GB2300415A

GB2300415A - Dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2300415A
Application number: GB9508624A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Timothy Harwood
Original assignee: Mars GB Ltd
Current assignee: Mars GB Ltd
Priority date: 1995-04-28
Filing date: 1995-04-28
Publication date: 1996-11-06
Also published as: WO1996033932A1; GB9508624D0; AU5506396A

Abstract

An article dispensing apparatus dispenses articles (47 fig 3) supported on a guide rail (49) one at a time. A comb-like elongate dispensing member 10 is driven to effect: engagement of the articles between each of its teeth; movement of the articles along the rail, and disengagement from the articles. The path of the dispensing member follows a locus which is defined by gearing. The path may be square or triangular.

Description

Dispensing Apparatus This invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing articles, and in particular to a method and apparatus for dispensing sachets from a storage rail.

Prior art dispensing apparatus utilise a variety of different mechanisms. In one such apparatus, sachets of coffee, tea, etc. are each fitted with a "T11-shaped upper portion that enables the sachet to be hung from an approximately "C"-shaped rail. The rail, which supports the bar of the "T" with the shaft of the "T" passing through the opening of the "C", is fitted with a spring which abuts the rearmost of the sachets thereby ensuring that a sachet is always at the front of the apparatus. The front sachet can be removed from the machine by a user and the spring means then urges the next sachet towards the front of the apparatus. This apparatus, although acceptable, can suffer from problems associated with the spring and refilling of the rail with sachets.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus and corresponding method which are improvements over the known prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, therefore, there is provided a dispensing apparatus comprising dispensing means, and motor means for driving said dispensing means.

Preferably, said dispensing means dispenses at least one article from a plurality of articles disposed within the apparatus upon actuation of the motor means.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises first gear means engageable with said dispensing means and driven by said motor means.

In one embodiment, the first gear means comprises a coupling sleeve movably engaged with said motor means and a first driveshaft connected to said coupling sleeve. The driveshaft preferably includes a flat circular disc substantially perpendicular to a shaft such that the driveshaft is approximately "T"-shaped in cross section.

Preferably, the circular disc has a drive pin securely located thereon and near the periphery thereof, the drive pin extending perpendicularly from the plane of the disc in a direction opposite to that of the shaft. The drive pin may engage in an aperture in said dispensing means and be capable of rotation within said aperture.

In another embodiment, second gear means are provided which comprise a second driveshaft and a second drive pin, both shaped and interconnected as described above. In this embodiment, each driveshaft is preferably provided with a respective pulley. The pulleys are securely fastened to said driveshafts for rotation therewith and are preferably joined by a drive belt so that both pulleys and driveshafts are driven by one motor. Alternatively, second motor means may be provided for exclusively driving the second driveshaft, in which case, said pulleys may be dispensed with.

In any of the embodiments described above, the first and/or second gear means may additionally include a toothed gear wheel, a crank pin and an inner toothed ring gear. In such a case, the or each drive pin may pass through its respective toothed gear wheel and be secured in its respective crank pin. Each crank pin may comprise an "L"shaped body having a vertically extending arm and a horizontally extending arm, the vertical arm of which is rotatably engageable in an aperture in the dispensing means.

Preferably, the or each toothed gear wheel is free to rotate about its respective drive pin. The horizontal arm of the or each crank pin, when located in its respective toothed gear wheel, ensures that the crank pin may only rotate in sympathy with the toothed gear wheel and cannot rotate independently. Alternatively, the crank pin may be formed integrally with the toothed gear wheel.

Each toothed gear wheel preferably engages with its respective inner toothed gear ring, which is preferably secured from rotating.

The gearing ratio of the or each toothed gear wheel and inner toothed ring gear define the shape of dispensing means movement. It is preferred that the gearing ratio is chosen so as to provide the dispensing means with a substantially triangular motion. Although, alternative gearings may be chosen so that the dispensing means follows an approximately square path. Yet further gearings will be readily apparent to a man skilled in the relevant art. Obviously, in those embodiments without a toothed gear wheel, crank pin and internal toothed ring gear, the dispensing means may follow an approximately circular or elliptical path.

The dispensing means according to the instant invention preferably comprises an elongate plate having a plurality of fingers extending from an edge thereof. The fingers, which may be angled to the elongate plate possibly at 15 or so, are so sized and spaced so as to accept at least a part of an article to be dispensed by the apparatus.

Preferably, the dispensing means has an optimum number of fingers that is one more than the maximum number of articles storable within the apparatus. However, it is apparent that a larger number of fingers may be provided if desired.

One use of the instant invention comprises the dispensing of beverage sachets. In which case, the articles mentioned above may comprise a sealed flat rectangular pack with the dried beverage disposed therein. The pack base is preferably weakened so that, upon pressurised injection of hot or cold water into the pack top, the base bursts and the beverage falls into a receptacle placed thereunder. The pack is preferably provided with a substantially "T"-shaped top that allows water to be injected into the pack in use whilst enabling the pack to be hung from a suitable rail or groove prior to use.

Preferably, the packs are provided "ready hung" on a rail which may be inserted into the apparatus so as to facilitate loading and reloading of the apparatus.

Alternatively, the rail may be placed in abutment with a similarly shaped groove and the packs may be slid off the rail into the groove with the aid of a suitable shaped tool.

In either case, the packs are suspended within the apparatus in such a position that the fingers of the dispensing means are loosely engageable either side of each pack, and the packs are free to slide within the rail or groove.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for dispensing at least one article from a plurality of articles comprising actuating motor means to drive dispensing means which dispense said at least one article.

In one embodiment, the motor means drives the dispensing means so that the dispensing means follows a substantially circular or elliptical path.

In another embodiment, the motor means drives the dispensing means so that the dispensing means follows a substantially triangular path.

In yet another embodiment, the motor means drives the dispensing means so that the dispensing means follows a substantially square path.

In all of these embodiments, the dispensing means is moved from a position clear of the plurality of articles to a position in abutment with the plurality of articles, then to a position where the plurality of articles have been moved a predetermined distance and at least one article has been dispensed, then moved clear of the remaining articles.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of the automatic article dispensing apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a plan view from beneath the apparatus, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 1, Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 2, and Figure 6 is an elevation of a sachet suitable for use with the present invention.

It should be understood that the preferred embodiment discussed by way of example below is only one embodiment of the instant apparatus, and that modifications and mechanical equivalents will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art once this disclosure has been read.

Figure 1 shows the apparatus (1) according to the invention.

The apparatus comprises a base plate (3) and a top plate (5). The top plate (5) has an aperture (7) cut in it through which a knob (9) protrudes. The knob (9) is connected to a pack ejection comb (10) and may be used to manually engage and disengage the comb (10).

In Figure 2, the interior arrangement of the apparatus (1) may be seen. A pair of supports (11) extend between the base plate (3) and top plate (5) so as to provide a rigid case for the apparatus. Within the case, there is provided a motor (13) which operates the apparatus. The motor (13) drives drive means (15), which in turn drives gear means (17).

The motor (13) and drive means (15) are suspended from a main support plate (19) provided immediately below the top plate (5) and spaced therefrom by spacers (21). The spacers (21) are provided at either end of the top plate (5) and create a slot (23) between the top plate (5), spacers (21) and main plate (19). The motor (13) is securely fastened to a motor mounting plate (14) which is preferably spaced from the main plate underside by way of struts (16).

The drive means comprise a first pulley (25) carried by a first driveshaft (29) which is connected to an output shaft of the motor (13) by way of a coupling sleeve (27). The first pulley (25) is securely engaged with the first driveshaft (29) which is in turn securely engaged with the coupling sleeve (27). A connecting drive means (31), preferably a drive belt, connects the first pulley (25) to a second pulley (33) which is in turn carried by a second driveshaft (35). Operation of the motor (13) causes the coupling sleeve (27) and first driveshaft (29) to rotate, thereby rotating the first pulley (25). Rotation of the first pulley (25) causes the connecting drive belt (31) to rotate the second pulley (33) and attached second driveshaft (35).

Each driveshaft (29 or 35) carries a flat circular disc (30, 36) so that each driveshaft (29 or 35) and attached disc has an approximate "T"-shape in cross-section. The driveshafts (29,35) are preferably manufactured from one piece of material although two pieces may be used if desired. Each driveshaft passes through an aperture in the main plate (19) such that the circular discs (30,36) lie in shallow depressions formed on the main plate's upper side opening to the slot (23). Each disc (30,36) has a drive pin (37) extending substantially perpendicular to the disc (30,36) towards the slot (23) and spaced from the axis of the driveshaft (29 or 35).

As shown in Figure 4, the pins (37) on the circular discs (30,36) interact with respective gear means (17) to drive the pack ejection comb (10). Each gear means (17) comprises a gear wheel (39), internal tooth ring gear (41) and crank (43). The drive pin (37) engages with, and is free to pivot within the gear wheel (39) and crank (43). The crank (43) comprises a body received in a recess in the gear wheel (39) and a crank pin extending substantially parallel to the axis of the drive pin (37) and engaging in an aperture in the pack ejection comb (10). In this way, the crank pin is free to rotate in the pack ejection comb aperture whereas the body of the crank (43) is non-rotatably fixed in the gear wheel recess with a push-fit.The teeth of the gear wheel are arranged to engage the teeth of the internal toothed ring gear (41) which is provided within the main plate (19) and secured against rotation. A similar gear means arrangement to that discussed above is provided in operational engagement with the second driveshaft (35).

The toothed gearing of the instant invention is the preferred arrangement as the gears provide a positive driving system for the pack ejection comb (10). It is preferred that the gearing ratio (i.e. the ratio of the number of teeth on the toothed gear wheels (39) to the number of teeth of the inner toothed ring gears (41)) is chosen so that the comb (10) follows a substantially triangular path upon actuation of the apparatus (1). The gearing may alternatively be chosen to provide the comb (10) with an approximately rectangular path or other appropriate path-shape. For a triangular comb path, a gearing ratio of 1:4 must be chosen, i.e. the inner toothed ring gears (41) have four times as many teeth as the gear wheels (39).

Obviously though, it is apparent that both gear wheels (39) and crank (43) may be dispensed with so that the drive pins (37) directly engage respective pack ejection comb apertures. In which case, the comb would follow an approximately circular path.

With reference to Figure 3 (in which the base plate (3) has been omitted for greater clarity), the shape of the pack ejection comb (10) may be clearly seen. The comb (10) comprises an elongate plate which engages the drive pins (37) or cranks (43) and has a plurality of spaced fingers (45) formed on one side thereof. The comb (10) is slidably received within the slot (23) which is sized so as to allow the comb (10) to move in a lateral direction without coming into contact with the spacers (21).

As with the prior art device discussed above, the present invention has been described in relation to the distribution of beverage sachets, although other suitable articles would be readily apparent to the skilled man. Figure 3 shows a view from underneath the instant apparatus (1) in which a plurality of such articles (47) have been loaded.

Preferably, the number of fingers (45) on the comb (10) is one greater than the number of sachets (47) loaded in the machine. Although, it will be apparent that a comb (10) with a greater number of fingers (45) will function equally well, with the reservation that the comb must be so sized and placed that the fingers (45) thereof initially engage with the rearmost sachet loaded in the apparatus (1). In order to facilitate loading of the apparatus (1), the sachets (47) may be supplied "ready-hung" on a substantially "C"-shaped rod which is inserted into a groove (49) in the underside of the top plate (5). Alternatively, the sachets (47) may be supplied "ready-hung" from a rod and slid into the groove (49) with the aid of a suitable tool when the rod is in abutment with the groove. Advantageously, the prior art sachets (47) may be utilised with the instant apparatus.

Figure 6 shows an elevation of one of said sachets (47) illustrating a shaped top (47a) and neck (47b) which allows insertion into the rod or groove (49). Obviously, the shape of the sachet top (47a), the groove (49) or the rod is not important, it is only essential that the sachet (47) be so shaped so as to be easily hung from the rod or groove (49) and easily slid within said rod or groove (49) and removable therefrom.

The fingers of the comb (10) are spaced apart so that the neck (47b) of a sachet (47) may be slid between adjacent fingers (45) without becoming secured therebetween. In addition, the comb (10) is so sized and placed that the fingers (45) are capable of moving into and out of engagement with the sachet's necks (47b) i.e. in an extended position, the fingers (45) of the comb (10) overlie the groove (49) and in a retracted position, the fingers (45) lie clear of the groove (49). Furthermore, the fingers (45) are of such a depth that no lateral pressure is applied to the sachet necks (47b), i.e. the main body of the comb (10) does not contact with the sachet necks (47b).

To load the apparatus (1) the comb (10) must first be retracted to its retracted position and this may be accomplished by way of the knob (9) that protrudes from the top plate (5) of the apparatus. Movement of the knob (9) causes a corresponding movement in the comb (10). The sachets (47) may then be loaded into the groove (49). The comb (10) may then be brought back into engagement with the sachets (47) by way of suitable movements with the knob (9).

The apparatus (1) is now ready for automatic operation.

Operation of the motor (13) causes rotation of the coupling sleeve (27) and the first and second driveshafts (29,35).

The rotating driveshafts (29,35) cause the drive pins (37), gear wheels (39) and crank pins (43) to be rotated about their respective axes. Hence, a corresponding motion is imparted to the comb (10).

Referring now to Figure 3, at its extended position the comb fingers (45) overlie the groove (49) (position (51)).

Movement of the comb (10) from its extended position to position (53) causes a corresponding lateral movement in the sachets (47) abutting the fingers (45) and dispenses one sachet (47) from the rail or groove (49). Continued operation of the motor (13) causes the fingers (45) to move to position (55) and disengage from the sachets (47) mounted on the rail or groove (49). Further operation of the motor (13) causes the fingers (45) to move back to a position (57) where continued operation of the motor (13) causes the fingers (45) to move back into the extended position and into engagement with the remaining sachets (47) provided on the rail or groove (49).

As mentioned above, the gearing ratio may be chosen so that the fingers follow a substantially triangular path, a substantially rectangular path or any other appropriate path shape.

The motor (13) is preferably connected to a control device which may comprise a switch and timing circuit so that activation of the switch causes the comb to be incrementally advanced, thereby dispensing one sachet (47) at a time.

Alternatively, the apparatus (1) may be part of a larger automatic beverage machine and the motor may be controlled by logic means which co-ordinates the operation of the entire device.

In a particular embodiment, the logic means may control the engagement of the comb fingers (45) between the necks of the sachets (47) and realign the comb fingers (45) if the initial alignment is not entirely satisfactory.

It will be understood, of course, that the instant invention has been described above by way of example only, and that modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An article dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles of the type having a support portion adapted to engage slidably with a guide rail, comprising a motor for effecting rotation of a motor shaft, an elongate dispensing member and drive means, the dispensing member comprising a plurality of projections extending from a longitudinal edge of the dispensing member such that each pair of adjacent projections defines a region therebetween which is adapted to receive a said article, the drive means being adapted to cooperate with the motor shaft and the dispensing member so as to effect movement of the dispensing member in a locus whereby at least one of the said projections engages with a said article, moves the article in a predetermined direction, and disengages from the said article to dispense the article.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive means comprises a drive shaft adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof in response to operation of the motor, and a drive member located eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, the drive member being adapted to engage rotatably with a complementary member of the dispensing member.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the drive member comprises a drive pin and the complementary member comprises a recess adapted to receive the drive pin.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the drive means comprises a toothed gear wheel adapted to receive the drive member and adapted to rotate about a central axis, which axis is substantially parallel to and eccentric with a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and an inner toothed ring gear adapted to cooperate with the toothed gear wheel so that rotation of the drive shaft effects rotation of the toothed gear wheel.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein a portion of the drive member which engages with the complementary member of the dispensing member is located eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the toothed gear wheel.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gearing ratio of the toothed gear wheel and the inner toothed ring gear is such that the locus of movement of the said engaging portion of the guide member and thereby the dispensing member is substantially square shaped.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gearing ratio of the toothed gear wheel and the inner toothed ring gear is such that the locus of movement of the said engaging portion of the guide member and thereby the dispensing member is substantially triangular shaped.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a plurality of drive means and means for effecting substantially synchronous movement of the respective drive means.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the said means for effecting synchronous movement of the drive means includes a pulley located on the motor shaft, a pulley located on each respective drive shaft and a drive belt.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein a plurality of motors are provided, each motor driving a respective one of the drive means.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projections are oriented so as to subtend an angle of approximately 150 to the said longitudinal edge of the dispensing member.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for effecting manual movement of the dispensing member.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said means for effecting manual movement of the dispensing member is a knob provided on a surface of the dispensing member.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing member is substantailly comb shaped.

15. A method of dispensing an article of the type having a support portion which is adapted to engage slidably with a guide rail, the article being dispensed by an apparatus comprising a motor, drive means and a dispensing member having a plurality of projections extending from an edge of the dispensing member such that each pair of adjacent projections defines a region therebetween which is adapted to receive a said article, the method comprising the steps of: a) actuating the motor so as to effect operation of the drive means; and b) effecting movement of the dispensing member by the drive means in a locus whereby at least one said projection engages with a said article, moves the article in a predetermined direction, and disengages from the said article to dispense the article.