DE202018004258U1 - Vending Machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Goods vending machine (10) for dispensing goods (15),
with a housing (11) which has a flat recess (17) in a front region, and
with a windshield device (16) which is embedded in the recess (17) of the housing (11) and which is designed to show an outsider the goods (15) mounted in a housing interior (14), wherein the windshield device ( 16) has an LCD display (32) and a controllable LCD panel (33), wherein the LCD panel (33) in the initial state is milky opaque and is transparent in a controlled state.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a Warenverkaufs- automat.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Vending machines or short vending machines have long been used for the sale of food, beverages, cigarettes or other items. Vending machines are usually set up in high traffic venues in order to offer the goods stored in vending machines to the largest possible number of potential customers, thereby increasing sales success. Modern vending machines have a transparent front panel so that the customer can see the goods stored therein. However, these transparent panels expose the stored goods to sunlight and other environmental conditions. Such a vending machine is for example in the DE 10 2012 202 942 A1 described.

The international patent application WO 2017/151934 A1 describes a vending machine, in which a transparent OLED display is integrated in the door frame of the front door. This vending machine may include a controller that alters the transparency level of the transparent OLED display and controls the content displayed thereon. By means of the transparent OLED display, the customer can view the products stored in the vending machine as well as graphic content such as videos and pictures. The transparent display can also be set to various levels of opacity to control the exposure of the stored products to sunlight and other environmental conditions.

The problem is that means of such trained displays the representation of images with white elements, such as white lines or white areas, not or only blurred possible. This is accompanied by the fact that the operator of such a vending machine is thus significantly limited in its freedom of design.

This is a condition that needs to be avoided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention has for its object to provide a so far improved vending machine.

This object is achieved by a vending machine with the features of claim 1 protection.

Accordingly, a vending machine for visually offering, selling and dispensing goods is provided, comprising a housing which has a flat recess in a front region, and with a windshield device which is flush embedded or integrated in the recess of the housing and which is designed such to show an outsider the stored inside the housing goods, the windshield device has a preferably transparent LCD display and arranged thereon, preferably also transparent controllable LCD panel, the LCD panel is formed in the initial state milky opaque and transparent in a controlled state ,

The idea underlying the present invention is an existing LCD display, which is provided in a vending machine, for example, as a touch screen in the windshield, with a white, milky white or white light emitting (or emitting, emitting or reflecting) LCD Pair the panel. In this way, images displayed by means of the LCD display, videos, or the like can be output color proof. In particular, bright, white or almost white areas can be reproduced. Overall, very color-fast and high-contrast images can be displayed via the LCD display. By controlling the LCD panel, it is very easy to switch it on and off again. When switched on, the LCD panel is then transparent, allowing it to look into the interior of the vending machine and the goods stored there.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the other dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the LCD display is designed as a touch screen and thus forms a user input device. Thus, by means of the touch screen, manual user input can be made, such as merchandise selection, payment requests, information requests, etc. Thus, the vending machine can dispense with a mechanical input device, such as a keyboard, which is sometimes prone to error or destructive. The LCD display can also show, depending on the situation, advertising and / or user guidance that is suitable for which of the machine users Purchase request can and can request a product.

Preferably, the LCD panel is designed as a switchable LCD film or switchable LCD glass. In one embodiment, the LCD panel is a LCD film that is glued to the outer pane of the machine front windshield. For example, as a switchable LCD film, a high-quality liquid-crystal plastic film can be used, which is electro-coated on both sides and laminated between two polyester films. Switchable LCD glass can consist of a liquid crystal film, which is electrically conductive coated on both sides. This liquid crystal film is then z. B. laminated by means of two EVA layers between two glass sheets, which are connected to a power source. When the circuit is closed, the LCD glass or LCD film turns from milky white to transparent (transparent) and turns milky white when the circuit is interrupted. It would also be conceivable to use a reverse function, that is transparent with the circuit switched off.

At least one control device is provided for controlling the function of the LCD display and / or the LCD panel. This control device in a vending machine has at least one device controller in addition to a display controller for controlling the function of the LCD display and a panel controller for controlling the function of the LCD panel. The device controller controls the general function of the vending machine, such as goods issue, energy management, cooling, indoor and outdoor lighting, payment management, telematics and communication, other optical or acoustic output devices, sensors, etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, all control functions, ie the function of the display controller, the panel controller and the device controller, are implemented in a single central controller. This makes the control architecture of the vending machine particularly simple and inexpensive. It would also be conceivable, however, not to cumulate all but at least some control tasks into one central controller.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device is coupled to the controllable LCD panel and adapted to switch the LCD panel in a first operating mode in which the LCD panel emits at least partially white light or milky white is emitted. In the first operating mode, therefore, by mixing in white light, color-fast images, displays, backgrounds, lettering can be reproduced. Additionally or alternatively, the controller controls the LCD panel in a second mode of operation so that the LCD panel is transparent. In the second operating mode, the LCD panel is switched off or darkened, so that the stored inside the case goods can be seen better from the outside and / or the customer is not dazzled.

In a particularly preferred development, the control device is designed to vary the illuminance and / or the illumination intensity of the LCD panel, or portions thereof, in the first operating mode. This can be used to generate appropriate ads. In addition, it also allows environmental conditions, e.g. Depending on the location of the vending machine, time of day, sunshine, etc., be accommodated by the illumination intensity or intensity are adjusted as needed to these conditions.

In a further embodiment, the control device switches the LCD panel into the first operating mode when the LCD display is controlled into an input mode, idle mode and / or a display mode. In this case, the display of the LCD display is superimposed by the white light emitted from the LCD panel.

In an additional or alternative refinement, the control device switches the LCD panel into the first or second operating mode when a user input, in particular an actuation of the touch screen, takes place via the input device. For example, the LCD panel is switched to transparent if the situation requires the insight into the vending machines or at least makes sense. User inputs via the touch screen are then possible in the first and second two modes of operation and also useful. In addition, a so-called "sleep mode" could be provided, in which the LCD panel is intransparent and the LCD display, for example, displays advertising or the like over a large area. Switching is then by means of the touch screen or a suitable sensor device, such as a proximity sensor.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sensor device coupled to the control device is provided. The sensor device is designed to recognize a potential user of the vending machine. For this purpose, the sensor device can have a distance sensor which is designed to detect a person coming closer. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device may also have a motion sensor.

Preferably, the control means is adapted to switch the LCD panel in the second operating mode, if over the Sensor device has been detected in front of the vending machine potential potential users and this is to be granted the view into the interior of the vending machine.

A development of the invention provides that the control device switches the LCD panel into the second operating mode when the sensor device has detected an approaching or moving person. Additionally or alternatively, the control device may be provided for switching the LCD panel into the first operating mode when the sensor device recognizes a person who is moving away or about a person who is not moving. Thus, advantageously, a sensor-controlled automatic activation and deactivation of the LCD panel and preferably also of the touch screen can be realized.

In a further development, a lighting device is provided, which is designed to illuminate the windshield device, so as to allow an even better color reproduction. The lighting device can also be arranged and aligned to additionally or alternatively illuminate the goods arranged in the housing interior.

In a very elegant and also energy-saving manner, a lighting device formed from LED strips is preferably used. These LED strips are arranged at least in sections (and preferably fully) on an inner front region of the housing around the recess and / or around the goods stored in the housing interior. By means of this illumination device, windshield device or its LCD display and LCD panel can be backlit from the side.

The housing of the vending machine has a front openable and preferably also a swung forward to the front door. The windshield device is mounted in a circumferential frame running around the recess in the housing door, for example by being clamped flush in the frame and / or sealed.

In a preferred embodiment, the LCD panel is disposed inside the housing between the LCD display and stored goods, i. it is based on a customer standing in front of the vending machine area behind the LCD display and arranged parallel to this. The LCD panel, which may be formed for example as LCD film, is thus protected from the outside. It is particularly preferred if the LCD panel is applied directly behind the LCD display on a rear surface of the LCD display directly on this.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. Further possible refinements, 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.

list of figures

• 1 eine frontale Draufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten;
• 2 eine Explosionsdarstellung der Fronttür des Verkaufsautomaten mit erfindungsgemäßer Scheibeneinrichtung;
• 3 ein Blockschaltbild zur Darstellung der elektrischen Komponenten des Verkaufsautomaten.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawings. It shows:

• 1 a frontal plan view of a vending machine according to the invention;
• 2 an exploded view of the front door of the vending machine with inventive disc device;
• 3 a block diagram illustrating the electrical components of the vending machine.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

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

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a frontal plan view of a erfindungsbemäßen vending machine.

In 1 is with reference numerals 10 generally a vending machine for dispensing goods, such as bottles and cans of various shapes, sizes, designs and liquid capacity, shown. The vending machine 10 includes an outer closed, cabinet-like housing 11 which is typically over joints 12 on this case 11 hinged front door 13 includes. The front door 13 and the case 11 together enclose a housing interior 14 in which the goods to be sold 15 are stored in a suitable manner and in which the control and cooling functions of the vending machine 10 as well as possibly further vending machine functions are accommodated.

In the present embodiment, the front door comprises 13 a disk device according to the invention 16 , This disc device 16 , whose structure and function will be described in detail below, is designed as at least partially transparent glass door or clear plastic disc. If the front door 13 is closed, the disc means 16 give a potential customer such an insight into the interior 14 of the vending machine 10 and thus on the goods stored there 15 allow. The disk device 16 is in a corresponding recess 17 the front door 13 assembled.

In the area of the front door 13 Furthermore, an input device is provided, by means of which the customer can enter, for example, a goods selection. This input device can be designed for example as a touch screen, which is part of the disk device 16 is, and / or as a separate keyboard 26 on the housing 11 or the enclosure door 13 be arranged.

Furthermore, a locking device 18 for locking the vending machine 10 intended. The locking device 18 allows the front door 13 for the purpose of maintenance, filling of the vending machine 10 and the like can be safely opened and closed.

The vending machine 10 Also includes a merchandise dispensing opening or tray 19 from which a sold commodity product 15 is removable from a buyer.

The vending machine 10 has a variety arraymäßig in the interior 14 arranged goods compartments 20 on. In this case, a plurality of juxtaposed goods compartments form 20 a product line 21 , where several product lines 21 are arranged one above the other. The individual goods compartments 20 show in 1 each the same size, which is not absolutely necessary. Rather, it may even be advantageous if some, several or all goods compartments 20 in their compartment width, compartment height and / or compartment depth are variably adjustable, so in this way the respective goods compartments 20 Goods of different types, weight, shape and size can accommodate.

For the removal of commodity products 15 from the different goods subjects 20 may be a dedicated collection facility 22 be provided. This removal facility 22 is between front door 13 and goods compartments 20 for example, in the x-direction 27 and y-direction 28 movable, preferably in the z-direction, and thus can be moved to any goods compartment position. This is done via a not shown here, in each case in x / y-direction variably movable transport device to which the removal device 22 is attached. This transport device may for example contain guide rails.

In a known manner is also a money input device 23 and a money-return facility 24 available.

Inside the vending machine 10 can an in 1 Not shown lighting device may be provided. This lighting device can be designed, for example, to be in the housing interior 14 arranged goods 15 to illuminate. In addition, the lighting device may also be arranged and aligned to the windscreen device 16 to backlight.

Finally, in the case 11 a sensor 25 intended. This sensor 25 can be designed as a proximity sensor, motion sensor, face recognition sensor, gesture recognition sensor, light sensor, etc.

2 shows an exploded view of the front door 13 of the vending machine 10 with inventive disk device 16 ,

The front door 13 is formed in two parts and comprises a base part 30 and a panel 31 , The panel part 31 is at the base part 30 fastened in a suitable manner. The disk device 16 is in the recess of the housing door 13 between the base part 30 and the visor part 31 arranged and is fixed by them to a certain extent. The disk device 16 includes an LCD display 32 as well as a transparent LCD panel 33 , which is behind the LCD display 32 is arranged. The LCD display 32 is designed here as a touch screen and thus forms in a conventional manner a manual input device of the vending machine 10 , The LCD display 32 For example, a 55-inch screen with a resolution of 1080x1920, but other display sizes and resolutions would be conceivable. The LCD panel 33 is designed as a switchable LCD film or LCD glass. According to the invention, the LCD panel 33 formed in a controlled state to represent white color. The LCD display 32 is preferably a color display.

3 shows a block diagram illustrating the electrical components of the vending machine 10 ,

The vending machine 10 has a central energy supply 40 on. This energy supply 40 , which may be, for example, a low-voltage DC, supplies all the electrical components of the vending machine 10 , In this case, it can be provided that the DC voltage provided by the power supply is in each case further boosted or stepped down according to the requirements of the respective electrical components. The central energy supply 40 For example, it may be a rechargeable local energy source, for example a fuel cell or an accumulator. Preferably, the central power supply 40 fed via a network connection with an AC line voltage, which is then transformed by the power source into the low-voltage DC voltage.

To control the general functions of the vending machine 10 is a VMC controller 41 (VMC = Virtual Mobility Controller) provided, which controls in particular the goods issue. Next to it is the VMC controller 41 also be provided for the energy management, cooling, lighting, payment management, etc. of the vending machine 10 to control.

The function of the disc device 16 with the designed as a touch screen LCD display 32 and the transparent LCD panel 33 is for example via an LCD controller 42 controlled.

In addition, another control device 43 provided, which may be, for example, a central computing device or a personal computer (PC). By means of this further control device 43 can both the function of the LCD display 32 as well as the LCD panel 33 to be controlled. For example, a suitable program can be installed in order to use the LCD display 32 and the LCD panel 33 to display suitable pictures or to play videos. Also, in the control device 43 the corresponding operating modes of the disk device 16 be programmed.

• - Das LCD Paneel 33 wird in einen Betriebsmodus geschaltet, bei dem das LCD Paneel 33 weißes Licht abgibt oder ausstrahlt oder einfach weiß ist. Dies kann zum Beispiel dann geschehen, wenn das LCD Display 32 in einen Eingabemodus und/oder einen Anzeigemodus gesteuert wird, beispielsweise wenn ein Kunde den Touch-Screen betätigt. Denkbar wäre jedoch auch eine umgekehrte Funktionsweise.
• - Das LCD Paneel 33 wird in einen Betriebsmodus geschaltet, bei dem das LCD Paneel 33 transparent ist. Dies kann zum Beispiel dann geschehen, wenn über eine Eingabeeinrichtung eine Nutzereingabe, insbesondere eine Betätigung des Touch-Screens, erfolgt.
• - Ein Umschalten der eben genannten beiden Betriebsmodi kann vorzugsweise automatisch erfolgen, wenn z. B. eine Sensoreinrichtung 25 eine sich nähernde oder sich entfernende Person erkannt hat.
• - Die Beleuchtungsstärke und/oder die Beleuchtungsintensität des LCD Paneels 33 wird variiert.
• - In einem energie-sparenden Ruhemodus sind die beiden eben genannten Betriebsmodi ausgeschaltet. In diesem Fall ist das LCD Paneel 33 zum Beispiel milchig oder milchig weiß.

The following operating modes would be conceivable, for example:

• - The LCD panel 33 is switched to an operating mode in which the LCD panel 33 white light emits or emits or is simply white. This can happen, for example, when the LCD display 32 is controlled in an input mode and / or a display mode, for example, when a customer presses the touch screen. Conceivable, however, would also be a reverse operation.
• - The LCD panel 33 is switched to an operating mode in which the LCD panel 33 is transparent. This can happen, for example, if an input device is used to input the user, in particular an actuation of the touch screen.
• - Switching the above two modes of operation can preferably be done automatically when z. B. a sensor device 25 an approaching or withdrawing person has recognized.
• - The illuminance and / or the illumination intensity of the LCD panel 33 is varied.
• - In an energy-saving sleep mode, the two operating modes just mentioned are switched off. In this case, the LCD panel 33 for example, milky or milky white.

It would be conceivable the function of the LCD controller 42 , the VMC controller 41 and the controller 43 to implement in a single controller or a single program controlled computing device.

The control devices 41 . 42 . 43 , the disc device 16 and the lighting device 44 are supplied with energy via the central energy supply.

In the context of the present invention, a milky or white light emitting LCD panel means that the light is output from the LCD panel in some way, which also involves reflecting the light. Typically and preferably, the LCD panel itself does not generate any light and thus does not emit any milky or white light in the true sense of the word "radiating out", but instead reflects the light, which is usually radiated laterally by a light source. This light generated by the lateral light source is usually controlled by the machine control system in a situation-dependent manner in addition to the normal machine or product lighting, ie switched on and off. Preferably, this additional light is turned on when the LCD panel is opaque, and optionally turned off or switched off weaker when the LCD panel is transparent.

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

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

(Goods) vending machine

11

Housing, cabinet

12

joints

13

front door

14

(Housing) interior

15

Goods, goods products

16

disk means

17

recess

18

locking device

19

output tray

20

were trade

21

Were trade rows

22

Unloader

23

Money input device

24

return device

25

Sensor, sensor device

26

keyboard

27

x-direction

28

y-direction

30

base

31

visor part

32

LCD display, touch screen

33

LCD panel

40

power supply

41

VMC controller, device controller

42

LCD controller, LCD display controller

43

Control device, LCD panel controller

44

lighting device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102012202942 A1 [0002]
• WO 2017/151934 A1 [0003]

Claims (18)

Goods vending machine (10) for dispensing goods (15), with a housing (11) which has a flat recess (17) in a front region, and with a windshield device (16) which is embedded in the recess (17) of the housing (11) and which is designed to show an outsider the goods (15) mounted in a housing interior (14), wherein the windshield device ( 16) has an LCD display (32) and a controllable LCD panel (33), wherein the LCD panel (33) in the initial state is milky opaque and is transparent in a controlled state. Goods vending machine after Claim 1 , characterized in that the LCD display (32) has a trained as a touch screen user input device. Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LCD panel (33) as a switchable LCD film (33) or LCD glass (33) is formed. Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control device (41, 42, 43) for controlling the function of the LCD display (32) and / or the LCD panel (33) is provided. Goods vending machine after Claim 4 characterized in that the control means (41, 42, 43) comprises: - a display controller (42) for controlling the operation of the LCD display (32); - a panel controller (43) for controlling the operation of the LCD panel (33); - A device controller (41) for controlling the general function of the vending machine (10), such as goods issue, energy management, cooling, lighting, payment management. Goods vending machine after Claim 5 , characterized in that the function of the display controller (42), the panel controller (43) and the device controller (41) is implemented in a single controller (41, 42, 43). Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device (41, 42, 43) is provided, which is coupled to the controllable LCD panel (33) and which is adapted to the LCD panel (33) in a first operating mode switch, in which the LCD panel (33) at least partially emits white light or milky white, or to switch the LCD panel (33) in a second operating mode in which the LCD panel (33) is transparent. Goods vending machine after Claim 7 , characterized in that the control device (41, 42, 43) is adapted to vary in the first operating mode, the illuminance and / or the illumination intensity of the LCD panel (33). Goods vending machine according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th characterized in that the control means (41, 42, 43) is adapted to switch the LCD panel (33) to the first operating mode when the LCD display (32) is controlled in an input mode, sleep mode and / or a display mode , Goods vending machine according to one of the Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that the control device (41, 42, 43) is adapted to switch the LCD panel (33) in the first or operating mode when via the input device, a user input, in particular an operation of the touch screen, takes place. Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor device (25) is provided, which is designed to recognize a potential user of the vending machine (10). Goods vending machine according to one of the Claims 7 to 11 , characterized in that the control device (41, 42, 43) is adapted to switch the LCD panel (33) in the second operating mode, when detected via the sensor device (25) before the vending machine (10) potential user and that the view into the inside of the vending machine (10) is to be granted. Goods vending machine after Claim 12 characterized in that the control means (41, 42, 43) is adapted to switch the LCD panel (33) to the second operating mode when the sensor means (25) has detected an approaching person and / or the LCD panel (33) to switch to the first operating mode when the sensor device (25) detects a person leaving. Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lighting device (44) is provided, which is adapted to illuminate the in the housing interior (14) arranged goods (15) and / or the windscreen device (16). Goods vending machine after Claim 14 , characterized in that the illumination device (44) has at least one LED strip which at least in sections on an inner front region of the housing (11) around the recess (17) around and / or around the housing interior (14) stored goods (15 ) is arranged around. Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (11) has a front openable housing door (13), wherein the front window device (16) in a in the housing door (13) around the recess (17) extending circumferential frame is mounted. Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LCD panel (33) is arranged on the housing side between the LCD display (32) and stored goods (15). Goods vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LCD panel (33) is applied directly behind the LCD display (32) on a rear surface of the LCD display (32).

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