EP1981006A2 - Vending station - Google Patents

Abstract

The sales station has a base, which contains a vending machine. The base has a wide, flat rear wall to install sales station on a flat installation wall. The sales station is also provided with two circle-arc-shaped side panels in the cross section, which are attached at the base. The rear wall of the base is formed rectangular in shape. The panels are made of hard plastic, which is of polycarbonate.

Description

The present invention relates to a sales station, and more particularly to a beverage station adapted for dispensing drinks to customers.

There are beverage stations known in which a vending machine - such. B. a coffee machine - is arranged in a box-shaped or cuboid housing. The housing has a flat rear wall, with which the beverage station can be placed against a Anstellwand or attached to this. Furthermore, such a beverage station on two side walls and a front wall. In the front wall controls are arranged, as well as a recess into which a cup or the like can be placed for receiving the dispensed drink.

The side walls as well as the front wall, which is not used for the control panel, are frequently used for advertising motifs. For example, these surfaces can be covered with foils or the like. The representable motifs, however, are limited in their extent. So it is not possible to represent advertising motifs, which are larger in size than the side walls in their extent. Furthermore, a suitable illumination of these attached to the walls motifs is problematic. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a sales station to provide, which has a larger, usable for advertising motifs outer surface.

According to the invention this object is achieved by the device specified in claim 1.

• einem Grundkörper, welcher einen Verkaufsautomaten beinhaltet, wobei der Grundkörper eine großflächige, ebene Rückwand zum Aufstellen der Verkaufsstation an eine ebene Aufstellwand aufweist, und
• mindestens zwei im Querschnitt kreisbogenförmige Seitenpaneele, welche am Grundkörper angebracht sind.

Accordingly, a sales station, in particular a beverage station, provided for placement on a footprint, with:

• a base body, which includes a vending machine, wherein the main body has a large, flat rear wall for setting up the sales station to a flat Aufstellwand, and
• at least two in cross-section arcuate side panels which are attached to the base body.

The idea underlying the invention is to provide a sales station with a substantially cylindrical housing (ie a substantially cylindrical outer surface), which is cut to its rear side, and thus provided with a flat rear wall. A significant advantage resulting from the arrangement according to the invention is that the usable for advertising motifs outer surface of the sales station is increased. At the same time the sales station is provided with a large flat rear wall, so that it can be placed on a wall and secured at several points to this.

The rear wall of the main body may be rectangular, wherein the shorter sides of the rectangular rear wall are arranged parallel to the footprint and the longer sides of the rectangular rear wall perpendicular to the footprint. Such an upright arrangement of the sales station allows a space-saving arrangement.

The side panels may each have two mutually parallel straight longitudinal edges and two, the longitudinal edges connecting circular arc-shaped transverse edges, the base body may have on its side walls fastening elements which are arranged perpendicular to the footprint, and the longitudinal edges of the second panels may be attached to the fastening elements.

Between the base body and the at least two side panels can be defined in each case a gap, in each of which at least one holder for a lighting device (a light source) is arranged. Thus, a lighting device can be provided behind the side panels, which illuminates the side panels, or the advertising motif provided on them from behind.

The brackets can be designed in particular for the reception of fluorescent tubes. Thus, a cost-effective illumination of the advertising motifs on the side panels can be achieved.

The side panels may each have a frame in which a large-scale panel made of hard plastic, such as polycarbonate, is inserted.

For example, two anchoring elements for anchoring the sales station to the erection wall can be provided on the rear wall. The anchoring elements may be formed, for example, as an angle elements or the like.

Furthermore, a cross-sectionally circular rear panel may be provided, which is attached to the rear wall. In this case, the sales station, instead of being attached to the rear wall with the rear wall, can be freestanding Room can be set up. The rear panel connects to the side panels, so that an even larger, usable for advertising motifs outside surface can be realized. In this case, lighting means may be provided in the space defined between the rear wall and the rear panel in a similar manner.

An operating area for operating the sales station and for the delivery of goods can be arranged on the side facing away from the rear wall, ie on the front side. This operating area can in particular have a control panel for selecting and displaying the goods offered, as well as a credit system for payment processing.

The sales station can be set up, for example, for the dispensing of drinks, wherein a refrigerated container for receiving and cooling liquids (water, milk or the like) can be provided below the operating area. In this case, the refrigerated container may have a circular arc-shaped outwardly curved outer surface. Advantageously, closes in this case, the curvature of the outer wall of the refrigerated container seamlessly to the curvature of the side panels, so that an even greater usable in particular for coherent advertising motifs outer surface is achieved.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht einer als Getränkestation ausgebildeten Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 2

eine Rückansicht der Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 3

eine linke Seitenansicht der Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 4

eine rechte Seitenansicht der Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf die Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische, auseinandergezogene schematische Ansicht der Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht auf die Verkaufsstation ohne Abdeckung;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Ansicht des Bedienfeldes sowie der Becherspender;

Fig. 10

eine schematische Frontansicht der Verkaufsstation;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsstation.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the schematic figures of the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It show here:

Fig. 1

a front view of a trained as a beverage station sales station;

Fig. 2

a rear view of the sales station;

Fig. 3

a left side view of the sales station;

Fig. 4

a right side view of the sales station;

Fig. 5

a top view of the sales station;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the sales station;

Fig. 7

a perspective, exploded schematic view of the sales station;

Fig. 8

a top view of the sales station without cover;

Fig. 9

a schematic view of the control panel and the cup dispenser;

Fig. 10

a schematic front view of the sales station;

Fig. 11

a perspective view of another embodiment of a sales station according to the invention.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally identical elements, features and signals.

The following is based on the attached Fig. 1-10 an exemplary embodiment of a sales station according to the invention described.

The illustrated sales station 1 is designed as a beverage station, which is designed for dispensing drinks against the acceptance of payment means.

Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a sales station 1 according to an embodiment of the invention and an optional supplementary element in the form of a back panel 4c. A base body 2 is substantially - box-shaped or cuboid and has a rear wall 3a, side walls 3b and 3c, the rear wall 3a and the side walls 3b and 3c interconnecting cover 3d, and a non-illustrated, the rear wall 3a and the side walls 3b and 3c connecting ground on. Overall, the base body 2 is thus designed as a front open cuboid. On its underside, the base body 2 can be mounted as shown on adjustable foot elements.

Within the main body 2, a fully automatic beverage machine is arranged with the associated control.

At the front of the main body 2, a service console 50 is arranged. The service console 50 has an inwardly curved wall 51, in which a (explained in more detail below) control panel 10 and cup dispensers 20a - 20d are arranged. At the lower end of the wall 51, an outwardly curved center panel 52 is provided. The center panel 52 is bounded rearwardly by a support 53 on which cups for receiving a drink can be placed. In addition to the control panel 10, a credit system 30 is arranged, which has a Münzeinwurf 31 and a bill accepting slot 39 (see the Fig. 10 ) or a device for receiving credit cards, prepaid cards or the like. A coin return tray 41 is disposed in the center panel 52. At the back of the service console rails 54 are fixed, which are mounted in brackets 55 which are provided in the base body 2. The rails 54 are displaceable relative to the holders 55, so that the service console 50 are pulled out of the main body 2 can. When pulled out, maintenance of the beverage station (ie, for example, removal of accumulated coins, cleaning or the like) is possible.

Below the service console 50, a refrigerated container 40 is provided, which is also mounted by means of rails in the base body and can be pulled out of the main body 2. Also, this refrigerated container 40 is covered with an outwardly curved Kühlcontainerpaneel 55, on which an advertising motif can be applied. The refrigerated container 40 is used to hold and cool liquids for beverage preparation, such. As milk. It is connected via a suitable (not shown in detail) hose system with the provided in the base body 2 fully automatic beverage, so that the liquid contained in the refrigerated container can be used for fully automatic beverage machines for the preparation of drinks.

On the side walls 3b and 3c of the main body 2, two holders 8 are provided for lighting or lighting devices. These brackets 8 are used to hold, for example, about one meter long fluorescent tubes. The brackets (and thus the bulbs) are arranged slightly angled relative to the vertical, so that a favorable illumination, so a good light distribution over the entire surface of the overlying side panels 4a and 4b results. In the illustrated embodiment, each provided on a side wall brackets 8 are arranged at an angle to each other, but they can also be arranged parallel to each other. The total height of the sales station can be, for example 190 cm, so that it is easy to operate when placing on a floor surface.

In a first configuration of the sales station 1 are side panels 4a and 4b on the side walls 3b and 3c of Sales station 1 arranged, whereas the rear wall 3a of the base body 2 remains free. This configuration is for example in the Fig. 1 - 6 shown. In this configuration, the rear wall 3a remains free, so that the sales station can be placed in a space-saving manner to a flat Aufstellwand, and optionally attached to it. As in the plan view in Fig. 5 shown, the main body 2 and the side panels 4 a and 4 b are covered with a cover 6.

The side panels 4a and 4b comprise a frame, which has two vertical struts and a circular segment-shaped bottom element and a circular segment-shaped ceiling element. This frame can be made, for example, as a metal frame (eg of aluminum). In this frame, a large-scale panel made of hard plastic is inserted. When not pushed in, the hard plastic panel is essentially flat (ie without buckling). The hard plastic panel is rectangular and has a thickness of about 3 mm. By inserting into the frame, the hard plastic panel is provided with a predetermined curvature. The hard plastic panel may be coated with a self-adhesive film from behind (ie on the side facing the main body 2). Due to this self-adhesive film, a large-scale advertising motif can be made visible to the outside.

On the base body 2 fasteners 57 are provided, which are formed in the present example as perforated strips. Also on the side panels 4a and 4b corresponding fasteners (perforated strips) 58 are provided. By screwing the perforated strips 57 on the base body 2 with the perforated strips 58 on the side panels 4 a and 4 b, the side panels 4 a and 4 b are secured to the base body 2. Thus, the results in the Fig. 1 -6 illustrated arrangement.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the outdoor area of the point of sale that can be used for advertising motifs is enlarged. Furthermore, the curvature of the center panel 52 and the Kühlcontainerpaneels 55 seamlessly connects to the curvature of the side panels 4a and 4b. In other words, the panels 4a, 4b, 52 and 55 have the same degree of curvature. Thus, it is possible to provide an advertising motif which extends beyond the side panels 4a and 4b and extends to the panels 5, 52 or 55. In particular, lettering can extend over these various panels, the constant curvature ensuring that such a logo is easy to read. Due to the substantially cylindrical shape of the sales station, an advantageous ratio between floor space and usable advertising space is further realized.

A further advantage of the illustrated embodiment is that the advertising motifs provided on the side panels can be illuminated by the illuminants provided in the holders 8. Thus, a favorable lighting can be realized by a very simple construction. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the panels are coated from the inside with a self-adhesive film. The motif on the foil is thus protected by the panels, and can not easily be scraped or damaged.

Furthermore, the sales station can be placed with its flat rear wall on a flat Aufstellwand, and optionally with fastening means (eg mounting brackets) attached thereto. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange two sales stations back to back to each other. In this case, the respective rear walls 3a of the two sales stations 1 against each other, and the two sales stations can be placed freely in the room in this arrangement. With such an arrangement can by the juxtaposed side panels an even larger continuous advertising space can be achieved.

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a further embodiment of a sales station. In this embodiment, a rear panel 4c is attached to the rear wall 3a. The rear panel 4c is also fastened to the rear wall 3a with corresponding fastening means 57 and 58. The rear panel preferably has the same degree of curvature as the side panels 4a and 4b. Thus, the outer surface of the sales station 1 is supplemented to a substantially cylindrical surface (apart from the recess in the control panel 50). By merging into each other curvatures of the side panels 4a, 4b and the back panel 4c, an even larger usable for advertising contiguous area can be achieved. In this arrangement, the sales station 1 is typically not placed against a wall but placed freely in the room.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the sales station. In this embodiment, a cylindrical attachment 60 is placed on the base body 2, wherein the cylindrical attachment 60, the cylindrical shape of the sales station 1 continues or extended. Also, this cylindrical cap 60 may be made of internally coated polycarbonate, and may also be suitably illuminated from the inside. Thus, the available advertising space can be further increased.

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the arranged on the front of the sales station 1 control panel 10. On the control panel 10 a plurality of product display panels 14 are arranged, which display the available products. Below the product display panels 14 two control buttons 13a and 13b are arranged in each case. In the present Examples are offered as products coffee specialties, which are each offered in two different sizes (ie delivery quantities). The delivery quantities do not have to be identical for all product types. For example, a "coffee latte" product of the order of medium and large sizes may be offered, and an "espresso" product of the order of small and medium size may be offered. Centrally located on the control panel is a display 11, which may be formed for example as an LCD display. Below the display 11, a spout 12 (dispensing dispenser) is arranged, from which the beverage prepared by the drinks dispenser is provided. Below this outlet 12, the support 53 is arranged so that a cup 70 can be placed below the outlet 12 on the support 53.

To the left of the control panel 10 cup dispensers 20a, 20b and 20c are arranged. These cup dispensers 20a, 20b and 20c provide cups 70a, 70b and 70c of various sizes (eg, large, medium and small). To the cup dispensers 20a, 20b and 20c, a light indicator 25a, 25b and 25c is arranged in each case. The light indicators 25a, 25b and 25c may be formed, for example, as a light emitting diode or the like.

The sales station 1 is further provided with a control unit (not shown in detail), which realizes the following functionality: If a customer presses one of the buttons 13a or 13b to select the displayed on the corresponding product display panel 14 product in the appropriate size, then relevant price displayed on the display 11. At the same time, the illuminated display 25a, 25b or 25c which belongs to the cup size of the selected beverage is turned on. So if the customer selects the product "coffee latte" of the size "big", then the light indicator 25a is turned on around the large cup tumbler dispenser 20a and starts to light up. In this way, the customer is signaled the size of the drink selected by him. Furthermore, it is ensured that the customer does not accidentally select a beverage container (cup), which is too small for the selected beverage. Thus, operability is facilitated, and thus provided an improved man-machine interface.

It is possible that the illuminated display 25a to 25c constantly lit at power. However, the lights can also be designed to flash when turned on, which also draws the customer's attention to the appropriate cup dispenser.

After the customer has removed the appropriate cup from a cup dispenser, the corresponding indicator light can be switched off so that it stops to light up. For this purpose, a sensor can be provided in the cup dispensers 20a to 20c, which emits a corresponding signal to the control unit when a cup is removed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sales station 1 designed as a beverage station furthermore has a recognition system for recognizing a cup 70 placed on the support 53. This detection system may include, for example, light sensors 15a to 15c. The light sensors 15a to 15c each include a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving an optical signal, respectively. The transmitter may for example be designed as an infrared transmitter, and the receiver may be formed as a photodiode, which responds to light radiation in the frequency spectrum of the light emitted by the transmitter. If now near the Transmitter a reflective object, such. As a cup 70, is placed, then this object reflects the light beam emitted by the transmitter, so that an increased amount of light impinges on the receiver. This received light is converted by the receiver into an electromagnetic signal which is amplified, supplied to the control unit, and evaluated by the latter.

In the in Fig. 9 illustrated embodiment, three light sensors 15a, 15b and 15c are provided. These light sensors are arranged at different heights below the outlet 12. The light sensor 15c is arranged below the upper edge of a placed on the support 53 small cup 70c. The light sensor 15b is arranged above the upper edge of a small cup 70c resting on the support 53, but below the upper edge of a medium-sized cup 70b placed on the support 53. The light sensor 15a is arranged below the upper edge of a cup 70a placed on the support 53, but above the upper edge of a medium-sized cup 70b placed on the support 53.

With the aid of these three light sensors 15a to 15c, it is possible to determine whether a cup 70 is placed on the support 53 below the spout 12. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the size of a cup 70 placed on the support 53.

If none of the light sensors 15a to 15c registers an object on the tray 53 below the spout 12, then the control unit concludes that no tray 70 has been placed on the tray 53. If only the light button 15c registers an object on the tray 53 below the spout 12, then the control unit concludes that a small cup 70c has been placed on the tray 53. If the light sensors 15b and 15c are an object register on the support 53 below the spout 12 and the light sensor 15a registers no such object, then the control unit concludes that a medium cup 70b has been placed on the support 53 below the spout 12. If all three light scanners 15a to 15c register an object on the support 53, then it can be concluded that a large beaker 70a has been placed on the support 53 below the spout 12.

With these light buttons 15a - 15c, it is possible to prevent discharge of a drink into a cup unsuitable for it. This is ensured by the following operating sequence:

A customer selects a drink by operating one of the control buttons 13a and 13b. The purchase price is displayed on the display 11, and at the same time, the corresponding indicator lights 25a, 25b and 25c light up. After paying the purchase price, the customer removes a cup from one of the cup dispensers 20a, 20b and 20c and places the cup on the support 53. The dispensing process of the selected beverage can now be activated, for example, by means of a (not shown) confirmation button. At this time, the illuminated keys 15a, 15b and 15c are activated, and in the manner described above, determine the size of the cup placed on the tray 53.

If the controller now determines that the placed on the support 53 cup 70 is not suitable for receiving the selected beverage, so if z. For example, if a small cup 70c has been placed, even though a large beverage has been selected, then sales station 1 will provide a visual or audible feedback to the customer requesting it to replace the cup. For example, the arranged around the large cup dispenser 20a Luminous device 25a are made to flash, so as to signal to the customer that a large cup 70a for receiving the selected drink is needed.

Although the above embodiments have been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, they are not limited thereto but modifiable in a variety of ways.

Thus, for example, it is possible to provide light barriers instead of the light sensors 15a to 15c, wherein mutually associated transmission and reception elements are arranged at opposite ends of the wall 51 at corresponding heights. In this arrangement, a cup 70 placed on the tray 53 interrupts the light beam emitted by the transmitting element.

Furthermore, an embodiment for three cup sizes has been described above. Of course, it is also possible to provide two or even four or more cup sizes.

Furthermore, the above embodiments have been explained with reference to a beverage station. However, the present invention can be applied to sales stations of all kinds.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

sales station

2

body

3a

rear wall

3b, 3c

side walls

3d

cover

4a

side panel

4b

side panel

4c

Back panel

5

front panel

6

cover

8th

Holder for lighting devices

9

footprint

10

Control panel

11

display

12

outlet

13a

Radio buttons

13b

Radio buttons

14

Product display

15a

light sensor

15b

light sensor

15c

light sensor

18

footprint

20a

Beertower

20b

Beertower

20c

Beertower

25a

light display

25b

light display

25c

light display

30

credit system

31

coin

32

Bill acceptor slot

33

coin return

40

refrigerated containers

41

coin return

50

service console

51

wall

52

Mittenpaneel

53

edition

54

rails

55

Kühlcontainerpaneel

57

fastener

58

fastener

60

essay

70a

cups

70b

cups

70c

cups

Claims (12)

Sales station, in particular beverage station, for placement on a footprint, with: - A base body, which includes a vending machine, wherein the main body has a large, flat rear wall for erecting the sales station to a flat Aufstellwand, and - At least two in cross-section arcuate side panels, which are attached to the base body. Sales station according to claim 1,
wherein the rear wall of the base body is rectangular, and wherein the shorter sides of the rectangular rear wall are arranged parallel to the footprint and the longer sides of the rectangular rear wall perpendicular to the footprint. Sales station according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the side panels each have two mutually parallel straight longitudinal edges and two, the longitudinal edges connecting, circular arc-shaped transverse edges;
wherein the base body has on its side walls fastening elements, which are arranged perpendicular to the footprint; and
wherein the longitudinal edges of the side panels are attached to the fasteners. Sales station according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein in each case a gap is defined between the base body and the at least two side panels, in each of which at least one holder for a lighting device is arranged. Sales station according to claim 4,
wherein the brackets are adapted to receive each of a fluorescent tube. Sales station according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the side panels each have a curved frame in which a large-scale panel made of hard plastic is inserted. Sales station according to claim 6,
the hard plastic being polycarbonate. Sales station according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein at least two mutually spaced anchoring elements for anchoring the sales station are provided on the rear wall on the rear wall. A point of sale according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cross-sectionally circular back panel secured to the back wall. Sales station according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein an operating area for operation and goods issue is arranged on the side facing away from the rear wall. Sales station according to claim 10,
the sales station being equipped for dispensing drinks, and
wherein a cooling container for receiving and cooling of liquids is provided below the operating area. Sales station according to claim 11,
wherein the refrigerated container has a circular arc outwardly curved outer panel.

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