EP1911006A2 - Procede de modernisation d'un distributeur automatique - Google Patents

Procede de modernisation d'un distributeur automatique

Info

Publication number
EP1911006A2
EP1911006A2 EP06774680A EP06774680A EP1911006A2 EP 1911006 A2 EP1911006 A2 EP 1911006A2 EP 06774680 A EP06774680 A EP 06774680A EP 06774680 A EP06774680 A EP 06774680A EP 1911006 A2 EP1911006 A2 EP 1911006A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
product
shelves
oriented
delivery
horizontally
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06774680A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1911006A4 (fr
Inventor
Richard G. Coppola
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coin Acceptors Inc
Original Assignee
Coin Acceptors Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coin Acceptors Inc filed Critical Coin Acceptors Inc
Publication of EP1911006A2 publication Critical patent/EP1911006A2/fr
Publication of EP1911006A4 publication Critical patent/EP1911006A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/10—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other two or more magazines having a common delivery chute

Definitions

  • vending machines that are capable of storing large quantities product but have relatively few different choices of product. For example, the machine may hold only five or six options for vending. Typically, these machines will also be limited to only a single product size. These existing vending machines typically have product stacked in vertical columns of horizontally-oriented product, for example, with one product of a certain type resting upon product of the same type. Moreover, these machines do not work well accommodating with many of the possible shapes and sizes available for vending without extensive changeover modification.
  • Newer types of vending machines can provide more product options and easily mix products classes, such as beverages and snacks.
  • many older-style machines remain in acceptable working order despite their shortcoming accommodating greater options and product varieties. Therefore, there is a need to convert these older machines to take advantage of their existing structures to deliver a greater number of classes of products having flexibility to accommodate many product sizes and shapes without investing the money required to completely replace the older-style vending machines.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,529,207 shows a style that many existing vending machines use. This type of machine has less flexibility in product class and variety.
  • This existing prior art vending machine uses an adjustable retainer system for adapting to various product sizes, particularly product height (which corresponds to compartment width in the '207 patent). Product is delivered horizontally to the user through a delivery port.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,991 ,739 shows another prior art vending machine whereby the product is stored in vertical columns of horizontally oriented product and a chain drive dispenser for moving dispensed product to the purchaser through a delivery channel.
  • Summary Of Invention A method of retrofitting an existing vending machine having products stacked vertically in a horizontal orientation in a number of storage locations and utilizing an electro-mechanical device for dispensing said products horizontally via a delivery channel to a delivery port, comprising: a) replacing said number of selectable storage locations having vertically stacked and horizontally oriented product with a plurality of product shelves each having a plurality of product storage locations having horizontal columns of vertically stored products; b) replacing said existing electro-mechanical device for dispensing said vertically stacked and horizontally oriented product with a product dispensing system that retrieves product from the horizontal columns of vertically oriented product in response to a customer selection; and, c) providing a channel that will convert the vertically oriented product delivered by the dispensing system that convert
  • FIG. 1A shows a typical vending machine of the prior art
  • FIG. 1B shows the retrofit kit assembly which fits within the vending machine of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the product storage area of the vending machine shown in FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of the storage area showing the delivery channel to move the product to the delivery port for the vending machine shown in FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the product storage area of FIG. 1A
  • FIG. 5 is a top view showing a portion of the storage and delivery shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 6 is perspective view of the vend delivery mechanism of FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a product shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a top view of a product shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a product shelf and delivery cup according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a side view and top view of a product delivery channel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective of a vending machine showing the refrigeration compartment. Best Modes For Carrying Out The Invention While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
  • FIG. 1A there is shown a front view of a typical beverage vending machine 20 with its storage locations 22 through 36 -A -
  • FIG. 1 B is a simplified drawing showing the front view of a prior art vending machine cabinet, having been retrofitted according to the present invention.
  • the vending machine comprises a plurality of horizontal columns of vertically oriented product 60 through 76 in its selectable storage area, which accommodates a certain number of like products just behind products 60 through 76.
  • each of the products 60 through 76 are in selectable storage locations that accommodate product of various sizes and shapes locates on a plurality of shelves 78 through 86.
  • the product 60 is arranged in horizontal columns spaced apart from one another, with each column containing a like product.
  • shelves 78 through 86 provide a plurality of storage locations that may be selected by the customer.
  • a product delivery and transport cup (or elevator) 88 removes the product 60 through 76 from the appropriate storage location by means of a robotic system that utilizes tracks 90, 92 and 94 to move the product delivery and transport cup 88 to the appropriate location.
  • the product delivery and transport cup 88 transports the removed product from the selected storage location to direct the product to the delivery port 56 via a channel 96, which provides the transitioning of the vertically transported product to the customer delivery port 56.
  • the channel 96 converts the product 60 through 76 to a horizontally oriented configuration.
  • FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 show the existing vending machine 20 of FIG. 1A.
  • Products 38 are delivered to the user by delivery pivots 98, which deliver product from the bottom of each of the columns.
  • the pivots 98 are activated by a finger 100 on a chain 102, which is positioned by a drive system 104.
  • FIG. 6 shows the pivot 98, with its releasing device 106 being activated by the finger 100 attached to the chain 102.
  • the representative system of FIGs. 1A and 3-6 operates in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 4,991 ,739, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
  • the delivery channel 108 of a typical vendor 20 is shown in FIG. 3 positioned below the storage locations 22 through 36 of FIG. 1A and the actuators 40 through 54 driven by motor drive system 104.
  • the released products 38 are dropped on the delivery channel are directed through the opening 110 to a customer delivery port 56 of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 7 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the preferred embodiment shows an auger driven product removal mechanism.
  • the augers 112 and 114 are rotated at the drive engagement points 116 and 118 and move the product forward by the push plates 120 and 122 attached to the augers. As shown, the push plates 120 and 122 are in their most advanced position after the last product has been removed.
  • a detailed description of the auger mechanism is in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/777,160 and 60/701 ,269, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/421 ,935, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 8 is a top view of four auger driven product locations 124, 126, 128 and 130.
  • the push plates 132 through 138 are shown in their furthermost rear position when product locations are full.
  • an auger such as auger 112 and 114
  • its associated push plate 132 through 138 drives product 141, 143, 145, 147 forward to eject one product through the spring release levers 140, 142, 144 and 146.
  • Products 141 , 143, 145 and 147 which are driven by respective push plates 132, 134, 136 and 138 are shown with different dimensions than are accommodated by the design of this embodiment. Notice that the number of products in product location 124 is different than the number in each of the other locations 126, 128 and 130 because of the different sized products.
  • the retrofit kit shelf depths will vary according to the vending machine to be retrofitted.
  • FIG. 9 shows the shelf of FIG. 7 with the product delivery and transport cup 88.
  • the product delivery and transport cup 88 is positioned in the front of the selected product location 124 to engage the augers 112, 114 by the driver 150 operated by a motor therein.
  • the pusher 132 advances a product through the spring release levers 140 into the delivery cup 88.
  • the spring release lever 140 is used to retain, and then to advance the product properly.
  • FIGs. 10 and 11 shows the channel 96 for receiving upright product and converting the upright product to a horizontal position to customer presentation through the delivery port 56 of the prior art beverage vending machine 20.
  • the upright stored product 60-76 of Fig. 1 B is delivered by the product delivery and transport cup 88 to the channel 96 whereby the product is rotated 90 degrees such that it can be delivered to the customer horizontally through the delivery port 56.
  • the refrigeration system in the typical prior art vending machine of FIG. 1A has its cooling coils 156 in a zone close to the products to be delivered, near the bottom of the vendor so that the lower products are substantially cooler than the higher products in the stack.
  • the retrofit kit can provide a moving flow of cool air across the entire storage locations favoring the front delivery area because the shelves 80-86 do not extend to the front of the unit due the volume necessary for movement of the product delivery and transport cup 88.
  • adequate ductwork and coil configurations will be provided to channel sufficient cooling air to all product locations. In this way, uniform cooling will be provided for upper shelves as well as lower shelves.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé de modernisation d'un distributeur automatique existant dans lequel sont empilés verticalement des produits (60-76) suivant une orientation horizontale dans une pluralité d'emplacements de stockage et comprenant un dispositif électromécanique (98) servant à distribuer horizontalement lesdits produits (60-76) au moyen d'un conduit de distribution (109) s'étendant jusqu'à un orifice de sortie (56). Le procédé consiste (a) à remplacer la pluralité d'emplacements de stockage sélectionnables contenant les produits (60-76) verticalement empilés et horizontalement orientés par une pluralité d'étagères (80-86) à produits comportant chacune une pluralité d'emplacements de stockage de produits pourvus de colonnes horizontales de produits verticalement stockés (60-76); (b) à remplacer ledit dispositif électromécanique (98) servant à distribuer lesdits produits verticalement empilés et horizontalement orientés par un système de distribution de produit qui retrouve le produit dans les colonnes horizontales de produits orientés verticalement en réponse à une sélection du client; et (c) à utiliser un passage (96) qui va faire passer le produit orienté verticalement distribué par le système de distribution dans une position orientée horizontalement afin qu'il sorte par un orifice de sortie (56) de produit orienté horizontalement.
EP06774680A 2005-07-20 2006-07-20 Procede de modernisation d'un distributeur automatique Withdrawn EP1911006A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US70099105P 2005-07-20 2005-07-20
PCT/US2006/028422 WO2007012073A2 (fr) 2005-07-20 2006-07-20 Procede de modernisation d'un distributeur automatique

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1911006A2 true EP1911006A2 (fr) 2008-04-16
EP1911006A4 EP1911006A4 (fr) 2010-10-27

Family

ID=37669575

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06774680A Withdrawn EP1911006A4 (fr) 2005-07-20 2006-07-20 Procede de modernisation d'un distributeur automatique

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1911006A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2006269859A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2616127A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2008000987A (fr)
WO (1) WO2007012073A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6564964B2 (en) * 1997-07-29 2003-05-20 David K. Johnson Apparatus for dispensing items from a vending machine
US6513677B1 (en) * 1997-10-14 2003-02-04 Gross-Given Manufacturing Company Apparatus and method for vending products
NL1012299C2 (nl) * 1999-01-04 2000-07-06 Vdv Innovatietechniek B V Aan een afgifte-inrichting voor artikelen toe te voegen hulpinrichting, alsmede de combinatie van een afgifte-inrichting en een hulpinrichting.
AU746873B2 (en) * 1999-04-02 2002-05-02 Coca-Cola Company, The Dispensing apparatus and method of using same
FI107721B (fi) * 2000-10-27 2001-09-28 Jypa Automaatio Oy Valinta-automaatti
US7222748B2 (en) * 2003-09-26 2007-05-29 Royal Vendors, Inc. Clear door vending machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007012073A2 (fr) 2007-01-25
MX2008000987A (es) 2008-11-27
CA2616127A1 (fr) 2007-01-25
AU2006269859A1 (en) 2007-01-25
WO2007012073A3 (fr) 2007-10-04
EP1911006A4 (fr) 2010-10-27

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