EP0593630B1 - Automatic hot food dispenser using microwave ovens - Google Patents

Abstract

The automatic hot food dispenser has adjustable height storage columns (65) for food products. The storage is in the upper part of the dispenser. The middle part of the dispenser has chutes (68) delivering food from the base of the stack to the inlet hatch of a microwave oven (90, 91). Each microwave oven has an ejector system that places the heated food on a conveyor (71) for delivery to the consumer. A cutlery ejector delivers cutlery. The lower part of the dispenser houses a vending unit.

Description

The invention relates to an automatic distributor of ready meals. In a preferred embodiment, the automatic dispenser is specific for hot cooked dishes using several microwave ovens.

• FR-A-2.597.239 :" L'invention concerne un ensemble de distribution de plats cuisinés, conservés a basse température, sous vide, stérilisés ou autres, et servis chauds d'une façon entièrement automatisée. Il est composé d'une partie électronique programmable par son clavier qui est le cerveau du distributeur, d'un compartiment de stockage réfrigéré des plats cuisinés, d'un dispositif de convoyage automatique des plats d'un groupe de fours à micro-ondes pour le réchauffage d'un groupe frigorifique d'une boite froide. L'ensemble selon l'invention est particulièrement destiné a la distribution automatique de plats cuisinés chauds.
  Ce dispositif définit bien l'état de la technique. Il présente l'inconvénient principal de mettre à la disposition du public une batterie de fours a micro-ondes. Les fours à micro-ondes doivent répondre à des conditions de sécurité très sévères. Or, mettre à la disposition du public des fours à micro-ondes pose des problèmes. Ainsi, ces fours peuvent faire l'objet d'actes de vandalisme ou de mauvaises utilisations.
• FR-A-2.611.465 : " L'invention concerne un dispositif automatique permettant de servir à l'état chaud ou froid, un plat contenu dans une conserve hermétique. Ce dispositif comprend plusieurs armoires de stockage, plusieurs fours a micro-ondes, un système d'acheminement des plats du stock aux fours. ainsi qu'un système de paiement de commande. Le distributeur peut proposer plusieurs choix dans ses plats, mais il est surtout caractérisé en ce qu'il dessert des conserves hermétiquement closes au lieu de plats ouverts, d'où une nouvelle architecture de stockage. "
• FR-A-2.556.859 : " L'invention concerne un type de distributeur automatique de repas chauds et froids a commande électronique. Il comprend quatre éléments essentiels qui sont : un compartiment de puissance regroupant l'électronique qui dirige les fonctions et le groupe moteur du frigo ; un compartiment distribution regroupant deux fours a micro-ondes qui peuvent opérer également en sortie froide et qui font office de passe-plat ; un compartiment réfrigéré regroupant les doubles rangées d'étagères des plats stockés ; un dispositif de préhension des plats constitué d'une pelle qui évolue entre les deux rangées d'étagères des plats. L'invention sera avantageusement utilisée pour obtenir un distributeur de repas chauds et froids, permettant de contenir un nombre important de plats préparés et stockés dans un encombrement réduit, assurant la rentabilité optimale de la machine. " Il décrit un distributeur automatique selon le préambule de la revendication 1.
• FR-A-2.458.851 : " L'invention se rapporte à un distributeur de produits alimentaires à température dirigée, permettant de stocker des denrées qui autrement seraient périssables. Ces denrées sont réchauffées par un four à micro-ondes au moment de leur distribution. L'invention concerne l'industrie du consommé sur place. "
• Le document DE-A-3 738 708 décrit un distributeur automatique de plats chauds qui comprend des colonnes de stockage de plats 3 et un seul four à micro-ondes 12. Un plateau de stockage intermédiaire 6 prend une première position inclinée pour recevoir un plat en provenance d'une colonne de stockage et prend une seconde position inclinée dans un autre sens pour envoyer le plat dans le four. Le plateau de stockage intermédiaire 6 ne prend jamais une position horizontale, ce qui fait que le plat en attente dessus est incliné.

The state of the art can be defined by the following patents:

• FR-A-2.597.239: "The invention relates to a set of distribution of cooked dishes, stored at low temperature, under vacuum, sterilized or other, and served hot in a fully automated manner. It is composed of a part electronic programmable by its keyboard which is the brain of the distributor, a refrigerated storage compartment for cooked meals, an automatic conveying device for meals in a group of microwave ovens for reheating a refrigeration unit of a cold box. The assembly according to the invention is particularly intended for the automatic distribution of hot cooked dishes.
  This device clearly defines the state of the art. It has the main drawback of making a battery of microwave ovens available to the public. Microwave ovens must meet very strict safety conditions. However, making microwave ovens available to the public poses problems. Thus, these ovens may be subject to acts of vandalism or misuse.
• FR-A-2.611.465: "The invention relates to an automatic device making it possible to serve in a hot or cold state, a dish contained in an airtight can. This device comprises several storage cabinets, several microwave ovens, a system for routing dishes from stock to ovens, as well as an order payment system The distributor can offer several choices in his dishes, but it is above all characterized in that it serves hermetically sealed canned foods instead of open dishes, hence a new storage architecture. "
• FR-A-2.556.859: "The invention relates to a type of automatic distributor of hot and cold meals with electronic control. It comprises four essential elements which are: a power compartment grouping together the electronics which directs the functions and the group motor of the fridge; a distribution compartment grouping together two microwave ovens which can also operate with a cold outlet and which act as a serving hatch; a refrigerated compartment grouping the double rows shelves of stored dishes; a device for gripping dishes consisting of a shovel which moves between the two rows of shelves for dishes. The invention will advantageously be used to obtain a distributor of hot and cold meals, making it possible to contain a large number of dishes prepared and stored in a reduced space, ensuring optimum profitability of the machine. "It describes a vending machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
• FR-A-2.458.851: "The invention relates to a distributor of food products at a controlled temperature, making it possible to store foodstuffs which would otherwise be perishable. These foodstuffs are heated by a microwave oven at the time of their distribution. The invention relates to the on-site consumption industry. "
• Document DE-A-3,738,708 describes a vending machine for hot dishes which includes dishes storage columns 3 and a single microwave oven 12. An intermediate storage tray 6 takes a first inclined position to receive a dish from a storage column and takes a second position tilted in another direction to send the dish into the oven. The intermediate storage tray 6 never takes a horizontal position, which means that the dish waiting on it is inclined.

The automatic vending machine for hot meals according to the invention tends to solve all these problems. In particular, it allows hot meals to be distributed, without the public having access to microwave ovens.

The invention therefore relates to an automatic dispenser of the type comprising a frame including storage columns for storing consumable products, two microwave ovens, means for conveying consumable products from said storage columns to said micro ovens -waves, a payment system and means managing the various corresponding automations.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the automatic dispenser further comprises a hopper below said storage columns, arranged to collect consumable products and direct them towards a tilting tray, said tilting tray being located between said two microwaves. waves and arranged to tilt from a horizontal position towards one of these ovens according to their availability and ejection means in each microwave oven to eject a consumable product on a conveyor which conveys the consumable product in front of a access window.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic dispenser further comprises a piercing system which lowers needles to perforate the packaging of the consumable product located on said tilting tray.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, said needles are sterilized by electrical resistors.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic dispenser further comprises cutlery storage columns which eject boxes of cutlery by ejectors in a receptacle.

The attached drawings are indicative and not limiting. They represent a preferred embodiment according to the invention. They will allow the invention to be easily understood.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dispenser according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a column loaded with consumables; it highlights its pivoting bar for loading and holding and its device for distributing each consumable product one by one.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the column along the transverse axis A-A shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the axis B-B shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the axis C-C shown in FIG. 3.

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the oven showing the entry door, the exit door with its ejection means and the perforation means.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the hooks-hinges of the front door, suspended door of the oven.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the means for perforating the packaging of consumable products.

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the operating mode according to a preferred embodiment of the invention where the single hopper is provided with a tilting tray surmounted by the drilling system and the ovens provided with a tilting tray. It highlights the tilting hopper tray, the drilling system, the oven inlet, the oven tilting tray and the oven outlet.

Figure 10 is a schematic view of one of the storage columns. It highlights the hinge support system for the columns.

Figure 11 is a schematic view of the hopper which shows the tilting tray as well as the drilling and sterilization system.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the microwave ovens showing the movement of the access hatches, of the tilting plate which ejects the consumable product from the oven, from the conveyor and from the support of the microwave ovens.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the dispenser door and highlights the storage columns of cutlery boxes and the receptacle.

The dispenser 1 according to the invention is of the type using a means of storing consumable products 14, several microwave ovens, means of conveying dishes or consumable products from the stock to the oven, as well as a payment system and control.

The dispenser 1 according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, is in the form of a frame chassis 2, with a door 3 mounted on a hinge 4. This front door 3 has on its face a window of access 5 which allows the public to take the consumable products chosen. Selection buttons 6 allow the user to select the consumable product he desires. A coin mechanism 7 allows the consumer to pay for the consumable products chosen. A control screen 8 allows the user to know at each stage where the distributor is and his chosen dish. It also allows you to be guided in its operations.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the distributor 1 comprises two modular cabinets which are fixed in the upper part of the frame chassis 2 of the distributor 1. Said cabinets are provided with transverse support bars which allow the distribution columns 11 to be fixed by means of upper support legs 12 and lower support legs 13 to hang on to the said cross bars of the cabinets. These columns 11, which are attached to the transverse support bars of the various cabinets, are adjustable and adapted to the specific consumable products 14 from which the dispenser 1 is supplied.

Figures 2, 3 or 4 and 5 highlight the device for distributing the columns 11 for storing consumable products 14. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a column 11. It highlights in particular the bar 34 which is a swivel bar as shown in phantom. This pivoting bar makes it possible to clear the front entry of the column 11 for its loading of consumable products 14. In the closed position, the bar 34 makes it possible to maintain the consumable products one on the other in the column 11.

At the bottom of column 11, a distribution device is set up which makes it possible to deliver the consumable products 14 one by one.

The distribution device of the column 11 consists of a flap 35, actuated by a linkage 36 provided with a counterweight 37.

In order to release the consumable product 14 to be dispensed, a conveyor 38, disposed in the lower part of the column 11, makes it possible to release the consumable product 14. The flap 35 then being open. The conveyor belt 38 is provided with an index 39 which carries with it the consumable product 14.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the means 51 for ejecting the consumable product from the microwave oven is a scraper 51, such as a vertical wall which delimits a corresponding space for receiving the consumable product.

Said scraper 51 is integral with the oven exit door, door 52. This door has a vertical hinge 53. As soon as the oven exit door 52 is actuated, the scraper 51 drives the consumable product out of the micro-oven. waves 44, 48. The scraper 51, by its vertical wall, scrapes the bottom 54 of the microwave oven and drives, outside the microwave oven, the consumable product, when the door 52 is open. The outlet door 52 of the microwave oven is actuated by an electromagnet and a return spring.

The perforation means 55 is composed of articulated fingers 56 integral with an axis 57, actuated in rotation by an electromagnet and a spring (not shown in the figures). The fingers 56 are provided at their end with at least one perforating needle 58.

Said fingers 56 are of different sizes and independent of each other to adapt to the different forms of packaging of consumable products 42. As soon as a packet of consumable products 42 falls into the oven, the programmed automaton actuates an electro- magnet and a return spring which act on the perforation means 55 which acts as a hand which comes to fall on the packaging of the consumable product 42, and by its fingers 56 and its perforating needles 58, pierce the packaging. After this action, the perforation means is raised by a return spring, not shown in the figures. The set of perforation means 55 forms a hand, the fingers 56 of which may be straight, of different length, but the hand may also include fingers which, seen from above, form a fan, that is to say that they 'spread apart from each other in the last third of their length.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the dispenser according to the invention is of the type using a means for storing consumable products 79, several microwave ovens 90, 91, means for conveying consumable dishes or products from the stock. in the oven, as well as a payment and ordering system.

The dispenser according to the invention, as shown in the figures, is in the form of a frame chassis, with a door mounted on a hinge. This front door has on its face an access window which allows the public to take the consumable products chosen. Selection buttons allow the user to select the consumable product he wants. A coin mechanism allows the consumer to pay for the consumable products chosen. A control screen allows the user to know at each stage where the distributor is and his chosen dish. It also allows you to be guided in its operations.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the dispenser comprises in the upper part four double columns for storage and distribution 65 or eight possible choices of consumable products 79. These columns are fixed by means of supports 77 lower and upper. These storage and distribution columns 65, which are attached to the transverse support bars 77, are adjustable and adapted to the specific consumable products 79 which are supplied the distributor. The number of storage and distribution columns 65 of consumable products 79 can vary as required.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show the device for distributing the columns 65 for storing consumable products 79. FIG. 10 is a diagram of a column 65. It in particular highlights the bar 78 which is a pivoting bar. This pivoting bar makes it possible to clear the front entry of the column 65 for its loading of consumable products 79. In the closed position, the bar 78 makes it possible to maintain the consumable products one on the other in the column 65.

In column 65, above the consumable products 79, a device 74 is installed which makes it possible to prevent the last consumable product 79 from falling from column 65.

The dispensing device of the storage column 65 ejects the consumable product 79 to be dispensed, by a dish ejection motor 66, arranged in the lower part of the column 65. The mat of the dish ejection motor 66 is provided an index which carries with it the consumable product 79.

Because of its simplicity, this distribution device provided in the lower part of the bottom of the storage and distribution column 65 of consumable products 79 is very simple to operate.

In the middle part Fig. 9 of the dispenser, a hopper, formed of transverse rollers, is arranged under the dispensing columns 65 to collect the consumable products 79 and direct them onto the hopper tilting tray 70 located between the two microwave ovens 90, 91. The system piercing 64 lowers the needles 62 to perforate the packaging of the consumable product 79 and raises them to the standby position to sterilize them with resistors 75.

The hopper tilting tray 70 switches to one of the microwave ovens 90 or 91 depending on their availability. The motor 69 turns slightly, the upper door 80 of the oven closes. The microwave oven 90 or 91 starts up during the heating time programmed according to the consumable product 79. At the end of this time, the motor 69 of the microwave oven 90 or 91 turns until the tilting oven tray 61 provided with two axes at the front of each side of the lower door 81, or towed on one side by the oven tray traction bar 60 which is fixed to the crown driven by the motor 69, is sufficiently inclined to push the lower door 81 from the oven 90 or 91, which was closed by the return spring 92, this, to evacuate the consumable product 79 on the conveyor rollers 71 towards the receptacle intended for the consumer. The motor 69 continues to run until the tilting plate of the oven 61 of the oven 90 or 91, pulled by the draw bar of the oven plate 60, has returned to the horizontal and, by the same, releases the lower door 81 of the oven 90 or 91, closed by the return spring 92. The motor 69 of the oven 90 or 91 turns sufficiently to actuate the opening rod 82 which opens the upper door 80 of the microwave oven 90 or 91 in order to pass the new selected consumable product 79.

FIG. 13 represents the view of the door equipped with a cutlery storage column 87, fitted with motors 89 which make it possible to eject a cutlery box 97 in the receptacle 88 on each order of consumable product 79.

REFERENCES

• 1 - Distributor
• 2 - Frame chassis
• 3 - Front door
• 4 - Hinge
• 5 - Access window
• 6 - Selection buttons
• 7 - Coin acceptor
• 8 - Control screen
• 9 - Modular cabinets
• 10 - Upper part of the chassis frame
• 11 - Distribution columns
• 12 - Upper support legs
• 13 - Lower support legs
• 14 - Consumable products
• 34 - Swivel bar
• 35 - Shutter
• 36 - Linkage
• 37 - Counterweight
• 38 - Conveyor
• 49 - Horizontal hinge of the oven inlet flap
• 50 - Hooks
• 51 - Scraper
• 52 - Oven exit door
• 53 - Vertical hinge of the oven exit door
• 54 - Bottom of the oven
• 55 - Means of perforation of the packaging
• 56 - Articulated fingers
• 57 - Axis of rotation of the perforation means
• 58 - Punching needles
• 59 - Conveyor rollers
• 60 - Oven tray drawbar
• 61 - Tilting oven tray
• 62 - Drilling needles
• 63 - Fan
• 64 - Drilling system
• 65 - Column for storing consumables
• 66 - Plate ejection motor
• 67 - Dish support spacer
• 68 - Hopper formed by transverse rollers
• 69 - Multifunction motor of microwave ovens
• 70 - Hopper tilting tray
• 71 - Conveyor rollers to the receptacle
• 72 - Oven support
• 73 - Electrical panel
• 74 - Wedge preventing the last dish from tipping over
• 75 - Needle sterilization resistance
• 76 - Closing of columns mounted on hinges
• 77 - Column support hinge
• 78 - Food holding rod
• 79 - Consumable products
• 80 - Upper door microwave oven
• 81 - Lower microwave oven door
• 82 - Upper door opening rod
• 83 - Basic electronic plate
• 84 - Display
• 85 - Interface plate
• 86 - Coin-operated
• 87 - Cutlery storage column
• 88 - Receptacle
• 89 - Cutlery ejector
• 90 - Left microwave oven
• 91 - Straight microwave oven
• 92 - Return spring closing the lower oven door
• 93 - Hopper support bracket
• 94 - Conveyor rollers to the oven
• 95 - Drilling system motor
• 96 - Return spring closing the upper oven door
• 97 - Box of cutlery

Claims (4)

1. Automatic dispenser comprising

   a housing (2) with storage columns for storing consumable products (79),

   two microwave ovens (90, 91),

   means for transporting consumable products from said storage columns to said microwave ovens,

   a payment system and

   means for controlling the various corresponding automatic operations,

      characterized in that
      the automatic dispenser further comprises :

   a hopper (68) under said storage columns, for collecting consumable products and transporting them towards a rocking plate (70), whereby said rocking plaite is located between said two microwave ovens and is designed such that it can pivot from a horizontal position towards one of these two ovens according to their availability,

   and ejection means (61) in each microwave oven for ejecting a consumable product onto a conveyor means which conveys the consumable product to an access window (88).
2. Automatic dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that a perforating system (64) is also provided, which lowers needles (62) for perforating the packaging of the consumable product located on the ricking plate (70).
3. Automatic dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that said needles are sterilized by electrical resistors (75).
4. Automatic dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that storage columns for cutlery (87) are also provided, which eject cutlery containers (97) into a receptacle (88) via ejectors (89).

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