Container discharge device and control method thereof

Abstract

A container discharge device is disclosed. The device comprises: a main body including a plurality of supply lines for respectively accommodating a plurality of containers that are sequentially stacked; a discharge module; and a base for supporting the main body. The discharge module includes: a plurality of discharge gears for discharging the containers; and a buffer structure for buffering the impact applied to the plurality of discharge gears when the plurality of containers are introduced into the discharge module from one of the plurality of supply lines.

Description

Container dispensing device and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container dispensing device and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Establishments such as cafes and restaurants frequently use containers like cups. In such cases, a container dispensing device can be used to store the containers cleanly and efficiently.

[0003] A container dispensing device is a device that holds multiple containers together and dispenses them one by one as needed. A container dispensing device may also be referred to as a dispenser. Container dispensing devices are primarily used for dispensing disposable containers made of materials such as paper.

[0004] However, as environmental issues have become a major concern, there is a movement to reduce the use of disposable containers and replace them with so-called reusable containers that can be used multiple times. Since reusable containers must be able to be washed and reused after collection, they are generally made of thicker and harder materials compared to disposable containers. Consequently, when multiple reusable containers are stacked, the weight becomes much heavier than when multiple disposable containers are stacked.

[0005] Conventional container dispensing devices are designed for relatively lightweight disposable containers; therefore, when accommodating reusable containers, there is a possibility that the device may break due to the weight during the filling process. Additionally, there was a problem in that it was not easy to load multiple reusable containers into the dispensing device at once.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a container dispensing device comprises: a controller; a base; a main body that accommodates a plurality of containers to be introduced in a plurality of internal partitioned areas and discharges the containers on the partitioned areas along a preset path; and a dispensing module having a seating module on which the container discharged from the main body is seated. The controller controls the seating module to discharge the container downward from the dispensing module through a pressure contact method, and the base can perform a preset cushioning operation to respond to an impact caused by the collision of the container when the discharged container collides with and is seated on the seating module.

[0007] A control method for a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a base, a main body provided on the base and accommodating a plurality of containers, and a mounting module that receives and discharges the plurality of containers discharged from the main body, may include the steps of: the main body accommodating the plurality of containers in a plurality of partitioned areas and dispensing the containers on the partitioned areas along a preset path; the discharged containers being mounted on the discharge gear; the base performing a preset cushioning operation when an impact occurs on the discharge gear due to the discharged plurality of containers; and dispensing the containers mounted on the discharge gear downward through a pressure contact method.

[0008] FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing the interior of a container dispensing device in an open state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a controller mounted on a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the configuration of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the state in which a container is handled in a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a different angle.

[0014] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating a state in which a part of the main body of a container dispensing device is opened or closed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a container dispensing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a tilted state of the main body (120) in a container discharge device (100) having the structure of FIG. 8.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a container dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows the main body of the container dispensing device of FIG. 10 in a rotated state.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The embodiments described in this specification may be modified in various ways. Specific embodiments may be depicted in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, specific embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of various embodiments. Accordingly, the technical concept is not limited by specific embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that it includes all equivalents or substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by the aforementioned terms. The aforementioned terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0022] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, or that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. In this disclosure, the expression "identical" implies not only complete agreement but also a degree of difference that accounts for a range of processing errors. Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations might unnecessarily obscure the essence of this disclosure, such detailed description is abbreviated or omitted.

[0023] A container dispensing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure receives a container, holds the container, and performs the operation of dispensing the held container when an event occurs requiring the container to be dispensed. The event requiring the container to be dispensed may include various events, such as an event where a user inputs a dispensing command, an event where a preset time period arrives, or an event where the preparation of a liquid or solid to be contained in the container is completed.

[0024] The container can be of various shapes and materials. For example, the container to be handled by the container dispensing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a reusable container made of a material that can be reused through washing, etc. (e.g., plastic, rubber, metal, etc.), rather than a disposable container (e.g., paper cup, etc.).

[0025] The container may be made of a single material, or it may be implemented as a mixed-material container using two or more materials together. The container may be in the form of a cup, but is not necessarily limited to this, and may be a bowl, etc.

[0026] Hereinafter, a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1b is a perspective view illustrating the interior of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in an open state.

[0028] A container dispensing device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure receives a container, holds the container received, and performs the operation of dispensing the held container when an event occurs that requires dispensing the container. The event that requires dispensing the container may include various events, such as an event where a user inputs a dispensing command, an event where a preset time period arrives, or an event where the preparation of a liquid or solid to be contained in the container is completed.

[0029] The container (1) can be of various shapes and materials. For example, the container to be handled by the container dispensing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may not be a disposable container (e.g., paper cup, etc.), but a reusable container made of a material that can be reused through washing, etc. (e.g., plastic, rubber, metal, etc.).

[0030] The container (1) may be made of a single material or may be implemented as a mixed material container using two or more materials together. The container (1) may be in the shape of a cup, but is not necessarily limited to this, and may be a bowl, etc.

[0031] The containers can be manufactured in a form that allows them to be stacked vertically on top of each other. In this case, the user can stack multiple containers sequentially in a vertical direction to fill the container dispensing device (100) all at once while minimizing their volume. In the present disclosure, a space in which multiple stacked containers are received in a row is described as a supply line.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the container dispensing device (100) includes a base (110), a main body (120), and a dispensing module (130). The base (110) is a component for supporting the container dispensing device (100) from the mounting surface. The base (110) may also be referred to as a stand or a support device. The base (110) may include a base panel (111), a support member (112), a tilt part (113), a bottom panel (114), and an intermediate support member (115).

[0033] The tilt part (113) is a configuration that supports the main body (120) to tilt while connected to the main body (120). The tilt part (113) includes a hinge connected in a rotatable state. In an embodiment where tilt control can be performed automatically, the tilt part (113) may further include a motor capable of rotating the hinge. On the other hand, in an embodiment where the user can manually tilt the main body (120), the tilt part (113) may include only the hinge.

[0034] The bottom panel (114) is configured to support the entire container dispensing device (100) on the installation surface of the container dispensing device (100) (e.g., on a table or on a floor). The bottom panel (114) is connected to the upper base panel (111) and the intermediate support member (115) to support the entire upper structure.

[0035] The intermediate support member (115) is configured to support the base panel (111) and the floor panel (114) in a spaced-apart manner and can be implemented in the form of multiple columns. In FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, it is composed of six intermediate support members (116), but it is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0036] The base panel (111) is configured to support the main body (120) from the lower side of the discharge module (130) and the main body (120). In the lower area of ​​the discharge module (130) within the entire area of ​​the base panel (111), a hole is formed through which a container can pass. A container discharged from the discharge module (130) can pass through the base panel (111) via the hole and be erected on the lower bottom panel (114).

[0037] A rubber or silicone pad may be placed on the part of the bottom panel (114) where the container is placed to prevent the container from slipping or breaking due to impact when placed. However, this is not limited to this and can be modified in various forms. For example, the container dispensing device (100) may be used in conjunction with other surrounding devices. Specifically, when the container dispensing device (100) is used in an unmanned ice cream shop, it may be implemented in a form where the dispensed container is moved to the lower part of the ice cream supply device, and then the ice cream is dispensed into the container and delivered to the customer. In this case, a conveyor belt for automatically moving the container may be arranged to pass through the bottom panel (114). Accordingly, the container dispensed from the dispensing module (130) may pass through the base panel (111) and be placed on the conveyor belt.

[0038] The main body (120) is a part supported by the base (110). A plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6) are provided within the main body (120). Each supply line (S1 to S6) is configured to accommodate a plurality of containers stacked sequentially. FIG. 1b illustrates a state in which a total of six supply lines (S1 to S6) are formed, but the number of supply lines is not necessarily limited to this.

[0039] According to FIG. 1b, a turret structure (105) rotatable about the central axis of the main body (120) is provided inside the main body (120). The turret structure (105) includes a central axis (123) and a plurality of partition parts (1241 to 1246) that protrude radially from the central axis (123) to partition a plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6). The regions separated by each partition part can operate as a plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6). FIG. 1b illustrates a state in which each partition part is implemented in the form of a flat plate protruding from the central axis.

[0040] A container (1) contained in each of the first to sixth compartment parts (1241) to the sixth compartment part (1246) of the turret structure (105) can be discharged through the discharge port at the bottom. Two adjacent compartment parts form a single supply line. For example, the space between the first compartment part (1241) and the second compartment part (1242) can form the first supply line (S1).

[0041] In FIGS. 1a and 1b, the cross-section of each of the multiple supply lines (S1 to S6) is illustrated as being in the shape of a fan. However, this is not necessarily limited thereto, and depending on the shape of each section part, the multiple supply lines (S1 to S6) may have a long cylindrical shape with a circular or square cross-section. For example, if the cross-section of the container is circular, each supply line (S1 to S6) may be implemented in the shape of a cylinder. The inner surface of each supply line (S1 to S6) may be made of a material or in a shape that has friction so as to reduce the movement speed when multiple containers are moved downwards at once and fed into the discharge module (130). For example, the inner surface of each supply line (S1 to S6) may have protrusions or grooves formed that protrude in the horizontal direction.

[0042] The outer surface of the main body (120) may be provided with at least a portion of a transparent or opaque material. If provided with a transparent material, it is possible to intuitively determine from the outside whether a container (1) is provided in the internal space of the main body (120) and whether a refill is needed.

[0043] The main body (120) may include a lower cover (122) and a cover (125). The lower cover (122) is a panel having a discharge port formed therein and may be provided to finish the lower part of the main body (120). That is, the discharge port is formed in the direction of the discharge module (130), and the cover (125) may be formed on the opposite side of the discharge port.

[0044] The discharge port is configured to feed one of the containers contained within the main body (120) into the discharge module (130). The discharge port may be located at the bottom of one of the plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6). Since the plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6) are rotated by the turret structure (105) within the main body (120), the supply line at the discharge port may be changed. That is, when all the containers contained in one supply line are exhausted, it is changed to the next supply line. The turret structure (105) may be rotated manually or automatically by a separately provided motor.

[0045] Since the cover (125) is formed on the upper side of the main body (120), when the cover (125) is opened, the upper side of the plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6) is exposed. With the cover (125) open, the user can fill the containers in the plurality of supply lines (S1 to S6). The cover (125) may also be implemented to be opened and closed manually, or it may be opened and closed automatically by a separately provided motor.

[0046] The discharge module (130) is configured to discharge a container (1) contained in the main body (120) downward. The discharge module (130) includes a plurality of discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) for discharging the container, an upper panel (132), a lower plate (133), and a cushioning structure (134).

[0047] The discharge gears (131: 1311, 1312, 1313) of the discharge module (130) are configured to discharge containers from the supply line above the discharge port. The plurality of discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) rotate by driving a motor, and can drop the lowest containers among the containers in the supply line one by one downwards.

[0048] The cushioning structure (134) is configured to cushion physical impacts applied to multiple discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) during the process of inserting and filling multiple containers into the supply line. As described above, if the container (1) is manufactured for multiple uses, it may be heavier and thicker than a lightweight disposable container. If 200 containers weighing 40g each are filled into a single supply line at once, the total weight can be approximately 8kg. If such a weight is applied to the discharge gear (131) at once, the discharge gear (131) may be damaged. The cushioning structure (134) can absorb such impacts to prevent damage to the discharge gear (131). The detailed configuration and operation of the discharge module (130) will be explained in detail in the following section.

[0049] The upper panel (132) is configured to fix the discharge module (130) at the lower side of the main body (120), and the lower plate (133) is configured to support a plurality of exposed gears (131). The lower plate (133) can also be referred to as a plate. In FIGS. 1a and 1b, the upper panel (132) and the lower plate (133) are each formed in the shape of a circular plate with a hole formed in the center through which a container can pass, but they do not necessarily have to be made in a circular shape.

[0050] As described above, the operations of each component of the container dispensing device (100) may be performed manually or automatically. To perform the operations automatically, the container dispensing device (100) may include at least one motor and a controller for controlling it.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a controller mounted on a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to FIG. 2, the container dispensing device (100) includes at least one sensor (140), a plurality of motors (135, 125, 113), and a controller (101). The motors (135, 125, 113) can be used for various purposes at various locations. For convenience of explanation, a motor for rotating a plurality of dispensing gears is referred to as the first motor, and a motor for rotating a turret structure is referred to as the second motor. Additionally, if the main body (120) of the container dispensing device (100) is implemented in a form that can rotate with respect to a hinge (e.g., a tilt part) connected between it and a base (110), an additional motor for rotating the main body may be included. Such a motor is referred to as the third motor. In this disclosure, the term "motor (135, 125, 113)" refers to a configuration that moves corresponding components (dispensing gear, turret structure, hinge), and thus can be understood to include all various auxiliary components, such as gears or shafts connected to the motor. Motors may also be referred to as actuators or drive parts.

[0053] The controller (101) may be implemented as a control circuit for applying an electrical signal to each motor according to the input of a control button, but is not limited thereto and may be implemented in various configurations. For example, the controller (101) may be implemented in a form that includes a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphics processing unit), APU (accelerated processing unit), MIC (many integrated core), DSP (digital signal processor), NPU (neural processing unit), etc., and a memory in which programs, data, instructions, etc. required for the operation of the processor are stored. The controller (101) may be mounted on the main body (120) or base (110) of the container dispensing device (100), but may also be mounted in various other locations.

[0054] The number of motors may vary depending on the embodiment. For example, it may be implemented in a form including a first motor (135) for rotating a plurality of discharge gears and a second motor (125) for rotating a turret structure.

[0055] When an event occurs in which a container must be ejected, the controller (101) controls the first motor (135) to rotate a plurality of ejection gears. When the plurality of ejection gears rotate while in contact with the lowest container among the plurality of containers contained in the upper supply line, the lowest container (1) separates from the container (2) above it and falls downward.

[0056] The event requiring the dispensing of a container may be when a user presses a container dispensing button (not shown) or inputs a container dispensing command through an external control device. Alternatively, if the container dispensing device (100) forms an automatic system together with other electronic devices in the vicinity, the timing for dispensing the container may arrive.

[0057] The controller (101) controls the second motor (125) to rotate the turret structure when all the containers fed into the discharge module are exhausted. As the turret structure rotates due to the driving of the second motor (125), the next supply line among the plurality of supply lines is positioned above the discharge module. When the next supply line is positioned above the discharge module, the plurality of containers contained in the next supply line are fed into the discharge module. At this time, as described above, the cushioning structure can act to absorb the shock.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the container dispensing device (100) may include a third motor in addition to the first and second motors as shown in FIG. 2. The third motor (113) is configured to rotate the main body (120) based on a hinge connected between the base (110) and the main body (120). In an embodiment that includes the third motor (113), the controller (101) can automatically rotate the main body (120). Specifically, the controller (101) can control the third motor (113) to rotate the main body to a first position for replenishing the container within the main body (120) when the container contained in the entire supply line is depleted, and to rotate the main body to a second position for dispensing the container when the container is replenished.

[0059] If the controller (101) is implemented in a form including memory and a processor, the rotation angles of the hinge for the first and second postures may be stored in the memory. The processor can control the third motor (113) to rotate according to the rotation angles stored in the memory. The rotation of the main body will be explained in detail again with reference to the drawings in the following section.

[0060] At least one sensor (140) is configured to sense the presence or absence of a container within the supply line. As described above, if there are multiple supply lines, one sensor may be placed for each line, or a sensor may be placed only for the supply line connected to the discharge module (130).

[0061] The sensor (140) can be implemented in various ways, such as a weight sensing sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an image sensor. When the sensor (140) is implemented as a weight sensing sensor, the sensor (140) is placed within the dispensing module (130) to detect the weight of the container placed on the dispensing module (130). The controller can identify that the container is depleted if the weight detected by the sensor (140) is 0 or is below a preset threshold.

[0062] When implemented with an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, it may be placed on the inner side of the supply line. If the installation location of the sensor (140) is near the discharge port or near the discharge gear in the supply line, and the container is not detected by the sensor (140), the controller can identify that the container is depleted.

[0063] When implemented as an image sensor, the sensor (140) may be positioned on the side of the cover (125). The image sensor can sense the presence or absence of the container by taking a picture from the cover (125) toward the lower part of the main body.

[0064] Based on the sensing value of at least one sensor (140), the controller identifies whether the container of the supply line connected to the discharge module is depleted, and if the container is depleted, it can rotate the turret structure (105) so that the next supply line is connected to the discharge module. Specifically, the controller (101) can control the second motor (125) to rotate the turret structure (105). If the controller (101) determines that the container of the next supply line is also depleted, it can rotate the turret structure (105) again. If the controller (101) determines that the container is depleted even after rotating it for the total number of supply lines, it can determine that all the containers in the main body (120) are depleted.

[0065] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the configuration of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the state in which a container is handled in a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from a different angle.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the discharge module (130) includes a plurality of discharge gears (131) and at least one plate for supporting the plurality of discharge gears (131). Although two plates (132, 133) are shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the number of plates can be varied. Of the two plates (132, 133), the upper one is referred to as the upper plate (132) and the lower one as the lower plate (133).

[0068] The upper plate (132) is positioned on the lower side of the main body (120), and a hole (132h) corresponding to the position of the discharge port (122h) may be formed in a portion of the plate. The lower plate (133) is positioned spaced apart from the lower side of the upper plate (132), and a hole (133h) corresponding to the positions of the discharge port (122h) and the hole (132h) may be formed.

[0069] The upper plate (132), lower plate (133), and main body (120) can be connected to each other via a connecting bar (L) installed vertically. The discharge gear (131) of the discharge module (130) is located between the lower plate (133) and the upper plate (132) and can be supported by each plate (132, 133).

[0070] In FIG. 3, three discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) are shown arranged in parallel, spaced apart by a certain distance and angle with a space between them corresponding to the holes (132h, 133h). One end of each of the three discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) is connected to the inside of the main body (120). The three discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) pass through the area around the hole (132h) from the upper plate (132) and are fixed to the lower plate (133). Thus, the force applied to the three discharge gears (1311, 1312, 1313) is transmitted to the lower plate (133).

[0071] The cushioning structure (134) of the discharge module (130) is positioned on the lower side of the lower plate (133). Accordingly, when an impact is applied to a plurality of discharge gears, the impact is absorbed by the cushioning structure (134) through the lower plate (133). For example, the cushioning structure (134) can be a damper. The damper (134) can perform a cushioning operation in the vertical direction to respond to an impact applied to the discharge gear (131). In the drawing, the damper (134) is depicted as being installed at an arbitrary position on the bottom surface of the lower panel (133). However, the damper (134) can be implemented as a plurality of dampers installed to correspond to each of the plurality of discharge gears (131) on the bottom surface of the lower panel (133), thereby performing a more direct cushioning operation against an impact generated from the discharge gear (131).

[0072] The cushioning structure (134) does not necessarily have to be implemented as a damper, but may be implemented as an elastic body such as a spring. The discharge module (130) may include a rotating member for rotating a plurality of discharge gears (131) together. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the rotating member is implemented as a rotating belt (B). The rotating belt (B) surrounds each of the plurality of discharge gears (1311, 3112, 1313) in a wrapped manner while in contact with each of them. Specifically, each discharge gear (1311, 3112, 1313) may rotate around a first to third rotation axis (1331, 1332, 1333). Since the rotating belt (B) comes into contact with each of the first to third rotating shafts (1331, 1332, 1333), when the rotating belt (B) rotates, the frictional force can cause the multiple discharge gears (1311, 3112, 1313) to rotate in the same direction. In order to increase the frictional force between the rotating belt (B) and the first to third rotating shafts (1331, 1332, 1333), an uneven surface may be formed on a portion of the outer surface of the first to third rotating shafts (1331, 1332, 1333).

[0073] The rotating member does not necessarily have to be implemented as a rotating belt, but may also be implemented in the form of a rotating gear. When implemented as a rotating gear, each rotating gear may be formed to mesh with a helical groove provided on each of the three discharge gears. Accordingly, the rotational force of the rotating gear is transmitted to each discharge gear, so that each discharge gear can rotate.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, each of the three discharge gears (1311, 3112, 1313) includes a helical groove formed in at least one area within the outer surface.

[0075] The spiral groove comes into contact with the lowest container of the supply line. Specifically, when the three discharge gears are rotated by a rotating member while the protrusion (1-1) protruding on the outer surface of the lowest container is fitted into the spiral groove (4) of each of the three discharge gears, the lowest container (1) separates from the next container (2) and falls downward. The multiple discharge gears come into contact with the next container (2) while discharging the lowest container downward. FIG. 5 is a drawing of a container discharge device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a different angle. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the discharge gears (131) of the discharge module (130) may be provided in multiple numbers so as to face each other with respect to the central axis of each hole (122h, 132h, 133h). The discharge gear (131) can securely seat the container (1) that is inserted along the central axis direction of the holes through contact with each outer surface of the container (1).

[0076] The controller (101) can control the first motor (135) to rotate with a pre-set torque to discharge containers (1) that are each seated and fixed on opposite surfaces. If a memory is provided that stores pre-set condition information, the controller (101) can rotate the discharge gear (131) with an appropriate torque based on the condition information. Specifically, information regarding different torques may be stored in the memory according to the weight of the currently received container (1), the distance to the next container, the maximum number of containers (1) that can be received, and information regarding the upper and lower interlocking force between the containers (1).

[0077] The discharge gear (131) may be provided to form three axes based on a central axis. Each discharge gear (131) may have a spiral groove (131h) formed on its circumference along the vertical direction. When a container discharged from the main body (120) is placed on the discharge gear (131), the controller (101) can control the torque intensity to guide the protrusion (1a) formed on the outer surface of the placed container along the path formed in the spiral groove (131h). The protrusion (1a) formed on the outer surface of the container may be the rim portion of the container's opening. Since the rim portion of the container's opening is manufactured to be thicker than the outer surface of the container, it takes on a shape that protrudes outward.

[0078] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating a state in which a part of the main body of a container dispensing device is opened and closed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the main body (120) may be manufactured in such a way that at least a part of its outer surface can be opened and closed in a sliding manner. Specifically, the side outer surface of the main body (120) may include a movable member (1212) that can move in a sliding manner and a fixed member (1211). The movable member (1212) may slide along the inner or outer surface of the fixed part (1211). Depending on the movement of the movable member (1212), the container (1) stored inside the main body (120) may be exposed to the outside. The movement of the movable member (1212) may be performed manually or may be performed in an electric manner controlled through a controller (101).

[0079] Meanwhile, as described above, when the main body (120) is positioned vertically to the floor, it may be difficult to refill the container through the cover (125) formed on the upper side of the main body (120). In this case, the user can lower the height of the cover (125) of the main body (120) by manually or automatically tilting the main body (120).

[0080] FIG. 8 is a front view of a container dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 8, the dispensing module (130) further includes a support structure (1350) that supports a cushioning structure (134) on the lower side of an upper plate (132) and a lower plate (133). The support structure (1350) includes a plurality of support bars (1351) and support plates (1352). The support plates (1352) are connected to the lower plate (1330) through the cushioning structure (134). The support bars (1351) connect the support plates (1352) and the main body (120). Impacts applied to the dispensing module (130) during the container replenishment process are transmitted to the lower plate (133) and absorbed by the support plates (1352) and the cushioning structure (134). Since the support plate (1352) is connected to the main body (120) by the support bar (1351), it can provide support to the cushioning structure (134).

[0081] According to this structure, the discharge module (130) is not connected to the lower base (110), so it can rotate together with the main body (120) when it rotates.

[0082] FIG. 9 shows a tilted state of the main body (120) in a container dispensing device (100) having the structure of FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 9, the dispensing module (130) includes a plurality of dispensing gears; an upper plate and a lower plate supporting the plurality of dispensing gears; a cushioning structure and a support structure connected to the lower side of the lower plate. The support structure is connected to the main body (120) while spaced apart from the base (110) and supports the cushioning structure. Since the base (110) and the dispensing module (130) are separated from each other, the main body can rotate together with the dispensing module around a hinge.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a container dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As described in the above section, the base (110) includes a base panel (111), a support member connected to the main body via a hinge on the base panel, a bottom panel positioned on the lower side of the base panel, and an intermediate support member connecting the base panel and the bottom panel. According to FIG. 10, the base panel (111) is separated into two panels. Specifically, the base panel (111) may be divided into a first base panel (1111) that supports the main body through the support member, and a second base panel (1112) that is positioned parallel to the first base panel (1111) and connected to a cushioning structure. Additionally, the base panel (111) includes a fastening structure (1113) for separating or connecting the first and second base panels. The fastening structure (1113) can be switched to a first state in which the first and second base panels (1111, 1112) can be separated, and a second state in which the first and second base panels (1111, 1112) can be joined. For example, the fastening structure (1113) may be configured to include a hinge fixed to one of the first and second base panels (1111, 1112) and a rotating member that can be inserted into a groove formed in the other panel while rotating relative to the hinge. In FIG. 10, the fastening structure (113) is shown as being formed on the upper surface of the connection portion between the first and second base panels (1111, 1112), but it may also be formed on the lower surface or the side surface. Alternatively, it may be implemented in the form of a groove and a protrusion formed between the joining surfaces of the first and second base panels (1111, 1112). When the fastening member is in a second state (i.e., a fixed state), the first and second base panels (1111, 1112) are joined together. When the fastening member is in a first state (i.e., an open state), the first and second base panels (1111, 1112) can be separated.

[0084] FIG. 11 shows the main body of the container dispensing device of FIG. 10 in a rotated state. According to FIG. 11, the main body (120) can rotate with the dispensing module (130) and the first base panel (1112) together with the hinge in a state where the fastening structure (1113) is open.

[0085] When the container dispensing device is configured in the form shown in FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 10, the controller (101) can rotate the main body to change to a position favorable for supplying the container when the container needs to be supplied.

[0086] Specifically, when the container accommodated in the entire supply line is exhausted, the controller (101) rotates the main body (120) so that the surface on which the cover is formed, i.e., the upper surface, is tilted at an angle less than a certain angle relative to the bottom surface. For convenience of explanation, this state is referred to as the first position.

[0087] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 11 illustrate a state rotated to a first position. If a third motor is not provided, the user can manually tilt the main body to the first position. On the other hand, if the container dispensing device is implemented with a third motor (113), the controller (101) controls the third motor (113) to rotate the main body to the first position when it is determined that all containers have been depleted. The first position refers to a position that facilitates the insertion of containers. The state changed to the first position may also be referred to as the container supply mode.

[0088] The controller (101) controls the third motor to rotate the main body into a second position in which the upper surface of the main body, on which the cover is formed, faces a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface when the container is refilled. That is, the second position refers to the position when the container dispensing device is used for dispensing containers. The state changed to the second position may also be called the usage mode.

[0089] In the absence of a third motor, the user can manually rotate the main body. In this case, when an external force is applied to the outer surface of the main body, the cover can be rotated to a first position in which the direction of the cover tilts relative to the hinge or to a second position in which the cover is positioned vertically from the base, depending on the direction of the external force.

[0090] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a container dispensing device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, the container dispensing device may include a plurality of supply lines for receiving a plurality of containers stacked sequentially, and may discharge a container received in one of the supply lines using a plurality of dispensing gears (S110).

[0091] When the container of a supply line located on a plurality of discharge gears is depleted, the plurality of supply lines can be rotated so that the next supply line moves onto the discharge gear (S120).

[0092] The container dispensing device includes a cushioning structure to cushion the impact applied to the multiple dispensing gears when multiple containers received in the next supply line are fed into the dispensing gear side.

[0093] Specifically, the container dispensing device may be implemented in a form including the configuration described in the various embodiments described above. For example, when the containers contained in a plurality of supply lines are depleted, the main body may be rotated to a first position to replenish the containers within the main body, and when the containers are replenished in the first position, the main body may be rotated to a second position to dispense the containers.

[0094] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described individually, each embodiment is not required to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0095] In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a container dispensing device, A main body comprising a plurality of supply lines for each accommodating a plurality of containers stacked sequentially; Discharge module; and A base for supporting the above main body; is included, The above discharge module is. A plurality of discharge gears for discharging a container and A container dispensing device comprising a cushioning structure for cushioning the impact applied to the plurality of dispensing gears when the plurality of containers are fed from one of the plurality of supply lines to the discharge module.

2. In Paragraph 1, Controller; A turret structure forming the plurality of supply lines within the main body; A first motor for rotating the plurality of discharge gears; and It further includes a second motor for rotating the above-mentioned turret structure; and The above controller is, When an event occurs requiring the discharge of a container, the first motor is controlled so that the plurality of discharge gears rotate while in contact with one of the plurality of containers to discharge the container, and When the container fed into the discharge module is depleted, the turret structure is rotated to control the second motor so that the next supply line among the plurality of supply lines is positioned above the discharge module. A container dispensing device in which, when the above-mentioned next supply line is positioned above the discharge module, a plurality of containers contained in the above-mentioned next supply line are fed into the discharge module.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above base is, Base panel; A support member coupled to the main body via a hinge on the base panel above; A bottom panel positioned below the base panel; and It includes an intermediate support member connecting the base panel and the floor panel, The above base panel is A first base panel that supports the main body through the support member; A second base panel positioned parallel to the first base panel and coupled with the buffer structure; and A fastening structure for separating or combining the first and second base panels; is included, A container dispensing device in which the main body is rotatable with respect to the hinge together with the dispensing module and the first base panel when the fastening structure is open.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above discharge module is, The above plurality of discharge gears; An upper plate and a lower plate supporting the plurality of discharge gears above; The cushioning structure connected to the lower side of the lower plate; and It includes a support structure that supports the buffer structure while spaced apart from the base, The above main body is a container dispensing device that is rotatable about the hinge together with the above dispensing module.

5. In Paragraph 3 or 4, It further includes a third motor for rotating the main body based on the hinge connected between the base and the main body, and The above controller is, A container dispensing device that controls the third motor to rotate the main body to a first position for replenishing the container within the main body when the container accommodated in the entire plurality of supply lines is depleted, and to rotate the main body to a second position for dispensing the container when the container is replenished.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above plurality of discharge gears are, They are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at a certain distance based on the insertion direction of the above-mentioned container, and Each of the lowest containers among the plurality of containers is in contact within the space between the plurality of discharge gears, and A container dispensing device in which, when the plurality of discharge gears rotate according to the control of the above controller, the plurality of discharge gears discharge the lowest container downwards and come into contact with the next container.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above main body is A discharge port for supplying the container to the above discharge module and It includes a cover formed on the opposite side of the discharge port; and The above controller is, When the container accommodated in all of the above multiple supply lines is exhausted, the third motor is controlled to rotate the main body to the first position in which the surface on which the cover is formed is tilted at an angle less than a certain angle relative to the bottom surface, and A container dispensing device that controls the third motor to rotate the main body into the second position in which the surface on which the cover is formed faces a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface when the container is refilled.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above buffer structure is a container discharge device comprising at least one damper disposed on the lower side of a plate supporting the plurality of discharge gears, which receives and absorbs an impact applied to the plurality of discharge gears through the plate.

9. In Paragraph 6, The plurality of discharge gears above include three discharge gears arranged side by side at a constant interval centered on the space, and Each of the three discharge gears includes a spiral groove formed in at least one area within the outer surface for contacting the lowest container, The above discharge module is, It further includes a rotating member for rotating the three discharge gears together, A container dispensing device in which, when the three discharge gears are rotated by the rotating member while the protrusion protruding on the outer surface of the bottom container is fitted into the helical groove of each of the three discharge gears, the bottom container is separated from the next container and discharged.

10. In Paragraph 9, A container dispensing device comprising a rotating member, wherein the rotating member comprises a rotating gear formed to engage with the helical groove of each of the three discharge gears.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned rotating member is, A container dispensing device comprising a rotating belt that surrounds and contacts each of the three discharge gears mentioned above.

12. In Paragraph 2, The above main body is A discharge port for discharging the above container and It includes a cover formed on the opposite side of the discharge port; and The above base is connected to the above main body through a hinge, and The above main body is A container dispensing device capable of rotating to a first position in which the direction of the cover is tilted relative to the hinge or a second position in which the cover is positioned vertically from the base when an external force is applied to the outer surface of the main body.

13. In Paragraph 2, It further includes at least one sensor for sensing the container of the supply line connected to the discharge module among the plurality of supply lines, and The above controller is, A container dispensing device that identifies whether a container in a supply line connected to the dispensing module is depleted based on the sensing value of at least one sensor, and rotates the turret structure so that the next supply line is connected to the dispensing module if the container is depleted.

14. A control method for a container dispensing device comprising a plurality of supply lines for each receiving a plurality of sequentially stacked containers, wherein A step of discharging a container received in one of the plurality of supply lines using a plurality of discharge gears; The above plurality of discharge gears The method includes the step of rotating the plurality of supply lines so that when the container of one supply line corresponding to the position is exhausted, the next supply line moves to the said position; The above container dispensing device is, A control method comprising a cushioning structure for cushioning the impact applied to the plurality of discharge gears when a plurality of containers received in the above-mentioned next supply line are fed into the plurality of discharge gears.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above plurality of supply lines are arranged in a turret structure that is rotatable within the main body of the container discharge device, and The above main body is connected to the base of the container dispensing device in a rotatable manner through a hinge, and The above control method is, When the containers accommodated in all of the above plurality of supply lines are exhausted, a step of rotating the main body into a first position to replenish the containers within the main body; and A control method further comprising the step of rotating the main body to a second position for discharging the container when the container is replenished in the first position.

Images