WO2008122285A2

WO2008122285A2 - Vending machine for the automated distribution of individual goods

Info

Publication number: WO2008122285A2
Application number: PCT/DE2008/050009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kliment Vidolov
Original assignee: Kliment Vidolov
Priority date: 2007-04-10
Filing date: 2008-04-09
Publication date: 2008-10-16
Also published as: WO2008122285A3; DE112008000939A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a vending machine for the automated distribution of individual goods (2) to a customer, in particular cartons of drink. Said vending machine comprises a storage area (11, 112) in which goods (2) can be stacked one on top of the other from bottom to top, in the form of at least one stack (20), a dispensing area (13) in which the goods (2) are arranged for dispensing to the customer, and a transport device (3) comprising a catching unit (30, 30', 30''). Said catching unit withdraws the goods that are located on top of the stack (20) from the top of the stack (20), and said transport device (3) transports the withdrawn goods (2) to the dispensing area (13). Said invention is characterised by an improved storage area (11, 112) and an optimised transport device (3) by means of which a dispensing area (13) that is located above the storage area (11, 112) and the transport device (3) provides goods (2) to be withdrawn by the customer.

Description

description

Vending machine for automatic output of individual

Buy goods

The invention relates to a vending machine for the automatic issue of individual merchandise, especially beverage cans, to a customer who has a storage area in which merchandise in the form of at least one stack stacked from top to bottom can be arranged.

Furthermore, such a vending machine usually has a conveying device and a dispensing area, wherein the conveying device comprises a gripping unit to remove from above the at least one stack ago a top of the stack located merchandise, and wherein with the conveyor the removed merchandise to the issue area, which provides the merchandise for issue to the customer.

[0002] Various prior art vending machines are known which have the simple aim of selling drinks or packaged food. The operation is very simple and emotionless. The issue area of the purchased goods is usually not in an ergonomic position and does not provide added value or distinctiveness to either customers or operators.

[0002] US Pat. No. 5,240,139 A and US 2003/0136794 A1 disclose vending machines with a gripping unit, which respectively remove the topmost goods of a sales goods stack and release or remove the removed merchandise in an output area. The dispensing area has a dispensing chute over which the merchandise desired by a customer is guided to a dispensing opening in the lower third of the vending machine.

With the present state of the art, the use of a relatively complex control electronics is necessary because the gripping unit must be moved down depending on the height of the sales goods stack. After a product or product has been removed, the height of the stack is defined by the remaining products, and the gripper unit must take into account the changed height of the sales batch on the next removal.

[6] In addition, the illustrated operating principle, i. the output of the desired

Sales item with the help of gravity, only one located below the gripping unit or the entire conveyor dispensing opening. Especially with a smaller (lower) and thus space-saving version of such a vending machine, the dispensing opening or the dispensing area at a height which forces the customer to bend or kneel when removing the merchandise.

Likewise, the replenishment of the vending machine for the operator is only on

To carry out vending machines themselves and in a complex manner.

The following invention therefore has the task of optimizing the usual vending machines. The problem, therefore, is to solve the problems of hitherto known vending machines both for operators of vending machines and for customers.

[9] This task is performed by a vending machine with the characteristics of

Claims 1, 8 and 39 solved. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[10] According to the first aspect of the invention, a vending machine for the automatic dispensing of individual merchandise, in particular beverage cans, to a customer is provided

[11] - a storage area in which merchandise in the form of at least one

Stacks can be arranged stacked on top of each other from bottom to top,

[12] - an issue area where the sale would be made available for issue to the customer, and

[13] - comprises a conveying device having a gripping unit, by means of which from above the stack forth in a defined removal height located on top of the stack merchandise is removed, and wherein the conveyor the removed merchandise is transported to the output area

The vending machine is characterized by the fact that the storage area

Having drive means by means of which, during or after the removal of a merchandise from the at least one stack, the merchandise of the stack arranged underneath are displaced so far upwards that now a top merchandise of the at least one stack is in the removal height.

The vending machine consists essentially of three major areas. The

Sales goods are stored stacked in a storage area, also called 'magazine'. In the magazine, the packaged merchandise are arranged in a regular shape, preferably in a plurality of stacks. Preferably, the goods sold in individual shafts, ie provided with lateral support structures bearing points, stacked. Each shaft has a device that fulfills the function of always keeping the top selling goods to a defined level. When a product is removed, the entire stack is moved upwards. Above the magazine is the second authoritative area of the vending machine, the conveyor area. In this area, the conveyor is moved. She is responsible for the transport of merchandise from the magazine to the output area. The conveyor is able to move to a defined position above a shaft, remove the merchandise from the shaft and transport it through a series of defined movements to a particular dispensing area.

By providing drive means within the storage area or the magazine, with which the sale swarenstapel be brought back after each removal to the defined removal height, the gripping unit must always control only a certain removal level or removal height to the new top To remove the merchandise of a pile.

[17] Advantageously, are arranged below one or more stacks

Platforms that support these, part of the said drive means. These can be used as well as at least one spring, a screw, a cable, a lifting cylinder or a belt drive, which move a stack upwards, ie in the direction of the conveyor. But it is also the arrangement of the stack of goods directly on one of said and optionally controllable drive means conceivable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one spring engages below a stack having such a spring constant that at or after the removal of a top merchandise by the conveyor the at least one stack due to the spring force by exactly the height of the withdrawn sale s would be moved up. The setting of the 'lifting height' is thus directly on the spring, without this would move the subsequent merchandise (substantially) on the removal height so defined addition. Especially with the use of beverage cans, which always have almost the same weight with different content, thus can easily provide a mass-spring system that manages without expensive drives and attacks. Even with the use of several different stacks within a magazine can be realized on adjusted spring constants matching extraction heights or a common extraction plane.

[19] Independent of or in addition to this first aspect of the invention, according to the second aspect of the invention, a vending machine is provided for automatically dispensing individual merchandise, in particular beverage cans, to a customer

[20] - a storage area in which merchandise in the form of at least one

Stacks can be arranged stacked on top of each other from bottom to top,

[21] - an issue area where the sales would be provided for issue to the customer, and

[22] - comprises a conveying device having a gripping unit, by means of which from above the stack forth a top of the stack located merchandise is removed, and with the conveying device, the removed merchandise is conveyed to the output area.

In this case, the vending machine is characterized in that the conveyor device is further designed and provided to release a removed merchandise by means of the gripping unit in or on an output area which is located above the conveyor. In this context, a gripping unit is understood, which is able to pick up a merchandise in one place and spend in or on an output area.

Such a version of a vending machine can significantly improve the ergonomics and the shopping experience. Also, smaller machines are feasible, yet they do not force the customer to sell the merchandise, e.g. to have to take in a stooped posture. The merchandise can be placed above the conveyor, i. e.g. directly under a top of the vending machine, released to the dispensing area or transported into it, so that then the merchandise is issued at the top of the vending machine to the customer. In this way, a sales item issued centrally to the customer at the top of the vending machine would also be feasible.

[25] For positioning the gripping unit above the stack or with

For sale, the gripping unit may be mounted on a boom which is movable along at least one guide integrated into a side wall and / or a plurality of side walls of the vending machine. Since both purely translatory and rotary movements of the cantilever are possible for the positioning of the gripping unit above the stack, the shape of the guide integrated in the side wall can be variable in this case. It may thus be, for example, a linear guide or a provided within the vending machine, circular track, which runs above the stack.

[26] In this context it should be mentioned that e.g. also rotationally movable

Swivel arms, which are firmly fixed to a pivot point, or telescopic connections, so in each other mobile, longitudinal extension arms, can be used to position the gripping unit.

It is considered advantageous in view of a provided above the conveyor or at an upper side of the vending machine output of the merchandise in one embodiment, that the gripping unit comprises conveying means. These attack at least partially peripherally on the merchandise in order to promote a to be taken or removed merchandise to the top. Preferably, the merchandise is removed from a slot that supports the sales goods stack laterally. Such conveying means may be, for example, one or more conveyor belts / belts or conveyor rollers which are within the Gripping unit are integrated.

[28] Preferably, the conveying means are designed such that they are designed to lock the removed merchandise in a position and / or release it to or into the dispensing area. For example, they produce a frictional connection with the removed merchandise.

[29] If the merchandise is further to one above the conveyor

Delivery area, the support may be designed so that it only carries the removed goods in one direction. A switchover of the conveying means for release into the dispensing area is not necessary insofar as, for example, the gripping unit is designed to be open at the top. After the positioning of the gripping unit below an insertion opening of the dispensing area, the conveying means can release the removed merchandise directly into it.

[30] Alternatively, the merchandise is removed from the stack via the gripper unit by means of a suction cup or a gripping hook or a gripping device, which realizes a frictional or positive connection with the merchandise.

Alternatively or in addition to such a conveying device or gripping unit, it is considered advantageous if the conveying device comprises at least one pivot arm and / or boom, which is pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the stacking axis and / or about its longitudinal axis. In this case, a pivotability in several spatial directions can also be provided.

[32] Furthermore, then the swivel arm and / or the boom can be pivoted and / or rotatable together with the removed merchandise in order to transport the removed merchandise to a delivery area located above the conveyor. In this regard, then further funding can be omitted and a targeted introduction of the merchandise in an insertion of the output area on the boom 180 degrees rotated gripping unit done.

[33] For a pleasing presentation of goods, it is further preferred that the dispensing area comprises a liftable and / or lowerable stage device to provide the merchandise for issue to the customer. With reference to the above example, a variant embodiment could be realized in that the merchandise is introduced from below or from the side into the dispensing area, released and then transported by means of the stage device to a dispensing opening located above the conveyor.

To increase the security against manipulation, a protective device is considered to be advantageous, which is movable and / or movable at least in sections or as a complete component and the prior to the issue to the customer Sales goods at least partially surrounds. This can also be carried out partially or completely transparent.

In a variant could be such a sales product surrounding

Execute protective device in several parts and unfold the individual parts, for example, similar to a flower, for dispensing the merchandise sold to the customer. Especially with a product on the top of the vending machine for removal by the customer provided goods could thus achieve a significantly improved functionality and increased distinctiveness of existing vending machines or vending machines. Likewise, however, rotatable and / or transparent dividing walls and the like are conceivable in this connection.

[36] As part of the simplification of internal handling in the provision of

Goods for removal by the customer, an embodiment of a vending machine is preferred in which the dispensing area comprises a holding device which locks the merchandise to the customer before issuing.

[37] Such a holding device may comprise on the merchandise attacking locking elements that hold the merchandise in a set position and continue to self-reinforcing and / or automatically adapt to the size of the merchandise. A spring-mounted mounting of the locking elements is alternatively or additionally of course possible to adjust the holding device on the one hand to different sizes in a variety of merchandise and on the other hand to optimize the holding of the merchandise.

In view of the above-mentioned improvement in ergonomics for the

Customers and the ease of use of a vending machine will find it particularly advantageous if the dispensing area of the vending machine is accessible to the customer from multiple sides of the vending machine. For example, this is possible with a central output at the top of the vending machine when a vending machine according to the invention is used.

[39] In both a vending machine of the first and second aspects of the invention, it is preferable that the position of the dispensing area on the outside of the vending machine visible to the customer is variable. For example, the dispensing area could be integrated completely or at least its outwardly visible area or a dispensing opening in an upper cover or the top of the vending machine, which is then rotatable.

In order to increase the attractiveness or functionality of a vending machine, a human-machine interface, for example in the form of at least one input device and / or an output device for inputting and / or outputting visual and / or auditory information, is provided. This may be, for example, a keyboard, a trackball, a touch screen or a sensor unit for gesture recognition. This man-machine interface may then be mounted in the top cover or, for example, in a transparent top cover or top of the vending machine also on the conveyor.

[41] In any case, when using a man-machine interface as well as a variably adjustable dispensing area, it may be provided that the vending machine is adapted to automatically position the dispensing area and / or the man-machine interface to change from a position of the customer. For this purpose, the vending machine has at least one sensor which detects the position of the customer, in particular relative to the vending machine. Alternatively or additionally, a human-machine interface can of course be changed in position, e.g. tiltable, be.

[42] In extension of the previously presented, it is within the scope of the present

Invention to run the vending machine as a modular unit that can be combined with other modules. For example, a communication module with one or more of the above-mentioned man-machine interfaces can be used, which then additionally attachable in simple form to the vending machine designed as a module and / or connected by one or more supporting columns with the underlying 'sales commodity module' is. The interfaces of the further module can be operated autonomously by the vending machine and used, for example, for advertising inserts.

[43] In a further third aspect of the invention is such or from the prior

Art known vending machine for the automatic dispensing of individual merchandise, especially beverage cans, to a customer who has a storage area in which merchandise in the form of at least one stack stacked from top to bottom can be arranged, characterized in that the storage area on a side wall of the vending machine attached and can be removed together with the side wall of the vending machine.

In this case, then the storage area or the magazine at the

Sidewall of the vending machine attached or integrated. Thus, for example, in a storage area stored on rolls, the filling with merchandise or the replacement of the magazine is much easier.

In another aspect of the invention is such or from the prior

A known vending machine for the automatic dispensing of individual merchandise, in particular beverage cans, to a customer having a storage area and a dispensing area, characterized in that it has a visual dispenser for promotional purposes only, which dispenser is at least above the statistically determined body size of a human located.

[46] The aforementioned aspects of the invention naturally include various variants of the

Shaping for the vending machine. This can have a round, triangular, square or polygonal shape in the base. Likewise, the mentioned top cover or the top of a vending machine according to the invention can be designed dome-shaped. Likewise, different and differently shaped merchandise, such as also bottles, conceivable.

[47] With reference to the drawings, some embodiments of the subject invention will be explained.

[48] show:

Fig. 1 is a sectional front view of an embodiment of a vending machine;

Fig. 2 is a sectional front view of another embodiment of a

Vending machines;

[51] Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a vending machine with different

platforms;

[52] Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of drive means below

Stacks of goods of a vending machine;

[53] Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of an alternative embodiment of drive means.

[54] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a vending machine with removable magazine;

[55] Fig. 7A is a plan view of a conveyor and a magazine of a vending machine;

[56] Fig. 7B is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a conveyor;

[57] Fig. 7C is a plan view of another alternative conveying device;

[58] FIG. 8 is a sectional detail view of a conveyor device from the front;

[59] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a gripping unit of a conveying device;

[60] Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a gripping unit.

[61] Fig. IA is a sectioned, enlarged view of a lateral discharge area;

[62] Fig. IB is an alternative view of the lateral discharge area;

[63] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the discharge area.

[64] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a pivotable cantilever;

[65] FIG. 14 is a detailed illustration of locking elements in the discharge area;

[66] Figure 15 is a detail of self-energizing locking elements.

[67] Fig. 16 is a detail of adaptive locking elements.

[68] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a gripping unit with conveying means; [69] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an embodiment with a cantilever of FIG

Conveying device and an output area;

FIG. 19 is a view of an output area with a stage device; FIG.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of outer hinged partitions in a discharge area;

[72] FIG. 21 shows a sectional front view of a turntable with integrated human body.

Machine interface;

[73] Fig. 22 is a front perspective view of a vending machine with integrated

Communication module;

[74] Figure 23 is a front perspective view of a vending machine with additional communication module.

[75] Fig. 24 is an enlarged view of an output area with movable

Partition wall;

[76] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a dispensing area with a partition wall and additional merchandising capability;

[77] Fig. 26 is a sectional view of a vending machine and detail of a

Coin conveying.

The vending machine 1 consists of three significant areas, which have a defined spatial position to each other (Fig. 1). These are a storage area 11, in which a magazine 112 is located, a conveyor area 12 and an output area 13. The magazine 112 is the storage location for the merchandise 2. Characteristic is the regular spatial arrangement of the merchandise 2, which on one or more vertically movable platforms 111 are and stacked on each other. A top edge of the uppermost layer of merchandise forms a removal plane E or lies in a removal height H.

[79] Furthermore, each merchandise 2, or goods for short, has unique coordinates in the removal plane E (top view plane). The magazine 112 has additional vertical drive means which can convey all the merchandise 2 stacked thereon over a movable platform 111 (not shown). This ensures that after removal of the top layer of merchandise 2 a platform 111, the underlying merchandise 2 contacted again the removal level E and is ready for removal.

[80] Above the extraction level E is the conveyor area 12. In this

Conveying area 12 is a conveyor 3, which took the sales 2 from the magazine 112 and transported by a defined sequence of movements to the discharge area 13. There, the merchandise 2 is released for removal by the customer. [81] The output area 13 can be located both above and next to the

Conveyor area 12 are located. It is generally at an ergonomic height for the customer and does not require flexing to remove the purchased product 2. This dispensing area 13 is preferably positioned at a height between 0.90 and 1.60 meters, so that the user's hand only has to be slightly stretched. Of course, the dispensing area 13 may be positioned outside these limits, but would not result in such an improved ergonomic position for the customer. This positioning of the output area 13 will be explained in more detail in a further embodiment.

[82] The merchandise stacks 20 are preferably located in individual slots 200 within the magazine 112 (Figure X). However, a plurality of stacks 20 may also be stored separately in a single specially shaped slot 200 (detail of a vending machine 1 in FIG. 3), which then share the same vertically movable platform 111. As a result, different types of merchandise 2 in different shafts 200 can be stored together.

[83] Magazine 112's vertical drive means can be both active and passive. In this case, the stack 20 is generally supported by a platform 111, which is guided by appropriate storage upwards. An active drive means 114 is able to move by a control signal, the platform 111 in the amount and thus compensate for a removed product 2.

[84] This can be done for example by a screw 113 (Fig. 4), by a cable or a screw geometry in the form of a spring or helical groove on a lateral surface, which have a suitable power transmission to the platform 111 down. A drive 114 * of a drive means 114 may be provided separately for each well 200 or may serve multiple wells 200 either simultaneously or switchably. In this case, the drive 114 * can be fixed below the platform 111, but it can also be carried upward with the platform 111. Furthermore, a drive 114 * may be responsible for multiple platforms 111 and selectively drive only one platform 111 through a suitable transmission mechanism.

[85] In addition, it is possible to integrate the drive 114 * in the conveyor device 3 and to drive the associated platform 111 when positioning the conveyor device 3 via the respective stack 20. For example, it is possible to integrate a drive 114 * in the form of an electric motor in a gripping unit of the conveyor device 3. The magazine 112 then has platforms 111, which can be driven, for example via a screw 113. In this case, this screw 113 is running continuously through to the end of the stack of goods 20 and also contacted the removal level E. There it has a coupling element, via which the drive 114 * of the gripping unit with the thread drive is brought into operative connection and can drive this when the gripping unit is above the respective shaft 200 or stack 20. The stack 20 is then moved upwards by means of the drive 114 * of the gripping unit and, if necessary, a top selling item 2 is moved directly into the gripping unit, which then holds or fixes the item of sale by means of gripping elements or locking elements. For a related embodiment of a gripping unit and possible locking elements reference is made to the following figures.

[86] An alternative variant is to passively drive vertical drive means. In this case, the platform 111 of a stack 20 is mounted on a specially designed coil spring 115 (FIG. 5). The residual spring force and the weight of the stack 20 remain in balance at all times. Upon removal of a merchandise 2 from the stack 20 of this balance is disturbed and the spring 115 pushes the stack 20 upwards.

[87] Consequently, it has a spring constant defined in such a way that, after the goods have been removed, the stack 20 is conveyed upwards by exactly one sales item, thus creating a new equilibrium. As a result, the function of an active drive means 114 is realized without the complex activation of each individual (shaft) drive 114 *. In this solution can be dispensed with the platform 111. In this case, the stack of goods 20 is stored directly on the spring 115.

[88] It is advantageous to carry out the magazine 112 as a removable unit, which is removed from the vending machine 1 as a whole and is refilled outside the vending machine 1 or completely replaced with another magazine 112 (FIG. 6). It is particularly advantageous if the magazine 112 and one side wall 15 of the vending machine 1 are combined in a group and are removed as a whole. In this way, a special suspension of the side wall 15 or the magazine 112 on the machine housing 1 * is dispensed with. To facilitate the removal of the magazine 112, this can be stored on rollers 150.

[89] In order to drive the coordinates of each merchandise 2 within the removal plane E, a conveyor 3 is provided which guides a gripper unit 30 on a boom 32 or a swing arm 33 to position the gripper unit 30 above the respective stack 20. The conveyor device 3 can be equipped with both a boom 32 and two translational degrees of freedom (top view of FIG. 7A) and a polar robot arm or pivot arm 33 with two degrees of rotational freedom (top view of FIG. 7B). A combination with a rotational and a translational degree of freedom is also possible (Top view of Fig. 7C).

[90] Regardless of the degrees of freedom realized, integration of one or more guides 31 of the boom 32 corresponding to FIGS. 7A and 7C is on the inside of one or more side walls of the vending machine 1.

[91] In order to carry out more complex movements, the conveying device 3 has further degrees of freedom. On the one hand, according to FIG. 8, it may include a special gripping unit 30 ', which is responsible for removing the merchandise 2 from the individual shafts 200.

[92] This gripping unit 30 'is moved translationally or upwards in the Z direction.

It also has a constructive ability to enter into a detachable connection with the merchandise. Such a possibility is the embodiment with a suction cup 302, which adheres to the front side of the merchandise 2, and thereby transmits a pull-out force. Thus, a particularly gentle connection with the merchandise 2 is realized. In addition, this method of gripping is very suitable for certain merchandise 2 as cans, as in a stacking above and next to each other only offer their bottom or lid as Greifgeometrie. Because of the round shape, however, it is very easy to press a suction cup 302 against it and thus produce a stable connection. This suction operation can be activated both centrally by a vacuum device (not shown) known from the prior art, as well as by an additional vacuum device 303 which is switched by a magnet or solenoid 304 and the closed space 305 between suction cup 302 and contact geometry of the goods 2 and hereby the pressure within the closed space 305 lowers, which has a suction effect. Particularly advantageous is the integration of this suction device 303 in the gripping unit 30 '(FIG. 9).

[93] Furthermore, it is possible to enter into a frictional connection with an exposed area of the merchandise 2 by additional gripping elements 301 (FIG. 10) or to realize a positive connection by latching into particularly shaped areas of the merchandise 2. For certain merchandise 2 with appropriate packaging and an electromagnetic connection is conceivable.

[94] In the event that the dispensing area 13 is located next to the conveying area 12, the following sequence of movements appears advisable: the gripping unit 30 'is moved to the desired coordinates via the first two degrees of freedom. Thereafter, it is lowered so far substantially coaxial with the stack axis until it realizes a contact with the merchandise 2. Subsequently, a detachable connection is made. The composite of gripping unit 30 'and merchandise 2 is raised vertically until the merchandise 2 completely out of the slot 200th is removed. Now, the gripping unit 30 'and the merchandise 2 are moved laterally to the discharge area 13. There, the merchandise 2 is parked at a suitable location and the connection is released or the merchandise 2 released. In this case, the sales would be 2 both side (Fig. 1 IA), and introduced from above into the output area 13 (Fig. I IB).

The dispensing area 13 is preferably designed as a chamber 130 which has a (insertion) opening 8 which can be closed by a first partition wall 70 to the conveyor area 12 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 11A), ie to the interior of the vending machine 1, and FIG further partition 71 to the outside, toward the customer, which closes a discharge opening 9.

[96] At any one time one of the partitions 70, 71 is closed, i.e. there is only one

Opening 8 or 9, through which the merchandise 2 can be set or removed. These partitions 70, 71 perform the function of a safety device or protective device 7, which denies the customer access to the conveyor area 12.

[97] For the release of the merchandise 2 for removal by the customer then the second partition 71 is moved away. Both walls 70, 71 can also be combined in one element so that they perform a coherent movement and at no time allow a spatial connection between the conveyor area 12 and the outside of the vending machine 1 (FIG. 12).

When the dispensing area 13 is positioned above the conveying area 12, the conveying device 3 has further subassemblies with additional degrees of freedom. Furthermore, there is the possibility to bring out the merchandise 2 vertically with the floor down or up, in a horizontal position or in any other defined orientation in the room. This spatial orientation of the product 2 determines the manner of the additional conveyor units. One possibility arises, especially in the already mentioned vertically movable gripping unit 30 '. In this case, an additional pivot axis X or a pivotable about its longitudinal axis boom 32 'or pivot arm 33 is integrated into the conveying device (Fig. 13). In this context, also such a pivotable boom 32 'or pivot arm 33 is included, which is adapted to a sales item 2 by an oblique opening, for example. At an angle 45 ° to the horizontal, the removal plane E, deploy. In such an embodiment, the output could be both adjacent to and above or above the conveyor region 12.

[99] The boom 32 'shown in Fig. 13 ensures that after extract or

Removal of the merchandise 2 from the respective shaft 200, a composite of gripping unit 30 'and merchandise 2 is pivoted by 180 °. Thus it is the gripping unit 30 'below the merchandise 2. In this way, the gripping unit 30' using the same drive as for the removal of the merchandise 2 carry them upwards and thus by a suitable recess 8 'or insertion opening at an output area 13 push out or .. release there. According to FIG. 13, such a recess 8 'is located at the boundary between the conveying region 12 and the dispensing region 13 or, in this case, above the conveying device 3.

[100] The recess 8 'is secured by a partition wall 70', which is closed after application of the product 2 and the access to the conveyor area 12 is completed.

[101] In this case, the dispensing area 13 can be implemented as a kind of stage 131 or presentation area, to which the merchandise item 2 is presented. There is the further possibility to realize a small lightshow by the use of LED lights distributed around the periphery of the stage 131 during the appearance of the sale. This makes the purchase a special experience.

[102] In the case of a vertical end position of the merchandise item 2, a lateral locking device is also recommended over its lateral surface, since the gripping unit 30, 30 'would cover the bottom of the sale 2. For this purpose, FIGS. 14 to 16 show the possibility of realizing a non-positive or positive connection by the attachment of lateral locking elements 41, 42 or 43, which are pressed against the lateral surface. Their activation can either be made by an actuator mechanism (magnets, solenoids 304, etc.), or they are passively pressed against the surface by spring elements 40 (FIG. 14) and realize a locking of the product 2 in space by the resulting frictional force.

[103] Furthermore, a self-reinforcing design of these locking elements 42 (FIG. 15) is recommended. This can be dispensed with a strong spring load, which can have a negative effect on the Ausbringkräfte in the upward movement of the merchandise to be provided for issue 2. The locking elements 42 are unfolded during the upward movement and pressed by a weak spring 40 'slightly against the lateral surface of the merchandise 2. Only with the downward movement of the merchandise 2, the self-reinforcing effect comes into play and increases the contact pressure, until the sales would 2 in a balance in the room remains. The exact inclination angle α of the locking elements 42 is inter alia dependent on the coefficient of friction at a contact point K of locking element and merchandise. 2

[104] Locking elements 43 can also be performed according to FIG. 16. In this case, they have a variable distance from their pivot point D to a contact surface or the contact point K in the course of a Umklappwinkels ß of the locking elements 43 and are ideally suited for different sized goods 2. Here are the Locking elements 43 automatically on a product width by folding open or turn different degrees. As a rule, however, they have the same angle of inclination α between the line point of contact K pivot point D and a horizontal line W perpendicular to the output direction Z '(FIG. 16, illustrations A and B for differently sized merchandise items 2). To determine the geometric dimensions of the locking elements 43 are mainly the goods width difference between the smallest and largest goods 2, as well as the coefficient of friction at the contact point K crucial. It is useful to design the contact contour of the locking elements 43 so that it adapts continuously to different widths of goods. This embodiment may also include additional spring elements 40, 40 '.

Another advantageous variant is the direct passage of the product 2 upwards through the conveyor device 3 or its gripping unit 30 "(FIG. 17) .This is dispensed with a pivoting movement. Instead, an embodiment with a gripping unit 30" in hollow construction is used so that the article 2 can be conveyed through the gripping unit 30 ".Fig. 17, the article 2 to be removed is located, for example, directly under the recess 8 '.

[106] In such an embodiment of the gripping unit 30 ", the merchandise 2 is usually pulled out of the respective slot 200, repositioned, ie transported to the dispensing area 13 so that it is under a dispensing opening 8 ', and further up, in Z This can be implemented, for example, by conveyor rollers 60 and / or a conveyor belt 61 or a conveyor belt, which respectively transmit a vertical force to the mantle surface (s) of the merchandise item 2. These conveyor elements 60, 61 can both be part of the gripping unit 30 ", as well as constitute an additional unit of the conveyor device 3, as well as belonging to the discharge area 13.

[107] The product 2 is then, for example, by the said locking elements

41, 42, 43 held in dispensing position. However, this can also take place by means of delivery elements 60, 61 integrated in the delivery area 13. Subsequently, the recess 8 'is secured by the partition wall 70' and the partition wall 71 '(not shown) is opened.

[108] The merchandise 2 can also be presented in a completely or almost horizontal condition. For this purpose, the conveyor device 3 requires an additional pivot mechanism (not shown), which pivots the composite of gripping unit 30 'and merchandise 2 by a defined angle (Fig. 18, A and B). In this case, the gripping unit 30 'can be pivoted about one or more axes, for example by a special linkage / kinematic gear. Thereafter, the gripping unit 30 'is extended again and pushes the merchandise 2 into the dispensing area 13, which is designed as a chamber 130'. [109] In the dispensing area 13 are again two partitions 70 "and 71", which release the removal by the customer and block access to the conveyor area 12. Furthermore, there is the additional possibility of integrating a further mechanism in the form of a stage device 132 within the output area 13, which would be the introduced sales 2 of a position and spatial orientation in a different position and spatial alignment by means of a combination of translational and rotational movements can convert (Fig. 19, A and B). The purpose of this device is the improved ergonomic removal by the customer or the improved sequence of movements as visual sensory perception.

In a preferred embodiment of the vending machine 1, it has an upper cover 10 which separates the conveying area 12 from the upper outside of the vending machine 1. The dispensing area 13, depending on its position, may be located in a side wall of the vending machine 1, or may be fully or partially integrated in the top cover 10.

[111] In the case of a vertical application of the sales 2 would be a stage 131 part of the top cover 10. In order to increase the overall sales experience even further, it is recommended to make the top cover 10 at least partially transparent. The customer is given the opportunity to track the removal and transport of the merchandise 2 within the vending machine 1. The entire process can even be visually enhanced with proper interior lighting.

[112] In order to increase the functionality of the vending machine 1, an embodiment of an outer or second partition 71 '"is recommended as a design or art (Figure 20), with the divider 71'" above the top cover 10 and preferably consists of two or more parts 710. They are arranged on the dispensing area 13 or around the dispensing opening 9 around and allow no or only a difficult access to the goods 2. In this way, it is impossible for the customer, the merchandise while still being introduced into the dispensing area 13. Only when it has been brought into the removal position in the present embodiment, is held in space by said locking elements 41, 42, 43 and a first partition wall 70 '"between conveyor region 12 and discharge area 13 has been folded, the second partition 71'" opened up and allows unhindered access to the merchandise 2.

In this case, the second partition wall 71 '"or the parts 710 can execute a very wide variety of kinematics, for example, the individual parts 710 can be outwardly shaped like the flowers of a flower in a two-part partition wall 71" unfold and overlay to perform an additional translational or rotational movement.

[114] Furthermore, a man-machine interface 50 is integrated into a vending machine 1. It has at least one visual output device, an auditory output device and an input device, for example in the form of buttons, knobs, keyboard, trackball, touchpad or preferably non-contact sensors. A gesture recognition system is also possible.

An advantageous variant has a screen or a display 51 as a visual output device. In this case, the display 51 is integrated in the upper cover 10 of the vending machine 1. In this case, the input can be made by a touch-sensitive area on the top cover 10 or directly on the display 51.

A further embodiment variant shown in FIG. 21 is the integration of a display 51 in the conveying device 3. This variant is particularly advantageous in the embodiment of the conveying device 3 with at least one polar degree of freedom, but is also possible in another embodiment , In this case, the conveyor device 3 includes a turntable 35, which rotates about the vertical axis of the vending machine 1, or a parallel to the stacking axis, and is located below the upper cover 10. The top cover 10 is transparent. On one side of the turntable 35, the display 51 is mounted so that it can be viewed by the customer. At this turntable 35, for example, a pivotable about a further vertical axis pivot arm 33 can be attached.

In addition, the vending machine 2 has a sensor system, not shown here, which can recognize on which side of the vending machine the customer is located. Based on this information, the turntable 35 is positioned so that the display 51 is located directly in front of the customer. The input by the customer is preferably carried out by non-contact sensors, which are also located on the turntable 35. In this connection, however, it is also possible for a display mounted on the top cover 10 to be aligned with the customer by rotating the entire top cover 10. Alternatively or additionally, the output range can also be adjustable in this way. In terms of the same functionality, to address differently positioned customers, it is additionally possible to align the goods 2 in the direction of the customer by means of the stage device 132.

[118] In order to handle the sales process, at least one payment device is additionally integrated into the vending machine 1. In this case, both cash, as well as cashless options can be provided to trigger the automatic issue of one or more merchandise. [119] The shape of the vending machine 1 may be different. Particularly advantageous is a round, triangular or square (cuboid, rhombus) shape of the cross section. Likewise, the cross section of the vending machine 1 may vary in height or deviate from an illustrated embodiment. In this case, an upper cover 10 may be both flat, as well as curved inwards or outwards and thereby have a regular or irregular shape.

Furthermore, it is possible to control the conveying device 3 in the

Conveying device 3, for example, in a turntable 35, to install. As a result, a rotation execution of all control cables can be saved if they are to get from the machine housing 1 * to the turntable 35. For this advantageous case only one cable for the power supply of the control is necessary.

[121] In order to create added value, an additional communication device or a communication module 5 can be arranged above the already described sales device or the vending machine 1. Both can both be spatially integrated with each other (FIG. 22), as well as spatially separated and connected by corresponding connecting elements or structures, for example support columns 52 (FIG. 23). In the embodiment with initially independent modules, the support columns 52 may be provided with plug connections, so that a simple and quick installation of the modular and expandable sales unit or the vending machine 1 with a communication module 5 is possible.

[122] The communication module 5 includes a further human-machine interface 50, which consists of a screen / display 51, an auditory output device and an input device. In addition, the communication module may include at least one further screen 51 * located above the man-machine interface 50, i.d.R. over the head of an operator or customer. The aim is to ensure the good visibility of this screen 51 *, even if a customer is in front of the vending machine 1 and the human-machine interface 50 operated. This is based on the interpretation of the height of a statistically averaged body or body size. In this case, a height from the bottom of the installation site of the vending machine to the lower edge of the screen 51 * of over 1.90 m is very advantageous.

[123] In this case, a control of the communication module 5 is able to play different and independent contents on the respective output devices, eg the screens 51, 51 *. For example, a plurality of human-machine interfaces 50, here for example a screen 51 and four screens 51 *, can be provided on a quadrangular vending machine 1. In this case, a screen 51 and a screen 51 * on a side wall are superimposed. Everyone from the screens 51 * can independently play, for example, advertising or one of the current news of the day, while at the man-machine interface 50 a customer is served, who navigates straight through the selection of products using the input device and for a product decides.

[124] Advantageously, such a communication module 5 has an Internet connection, whereby it is connected to a central system and can exchange data. It is thus possible to transmit new contents to a local communication module 5 by means of a central remote control, for example in the form of new commercials, current news and information of relevance to the customer, or to change the overall appearance of a multimedia human-machine interface To update. The local control device of a vending machine 1 may also be able to store relevant sales information and transmit it to the central office. This control device has a further interface to the payment device (not shown).

[125] The input device can be realized by different technical designs. On the one hand it is possible to provide a touch-sensitive field, whereby the navigation can be completely controlled. Another option would be a trackball and one or more buttons to choose from. Furthermore, it is possible to record all necessary control information from the user's side by means of a turn and push button. The use of a keyboard or a combination of several buttons is also possible and depends on the necessary commands for controlling the operating software. Furthermore, a non-contact sensor system is conceivable which responds to the proximity of fingers or hands. A gesture recognition system would create a further added value in the operation.

[126] In a connection between a vending machine 1 and a communication module 5 by supporting columns 52 is in the embodiment variant shown in Fig. 24, the discharge area 13 preferably between the two modules on the conveyor area 12. In this case, the output area 13 with a stage 131 executed. In this case, a second partition wall 75 outwardly preferably designed as a transparent round partition, which surrounds the stage 131 in the starting position. After the introduction of the merchandise 2 into the dispensing area 13 and the closing of a first partition wall 70 '"then the transparent partition wall 75 is moved upward and disappears in the communication module 5. It releases a merchandise 2 for removal by the customer.

[127] In addition, it is possible to provide inside the partition wall 75 a vertically movable floor 720 suspended from a suitable mobile elevator device (Figure 25). In the starting position, the bottom 720 is on the stage 131 and forms with the transparent partition 75 from an exhibition space in which, for example, one or more merchandise 2 * are made to look out. Upon activation of the sales process, the bottom 720 is first moved to form an exit area 13 within the partition 75, and disappears in the communication module. This is followed by the process described above.

[128] In the event that only one type of merchandise is distributed by a vending machine 1, it is conceivable that the merchandise item 2 is already located in the dispensing area 13 and after paying only by an outer partition wall 71, 71 ', 71 ", 71 '", 75 is released. After removal, this partition wall closes again and the conveyor 3 accesses the next merchandise 2 from the storage area 11 and automatically conveys them to the dispensing area 13.

When using a coin changing machine 65 as a payment device usually creates an ergonomic problem. Due to its structural dimensions in height, the insertion slot and the return are too far apart. With a coin changer 65 either in the vending machine 1 or in an optional communication module 5, the customer is either forced to insert the coin too high, or to bend too far down to retrieve the return. This task can be solved by a special coin conveying device 66, so that the throw-in 67 and the return 68 of the coins are very close to each other (Figure 26).

[130] Here, behind the throw-in 67, for example, there is a conveyor belt which conveys the inserted coin to a higher location and throws it into the funnel of the coin-changeable automatic machine 65. Beforehand, the insertion of the coin is registered by a suitable sensor (optical, magnetic, infrared, mechanical) and the drive of the conveyor belt is activated. This coin conveying device 66 can also be operated manually, for example by pressing a button, pulling out or laterally displacing gripping elements, which in turn drive a coin conveying element. A similar coin conveying device 66 can also be used for the return of coins, in particular when integrating the coin changer 65 into the selling device 1, so that the removal of the money return is also ergonomically designed. In this case, alternatively or additionally, another coin conveying device 66 conveys the coins from the coin changer 65 to the coin return 68.

[131] The storage area 11 may further have a cooling device (not shown) depending on the commodities 2 provided for sale, which if necessary keeps the temperature of the merchandise 2 at a pre-set level. In this case, an additional isolation of the Storage area 11, which may preferably be integrated in the walls of the vending machine 1, but may also be part of a magazine 112.

[132] Cans or can-shaped products, in particular, act as sales

Bottles (PET, aluminum, glass) and generally packaged goods, which have a geometrically ordered packaging structure and can be easily stacked.

[133]

[134] 1 vending machine

[135] 1 * machine housing

[136] 10 top cover

[137] 11 Storage area

[138] 111 platform

[139] 112 magazine

[140] 113 Screw drive

[141] 114 drive means

[142] 114 * drive

[143] 115 spring

[144] 12 funding area

[145] 13 output area

[146] 130, 130 'Chamber of the dispensing area

[147] 131 stage

[148] 132 raisable / lowerable stage device

[149] 15 Sidewall of the vending machine

[150] 150 rolls

[151] 2, 2 * merchandise

[152] 20 piles

[153] 200, 200 * shaft (walls), supporting structures

[154] 3 conveyor

[155] 30, 30 ', 30 "gripping unit

[156] 301 gripping elements

[157] 302 suction cup

[158] 303 Vacuum device

[159] 304 solenoid

[160] 305 closed space

[161] 31 leadership

[162] 32, 32 'boom

[163] 33 swivel arm

[164] 35 turntables [165] 4 holding device

[166] 40, 40 'spring element

[167] 41, 42, 43 locking elements

[168] 5 communication module

[169] 50 human-machine interface

[170] 51, 51 * Screen / Display

[171] 52 Connection structure

[172] 60 conveyor roller

[173] 61 conveyor belts

[174] 65 coin changer

[175] 66 Coin transport facility

[176] 67 coin slot

[177] 68 coin return

[178] 7 protection device

[179] 70, 70 ', 70 ", 70'" (first) partition

[180] 71, 71 ", 71 '", 75 (second) partition

[181] 710 Section / part of the partition

[182] 720 soil

[183] 730 mobile elevator device

[184] 8, 8 * opening

[185] 9 dispensing opening

[186] α angle of inclination

[187] ß Folding angle of the locking elements

[188] D pivot

[189] E withdrawal level

[190] H extraction height

[191] K contact point

[192] W horizontal reference line

[193] X swivel / longitudinal axis of the swivel arm / jib

[194] Z Removal direction of the gripping unit

[195] Z 'Application direction of the goods sold

Claims

[1] 1. Vending machine for the automatic distribution of individual sales goods (2), in particular beverage cans, to a customer who

- a storage area (11, 112) in which sales goods (2) can be arranged stacked one above the other in the form of at least one stack (20) from bottom to top,

- an output area (13) where the sales goods (2) are made available for distribution to the customer, and

- a conveyor device (3) which has a gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30"), by means of which a sales item (20) located at a defined removal height (H) on top of the stack (20) is picked up from above the stack (20). 2) is removed, and the removed sales goods (2) are transported to the output area (13) with the conveying device (3), characterized in that the storage area (11, 112) has drive means (113, 114, 114*, 115) has, by means of which, during or after the removal of a sales item (2) from the at least one stack (20), the sales items (2) of the stack (20) arranged underneath can be moved upwards to such an extent that one is now on the top

Sales goods (2) of the at least one stack (20) are at the removal height (H).

[2] 2. Vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Drive means (113, 114, 114*, 115) comprise at least one platform (111) arranged below the at least one stack (20), which supports the goods for sale (2).

[3] 3. Vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the

Drive means (113, 114, 114*, 115) include at least one spring (115), a screw drive (113), a cable pull, a lifting cylinder, telescopic cylinder or a belt drive.

[4] 4. Vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one spring (115) acts below the at least one stack (20), which has a spring constant such that a top sale (2) would be through during or after removal the conveyor device (3) of the at least one stack (20) is moved upwards by exactly the height of the removed sales goods (2) as a result of the spring force.

[5] 5. Vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the

Conveyor device (3) has drive means (114, 114*), in particular an electric motor, which is connected to a further drive means (113) of the storage Preservation area (11), in particular a screw drive (113), are in operative connection in order to move the sales goods (2) upwards when the gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30") is or was positioned above the stack (20).

[6] 6. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (3) is further designed and intended to release the sales goods (2) in or at an output area (13) which delivers the sales goods (2). Output to the customer on one side of the vending machine (1).

[7] 7. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveying device (3) is designed and intended to move a removed sales item (2) into or by means of the gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30") to be released at an output area (13) which is located above the conveyor device (3).

[8] 8. Vending machine for the automatic distribution of individual sales goods (2), in particular beverage cans, to a customer who

- a conveyor device (3) which has a gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30"), by means of which a sales item (2) located on top of the stack (20) is removed from above the stack (20), and where with the conveying device (3) the removed sales goods (2) are conveyed to the output area (13), characterized in that the conveying device (3) is further designed and provided to remove a removed sales goods (2), in particular by means of the gripping unit ( 30, 30 ', 30"), into or at an output area (13) which is located above the conveyor device (3).

[9] 9. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30") is attached to a boom (32, 32') or swivel arm (33) of the conveyor device (3). is, which is movable for positioning the gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30") above the at least one stack (20) about an axis of rotation and / or along at least one guide (31), the guide (31) in a side wall (15) and/or several side walls of the vending machine (1) are integrated.

[10] 10. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30") has conveying means (60, 61) which engage at least in sections on the circumference of the goods (2) to be sold in order to To transport the sales goods (2) to be removed or removed upwards.

[11] 11. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and claim 10, characterized in that the conveying means (60, 61) are arranged within the gripping unit (30, 30 ', 30").

[12] 12. Vending machine according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the conveying means (60, 61) are designed to lock the removed sales goods (2) in a position and / or on or into the dispensing area ( 13) to release.

[13] 13. Vending machine according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the conveying means (60, 61) are at least one conveyor belt (61) and / or conveyor rollers (60).

[14] 14. Vending machine according to one of claims 12 or 13, as far as related to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the conveying means (60, 61) are further designed and intended to only transport the removed sales goods (2). one direction (Z, Z').

[15] 15. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor device (3) comprises at least one swivel arm (33) and / or boom (32, 32 '), which can be pivoted about an axis (X) perpendicular to the stacking axis and/or can be rotated about its longitudinal axis.

[16] 16. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 13 and claim 15, characterized in that the swivel arm (33) and / or the boom (32, 32 ') can be pivoted together with the removed sales goods (2) and / or is rotatable in order to convey the removed sales goods (2) to the output area (13) located above the conveyor device (3).

[17] 17. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing area (13) comprises a liftable and/or lowerable platform device (132) in order to make the sales goods (2) available for distribution to the customer.

[18] 18. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sales goods (2) are protected before being issued to the customer by a protective device (7, 71, 71", 71'", 75) which can be moved and/or moved at least in sections , 710) is surrounded at least in sections, which protects the sales goods (2) from unauthorized access.

[19] 19. Vending machine according to claim 18, characterized in that a

The protective device (7, 71, 71", 71'", 75, 710) surrounding the sales goods (2) is designed in several parts and opens the individual parts (710) to issue the sales goods (2) to the customer.

[20] 20. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing area (13) comprises a holding device (4) which locks the sales goods (2) before being dispensed to the customer.

[21] 21. Vending machine according to claim 20, characterized in that the

Holding device (4) on the sales goods (2) includes locking elements (41, 42, 43) which hold the sales goods (2) in a set position.

[22] 22. Vending machine according to claim 21, characterized in that the locking elements (41, 42, 43) are self-reinforcing and / or automatically adapt to the size of the goods (2).

[23] 23. Vending machine according to claim 22, characterized in that the locking elements (41, 42, 43) are resiliently mounted.

[24] 24. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 23, characterized in that the dispensing area (13) is accessible to the customer from several sides of the vending machine (1).

[25] 25. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the dispensing area (13) on the outside of the vending machine (1) visible to the customer is variable.

[26] 26. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an upper cover (10) which forms the top of the vending machine (1).

[27] 27. Vending machine according to claim 26, characterized in that the

Dispensing area (13) is integrated in the top cover (10) of the vending machine (1).

[28] 28. Vending machine according to claim 25 and one of claims 26 or 27, characterized in that the upper cover (10) is rotatable.

[29] 29. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the upper cover (10) and / or the conveyor device (3) has a human-machine interface (50, 51, 51 *) visible to the customer. ) having.

[30] 30. Vending machine according to claim 29, characterized in that the

Human-machine interface (50, 51, 51*) at least one input device, in particular a keyboard, a trackball, a touch-sensitive area or a sensor unit, in particular for detecting the spatial Position and orientation of fingers or hands and/or gestures, and/or at least one output device for the input and/or output of, in particular visual and/or auditory, information.

[31] 31. Vending machine according to one of claims 25 to 30, characterized in that the vending machine (1) is designed to determine the position of the output area (13) and / or the human-machine interface (50, 51, 51 * ) to change automatically depending on the customer's position.

[32] 32. Vending machine according to claim 31, characterized in that the

Vending machine (1) has at least one sensor which detects the position of the customer, in particular relative to the vending machine (1).

[33] 33. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vending machine (1) is designed as a modular unit which can be combined with further modules (5).

[34] 34. Vending machine according to claim 33, characterized in that the

Vending machine (1) can be combined with a communication module (5).

[35] 35. Vending machine according to claim 34, characterized in that

Communication module (5) can be attached.

[36] 36. Vending machine according to one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that the communication module (5) has a human-machine interface (50, 51, 51*) with at least one input device, in particular a keyboard, a trackball, a touch-sensitive area or a sensor unit, in particular for detecting the spatial position and orientation of fingers or hands and / or gestures, and / or integrated with at least one output device for the input and / or output of visual and / or auditory information.

[37] 37. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage area (11, 112) is attached or integrated on a side wall (15) of the vending machine (1).

[38] 38. Vending machine according to claim 37, characterized in that the

Storage area (11, 112) can be removed together with the side wall (15) from the vending machine (1).

[39] 39. Vending machine for the automatic distribution of individual sales goods (2), in particular beverage cans, to a customer, which has a storage area (11, 112) in which sales goods (2) in the form of at least one stack (20) from bottom to bottom can be arranged stacked one above the other, characterized in that the storage area (11, 112) is attached to a side wall (15) of the vending machine (1) and can be removed from the vending machine (1) together with the side wall (15).

[40] 40. Vending machine according to claim 39, characterized in that the

Storage area (11, 112) is attached or integrated on the side wall (15) of the vending machine (1).

[41] 41. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 40, characterized in that a plurality of stacks (20) with sales goods (2) are provided in the storage area (11, 112), each of which is supported by support structures (200, 200 *) are supported laterally up to the top sales item (2).

[42] 42. Vending machine for the automatic dispensing of individual sales goods (2), in particular beverage cans, to a customer, which has a storage area (11, 112) and a dispensing area (13), characterized in that the vending machine (1) with a Communication module (5) can be combined, which communication module (5) has at least one visual output device (51*) only for advertising purposes.