DE3741053A1 - Dispensing machine for recorded audio and/or video carriers - Google Patents

Abstract

In dispensing machines for recorded audio and/or video carriers, such as music cassettes, compact discs or video cassettes, a high diversity of the products on offer, along with an attractive presentation, is to be achieved in a space-saving way. At the same time, it is to become easier for the customer to have a clear view of the products on offer and to operate the machine when selecting the desired cassette or compact disc. The dispensing machine described comprises a display case with a magazine, in which the boxes, visible with their title images and containing the recorded audio and/or video carriers, are arranged. The magazine is assigned an ejection device, and an ejection shaft and a selection keyboard for the desired titles are located on the display case. The provision of a high diversity of products on offer, along with an attractive presentation, a clear view and easy operability, is achieved in that the magazine is designed as a rotatable drum, the outside of which carries mountings for the boxes, and in that the ejection device is arranged at a fixed location within the drum.

Description

The invention relates to an automatic dispenser for be played sound and / or image carriers, such as music cassettes, CD records or video cassettes according to the generic term of claim 1.

The automatic sale of pre-recorded sound and / or Image carriers such as music cassettes, CD disks or video Cassettes require one in comparison to other goods special presentation and variety of titles, so that Customer this purchase option as an alternative to Shop.  

The aim is to have a range of around 100 titles, which the customer can choose in peace. In doing so which with mostly great artistic effort made the cover pictures of the boxes clearly visible are in the customer's field of vision.

DE-OS 35 33 734 is already a sales car mat known for audiocassettes, in which the Aus choice of cassettes above and next to each other are positioned against each other. The tapes are made by Mounts worn, each bracket an egg Gener electromagnet to release the same when done Selection is assigned. The rows and columns of the The matrix in which the cassettes are arranged are marked with Numbers and letters provided, which also on again Dial buttons are in place to allow the customer after selecting a desired cassette the row and To determine the column in which the cassette is located and press the appropriate dial buttons.

In this known machine is the mechanical and electrical effort to solve the brackets for the The release of the selected cassettes is complex. Except the front surface is relatively large, so that  the offer can easily become confusing and also a possibility of error in the selection is given that when counting the rows and Accidentally split into the adjacent row or Column and then an incorrect selection meets.

The invention is based, an off automatic machines for recorded audio and / or video media to create the one with an extensive range of titles with a low mechanical and elec table effort for the release of the brackets Boxes comes out, the overview of the requested offered title and security against wrong selection increased.

This task is performed on an automatic dispenser the preamble of claim 1 by the in the kenn drawing part specified features solved.

By designing the magazine as a rotating drum only part of the available to the customer Offered. The customer is at every turn position of the drum with a manageable range faced with different titles and not  through the multitude of simultaneously visible titles directed. With the reduced partial offer are also the mistakes in selecting the desired box with the sound or image carrier less, since the series or column that the customer of the selected title off to the right or left or up or down must track is shorter. There is also the Possibility to meet the requirement of a combi renounced row and column selection and instead, just provide a row selection.

By restricting the entire range to each because a partial range can also be dispensed with the holders of all boxes at all times to have to make solvable. On the part of the ejection direction required effort accordingly be reduced. Due to the fixed arrangement in the Inside the drum can also be a fixed arrangement mechanical or electrical connections to the Selection field.

A further development of the invention provides that Throwing device only behind that for the customer baren area of the drum to arrange.  

This limitation means the ejection device a significant saving in mechanical or electrical components for actuating the holding of the boxes on the drum. The existing one Ejection device is therefore the area of the Assigned drum that is visible to the customer. Along with the limitation of the ejection device the scope of the selection field is also reduced, because fewer selection options during a drum position are available.

In a practical embodiment, the brackets for the boxes without contact through the ejection device detachable.

This feature makes it possible to use the drum without previously required decoupling from the ejection device to turn or after stopping loosening the ge desired holder to bring about. This characteristic greatly contributes to simplification and sturgeon security of the machine, because mechanical loading no damage due to failure of the decoupling are to be feared.  

Wear in further training of the aforementioned measure the brackets anchors that are supplied to the customer turned rotary position of the drum with stationary Electromagnets or motor-driven permas Magnets of the ejector are aligned.

This configuration represents a particularly simple one and reliable implementation of the contactless Detachability of the brackets. It is secure represents that only with perfect functioning of the electrical magnets or the motor-driven permanent magnets a solution of the bracket is done. The poss mechanical manipulation is therefore practical table excluded.

A practical version provides that the brackets Include brackets that keep the boxes horizontal Reach over towards the front.

The brackets once serve to ensure a stable position of the boxes to give the customer one frontal view of the cover pictures on the boxes to offer. Secondly, the brackets should prevent that in the event of violence on the machine, e.g. by vigorously shaking the boxes out of the hal  drop out and the chute either block or can be removed without authorization.

In a further embodiment, the width of the bracket according to the width of a box for CD disks measure up.

As a result, the boxes are not just in front but also stabilized laterally, so that even vibrations no influence on the stand in this direction the strength of the boxes.

A further development provides that the depth of the bracket according to the depth of the box of a music cassette measure and that the bracket in the middle of a nose wear, the width of which is such that the between the edge of the nose and the side of the temple remaining Distance corresponds to the width of a music cassette.

These constructive designs allow the same holder for both presentation and recording preservation of boxes with CD disks as well as music to use cassettes. You can either a box with a CD disc or two boxes  store with music cassettes next to each other. The musi cassettes as well as the CD disks have been Lich held. Instead of both sides of the bracket be act on the boxes of the music cassettes on the one hand the edge of the nose and on the other hand the side of the temple a lateral hold.

In addition, it is provided that the depth of the nose is dimensioned to be the difference between depth the box of a music cassette and the depth of the Box corresponds to a CD disk.

While the lower music cassettes on their front side on the length determined by the bracket this is the case with the flatter box CD disc not possible. Here the nose takes over Bracket of the box from the front. Training the Holder is therefore universal for boxes with music suitable for cassettes and boxes with CD disks. There at can pivot the mechanical effort increasing no possibility of the bracket.

The brackets are preferably in pairs of each because divided two sub-brackets, one carry separate anchor.  

This measure allows all mounts optionally for boxes with music cassettes and Use boxes with CD disks.

The partial brackets of each bracket can be found in Ab depending on the type of boxes offered separates or be solved together.

It is possible in this way when storing Boxes with CD disks to release them altogether or with boxes of music cassettes one of both or the same for a special offer to release early.

In a practical embodiment of the invention the surface of the drum formed so that it offers flat sections.

This measure offers an optical demarcation part of the range, so that the customer without additional explanation is becoming aware that currently just this area of the range is available for selection. Except that is also the presentation of the boxes shown cheaper, since all tilel pictures face the customer and not the middle preferred over the outer  are. After all, the adjustment is also the expectoration device easier if you plan against one Arrangement of brackets with anchors take effect got to.

In a training of the aforementioned measure the drum is an isosceles poly in cross section gon.

This geometric shape regularly creates flat surfaces on the drum, which are suitable for loading. The Endless character with a cylindrical drum orientation is difficult, is avoided. Soon however, the advantage that the hal with a fixed ejection device can be solved.

The drum is expediently locked in rotational positions bar, in which one of their flat surfaces the customer is facing.

Through this position, the customer is optically on the Partial offer directed by the titles offered all are presented on an equal footing. At the same time he this position facilitates the assignment of the bracket  of the individual boxes to the ejection device. Once the customer has made his choice, Be press the selection button without delay Bracket released and the box with the cassette or ejected from a CD.

A further training provides that the showcase a includes transparent disc, the lateral dimensions essentially focused on the front Restrict lying flat surface of the drum.

As a result, the aforementioned optical steering of the Customers further supported on the partial selection. While So the selection becomes a distraction to the one next to it arranged boxes avoided. However the view of these boxes is not completely blocked, but rather after checking the frontal before the Disc lying offer the interest in the white other partial offers, so that the customer gradually after all sections of the drum in front of the disc can rotate.

In a practical design of the machine Selection fields with selection on both sides of the pane buttons arranged for the boxes. Continue to be  the selection buttons each at the same height as the selectable boxes associated with them arranges.

This allows the selection keys to be used immediately arrange next to the boxes that they have on buttons release pressure. The operation of the machine becomes self - explanatory and the willingness of the Customers will not buy through uncertainty limited, due to a too complicated operation possibly making mistakes and being turned on put money to get the desired box.

Guide tongues are preferably provided in the chute arranges the the ejected boxes on the way emboss a loop path to a removal opening.

These features serve two purposes. For one thing the kinetic energy of the falling boxes gently absorbed so that damage ver ver is avoided and also the psychologically unfavorable up impact noise can not occur. On the other hand Tampering from the removal opening prevented.  

In a further embodiment of the aforementioned features are the guide tongues from a first, front lying guide tongue formed by a lower right inlet section pivots backwards and then a semicircle full to the front leads. There is also a second rear guide tongue present halfway the first The guide tongue begins to curve from the back describes in front and then about the end of the first Guiding tongue continues forward.

This version allows in a more constructive way Designing an effective realization of the curves train. In the area in which the guide tongues part overlap, there is an absorption of the kinetic Energy as the box is tight on both sides are led. However, this area is only relative designed moderately short so that the deep-lying boxes, which is not a high falling speed when falling reach, do not stretch between the guide tongues stay.

Another embodiment provides that in the ejection shaft a light barrier is arranged through which a switching process when passing a box  can be triggered.

This can ensure that only at one Proven output of the selected box e.g. the money is finally collected and the machine again goes into standby. If the switch process is not triggered, the customer can e.g. a make another choice or do it in a cash register recall saved money.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a Proximity switches are provided through which the Rotate drum when a person approaches can be set or stopped from a rotational movement.

This possibility can be used to pay attention of random potential customers passing by to steer on the machine. The customer is through the Realization that he first drove the car without inserting money can cause maten to react, animates, also to deal with the title offer and this in to study more intensively. There is also the possibility speed, by alternately approaching or stepping back To cause further rotation of the drum without this Purpose buttons of the machine are to be pressed.  

Further developments and advantageous embodiments the invention emerge from the claims, the Description and the drawing, which is an execution example illustrated.

The drawing shows:

Fig. 1 a perspective view of automatic transfer from the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the dispenser,

Fig. 3 is a partial longitudinal section through the dispenser,

Fig. 4 a detail of a bracket with a box for CD drives,

Fig. 5 as a detail a holder with boxes for music cassettes and

Fig. 6 as a detail, the design and arrangement of guide tongues in the chute.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the dispensing machine according to the invention obliquely from the front. He is known a showcase 14 with a transparent pane 42 , behind which a magazine 16 with boxes 10 and 12 is arranged, in which music cassettes or CD disks are contained. The magazine 16 is designed as a drum 24 which can be rotated about a vertical axis and carries holders 26 for the boxes 10 and 12 .

On the outside of the display case 14 there are selection fields 22 on both sides of the transparent pane 42 . These selection fields 22 contain selection keys 44 , which are each arranged at the level of the holders for the boxes 10 and 12 . Below the transparent pane 42 is a removal opening 50 for the selected boxes with the music cassettes or CD disks.

To the right of the display case 14 is a cashier device 52 , which in the usual way comprises a slot 54 , a credit card slot 56 , a shovel 58 and a return opening 60 . In addition, a keypad 62 is arranged there, which includes control buttons for the rotary movement of the drum 24 and for the money return function.

As the drawing shows, flat sections 40 are formed on the drum 24 , each of which represents a limited sub-range. This part of the range is then currently available for selection. If the customer does not find the desired title among these titles, he can have the drum 24 continue to rotate until the following flat section 40 of the drum 24 comes to rest behind the transparent disk 42 .

Both the distribution of the assortment from the plan sections 40 of the drum 24 and the lateral limits of the transparent pane 42 lead to an optical guidance of the customer's view of the boxes 10 and 12 located opposite him. This facilitates the formation of a structured decision-making process, since only a few titles need to be compared with each other at any given time.

The concentration is hardly distracted by the boxes arranged on adjacent flat sections 40 . In the meantime, however, the adjacent plan sections 40 stimulate the drum 24 to be rotated and the next partial offer to be called up after the partial supply has been checked.

Has the customer opted for a title of the offer, he can insert a coin or check by simply pressing the same amount as the box 10 , 12 be sensitive selection button 44 on the selection field 22 be and eject the box to let. The extensions 26 for the boxes 10 , 12 are dimensioned such that either two boxes 12 for music cassettes or a box 10 for CD disks can be stored. In boxes 12 for music cassettes, the customer must press the select button 44 on the side on which the box is located. In boxes 10 for CD disks, it does not matter whether the left or right selection key 44 is actuated.

The arrangement of the boxes 10 and 12 in the form provided also has the advantage that those boxes 10 and 12 which belong to the same price category can be arranged on the same flat section 40 in different price categories. In the respective position of the drum 24 , the customer can then be informed about the price for the CD disks or music cassettes just called up via the shovel 58 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the drum 24 is octagonal in shape and, depending on the ratio in which boxes 10 for CD disks or boxes 12 for music cassettes are stored, can hold about 100 different titles. In order to make potential customers aware of the offer, a proximity switch can be provided, which either brings the rotating drum 24 to a standstill when a person approaches it or, conversely, sets the stationary drum 24 in rotation.

To explain the features that are not apparent from FIG. 1, reference is made to FIGS. 2-6 in the further description. In Fig. 2 is a cross section through the dispenser. This illustration shows the drum 24 which can be rotated about the vertical axis S and which is designed as an eight-legged polygome. Holders 26 for the boxes 10 and 12 are located on the outside of the drum 24 .

The parts of the holder 26 visible in this illustration are formed by brackets 32 which overlap the boxes 10 and 12 at the front in a horizontal direction. In the middle of the bracket 32 there are lugs 34 which on the one hand fix boxes 12 for music cassettes laterally and on the other hand fix boxes 10 for CD disks with their shallow depth on their front.

Inside the drum 24 with its holders 26 there is an ejection device 18 by means of which the holders 26 can be detached. This throwing device 18 is arranged in a fixed position beyond the area of the drum 24 visible to the customer, that is to say in front of the flat section 40 which comes to lie frontally to the transparent disk 42 . From the throwing device 18 acts without contact on the Hal extensions, so that the drum 26 can be rotated without prior decoupling from the Auswurfvor device 18 is required.

The ejection device 18 consists of electromagnets 30 which are arranged at a certain distance from the brackets 26 . In the position of the drum shown in FIG. 2, armatures 28 of the holder 26 are aligned with the fixed electromagnets 30 . When one of the electromagnets 30 is actuated, the armature 28 concerned is attracted and the holder 26 opens, as a result of which the boxes 10 and 12 fall down into the discharge chute 20 and can be removed from the removal opening 50 .

Serves Fig. 3, which shows a longitudinal section through the region of the ejection device 18 for further clarification of the structure of the proper dispenser Invention. This representation shows as a further part of the holders 26 with return springs 66 provided tongues 64 on which the boxes 10 and 12 rest. The rear extension of these tongues 64 are formed by the armature 28 , which diverge to the left when the electromagnets 30 are activated and release the path for the boxes 10 and 12 down into the chute 20 .

In the discharge chute 20 there is a light barrier 68 which triggers a switching process when a box 10 or 12 is passed . This can, for example, be an irrevocable checkout process that finally cashes the money that is temporarily stored in an intermediate cash register for a return option when the purchase decision is changed. In addition, at the end of the ejection shaft 20 there is a drop brake in the form of guide tongues 46 and 48 , which also form an anti-theft device. This is explained in more detail in FIG. 6.

A special design of the brackets 26 makes it possible to accommodate boxes 10 for CD disks as well as boxes 12 for music cassettes. For this purpose, the holder 26 is divided into a left part holder 36 and a right part holder 38 . A tongue 64 is assigned to each partial holder 36 , 38 . By pulling back this tongue, the box 10 or 12 in question can slip downwards. In the case of a box 10 according to FIG. 4, both tongues 64 have to be actuated, while in the boxes 12 according to FIG. 5 only the tongue 64 on the relevant side has to be actuated on which the box 12 is to be removed.

While the tongues 64 so the lower contact surface bil, the front and side contact is formed by bracket 32 . The bracket 32 has a width that speaks ent the width of a box 10 for CD disks. The side wall of the bracket can also serve as the limiting side for the bracket. The stirrups 32 have a depth t which is dimensioned according to the depth of the box 12 of a music cassette. In addition, the bracket 32 carry a nose 34 in the middle, the width c of which is such that the distance between the edge of the nose 34 and the side of the bracket 32 or the limitation of the holder 26 is the distance between the width of the box 12 of a music cassette corresponds. The depth o of the nose is dimensioned such that it corresponds to the difference between the depth of the box 12 of a music cassette and the depth of the box 10 of a CD disk.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, a box 10 with a CD-disk is kept, the side of the bracket 32 or the lateral limitation of the holder 26 and the frontal position of the bracket and the nose 34 serve as a safety feature. If boxes 12 with music cassettes are stored, the nose 34 and the bracket 32 or the lateral limitation of the holder 26 serve as lateral fixation. The brackets 32 act as a front boundary in their horizontal extension between the nose 34 and its side.

Fig. 6 shows yet a further embodiment of the brake case with guide tongues 46 and 48. The guide tongue 46 located at the front pivots backwards from a vertical inlet section and then executes a semicircular arch to the front. The second, rear guide tongue 48 begins approximately halfway down the first guide tongue 46 and describes an arc from the rear to the front, which then continues beyond the end of the first guide tongue 46 .

An ejected box thus first reaches the guide tongue 46 from which it is deflected obliquely to the rear and gradually releases its kinetic energy due to friction when it travels through the curved path. The design of the guide tongues ensures that boxes from the uppermost Hal tion 26 are effectively braked but boxes from the lower bracket to the removal opening can also be long without getting stuck between the guide tongues 46 and 48 .

Another advantage of the inventive design of the guide tongues 46 and 48 is that manipulations made by the removal opening in order to release boxes from the holders with the aid of the hand or any auxiliary tools are effectively prevented.

In addition, it should also be pointed out that the drum 24 can continue to rotate automatically after a long period of non-use of the dispenser within certain time intervals, so that different boxes 10 , 12 can be viewed one after the other inside the display case 14 .

With regard to the respective price labeling for the CD disks 10 or the music cassettes 12 , the invention is not limited to the display area 58 mentioned above. Rather, there is also the possibility to clarify the scope for a different price level for each row in two vertical rows of Music cassette 12 and the corresponding prices then draw above the respective vertical row on the drum to be labeled. The respective price tags then indicate the prices for the ordered music cassettes 12 in the row below.

Finally, another advantage of the automatic dispenser is to be pointed out, which is formed by the self-presentation of the goods - that is, the CD disks 10 and the music cassettes 12 . Regardless of the goods used, these are visible to the viewer through the display case 14 , so that it is not necessary to change any signs or the like when changing the goods.

Claims (21)

1. Automatic dispenser for recorded sound and / or image carriers, such as music cassettes, CD disks or video cassettes, which are offered in boxes ( 10 , 12 ) provided with title images, the automaton having a display case ( 14 ) with a magazine ( 16 ) comprises, in which the boxes ( 10 , 12 ) visible with their title pictures are arranged, the magazine ( 16 ) is assigned a throwing device ( 18 ) and on the display case ( 14 ) an ejection chute ( 20 ) and a selection field ( 22 ) for the desired titles are arranged, characterized in that the magazine ( 16 ) is designed as a rotatable drum ( 24 ), the outside of which supports ( 26 ) for the boxes ( 10 , 12 ) and that the ejection device ( 18 ) stationary in the interior the drum ( 24 ) is arranged. 2. Automatic machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the ejection device ( 18 ) is arranged only behind the region of the drum ( 24 ) visible to the customer. 3. Vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holders ( 26 ) for the boxes ( 10 , 12 ) are releasably contactable by the throwing device ( 18 ). 4. Automat according to one or more of claims 1-3, characterized in that the Hal extensions ( 26 ) carry armature ( 28 ), which in the rotational position of the drum facing the customer ( 24 ) with fixed electromagnets ( 30 ) or motor driven permanent magnets of the ejection device ( 18 ) are aligned. 5. Automat according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in that the Hal extensions ( 26 ) include brackets ( 32 ) which overlap the boxes ( 10 , 12 ) in a horizontal direction at the front. 6. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the width ( b ) of the bracket ( 32 ) is dimensioned according to the width of a box ( 10 ) for CD disks. 7. Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the depth ( t ) of the bracket ( 32 ) is dimensioned according to the depth of the box ( 12 ) of a music cassette and that the bracket ( 32 ) in the middle carry a nose ( 34 ) whose width ( c ) is such that the distance between the edge of the nose ( 34 ) and the side of the bracket ( 32 ) corresponds to the width of the box ( 12 ) of a music cassette. 8. Automat according to claim 7, characterized in that the depth ( o ) of the nose ( 34 ) is so measured that it is the difference between the depth of the box ( 12 ) of a music cassette and the depth of the box ( 10 ) one CD disk corresponds. 9. Automat according to one or more of claims 5-8, characterized in that the Hal extensions ( 26 ) are divided into pairs of two partial brackets ( 36 , 38 ) which carry a separate anchor ( 28 ). 10. Automat according to claim 9, characterized in that the partial brackets ( 36 , 38 ) of each bracket ( 26 ) depending on the type of boxes offered ( 10 , 12 ) are separately or jointly solvable. 11. Automat according to one or more of claims 1-10, characterized in that the surface of the drum ( 24 ) offers flat sections ( 40 ). 12. Machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the drum ( 24 ) represents an isosceles polygon in cross section. 13. Automatic machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the drum ( 24 ) can be locked in rotational positions in which one of its flat sections ( 40 ) faces the customer. 14. Automatic machine according to one or more of claims 11-13, characterized in that the showcase ( 14 ) comprises a transparent disc ( 42 ), the lateral dimensions of which essentially provide a view of the plane section ( 40 ) of the drum lying just in front Restrict ( 24 ). 15. Automatic machine according to claim 14, characterized in that on both sides of the disc ( 42 ) from selection fields ( 22 ) with selection keys ( 44 ) for the boxes ( 10 , 12 ) are arranged. 16. Automat according to claim 15, characterized in that the selection buttons ( 44 ) are each arranged at the same height as the associated selectable cash boxes ( 10 , 12 ). 17. Automat according to one or more of claims 1-16, characterized in that in the throw shaft ( 20 ) guide tongues ( 46 , 48 ) are arranged, which emboss the boxes on the way to a removal opening ( 50 ) on a curved path . 18. Automatic machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the guide tongues consist of a first, front guide tongue ( 46 ) which pivots from a vertical inlet section first to the rear and then performs a semicircular arc to the front, and that the guide tongues from a second Directing tongue rearward (48) which the tongue half way along the first guide (46) begins an arc from back to front and then continues beyond the end of the first guide tongue (46) out further forward. 19. Automatic machine according to one or more of claims 1-18, characterized in that a light barrier is arranged in the throwing chute ( 20 ), by means of which a switching process can be triggered when a box is passed, for example passing money thrown in. 20. Automat according to one or more of claims 1-19, characterized in that a proximity switch is provided, through which the drum ( 24 ) can be set in rotation when a person approaches or can be stopped from a rotational movement. 21. Automatic machine according to one or more of claims 1-19, characterized in that the drum ( 24 ) can be incrementally shifted automatically at certain time intervals, so that successively different boxes ( 10 , 12 ) come to view.