EP1926059A2 - Dispensing compartment, vending machine and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The tray (10) has a goods receiving space (12) for receiving goods (11), and a front-sided output area (20) for gathering the received goods. A drawing device draws the tray from an inner space of a vending machine and is provided to exert a force on the tray along a longitudinal axis in a direction of the output area, if the tray is completely inserted into the inner space. The drawing device moves the tray around a given path from the inner space of the machine. A locking device e.g. locking pin, locks the tray in a locking area of the machine. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a vending machine with a light source (2) a method for operating a vending machine.

Description

The invention relates to a goods compartment for or in a vending machine. The invention further relates to such a vending machine and a method for operating the vending machine.

Vending machines, which are often referred to in the relevant literature as a self-seller, can be formed in a variety of different applications, such as cigarette vending machines, vending machines and the like. Although applicable in principle to any vending machine, the present invention and the problem underlying it will be explained below with reference to vending machines for dispensing bottles.

Vending machines have in the interior goods receiving devices for receiving the goods. These goods receiving devices are designed differently depending on how the individual goods are stored within the vending machine. Whereas in the past, the various goods were usually arranged bay by rail and one above the other in the interior and were not visible from the outside due to a mostly opaque front door, the goods should be clearly visible from the outside in modern vending machines. Modern vending machines show an increase in sales therefore front doors provided with glass over a large area, via which the goods product should be presented in a clearly visible manner to a potential buyer, without there being any obstruction to the respective goods compartments and commodity products contained therein. In such modern vending machines, the goods are usually arranged in goods oriented to the windshield goods compartments.

Modern vending machines have flexible goods compartments whose size, depending on which commodity products to be sold with them, can be dimensioned differently. Thus, within the vending machine, goods compartments can be specifically adapted to the goods to be sold, in particular with regard to their lateral extent (width). In addition, modern vending machines also have detachable, for example, removable goods compartments from the sales room of the vending machine. Frontal goods compartments that can be removed from the sales room are particularly advantageous for filling, as they significantly facilitate filling. Also, if the above-mentioned flexible goods compartments are used, in the case of a lateral enlargement of a goods compartment, at least one of the adjacent goods compartments must be correspondingly narrower or even completely removed from the sales room.

In such a vending machine with pull-out and / or flexibly designed goods compartments, it may happen that at least one of the goods compartments is inadvertently no longer completely pushed back into the designated insertion area of the sales room after filling. Modern vending machines often have corresponding latching devices which ensure that that the various goods compartments can snap back when pushed back. However, in the rush of a filling process, it can also happen here that the goods compartment is not pushed completely into the insertion area of the vending machine provided for this purpose and, for this reason, does not latch into place. If this is not recognized by the operator who is filling the vending machine, the corresponding goods compartment would protrude from the designated sales area within the vending machine during operation of the vending machine. This, however, the output function is at least for this department or not fully guaranteed. This is particularly true of such modern vending machines, in which the individual goods compartments are freely accessible from the outside over a large glass front door.

Modern vending machines with a glass-front door often have a single removal compartment for the output, which can be moved, for example, in the X / Z direction, that is to say in a plane parallel to the front door, so that each individual product compartment within the vending machine can be approached in a targeted manner. Such a device is for example in the DE 698 26 305 T2 described. In such a modern vending machine with removable tray in the X / Z direction would have a sticking out of the sales area, not completely locked goods compartment have serious consequences. In this case, there would be a risk that the removal compartment, if it is operated, moves transversely along the front surfaces of the goods compartments and in the case of a protruding merchandise compartment ascends on this. The result would be an at least partial and in extreme cases even complete malfunction of the vending machine. This vending machine would then, although he was just completely filled, no longer or only partially functional. In addition to the loss of revenue, the operator may also have to reckon with additional costs for a necessary repair.

This is a condition that, understandably, should be avoided.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object to ensure safe operation in a vending machine with at least partially removable goods compartments.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a goods compartment having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by a vending machine having the features of patent claim 7 and / or by a method for operating a vending machine having the features of patent claim 13.

Accordingly, it is provided:

A goods compartment in or for a vending machine, having a goods receiving area for receiving commodity products, with a front output area over the requested commodity products can be removed, with an issuing device for the defined issuing the goods compartment from an interior of the vending machine, which issuing device is designed to a force to exercise the goods compartment along its longitudinal axis in the direction of its output area, if the goods compartment is incompletely inserted into the interior.

A vending machine, comprising a housing having a closable door with a plurality of goods compartments, which are arranged in the interior of the housing next to each other and / or one above the other.

A method of operating the vending machine, wherein a first position is provided, in which the goods compartment is pushed completely into the interior, and in which a second position is provided, in which the goods compartment is incompletely pushed into the interior, and in which defines the goods compartment is pushed out of the interior.

The idea underlying the present invention is to equip a goods compartment in a vending machine with a device for the defined issuing of the goods compartment from the sales room of the self-vendor. However, the defined issuing takes place only if the goods compartment is not completely in the vending machine, for example if it protrudes slightly or if e is not fully engaged.

The process according to the invention takes place as follows:

In a first position, the goods compartment is completely pushed into the interior and preferably locked there. In the first position, the goods compartment is thus in the locked state and is ready for operation.

In a second position, the goods compartment is incompletely pushed into the interior and, for example, not locked there. The device for the defined issuing of the goods compartment is now designed to recognize that the goods compartment is in the second position. In this case, the goods compartment is defined for a predeterminable distance pushed out of the interior towards the front door of the vending machine. The operator can now recognize this well and push the goods compartment back into the vending machine.

Alternatively, the defined protrusion of the goods compartment from the vending machine can also be detected automatically by a recognition device provided for this purpose. This recognition device checks whether the goods compartment is properly locked or not. In the second position, in which the goods compartment is thus not engaged, it is defined by the device for the defined issue of the goods compartment forward, ie in the direction of the front door, pushed. By means of the recognition device it can now be recognized reproducibly that a goods compartment protrudes from the sales room. In this case, the detection device can additionally output a warning signal. This warning signal can be output, for example, in the form of an optical and / or an acoustic signal.

Preferably, the check is made as to whether the first or second position exists, by the detection device on request immediately after its filling or automatically by the vending machine. If it is detected that at least one of the goods compartments is not fully engaged, the optical or acoustic signal of the operator who has just filled the vending machine can directly signal the improper operation of the vending machine. This operator can thus respond directly and the goods compartment back into the sales room of the vending machine push it in so that it clicks into place. A faulty goods compartment is virtually excluded in this way.

Additionally or alternatively, it would also be conceivable to send this signal by a radio signal, for example a GSM radio signal, to a corresponding base station of the manufacturer or the corresponding service point, for example the owner of these vending machines or the corresponding service provider, who performs the filling to communicate.

The device for the defined issuing of the goods compartment can be realized in a very simple and preferred embodiment by a spring or by a corresponding spring force exerting device. This spring would in the case of the first position of the goods compartment, ie in their locked state, are compressed by the goods compartment, the latched goods compartment ensures that this spring can no longer push the goods compartment out of the interior of the vending machine. In the second position, this spring is not completely compressed and the goods compartment also not yet engaged. In this second position, the spring, which is connected to the housing of the vending machine, acts on the goods compartment with a corresponding spring force and thus pushes the goods compartment out of the sales room of the vending machine by a predetermined distance by the spring force. This is done very easily and fully automatically.

Instead of using a simple spring whose function could also be exercised by a tension spring, a rubber ring or the like.

Additionally or alternatively, in a further embodiment, it would also be conceivable to design the device for the defined issuing of the goods compartment by an electric motor. In this case, however, it would first have to be detected by means of a specially provided sensor device within the respective goods compartment that the goods compartment is not engaged. This could be realized in a simple manner, for example by a contact switch within the latch. This contact switch would then control a stepper motor for the defined issuing of the goods compartment so that the goods compartment is moved out for a defined distance from the vending machine.

In order to automatically identify by means of a device a non-locked goods compartment and thus a protruding from the designated goods area of the vending machine part, a goods compartment preferably at the front, laterally visible side surfaces have corresponding markings to recognize laterally in the defined issuing a respective goods compartment are. By means of a recognition device, these protruding markings can be recognized, so that it is then possible to infer the second, non-locked position of a respective goods compartment.

This means for detecting, for example, an optical transmitter, such as a laser, a light-emitting diode or the like, which emit a beam of light along the front surfaces of arranged in the goods area of the vending machine goods compartments. If this light beam strikes a projecting goods compartment or one of the laterally protruding markings of a goods compartment, then this can be detected. This detection is done on the basis, for example a transit time measurement assuming that a protruding merchandise compartment reflects back a light or laser beam emitted from an optical source, the term of the thus received reflected light or laser beam is correspondingly shorter for a protruding merchandise compartment, as if all goods compartments are engaged.

In particular, in the case of the use of an optical recognition method, the marking can be embodied as a reflective element, for example as a mirror.

If the exact positions of the various goods compartments within the vending machine are known, then it can even be deduced from the transit time measurement which of the goods compartments stands out. For most of the side-by-side and stacked merchandise trays, their X / Z coordinates are typically known within the vending machine. Since the respective light-emitting device is either firmly attached to the housing of the vending machine or is controlled by a control device along a vertical or horizontal axis, the exact position of this device is thus also known. This position indicates a coordinate of the unfastened goods compartment, for example the Z-coordinate. The respective other coordinate, for example the X coordinate, can subsequently be determined via the range measurement (transit time measurement) already mentioned above.

In most cases, the exact positions (X / Z coordinates) of the various goods compartments within the vending machine are known to the system anyway and have already been set at the factory. In a modern vending machine, however, the size, the number and / or the exact Positions of the different goods subjects newly determined, for example due to a change in the range of goods, then it is preferred if these individual goods compartments and thus their exact positions are redefined within the sales room of the vending machine. This is preferably done automatically by a specially provided initialization device within the vending machine. This initialization determines at which exact position (X / Z coordinates) the individual goods compartments are located within the vending machine. Additionally or alternatively, this information could also be entered manually.

In a particularly preferred method, each item of goods is unlocked one after the other during initialization. By means of the recognition device is now the determination of the position of this product compartment. In this way, it can be very easily determined at which exact position each individual goods compartment is arranged within the self-seller. This information is stored and can then be used for the X / Z removable tray. This is an additional, very elegant device that automatically recognizes the exact location and size of a particular merchandise compartment within the vendor.

In a very advantageous development, a transport device is provided, which is designed to transport a requested product along the goods compartment to an output device of the product compartment in the case of a goods issue request.

In one embodiment, the transport device has an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a pusher for advancing the bottles located within a goods compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor is designed as a stepper motor or as a DC motor. It would also be conceivable to use a hydraulic or air-driven feed device.

In a further embodiment, the transport device to a spring and / or a rubber ring which is coupled to a pushing device for advancing the goods.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a sensor is provided, which is designed to detect a goods issue. It is particularly advantageous if this sensor is arranged in the region of the dispensing device. The sensor is preferably coupled to a bolt or a pivotable flap, in particular in the region of the dispensing device. This coupling of the sensor with the pivotable flap or the bolt can be formed mechanically or optically. In a further advantageous embodiment, a sensor coupled to the flap or the latch (mechanical) switch is provided as a sensor.

In an advantageous embodiment, a control device is provided which controls an output process of a product which is coupled to the sensor and which terminates the dispensing process following a goods issue detected by the sensor and thus prevents further goods issue. This can be done for example by locking the flap or the bolt.

Further advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the other dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures of the drawing.

Figur 1

im Querschnitt eine seitliche Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Warenfaches für einen Verkaufsautomaten;

Figur 2a

eine Seitendarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Warenfaches aus Figur 1 in einer ersten, eingerasteten Position;

Figur 2b

eine Seitendarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Warenfaches in einer zweiten, definiert ausgestellten Position;

Figur 2c

eine Seitendarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Warenfaches in einer dritten, vollständig herausgefahrenen Position;

Figur 3

im Querschnitt eine seitliche Darstellung eines zweiten, besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Warenfaches für einen Verkaufsautomaten;

Figur 4

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung mehrerer Warenfächer zur Erläuterung der Funktion der Erkennungsvorrichtung;

Figur 5

eine frontale Aufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten mit einer Vielzahl erfindungsgemäßer Warenfächer;

Figur 6

eine frontale Darstellung auf den Innenraum des Verkaufsautomaten entsprechend Figur 5 im Bereich der Warenfächer;

Figur 7

eine Seitendarstellung des Innenraums des Verkaufsautomaten aus Figur 6 mit einem in einer nicht eingerasteten Position befindlichen Warenfach.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments specified in the figures of the drawing. Showing:

FIG. 1

in cross section a side view of a first embodiment of a product compartment according to the invention for a vending machine;

FIG. 2a

a side view of the goods compartment according to the invention of Figure 1 in a first, locked position;

FIG. 2b

a side view of the goods compartment according to the invention in a second, defined issued position;

Figure 2c

a side view of the goods compartment according to the invention in a third, fully extended position;

FIG. 3

in cross section a side view of a second, particularly preferred embodiment of a product compartment according to the invention for a vending machine;

FIG. 4

a schematic perspective view of several goods compartments to explain the function of the detection device;

FIG. 5

a frontal view of a vending machine according to the invention with a variety of inventive goods compartments;

FIG. 6

a frontal view of the interior of the vending machine according to Figure 5 in the field of goods compartments;

FIG. 7

a side view of the interior of the vending machine of Figure 6 with a goods compartment located in an unlocked position.

In the figures of the drawing, the same and functionally identical elements, features and signals, unless otherwise stated, provided with the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows a side view of the structure of a general embodiment of a product compartment according to the invention for a vending machine. The vending machine is not shown in the figure 1.

In Figure 1, the goods compartment is designated by reference numeral 10. The goods compartment 10 is designed to receive a plurality of commodity products 11. These commodity products 11 are arranged in the figure 1 in a dedicated area 12 of the goods compartment 10. This so-called goods receiving area 12 is typically bounded laterally by specially provided side parts, webs, grids or the like (not shown in FIG. 1) in order to prevent the goods products 11 from falling out of the goods compartment 10 laterally. At the front 13 and back 15 of the goods compartment 10 of the goods receiving area 12 by stop members 14th or 16 limited. These stop members 14, 16 may be formed as a flat, transparent, partially transparent or non-transparent parts. Alternatively, these can also be designed as a grid surface or as a web, strap or the like.

The front side 13 denotes the side of a goods compartment 10, which shows the intended use to a front side of the vending machine and thus the goods are also removed.

The product products 11 formed as bottles in Figure 1 are in the receiving area 12 on a more or less flat bottom 17. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the individual commodity products 11 are suspended, for example, on the bottleneck freely movable in a specially designated guide.

The front-side stop member 14 is formed as a one-sided pivotable flap. For removal of a product 11 'from the goods receiving area 12, the front stop flap 14 in the direction of the front side 13 pivots out and allows in a conventional manner a removal of the product 11. For example, in the upper part of the stopper flap 14, a rotation axis 18 may be provided. When a product 11 'is removed, the stop flap 14 is moved clockwise 19 about the axis of rotation 18, so that the product 11' can fall out of the bag 10 (especially not shown in FIG. 1) via a delivery area 20 provided for this purpose , This removal device and the corresponding delivery area 20 are generally known in a variety of ways, so that they need not be discussed in more detail below.

The rear stop 16 is designed to be movable here. Preferably, this rear stop 16 is spring-loaded and thus always conforms to the last goods product 11 "arranged in the goods receiving area 12. For this purpose, the spring-loaded stop 16 can be moved in the Z direction 21. If, for example, the front goods product 11 'becomes over the delivery area 20 taken, then the back stop 16 is moved by spring force in the direction 21 and pushes in this way, all remaining goods 11 within the goods compartment 10 in the Z direction 21 toward the front stop flap 14. This front stop flap 14 is after removal of the front Goods product 11 'typically locked again, so as to ensure that not all commodity products 11 within the goods receiving area 12 can be removed simultaneously.

A goods compartment 10 further comprises (not shown in FIG. 1) preferably on the lateral areas of a goods compartment 10 or in the lower area guide elements, for example guide rails or insertion aids, by means of which a goods compartment 10 in corresponding slide rails or guide aids in the intended insertion area ( Insertion compartment) in the interior of the vending machine can be pushed into it.

The goods compartment 10 also has a latching device 24, by means of which the goods compartment 10 can engage at corresponding latching points on the housing of the vending machine and thus is fixed there. The latching device can be designed, for example, as a snap-in hook, as a latching pin or the like.

The goods compartment 10 according to the invention also has a device 22 for the defined issuing of the goods compartment 10. In the present embodiment, this device 22 is attached to the rear surface 23 of the goods compartment 10 and formed as a simple spring 22a.

The device 22 for the defined issuing of the goods compartment and the latching device 24 are indicated only symbolically in FIG. 1 in order to clarify their function. The mode of operation of this device 22 for the defined issuing of the goods compartment as well as the latching device 24 will be explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2c.

FIG. 2a shows the goods compartment 10 from FIG. 1 in a first, latched position. In this first position, the goods compartment 10 is completely pushed into an interior of the vending machine, wherein in Figure 2a, only the rear housing wall 25 of the vending machine is shown. In this state, the latching device 24 is hooked in a specially provided locking point of the housing of the vending machine and engaged with it. In this first position, the spring 22a, which is arranged between the housing 25 of the vending machine and the goods compartment, compressed by these and develops a counter force 26 on the goods compartment 10. Since the goods compartment 10 but via the latching device 24 is engaged and thus fixed, the goods compartment 10 is not movable in this position and remains in the designated slot of the vending machine.

Figure 2b shows a second position of the goods compartment 10. In this second position, the goods compartment 10 is not engaged, that is, the latching device 24 is not hooked here. In this state, the spring 22a is compressed when pushing in the goods compartment 10 in the designated slot in the vending machine. The spring 22a thereby develops a spring force 26 against the rear wall 25 of the goods compartment 10 and pushes them, since the latching device 24 is not engaged, again out of the vending machine. The goods compartment 10 is then, depending on the dimensioning of the spring 22a and the device 22 for the defined issuing, a defined section A1 from the vending machine out. In FIG. 2 b, reference symbol A1 denotes the defined distance that the goods compartment 10 protrudes from the vending machine in the second position in relation to the first, locked position.

FIG. 2 c shows a third position of a goods compartment 10. This third position denotes a filling position in which the goods compartment 10 has been almost completely pushed out of the vending machine and thus can be filled from the side. In this third position, the latching device 24 is not engaged and the spring 22a is not compressed.

FIG. 3 shows a second, preferred exemplary embodiment of a product compartment according to the invention.

The goods compartment 10 has in Figure 3 no pivotable, about an axis 18 rotatable stopper flap 14. Their functionality is met here by a lockable bracket 33, which front side holds the respective front goods product 11 '. Only for the output of this bracket 33 is unlocked and releases the front goods product 11 ', which is driven by a transport device 30-32 from the goods compartment 10 in a not shown here removal compartment falls.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3, the individual goods products 11 are not pushed over a spring-loaded abutment surface 16 in the delivery direction Z, provided that the front goods product 11 'is removed. The goods compartment 10 has in Figure 3 rather a provided on the bottom 17 of the goods compartment 10 circulating treadmill 30 which front and back each have two rotatable and driven rollers 31, 32, over which the treadmill 30 is stretched and on which the treadmill 30 thus is driven. To drive the treadmill 30, one of these rollers 31, 32 are driven, for example, by a dedicated electric motor.

Preferably, however, this treadmill 30 and in particular the front-side roller 31 is driven by an external removal device (not shown in FIG. 3). In this case, moves the external removal device, which is for example part of a movable in the XY direction goods removal slide to this goods compartment 10, from which just a commodity product 11 is to be removed. This removal device then coupled for the removal of a commodity product 11 'to this front side roller 31 and drives it as it were. In this driving the front side bracket 33 is unlocked at the same time, the front goods product 11 'removed and then falls into a specially designated removal compartment of the removal device. The removal device detects the removal of the goods product from the goods compartment with the help of the already existing collision detection sensor, which is designed to detect protruding objects. To follow Products do not push each other, a separating role is provided, the z. B. can be attached to the front of the catcher and those who moves incoming goods faster than the nachtransportieren behind goods. This can ensure that only one product falls into the shopping cart. By interrupting the light beam, the arrival of the goods is detected. The subsequent exit of the light beam detects whether the goods have been removed from the compartment. With the signal then the Nachfördern is interrupted. Whether finally a product has landed in the cart, z. B. additionally or alternatively with a pressure / weight / or optical sensor can be detected, the z. B. in the catcher or in the output device, which is still approached in the further course of sales. The treadmill 30 stops and the bracket 33 is locked again. The removal device then moves to an output shaft, from which the goods product 11 'just taken out of the goods compartment 10 can be removed by the buyer. The advantage of this is that the goods compartment 10 does not have to have its own drive in this compartment, which is particularly advantageous for reasons of cost. A further advantage is that only one sensor has to be used for the detection of conveyed goods, with this multifunctional single sensor including multiple functions. These multiple functions are Warenfacherkennung against collision, compartment division for easier setup of the vending machine, product initial detection means for switching off the Nachförderung, product end detection for switching off the separation role and saving an additional weight or pressure sensor in the catcher etc.

Preferably, the treadmill 30 is made of plastic, for example of a plastic with a relatively high frictional resistance. When the treadmill 30 is moved, the respective commodity products 11 standing on the treadmill 30 are moved by frictional force to the front side discharge portion 20.

In an alternative embodiment, the treadmill can be under the goods compartment, so that no frictional engagement between goods and drive takes place. With a feed carriage attached to the tread, the products are conveyed in a form-fitting row one after the other to the front, where they are singled out via the separation roller on the catching basket via frictional engagement. Advantageous here is the form-fitting, since contamination of the support surface, the different frictional forces play a minor, negligible role. That the operator of such a vending machine only has to concentrate on cleaning the separating roller in order to be able to maintain the operation of the vending machine.

The goods compartment 10 according to the invention in FIG. 6 also has a marking 34 on the side wall. The interruption of the marker 34, which may be a signal mark or mirror, for example, is intended to more clearly signal that the goods compartment 10 is in the second position. That is, the goods compartment 10 is in the unlocked second position, if this mark is interrupted by the goods compartment. Preferably, the goods compartment 10 and thus its front-side marking 34 are defined to leave the vending machine when the goods compartment is in the second position, and then from the outside via a dedicated device, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. recognizable. Therefore, it is expedient that this signal mark 34 at least is arranged in the region of the goods compartment 10 at which the goods compartment 10 protrudes from the vending machine by the defined distance A1.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of several goods compartments for explaining the recognition device.

FIG. 4 shows, in a highly simplified schematic representation, nine goods compartments 10 in perspective view, which are arranged side by side and one above the other in rows and columns (array) viewed from the side of the front side. For better clarity, the goods products provided in these goods compartments 10 are not shown in FIG. 4, since only the function according to the invention of the automatic recognition of a merchandise compartment 10 that protrudes from the array 49 from merchandise compartments is to be explained. The various goods compartments 10 each form a uniform front plane on the front side, from which one of the goods compartments 10 'protrudes here by a defined distance A1. The defined issuing by the distance A1 is, as already described above, realized by the device 22 for defined issuing. This, to the defined distance A1 protruding merchandise compartment 10 ', has at the (viewed from the front side) right side wall surface a mark 34. This marking 34 is intended to enable a detection device 40 to recognize the protrusion of this goods compartment 10 'from the remaining, properly inserted and latched goods compartments 10. For this purpose, a designated by reference numeral 40 detection device 40 is provided. It is assumed that the recognition device 40 has an optical transmission module 41 and an optical detection module 42. The optical transmission module 41 is designed to be a directional To emit light beam 44. The optical detection module 42 is designed to detect correspondingly reflected light beams 44 '. Furthermore, the detection device 40 also includes a control and evaluation device 43, which determines a transit time difference of a light beam emitted by the optical transmission module 41 and a correspondingly reflected, received light beam. Additionally or alternatively, the transit time measurement or distance detection can be realized by a triangulation sensor, which, however, operates according to another measuring principle: For this purpose, a light beam is emitted with measurement of the distance by means of triangulation measurement method, ie the distance is determined by the angle of incidence of the reflected light. With a greater distance, the measurement becomes increasingly inaccurate, so that this principle is more suitable for small distances and thus for compact vending machines. Another way to recognize the Warenfachart is to install an additional optical detection unit in the Z direction directed to the traversing, with on the opposite side (ceiling) in turn a mirror is attached. By sticking out the goods compartments per line, the traversing cage could then pass below the goods compartments and, as a result of the small light gap which arises between the goods compartments, it would then be possible to carry out a product compartment width measurement.

The identification device 40 is movable along a Z-direction, for example along a guide rail (not shown in FIG. 4) provided for this purpose.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the optical transmission module 41 is a laser. The mark 34 here typically represents a reflecting element, such as a mirror. If the goods compartment 10 ', as shown in FIG. 4, projects out of the goods compartment arrangement by the distance A1, this can be detected by means of the recognition device 40. For this purpose, the laser 41 emits a laser beam 44 in the X direction. If the recognition device 40 at the same height as the protruding merchandise compartment 10 ', that is, the detection device 40 and the goods compartment 10' or in particular its mark in the same Z position, then the emitted laser 41 from the laser beam 44 of the Mirror 34 reflected back. The laser beam 44 'thus reflected back can be recorded via the optical detection module 42.

By means of the control and evaluation device 43, the function of the detection device 40 is controlled and a transit time difference of the emitted light beam 44 and the received light beam 44 'determined. From the known wavelength of the laser 41 can then be the distance A2 of the detection device 40 to the protruding merchandise compartment 10 determine '. On the one hand, information can then be obtained from the distance A2 determined in this way, whether there is a projecting goods compartment 10 'in the same row (X position) in which the identification device 40 is currently located, and in this case also the exact X and Z position of this protruding merchandise compartment 10 'can be specified.

If, as in the case of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, a protruding merchandise compartment 10 'is detected, then the recognition device 40 generates a control signal 45 which signals a protruding merchandise compartment 10'. This control signal 45 can now be an optical device 46, for example, a warning lamp, or an acoustic device 47, such as a speaker, activate. These devices 46, 47 directly and directly signal an operator of the vending machine that at least one of the goods compartments 10 'stands out. Additionally or alternatively, the control signal 45 can also drive a screen 48, from which it can be seen that a goods compartment 10 'protrudes and at which exact position this protruding merchandise compartment 10' is located. Of course, it would also be conceivable to provide only one of the above-mentioned devices 46 to 48, which signals an operator a protruding merchandise compartment 10 '. The operator may, upon such information, push back the protruding merchandise compartment 10 'until it is engaged.

Additionally or alternatively, it would also be conceivable to provide a device which automatically pushes back a protruding merchandise compartment 10 'until it has locked in place. However, this is relatively complex compared to the above-mentioned solution and is often not necessary since an operator is on site anyway and can do this very easily himself.

The recognition device 40 is designed to check all goods compartments 10 along a corresponding product line. Subsequently, the recognition device 40 moves to the next Z position, in which it can check the product line items that are above or below the product line just checked. This could be realized with a further sensor or a deflection of the light beam with mirrors or prisms. These Z-positions have been represented in FIG. 4 by dashed boxes.

The recognizer 40 may be used for initializing the X / Z positions of the various goods trays 10 in addition to determining whether or not a merchandise tray 10 is protruding. For this purpose, each individual goods compartment 10 'is successively pulled out of the corresponding goods compartment shaft by means of the device 22 by the defined distance A1. Subsequently, a runtime device or a trangulation measurement takes place by means of the recognition device 40, from which the exact position of the correspondingly protruding merchandise compartment 10 'is determined. This is carried out successively with each of the various goods compartments, so that overall there is information on which exact X / Z positions the various goods compartments 10 are located. Thus, using the recognition device 40, an at least semi-automated initialization of the exact positions of the goods compartments 10 is possible. The information thus obtained about the exact positions of the individual goods compartments 10 can then be used for a corresponding control device which, in the case of a traversable removal compartment in the X / Z direction, as will be described in detail below, just adjusts to the various goods compartments 10. This use of the recognition device 40 is particularly advantageous for flexible in height or width of goods compartments 10, which are adapted depending on the commodity to the respective dimensions of a commodity product.

FIG. 5 shows a frontal plan view of a vending machine according to the invention with a multiplicity of goods compartments according to the invention.

In Figure 5, reference numeral 50 generally indicates a vending machine for dispensing bottles and cans Shapes, sizes and designs shown. The vending machine 50 generally comprises an outer housing 51 or a cabinet and a front door 53 hinged typically to this housing 51 via hinges 52. The front door 53 and the housing 51 together form an interior space 54 for storing the commodity products 10 'to be sold. and accommodate vending machine cooling functions 56 and other vending machine functions. In the present embodiment, the front door 53 comprises a transparent glass or clear plastic disk 55, which, when the front door 53 is closed, for a clear view of the interior 54 of the vending machine 50 and thus the commodity products 10 housed therein, in the interior 54 of Vending machines 50 are kept in an orderly manner in goods compartments. In the area of the front door 53 or, alternatively, in the housing 51, a suitable control panel 56 is provided, which comprises product selection input devices and money and credit processing devices, which are well known as well as a coin return device 57.

Further, a lock unit 58 is provided which allows the front door 53 to be safely opened and closed for maintenance, filling of the vending machine and the like. The vending machine 50 also includes a goods issue opening 59 from which a sold commodity 10 can be removed by a buyer.

The vending machine 50 has a plurality of goods compartments 10 arranged in rows and columns (array) in the interior 54. FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of these goods compartments 10 in the interior 54 of the vending machine 50.

The individual goods compartments 10 are arranged here in five different product lines 60 and eight different product compartments 61 side by side or one above the other. The individual goods compartments 10 each have the same size here, although this is not absolutely necessary. As has already been described in detail above, it is also advantageous if these goods compartments 10 are variably adjustable in their width and / or in their height.

For the removal of the commodity products, which are not shown in Figure 6, from the various goods compartments 10 a specially provided removal device 62 is provided. This removal device 62 is variably movable in the Z-direction 63 and X-direction 64 and can thus be moved to any front side of a goods compartment 10. This is done via a not shown here, in the X / Z direction variable movable transport device to which the removal device 62 is attached. This transport device may for example contain guide rails on which the removal device 62 in the z-direction 63 and X-direction 64 is movable.

Each goods compartment 10 has a tab 65 which is attached to the front side 13 of the goods compartment 10 at this. This tab 65 projects somewhat beyond the front side 13 of the merchandise compartment 10 and according to the invention contains the marking 34 which is required in order to be able to detect a non-locked merchandise compartment 10 via a recognition device 40 provided for this purpose. This identification device 40, the function of which has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, can advantageously be provided directly at the removal device 62. This ensures that that this recognition device 40 can be moved in the Z-direction 63 and thus check all the merchandise lines 60 and thus all goods compartments 10 within a respective line to their proper position.

Figure 7 shows a side view of the interior 54 of the vending machine 50 of Figure 6. Here, the individual goods compartments 10 are not completely horizontal, that is horizontal, aligned. Rather, the goods compartments 10 are slightly lowered towards the front door side. For a removal of the commodity products 11 from the goods compartments 10, therefore, no specially designated transport device is required here, since the commodity products, if a front-side bracket or a corresponding flap unlocked and thus released, is pushed by gravity toward the front output area and do can automatically fall into the provided removal device 62. After removal of a product, the corresponding goods compartment 10 is locked again.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the goods compartments 10 are aligned completely horizontally. In this case, however, a transport device, such as a conveyor belt (corresponding to FIG. 3), a sliding device (corresponding to FIG. 1) or the like would be required.

In FIG. 7, one of the goods compartments 10 'is in the unlocked state and thus protrudes a distance A1 from the interior 54 of the vending machine 50. As a result, the marker 34 is slightly out and could thus be on the detection device, for example, provided in the removal device 62 is, detect. For this purpose, this removal device 62 would only have to ascend to the corresponding Z position of the outstanding product compartment 10 'and carry out a transit time measurement.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of a beverage vending machine for dispensing bottles and beverage cans, it is not limited thereto, but can be extended with appropriate modification to the output of any commodity products, such as cigarette packs, packaged candy products, sandwiches, miscellaneous items such as cameras, glasses and the same.

Although in the previous embodiments a spring 22a has been used as a device 22 for defined issuing, this should be understood merely to illustrate the function of this device 22. Of course, this device 22 may be attached in any other way, in particular also at a different location of the housing of the vending machine. Instead of using a spring 22a, it is also possible to use an annular spring, a rubber ring or a functionally equivalent device, which exerts a (spring) force, pressure or the like on the goods compartment 10 when the goods compartment 10 is pushed in and also counteracts their force the insertion force when inserting the goods compartment 10 acts in the vending machine. Instead of using such a spring 22a or a corresponding pressure-applying device 22 to the defined Issuing the goods compartment 10, this can also be done by a specially designed electric motor. As soon as it is detected that the second position is present, this electric motor moves the goods compartment 10 the defined distance A1 out of the vending machine. Conceivable would be here but also more drives, such. As a solenoid, a hydraulic ram, an air pressure drive, etc.

Also, the specific construction of a vending machine, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, represents only one possible embodiment of such a vending machine, but the invention should not be limited to such a construction. It is essential here only that the individual goods compartments are arranged side by side and one above the other in layers and are oriented more or less horizontally.

It would also be conceivable in this context that, for example, a plurality of juxtaposed goods compartments and / or several superimposed goods compartments together form a goods compartment Mödul in which the goods compartments contained there are firmly coupled together and thus can always be pushed out together and also back into the interior of the vending machine can be pushed. In this case, according to the invention, it would only have to be determined in one of these goods compartments whether it is located in the first or in the second position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10, 10 '

were trade

11, 11 ', 11 "

Goods products, goods

12

Goods receiving area

13

front

14

Stop, rotatable front stop flap

15

back

16

movable back stroke

17

ground

18

axis of rotation

19

pan direction

20

issue Empire

21

Output direction, z direction

22

Device for the defined issuing of the goods compartment

22a

feather

23

rear housing of the goods compartment

24

Snap-in device, yoke, pin, hook

25

Housing area of the vending machine

26

counterforce

30

treadmill

31, 32

drivable rollers

33

hanger

34

Signal mark, marker, mirror

40

recognizer

41

optical transmission module, laser

42

optical detection module, receiver

43

Control and evaluation device

44

transmitted light beam

44 '

received light beam

45

control signal

46

optical display

47

acoustic display

48

Display device, display

49

Array of goods compartments

50

vending machine

51

casing

52

joint

53

front door

54

inner space

55

disc

56

operating device

57

coin dispenser

58

locking device

59

output tray

60

Were trade row

61

Were trade gaps

62

Unloader

63

Z-direction

64

X-direction

65

flap

A1

Ausschubstrecke

A2

Distance, distance

Claims (14)

Goods compartment in or for a vending machine, - with a goods receiving area for the receipt of goods, with a front-side dispensing area, over which requested goods can be removed, and - With a Ausstelleinrichtung for defined issuing the goods compartment from an interior of the vending machine, which Ausstelleinrichtung is adapted to exert a force on the goods compartment along its longitudinal axis in the direction of its output area, if the goods compartment is incompletely inserted into the interior. Goods compartment according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the issuing facility is designed to move the goods compartment by a predeterminable distance from the interior of the vending machine, is formed as a rubber ring, as a spring and / or as a spring force applying element, comprises a sensor-controlled stepping motor, and / or - Has a first sensor, in particular a contact switch which detects, if the goods compartment is incompletely inserted into the interior of the vending machine. Goods compartment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that - In the front-side output area a holding element, in particular as a bracket, as a bridge or as a flap is formed, is provided, which withholds a foremost commodity product in the goods compartment and releases only on a request for goods, a goods compartment at the front side on laterally visible side surfaces at least one marking, which is designed in particular as a reflective element, in particular as a mirror, has, which can be seen at a defined issuing the goods compartment by the issuing device, a latching device, which in particular has a latching hook, latching pin and / or latching clip, is provided which is designed to lock the goods compartment into a latching area of the automatic vending machine, the goods compartment comprises an adjusting device for adjusting the lateral and / or vertical dimensions of the goods compartment, - A transport device, in particular at least one electric motor, in particular a DC motor or one or two stepper motors, has, which drives a conveyor belt and / or a pushing device and / or a conveyor spiral of the goods compartment, is provided, which is adapted, in the case of Goods issue request in the goods compartment goods to be transported along a longitudinal direction of the goods compartment to the output area, and / or - The goods receiving area has a bottom area on which the goods products are arranged one behind the other standing. Goods compartment according to claim 3,
characterized,
that the transport device has a further spring, which is a rear-side pushing device in the direction the spring force applied to the output region, whereby commodity products located in the goods receiving area are moved in the direction of the discharge area. Goods compartment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a second sensor is provided, which is designed to detect a goods issue. Goods compartment according to claim 4 and 5,
characterized,
in that a single sensor, in particular a collision detection sensor, is provided which has the function of the first sensor and of the second sensor. Vending machine (40), - With a housing having a closable door, and - With a variety of goods compartments according to one of the preceding claims, which are arranged in an interior of the housing next to each other and / or one above the other. Vending machine according to claim 7
characterized,
that - Sliding shafts are provided for receiving the goods compartments in the interior, which are fixed to the housing, and / or - A detection device is provided which detects a merchandise compartment, which defines defined protrudes from the designated insertion slot. Vending machine according to claim 8,
characterized,
that the recognition device - Contains a light source, such as a laser or an LED, which is designed to emit a directional light beam, and / or - Has a receiving device which receives and evaluates a reflected by striking the transmitted light beam to a mark of a protruding merchandise compartment light beam. Vending machine according to claim 9
characterized,
that the detection device has a control and evaluation device which carries out from the transmitted light beam and the received light beam a transit time measurement and determines the distance of the detection means to the respective protruding merchandise compartment. Vending machine according to one of claims 7 to 10,
characterized,
that an optical and / or acoustic warning device is provided which emits an optical or acoustic warning signal if at least one goods compartment protrudes out of the interior in a defined manner, a control device is provided which controls an output process of a commodity product which is coupled to the second sensor and which terminates the dispensing process following a goods issue detected by the second sensor, a removal device which is movable in an X and / or Z direction and which is designed so as to be movable on the front side along an output region of the goods compartments and which is responsive to a goods request to the goods compartment corresponding to said goods request proceeds to take there the requested commodity product, an initialising device is provided for initializing the exact positions of the goods compartments in the interior of the vending machine, and / or - The door is provided on the front side of the housing and has a large area, at least partially transparent surface, in particular a glass surface, behind which the goods are provided in the goods compartments are visible from the outside .. Vending machine according to claim 11,
characterized,
that - The removal device comprises at least part of the detection device, in particular a light source and / or a receiving device, and / or - The detection device is part of the initialization device. Method for operating a vending machine, in particular a vending machine according to one of claims 8 to 12, - In which a first position is provided, in which the goods compartment is pushed completely into the interior, and - In which a second position is provided, in which the goods compartment is incompletely pushed into the interior, and in which the goods compartment is defined pushed out of the interior. Method according to the previous method-related claim,
characterized,
that a third position is provided, in which the goods compartment for a filling process is pushed completely out of the interior, wherein in the third position, a defined issuing of the moved-out goods compartment is omitted, - The goods compartment is locked in the first position in a Einrastbereich of the housing of the vending machine and is not locked in the second position there, - in the second position, the pushing out takes place automatically, - the emergence of the product compartment is automatically detected from the vending machine, in the event that a goods compartment protruding from a defined distance is detected, an optical and / or acoustic warning signal will be output, - checking whether the first or second position is present, automatically and / or on request, immediately after filling the vending machine, - the exact X / Z positions of the different goods compartments are determined by initialization, - The exact positions of the various goods compartments system are known and / or factory set and that is determined from the transit time measurement, which protrudes the goods compartments from the interior of the vending machine, and / or - When initializing successively each goods compartment is unlocked and by means of the detection device, a determination of the X / Z position of the respective unlocked and protruding merchandise compartment is made.

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