ES1266199U - Automatic vending kiosk - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic vending kiosk, for the self-service and storage of containers, comprising a frame formed by a plurality of profiles that are covered by an upper plate (16) and by an envelope (12), where a plurality of rooms arranged in the at least two heights in the frame (1) defined by a base plate (13) or floor, some dividing plates (14) or sides, some cable glands, some connection cable covers (15) and some doors (22), which are characterized in that it comprises: - at least one presence sensor (21) inside each cabin (2); - at least one door (22) to close each compartment (2), provided with at least one opening sensor (221) and an electronic lock (222); - a control panel (4); - an electronic processor in connection with the control panel (4) and in connection with each of the compartments (2) through the aforementioned sensors and the electronic locks (222); - a power supply module that is in connection with the electronic processor and the control panel (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Automatic vending kiosk

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a type of automatic vending kiosk of the self-service or unattended type, where containers are selectively supplied and stored, such as gas bottles, water jugs, beer kegs, bags of firewood or the like; so that a user can leave an empty container inside a kiosk compartment and pick up a full container of the same type in another compartment. All this is done automatically and selectively from a control panel that is accessible to the user and that is in connection with an electronic processor, which in turn is in connection with each of the rooms that make up the set of the dispenser kisoco through sensors and electronic locks.

To this end, the kiosk of the invention comprises a frame that is covered with a perforated sheet metal casing and has a plurality of compartments arranged in at least two heights; where each of these rooms has at least one presence sensor inside, and at least one opening sensor and an electronic lock on a door; This frame also has secured on its sheet metal casing a control panel accessible to a user, which is in connection with an internal electronic processor in the frame; where in turn, this electronic processor connects with each of the chassis of the frame, through its sensors and electronic locks. In addition, the kisoco includes a power supply module that powers both the electronic processor and the control panel.

The field of application of the invention is included within the sector of the manufacture and commercialization of automatic dispensing stations located in public places, specifically it is oriented to automatic vending kiosks for self-service and storage of large size containers such as bottles of gas, carafes of water, kegs of beer, sacks of firewood or similar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known to the general public, both butane or propane bottles and beer kegs, full water jugs or the like, are usually supplied to users upon request by them, or by dispensing by a delivery man who supplies these products while collecting and removing the empty containers. This collection and dispensing system is enormously expensive for distributors, since it involves high fuel costs in the case of home delivery; costs of possible breakdowns of delivery vehicles; loss of time during delivery; a high environmental cost derived from the pollution associated with the delivery in vehicles; and even indirect inconveniences to users, associated with the need for the user to have to be at home when the dealer is going to dispense the contracted product.

On the other hand, it is known from the state of the art stations or small structures of dispensers that also allow the storage of butane bottles both empty and full, being known what is disclosed in document ES1137460 U entitled "Cage for the storage and dispatch of bottles of butane ”, where there is a type of structure that allows the storage and supply of butane bottles, by means of revolving doors and conveyor belts with rotating rollers, which favor the entry / exit of empty and full cylinders to the users. In this case, the disclosed set is only capable of recognizing and supplying a specific type of bottle such as butane gas bottles.

On the contrary, the automatic vending kiosk of the invention improves in a different way the dispensing of multiple types of containers or bottles selectively, since the kiosk of the invention offers the user the automatic storage and supply of the previously selected type of container. These containers can be of the type butane / propane gas bottles, water jugs, beer kegs, bags of firewood or the like. For this, the kiosk of the invention comprises a structure with a plurality of rooms, which are in connection with an internal electronic processor, from where orders are sent from a control panel that is accessible by the user. So, from the referred control panel, the user can make the payment and the selection of the type of container to be deposited empty to collect another full container of the same type, easily and conveniently.

Thus, with the kiosk of the invention an automatic opening of one of the compartments of the cabin structure is achieved where the user introduces an empty container, and once that the aforementioned electronic processor detects by sensors that the container has been deposited inside, automatically the door closes and the kiosk itself proceeds to automatically open another door of the frame, where there is a full container like the one previously selected in the control panel.

Therefore, the automatic vending kiosk solves and improves the storage and supply of containers, since it does so in a selective and automatic way, through a configuration of elements in connection with each other, ranging from a control panel to a few rooms where empty containers are stored and full containers are dispensed, previously selected by the user in a different and improved way than what is known to date in this sector.

Next, a detailed description of the invention is made that completes these general ideas introduced at this point.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The automatic vending kiosk object of the present invention, comprises a frame that is covered with a perforated sheet metal casing and has a plurality of compartments arranged in at least two heights; where each cabin has at least one presence sensor inside and at least one opening sensor and an electronic lock on a door; where furthermore, this frame has a control panel secured on its enclosure, which is in connection with an internal electronic processor in the frame; where this electronic processor in turn connects with each of the rooms through its sensors and electronic elements. In addition, both the electronic processor and the control panel are powered by a power supply module.

The vending kiosk of the invention allows the storage and automatic dispensing of containers in a selective way, that is why a user can leave an empty container inside one of the kiosk rooms, so that later this same user can pick up another container just like the deposited but full. To do this, the user selects the type of payment and the required product on a control panel that is secured in the enclosure of the frame, and automatically at least one electronic lock located in at least one door of the passenger compartment opens so that the user has access to the interior of the passenger compartment. The kiosk is structurally configured to have a load capacity of approximately 10 to 120 containers, between their different heights or floors, the containers being preferred dispensing gas bottles, water jugs, beer kegs, sacks of firewood or the like.

The kiosk frame has a preferably rectangular configuration and is made up of a plurality of reinforced aluminum profiles, with support legs that can be adjustable for leveling on the ground where the kiosk assembly is installed. This configuration can have at least two heights. For all these reasons, the frame comprises a base plate that is fixed to the lower part of each floor or height, which acts as the floor of the rooms; some divider plates that make up each of the sides of the cabins and act as side separators; an upper plate that forms the roof of the kiosk, where some solar panels are positioned; An advertising plate, located between the upper plate and the last height or floor of the rooms, where commercial elements can be located. Furthermore, inside each of the cabins there are some cable glands and some connection cable covers, where the connection cables are inserted between the electronic processor and each of the sensors and electronic elements found inside the cabins.

As previously mentioned, each of the rooms that make up the frame of the kiosk has at least one presence sensor inside; and at least one opening sensor and one electronic lock on a door. These presence sensors, which in a possible embodiment of the invention are preferably infrared sensors, serve to detect when a container is located inside the passenger compartment in the correct way. For their part, the opening sensors located on the doors, preferably magnet sensors or magnetic sensors, act as a warning when the doors are open or closed; and electronic locks, also located on the doors, open and close the doors through a computer program or software and an electronic card. Each and every one of these sensors and electronic locks are in connection with an electronic processor, so all the chassis of the rack are in connection with said electronic processor, from where data is sent and received from the kiosk rack.

Another detail of the invention is that the enclosing sheet of the frame is a perforated sheet that allows ventilation of the interior of the kiosk, where in addition in this enclosure there are air chambers between the areas of the electronic and computer elements.

On the other hand, the kiosk of the invention, in addition to comprising an electrical processor, which is in connection with each of the chassis rooms; this electronic processor it is also in connection with a control panel that is accessible to a user and is from where the user can make the payment and the selection of the product or container to be dispensed. This control panel includes a radio frequency identification or RFID ( Radio Frequency Identification) token selector, a QR code reader ( Quick Response code), a credit card reader, a touch screen and an invoice printer. It is indicated that each and every one of these electronic elements is in connection with the electronic processor that the kiosk has housed in its frame.

In addition, in order to prevent theft and manipulation of these electronic elements, the control panel incorporates a protective anti-vandalism screen for the safety of all its components.

The aforementioned RFID token selector that is included in the control panel, acts as a means of selecting containers or products, which the kiosk has housed in its different rooms. This RFID token selector includes a token input, side protection supports, a front fastening of the assembly, an RFID reader, a directional token servo motor, fastening supports for the servo motor, an infrared token counter sensor, a vertical internal token slide guide, a token selector knob and two token exits, where one outlet is located towards the inside of the file and the other is located towards the outside of the file. All these elements are connected to each other, so that when the RFID token reader has correctly read the token inserted by the user, this token comes out into the file and the RFID token selector assembly sends a signal for the dispensing of the selected container to electronic processor; Whereas when the RFID token reader has not correctly read the inserted token, this token comes out of the RFID token selector, leaving this token returned to the user.

Therefore, the action carried out on each of the electronic elements mentioned previously and that make up the control panel, is transmitted to the electronic processor that is included inside the kiosk, so that this electronic processor processes and executes the signals received from the control panel to the different rooms selectively, depending on the container to be dispensed. In this sense, the electronic processor comprises a network filter, a transformer, an electronic board preferably of the RS 485 type, an electronic communication module preferably of the GSM type, a small board computer or RASBERRY PI, an electronic device for reproducing MP3 sound with a sound amplifier, a push button, a charge controller, a data viewer known as display, and an RFYD file. It is noted that all these components that make up the electronic processor are connected to each other by means of cables.

On the other hand, both the electronic processor and the control panel are electrically powered by means of a power supply module, which can be integrated by an external 220v power supply. at 24v; two power batteries with charge regulator, which in the event that there is no external power supply, the kiosk can continue to operate; and some photovoltaic electric batteries where energy is stored from the solar panels that are located in the upper part of the roof of the kiosk frame. It is specified that the elements that comprise the electrical power supply are incorporated inside a ventilated box that guarantees their proper functioning according to current regulations.

Therefore, when a user makes the payment for the dispensing of one of the containers contained in the kiosk by paying with a credit card, through a mobile application or directly at the cash desk of an establishment where the automatic vending kiosk is located . The user buys an RFID token, which can be of different colors depending on the container to be purchased. That is, the RFID chips can be of different colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, black or gray, where each of these colors is previously related to a container.

Thus, once the payment system and the product / container to be dispensed have been selected, when entering a certain token in the RFID token selector, one of the doors of the passenger compartment opens automatically, so that the user introduces the empty container into it. cabin also empty. Once the door is closed and the empty container is inside, at least one presence sensor detects the presence of the container and at least one electronic lock closes the door automatically. Next, another cabin is opened, by means of at least one electronic lock on its door, where there is inside a container full of the product previously selected with the color of the card, supplying the kiosk in this way selectively, automatic and autonomous the container required by the user.

Another detail of the invention is that throughout this supply, the kisoco interacts with the user, communicating at all times the steps to follow in the acquisition of the container, by means of the MP3 electronic device with sound amplifier included in the processor. electronic kiosk. Furthermore, the invention can also incorporate in said electronic processor, a minimum stock warning module for containers that have RFID codes; so that this stock notice module sends a notice, such as an email, a text message type SMS or a message through an instant messaging application for smartphones such as WhatsApp or similar, to a distributor, a Distributor or any agent involved in the logistics chain of the aforementioned containers, notifying of the amount of product or stock in real time that remains in the kiosk rooms and thus being able to proceed with recharging.

FIGURES

To complete the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of the same, in which the following has been represented as an illustrative and non-limiting nature:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the automatic vending kiosk of the invention, where a frame with a plurality of compartments distributed in two heights is shown, a control panel fixed to one side of the frame and solar panels positioned on a roof plate .

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the frame of the kiosk without an envelope, which is configured by a plurality of profiles that give it a rectangular configuration in two heights.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the set of the kiosk of the invention, where the elements located inside the rooms are shown.

Figure 4 is a representation of the rear face of a door of a kiosk interior.

Figure 5 is a representation of one side of the kiosk of the invention, where the control panel with an RFID tag selector is shown.

Figure 6A is a free perspective representation of a side of the RFID token selector of the control panel covered with a housing.

Figure 6B is a free perspective representation of one side of the RFID token selector of the exposed control panel, where the internal elements that comprise it are shown.

Figure 6C is a representation of the rear view of the RFID token selector of the control panel, where the internal elements that comprise it are shown seen from behind.

Figure 7 is a representation of another side of the kiosk of the invention, where the perforated sheet metal envelope covering the frame of the kiosk of the invention is shown.

Being the references:

1 rack

111 lower frame

112 middle frame

113 top frame

114 beams

115 pillars

116 sleepers

12 envelope

13 base plate

14 divider plate

15 cable covers

16 top plate

17 advertising badge

18 support legs

2 passenger compartment

21 presence sensor

22 door

221 aperture sensor

222 electronic lock

4 control panel

41 RFID token selector

411 token entry

412 side protection supports

413 front clamping

414 servo motor

415 clamping brackets

416 token controller infrared sensor

417 vertical inner guide

418 wing

419 exit to the outside

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODE OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen in the figures, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the vending kiosk of the invention comprises a frame (1) that is covered with an envelope (12) of perforated sheet metal and has a plurality of compartments (2) arranged in at least two heights; where each cabin (2) has at least one presence sensor (21) inside, and at least one opening sensor (221) and an electronic lock (222) on a door (22); where furthermore, this frame (1) has secured on its casing (12) a control panel (4), which is in connection with an electronic processor (not shown) internally secured in the frame (1); where this electronic processor in turn connects with each of the rooms (2) through its sensors and electronic elements. Further specifying that both the electronic processor and the control panel (4) are powered by a power supply module (not shown).

The frame (1) shown in the figures has a rectangular configuration, is arranged in two heights and has support legs (18) that can be height-adjustable for leveling the entire kiosk on the floor. This frame (1) is made up of a plurality of square reinforced aluminum profiles, according to figure 2, which in a possible embodiment is made up of a lower frame (111), an intermediate frame (112) and an upper frame (113) of the ceiling; In addition, this profile is made up of beams (114), pillars (115) and sleepers (116). Furthermore, as shown in figure 3, on this profile the frame (1) comprises a base plate (13) or floor arranged horizontally at each height of the frame (1) acting as the floor of the rooms (2); some dividing plates (14) or sides that form the sides of said rooms (2); some cable glands (not shown); some connection cable covers (15); and some doors (22).

Another appreciable detail in the figures is that the roof of the frame (1) is formed by an upper plate (16) where solar panels (5) are positioned. Between this upper plate (16) and the second height of the cabins (2) the kiosk can incorporate at least one plate advertising (17) where commercial elements can be located. In addition, both the covering sheet (12) of the frame (1) and the doors (22) of the cabins are made of a perforated sheet that allows ventilation of the interior of the kiosk. This envelope (12) also has air chambers (not shown) between the areas of the electronic and computer elements.

On the other hand, as previously mentioned, the kiosk of the invention comprises an electrical processor (not represented) that is in connection with each of the presence sensors (21), the opening sensors (221) and the electronic locks (222) of the cabins (2) by means of cables. This electronic processor comprises a network filter, a transformer, an electronic board, preferably of the RS 485 type, an electronic communication module, preferably of the GSM type, a small board computer or RASBERRY PI, an electronic MP3 sound reproduction device with a sound amplifier, a push button, a charge regulator, a data viewer known as a display and an RFID file, all these elements being connected to each other by means of cables.

In turn, the aforementioned electronic processor is also in connection with a control panel (4), the latter being located on one of the sides of the casing (12) of the frame (1) being accessible to a user, such as has been represented in the figures. So that from this control panel (4) a user can make the payment and the selection of the product or container to be dispensed and send the signal to each of the rooms (2) of the kiosk through an electronic processor. For this, the control panel (4) comprises an RFID token selector (41), a QR code reader, a credit card reader, a touch screen and a bill printer (not shown), each one being these electronic elements in connection with an electronic processor that the kiosk has housed in its frame (1).

Specifically, in Figures 6A to 6C, different representations of the RFID token reader (41) than of the control panel (4) are shown. As can be seen in these figures, the RFID token selector (41) comprises a token input (411), protective side supports (412), a front fastening (413) of the assembly, an RFID reader (not shown ), a token directional servo motor (414), a servo motor holding brackets (415), a token counter infrared sensor (416), a vertical inner guide (417) token slide, a selector knob (418) of tokens and two token exits, where one outlet is towards the inside of the token selector itself and the other is an exit towards the outside (419) of said selector. Emphasizing that all these elements are connected to each other, so that when the RFID token reader (41) has correctly read the token inserted by the user, this token is led into the token reader, which sends a signal or command to the electronic processor in connection; while when the RFID token reader (41) has not correctly read the inserted token, this token comes out (419) of the RFID token selector (41) where it is returned to the user.

Therefore, once the payment system and the container to be dispensed by the kiosk have been selected from the control panel (4), the electronic processor sends a signal to an electronic lock (222) of one of the doors (22) of the a compartment (2) so that it can be opened and the user can deposit an empty container inside. Once this presence sensor (21) detects the empty container inside, the same electronic lock (222) acts again and closes the door to store the empty container inside the kiosk. The electronic processor then sends another signal to another cabin (2) that has the selected container inside from the control panel, proceeding to open its door (22) and selectively supply it to the user.

Claims (13)

re iv in d ic a tio ns 1. - Automatic vending kiosk, for self-service and storage of containers, comprising a frame formed by a plurality of profiles that are covered by an upper plate (16) and by an envelope (12), where a plurality of compartments are configured arranged in at least two heights on the frame (1) defined by a base plate (13) or floor, dividing plates (14) or side plates, cable glands, connection cable covers (15) and doors (22) , which is characterized by comprising: - at least one presence sensor (21) inside each cabin (2); - at least one door (22) to close each compartment (2), provided with at least one opening sensor (221) and an electronic lock (222); - a control panel (4); - an electronic processor in connection with the control panel (4) and in connection with each of the compartments (2) through the aforementioned sensors and the electronic locks (222); - a power supply module that is in connection with the electronic processor and the control panel (4). 2. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that the presence sensors (21) of the cabins (2) are infrared sensors. 3. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening sensors (221) of the cabins (2) are magnetic sensors. 4. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic processor comprises a network filter, a transformer, an electronic board, an electronic communications module, a small board computer, an electronic reproduction device of sound with a sound amplifier, a push button, a charge regulator, a data viewer or display and an RFID file, all these elements being connected to each other. 5. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 4, characterized in that the electronic board is of the RS 485 type. 6. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 4, characterized in that the electronic communications module is of the GSM type. 7. Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (4) has a protective screen. 8.- Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (4) comprises an RFID token selector (41), a QR code reader, a bank payment card reader, a screen touch screen and a bill printer, each of these electronic elements being in connection with the electronic processor of the kiosk. 9. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 8, characterized in that the RFID token selector (41) comprises a token input (411), some lateral protection supports (412), a front fastening (413) of the set, an RFID reader, a token directional servo motor (414), servo motor holding brackets (415), an infrared token counter sensor (416), a vertical interior guide (417) token slide, a thumbscrew (418) token selector and two token outputs, where one token outlet is towards the inside of the RFID token selector itself (41) and the other is a token outlet is towards the outside (419) of the referred token selector RFID (41), all these elements being connected to each other. 10. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that both the envelope (12) of the frame (1) and the doors (22) of the cabins are made of perforated sheet metal. 11.- Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (1) has height-adjustable support legs. 12. - Automatic vending kiosk, according to claim 1, characterized in that solar panels (5) are positioned on the upper plate (16) of the frame (1) that are in connection with the power supply module. 13. - Automatic vending kiosk according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (1) comprises at least one advertising plate (17).