EP0474911A1 - Bread dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

Bread dispenser. Under adverse environmental conditions, bread becomes stale very quickly. This dispenser which dispenses the bread automatically by self-service and which operates with coins ensures that the product is stored under suitable conditions, with the result that for a long time it remains as fresh as when it came out of the oven. The bread pieces, which are placed on the cups of the various transporters according to format (each transporter has one particular format), appear in front of small windows which are equipped with transparent sliding flaps. The consumer, after previously selecting the desired format, inserts the appropriate coins into the dispenser and can subsequently open the sliding flap and extract the bread through the dispensing window. After this operation is concluded, the dispenser will automatically dispense a bag or container, in which the product can be carried. The number and capacity of the cups varies according to the size of the bread, with the result that maximum storage can be achieved. A double door allows access to the most important elements of the dispenser, without the ambient conditions of the storage compartments being impaired. The mechanisms for the air-conditioning system, the refrigerating unit, the device for the dispensing of bags or containers, the transporters, the sliding-flap movement and coin operation are controlled by an electronic PCB subassembly or by a programmable independent computer.

Description

The present report relates to a new prototype of an automatic bread dispenser that is equipped with a system that allows the preservation of the product stored in the machine, and thus the fresh bread that has just come from the bakery for a longer period of time own characteristics.

The bread begins to age a few hours after leaving the oven. It is a hygroscopic substance that tends to release or absorb water until it adapts to the moisture around it. The internal water migration depending on the relative air humidity is therefore also the explanation for why the bread hardens in dry climates, releases and dries water or becomes acidic in humid climates, absorbs water and assumes a rubber-like consistency. These processes are also affected by certain changes in the molecular configuration known as starch regression.

Up to an estimated 30% of production is returned to the bread factories because the bread is Motives has grown old, with the higher percentages affecting factories with lower production volumes.

If you consider how the obsolete bread is used further (as breadcrumbs or rusks), the material costs incurred during production are not even nearly covered. It is therefore easy to understand that premature aging of the bread is a major economic problem for the bread maker, for the retailer and also for the consumer.

At the moment, the distribution of the bread is handled from leaving the bread factory to the consumer without taking any special measures that could prevent the aforementioned problems, although the period from the beginning to the end of this distribution process is already sufficient, the aging process of the product so far to let progress that the bread characteristics have already changed significantly and make consumption uncomfortable.

An automatic machine, inside of which the product can be preserved for a long time due to a controlled atmosphere with the specific characteristics of the freshly baked bread, would mean a great cost saving for the manufacturer, since the return of bread due to hardening, breakage , Mold and acidification would decrease. As a result, the need for distribution and collection routes, labor, means of transport, maintenance costs for these means of transport and fuel and insurance costs would also decrease.

The proposed system also favors the consumer, who has the opportunity to have bread at any time of the day that has the characteristics of a freshly baked bread. On the other hand, the hygienic conditions of the distribution are also improved, since the products are manipulated less. The purchase process is made easier by the installation of numerous sales outlets, not only in bakeries, but also in large business centers, supermarkets, grocery stores, petrol stations and company premises, which avoids long waiting times and speeds up the process, as payment and change are quicker. Finally, the proposed system also benefits the retailer, not only because of the benefits listed for the consumer, but also because of other specific reasons, such as the saving in manpower, a lower number of broken products and improvement of the external appearance of the same as a result of less manipulation of the product.

The automat described here in the form of a non-restrictive example consists of various elements, which are referred to with the help of the enclosed pictures and the letters and numbers given in these pictures.

Figure 1 shows a perspective of the machine with open access doors, on which the internal elements are not shown. Picture 2 is a front view, picture 3 a side view and picture 4 a floor plan. Figures 5, 6 and 7 represent different sections, Figure 8 is a functional diagram and Figures 9 and 10 represent various details of elements of the machine.

The consumer has the option of choosing different sizes and shapes of bread (three are provided in the machine described) and can start the bread dispensing mechanism by inserting a predetermined number of suitable coins into the standard coin slot on the machine.

The machine consists of a straight parallelepidonic cabinet (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4), which is built from semi-machined metal and plastic parts and represents the supporting structure for the remaining elements. To facilitate its mobility, the cabinet rests on four multidirectional castors, which can be blocked by a braking device. The cabinet is divided into three compartments, C1, C2 and C3. That is, a front, a middle and a rear compartment, each of which has a specific function which will be explained later.

The middle compartment C2 is thermally insulated, which is shown in the drawings with a dotted line and serves as a warehouse for the products in the machine. The atmosphere in the compartment is controlled for temperature and humidity; the corresponding values can be predetermined and kept constant within very narrow limits. Inside this compartment there are three bucket transporters E, each of which is driven by three electric geared motors Me (Figures 5,6 and 7). Each transporter can contain a piece of bread or a bread size that is offered to the consumer.

Compartment C2 can be reached via the front panel, consisting of a vertically hinged door P2 (Figures 1 and 6). Above this door are three square hatches H (Figures 1 and 6) that are constantly open and allow access to the respective bucket transporters E.

The rear compartment C3 contains the necessary elements of the air conditioning system for temperature and humidity in compartment C2 as well as for the intensification of the air circulation in the compartment.

Compartment C3 can be reached via a two-part door (Fig. 1) that takes up the entire width of the rear wall.

Compartment C1 consists of an internal indentation in door P1 (Figure 1), which is vertically hinged and, when closed, includes door P2 of the middle compartment C2 described above. The outer surface of the door P1 can be called the front view of the machine. On this door are the selection buttons S for the products, the light indicators V if the machine is empty or faulty, the slot Rm for inserting the coin and the bowl Bc for returning change (Fig. 2).

On this door P1, in the same size and position as the hatches H of door P2 (Figures 1, 2 and 6), three hatches G are attached, which are equipped with the corresponding locking devices C of the "guillotine" type (Figures 6 and 9) are, ie, transparent methacrylate disks that go up (close) and go down (open) through a rack and pinion gear system driven by an Mg electric motor.

The arrangement described above and corresponding interior lighting enable the consumer to see the product to be bought directly. After carrying out the prescribed actions, the consumer can take out the piece of bread that is in the cup K. This cup is located directly behind the corresponding open hatch. After removing the product from the machine, thanks to a built-in device (this device is optional), it automatically dispenses a bag or a container in which the consumer can store and transport the bread he has purchased in a very convenient and hygienic manner.

In the upper half of the internal recess of the door P1, which makes up the compartment C1, the machine has a device Js, which has the function of dispensing the aforementioned bags and containers. These containers are dispensed through window J, which is located on the front of the machine for this purpose (Figures 1, 2 and 6). The device Js not described here can be any of the known electromechanical types which are currently used. are on the market. The coin container and the control and monitoring unit of the machine Uc are also located in compartment C1. This unit can either consist of an electronic circuit board assembly or also of a small programmed computer that controls the automatic functions of the machine and keeps an account of the sales made, each independently for the individual transporters E and for the machine as a whole.

In order to be able to open the access door P2 to the compartment C2, it is necessary to open the door P1 beforehand. However, the latter can also be opened if the door P2 remains closed. It is therefore possible, if necessary, to reach the elements stored in compartment C1 without affecting the ambient conditions in compartment C2, where the products are stored.

• a) Ein Druckluftbehälter D1 zur Speicherung von Wasser, der entweder nachgefüllt oder an ein Wasserverteilungnetz angeschlossen werden kann. Im letzteren Fall würde der Wasserspiegel durch ein Ventil V1 konstant gehalten werden, welches durch einen Schwimmer B1 ausgelöst wird.
• b) Ein Verdampferbehälter D2 zur Erzeugung von Dampf, der zur Erhitzung mit einem Elektrowiderstand R7 ausgestattet ist, ein Temperaturdetektor B7, ein Elektroventil V2 zum Einlass von Wasser, ein Elektroniveau B2, ein Elektroventil V3 zum Ablass von Betriebsdampf, ein Feuchtigkeitsdetektor B3 (befindet sich im Fach C2) und ein Sicherheitsventil V4 mit Abzugsleitung hin zum Behälter D1.
• c) Eine Kammer Co zur Erhitzung der Luft, die mit einem Elektrowiderstand R8 und einem Temperaturdetektor B8, der sich im Fach C2 befindet, ausgestattet ist.
• d) Eine Kammer Cv zur Ventilation und ggfs. notwendigen Homogenisierung der Luft-Wasserdampf-Mischung, die mit drei Absaugvorrichtungen, A1, A2 und A3, versehen ist.

The ambient air in compartment C2 is regulated by the air conditioning system in compartment C3, which consists of the following elements (Figures 7 and 8):

• a) A compressed air tank D1 for storing water, which can either be refilled or connected to a water distribution network. In the latter case, the water level would be kept constant by a valve V1, which is triggered by a float B1.
• b) An evaporator container D2 for generating steam, which is equipped with an electric resistor R7 for heating, a temperature detector B7, an electric valve V2 for the inlet of water, an electronic level B2, an electric valve V3 for the discharge of operating steam, a moisture detector B3 (is located in compartment C2) and a safety valve V4 with drain line to container D1.
• c) A chamber Co for heating the air, which is equipped with an electrical resistor R8 and a temperature detector B8, which is located in compartment C2.
• d) A chamber Cv for ventilation and possibly necessary homogenization of the air-water vapor mixture, which is provided with three suction devices, A1, A2 and A3.

The values of the transfer points for Tempe The temperature and humidity that should prevail inside compartment C2 are determined on the basis of a prior analysis of the respective characteristics of the product to be preserved. Usually, these values are different for each bread supplier. The values of the transmission points are stored in the control and monitoring unit Uc (Figure 8). The unit will then carry out the necessary actions or corrections to the various elements of the air conditioning system using a program specially designed for the respective product, in order to be able to keep the values mentioned within the narrow limits.

When the air conditioning system is supplied and ready for operation, when the system is connected, the suction devices A1 and A2 switch on and cause the air in compartment C2 to circulate, which in turn creates the circulation in the ventilation chamber Cv and in the heating chamber Cc. Should the temperature of this air differ from that of the transmission point, the detector B8 will send the corresponding signal to the control and monitoring unit, where this signal is analyzed and the resistor R8 is appropriately put into operation. The same process takes place if the value of the circulating relative humidity deviates from the value at the point of transfer. The detector B3 then sends the corresponding signal to the control unit Uc, where the signal is analyzed and the valve V3 and the suction device A3 are triggered appropriately. This means that opening the valve V3 simultaneously brings the suction device A3 into operation, and that closing the valve also brings the suction device to a standstill.

A similar case occurs when the water temperature contained in the evaporator D2 deviates from the specified value. In this case, the detector B7 would notify the control unit Uc of this fact, whereupon the electrical resistor R7 would take effect accordingly. The control unit also receives a signal when the electronic level B2 detects deviations from the correct water level in the tank. This message sent by B2 is converted into the corresponding actions via the solenoid valve V2 and the water access.

The described air conditioning unit for compartment C2 (Figures 7 and 8) is further supplemented and reinforced by a cooling unit, which is also located in compartment C3. Thanks to this cooling unit, the machine can also be set up in locations that are exposed to high temperatures. The cooling unit consists of a compressor Co as a motor element for the unit, a radiator Ra and a cooling water circulation coil Se. This coil is located inside the line that connects the ventilation chamber Cv with the heating chamber Co. The cooling unit, like the rest of the air conditioning system, is controlled by the control and monitoring unit Uc, i.e. if the previously determined temperature at the transmission point is exceeded, the detector B8 will send the corresponding signal to the control unit Uc. There, after checking the information received, the corresponding function commands are sent to the suction devices A2 and A1. These increase the circulation of the ambient air in compartment C2. At the same time, the compressor Co receives a similar function command, which produces a cooling of the medium which is in the circuit consisting of the cooling water coil Se and the radiator Ra, and of the air which comes into contact with the cooling water coil during the circulation.

Each cup transporter E consists (Figures 5, 6 and 10) of two horizontal and parallel axes L, which are arranged on the same vertical plane. The upper axis is directly connected to its corresponding geared motor Me so that it acts as a conductor while the lower axis is being guided.

Two Rc gears for roller chains of the "Galle" type are attached to each axis, the axial freedom of movement being guaranteed. The distance between the wheels Rc on an axis can move between certain limit values. As soon as the desired position is reached, the wheels are attached to the axle with the screws Tf. A solid key turning the axle and the wheels is guaranteed by a feather key La.

The wheels Rc of one axle are connected to the corresponding wheels of the other axles by two roller chains Rc of the "bile" type. The links of these chains are in turn provided with a certain number of rectangular lead frames, so that the frames of one chain exactly match the frames of the opposite chain, whereby each unit of two opposite frames makes up a cup K, inside of which a piece of bread lies ( Image 10).

The number of cups can vary depending on the size of the frames selected. The distance between the frames can also vary depending on the possibility of movement, which has already been described with regard to the sprockets Rc on their axes L. All these details serve to adapt the cup size to the piece of bread that is to be stored in it, thereby achieving the largest possible storage capacity for each transporter.

Ultimately, the installation of a conventional clamping device is also provided is not shown in the pictures and ensures a suitable operating voltage in the individual chain strands of the transporters.

• 1. Der Benutzer wählt das (die) zu kaufende(n) Produkt(e) aus und drückt auf den entsprechenden Auswahlknopf S.
• 2. In den Münzbehälter werden die geeigneten Münzen in ausreichender Menge eingeworfen. Ggfs. wird der Münzbehälter Wechselgeld herausgeben. Sollte der Transporter des ausgewählten Produktes leer sein, würde der Leuchtanzeiger V diesen Umstand durch Aufleuchten mitteilen und der Münzbehälter würde kein Geld annehmen.
• 3. Der Schieber C vom Typ "Guillotine" öffnet sich und verbleibt einen gewissen, zuvor festgelegten Zeitraum lang offen, genügend Zeit, damit der Verbraucher das im Becher K liegende Brotstück über die Luken H und G herausnehmen kann, wobei sich der Becher K genau den Luken gegenüber befindet. Der an dem Schieber angebrachte Anschlagstift T übermittelt die Position des Schiebers an die Steuer- und Kontrolleinheit Uc, die je nachdem einen der zwei Endschalter, 1 oder 11, auslöst (Bild 9).
• 4. Nach Herausnahme des Brotes nimmt der fotoelektrische Sensor Fe (Bild 10) diesen Umstand wahr und meldet diese Information an die Steuer- und Kontrolleinheit Uc. Die Einheit wird nach Ablauf des für die Herausnahme des Produktes vorbestimmten Zeitraumes das Schliessen des Schiebers C vom Typ "Guillotine" veranlassen und sofort darauf den Transporter E in Betrieb setzten, bis ein neues auf dem entsprechenden Becher K liegendes Brotstück den Sensor Fe anspricht, woraufhin die Steuer- und Kontroleinheit Uc die Bewegung des Transporters anhält.
• 5. Nach Herausnahme des Brotes und erneutem Schliessen des Schiebers C gibt die Steuer- und Kontrolleinheit Uc den anschliessenden Funktionsbefehl an die Liefervorrichtung Jb, damit diese über das Fenster J dem Verbraucher eine entsprechende Tüte oder Behälter herausgibt, worin das Produkt bequemer und hygienischer transportiert werden kann.

If the machine is filled, ready for operation and the atmosphere in compartment C2 meets the requirements, the machine for serving bread should be operated as follows:

• 1. The user selects the product (s) to be purchased and presses the corresponding selection button S.
• 2. The appropriate coins are thrown into the coin container in sufficient quantities. If necessary. the coin box will issue change. Should the transporter of the selected product be empty, the light indicator V would indicate this by lighting up and the coin container would not accept any money.
• 3. The slider C of the "guillotine" type opens and remains open for a predetermined period of time, enough time for the consumer to take out the piece of bread lying in the cup K through the hatches H and G, the cup K being accurate is opposite the hatches. The stop pin T attached to the slide transmits the position of the slide to the control and monitoring unit Uc, which triggers one of the two limit switches, 1 or 11, depending on the situation (Figure 9).
• 4. After the bread has been removed, the photoelectric sensor Fe (Figure 10) detects this fact and reports this information to the control and monitoring unit Uc. The unit will cause the "Guillotine" type slide C to close after the predetermined time for the removal of the product and immediately put the transporter E into operation until a new piece of bread lying on the corresponding cup K responds to the sensor Fe, whereupon the control and control unit Uc stops the movement of the transporter.
• 5. After the bread has been removed and the slide C has been closed again, the control and monitoring unit Uc issues the subsequent function command to the delivery device Jb, so that the latter issues a corresponding bag or container through the window J, in which the product can be transported more conveniently and hygienically can.

As soon as the control and monitoring unit Uc determines that a transporter is completely empty, it will definitely cease operation and the light indicator V will indicate this by lighting up. At the same time, the coin container is programmed so that no more coins are accepted.

The device described here is not strictly limited to the type of implementation illustrated here and can contain any design variants.

Claims (9)

1. BREAD DISPENSER, characterized by the fact that it consists of a central parallelepipedonic area, which is divided into three compartments inside: the front, middle and rear compartment. The middle compartment is thermally insulated and the humidity and temperature are checked; Three cup transporters are provided inside the compartment. The compartment has an access door that occupies its entire front, with three rectangular hatches attached to it. The rear compartment contains the air conditioning system for the air circulating in the middle compartment. It consists of a water tank, an evaporator, a heating chamber, a ventilation and homogenization chamber, a system of suction devices for air circulation, humidity and temperature sensors and a cooling unit, all of which are connected to a control and monitoring unit. This unit can consist of an electronic printed circuit board assembly or a programmable autonomous computer which actuates the control valves for the water and steam passage, the suction devices, the electrical heating resistors and the compressor of the cooling unit. The front compartment consists of a door, which in turn encompasses the door of the middle compartment. In this door there are three hatches of the same shape and size as those in the door of the middle compartment. The hatches are arranged so that they lie on top of each other when both doors are closed. These three hatches can be closed with transparent guillotine slides. These sliders can be driven by an electric motor and a rack and pinion mechanism. Furthermore, this front compartment contains a device for automatically dispensing bags or containers through a window on the outer front of the machine. This process is carried out after the product has been removed. 2. BREAD DISPENSER, according to the previous requirement, in which the door to the middle compartment can only be opened if the door of the front compartment is also open. 3. BREAD DISPENSER, according to the previous current requirements, which has a front and a rear door, which are independent of the door of the middle compartment. This enables access to these compartments in the event of maintenance or observation work, without making changes that could affect the preservation of the product. 4. BREAD DISPENSER, according to the previous requirements, in which the cup transporter consists of two horizontal and parallel axes that are on the same vertical plane. The upper axis is connected to an electric gear motor that drives this axis. Two sprockets are attached to each axle, which are axially movable, but can be locked with screws on the axles. A parallel turning of the wheels and the axle is guaranteed by a key. The wheels on the respective axles are connected by roller chains, on the links of which the cups for the products are attached. 5. BREAD DISPENSING MACHINE, according to the previous requirements, in which the transporter cups consist of two independent sheet metal frames, each of which is attached to the two roller chains and arranged so that they are exactly opposite each other. 6. BREAD DISPENSER, in accordance with the previous requirements, in which the photoelectric sensors and the limit switches are connected to a control and monitoring unit, which consists of an electronic circuit board assembly or a programmable autonomous computer and drives the electric motors. The electric motors drive the cup transporters and the hatches, respectively. 7. BREAD DISPENSING MACHINE, according to the previous requirements, in which the dispensing mechanism is activated as soon as the coins are inserted into a standard coin container. This container is steered by the control and monitoring unit in that it follows all movements. This means that all sales made per transporter and also for the entire machine are recorded. 8. BREAD DISPENSER, in accordance with the previous requirements, in which the control and coordination of all elements of a control and monitoring unit are entrusted, which consists of an electronic circuit board assembly or a programmable autonomous computer. 9. BREAD DISPENSING MACHINE, in accordance with the previous requirements, in which an air conditioning system and a cooling unit are installed, which makes the machine particularly suitable for being able to be set up in all possible places, however adverse the climatic conditions may be.

Images