DE102019206884B3 - Vending or reverse vending machine and process - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vending or reverse vending machine with at least one intelligent sensor which is designed to detect a measured variable, the intelligent sensor also having: a communication interface which is designed to connect the intelligent sensor to a sensor to couple external communication participants communicatively, a sensor-integrated diagnostic device which is designed to additionally detect and analyze at least one intrinsic state of the intelligent sensor, and a communication device which is designed to transmit information based on the captured and analyzed intrinsic state via a Display the sensor output device and / or forward it to the communication participant external to the sensor via the communication interface. The present invention also relates to a method for diagnosing the intrinsic state of at least one sensor in a vending or reverse vending machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vending or reverse vending machine. The present invention further relates to a method for diagnosing the intrinsic state of at least one sensor in a vending or reverse vending machine.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The present invention is in the context of self-service machines and in particular self-service machines designed as vending and return machines. A vending machine is a device that dispenses goods against payment. Such vending machines, which are often referred to as self-vendors in the relevant literature, can be designed in a large number of different configurations, for example as a drinks machine, cigarette machine, confectionery machine, vending machine and the like. Return machines are designed to take back disposable and reusable containers.

Modern vending and reverse vending machines have a large number of different functionalities, such as mechanical transport devices for transporting goods, cooling devices for cooling cold beverages, positioning devices for precise positioning of goods and containers, goods removal gate and goods issue, keyboard, display, payment device, etc. The correct one The function of these functional units within the respective vending machine or reverse vending machine is usually ensured by suitable sensors. The sensor data determined by the respective sensor can be recorded and evaluated via a control device and the corresponding control or regulation can be carried out.

• Zwar würde ein Sensorfehler durch die Steuereinrichtung erkannt werden, welche ggfs. die Funktion der entsprechend zugeordneten Funktionseinheit abschaltet. Dies bedeutet allerdings, dass dann entweder der komplette Verkaufs- und Rücknahmeautomaten dann nicht mehr genutzt werden kann oder eine Nutzung nur noch in eingeschränkter Form stattfinden kann.

Das bedeutet außerdem, dass ein Wartungs- und Reparaturfachkraft möglichst rasch anreisen muss, um die durch den Sensorausfall bedingte Störung zu beheben. Da Verkaufsautomaten typischerweise weiträumig verteilt aufgestellt sind und für die Behebung der Störungen mithin längere Anfahrten und dazugehörige Planung erforderlich ist, ist dies sehr aufwändig. Zudem fällt der Verkaufsautomat bis zur Behebung der Störung aus. Gleiches gilt für Rücknahmeautomaten.However, the prerequisite for the proper functioning of the vending machine is that the sensors work properly. However, a sensor is a technical component that can become error-prone, for example if the sensor accuracy deteriorates, and in extreme cases it can even fail completely. A failure of a sensor in vending machines and reverse vending machines has significant consequences:

• It is true that a sensor error would be recognized by the control device which, if necessary, switches off the function of the correspondingly assigned functional unit. This means, however, that either the complete vending and reverse vending machine can then no longer be used or that it can only be used in a restricted form.

This also means that a maintenance and repair specialist must arrive as quickly as possible in order to rectify the malfunction caused by the sensor failure. Since vending machines are typically set up over a wide area and therefore longer journeys and associated planning are required to rectify the malfunctions, this is very complex. In addition, the vending machine will fail until the fault has been rectified. The same applies to reverse vending machines.

Longer downtimes are extremely undesirable for an operator of the vending machine and reverse vending machine. In the case of vending machines, they lead to reduced sales. With reverse vending machines, they inevitably mean that empty containers cannot be taken back. In addition, an inoperable vending machine or reverse vending machine leads to the annoyance of the end user, who is directed against the commercial operator and the services offered, which he therefore strives to avoid. Occasionally, violence is also used against the failed machine.

So far, the only way to reduce these downtimes and failure probabilities has been to increase maintenance costs, i.e. more frequent maintenance work and preventive and regular checks of the entire sensor system on all vending machines or reverse vending machines, even if no failure has occurred. These personnel-intensive measures are in turn very costly.

This is a circumstance to be avoided.

The JP 2002-23 83 2A describes a system for reducing cable routing by eliminating the need for cables to connect discrete intelligent sensors to a monitor body.

The DE 20 2008 001 618 U1 describes a coin-operated machine with a control unit, an antenna, a normally switched off radio modem and at least one sensor connected to the processor for detecting an operating state of the machine or an environmental state.

The DE 10 2015 115 503 B3 describes a vending machine for the sale of individual goods, which has at least one goods shaft for receiving goods and a sensor system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of improving vending or reverse vending machines with regard to their operational reliability.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vending or reverse vending machine with the features of claim 1 and / or by a method with the features of claim 11.

• - Ein Verkaufs- oder Rücknahmeautomat, mit zumindest einem intelligenten Sensor, der dazu ausgebildet ist, einen Messgröße zu erfassen, wobei der intelligente Sensor ferner aufweist: eine Kommunikations-Schnittstelle, die derart ausgebildet ist, den intelligenten Sensor mit einem Sensor-externen Kommunikationsteilnehmer kommunikativ zu koppeln, eine Sensor-integrierte Diagnoseeinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, zusätzlich zumindest einen Eigenzustand des intelligenten Sensors zu erfassen und zu analysieren, und eine Kommunikationseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, eine Information basierend auf dem erfassten und analysierten Eigenzustand über eine Sensor-Ausgabeeinrichtung anzuzeigen und/oder über die Kommunikations-Schnittstelle dem Sensor-externen Kommunikationsteilnehmer weiterzuleiten.
• - Ein Verfahren zur Diagnose des Eigenzustands zumindest eines intelligenten Sensors in einem Verkaufs- oder Rücknahmeautomaten, mit den Schritten: kommunikatives Koppeln zumindest eines intelligenten Sensors eines Verkaufs- oder Rücknahmeautomaten mit einem Sensor-externen Kommunikationsteilnehmer; Erfassen eines Eigenzustandes des intelligenten Sensors; Analysieren des erfassten Eigenzustandes des intelligenten Sensors, indem der erfasste Eigenzustand mit einem vorgegebenen Eigenzustands-Sollwert verglichen wird und indem ein Fehlersignal erzeugt wird, sofern der erfasste Eigenzustand von dem vorgegebenen Eigenzustands-Sollwert um einen vorgegebenen Wert abweicht; und Ausgeben des Fehlersignals an einen Sensor-externen Kommunikationsteilnehmer.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• A vending or reverse vending machine with at least one intelligent sensor that is designed to detect a measured variable, the intelligent sensor further comprising: a communication interface that is designed to communicate the intelligent sensor with a communication participant external to the sensor to couple, a sensor-integrated diagnostic device which is designed to additionally detect and analyze at least one intrinsic state of the intelligent sensor, and a communication device which is designed to transmit information based on the captured and analyzed intrinsic state via a sensor output device display and / or forward them to the communication participant external to the sensor via the communication interface.
• A method for diagnosing the intrinsic state of at least one intelligent sensor in a vending or reverse vending machine, with the following steps: communicative coupling of at least one intelligent sensor of a vending or reverse vending machine with a sensor-external communication participant; Detecting an eigenstate of the intelligent sensor; Analyzing the detected eigenstate of the intelligent sensor by comparing the detected eigenstate with a predefined eigenstate setpoint value and by generating an error signal if the detected eigenstate deviates from the predefined eigenstate setpoint value by a predefined value; and outputting the error signal to a communication participant external to the sensor.

The idea on which the present invention is based is to design the sensors of vending machines or reverse vending machines as intelligent sensors, which are therefore designed to perform a self-diagnosis of the sensor's own condition in addition to their actual sensor function. Such a self-diagnosis can be, for example, a functional test or a test of the probability of failure. The intelligent sensor is also able to analyze its own detected electrical state of the sensor itself and to output information about the detected and analyzed state, for example to a control device of the vending or reverse vending machine, an external communication device or directly via a sensor's own output device.

In this way, the condition of the sensors in a vending machine or reverse vending machine is continuously monitored and you can see at an early stage whether a sensor should be replaced, i.e. even before this has failed, e.g. since its function is no longer sufficiently ensured or it could possibly fail soon. This avoids or at least reduces the sudden breakdowns of vending machines or reverse vending machines discussed at the beginning. In addition, it is also avoided that the vending machines or reverse vending machines have to be regularly serviced, which is time-consuming and costly.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor is designed as an IO-Link based sensor - hereinafter referred to as an IO-Link sensor for short. IO-Link is a standardized communication system for connecting intelligent sensors and actuators, which is standardized in the IEC 61131-9 standard. The standardization includes both the electrical connection data and a digital communication protocol via which IO-Link sensors and 10-Link actuators can exchange data with an IO-Link master.

An IO-Link system consists of an IO-Link master and one or more IO-Link sensors or IO-Link actuators. A 10-link sensor or actuator has an IO-Link interface via which the IO-Link sensor or actuator can be coupled to an IO-Link master. The IO-Link master provides the interface to the higher-level control and controls communication with the connected IO-Link devices. An IO-Link device can be an intelligent sensor, actuator or a mechatronic component such as a gripper. With regard to IO-Link, intelligent means that a device has identification data, e.g. a type designation, a serial number or parameter data, e.g. sensitivities, switching delays or characteristics, which can be read or written via the IO-Link protocol. Intelligent also means that it can provide detailed diagnostic information about the status of the respective IO-Link sensor. The design of the intelligent sensor as an IO-Link The sensor enables very efficient self-diagnosis of the sensor, which then communicates the diagnostic data via the sensor's own IO-Link interface.

• - Temperatursensor: Ein Temperatursensor oder auch Temperaturfühler genannt ist meist ein elektrisches oder elektronisches Bauelement, welches ein Maß für die Temperatur liefern. Bei Verkaufsautomaten kommen diese Sensortypen in der Regel zur Regelung der Kühlung im Inneren des Verkaufsautomaten oder für die Einstellung der Temperatur von Heißgetränken zum Einsatz.
• - optoelektronischer Sensor: derartige Sensoren, die auch als Photosensor, optischer Detektor, Lichtsensor bezeichnet werden, können zum Beispiel als Belichtungsmesser ausgebildet sein oder in einem bildgebenden Messverfahren eingebunden sein. Beispiele hierfür kann auch ein optischer Positionssensor (OPS) sein, der die ein- oder zweidimensionale Position eines Lichtpunktes messen kann. Hierunter fallen vor allem auch Reflexions-Lichtschranken, wie sie zum Beispiel bei sensor-basierten Rücknahmeautomaten eingesetzt werden.
• - Geschwindigkeits- oder Beschleunigungssensoren messen zum Beispiel die Geschwindigkeit einer Transportvorrichtung, wie etwa einer Transportspirale oder eines Transportbandes.
• - Näherungssensor: derartige Sensoren erkennen, ob sich ein Gegenstand oder eine Person annähert, beispielsweise ein sich an den Verkaufsautomaten annähernder potenzieller Kunde.
• - Füllstandssensor: beispielsweise kann ein derartiger Sensor den Füllstand von Waren in einem Warenfach erkennen. Eine andere Art an Füllstandssensoren erkennt den Füllstand von zum Beispiel eines Wasserbehälters oder den Getränke-Füllstand in einem Getränkebecher.
• - Gewichtssensor: dieser Sensor erkennt zum Beispiel das Gewicht eines ausgegebenen Gebindes im Fall eines Warenverkaufsautomaten, im Fall eines Rücknahmeautomaten des Rücknahme-Gebindes oder des Gewichts von eingeworfenen Geldmünzen.
• - Transmissionssensor: erkennt zum Beispiel über den Transmissionsgrad die Färbung eines Rücknahme-Gebindes.
• - Mustererkennungssensor: erkennt ein vordefiniertes Muster auf einer auszugebenden Ware oder auf einem Rücknahme-Gebinde. Ein derartiges Muster kann zum Beispiel ein Pfandzeichen sein. Darunter kann aber z.B. auch eine Gesichtserkennung oder Gebindeformerkennung fallen.
• - berührungsempfindlicher Sensor: diese Sensoren, die auch als Touch-Sensoren bezeichnet werden, werden vorzugsweise bei Touchscreens verwendet, um Benutzereingaben zu erkennen. Diese Art der Sensoren können z.B. auf resistiver, kapazitiver, induktiver Basis fungieren. Beispielsweise fallen hierunter auch so genannte Drag and Drop Sensoren.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the following intelligent sensors is used in the vending or return machine:

• - Temperature sensor: A temperature sensor or temperature sensor is usually an electrical or electronic component that provides a measure of the temperature. In vending machines, these types of sensors are usually used to regulate the cooling inside the vending machine or to set the temperature of hot beverages.
• Optoelectronic sensor: such sensors, which are also referred to as photosensors, optical detectors, light sensors, can be designed, for example, as exposure meters or integrated into an imaging measuring method. Examples of this can also be an optical position sensor (OPS) that can measure the one or two-dimensional position of a point of light. This also includes photoelectric retro-reflective sensors such as those used, for example, in sensor-based reverse vending machines.
• - Speed or acceleration sensors measure, for example, the speed of a transport device such as a transport spiral or a conveyor belt.
• Proximity sensor: such sensors detect whether an object or a person is approaching, for example a potential customer approaching the vending machine.
• Level sensor: for example, such a sensor can detect the level of goods in a goods compartment. Another type of fill level sensor detects the fill level of, for example, a water container or the beverage fill level in a beverage cup.
• - Weight sensor: this sensor detects, for example, the weight of a dispensed container in the case of a vending machine, in the case of an automatic return machine for the return container or the weight of coins inserted.
• - Transmission sensor: recognizes, for example, the color of a return container via the degree of transmission.
• - Pattern recognition sensor: recognizes a predefined pattern on goods to be issued or on a return container. Such a pattern can be a deposit mark, for example. This can also include, for example, face recognition or container shape recognition.
• - touch-sensitive sensor: these sensors, which are also known as touch sensors, are preferably used on touchscreens in order to recognize user input. This type of sensor can function, for example, on a resistive, capacitive, inductive basis. For example, this also includes so-called drag and drop sensors.

• - elektrischer Defekt;
• - mechanischer Defekt;
• - Verschmutzungsgrad;
• - Messgenauigkeit;
• - Messungenauigkeit;
• - Ausfallrisiko.

Daneben ließen sich natürlich auch andere Eigenzustände des Sensors erfassen, wie etwa der Energieverbrauch des Sensors, statistische Informationen, Zeitstempel der letzten Eigendiagnose, etc.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the diagnostic device is designed to detect and analyze at least one of the following intrinsic states of the sensor:

• - electrical defect;
• - mechnical defect;
• - degree of pollution;
• - measurement accuracy;
• - measurement inaccuracy;
• - Risk of failure.

In addition, other inherent states of the sensor could of course also be recorded, such as the energy consumption of the sensor, statistical information, time stamp of the last self-diagnosis, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor-integrated diagnostic device is designed to generate an error signal after analyzing the detected intrinsic state of the sensor, provided that the detected intrinsic state indicates an error. An indexed error describes a state in which the sensed intrinsic state of the sensor deviates from a predefined target state by an assigned value or exceeds or falls below the predefined target value. A fault recognized in this way does not necessarily have to result in the sensor being inoperable, but rather provides information about the state and the functionality or functionality of the sensor. The generated error signal can be output via the communication device of the intelligent sensor or the IO-Link sensor, for example to a communication participant external to the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the error signal can also be fed directly to an output device of the intelligent sensor, which outputs the error signal directly in a suitable form.

In a further embodiment, the sensor output device is designed as a loudspeaker for outputting an acoustic warning signal. In In an additional or alternative embodiment, the sensor output device can also be designed as an optical output device for outputting an optical warning signal. If the sensor-integrated diagnostic device generates an error signal, an error state can be indicated directly by the intelligent sensor in this way by emitting an acoustic or optical warning signal. During service or maintenance of the vending or reverse vending machine, a maintenance person receives direct acoustic or visual warning information about which intelligent sensor is faulty or could be affected.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor-external communication participant is formed as a control device of the vending or reverse vending machine.

In a preferred embodiment, a further communication interface is provided. The control device of the vending or reverse vending machine can be coupled to an external control device via this additional communication interface. This external control device, which in this example is not part of the vending or reverse vending machine, is preferably communicatively coupled to the vending or reverse vending machine via an air interface (e.g. mobile radio connection). Additionally or alternatively, there can also be a hardwired communication connection between the master and the vending or reverse vending machine.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor is coupled to the communication participant external to the sensor via a point-to-point connection. In this case the master is directly connected to the respective intelligent sensor. This configuration is used in particular with a 10-link sensor.

In an alternative embodiment, the IO-Link master is part of a bus system. The IO-Link master is coupled to the sensor-external communication participant via the bus, in particular a data bus. A field bus system, such as a PROFIBUS, KNX bus, Ethernet Powerlink, CAN bus, MOST bus, etc., is preferably used here.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, provided that it makes sense. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

Figure list

• 1 ein Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten zur Ausgabe von Warenprodukten;
• 2 den erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten aus 1 in Form eines stark vereinfachten Funktionsschaltbildes;
• 3 ein Blockschaltbild eines als IO-Link-Sensor ausgebildeten intelligenten Sensors für einen Verkaufsautomaten entsprechend den 1 und 2;
• 4 anhand eines Ablaufdiagramms ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zur Diagnose des Eigenzustands eines intelligenten Sensors in einem Verkaufs- oder Rücknahmeautomaten.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments specified in the schematic figures of the drawings. It shows:

• 1 a block diagram of a vending machine according to the invention for dispensing goods products;
• 2 the vending machine according to the invention 1 in the form of a greatly simplified functional diagram;
• 3 a block diagram of an intelligent sensor designed as an IO-Link sensor for a vending machine according to the 1 and 2 ;
• 4th using a flow chart, a method according to the invention for diagnosing the intrinsic state of an intelligent sensor in a vending or reverse vending machine.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned emerge with a view to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and identically acting elements, features and components - unless stated otherwise - are each provided with the same reference symbols.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1 shows the structure of a first embodiment of a vending machine according to the invention for dispensing goods products.

The vending machine, here with reference number 1 is referred to, for example, as a cold drinks machine 1 educated. The drinks machine 1 includes a housing 2 , in its interior 3 various commodity products 4th are provided. The vending machine 1 is designed as a so-called glass front machine, the one on its front 5 a transparent pane of glass 6th having. Over the glass 6th a potential customer can enter the interior from the outside 3 of the vending machine 1 see. A customer is thus able to use the various in the interior 3 intended goods products 4th to be examined before the purchase and also to follow the issuing process. These commodity products 4th are in the interior 3 in merchandise compartments arranged one above the other and side by side 7th magazined. The removal of the goods products 4th from the goods compartments 7th takes place in a manner known per se using a corresponding, adjustable handling device (not shown here) and an output device 9 from which a customer can take an ordered product.

The vending machine 1 also has an operating device 10 as well as a display 11 on. The operating device 10 can for example be a key, a keyboard, a touchpad or the like. Via the operating device 10 a user can enter a customer request. For example, he can use the operating device 10 specify which drink he would like to order. The corresponding commodity product 4th is then via the output devices 9 issued. the display 11 refers to a display for the visualization of text and images. It is particularly preferred if the functionality of the operating device 10 and the display 11 is implemented in a single component designed as a touch screen.

2 shows the vending machine according to the invention 1 out 1 in abstract form in the form of a greatly simplified function diagram.

The vending machine according to the invention 1 has a large number of sensors here 12-14 on. The sensors 12-14 are designed to record at least one measured variable in a known manner. For example, a temperature sensor 12 , a proximity sensor 13 and a level sensor 14th be provided.

About the temperature sensor 12 the interior temperature of the vending machine 1 detect and in combination with a (not shown here) cooling control the interior temperature of the vending machine 1 to adjust. For example, multi-zone cooling can also be provided in which the individual product levels are cooled differently.

About the proximity sensor 13 it can be detected whether a person is entering the vending machine 11 approaching or even further away.

Using the level sensor 14th the fill level of a respective goods compartment can be recognized. The level sensor 14th can be designed as a weight sensor, a camera, a light barrier in connection with a counter, etc., for example.

Furthermore, there is at least one control device 15th provided with the respective sensors 12-14 is coupled. The control device 15th is designed in the form of a controller, for example, for the sensors 12-14 record and evaluate recorded sensor signals.

At least one sensor is according to the invention 12-14 , preferably all sensors 12-14 , designed as an intelligent sensor.

• Der in 3 dargestellte intelligente Sensor ist als IO-Link-Sensor 20 ausgebildet. Der IO-Link Sensor 20 weist eine IO-Link-Schnittstelle 21, eine integrierte Diagnoseeinrichtung 22, eine Kommunikationseinrichtung 23 und eine Ausgabeeinrichtung 24 auf.

In the following, the block diagram in 3 the structure and functionality of an in 2 intelligent sensor shown 12-14 explained:

• The in 3 The intelligent sensor shown is an IO-Link sensor 20th educated. The IO-Link sensor 20th has an IO-Link interface 21st , an integrated diagnostic facility 22nd , a communication device 23 and an output device 24 on.

The IO-Link interface 21st is designed to use the IO-Link sensor 20th typically communicatively couple via a point-to-point connection with a communication participant external to the sensor. The sensor-external communication participant can, for example, the control device 15th of the vending machine 1 his or the (IO-Link) master 16 .

The sensor-integrated diagnostic device 22nd is designed to additionally have at least one intrinsic state of the intelligent sensor 20th to capture and analyze. In the event that the diagnostic facility 22nd has recognized an error after the diagnosis and analysis of the intrinsic state, it emits an error signal 25th out. A detected error does not necessarily have to lead to a failure of the sensor 20th led. Any state of the sensor 20th be understood in which the measured parameter value exceeds or falls below a predetermined limit value. A defect in the sensor, for example, can also be an error condition 20th , a decreasing measurement accuracy or a predetermined measurement inaccuracy, the risk of sensor failure or the like can be understood, but also a predetermined sensor function which, for example, is no longer fully guaranteed. In the event that such a fault condition is detected, the diagnostic device generates 22nd an error signal 25th .

The communication facility 23 is with the diagnostic facility 22nd coupled. The communication facility 23 is designed to send information based on the recorded and analyzed intrinsic state directly via the output device 24 to display. The display can be a visual warning signal via a warning lamp, a display, or the like or as an acoustic warning signal via a loudspeaker.

However, it is particularly advantageous if the information is based on the recorded and analyzed intrinsic state via the IO-Link interface 21st the IO-Link master 16 is forwarded. This IO-Link master 16 is typically part of the vending machine 1 , however, it would also be conceivable that the IO-Link master 16 is trained as an external master.

It is particularly advantageous if the IO-Link master 16 via the control device 15th communicative with the operator of the vending machine 1 or the respective maintenance company. In this way, the operator or the maintenance company receives information very early on about the current status of the sensors within the various vending machines that operate or maintain them, and can then plan the maintenance work in advance before a sensor defect occurs.

• In einem ersten Schritt S1 wird ein intelligenter Sensor eines Verkaufs- oder Rücknahmeautomaten, wie etwa ein IO-Link-Sensor, mit einem Sensor-externen Kommunikationsteilnehmer, wie etwa ein IO-Link-Master, kommunikativ gekoppelt.

4th shows an example of a method according to the invention for diagnosing the intrinsic state of an intelligent sensor in a vending or reverse vending machine using a flow chart. The procedure consists of the following steps:

• In a first step S1 an intelligent sensor of a vending or reverse vending machine, such as an IO-Link sensor, is communicatively coupled to a communication participant external to the sensor, such as an IO-Link master.

In a next step S2 For example, at least the intrinsic state of the sensor is detected by means of a diagnostic device. This intrinsic state can relate to the function of the sensor or also an operating state or some other state.

Then in a next step S3 the recorded intrinsic state of the sensor is analyzed. This is done by comparing the detected eigenstate with a predetermined eigenstate target value.

Then in a next step S4 an error signal is generated if the detected eigenstate deviates from the specified eigenstate setpoint value by a specified value.

Finally, in a final step S5 the error signal generated in this way is passed on to a communication device external to the sensor, such as an IO-Link master.

Although the present invention has been fully described above on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in many different ways.

For example, the in 2 The illustrated vending machine can also be a return machine. In that case, the in 3 The IO-Link sensor shown is a suitable IO-Link sensor in a reverse vending machine.

Furthermore, the specified types and types of sensors are only to be understood as examples. It goes without saying that other sensor types and types can also be used as intelligent sensors, provided that they have the ability to self-diagnose.

List of reference symbols

1

Vending machine

2

casing

3

inner space

4th

Commodity products

5

Front

6th

Pane of glass

7th

Goods compartments

9

Output device

10

Control device

11

Display

12

intelligent sensor, temperature sensor

13

intelligent sensor, proximity sensor

14th

intelligent sensor, level sensor

15th

Control device

16

(IO-Link) master

20th

IO-Link sensor

21st

IO-Link interface

22nd

Diagnostic facility

23

Communication facility

24

Output device

25th

Error signal

S1 - S5

Procedural steps

Claims (13)

Vending or reverse vending machine (1), with at least one intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) which is designed to detect a measured variable, the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) also having: - A communication interface (21) which is designed such that the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) is communicatively coupled to a communication participant (15, 16) external to the sensor, - A sensor-integrated diagnostic device (22) which is designed to additionally detect and analyze at least one intrinsic state of the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20), and - A communication device (23) which is designed to display information based on the detected and analyzed intrinsic state via a sensor output device (24) and / or to forward it to the communication participant external to the sensor via the communication interface (21). Vending or reverse vending machine (1) after a Claim 1 , characterized in that the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) is designed as an IO-Link based sensor (20) which has an IO-Link interface (21) via which the IO-Link based sensor (20) can be coupled to an IO-Link master (16). Vending or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) as a temperature sensor, optoelectronic sensor, proximity sensor, level sensor, weight sensor, transmission sensor, pattern recognition sensor, speed or acceleration sensor, and / or touch-sensitive sensor is formed. Vending machine or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor-integrated diagnostic device (22) is designed to detect and analyze at least one of the following intrinsic states of the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20): electrical defect; - mechnical defect; - degree of pollution; - measurement accuracy; - Risk of failure. Vending machine or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor-integrated diagnostic device (22) is designed to send an error signal (25) after analyzing the detected intrinsic state of the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) generated, provided that the recorded eigenstate indicates an error. Vending machine or return machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor output device (24) is designed as a loudspeaker for outputting an acoustic warning signal. Vending or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor output device (24) is designed as an optical output for outputting an optical warning signal. Vending or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor-external communication participant (15, 16) is a control device (15) of the vending or reverse vending machine (1). Vending or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further communication interface is provided via which a control device (15) of the vending or reverse vending machine (1) can be coupled to an external master (16). Vending or reverse vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) is coupled to the sensor-external communication participant (15, 16) via a point-to-point connection. Method for diagnosing the intrinsic state of at least one intelligent sensor (12, 13, 14, 20) in a vending or reverse vending machine (1), in particular in a vending or reverse vending machine (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , with the steps of: communicative coupling (S1) of at least one intelligent sensor of a vending or reverse vending machine with a sensor-external communication participant; Detecting (S2) an intrinsic state of the intelligent sensor; Analyzing (S3) the detected eigenstate of the intelligent sensor by comparing the detected eigenstate with a predetermined eigenstate setpoint value and by generating an error signal (S4) if the detected eigenstate deviates from the predetermined eigenstate setpoint value by a predetermined value; Output (S5) the error signal to a communication participant external to the sensor. Procedure according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the detection (S2) of the Self-state of the intelligent sensor and / or the analysis (S3) of the detected self-state of the intelligent sensor can be carried out by the intelligent sensor itself. Procedure according to Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the error signal is also displayed on a display device of the sensor.

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