• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Disclosed is a device for dispensing articles. The device comprises an elongated element (10) adapted for receiving articles, the elongated element (10) having a free end (12) and a transporting arrangement (15) defining a path (20) for a plurality of dividing elements (30), disposed above the elongated element (10). The plurality of dividing elements (30) are disposed along the path (20), and each dividing element (30) is adapted to engage with one article. The device further comprises a drive arrangement, adapted to move the plurality of dividing elements (30) along the path (20) in order to dispense an article at the free end (12) of the elongated element (10)
    公开号:SE1651206A1
    申请号:SE1651206
    申请日:2016-09-08
    公开日:2018-03-09
    发明作者:Känngård Ove
    申请人:Smartshop Scandinavia AB；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [1] [0001] The present solution relates to a device and a system for dispensing articles,particularly articles that are intended to be vertically suspended on an elongatedelement.
    [2] [0002] Devices for dispensing articles are commonly used at various places, forexample inside supermarkets, at public places such as train stations, and otherswhere it is beneficial for a user to be able to buy certain goods without interactingwith checkout staff.
    [3] [0003] Such devices may also be used for dispensing articles of relatively highworth, and/or that have a high risk of being stole, i.e. goods that are not suitable forhaving on shelves.
    [4] [0004] Current solutions are available, such as vending machines with adispensing function. However, the current solutions have some issues, such assometimes dispensing more than one article at a time, jamming, and other problemsthat negatively affect customer experience.
    [5] [0005] lt is an object of the solution to address at least some of the problems andissues outlined above. lt is possible to achieve these objects and others by usingdevices and systems as described herein.
    [6] [0006] According to an aspect, there is provided a device for dispensing articles.The device comprises an elongated element adapted for receiving articles, theelongated element having a free end, and a transporting arrangement defining a pathfor a plurality of dividing elements disposed above the elongated element. Theplurality of dividing elements are disposed along the path, and each dividing elementis adapted to engage with one article. The device further comprises a drivearrangement, adapted to move the plurality of dividing elements along the path inorder to dispense an article at the free end of the elongated element. By having such72041a device, dispensing articles that are intended for being suspended on an elongatedelement becomes easy and can be automated. Befiling articles is also easy and canbe done quickly, and by having a dispensing device adapted for dispensingsuspended articles, a more space efficient dispensing system may be achievedcompared to when the articles are e.g. lying down or standing on a surface. Further,systems and devices may be achieved that are easy to adapt depending on thespecific articles that are to be suspended.
    [7] [0007] According to an optional embodiment the elongated element is movablebetween a first position for dispensing articles and a second position for refillingarticles. By having a first and second position, refilling and dispensing of articles maybe facilitated.
    [8] [0008] According to an optional embodiment, all of the plurality of dividingelements are adapted to be moved simultaneously.
    [9] [0009] According to an optional embodiment, the drive arrangement comprises abelt. According to another optional embodiment, the drive arrangement comprises ahelically shaped element. By having one of these drive arrangements, the articlesmay be dispensed continuously without having to rewind or otherwise interfere withthe drive arrangement.
    [10] [0010] According to an optional embodiment, the device comprises a sensoradapted for detecting when an article has been removed and wherein the drivearrangement is adapted to automatically move the plurality of dividing elements uponremoval of the article. By having such a sensor, the system may become completelyautomated and not require any human interaction.
    [11] [0011] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system for dispensingarticles. The system comprises a housing and at least two elongated elements,adapted for receiving articles, disposed in the housing. The system further comprisesa transporting arrangement for each of the at least two elongated elements, eachtransporting arrangement defining a path for a plurality of dividing elements, eachtransporting arrangement disposed above a corresponding elongated element. The72041system further comprises a plurality of dividing elements, disposed along each path,wherein each dividing element is adapted to engage with one article, and at least onedrive arrangement, adapted to move the plurality of dividing elements along the path.The elongated elements of the system may optionally be movable between a firstposition intended for dispensing articles and a second position for refilling articles.
    [12] [0012] According to an optional embodiment the system comprises one drivearrangement for each transporting arrangement, wherein each drive arrangement isadapted to move the dividing elements of the corresponding transportingarrangements. According to another optional embodiment, the system comprises asingle drive arrangement for all transporting arrangements.
    [13] [0013] According to an optional embodiment, the system comprises a singlemechanism for moving the at least two elongated elements between the first positionand the second position. According to another optional embodiment, the systemcomprises one mechanism for moving the elongated element for each elongatedelement.
    [14] [0014] The above devices and systems may be configured and implementedaccording to different optional embodiments. Further possible features and benefitsof this solution will become apparent from the detailed description below.
    [1] [0001] The solution will now be described in more detail, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    [2] [0002] Fig. 1 shows an oblique front view of a dispensing device and dividingelements of said dispensing device.
    [3] [0003] Fig. 2 shows an oblique front view of a dispensing device and a pushingarrangement of said dispensing device.
    [4] [0004] Fig. 3A shows a side view of a dispensing device in a first, upper, position.720414
    [5] [0005] Fig. SB shows a side view of a dispensing device in a second, lower,position.
    [6] [0006] Fig. 4 shows a system comprising multiple dispensing devices according tothe present disclosure.
    [7] [0007] ln the following, a detailed description of the different embodiments of thesolution is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. All examplesherein should be seen as part of the general description and are therefore possible tocombine in any way in general terms. lndividual features of the various embodimentsmay be combined or exchanged unless such combination or exchange is clearlycontradictory to the overall function of the implementation.
    [8] [0008] Shortly described, the present solution relates to a device and a system fordispensing articles, particularly articles that are intended to be suspended from anelongated element by a perforation or a hole in the top parts of the articles. Thesolution comprises an elongated element, adapted for receiving articles. The devicefurther comprises a transporting arrangement with a path for a plurality of dividingelements, wherein each dividing element is intended to push on a correspondingarticle, such that the article is dispensed from the elongated element it's suspendedon. The device further comprises a drive arrangement adapted to move the pluralityof dividing elements such that the articles are dispensed.
    [9] [0009] Fig. 1 shows a device according to the present disclosure for dispensingarticles. The device comprises an elongated element 10 for receiving articles, havinga free end 12, wherein the articles are intended to be suspended from the free end ofthe elongated element, preferably by a hole on the top part of the articles. The otherend of the elongated element is typically a closed end attached to a back part of thedevice, as seen in the figure. ln some embodiments, the elongated element ismoveable between a first position, preferably upper position, intended for dispensingarticles, and a second, preferably lower position, intended for refilling articles. Thedimensions of the elongated element can vary depending on the articles intended to72041be suspended from it. lt may typically be between 5 and 30 mm in diameter, forexample 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm or 25 mm, although smaller and larger sizes arepossible depending on the articles that are intended to be dispensed therefrom.
    [10] [0010] The device further comprises a transporting arrangement 15 defining a path20 for a plurality of dividing elements 30. The dividing elements 30 are disposedalong the path during operation, typically with a similar distance between each pair ofdividing elements. ln some embodiments, the dividing elements may be having afixed position during operation, but may be movable when the device is not inoperation, in order to facilitate refilling articles. For example, the dividing elements 30may be possible to slide along the path 20 when the device is not in operation, but isfixedly attached to the transport arrangement 15 along the path during operation.
    [11] [0011] Each dividing element 30 is adapted to engage with one article of theplurality of articles being suspended from the elongated element 10, such that eachdividing element 30 can transport its corresponding article along the elongatedelement 10, and thereby dispense that article from the free end 12 of the elongatedelement 10. This engagement typically entails that the dividing element 30 pressesagainst the article, but in some embodiments the dividing elements may haveconnecting segments adapted for engagement with a corresponding connectingsegment of the articles to be dispensed.
    [12] [0012] The transporting arrangement 15 is adapted for transporting the dividingelements 30 along the path 20. ln some embodiments, the transporting arrangementcomprises a belt. The belt is typically an endless belt such that the bottom side of thebelt, running in a direction towards the free end 12 of the elongated element 10 isalong the path, and the top side of the belt, running towards the closed end of theelongated element, is above the path. ln some embodiments, the dividing elements30 are transported along with the endless belt all the way around, and in someembodiments the dividing elements 30 are transported slightly past the free end 12 ofthe elongated element 10 and are then detached from the transporting arrangement,i.e. the element stays in place there, while dividing elements that have yet to72041dispense their corresponding article are still attached to and transported with thetransporting arrangement 15.
    [13] [0013] The device further comprises a drive arrangement adapted for moving thedividing elements 30 along the path, typically by powering the transportingarrangement 15. The drive arrangement may be disposed externally on the device, orit may be disposed internally of the device and thus out of sight for a user. The drivearrangement may be actuated by e.g. a button disposed on the device, or it may beactuated by an external controller. The drive arrangement typically comprises a motorfor powering the transporting arrangement 15 and/or for moving the dividing elements30 along the path 20.
    [14] [0014] ln some embodiments, the device may further adapted such that it's onlypossible to dispense one item at a time, in order to minimize the risk of a theft, anddecreasing the worth of goods stolen in case a theft occurs. This may be done e.g.by having a cooldown period between when items may be dispensed. ln someembodiments, the device may comprise a scanner that requires a code to bescanned in order for an item to be dispensed, such as the code of a receipt, whichmay be a receipt the customer has already paid for. The device may in someembodiments comprise a lock which must be unlocked in order to retrieve the itemthat has been dispensed. The unlocking of such a lock may e.g. be done when acertain event occurs, such as the customer paying for the article that has beendispensed or is to be dispensed.
    [15] [0015] The device may optionally comprise a mechanism 50 for changing theposition of the elongated element between a first position and a second position. lnsome embodiments this mechanism 50 may comprise a handle, which may beattached to a disc 60 on which the elongated element 10 is disposed. ln such anembodiment, the elongated element 10 may be moved from the first position to thesecond position, and vice versa, by interacting with the handle 50, which rotates thedisc 60. ln other embodiments, the elongated element 10 may be changeablebetween the first position and the second position by manual interaction from a userdirectly with the elongated element. ln some embodiments, the mechanism 50 may72041be electrically actuated and controlled by interacting with e.g. a button or similarelement.
    [16] [0016] ln some embodiments, the dividing elements of the device may be possibleto fold or move in such a way that they do not interfere or engage with articles on theelongated element, for instance by inserting them up into the path of the transportingarrangement. ln such embodiments, the device may comprise only one position forthe elongated element, since the dividing elements are moved instead of theelongated element. ln some embodiments, the device may be adapted for refillingarticles without moving either the dividing elements or the elongated element.
    [17] [0017] Looking now at Fig. 2, another type of transporting arrangement 15 isshown, comprising a helically shaped element 40 instead of an endless belt.Although not shown in the figure, embodiments with a coil shaped element 40 alsocomprise dividing elements 30 as described above. The coil shaped element 40 isadapted to rotate, which rotation results in the coil shaped element 40 transportingthe dividing elements 30 along the path.
    [18] [0018] Fig. 3A shows a side view of the device in the first position, intended fordispensing articles from the elongated element 10 by moving the dividing elements 3such that they transport the articles towards the free end 12 of the elongated element10. The first position is typically an upper position, in which the elongated element 10is closer to the dividing elements 30 than it is in the second position, which entailsthat the dividing elements 30 are closer to the articles when they are suspended onthe elongated element 30. The dividing elements 30 will then engage with and pushon a top part of the articles when they are hung on the elongated element 30 and thetransporting mechanism is actuated by the drive arrangement. ln someembodiments, the dividing elements may be positioned such that they push on a sideof the top part of the articles, for instance such that one dividing element engageswith an article on both sides of the article, on a top part.
    [19] [0019] The reason for having the dividing elements 30 push on a top part of thearticles is to facilitate the dispensing of articles. For most articles adapted to besuspended from an elongated element, the biggest part of the article will be below72041the elongated element while a relatively small part is above the elongated element.Pushing on the bottom part of such articles may entail that they bend or getpositionally displaced without moving, rather than move along the elongated element,which is why interaction on a top part is generally preferred, and is one advantage ofthe current invention compared to other alternatives.
    [20] [0020] Fig. SB shows a side view of the device in the second position, intended forfilling or refilling articles that are to be dispensed, onto the elongated element 10. Thesecond position is typically a lower position, in which the elongated element 10 isfurther away from the dividing elements 30, which entails that articles are easier toslide onto the elongated element 10 without being hindered by the dividing elements30. ln some embodiments, the articles may be put onto the elongated element 10such that one articles is matched with a corresponding dividing element. ln otherembodiments, the articles may be put onto the elongated element 10 all at one time,and be matched with a corresponding dividing element aften/vards.
    [21] [0021] ln some embodiments, the device may comprise a sensor for detectingwhen an article has been dispensed, which may be seen as when it leaves theelongated element 10. The sensor may be disposed e.g. on the free end 12 of theelongated element 10, or above the free end 12. ln some embodiments, the sensormay be in form of a weight sensor that gives off an indication when the total weightbeing suspended on the elongated element increases or decreases. ln someembodiments, the sensor may be a sensor that detects movement.
    [22] [0022] ln some embodiments, the device may further comprise sensors fordetecting when an article needs to be refilled. This may be such that the device alertsa user when there is a specific number of articles left, which number may beconfigurable by the user. Further, the device may comprise a sensor for alerting auser if an article would get stuck on the elongated element and thus preventdispensing of more articles, or other similar errors.
    [23] [0023] Fig. 4 shows a system comprising a plurality of devices 100, eight in thefigure, disposed inside a housing 110. ln the figure, only a small part of the devicesare shown, primarily the free end of the elongated element.72041
    [24] [0024] Typically, the devices 110 are positioned next to each other, as shown inFig. 4. However, as will be understood, the devices may be positioned differently. Forexample, there may be multiple different rows with devices in a single housing,and/or the rows may be vertical rather than horizontal.
    [25] [0025] ln such embodiments, each device 110 comprises an elongated element, atransporting arrangement and a plurality of dividing elements. ln some embodiments,each device 110 also comprises a drive arrangement. ln other embodiments, a singledrive arrangement may be used for the entire system inside the housing. lnembodiments comprising one drive arrangement for multiple devices, the drivearrangement may be adapted for actuating the devices separately, such that thefunction would be similar to when each device has one drive arrangement.
    [26] [0026] Further, when the devices comprises a mechanism for changing theelongated elements between the first position and the second position, the devicesmay comprise one such mechanism each, or there may be one mechanism forchanging the positions of all elongated elements within the housing 100simultaneously.
    [27] [0027] ln some embodiments, the system may further comprise an elementadapted to displace the articles after they have been dispensed. ln a standardposition, an article will be suspended from the elongated element. The article typicallyhas an elongated form, and depending on where the article is intended to go after ithas been dispensed from an elongated element, it may be suitable for it to be in anupright position in some cases and it may be suitable for it to be lying down in somecases. This may be achieved by positioning a displacing element below theelongated element and below the height of the articles suspended thereon, such thatan article will collide with the displacing element and change position, for instancefrom an upright position, which is typical when being dispensed, to a lying position.Such a displacement element may for example be a relatively thin elongatedelement, such as a thin dividing wall, which may or may not be angled depending onthe position that is intended for the article after being displaced.72041
    [28] [0028] ln some embodiments, the system may further comprise a padding orsimilar soft material at the bottom of the housing, such that articles that get dispensedfrom the elongated articles are protected from damage when falling. This may beuseful in e.g. implementations comprising multiple rows with devices, wherein somedevices are placed relatively high up in the housing.
    [29] [0029] Fig. 5 shows some examples of packages 200, 300, 400 for articlesintended to be dispensed with a device and system according to the presentdisclosure. The articles are typically elongated and comprise a hole or perforation210, 310, 410, for suspending the articles. As can be seen in the figure, the articles200, 300, 400 may vary in size and in the specific types of perforations/holes 210,310, 410, although what is common for them is that the hole or perforation 210, 310,410 is typically placed at a top part of the article. The holes/perforations 210, 310,410 may also vary in size, and the size of the elongated elements are typicallyadapted for specific articles. lt should be understood that the examples shown in Fig.5 is merely intended to demonstrate some different types or articles andholes/perforations, a wide variety of different articles/packages of similar type may beused for devices and systems of the present disclosure.
    [30] [0030] Although the description above contains a plurality of specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the concept described herein but asmerely providing illustrations of some exemplifying embodiments of the describedconcept. lt will be appreciated that the scope of the presently described concept fullyencompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in theart, and that the scope of the presently described concept is accordingly not to belimited. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one andonly one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more". l/loreover, it is notnecessary for an apparatus or method to address each and every problem sought tobe solved by the presently described concept, for it to be encompassed hereby.
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [1] 1. A device for dispensing articles, comprising: an elongated element (10) adapted for receiving articles, the elongated element (10)having a free end (12); a transporting arrangement (15) defining a path (20) for a plurality of dividingelements (30), disposed above the elongated element (10), wherein the plurality ofdividing elements (30) are disposed along the path (20), and wherein each dividingelement (30) is adapted to engage with one article; a drive arrangement, adapted to move the plurality of dividing elements (30) alongthe path (20) in order to dispense an article at the free end (12) of the elongatedelement (10).
    [2] 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated element is movablebetween a first position for dispensing articles and a second position for refillingarticles.
    [3] 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all of the plurality of dividing elements are adapted to be moved simultaneously.
    [4] 4. The device according to claim 1 to 3, wherein the drive arrangement comprises abelt.
    [5] 5. The device according to claim 1 to 3, wherein the drive arrangement comprises a helically shaped element.
    [6] 6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated elementis eccentrically attached to a disc, wherein the disc is adapted for moving theelongated element between the first position and the second position.
    [7] 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each dividing element is adapted to engage with a top part of an article. 7204112
    [8] 8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a sensoradapted for detecting when an article has been removed and wherein the drivearrangement is adapted to automatically move the plurality of dividing elements uponremoval of the article.
    [9] 9. A system for dispensing articles, comprising:a housing;at least two elongated elements, adapted for receiving articles; a transporting arrangement for each of the at least two elongated elements, eachtransporting arrangement defining a path for a plurality of dividing elements, eachtransporting arrangement disposed above a corresponding elongated element; a plurality of dividing elements, disposed along each path, wherein each dividing element is adapted to engage with one article; at least one drive arrangement, adapted to move the plurality of dividing elementsalong the path.
    [10] 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein each elongated element is movablebetween a first position for dispensing articles and a second position for refillingarticles.
    [11] 11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a single drive arrangement.
    [12] 12. The system according to any one of claims 9-11, comprising a mechanism formoving the at least two elongated elements between the first position and the second position.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    AU654136B2|1994-10-27|Methods and apparatus for dispensing articles
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    US2628691A|1953-02-17|Self-service store
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    US8851327B2|2014-10-07|Support group of products distributable by means of vending machines and supply device of products using such a support group
    RU2541306C1|2015-02-10|Device to dispense cigarette packs on conveyor of supermarket cash registers
    JP2005235031A|2005-09-02|Vending machine
    JP2012018441A|2012-01-26|Commodity conveyance device of automatic vending machine
    US20180315270A1|2018-11-01|Vending Machine
    KR200463564Y1|2012-11-12|Vending machine for preventing caught of glass bottle article in article delivery device
    US20190104847A1|2019-04-11|Vending system
    JP2005235032A|2005-09-02|Vending machine
    JP5066949B2|2012-11-07|vending machine
    EP3140819B1|2018-11-07|Improved handling unit for automatic vending machines and automatic vending machine comprising one or more of said handling units
    US3250431A|1966-05-10|Vending machine
    JP3086964U|2002-07-05|Vending machine structure
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    SE540286C2|2018-05-22|
    WO2018048343A1|2018-03-15|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US6857539B2|2002-06-26|2005-02-22|Andres Horacio Ahumada Parra|Blister hook display|
    GB0401176D0|2004-01-19|2004-02-25|Macaulay James L|Helix security dispenser|
    US20150096998A1|2013-10-08|2015-04-09|Fasteners For Retail, Inc.|Sensor and lockout for anti-sweep hook|
    DE202016102200U1|2016-04-26|2016-05-18|Martens Kunststofftechnik Gmbh|Were advancing element|CN109645754B|2018-11-26|2020-04-28|湖南工程学院|Supermarket shelf|
    法律状态:
    2021-10-12| NUG| Patent has lapsed|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    SE1651206A|SE540286C2|2016-09-08|2016-09-08|Device and system for dispensing articles|SE1651206A| SE540286C2|2016-09-08|2016-09-08|Device and system for dispensing articles|
    PCT/SE2017/050889| WO2018048343A1|2016-09-08|2017-09-08|Device and system for dispensing articles|
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