Automatic rotary product-dispensing machine with lockers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing machine (1) with lockers, comprising a plurality of lockers accessible from a plurality of access doors. The dispensing machine (1) comprises at least one column (3), each column (3) having at least one tray (4), each tray (4) being associated with a locker and an access door (2), each tray (4) being divided into a plurality of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c). The dispensing machine (1) further comprises means (5) for rotating the at least one tray (4), which means are configured to move the sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) between an access position and a storage position. The present invention further relates to a method for controlling the rotation means (5).

Description

[0001] ROTARY AUTOMATIC DISPENSER FOR PRODUCTS WITH LOCKERS

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to an automatic dispenser for products with a locker.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] We know of 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.

[0007] Such distributors traditionally have a front on which lockers are arranged.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In addition, the sampling opening presents a security risk for the distributor, making access to the storage part possible.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Document FR3133385A1 attempts to solve such a problem in the field of locker vending machines by proposing a vending machine configured to dispense multiple products through a single door. In this document, each locker includes at least one partition wall, which opens automatically after dispensing a product for sale. The partition walls thus make it possible to define multiple zones, each zone being able to contain a product, the opening of a partition wall allowing access to a new zone located behind the previous zone.

[0015] This solution, although adapted to the problems of locker vending machines, still has a limited capacity in terms of the number of lockers. Indeed, since each zone is located behind the previous zone, it is complicated to store a large quantity of products in the same locker, especially when they are bulky. A reasonable design generally only allows two products, separated by a partition, to be stored in the same locker. Storing a higher number of products requires successive actuation of different partitions, which is complex to implement. In addition, products located in the areas furthest from the facade are difficult to access, especially as the number of zones increases, and the provision of means of moving products towards the front of the vending machine further complicates the design, operation and maintenance of the vending machine.

[0016] Finally, while this solution allows similar products to be stored more efficiently, it is not suitable for storing separate products in the same locker, as products located in areas far from the facade are only accessible for sale after the products on the facade have been sold.

[0017] The Applicant therefore submits that there is currently no satisfactory alternative solution for a locker dispenser that would allow, in a simple manner, the maximization of the number of products distributed simultaneously.

[0018] Summary of the invention

[0019] 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, in a design that is easy to access for the user.

[0020] To this end, the subject of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a locker dispenser comprising a plurality of lockers accessible from a plurality of access doors, the dispenser comprising:

[0021] - at least one column, each column having at least one tray, each tray being associated with a locker and an access door, each tray being divided into a plurality of sectors, each sector defining a reception area for a product; and

[0022] - means for rotating the at least one tray configured to move the sectors between an access position in which a sector of the tray is accessible from the associated access door, and a storage position in which the sector is inaccessible from the associated access door.

[0023] The plurality of lockers is preferably accessible from the front of the dispenser, that is to say, with respect to the arrangement of the dispenser facing a user, along a front presenting all of the lockers containing the products to be dispensed, the lockers extending from the front along a depth of the dispenser. Obviously, each locker is accessible through an access door.

[0024] Preferably, the dispenser comprises a plurality of columns. The columns are for example aligned along a width of the dispenser.

[0025] Preferably, each column has a plurality of trays, for example distributed at regular intervals according to the height of the column.

[0026] It is understood here that the division of each tray into a plurality of sectors corresponds to a physical separation of the sectors, for example by walls making it possible to delimit them and to prevent access, from one sector, to a product placed in an adjacent sector. Depending on the number and the respective size of the sectors relative to the size of the access door, one or more sectors of the same tray can be simultaneously in the access position. Preferably, the dispenser is sized so that, for each tray, only one sector is in the access position regardless of the orientation of the tray.

[0027] It is further understood that a column may comprise, apart from the tray(s) considered, and separately, another tray having a single sector, for example to receive a larger product.

[0028] The rotation means correspond, for example, to manual means or, preferably, to automatic means, in particular associated with control electronics as described below.

[0029] According to one variant, manual rotation means can be designed, allowing for example the user to select the product himself without requiring complex design. Such manual rotation means correspond for example to a simple assembly of the trays allowing free rotation on the column or to a control by drive means accessible by the user. In such a variant, the dispenser automatically controls the opening of the access doors, for example once the correct sector has been reached by the user according to the command, so as to maintain secure automatic dispensing.

[0030] Thanks to the present invention, the rack dispenser can then store a greater number of products, by dividing a tray into a plurality of sectors, each sector being associated with a product. This design does not require storing the products in depth one behind the other, and ensures that each product is easily accessible by simply rotating the tray, so as to move the product from a storage position to an access position, each sector being able to be arranged directly in front when it is in the access position rather than set back from a previous portion, as in the prior art. In addition, it is possible to store different products on different sectors of the same tray, each product remaining accessible by rotating the tray without requiring the removal of a previous product. Each rack can thus contain a large number of distinct products, without generating access problems linked to the depth of the rack.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the means for rotating the at least one plate correspond to means for rotating the at least one column.

[0032] In other words, the rotation of the trays is carried out by rotating the column associated with these trays. The rotation of the column causes the rotation of all the associated trays. This design makes it possible to ensure the rotation of all the trays while minimizing the necessary rotation means. For example, a motorization associated with one end of each column is provided, for example at the base of each column, as described below.

[0033] It is further understood that, in this design, the position of each sector relative to the column is fixed, the plates not being able to be rotated independently of the column.

[0034] According to another variant, the rotation of each tray is ensured individually. A motorization is then provided associated with each tray, for example in the lower portion of each tray.

[0035] Preferably, each column has a plurality of trays, the sectors of the trays forming a plurality of alignments along the column, so that all of the sectors of an alignment are simultaneously accessible from the associated access doors during rotation of the column.

[0036] In other words, in this design, each column presents sets of sectors, with rotation of the column resulting in each sector of the set of sectors passing simultaneously between the storage position and the access position.

[0037] This design allows in particular, when using the dispenser, the simultaneous dispensing of a plurality of products, by rotating the column so as to move an alignment of sectors storing the plurality of products into the access position, then opening the relevant access doors. This design makes it possible to minimize the time required for dispensing a plurality of products, as well as to avoid the risk of a user leaving the dispenser before the end of dispensing by forgetting products. It is further understood that such a design facilitates the implementation of orientation determination means as described below.

[0038] According to another variant, the sectors of the trays have an angular offset from one tray to another, for example a constant angular offset between two adjacent trays. This design allows for a successive passage of the sectors during rotation of the column, between the access position and the storage position, resulting in a successive appearance of the products in relation to the front of the dispenser. The user thus better visualizes the products on sale.

[0039] In an additional embodiment, the dispenser further comprises control electronics configured to control the rotation means. It is understood here that the control electronics corresponds to a set of electronic means embedded in the dispenser, for example comprising and / or merged with means allowing the operation of the dispenser, communication with a user interface for receiving a command, opening the access doors of the dispenser. The control electronics can also be configured to allow manual control of the rotation means and / or the access doors, 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 context of perishable products.

[0040] According to a particular example, the control electronics is configured to implement the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the invention, as described below.

[0041] Preferably, the dispenser further comprises means for determining the orientation of the at least one tray, the control electronics being configured to communicate by wire or wireless means with the means for determining the orientation so as to receive data representative of the orientation of the at least one tray from the determination means, the control of the rotation means being carried out as a function of the data.

[0042] It is understood here that the determination means make it possible to detect whether a given sector of a tray is in the access position or in the storage position. Preferably, this determination corresponds to a determination of the orientation of the tray, that is to say the rotation carried out by the tray, for example with respect to an initial orientation. The position of each sector of the tray results directly from the orientation of the tray.

[0043] According to an advantageous design, the means for determining the orientation of the at least one plate correspond to means for determining the orientation of the at least one column, in particular when the means for rotating the at least one plate correspond to means for rotating the at least one column. In this design, a single set of rotation and orientation determination means is therefore provided for each column, the position of each sector resulting directly from the orientation of the column to which the plates are controlled.

[0044] It is also understood that, depending on the design of the determination means, the control electronics can perform one or more additional processes to obtain the orientation of each tray. The control of the rotation means results from the orientation of each tray, so as to drive the trays in rotation until the desired sector(s) are in the access position. Preferably, the orientation determination means comprise a first sensor associated with a set of first terminals controlled by the rotation means, each first terminal being associated with a sector, so that the detection of at least one of the first terminals by the first sensor results in the determination of the orientation of the at least one tray.

[0045] The first sensor corresponds, for example, to an optical sensor, or to any other sensor making it possible to detect the passage of the first terminals at a given position.

[0046] The orientation data includes, for example, first information representative of the detection of the first terminal, the control electronics determining the orientation of the platform from the information.

[0047] It is understood here that the association of each first terminal with a sector makes it possible to determine the position of each sector when the first terminal is detected by the first sensor. The detection of a first terminal corresponds, for example, to the passage of the associated sector into the access position.

[0048] According to a preferred variant, the control electronics increments the rotation of the plate according to the number of first terminals detected, for example by incrementing until reaching the total number of first terminals, then starting again from zero. Each first terminal therefore has an identical structure, without needing to identify it in particular. The sector is detected according to the number of first terminals detected before reaching its position.

[0049] According to another variant, each first terminal has a distinctive characteristic, the detection of each first terminal also comprises the detection of the associated characteristic, making it possible to precisely identify the first terminal and therefore the associated sector. It is also understood that, when the means for rotating the at least one plate correspond to means for rotating the at least one column, a first terminal can be associated with several aligned sectors or with a position of the column in which a plurality of sectors of different plates, associated with the first terminal, are in the access position.

[0050] Preferably, the orientation determination means comprise a second sensor associated with a second terminal controlled by the rotation means, the second terminal being associated with an initial position of the at least one plate, so that the detection of the first terminal and the second terminal results in the determination of the orientation of the at least one plate. Like the first sensor, the second sensor corresponds for example to an optical sensor, or to any other sensor making it possible to identify the passage of the second terminal to a given position.

[0051] It is understood here that the second sensor and the second terminal make it possible to define a reference position (called initial position) of the at least one plate. The detection of the second terminal makes it possible to confirm the return to the initial position of the plate, and in particular to avoid any offset, or propagation of error, in the event of an error in detecting a first terminal. This design also does not require introducing distinctive characteristics for each first terminal, which would also include additional constraints on the precision of the first sensor and therefore differentiate the first terminals.

[0052] As before, such a design is also compatible with orientation determining means associated with the at least one column.

[0053] The orientation data further comprises, for example, a second piece of information representative of the detection of the second terminal, the control electronics determining the orientation of the plate, or of the column, from the combination of the first piece of information and the second piece of information.

[0054] In an additional embodiment, the rotation means are arranged along a lower portion of the dispenser, the dispenser also having an access door associated with the rotation means.

[0055] According to another variant, the rotation means are arranged along an upper portion of the distributor, the distributor also having an access door associated with the rotation means.

[0056] It is understood here that the arrangement of the rotation means along a vertical end of the distributor, in particular along one end of the column, makes it possible to facilitate any maintenance operation on them. Such a design is all the more advantageous for means for rotating the column, which can be arranged without difficulty at a single point on the column.

[0057] Likewise, it is possible to provide for the orientation determination means to be arranged in the vicinity of the rotation means, in particular according to one of the positions described above, so as to also make them accessible.

[0058] It is also understood that, while it is possible to provide rotation means or orientation determining means associated directly with the trays, a majority of them can be accessed by opening an adjacent access door. The provision of an additional access door then allows access to means associated with a tray at the end of the column.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the rotation means are configured, in an operating mode, to drive the at least one plate in a continuous rotational movement.

[0060] In other words, the operating mode corresponds to uninterrupted rotation of the platter.

[0061] The operating mode is, for example, determined by the control electronics, in particular by switching from a first operating mode, in which the tray is in motion, to a second operating mode, corresponding to the distribution of one or more products.

[0062] The continuous rotation allows all sectors to be moved into access position successively, so as to improve the visibility of all the products stored in the dispenser, and thus facilitate the selection of a product by the user or the detection of empty sectors by the operator.

[0063] In one embodiment, the dispenser further comprises means for refrigerating the lockers.

[0064] It is understood here that the provision of refrigeration means makes it possible to adapt the dispenser to the distribution of fresh and / or perishable products. The dispenser comprises, for example, a refrigeration unit in the upper portion, configured to cool the entire enclosure of the dispenser.

[0065] It is further understood that, in the context of a distributor equipped with refrigeration means, it is all the more important to maximize distribution efficiency, to minimize the total volume required for product storage (the total volume impacting energy consumption for refrigeration), and to reduce the time access doors are open.

[0066] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling rotation means of a locker dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method being implemented by at least one processor, the method comprising the following steps:

[0067] - receipt of representative order data associated with a set of distributor sectors;

[0068] - control of the rotation means according to the control data, so that the set of sectors passes into the access position. The at least one processor corresponds for example to a processor integrated into computer means embedded in the distributor, in particular the control electronics described above, or to a processor in communication with such means.

[0069] The data representing the order is, for example, received by communication with a distributor interface, or with any other interface configured to transmit the order to the processor.

[0070] Here we understand that the order corresponds to a set of distributed products, which are stored in one or more particular sectors, or even corresponds to a set of sectors, the data received already including information representative of the selected sectors.

[0071] Depending on the design of the rotation means and the content of the control data, it is understood here that the control of the rotation means can be carried out in several stages, in particular when all of the sectors of the control cannot simultaneously move into the access position, for example when the set of sectors comprises two sectors of the same plate. The stages are then separated by the opening and / or closing of the access doors, manually or controlled by the method or by a broader method.In other words, in such a case, the control comprises a first step of controlling the rotation means, so that a first subset of the set of sectors passes into the access position, then, after the opening and closing of one or more access doors associated with the first subset, a second step of controlling the rotation means, so that a second subset of the set of sectors passes into the access position, etc.

[0072] Preferably, the order comprises a plurality of products, each product being associated with at least one sector, the method further comprising a step of determining a set of sectors from the order data, so as to minimize the total number of checks of the rotation means associated with the set of sectors, the control of the rotation means being further carried out as a function of the set of sectors. In other words, it is possible for the same type of product to be stored in several sectors, and for the order to designate any one of the type of product indifferently. In this case, it is possible for an order comprising a plurality of products to be accomplished according to a plurality of combinations of sectors. Furthermore, not all combinations of sectors can simultaneously pass into the access position, given the structure of the trays.The determination step then makes it possible to select the combination of sectors allowing the fastest possible distribution of products, in other words, the combination of sectors requiring the fewest subsets of sectors as defined above, and therefore the fewest sub-steps of control of the means of rotation.

[0073] This design thus ensures faster and more efficient distribution, and minimizes the risks of user errors and omissions resulting from distribution in many stages.

[0074] According to a preferred variant, the means for rotating the at least one plate correspond to means for rotating the at least one column, each column has a plurality of plates, the sectors of the plates forming a plurality of alignments along the column, so that all of the sectors of an alignment are simultaneously accessible from the associated access doors during rotation of the column, and the determination step is configured to minimize the total number of alignments associated with the set of sectors.

[0075] It is understood here that a design in which the trays are integral with the columns further increases the number of separate control steps to distribute a command, each tray can no longer be controlled independently. This design, however, simplifies the implementation of the determination step by reducing the number of possible combinations, and is thus simpler to implement without requiring complex calculations.

[0076] In one embodiment, the dispenser comprises means for determining the orientation of the at least one tray, the method further comprising a step of receiving data representing the orientation of the at least one tray from the determination means, the control of the rotation means being further carried out as a function of the data representing the orientation.

[0077] The orientation determining means comprise for example the first sensor and the second sensor, as well as the set of first terminals and the second terminal as described above.

[0078] As stated above, the representative orientation data makes it possible, for example, to increment the position of each plate during rotation, so as to ensure that the correct sector is in the access position when receiving command data.

[0079] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, in particular when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0080] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0081] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include a storage medium, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording medium or a hard disk.

[0082] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from a network such as the Internet.

[0083] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question.

[0084] Thus, through the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a locker dispenser and an associated control method, which allow the storage and distribution of a large number of products with reduced structural constraints.

[0085] Description of figures

[0086] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 8 and in which:

[0087] [Fig.l]

[0088] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a locker dispenser seen from its front facade, according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0089] [Fig.2]

[0090] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a locker dispenser according to Figure 1 seen from its rear portion; [Fig.3]

[0091] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view along a horizontal plane of a locker dispenser according to Figure 1;

[0092] [Fig.4]

[0093] Figure 4 illustrates a locker of a locker dispenser according to Figure 1;

[0094] [Fig.5]

[0095] Figure 5 illustrates a column of a locker dispenser according to Figure 1;

[0096] [Fig.6]

[0097] Figure 6 illustrates rotation means and orientation determining means integrated into a locker dispenser according to Figure 1;

[0098] [Fig.7]

[0099] Figure 7 schematically illustrates control electronics for a locker dispenser according to Figure 1;

[0100] [Fig.8]

[0101] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a method for controlling the rotation means of a locker dispenser in accordance with Figure 1.

[0102] Detailed description

[0103] A locker dispenser equipped with rotation means and a method for controlling these rotation means will now be described in the following with joint reference to Figures 1 to 8. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0104] As indicated in the preamble of the description, current solutions for crate dispensers have a limited capacity and require frequent refills, while mobile spiral dispenser solutions are only compatible with a limited range of products, and solutions developed to increase the capacity of crate dispensers encounter additional limitations and constraints related to the depth of the crates. One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a crate dispenser allowing the storage and distribution of a wide variety of products with a minimum of structural and operational constraints.

[0105] This is made possible in the following example, which considers an automatic distributor with twenty-one doors distributed in three columns arranged in a row. It will be understood here that this example is not limiting and that the invention will find other applications for automatic distributors having different dimensions, as well as other arrangements of the lockers.

[0106] According to the example of Figure 1, the automatic locker dispenser 1 developed within the framework of the present invention comprises a facade 7 on which is placed a set of twenty-one doors 2 giving access to the products to be dispensed. The facade 7 corresponds here to a front facade, that is to say that all the doors are arranged along the same side of the dispenser 1. It is understood here that the facade 7 corresponds to an accessible portion of the dispenser 1 and that it is possible to design other forms of dispenser 1 in which the facade 7 corresponds to one or more faces of the dispenser 1, or even extends along the entire periphery of the dispenser 1.

[0107] According to a particular variant, the dispenser 1 is also provided with means for refrigerating the racks, for example a refrigerating unit arranged above all the racks and configured to cool the internal enclosure of the dispenser 1. Such dispensers 1 require a significant amount of energy to cool the stored products, and it is important to minimize the total volume to be refrigerated as well as the heat exchanges, in particular linked to the opening of each access door 2.

[0108] In this same example, each locker contains a tray 4 (figure 4), the trays 4 being superimposed inside the dispenser 1 along columns 3 (figures 2 and 5). The superposition of the trays 4 thus defines the lower and upper limits of each locker along a vertical axis. Each of the doors 2 thus gives access to an individual locker, so that, when using the dispenser 1, it opens one or more doors 2 specific to the user's command.

[0109] As illustrated in Figure 3, each tray 4 is divided into a plurality of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c, each sector 4a, 4b, 4c defining a receiving area for a product. The trays 4 advantageously have a disc shape, the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c corresponding to angular sectors. The sectors 4a, 4b, 4c are for example separated from each other by walls 4d (Figures 3 and 4), so that a user cannot access a product stored in an adjacent sector.

[0110] The receiving volume of a product is thus defined on the one hand by the height of the rack, that is to say the height of the access door2 and the height separating two superimposed trays 4, on the other hand by the area of ​​a sector 4a, 4b, 4c. These dimensions are adapted to the volume of the products to be stored by the dispenser 1, and it is understood that it is possible to vary these dimensions between two dispensers 1 or within the same dispenser 1, depending on the volume of the products.

[0111] Here, trays 4 are provided divided into three sectors 4a, 4b, 4c by three walls 4d, but it is also possible to design trays 4 comprising more or fewer sectors 4a, 4b, 4c, in particular in order to adapt the trays 4 to the products to be stored as described above. In accordance with the underlying concept of the invention, and as illustrated in Figure 6, here, means 5 for rotating the at least one tray 4 are provided. Here, the rotation means 5 correspond to a motor driving a shaft secured to the tray 4. In particular, the rotation means 5 of the tray 4 correspond to means for rotating the column 3, that is to say that the motor directly drives the column 3 in rotation, the trays 4 being secured to the column 3.

[0112] Thus, when the tray 4 is rotated, via the column 3, the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c move relative to the access door. In the example of Figure 3, a first sector 4a is in the access position, that is to say it is arranged opposite the access door 2, and accessible by a user when the access door 2 is opened. When the tray 4 is rotated, the first sector 4a leaves the access position, a second sector 4b or a third sector 4c passing into the access position, the first sector 4a finding itself in a storage position, set back from the access door 2. The first sector 4a then becomes inaccessible to the user, in particular when the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c are divided by walls 4d.

[0113] In this same example, and in accordance with figures 2, 5 and 6, the rotation means 5 are arranged along a lower portion of the distributor 1, that is to say grouped along a portion of the column 3. The distributor 1 advantageously has an access door 2 associated with the rotation means 5, corresponding here to the three access doors 2 of the lower row of the distributor 1 of figure 1, each access door being associated with a column 3 provided with rotation means 5. The rotation means 5 can thus be accessed without difficulty for any maintenance operation.Obviously, other variants can be designed in which the rotation means 5 are grouped along another portion of the column 3, for example along an upper end of the column 3, in the lower portion of the distributor 1, or even along an intermediate portion of the column 3, the racks extending above and below the rotation means 5.

[0114] As stated previously, when the rotation means 5 are configured to drive the column 3 in rotation, the trays 4 are integral with the column 3 so as to be jointly driven in rotation. Advantageously, the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c form a plurality of alignments along the column 3, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, when a sector of a tray 4, for example the first sector 4a, passes into the access position, all the sectors of the alignment pass simultaneously into the access position. The dispenser 1 can thus dispense several products at a time when these are stored on the same alignment. This design is also simplified to control, since it makes it possible to group a plurality of sectors multiplied by a plurality of trays into a smaller number of alignments.

[0115] Advantageously, the distributor 1 integrates control electronics 20 configured to control the rotation means 5, for example the control electronics of the figure

[0116] 7. The control electronics 20 are advantageously configured to implement a method for controlling the rotation means 5, for example the method 30 of the figure

[0117] 8.

[0118] Such a control method is for example integrated into a broader method for controlling the operation of the dispenser 1, which notably comprises controlling the opening and closing of the access doors 2. It is also possible to design a dispenser 1 in which the access doors 2 are opened and / or closed at least partially manually, the method controlling only the rotation means 5, or controlling the access doors 2 only partially, for example only locking and / or unlocking the access doors 2. In particular, leaving a manual operation of the access doors 2 without integrating automatic opening makes it possible to avoid an early opening of the access doors 2 resulting in a loss of energy of a dispenser 1 integrating refrigeration means.

[0119] According to a particular variant, the rotation means 5 are configured to drive the trays 4 in a continuous rotational movement. The control electronics 20 is for example configured to alternate between a first operating mode in which the trays 4 are driven in a continuous movement, and a second operating mode corresponding to the method mentioned above and described below. Thus, all of the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c successively move into the access position, allowing any user to view all of the products stored in the dispenser.

[0120] As illustrated in Figure 7, the control electronics 20 is for example advantageously grouped in an electronic device, for example a processor or a microprocessor. The control electronics 20 is for example configured to transmit and receive data with respect to all of the components of the dispenser 1. The elements of the control electronics 20, individually or in combination, can be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and / or in discrete components. The control electronics 20 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0121] The control electronics 20 is thus configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the control electronics 20. The control electronics 20 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The control electronics 20 further comprises a memory 201 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0122] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 201 of the control electronics 20.

[0123] In a first step 31 of the control method, the control electronics 20 receives a representative control data item associated with a set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c of the distributor 1. The control electronics 20 comprises for example a beacon unit 202 configured to receive the control data item.

[0124] The beacon unit 202 is for example in wired or wireless communication with an interface 8 associated with the dispenser 1, preferably a human-machine interface integrated with the dispenser 1 allowing a user to order one or more products stored by the dispenser 1, the products being stored in the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0125] According to a first variant, the order data directly includes information representative of the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c. This is particularly the case when the user places an order by directly selecting the sector(s) 4a, 4b, 4c storing the desired product(s).

[0126] The control electronics 20 then performs a control 34 of the rotation means 5 as a function of the control data, so that the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c passes into the access position. The control electronics 20 comprises for example a control circuit 203 configured to control the rotation means 5.

[0127] It is understood here that this control 34 can be carried out in several steps, in particular when the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c comprises several sectors belonging to the same tray 4 or several sectors belonging to different alignments. Each control step is thus separated from the next control step by a removal of the products from the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c in the access position and by the manual or automatic actuation of the access doors 2. According to a second variant, the order comprises a plurality of products. In other words, the order data comprises information representative of a plurality of products. Each product is associated with at least one sector 4a, 4b, 4c. In particular, it is possible for at least one product to be associated with a plurality of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c.The control electronics 20, in particular a processor 200 integrated into the control electronics, then performs, in a second step 32 of the control method, a determination of the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c from the control data. The set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c is naturally determined so as to correspond to the plurality of products.

[0128] Advantageously, the processor 200 is configured to determine the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c so as to minimize the total number of checks 34 described above, that is to say the total number of successive check steps making it possible to move the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c into the access position. This minimization can be done for example by determining the minimum number of products associated with adjacent sectors 4a, 4b, 4c of the same tray, or by determining the minimum number of alignments comprising the plurality of products.

[0129] As described above, once the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c has been determined, the control step 34 is carried out from the set of sectors 4a, 4b, 4c, via the control circuit 203.

[0130] According to an advantageous variant illustrated in figure 6, the distributor 1 further comprises means for determining the orientation 6 of the plates 4. In the example of figure 6, these means correspond to means for determining the orientation of each column 3, the plates 4 being controlled by the columns 3.

[0131] The orientation of the trays 4 is here considered with respect to the rotation of the trays 4 along their vertical axis, that is to say that it corresponds to the sector(s) 4a, 4b, 4c of the tray 4 being in the access position.

[0132] In this same example, the determination means 6 comprise on the one hand a first fixed sensor 6a, on the other hand a set of first terminals 6b controlled by the rotation means 5. Thus, when the plates 4 are set in motion, the first terminals 6b are also set in motion. The first sensor 6a is configured to detect the passage, presence or proximity of the first terminals 6b, so that when a given first terminal 6b is detected, the orientation of the plate 4 can be determined. The first terminals 6b are advantageously each associated with a sector 4a, 4b, 4c, for example with an alignment as described above. Thus, a first terminal 6b passes in front of the first sensor 6a when the associated sector 4a, 4b, 4c is in a precise position, for example in the access position.

[0133] Thus, in a third step 33, the control electronics 20, for example the beacon unit 202, receives data representing the orientation of the plate 4 from the determination means 6. The beacon unit 202 receives, for example, information for each detection of a first terminal 6b by the first sensor 6a, the control electronics 20, for example the processor 200, incrementing a counter associated with the number of detections carried out to deduce the associated sector 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0134] The control 34 of the rotation means 5 can therefore be carried out with instantaneous monitoring on the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c passing into access position.

[0135] Advantageously, the determination means 6 also comprise a second fixed sensor 6c and a second terminal 6d controlled by the rotation means 5. For example, a rotating plate controlled by the rotation means 5 is provided, the first terminals 6b extending from a first face of the rotating plate, the second terminal extending from a second face of the rotating plate.

[0136] The second terminal 6d thus makes it possible to define an initial position of the plates 4, that is to say a reference position from which the sectors 4a, 4b, 4c and the first terminals 6b are arranged.

[0137] In this design, the representative data of the orientation of the plate 4 includes:

[0138] - information representative of detection of a number of first terminals 6b; and

[0139] - information representative of detection of the second terminal 6d.

[0140] The control electronics can thus determine the orientation of the plate 4 from the number of first terminals 6b detected since the last detection of the second terminal 6d. This design ensures that a possible error in detecting a first terminal 6b is not propagated for all subsequent rotations of the plates 4, and can for example be erased after a complete rotation of the plates 4.

[0141] Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a rack dispenser in which the products are stored on a plurality of trays, the dispenser being provided with means for rotating the trays, as well as a method for controlling the rotation means, so that all of the stored products can, without constraint on the other products, be distributed via the dispenser. This design thus makes it possible to maximize the total number of different products to be distributed, without significant structural constraint. It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular exemplary 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.

[0142] 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

Claims 1. Dispenser (1) with lockers comprising a plurality of lockers accessible from a plurality of access doors (2), said dispenser (1) comprising: - at least one column (3), each column (3) having at least one tray (4), each tray (4) being associated with a rack and an access door (2), each tray (4) being divided into a plurality of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c), each sector (4a, 4b, 4c) defining a zone for receiving a product; and - means for rotating (5) said at least one tray (4) configured to move said sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) between an access position in which a sector of said tray (4) is accessible from said associated access door (2), and a storage position in which said sector is inaccessible from said associated access door (2).

2. Dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein said means for rotating (5) said at least one tray (4) correspond to means for rotating said at least one column (3).

3. Dispenser (1) according to claim 2, wherein each column (3) has a plurality of trays (4), said sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) of said trays (4) forming a plurality of alignments along said column (3), so that all of the sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) of an alignment are simultaneously accessible from said associated access doors (2) during rotation of said column (3).

4. Dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which further comprises control electronics (20) configured to control said rotation means (5).

5. Dispenser (1) according to claim 4, which further comprises means for determining the orientation (6) of said at least one tray (4), said control electronics (20) being configured to communicate by wire or wireless means with said means for determining the orientation (6) so as to receive data representative of the orientation of said at least one tray (4) from said determination means (6), said control of said rotation means (5) being carried out as a function of said data.

6. Dispenser (1) according to claim 5, wherein said orientation determining means (6) comprise a first sensor (6a) associated with a set of first terminals (6b) controlled by said rotation means (5), each first terminal (6b) being associated with a sector (4a, 4b, 4c), so that the detection of at least one of said first terminals (6b) by said first sensor (6a) results in the determination of the orientation of said at least one plate (4).

7. Dispenser (1) according to claim 6, wherein said orientation determining means (6) comprise a second sensor (6c) associated with a second terminal (6d) controlled by said rotation means (5), said second terminal (6d) being associated with an initial position of said at least one plate (4), so that the detection of at least one of said first terminals (6b) and said second terminal (6d) results in the determination of the orientation of said at least one plate (4).

8. Dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said rotation means (5) are arranged along a lower portion of the dispenser (1), said dispenser (1) also having an access door (2) associated with said rotation means (5).

9. Dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said rotation means (5) are configured, in one operating mode, to drive said at least one plate (4) in a continuous rotational movement.

10. Dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which further comprises means for refrigerating said lockers.

11. Method for controlling rotation means (5) of a dispenser (1) with lockers according to one of claims 1 to 10, said method being implemented by at least one processor, said method comprising the following steps: - reception (31) of a data item representing a command associated with a set of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) of said distributor (1); - control (34) of said rotation means (5) as a function of said control data, so that said set of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) passes into said access position.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein said order comprises a plurality of products, each product being associated with at least one sector (4a, 4b, 4c), said method further comprising a step of determining (32) a set of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c) from said order data, so as to minimize the total number of checks (34) of said rotation means (5) associated with said set of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c), said check (34) of said rotation means (5) being further carried out as a function of said set of sectors (4a, 4b, 4c).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said dispenser (1) comprises means for determining the orientation of said at least one tray, said method further comprising a step of receiving (33) a representative data item orientation of said at least one plate (4) from said determination means (6), said control (34) of said rotation means (5) being further carried out as a function of said representative orientation data.

14. Computer program product comprising instructions for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

15. A computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program according to claim 14 is recorded.

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