DE102011082371A1 - Goods dispenser, vending machine and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a goods issue device (1) for or in a vending machine (46), having a goods lock (2) which has a first goods opening (3) facing out to an environment (67) of the vending machine (46) and a second , having a goods opening (4) facing towards an interior (50) of the vending machine (46), with a closing device (12) which is designed to close or release the first goods opening (3) as required, and with one movable goods transport device (25) having a shopping cart (24) for receiving a commodity product (28), wherein the goods transport device (25) is adapted to receive a requested commodity product (28) from the interior (50) of the vending machine (46) and into an interior (5) of the goods lock (2), wherein the closing device (12) releases the first goods opening (3) to the outside only when the shopping cart (24) at least partially in the interior (5) of the goods lock (2) is moved. The invention further relates to a vending machine (46) with such a device (1) and a method for operating such a vending machine (46).

Description

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

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

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. While in the past the various goods were usually arranged bay by rail, 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 easily visible from the outside in modern vending machines. Modern vending machines have glass front doors with large windows, via which the product should be presented to a potential buyer.

In such modern vending machines, the goods are usually stored in goods oriented to the windshield goods compartments, the goods compartments are typically arranged side by side and / or one above the other. The standing or hanging goods in the goods compartments are thus visible on the transparent windshield for a potential buyer, which has proven advantageous for technical reasons, since the alleged buyer can directly, so without obstructions, recognize which product he actually buys.

Whereas in previous vending machines a product taken from such a vending machine has fallen down into a vending machine compartment provided for all goods compartments and could be removed from there, this is avoided in modern vending machines. In particular, in the case of the upper goods compartments of a vending machine, a commodity falls comparatively very deep into the goods output compartment, which is typically arranged close to the ground. With the falling out of the goods from a great height is sometimes accompanied damage to this product, especially in goods products with a thin, less stable or fragile housing or with a flexible packaging.

To avoid this, modern vending machines have a specially designed for the removal of a requested product removal device, which is freely movable along the front of the various goods compartments in the x / z direction and thus in the case of a goods request a respective department, which the requested goods contains, can specifically approach. The requested product is now taken directly from this removal device, the requested goods only falls from a small amount first in a product compartment of the removal device and not more or less over the entire height of the vending machine. This removal device conveys the so-picked goods after completion of the removal process to a specially provided goods output tray of the vending machine, which is typically located at waist level, so that the buyer can conveniently take the requested goods without having to bend down. Damage to the goods is usually omitted here.

In such a known vending machine, the goods output tray is usually accessible from the outside to remove the requested and paid for goods from the vending machine. This accessibility of the goods issue compartment is in the case of a request for goods a mandatory part of the removal process of a product from the vending machine.

However, the following problems arise with a goods issue compartment accessible from the outside:
Although the goods issue tray is typically closed again from the inside, for example, by a panel after goods have been issued. This panel is open when, for example, the product is removed from the removal device which can be moved in the x / z direction and is transported via the open panel into the goods output compartment. Subsequently, the panel is closed again, so that the interior of the vending machine is not accessible from the outside. However, such a construction is sometimes susceptible to misuse, for example, if this panel inside the housing of the vending machine, when it is just opened in the case of a goods issue, is blocked by an abuser, since thereby the interior of the vending machine via the goods output tray from the outside accessible, which should be avoided, however. The abuser can then arranged in the interior of the vending machine in appropriate goods compartments or other recording devices goods with more or less effort remove. This is to be avoided under all circumstances.

Another aspect is that vending machines are often freely accessible to the public. In the process, externally accessible goods outlets of the vending machines are sometimes used abusively as rubbish bins in which packaging and similar waste are deposited. As a result, these goods output compartments are very often no longer empty, which on the one hand makes the vending machine look unsightly and on the other sometimes makes it difficult to dispense goods and in extreme cases, if the entire goods output tray is filled with trash, impossible. In addition, the issued goods, which is requested by a buyer, is polluted by the garbage, which then discourages a buyer very often from a purchase. The risk of "Vermüllens" the goods issue compartment of a vending machine can be at least partially eliminated for example by a mounted from the outside to the goods output tray, hinged flap or sliding panel. However, such a hinged flap or a sliding from the buyer aperture makes the removal process of the product, since he can no longer easily remove the goods with one hand.

Yet another aspect is that for goods requiring refrigeration, such as beverages, cooled air can escape through the opened goods output compartment when the product is removed or warm ambient air can penetrate. This increases the power consumption for cooling the interior of the vending machine. This is especially important for vending machines that are operated without an external power supply because the possible operating time of the vending machine is significantly limited by additional cooling effort.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object to provide a device that allows easy removal of a requested product from a vending machine and is met by the demand for a decoupling of the interior of the vending machine from its environment as it were.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a goods issue device having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by a vending machine having the features of patent claim 11 and / or by a method having the features of patent claim 14.

• – mit einer Warenschleuse, welche eine erste, nach außen zu einer Umgebung des Verkaufsautomaten hin gewandte Warenöffnung und eine zweite, zu einem Innenraum des Verkaufsautomaten hin gewandte Warenöffnung aufweist,
• – mit einer Verschließeinrichtung, welche dazu ausgelegt ist, bedarfsgemäß die erste Warenöffnung nach außen hin zu verschließen oder freizugeben, und
• – mit einer verfahrbaren Warentransporteinrichtung, welche einen Warenkorb zum Aufnehmen eines Warenproduktes aufweist, wobei die Warentransporteinrichtung dazu ausgelegt ist, ein angefordertes Warenprodukt aus dem Innenraum des Verkaufsautomaten aufzunehmen und in einen Innenraum der Warenschleuse zu befördern, wobei die Verschließeinrichtung die erste Warenöffnung lediglich dann nach außen hin freigibt, wenn der Warenkorb zumindest abschnittsweise in den Innenraum der Warenschleuse verfahren ist.

Ein Verkaufsautomat,

• – mit einer derartigen Vorrichtung,
• – mit einem Gehäuse, das eine verschließbare Tür zum Befüllen des Verkaufsautomaten aufweist,
• – mit einem Innenraum, und
• – mit einer Vielzahl von Warenfächern, die in dem Innenraum nebeneinander und/oder übereinander angeordnet sind.

Ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines derartigen Verkaufsautomaten,

• – bei dem Warenprodukte in einem Warenfach, welches in einem Innenraum des Verkaufsautomaten angeordnet ist, hintereinander angeordnet sind, und
• – bei dem auf eine Warenausgabeanforderung hin ein angefordertes Warenprodukt mittels einer verfahrbaren Warentransporteinrichtung, welche einen Warenkorb zum Aufnehmen des Warenproduktes aufweist, aus dem Innenraum des Verkaufsautomaten aufgenommen und in einen Innenraum einer Warenschleuse befördert wird, wobei die Warenschleuse eine erste, nach außen zu einer Umgebung des Verkaufsautomaten hin gewandte Warenöffnung und eine zweite, zu dem Innenraum des Verkaufsautomaten hin gewandte Warenöffnung aufweist, wobei die Warenausgabevorrichtung eine Verschließeinrichtung, welche dazu ausgelegt ist die erste Warenöffnung bedarfsgemäß nach außen hin zu verschließen oder freizugeben, aufweist, und wobei die Verschließeinrichtung die erste Warenöffnung lediglich dann nach außen hin freigibt, wenn der Warenkorb zumindest abschnittsweise in den Innenraum der Warenschleuse verfahren wird.

Accordingly, it is provided:
A goods dispenser for or in a vending machine,

• With a goods lock having a first goods opening directed outwards to an environment of the vending machine and a second goods opening facing an interior of the vending machine,
• - With a closing device which is designed to close or release the first goods opening to the outside, as required, and
• - With a movable goods transport device, which has a shopping cart for receiving a commodity product, wherein the goods transport device is adapted to receive a requested commodity from the interior of the vending machine and to convey into an interior of the goods lock, wherein the closing means the first goods opening only to the outside towards when the shopping cart is at least partially moved into the interior of the goods lock.

A vending machine,

• With such a device,
• With a housing having a closable door for filling the vending machine,
• - with an interior, and
• - With a variety of goods compartments, which are arranged in the interior side by side and / or one above the other.

A method of operating such a vending machine,

• - In the goods products in a goods compartment, which is arranged in an interior of the vending machine, are arranged one behind the other, and
• - In the case of a goods issue request, a requested goods product by means of a movable goods transport device, which has a shopping cart for receiving the goods product, taken from the interior of the vending machine and transported into an interior of a goods lock, the goods lock a first, outwardly to an environment the vending machine turned out goods opening and a second, facing the interior of the vending machine goods opening, wherein the goods issuing device has a closing device, which is designed to close the first goods opening according to requirements outward or release, and wherein the closing means the first goods opening only released to the outside when the cart at least partially is moved into the interior of the goods lock.

The idea underlying the present invention is to equip a goods dispenser of a vending machine with a lock function. The goods dispensing device according to the invention thus has a goods lock with a first, outwardly to an environment of the vending machine turned out goods opening and a second, facing an interior of the vending machine goods opening. Furthermore, the goods issue device has a closing device which is designed to close or release the first goods opening according to requirements. The goods delivery device further comprises a movable goods transport device with a shopping cart, wherein the shopping cart is at least partially movable in an interior of the goods lock.

In the case of a removal of goods, the moveable goods transport device with its shopping cart picks up a goods product requested by a buyer from the interior of the vending machine and transports them into the interior of the goods lock. The closing device releases the first goods opening to the outside only when the shopping cart is at least partially moved in the interior of the goods lock.

Thus, the interior of the goods lock is accessible only from the first goods opening from the outside when the goods product is discharged to the outside. Due to the fact that the closing device only releases the first goods opening to the outside when the shopping cart is at least partially moved in the interior of the goods lock, the second goods opening facing the interior of the automatic vending machine is blocked by the goods transport device or the shopping cart, if the first goods opening is opened. As a result, the interior of the vending machine is not accessible when the first goods opening is opened to the outside. Furthermore, the shopping cart or the goods transport device closes off the second goods opening facing the interior of the vending machine such that cooled air can not escape from the interior of the vending machine or can only escape into the environment of the vending machine in a reduced manner. The present invention is thus characterized by a very secure operation protected against misuse, which nonetheless offers a high degree of convenience to a purchaser, since the danger of contamination of the goods lock is virtually avoided and thus the goods requested by a purchaser are prevented by a garbage contained in the respective goods lock is contaminated. Further, there preventing the escape of cooled air from the interior space is achieved there that the energy consumption of a vending machine is reduced with such a goods dispensing device due to a reduced cooling effort.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, the closing device is designed to release the first goods opening to the outside only when the shopping cart is completely moved into the interior of the goods lock. In particular, a first locking device is provided, which is designed to lock the goods transport device against a method when the shopping cart is completely moved into the interior of the goods lock. Preferably, the closing device is designed to release the first goods opening to the outside only when the first locking device locks the goods transport device against a method. In particular, the closing device has a movable goods opening door for closing or releasing the first goods opening as required, a drive device for moving the goods opening and / or a second locking device for locking the goods opening door. This allows a very effective protection against vandalism, which is always an essential criterion for vending machines in public. In particular, it can be effectively prevented here that an abusive user undesirably gets into the interior of the vending machine or even soiled or "wasted" the goods lock.

In a further embodiment of the device, a shutter is provided, which closes the second goods opening completely, in particular airtight, when the shopping cart is completely moved into the interior of the goods lock. This reliably prevents leakage of cooled air from the interior of the vending machine or entry of warm ambient air into the interior of the vending machine. This reduces the energy consumption of the vending machine. Furthermore, it prevents the finest contaminants, such as dusts, pollen or gases from entering the interior of the vending machine and contaminating the goods products located there and / or the interior of the vending machine. As a result, the cleaning effort for cleaning the vending machine is reduced.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device, a first detection device is provided, which is designed to detect whether the shopping cart is completely moved into the interior of the goods lock, wherein the first detection device, for example, an ultrasonic transmitter and / or an ultrasonic receiver, a mechanically actuated Switch and / or an optical sensor, in particular an LED or a Photocell, having. By means of this first detection device, it is possible to detect whether the shopping cart is completely positioned in the interior of the goods lock or not. An advantage of this embodiment is that it is simultaneously possible to register with the first identification device whether or not a product is stored in the shopping cart.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device, the shopping cart has a base and side walls, wherein, in particular, at least one side wall facing towards the outside of the vending machine is at least partially transparent. As a result, a buyer can advantageously always observe the requested product during the removal from the vending machine and follow the removal process. This increases the comfort for the buyer.

In a further embodiment, the shopping cart has at least one side wall inclined obliquely in the direction of the second goods opening, against which a goods product rests. Due to the inclined storage of the product, the removal of the same from the first goods opening is facilitated. This increases the comfort for the buyer.

According to a further embodiment of the device, a second recognition device is provided, which is designed to detect whether a commodity product is located in the shopping cart, wherein the second recognition device comprises, for example, an ultrasound transmitter and / or an ultrasound receiver, a weight sensor, in particular a switch and / or an optical sensor, in particular an LED or a light barrier. By means of this second detection device, it is possible to detect whether the shopping cart is occupied or not occupied. The second detection device may comprise, for example, an ultrasonic transmitter and / or a corresponding receiving device which checks the loading state of the basket by means of ultrasonic detection and in this way determines very reliably whether a commodity product or another object is present in the goods lock. The particular advantage of using such a second detection device operating on the basis of ultrasound is that a fill level can be detected here as well, provided that the shopping cart does not contain any actual bottom but, for example, merely a grid, a web or a bow. In a typical embodiment, this ultrasound detection device is aligned with the bottom of the shopping basket. Threshold values are preferably used for the ultrasound detection device, which only close, for example, to a shopping trolley occupied by a goods product if a corresponding signal is detected for a predetermined distance above the bottom of the shopping trolley, for example at a distance of 2-5 cm. In this way it can be reliably prevented that, for example, a small amount of liquid in the region of the bottom of the shopping basket or a packaging part present there accidentally signals the vending machine that the goods lock is busy. This increases the reliability of a vending machine with such a device.

In a preferred embodiment of the vending machine, a traversing device is provided, which is designed for moving a goods transport device in the x and / or z direction of the interior of the vending machine. As a result, a variety of goods compartments can be approached quickly and reliably in the interior of the vending machine by means of the goods transport device. This ensures a gentle and fast transport of a requested product.

In a further embodiment of the vending machine, the traversing device has a traversing carrier which can be moved in the x direction of the interior of the vending machine and a belt drive, wherein the traversing device is designed to move the traverse carrier by means of the belt drive in the x direction and the goods transport device along the traverse carrier in z Direction of the interior of the vending machine. As a result, a movability of the goods transport device in the x- and / or z-direction of the interior of the vending machine is achieved cost. As a result, the cost of producing a vending machine with such a moving device can be reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, when transporting the requested goods product from the interior of the vending machine into the interior of the goods lock, the goods transport device is accelerated and then braked in order to apply the requested goods product to an obliquely inclined side wall of the shopping cart in the direction of the second goods opening. This reliably ensures that the goods product is positioned obliquely in the shopping cart, whereby the removal capability from the goods lock for a buyer is facilitated. This increases the convenience of using the vending machine.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the description in conjunction with the figures of the drawing.

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

1 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a goods dispensing device for or in a vending machine;

2 a side view of the goods issuing device according to 1 ;

3 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a goods lock the goods output device according to 1 ;

4 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an output frame of the goods lock according to 3 ;

5 to 8th Views of a preferred embodiment of a goods transport device of the goods issuing device according to 1 ;

9 to 11 Views of a goods removal operation from a goods compartment of a vending machine;

12 a front view of a preferred embodiment of a vending machine;

13 a front view of an interior of the vending machine according to 12 in the field of goods subjects;

14 a side view of an interior of the vending machine according to 12 in the field of goods subjects;

15 a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a traversing a vending machine according to 12 ; and

16A - 16D Detailed views of the 15 ,

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

The 1 and 2 , to which reference will be made hereinafter, illustrate a preferred embodiment of a goods dispensing apparatus 1 for or in a vending machine. The goods issue device 1 has an in 3 illustrated goods lock 2 on which a first, outwardly to an environment of the vending machine turned goods opening 3 and a second, facing an interior of the vending machine second goods opening 4 having. The goods issue device 1 , the goods lock 2 and the vending machine is associated with a coordinate system K having an x, a y and a z direction. The goods lock 2 has an approximately cuboid basic shape, which is preferably elongated in the z-direction. The goods lock 2 has an interior 5 on which of a frontal, the environment of the vending machine facing first side wall 6 , a second side wall facing the interior of the vending machine 7 , one of the first sidewall 6 opposite third side wall or rear wall 8th , one of the second side wall 7 opposite fourth side wall 9 a lid 10 and a floor 11 is enclosed at least in sections. The lid 10 and the ground 11 preferably have a square basic shape. The side walls 6 - 9 preferably have a rectangular basic shape, whose longitudinal side extends in the z-direction. The side walls 6 - 9 , the lid 10 and the ground 11 are preferably designed as a sheet metal stamping and / or bent parts and, for example via plug, weld, screw and / or rivet, in particular airtight, interconnected. The side wall 6 , indicates the first goods opening 3 preferably as a recess or cutout. The side wall 6 is preferably as a so-called output frame 6 educated. The second goods opening 4 is preferably in the second side wall 7 provided as a cutout or recess. The side wall 7 is dispensable. In an embodiment of the goods lock, not shown 2 without the side wall 7 forms the entire in 3 from the side wall 7 partially closed side of the goods lock 2 the second goods opening. Preferably, only through the goods openings 3 . 4 an access to the interior 5 the goods lock 2 possible. On the lid 10 is preferably a second detection device 35 provided whose function will be explained later.

The goods issue device 1 also indicates, as in the 4 to 6 is illustrated, a closing device 12 which is designed to, as needed, the first goods opening 3 to close or release to the outside. The closing device 12 has a goods opening door which can be moved in the z-direction 13 for closing or releasing the first goods opening as required 3 , a drive device 14 and a second locking device 15 for locking the goods opening door 13 when the first goods opening 3 is closed, up. The goods opening door 13 is preferably as a so-called shutter 13 educated. The shutter 13 can optionally be formed with a transparent material, so that when a closed first goods opening 3 The interior 5 the goods lock 2 is visible. In particular, the shutter is 13 formed with a shatterproof material, such as a malleable plastic. Preferably, the shutter is 13 suitable for the first goods opening 3 airtight to close.

The drive device 14 preferably has a drive 16 , For example, an electric motor and a coupling device 17 for the effective connection of the drive 16 with the shutter 13 on. The coupling device 17 is for example as a gear transmission or as in 4 shown as a belt transmission 17 with one on the drive 16 provided first pulley 18 and a z-direction spaced from the first pulley 18 arranged second pulley 19 , The pulleys 18 . 19 are for example via a V-belt 20 interacting with each other. About the diameter of the pulleys 18 . 19 is a desired gear ratio can be displayed. Coaxial to the second pulley 19 is for example a pinion 21 provided, which is in operative engagement with one on the shutter 13 mounted rack 22 located. The rack 22 is preferably integral with the shutter 13 educated. By activating the drive device 14 can the shutter 13 the first goods opening 3 release or close as required, the shutter 13 in corresponding guide rails, which on the side wall 6 or the goods lock 2 are provided, in the z-direction is movable back and forth. The dimensions, ie the length of the shutter 13 and the first goods opening 3 in the z-direction are matched to one another such that at an incipient method of the shutter 13 to release the first goods opening 3 This is initially completely closed. Ie. the shutter 13 is preferably longer than the first goods opening 3 ,

The second locking device 15 is preferably as a mechanical locking device 15 educated. Preferably, the second locking device 15 designed such that this the shutter 13 locked when the first goods opening 3 is completely closed. The second locking device 15 can also in the drive device 14 be integrated. For example, the second locking device 15 be designed as a self-locking gear element. The second locking device 15 may alternatively be formed, for example, as a spring-biased latch, which in an initial position the shutter 13 blocked and in a procedure of a basket of goods 24 a movable goods transport device 25 the goods issuing device 1 in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 from the shopping cart 24 is pressed and so the shutter 13 unlocked.

To detect if the first goods opening 3 closed or opened are in the interior 5 on the first side wall 6 a first switching element 26 which, for example, regarding the first goods issue opening 3 in a lower portion of the delivery frame 6 is mounted, and a second switching element 27 which is preferably approximately in the middle of the output frame 6 under the first goods opening 3 is mounted, provided. The switching elements 26 . 27 are preferably formed as a mechanically operated switch, which by means of a at a lower portion of the shutter 13 provided switching cam 65 are operable.

The goods issue device 1 also optionally has one in the interior of the goods lock 2 provided first detection device 23 on. The first detection device 23 is designed to detect if the cart 24 the movable goods transport device 25 in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 is positioned or not. The first detection device 23 For example, it can have an ultrasound transmitter and / or an ultrasound receiver, a switch which can be actuated mechanically and / or an optical sensor, in particular an LED or a light barrier.

As already mentioned, the goods issue device 1 a movable goods transport device 25 with one through the second goods opening 4 in the interior 5 de Warenschleuse moveable cart 24 on. The shopping cart 24 is designed to be a requested commodity product 28 at least partially record. The goods product 28 is preferably as a cylindrical commodity product 28 educated. For example, the commodity product 28 a bottle or a can. The shopping cart 24 points, as in the 7 and 8th illustrated, in particular a floor 29 , a first side wall facing the exterior of the vending machine 30 , a second side wall pointing away from the outside of the vending machine 31 , one of the second goods opening 4 obliquely facing obliquely inclined third side wall 32 and a rear, from the second goods opening 4 weggewandte, fourth side wall or rear wall 33 on. The back wall 33 can from a shuttle car 34 the goods transport facility 25 be formed. The carriage 34 also has roles 63 of which only one is provided with a reference numeral, which run in corresponding guide rails of a travel carrier of the vending machine slidably. The third side wall 32 is preferably in the direction of the second goods opening 4 inclined to the commodity product 28 on this sloping sidewall 32 is applied. The first side wall facing the exterior of the vending machine 30 is preferably at least partially or completely formed with a transparent material. For example, the sidewall 30 formed with a transparent plastic material, so that the requested commodity product 28 is visible to a buyer upon removal from the vending machine.

Between the shuttle car 34 and the shopping cart 24 is preferably a plate-shaped shutter 36 for completely closing the second goods opening 4 arranged. The shutter 36 can be integral part of the sidewall 33 of the basket of goods 24 be. Furthermore, on the shutter 36 a circumferential sealing device 64 , in particular a sealing cord 64 be provided, which is designed for a concern of the shutter 36 at the goods lock 2 the second goods opening 4 airtight to close. The sealing device may alternatively on the second side wall 7 the goods lock 2 be arranged and the second goods opening 4 circulate.

At the goods lock 2 , in particular on the lid 10 , Preferably, the second detection device 35 provided, which is designed to detect whether in the shopping cart 24 a commodity product 28 is or is not. The second detection device 35 For example, it can have an ultrasound transmitter and / or an ultrasound receiver, a light sensor, in particular a switch and / or an optical sensor, in particular an LED or a light barrier. For example, the second detection device 35 , as in 2 illustrated on the lid 10 the goods lock 2 assembled. The second detection device 35 may alternatively in the shopping cart 24 be arranged. The second detection device 35 can be in the first detection device 23 be integrated.

The movable goods transport device 25 is designed to be a requested commodity product 28 from the interior of the vending machine and into the interior 5 the goods lock 2 to transport. The closing device 12 is preferably configured to the first goods opening 3 only to be released to the outside when the cart 24 at least in sections in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 procedure is. Preferably, the closing device 12 designed to be the first goods opening 3 only to be released to the outside when the cart 24 completely in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 procedure is. Under a complete procedure of the basket of goods 24 in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 is according to 2 to understand that the cart 24 at least except for his back wall 33 in the interior 5 method is and / or the shutter 36 on the second side wall 7 the goods lock 2 is applied. The shutter 36 is preferably designed such that it in the in 2 illustrated retracted state of the basket 24 in which the cart 24 completely in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 procedure, the second goods opening 4 completely, in particular airtight, closes towards the interior of the vending machine.

Here is a first locking device 37 provided, which is adapted to the goods transport device 25 to lock against a procedure when the cart 24 completely in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 procedure is. The first locking device 37 is preferably as a mechanical locking device 37 educated. The first locking device 37 is when retracting the basket 24 in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 activated so that this is the traversing device 25 locked. The locking is preferably carried out such that the traversing device 25 with the shopping cart 24 for example, by unauthorized access through the first goods opening 3 is not displaceable in negative x-direction. In particular, the second locking device 15 designed to be the shutter 13 only to unlock when the first locking device 37 the goods transport facility 25 locked against an inadmissible procedure. Preferably, the first locking device 37 and the second locking device 15 matched to one another, for example by a mechanical coupling, that as soon as the second locking device 15 the shutter 13 to release the first goods opening 3 unlocked has the first locking device 37 the goods transport facility 25 locked. Conversely, the second locking device locks 15 the shutter 13 preferably as soon as the first locking device 37 the goods transport facility 25 unlocked.

In an exemplary embodiment of the first locking device 37 assign this to the side wall 30 of the basket of goods 24 provided engagement element 60 , For example, extending in the z-direction rectangular bulge and a complementary mating engagement element 61 on which at the shutter 13 is intended as a lateral fold. Preferably, the counter-engagement element extends 61 parallel to the rack 22 on an opposite side edge of the shutter 13 , Once the cart 24 completely in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 is method is by means of the closing device 12 the shutter 13 method. Before opening the first goods opening 3 begins, are the engaging element 60 and the counter-engagement element 61 preferably at least partially engaged, so that at an incipient opening of the first goods opening 3 the goods transport facility 25 is reliably locked.

The goods transport facility 25 also has as in the 9 and 10 Illustrated is one driving means 38 on, which in a front view according to the 9 and 10 next to the side wall 31 of the basket of goods 24 is mounted. The drive device 38 points next to a drive 39 , which is preferably designed as an electric motor, a transmission 40 on. A pinion 41 of the transmission 40 is with a gear 42 a goods compartment 43 the vending machine operatively connected. In the goods compartment 43 are preferably a variety of commodity products 28 arranged one behind the other. This operative connection is generated for example by the fact that the pinion 41 with the gear 42 is engaged. The pinion 41 forms so with the gear 42 a coupling device 44 the goods transport facility 25 , The coupling device 44 For example, it may alternatively be designed as a roller or roller pair which is in operative connection with one another. In the 9 and 10 is the coupling device 44 out of engagement. The gear 42 is with a transport device 45 of the goods compartment 43 operatively connected. This operative connection is designed such that upon driving of the toothed wheel 42 the transport device 45 a requested goods product 28 at a predetermined transport speed in the direction of the basket 24 , that is in the negative y-direction, promoted. The transport device 45 has, for example, a conveyor belt and / or a slider 66 on.

The function of the goods issue device 1 is briefly explained below. In an in 2 illustrated initial position of the goods transport device is the shutter 36 on the second side wall 7 the goods lock 2 and closes the second goods opening 4 preferably airtight to the interior of the vending machine. The first goods opening 3 is by means of the shutter 13 closed and the second locking device 15 locks the shutter 13 , The first locking device 37 Optionally, the goods transport facility 25 lock. Alternatively, in the initial position, the goods transport device 25 from the goods lock 2 to have driven away.

When requesting a commodity product 28 by a buyer becomes the goods transport facility 25 with the shopping cart 24 in the interior of the vending machine to a desired goods compartment 43 method. By means of the coupling device 44 becomes the drive device 38 the goods transport facility 25 with the transport device 45 of the selected product compartment 43 operatively connected. By starting the drive 39 the drive device 38 becomes the requested goods product 28 in negative y-direction to the cart 24 promoted. Once the requested goods product 28 , as in 9 illustrated, in the shopping cart 24 falls, becomes the drive device 38 deactivated and the further transport of the remaining commodity products 28 in the goods compartment 43 stopped. Subsequently or simultaneously, the operative connection of the drive device 38 and the transport device 45 separated again and the goods transport facility 25 according to 10 in the direction of the goods lock 2 method. This can, in accordance with 11 an application of the requested goods product 28 on the inclined side wall 32 of the basket of goods 24 to ensure the goods transport facility 25 initially to a predetermined speed in the direction of the goods lock 2 be accelerated, then abruptly braked. As a result, by the on the requested commodity 28 acting centrifugal forces this reliably tilted and in contact with the side wall 32 of the basket of goods 24 brought.

The shopping cart 24 will now be in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 method. Once the cart 24 preferably completely in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 method is and the shutter 36 airtight at the goods lock 2 is applied, is by means of the first locking device 37 the goods transport facility 25 locked against an unwanted procedure. Immediately afterwards, or preferably at the same time, the second locking device unlocks 15 the shutter 13 , Optionally, the unlocking of the shutter by the second locking device 15 already during the procedure of the basket of goods 24 in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 respectively. By means of the drive device 14 becomes the first goods opening 3 released to the outside and the buyer can request the goods requested by him 28 through the first goods opening 3 remove.

Because of the shutter 36 airtight at the goods lock 2 is present and the goods transport facility 25 by means of the first locking device 37 is locked against an undesired process, an unauthorized user can also with an opened first goods opening 3 the goods transport facility 25 not in the direction of the interior of the vending machine from the second goods opening 4 Pushing away. Unauthorized access to the interior of the vending machine is so effectively prevented. Furthermore, the airtight closure of the shutter 36 at the goods lock 2 ensures that only a small amount of the present in the interior of the vending machine cooled medium, such as cooled air, can escape into the environment of the vending machine or from the environment heated medium can penetrate into the interior of the vending machine.

The 12 Illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of a vending machine 46 with such a goods delivery device 1 , The vending machine 46 preferably has a variety of goods subjects 43 on. Of the vending machine 46 is suitable for dispensing commodity products of all kinds, such as bottles and cans of various shapes and sizes and different liquid capacity. The vending machine 46 has an outer housing or a cabinet 47 and one over joints 48 on this case 47 hinged door 49 , in particular a front door 49 , on. The front door 49 and the case 47 together enclose an interior 50 of the vending machine 47 to the goods to be sold 28 , the control and cooling functions of the vending machine 46 as well as other features of the vending machine 46 accommodate. The front door 49 preferably has a transparent front window 51 , in particular a glass or plastic disc, on. The windscreen 51 allows if the front door 49 closed, a clear view of the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 and thus also to the commodities housed therein 28 , The commodity products are preferably in the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 in a variety of goods subjects 43 kept in an orderly manner. In the area of the front door 49 or alternatively in the housing 47 is a suitable control panel 52 comprising product selection input means and money and / or credit processing means, and a coin return means 53 intended.

On the right side and in a waist-high area of the front door 49 of the vending machine 46 is a goods issue device 1 according to the embodiments of 1 and 2 intended. The goods issue device 1 can also be left-sided or in any position on the vending machine 46 be provided. The goods dispenser can be in the housing 47 and / or in the front door 49 be integrated at least in sections. The first goods opening 3 the goods issuing device 1 is to the environment 67 of the vending machine 46 and the second goods opening 4 to the interior 51 of the vending machine 46 directed. Furthermore, a locking unit 54 provided that allows the front door 49 for the purpose of servicing or filling the vending machine 46 can be safely opened and closed.

In the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 is preferably a plurality of arraymäßig arranged goods compartments 43 intended. The 13 illustrates the arrangement of these goods subjects 43 , of which only one is provided with a reference numeral, in the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 , The individual goods compartments 43 are here in five different product lines 55 and eight different departmental columns 56 arranged side by side or one above the other. For simplicity, there is only one merchandise compartment column 56 provided with a reference numeral. The individual goods compartments 43 can each be the same size. However, this is not mandatory. The goods compartments 43 For example, they can be variably adjustable in terms of their width and / or their height. For the removal of commodity products 28 is the movable goods transport device 25 intended. The movable goods transport device 25 is variable in the z and x direction of the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 movable and can thus be attached to any goods compartment 43 moved front. For this purpose, a variable movable traversing device 57 provided, which for moving the goods transport device 25 in z and / or x direction in the interior 50 is designed.

The vending machine 46 preferably has an at least partially in the interior 50 arranged cooling device 62 on. The cooling device 62 preferably has two cooling elements 68 . 69 on. Each cooling element 68 . 69 may be associated with a refrigerant compressor. Alternatively, the cooling elements 68 . 69 have a common refrigerant compressor. Preferably, the cooling elements 68 . 69 on both sides one of the goods compartments 43 formed shelves 70 arranged. One of the cooling elements 68 . 69 is preferably close to the goods issue device 1 and the other of the cooling elements 68 . 69 is far from the goods issue device 1 positioned. As a result, a two-sided and thus uniform cooling of the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 guaranteed. Preferably, the application of such a cooling device 62 not on the presently described embodiment of the vending machine 46 limited, but can be found in any vending machine application.

The 14 illustrates a side view of the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 , Here are the individual goods subjects 43 not completely horizontal, that is horizontal, aligned. Rather, the goods subjects 43 to the front door 49 slightly inclined. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the goods compartments 43 are aligned completely horizontally.

With reference to the 15 and 16A to 16D becomes the moving device 57 of the vending machine 46 explained. The 16A to 16D illustrate correspondingly marked detail views of the 15 , In particular, the traversing device 57 a travel carrier 58 , preferably a so-called I-carrier 58 , which runs elongated in the z-direction and in the x-direction in the interior 50 is movable. For moving the positioning carrier 58 is a belt drive 59 with a V-belt 71 and a drive 72 intended. The V-belt 71 gets stuck in the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 mounted first pulley 73 , one at a first end of the Verfahrträgers 58 mounted second pulley 74 and one at a second end of the travel carrier 58 mounted third pulley 75 diverted. The preferably designed as an electric motor drive 72 is firmly in the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 mounted and by means of a gearbox 76 with the V-belt 71 operatively connected. By activating the drive 72 can the carrier 58 and with this the goods transport facility 25 evenly and only with the one drive 72 in the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 be moved in the x direction.

The carrier 58 preferably has guide rails which extend in the z-direction and are suitable for the rollers 63 of the carriage 34 the goods transport facility 25 to lead in the z-direction. Furthermore, the traversing device 57 another, on the carrier 58 arranged drive, which is coupled to the Verfahrwagen and is suitable, the Verfahrwagen in the z-direction along the carriage 58 to move. By means of a flexible line 77 is the power supply to the goods transport facility 25 arranged drive device 38 secured. Furthermore, the first locking device 37 be designed so that this the carrier 58 blocked in such a way that the goods transport facility 25 Locked against a procedure when the cart is completely in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 procedure is.

A method of operating such a vending machine 46 has, for example, the following properties. A process involving commodities 28 in a goods compartment 43 which is in an interior 50 of the vending machine 46 is arranged, arranged one behind the other and in the case of a goods issue request, a requested goods product 28 by means of the movable goods transport device 25 which the cart 24 for picking up the commodity product 28 has, from the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 taken and into an interior 5 the goods lock 2 transported, the goods lock 2 a first, outward to the environment 67 of the vending machine 46 turned goods opening 3 and a second, to the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 turned goods opening 4 wherein the goods issuing device 1 a closing device 12 , which is designed to the first goods opening 3 according to the needs to close or release to the outside, and wherein the closing device 12 the first goods opening 3 only then releases to the outside when the cart 24 at least in sections in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 is moved.

Preferably, the method may also include a step of accelerating and decelerating the goods transport 25 in transporting the requested goods product 28 from the interior 50 of the vending machine 46 in the interior 5 the goods lock 2 have, to the requested commodity at one in the direction of the second goods opening 4 inclined side wall 32 of the basket of goods 24 to apply.

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.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Goods dispensing apparatus

2

goods lock

3

first goods opening

4

second goods opening

5

inner space

6

Side wall

7

Side wall

8th

Side wall

9

Side wall

10

cover

11

ground

12

closing

13

Commodity opening door

14

driving means

15

second locking device

16

drive

17

coupling device

18

pulley

19

pulley

20

fan belt

21

pinion

22

rack

23

first detection device

24

shopping cart

25

Goods transport device

26

switching element

27

switching element

28

Been product

29

ground

30

Side wall

31

Side wall

32

Side wall

33

Side wall

34

traversing

35

second detection device

36

shutter

37

first locking device

38

driving means

39

drive

40

transmission

41

pinion

42

gear

43

were trade

44

coupling device

45

transport means

46

vending machine

47

casing

48

joint

49

front door

50

inner space

51

windscreen

52

Control panel

53

Münzrückgabeeinrichtung

54

locking unit

55

Were trade row

56

Were trade gaps

57

traversing

58

Verfahrträger

59

belt drive

60

engaging member

61

Counter-engagement element

62

cooling device

63

role

64

sealing device

65

switch cam

66

pusher

67

Surroundings

68

cooling element

69

cooling element

70

Goods Shelf

71

fan belt

72

drive

73

idler pulley

74

idler pulley

75

idler pulley

76

transmission

77

management

K

coordinate system

x

x-direction

y

y-direction

z

z-direction

Claims (15)

Goods Issuing Device ( 1 ) for or in a vending machine ( 46 ), - with a goods lock ( 2 ), which is a first, outward to an environment ( 67 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) goods opening ( 3 ) and a second, to an interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) goods opening ( 4 ), - with a closing device ( 12 ), which is designed according to need, the first goods opening ( 3 ) to close or release to the outside, and - with a transportable goods transport device ( 25 ), which contains a shopping cart ( 24 ) for picking up a commodity product ( 28 ), wherein the goods transport device ( 25 ) is designed to handle a requested product ( 28 ) from the interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) and into an interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ), the closing device ( 12 ) the first goods opening ( 3 ) only to the outside when the cart ( 24 ) at least in sections in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ) procedure. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing device ( 12 ) is designed to handle the first goods opening ( 3 ) only to the outside when the cart ( 24 ) completely in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ) procedure. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a first locking device ( 37 ) is provided, which is adapted to the goods transport device ( 25 ) against a procedure when the cart ( 24 ) completely in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ) procedure. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the closing device ( 12 ) is designed to handle the first goods opening ( 3 ) only to the outside when the first locking device ( 37 ) the goods transport facility ( 25 ) locked against a procedure. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing device ( 12 ) a movable goods opening door ( 13 ) for closing or releasing the first goods opening as required ( 3 ), a drive device ( 14 ) for moving the goods opening door ( 13 ) and / or a second locking device ( 15 ) for locking the goods opening door ( 13 ) having. Device according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a shutter ( 36 ) is provided, which the second goods opening ( 3 ) completely, in particular airtight, closes when the cart ( 24 ) completely in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ) procedure. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first identification device ( 23 ) which is designed to detect whether the shopping cart ( 24 ) completely in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ), the first detection device ( 23 ), for example, an ultrasonic transmitter and / or an ultrasonic receiver, a switch to be actuated mechanically and / or an optical sensor, in particular an LED or a light barrier. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shopping cart ( 24 ) a floor ( 29 ) and side walls ( 30 - 33 ), wherein in particular at least one to the environment ( 67 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) side wall ( 30 ) is at least partially transparent. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the shopping cart ( 24 ) at least one in the direction of the second goods opening ( 4 ) obliquely inclined side wall ( 32 ) on which a commodity product ( 28 ) is present, has. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second detection device ( 35 ), which is designed to detect whether in the shopping cart ( 24 ) a commodity product ( 28 ), wherein the second detection device ( 35 ), for example an ultrasonic transmitter and / or an ultrasonic receiver, a weight sensor, in particular a switch and / or an optical sensor, in particular an LED or a light barrier. Vending machine ( 46 ), - with a device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, - with a housing ( 47 ), which has a lockable door ( 49 ) for filling the vending machine ( 46 ), - with an interior ( 50 ), and - with a large number of goods compartments ( 43 ) in the interior ( 50 ) are arranged side by side and / or one above the other. Vending machine according to claim 11, characterized in that a traversing device ( 57 ) is provided, which for the procedure of a goods transport device ( 25 ) in the x and / or z direction of the interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) is designed. Vending machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the traversing device ( 57 ) one in the x-direction of the interior of the vending machine ( 46 ) movable travel carrier ( 58 ) and a belt drive ( 59 ), wherein the displacement device ( 57 ) is adapted to the travel carrier ( 58 ) by means of the belt drive ( 59 ) in the x-direction and the goods transport device ( 25 ) along the travel carrier ( 58 ) in z-direction of the interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) to proceed. Method for operating a vending machine ( 46 ) according to at least one of claims 11 to 13, - in which commodity products ( 28 ) in a product compartment ( 43 ), which in an interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ), are arranged one behind the other, and - in the case of a goods product requested on a goods issue request ( 28 ) by means of a movable goods transport device ( 25 ), which contains a shopping cart ( 24 ) for picking up the commodity product ( 28 ), from the interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) and into an interior ( 5 ) a goods lock ( 2 ), whereby the goods lock ( 2 ) a first, outward to an environment ( 67 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) goods opening ( 3 ) and a second, to the interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) goods opening ( 4 ), wherein the goods issue device ( 1 ) a closing device ( 12 ), which is designed for the first goods opening ( 3 ) according to need to close or release to the outside, and wherein the closing device ( 12 ) the first goods opening ( 3 ) only to the outside when the cart ( 24 ) at least in sections in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ). A method according to claim 14, characterized in that during the transport of the requested goods product ( 28 ) from the interior ( 50 ) of the vending machine ( 46 ) in the interior ( 5 ) the goods lock ( 2 ) the goods transport facility ( 25 ) and then braked to the requested commodity product ( 28 ) to one in the direction of the second goods opening ( 4 ) obliquely inclined side wall ( 32 ) of the basket ( 24 ).

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