (5), which holds the lid (3) vertically fixed toward the cup (6) at least one load cell (7), which detects the presence of lid (3) and measure the lid (3) closing pressure, at least one robotic arm (8) that carries the cup (6) and lid (3) and presses the assembly up towards the lid closure plate (5) for vending machine sales.2- As mentioned in Claim 1, it is a lid dropping and closing mechanism for cups used in vending machines, it is characterized by the fact that the motor (4.1) is a servo.3- As mentioned in Claim 1, it is a lid dropping and closing mechanism for cups used in vending machines, it is characterized by the fact that a robotic arm (8), which initially moves the open cup (6) in the xy or xyz axis, bringing it under the lid drop mechanism (4).4- As mentioned in Claim 1, it is a lid dropping and closing mechanism for cups used in vending machines, it is characterized by the lids separator (4.3) which is moved between the edges of the lid (3) above each other and separating the lid (3) from each other.

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