Patent Description:
Vending machines are widely used for dispensing different kinds of items, such as food products, beverages, cigarettes, newspapers, prizes, medicines, books, etc. Typically, the items are dispensed upon payment by cash, credit card or any other suitable form of payment. The present invention is specially envisaged for vending machines for dispensing packaged food products, although it could also be used, with or without modification, for dispensing other packaged products.

Vending machines commonly store items to be dispensed in vertical or horizontal stacks. The present invention is directed to vending machines storing items to be dispensed in vertical stacks.

In vending machines storing items in vertical stacks, items to be dispensed are typically lowered by gravity and/or by using more or less complex mechanisms.

It is crucial that vending machines only dispense the paid and/or selected item, thus control means need to be provided in this respect.

There are known in the art vending machines that store the items to be dispensed in gravity lowered vertical stacks of items. Said known vending machines comprise relatively complex mechanisms to dispense the lowermost product of said vertical stacks.

For example, <CIT> discloses a vending machine that includes a refrigeration compartment which holds a plurality of inventory magazines, each inventory magazine holding several stacks of food packages. When a consumer makes a selection from the vending machine, the inventory carousel rotates until an inventory magazine which holds the selected food item is positioned over a food delivery door. Retention levers in that inventory magazine are then actuated, and the bottom food package in each stack is released. For all stacks except the lowermost one, the food package drops to the next lower stack.

In the vending machine disclosed in <CIT> the food package includes a tray which holds the food item and a package sleeve which encloses the tray. The ends of the package sleeve are bevelled to aid the retention levers in holding the food package.

In <CIT>, an inventory magazine release member has first and second cam surfaces; a first retention lever rotatably mounted on a side of a product chute, the first retention lever including a third cam surface that contacts the first cam surface, wherein: when the inventory magazine release member is positioned in a first position, contact between the first and third cam surfaces causes the first retention lever to be retracted from the product chute; and when the inventory magazine release member is positioned in a second position, contact between the first and third cam surfaces causes the first retention lever to be extended into the product chute; and a second retention lever rotatably mounted on the side of the product chute below the first retention lever, the second retention lever including a fourth cam surface that contacts the second cam surface, wherein: when the inventory magazine release member is positioned in a first position, contact between the second and fourth cam surfaces causes the second retention lever to be extended into the product chute; and when the inventory magazine release member is positioned in a second position, contact between the second and fourth cam surfaces causes the second retention lever to be retracted from the product chute.

<CIT> discloses a method and apparatus for sequentially heating and dispensing a plurality of individually packaged good products, wherein the products are sequentially moved to, and supported at, a heating dispensing station. While at such station, each product is heated by passing an electrical current therethrough and then dispensed by removing the support therefor so that the product gravitates away from the station.

<CIT> discloses a coin-operated vending machine comprising a number of vertical guides arranged side by side within a cabinet. At the lower end of each guide there is a drawer slide, adapted to be released by a known type of coin-operated mechanism. The articles to be vended are placed in pallets made from an easily cleaned hygienic material. A number of filled pallets are stacked vertically in the aforementioned guides or channels, the lowermost pallet of each stack being engaged by a drawer slide. Side flanges of the lowermost pallet nest upon fixed horizontal guides, the leading ends of said horizontal guides terminating in pivoted, spring-loaded catches. Said drawer slide is arranged to move in fixed horizontal slideways which are extended beyond the aforementioned horizontal guides and spring-loaded catches, said extensions of the horizontal slideways being provided with overhanging lips at their upper edges. In the withdrawal movement, the lowermost pallet is carried along the horizontal guides by the drawer slide, depressing the pivoted, spring-loaded catches, and, after passing over the catches, falling onto a horizontal platform affixed to the lower edges of the horizontal slideways. At the fully withdrawn position of the drawer slide, the pallet therefore rests on the horizontal platform between the horizontal slideways, is restrained against horizontal movement by the drawer slide itself and is restrained against vertical withdrawal by overhanging lips on upper edges of the horizontal slideways. At this point, the contents of the pallet are accessible, and can be removed by the customer.

<CIT> discloses a food vending machine, a tray adapted to have food items disposed thereon, a platform adapted for supporting the tray, a hinge supporting the rear edge of the platform, means for normally supporting the body of the platform in horizontal position, and means operable for releasing the latter means to cause the tray to drop into inclined position and to allow the tray to slide off the platform, the tray having rear and side flanges only rising therefrom to confine the food items and providing a free front edge allowing said items to slide thereover for final discharge, and the side flanges having inwardly turned tongues to serve as supporting means for additional trays.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for sequentially releasing flanged containers from a stack of such containers comprising a pair of opposed paddle wheels rotatable about horizontal axes, paddles of the paddle wheels extending horizontally to support a lowermost container in the stack and on rotation thereof releasing the lowermost container and supporting the remainder of the stack, the paddles having radially extending projections and radially extending ribs adapted to support substantially the whole length of the flanges parallel to the axes.

<CIT> discloses an automated food vending system that includes a vending machine having a plurality of stacks and dispenser mechanisms for dispensing standardized food package units, a microwave oven having a code reader located in a predetermined position in an interior cavity of the oven, and the food package units having standardized shapes corresponding to the vending stacks and to the microwave oven cavity. The food packages have a code for controlling the microwave oven printed in a predetermined position which is readable automatically by the code reader when the package unit is inserted in the oven. The dispenser mechanism has a configuration which allows it to be installed in existing vending machines for canned beverages. It may be formed as a pair of pivotable holding members spaced apart in the widthwise direction of the holding stack, or as a pair of continuous belts spaced apart in the depthwise direction of the holding stack. The interior of the oven may be shaped to hold two or more different standardized package shapes and can have a drive element for controllably moving the package past the code reader. The food package is formed with a quadrangular-sided tray portion and a rectangular, laterally projecting lip around the upper edges of the tray portion, and has the code printed extending in a linear direction. Alternatively, the food package unit is formed with a cylindrical shape and has the code printed extending in a circumferential direction.

<CIT> discloses an automatic distributor of hot food in trays comprising at least one vertical stacker containing a plurality of trays piled on top of one another, at the base of which an upper support device is arranged, which device is mobile on command between an active position in which it supports the tray at the bottom of the stacker and an inactive position in which it leaves tray free to rest on a plate, arranged horizontally, borne by a lower support device. The plate is mobile and able to perform a sequence of movements: nearing a bottom tray in the pile, a descending movement, parallel to itself, and a rotation movement by effect of which it tilts, and the tray is made to slide onto a rest plane located below the stacker, on which plane a pusher acts to transport the tray internally of a microwave oven for heating the contents of the tray.

The aforementioned vending machines known in the art comprise complex mechanisms to dispense the vertically stored food products. Said complex mechanisms, can be expensive and difficult to manufacture, and also can require laborious and expensive maintenance.

Moreover, known vending machines in the art are designed and configured for a certain type of product having certain dimensions, being difficult, or even impossible, to adapt to different types of products that might be needed to be dispensed, particularly in the case wherein the different types of products have different dimensions.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine for dispensing packaged products that has a simple and easy to manufacture dispensing mechanism, which can also be easily adapted to different configurations or types of packaged products. In order to achieve this, according to a first aspect of the present invention it is disclosed a vending machine for dispensing packaged products having opposed edge holding portions, and according to a second aspect of the present invention a method for dispensing a packaged product from a vending machine is disclosed.

The vending machine of the present invention has a housing which comprises: a collection zone for a dispensed packaged product; a structure for storing at least one vertical stack of gravity dischargeable packaged products; a dispensing mechanism for supporting a corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products and dispensing the lowermost product of said stack, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises at least two retention units arranged on opposite sides of the vertical stack, each retention unit having a retention position for interfering with an edge holding portion of the lowermost packaged product of the stack and a dispensing position for releasing said holding edge portion of said lowermost packaged product, and wherein the vending machine further comprises a control unit configured to drive the retention units from the retention position to the dispensing position and to return the retention units to the retention position from the dispensing position once at least said lowermost packaged product of the stack has fallen by gravity.

In particular, the present invention discloses a vending machine for dispensing packaged products, each one of said packaged products having opposed edge holding portions, said vending machine having a housing which comprises: a collection zone for a dispensed packaged product; a store structure for storing at least one vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products, each vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products defining a longitudinal axis; a dispensing mechanism for supporting a corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products and dispensing the lowermost packaged product of said stack; the dispensing mechanism comprising at least two retention units arranged on opposite sides of the vertical stack, each retention unit having a retention position for interfering with an edge holding portion of the lowermost packaged product of the stack and a dispensing position for releasing said edge holding portion of said lowermost packaged product; the vending machine further comprising a control unit configured to drive the retention units from the retention position to the dispensing position and to return the retention units to the retention position from the dispensing position once at least said lowermost packaged product of the stack has fallen by gravity; each retention unit comprising a support body, a movable element and a dispense actuator for moving the movable element from a retention position to a dispensing position and vice versa; wherein each movable element is configured to move from the retention position to the dispensing position following a backwards movement along a linear path, and to move from the dispensing position to the retention position following an advance movement along the linear path.

The longitudinal axis defined by each stack of gravity lowered packaged products is preferably vertical.

The dispensing mechanism of the vending machine object of the present invention is simple, effective and can be easily adapted to different kinds of packaged products as, in most cases, a simple change in the configuration of the control unit driving said dispensing mechanism will suffice to adapt the dispensing mechanism to a different packaged product or to a different format of the same packaged product. In comparison, in order to adapt the vending machines of the known prior art, extensive mechanical changes are necessary.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the linear path may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products. However, the linear path may also be inclined, i.e. may not be perpendicular, with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the support body may comprise a frontal wall for guiding the at least one edge holding portion of the packaged product.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the support body may further comprise a sloped wall adjacent to the frontal wall for guiding the at least one edge holding portion of the packaged product.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the frontal wall may comprise at least one opening for the passage of at least part of the movable element.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the frontal wall may comprise two or more openings for the passage of two or more parts of the corresponding movable element.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, adjacent openings may be separated by an intermediate region, each intermediate region interfering with the movable element to define its retention position. In particular, each intermediate region may interfere with the advance movement of the movable element to define its retention position.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the movable element may comprise a recess for each intermediate region of the corresponding opening.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, each recess may have a distal surface for interfering with the corresponding intermediate region, acting as a stop of the movable element and defining the retention position thereof.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recess may have two lateral surfaces extending towards the distal surface in a convergent manner, that is to say, the recess may narrow towards the distal surface thereof. Preferably, all recesses are equally shaped, although one movable element can also have recesses differently shaped.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the intermediate regions and corresponding recesses may have different widths. However, all intermediate regions, and thus, all recesses, may also have the same width.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the intermediate region may be part of the frontal wall, that is to say, the intermediate region may be the region of the frontal wall comprised between two consecutive openings.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the movable element may be symmetrical with respect to a transversal axis of symmetry.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the movable element may comprise at opposite longitudinal ends thereof a protrusion for guiding the movable element through the corresponding opening. Preferably, said protrusions extend towards a region for receiving the corresponding vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine may further comprise a lowering mechanism for receiving the dispensed packaged product and lowering it to a transport element for conveying the dispensed packaged product to the collection zone. Alternatively, the lowering mechanism may also lower the dispensed packaged product to the collection zone. That is to say, the lowering mechanism may lower the dispensed packaged product to the collection zone or to the transport element.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lowering mechanism may comprise a movable platform configured for being raised to a receiving position, in which it may receive the dispensed packaged product, and for being lowered to a discharging position, in which the dispensed packaged product may be discharged to the transport element or to the collection zone.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lowering mechanism may be movable along a guide.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lowering mechanism may comprise at least one discharging ramp.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the movable platform may be configured to tilt. In embodiments comprising at least one discharging ramp and a tilting platform, the movable platform preferably tilts towards the at least one discharging ramp.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, said support body may comprise a first U-shaped guide member for guiding the movable element, said U-shaped guide member defining the retention and the dispensing position of the movable element.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the support body may comprise a second U-shaped guide member for guiding the movable element, said second U-shaped guide member being located opposite the first one and defining an open area therebetween for the passage of at least part of an edge holding portion of the packaged product, the movable element extending from the first U-shaped guide member to the second U-shaped guide member through said open area.

Preferably, the support body of each retention unit further comprises a frontal wall for guiding the at least one edge holding portion of the packaged product to the open area defined between the first and second U-shaped guide members.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the support body of each retention unit may further comprise a frontal wall for guiding the at least one edge holding portion of the packaged product.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the dispense actuator may be a magnetic linear actuator. Preferably, said dispense actuator is a bistable linear moving magnet. Alternatively, the dispense actuator is a spring return actuator. However, other kinds of actuators can also be used, as long as they are suitable for this purpose.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine may further comprise an insulated chamber which houses therein the store structure and the corresponding dispensing mechanism.

Preferably, the insulated chamber is an insulated cooling chamber configured to keep the packaged products below a predetermined temperature or an insulated heating chamber configured to keep the packaged products above a predetermined temperature.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the insulated chamber may comprise: an insulated door; a transport element for conveying the dispensed lowermost packaged product of a stack to a location outside the insulated chamber; and at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a packaged product on the transport element; and the control unit may be configured to open the insulated door when a packaged product is sensed on the transport element and to close the insulated door when no packaged product is sensed on the transport element.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transport element may be, for example, a conveyor belt and/or a chute.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the store structure may be configured to store at least two rows of stacks following a first direction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the store structure may be configured to store at least two rows of stacks following a second direction, said second direction being perpendicular to said first direction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine may comprise a dispensing chute for conveying the dispensed lowermost product of a stack to the collection zone.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine may comprise a conveyor belt for conveying the dispensed lowermost product of a stack to the collection zone.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the collection zone may be accessible through an aperture in a front outer wall of the housing, and the aperture may be closed by an access door.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine may comprise an input unit for selecting the packaged product to be dispensed and a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal for paying said selected packaged product.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vending machine may comprise at least one stack sensor for sensing the number of packaged products in the at least one vertical stack.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed a method for dispensing a packaged product from a vending machine comprising the steps of: providing a vending machine according to the first aspect of the present invention; loading at least one packaged product having opposed edge holding portions on a store structure for storing at least one stack of gravity lowered packaged products so that the opposed edge holding portions of the packaged product rest on corresponding retention units arranged in a retention position; moving the retention units from the retention position to a dispensing position in which the opposed edge holding portions of the packaged product no longer rest on the retention units; letting at least the lowermost packaged product fall by gravity past the retention units; moving the retention units from the dispensing position to the retention position; optionally resting the opposed edge holding portions of the following lowermost packaged product of the stack on the retention units in the retention position.

In particular, according to a second aspect of the present invention, it is disclosed a method for dispensing a packaged product from a vending machine comprising the steps of: providing a vending machine according to the first aspect of the present invention; loading at least one packaged product having opposed edge holding portions on a store structure for storing at least one stack of gravity lowered packaged products so that the opposed edge holding portions of the packaged product rest on corresponding movable elements of retention units arranged in a retention position; moving the movable elements of the retention units from the retention position to a dispensing position, in which the opposed edge holding portions of the packaged product no longer rest on the retention units, following a backwards movement along a linear path; letting at least the lowermost packaged product fall by gravity past the movable elements of the retention units; moving the movable elements of the retention units from the dispensing position to the retention position following an advance movement along the linear path; and optionally resting the opposed edge holding portions of the following lowermost packaged product of the stack on the retention units in the retention position.

Preferably, said linear path is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products, although it can also be inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis, i.e. not perpendicular or parallel.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of receiving the dispensed packaged product with a lowering mechanism and lowering it to a transport element for conveying the dispensed packaged product to the collection zone, or to a collection zone.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the step of receiving the dispensed packaged product and lowering it to the transport element or to the collection zone may comprise the steps of: raising a movable platform to a receiving position; receiving the dispensed packaged product on the movable platform; lowering the movable platform with the dispensed packaged product to a discharging position; and discharging the dispensed packaged product to the transport element or to the collection zone.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the step of discharging the dispensed packaged product may comprise the step of displacing the lowering mechanism with the dispensed packaged product on the movable platform along a guide until the dispensed packaged product interferes with a stop that pushes the dispensed packaged product out of the movable platform. Alternatively, the step of discharging the dispensed packaged product may comprise the step of tilting the movable platform so that the dispensed packaged product falls by gravity.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of conveying the dispensed packaged product to a collection zone with a dispensing chute.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of transporting the dispensed packaged product with a conveyor belt to the collection zone or to an intermediate location.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of sensing the presence of the dispensed packaged product on the conveyor belt or on the dispensing chute and open an insulated door of an insulated chamber which houses therein the store structure.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of closing said insulated door once the dispensed packaged product is not sensed on the conveyor belt or on the dispensing chute.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the step of opening an access door closing an aperture through which the collection zone is accessible once a packaged product is sensed in the collection zone.

Unless otherwise provided, teachings in the context of the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

It will be understood that references to geometric position, such as parallel, perpendicular, tangent, etc. allow deviations up to ± <NUM>° from the theoretical position defined by this nomenclature.

It will also be understood that any range of values given may not be optimal in extreme values and may require adaptations of the invention to these extreme values are applicable, such adaptations being within reach of a skilled person.

Other features of the invention will appear from the following detailed description of an embodiment.

The foregoing and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, to be taken in an illustrative and non-limitative manner, in which:.

Referring first to <FIG>, the vending machine for dispensing packaged products according to one embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing <NUM> having a front outer wall <NUM> where one or more access openings <NUM> are formed. Each access opening <NUM> gives access to a collection zone <NUM> from which a user can take a packaged product <NUM> once it has been dispensed by a dispensing mechanism <NUM> located inside the housing <NUM>. An access door <NUM> is manually operable to open and close the access opening <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), an actuator is configured and arranged to automatically open and close access door <NUM> when a packaged product <NUM> is detected in the collection zone <NUM> by a sensor.

The front outer wall <NUM> of the vending machine housing <NUM> further comprises an input unit <NUM> for enabling the user to select the kind of packaged product <NUM> to be dispensed and a Point-Of-Sale terminal <NUM> for enabling the user to pay the selected packaged product <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, inside the housing <NUM> of the exemplary embodiment shown there is an insulated chamber <NUM> which houses therein a store structure <NUM> configured for storing one or several vertical stacks of gravity dischargeable packaged products <NUM>, the corresponding dispensing mechanism <NUM> which is configured for supporting the stacks of packaged products <NUM> and for dispensing the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of a selected one of the stacks, and a conveyor belt <NUM> located below the dispensing mechanism <NUM> to receive the dispensed packaged products <NUM>. The conveyor belt <NUM> is driven by a conveyor actuator <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) for conveying the dispensed lowermost product <NUM> to a location outside the insulated chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the insulated chamber <NUM> is an insulated cooling chamber configured to keep the packaged products <NUM> below a predetermined temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the insulated chamber <NUM> is an insulated heating chamber configured to keep the packaged products <NUM> above a predetermined temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the housing <NUM> comprises a first insulating chamber <NUM> being an insulated heating chamber as previously described, and a second insulating chamber <NUM> being an insulated cooling chamber, as previously described. Such kind of arrangements are especially useful for dispensing packaged food products, as food products typically need to be stored in a cool or warm environment. However, such arrangements are also suitable for dispensing other types of packaged products, for example, medicines.

The insulated chamber <NUM> comprises an insulating inner wall <NUM> parallel to and spaced apart from the front outer wall <NUM>. The collection zone <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment is provided by a tray <NUM> arranged in a space between the insulating inner wall <NUM> and the front outer wall <NUM>. The insulating inner wall <NUM> has an insulated door <NUM> adjacent to one end of the conveyor belt <NUM>. The insulated door <NUM> is movable, for example by pivoting about a hinge <NUM>, between a closed position and an open position. A door actuator (not shown) is operatively arranged to open and close the insulated door <NUM>.

The insulated door <NUM> has a passage opening with a downwards and outwards inclined bottom edge that forms an intermediate chute <NUM>. The tray <NUM> in the collection zone <NUM> extends from the intermediate chute <NUM> to slightly below the access opening <NUM> in the front outer wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and is preferably also inclined downwards and outwards.

In operation, once a user has selected a desired kind of packaged product <NUM> by using the input unit <NUM> and has paid the corresponding amount by using Point-Of-Sale terminal <NUM>, a control unit of the machine sends a control signal to the dispensing mechanism <NUM> to drop the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the corresponding stack while retaining the remaining packaged products <NUM> in the stack. So, the dropped packaged product <NUM> falls by gravity on the conveyor belt <NUM>.

Then, once the presence of the packaged product <NUM> on the conveyor belt <NUM> is detected by a conveyor sensor <NUM> configured and arranged for that purpose, the control unit sends a control signal to the door actuator to open the insulated door <NUM> and to the conveyor actuator <NUM> so that the conveyor belt <NUM> conveys the packaged product <NUM> outside the insulated chamber <NUM> through the intermediate chute <NUM> and to the tray <NUM> in the collection zone <NUM>. The user can then take the dispensed packaged product <NUM> accessing the collection zone <NUM> through the corresponding access opening <NUM> in the front outer wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Alternatively, the conveyor actuator <NUM> of the conveyor belt <NUM> can be activated by the same control signal that activates the dispensing mechanism <NUM>. The control unit sends a control signal to the door actuator to close the insulated door <NUM> and to the conveyor actuator <NUM> to stop the conveyor belt <NUM> when no packaged product <NUM> is sensed on the conveyor belt <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the conveyor belt <NUM> is replaced by a dispensing chute inclined downwards to the insulated door <NUM>, or directly to the access opening <NUM> if no insulated chamber is provided, with an equivalent result since the dispensed packaged product <NUM> slips down the dispensing chute by gravity to the insulated door <NUM> or to the access opening <NUM> and thereby no conveyor actuator is needed.

The store structure <NUM> may be configured to store a single stack of packaged products <NUM> (not shown) or an array of stacks of packaged products <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, and in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the embodiment shown, the store structure <NUM> is configured to store three rows of stacks following a first direction (<FIG>) and two rows of stacks following a second direction (<FIG>), with the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. <FIG> also shows an embodiment of a vending machine according to the present invention comprising three rows of stacks following a first direction and two rows of stacks following a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. The number of rows in either direction may be varied according to the dimensions of the packaged products <NUM> to be stored and/or to the dimensions of the housing <NUM>.

When multiple stacks of packaged products <NUM> are provided, different kinds of packaged products <NUM> can be dispensed provided that the packaged products <NUM> in each stack are of the same kind and have the same dimensions. However, different kinds of packaged products <NUM> can also have different dimensions provided that they have opposed edge holding portions <NUM>. In this case, the dispensing mechanism <NUM> of each stack will be adapted to the dimensions of the packaged products <NUM> in that stack.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dispensing mechanism <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment comprises two retention units <NUM> arranged on opposite sides of each vertical stack of packaged products <NUM>. Each retention unit <NUM> comprises a support body <NUM> fixed to a machine frame (not shown), a movable element <NUM> and a dispensing actuator <NUM> configured and arranged for moving the movable element <NUM> between a retention position and a dispensing position.

In the retention position (better shown in <FIG>), the movable elements <NUM> of the corresponding two retention units <NUM> interfere with the two opposed edge holding portions <NUM> of the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the stack so that this lowermost packaged product <NUM> is retained and the remaining packaged products <NUM> of the stack rest on one another and on the lowermost packaged product <NUM>.

In the dispensing position (<FIG>), the corresponding two movable elements <NUM> are withdrawn so that they do not interfere with the two opposed edge holding portions <NUM> of the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the stack thereby this lowermost packaged product <NUM> falls by gravity onto the conveyor belt.

However, as shown in <FIG>, the movable elements <NUM> are returned back to the retention position quickly enough to interfere with the opposed edge holding portions <NUM> of the next packaged product <NUM> of the stack so that only one packaged product <NUM>, namely the lowermost one, is delivered.

In order to perform a dispensing operation, the control unit of the vending machine is configured to send control signals to the dispensing actuator <NUM> so as to drive the movable elements <NUM> of the retention units <NUM> from the retention position (<FIG>) to the dispensing position (<FIG>) and to quickly return the movable elements <NUM> of the retention units <NUM> back to the retention position from the dispensing position (<FIG>) in order to interfere with the edge holding portions <NUM> of the next packaged product <NUM> in the stack.

The time interval lapsed from the dispensing position back to the retention position of the movable elements <NUM> is selected to be less that the time spent for the next packaged product <NUM> in the stack to fall by gravity a distance equivalent to its own height, so that the next packaged product <NUM> in the stack is retained then in the lowermost position by the movable elements <NUM>.

Optionally, the time interval lapsed from the dispensing position back to the retention position of the movable elements <NUM> may be regulated in order to enable the delivery of more than one packaged product <NUM> of the stack in a single dispensing operation.

The movable elements <NUM> move from the retention position to the dispensing position following a backwards movement along a linear path and move from the dispensing position to the retention position following an advance movement along the linear path. In this exemplary embodiment, the path followed by the movable elements <NUM> is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the stack of gravity lowered packaged products. However, in other embodiments said path may be inclined in respect to said longitudinal axis of the stack. In this exemplary embodiment, said longitudinal axis defined by the stack of gravity lowered packaged products is vertical. In this exemplary embodiment, the linear path is defined by the U-shaped guide members <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the store structure <NUM> for storing at least one vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM> and the dispensing mechanism <NUM> for supporting a corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM> and dispensing the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of said stack, of a second exemplary embodiment of a vending machine according to the present invention.

As can be seen, the store structure <NUM> of this second exemplary embodiment is configured to store three rows of stacks following a first direction and two rows of stacks following a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. In order to guide each vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>, the store structure <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment comprises four guides <NUM> for each stack, each guide <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape. In other embodiments the guides <NUM> can have a different shape, for example, can be of a substantially quadrangular prismatic shape, planar, etc. Other embodiments can comprise a different number of guides <NUM> for each stack, although at least one guide for each side of the packaged product <NUM> is preferred. Each guide <NUM> can be easily attached or removed from the store structure <NUM> in order to, for example, ease maintenance operations.

The dispensing mechanism <NUM> of this second exemplary embodiment comprises two retention units <NUM> arranged on opposite side of each vertical stack. Similar to the exemplary embodiments previously shown, each retention unit <NUM> comprises a support body <NUM>, a movable element <NUM> and a dispense actuator <NUM> for moving the movable element from a retention position to a dispensing position and vice versa.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the support body <NUM> is common for each row of retention units <NUM>. However, in other embodiment each retention unit <NUM> could have its own support body <NUM>. The support body <NUM> shown comprises a frontal wall <NUM> for guiding the at least one edge holding portion <NUM> of the packaged product <NUM> and further comprises a sloped wall <NUM> adjacent to the frontal wall <NUM>. Said sloped wall <NUM> is optional and is configured to guide the packaged products <NUM> to the frontal wall <NUM>.

Said frontal wall <NUM> comprises at least one opening <NUM> for the passage of at least part of the movable element <NUM>, so that said movable element <NUM> can move from its retention position to its dispensing position, and vice versa. Movable elements <NUM> are driven by associated dispensing actuators <NUM> that, in this exemplary embodiment, are operatively connected to the corresponding movable element <NUM> by a shank <NUM>.

The support structure <NUM> shown further comprises two lateral guides <NUM> arranged on the lowermost part of the support structure <NUM> to further guide the major lateral sides of the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the stack so that the retention units <NUM> can effectively support the stack of packaged products <NUM> and dispense the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of said stack. Said lateral guides <NUM> are optional and at least one guide <NUM> for each lateral major side of the stack would suffice. The frontal wall <NUM> guides the lateral minor lateral sides of the stack of packaged products <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a detail perspective view of the dispensing mechanism <NUM> of the exemplary embodiment of a vending machine shown in <FIG>.

In this exemplary embodiment the at least one opening <NUM> for the passage of at least part of the movable element <NUM> is defined by three separate openings 60A, 60B, 60C adjacent one another and arranged in a linear manner. The openings 60A, 60B, 60C are separated by corresponding intermediate regions <NUM>, which, in this exemplary embodiment, interfere with the advance movement of the movable element <NUM>, acting as a stop defining the retention position of the corresponding movable element <NUM>.

The at least one opening <NUM> besides allowing passage of at least part of the movable element <NUM> so that it can reach its retention position wherein it interferes with an edge holding portion <NUM> of the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the stack, can also act as a support of said movable element <NUM>, preventing the movable element <NUM> and the shank <NUM> of the associated dispensing actuator <NUM> to flex excessively, as the movable element <NUM> and/or the shank <NUM> can rest on the edge of the at least one opening <NUM>. An excessive flexion of the movable element <NUM> and/or of the shank <NUM> of the dispensing actuator <NUM> should be avoided as it could break them or, at least, reduce its lifespan. This also applies when said at least one opening <NUM> is divided into two or more separate openings 60A, 60B, 60C.

As can be seen in greater detail in <FIG>, in this exemplary embodiment the movable element <NUM> comprises one notch or recess <NUM> for each intermediate region <NUM> of the corresponding opening <NUM>, thereby allowing passage of at least part of the movable element <NUM> through the openings 60A, 60B, 60C so that the movable element <NUM> can reach its retaining position. Said intermediate region <NUM> act as a stop against the corresponding recess <NUM> interfering with the advance movement of the movable element <NUM>, thereby limiting the travel of the movable element <NUM> and defining its retention position. Said recesses <NUM> do not affect the retention ability of the movable element <NUM>. Said intermediate region <NUM> does not affect the backwards movement of the movable element <NUM> from the retention position to the dispensing position.

In this exemplary embodiment, the central opening 60B comprises a substantially cylindrical indentation <NUM> for the passage of the shank <NUM> of the dispensing actuator <NUM>. In other embodiments said indentation <NUM> may have a different shape or may not be present, depending, among others, on the shape of the shank <NUM> and the attachment of the movable element <NUM> to the corresponding shank <NUM>.

The detail view of <FIG> also shows in great detail the lateral guides <NUM>, as well as the fastening of the guides <NUM> to the chassis of the store structure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a detail perspective view of the store structure <NUM> and the dispensing mechanism <NUM> of a third exemplary embodiment of a vending machine according to the present invention.

In this exemplary embodiment the at least one opening <NUM> for the passage of at least part of the movable element <NUM> is defined by four separate openings 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D adjacent one another and arranged in a linear manner and separated by three intermediate regions <NUM>.

The movable elements <NUM> of the third exemplary embodiment comprises two protrusions <NUM>, one at each longitudinal end thereof, that act as a guide of the movable element <NUM> when it moves through the opening <NUM>, in this case, openings 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D. The protrusions <NUM>, ensure that the movable element <NUM> is maintained aligned with the corresponding opening <NUM> and are shaped so that they do not interfere with the dispensing and retention capability of the movable element <NUM>. Although two protrusions <NUM> are preferred, one at each longitudinal end of the movable element <NUM>, a single protrusion <NUM> could also suffice. The protrusions <NUM> extend towards the corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>.

In this exemplary embodiment, the central openings 60B, 60C comprise a substantially cylindrical indentation <NUM> for avoiding interference of the shank <NUM> of the dispensing actuator <NUM> with the frontal wall <NUM>. As both the central openings 60B, 60C comprise the indentation <NUM>, although in this case only one would suffice as the dispensing actuator <NUM> comprises a single shank <NUM>, the same frontal wall <NUM> can be used at either side of the stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM> (see <FIG> for better understanding).

In a similar manner to what has been previously described in the context of <FIG>, the intermediate regions <NUM> interfere with the distal surface <NUM> of the corresponding recess <NUM> when the movable element <NUM> advances towards the stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>, thereby defining the retention position of the movable element <NUM>.

As in the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, in this exemplary embodiment the movable elements <NUM> move from the retention position to the dispensing position following a backwards movement along a linear path that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>; and move from the dispensing position to the retention position following an advance movement along said linear path. In this regard, the openings 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D aid in guiding the movement of the movable element <NUM>.

Located between two stacks of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>, in this exemplary embodiment are located the dispensing actuators <NUM> of movable elements <NUM> of opposed stacks of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>. This arrangement is clearly shown in <FIG> that shows a perspective view of movable elements and corresponding dispensing actuators arranged between opposing stacks of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM> of the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>.

The perspective view of <FIG> allows to clearly see the shape of the movable elements <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, each movable element <NUM> comprises three notches or recesses <NUM>, one for each intermediate region <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The recesses <NUM> closer to the longitudinal ends of the movable element <NUM> are wider than the central recess <NUM>, as the central intermediate region <NUM> is narrower than the other two. However, in other embodiments, all recesses <NUM> and intermediate regions <NUM> can have the same dimensions or have the recesses <NUM> having different dimensions arranged in a different manner, for example, the central recess <NUM>, and corresponding intermediate region <NUM>, being wider than the ones closer to the longitudinal ends of the movable element <NUM>.

Each recess <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment comprises a distal surface <NUM> and lateral surfaces <NUM> extending towards said distal surface <NUM> in a convergent manner, that is to say, the recess <NUM> narrows towards the distal surface <NUM>. This shape prevents the lateral surfaces <NUM> to get stuck with the intermediate regions <NUM> which could prevent the movable element <NUM> from reaching its retention position.

At opposite longitudinal edges, the movable elements <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment comprise a protrusion extending towards the corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM> that guide the movable element <NUM> when moving in a backwards or advance direction through the corresponding opening <NUM>, 60A, 60D.

The movable elements <NUM> shown comprise two connection orifices <NUM> for connecting the shank <NUM> of the dispensing actuator <NUM> to the movable element <NUM>. The movable elements <NUM> shown comprise two connection orifices <NUM> as this makes them reversible and can be used in either side of the stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM>, thus reducing the number of different pieces of the vending machine.

Between the connection orifice <NUM> and the dispensing actuator <NUM> the movable element <NUM> comprises a recess that allows the movable element <NUM> to be arranged closer to the dispensing actuator <NUM> and, thus, provide a more compact arrangement of the store structure <NUM> and of the vending machine.

The different elements or parts of the movable elements <NUM> shown in <FIG> are symmetrical with respect to a transversal axis of symmetry.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a perspective and a side view, respectively, of a lowering mechanism of the third exemplary embodiment of a vending machine according to the present invention shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Certain packaged products <NUM> can be damaged if they fall from the stack of gravity lowered packaged products <NUM> from a certain height. This depends on the heigh from the lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the stack and on the type of product stored therein. However, there are other reasons to avoid a fall from a certain height of a dispensed packaged product <NUM>, as for example, a reduction of the noise produced by the impact. In conclusion, there are a number of reasons to avoid a fall of the dispensed product <NUM> from a certain height. In order to solve this problem, embodiments of the vending machine according to the present invention can comprise a lowering mechanism <NUM> for receiving the dispensed packaged product <NUM> and lowering it to a transport element for conveying said packaged product <NUM> to the collection <NUM>, or directly to the collection zone <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>).

The lower mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> comprises a movable platform <NUM> that is configured to be raised to a receiving position, in which it receives the dispensed packaged product <NUM>, and to be lowered to a discharging position, in which the dispensed packaged product <NUM> is discharged to the transport element or directly to the collection zone <NUM>. In <FIG> the movable platform <NUM> is depicted in its receiving position, whereas in <FIG> said movable platform <NUM> is depicted in its discharging position.

In order to raise and lower the movable platform, the lowering mechanism <NUM> comprises a driving unit <NUM> that, in the exemplary embodiment shown, can slide along a guide <NUM>.

The optional discharging ramps <NUM> depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> aid in dampening the fall of the packaged product <NUM> (not shown) from the movable platform to the transport element or to the collection zone <NUM>. Moreover, said discharging ramps <NUM> also guide the fall of the packaged product <NUM> from the movable platform <NUM> to the transport element or to the collection zone <NUM>. Although in the exemplary embodiment shown the lowering mechanism <NUM> comprises two discharging ramps <NUM>, in other embodiments the lowering mechanism can comprise a different number of discharging ramps <NUM>, for example, one, three, etc. Said discharging ramp <NUM> is optional and other embodiments may lack such element.

In order to discharge the packaged product <NUM> from the movable platform <NUM>, in this exemplary embodiment, the driving unit <NUM> moves along the guide <NUM> until it reaches a stop that interferes with the packaged product <NUM> located on the movable platform <NUM>, so that the packaged product <NUM> is pushed out of the movable platform <NUM> and falls to the collection zone <NUM> or the transport element guided by the discharge ramps <NUM>. However, in other embodiments the movable platform can be configured to tilt, so that by tilting the movable platform the packaged product <NUM> falls from it. Other arrangements for discharging the packaged product <NUM> from the movable platform are also possible within the scope of the present invention.

The dispensing actuator <NUM> in the exemplary embodiments shown above is a magnetic linear actuator which is able to impart a quick movement to the movable element <NUM>. Examples of useful magnetic linear actuators are a bistable linear moving magnet and a spring return actuator comprising, for example, an electromagnet arranged to perform the movement of the movable element from the retaining position to the dispensing position in cooperation with a spring arranged to return the movable element back to the retaining position.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing a packaged product <NUM> from a vending machine comprising the essential features of the vending machine described above.

Optionally, if there were more than one packaged product <NUM> in the stack, the method then comprises resting the opposed edge holding portions <NUM> of the following lowermost packaged product <NUM> of the stack on the movable elements <NUM> of the retention units <NUM> which are back in the retention position.

Also envisaged with the method is the optional step of conveying the dispensed packaged product <NUM> either with a dispensing chute or with a conveyor belt <NUM> to a collection zone <NUM> or to an intermediate location.

Where either the dispensing chute or the conveyor belt <NUM> is used, the method optionally comprises the step of sensing the presence of the dispensed packaged product <NUM> on the dispensing chute or on the conveyor belt <NUM> and open an insulated door <NUM> of an insulated chamber <NUM> which houses therein the store structure <NUM>, and a further step of closing said insulated door <NUM> once the dispensed packaged product <NUM> is no longer sensed on the dispensing chute or on the conveyor belt <NUM>.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of opening an access door <NUM> closing an access opening <NUM> through which the collection zone <NUM> is accessible from the outside once a packaged product <NUM> is sensed in the collection zone <NUM>.

The vending machines for dispensing packaged products, as well as the methods for dispensing a packaged product, previously described are specially envisaged for dispensing packaged food products, but any other suitable packaged product could also be dispensed.

The vending machines and the method object of the present invention can also dispense non packaged products by previously placing said non packaged product in a package <NUM> having opposed edge holding portions <NUM> as the ones shown in <FIG>, for example.

Claim 1:
Vending machine for dispensing packaged products, each one of said packaged products (<NUM>) having opposed edge holding portions (<NUM>), said vending machine having a housing (<NUM>) which comprises:
- a collection zone (<NUM>) for a dispensed packaged product (<NUM>);
- a store structure (<NUM>) for storing at least one vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products (<NUM>), each vertical stack of gravity lowered packaged products (<NUM>) defining a longitudinal axis;
- a dispensing mechanism (<NUM>) for supporting a corresponding stack of gravity lowered packaged products (<NUM>) and dispensing the lowermost packaged product (<NUM>) of said stack;
the dispensing mechanism (<NUM>) comprising at least two retention units (<NUM>) arranged on opposite sides of the vertical stack, each retention unit (<NUM>) having a retention position for interfering with an edge holding portion (<NUM>) of the lowermost packaged product (<NUM>) of the stack and a dispensing position for releasing said edge holding portion (<NUM>) of said lowermost packaged product (<NUM>);
the vending machine further comprising a control unit configured to drive the retention units (<NUM>) from the retention position to the dispensing position and to return the retention units (<NUM>) to the retention position from the dispensing position once at least said lowermost packaged product (<NUM>) of the stack has fallen by gravity;
each retention unit (<NUM>) comprising a support body (<NUM>), a movable element (<NUM>) and a dispense actuator (<NUM>) for moving the movable element (<NUM>) from a retention position to a dispensing position and vice versa;
characterized in that each movable element (<NUM>) is configured to move from the retention position to the dispensing position following a backwards movement along a linear path, and to move from the dispensing position to the retention position following an advance movement along the linear path.