EP3168814B1 - Goods compartment, goods machine and method for the issue of goods from a goods compartment - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a goods compartment, a vending machine, in particular a vending machine, and a method for dispensing a product from a goods compartment.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A vending machine is a machine for dispensing goods held therein. One type of vending machines are so-called vending machines. In vending machines, an offered product is usually presented through a transparent front window. Upon an appropriate request and upon payment of a corresponding amount of money, the goods, usually fully automated, issued in an output device.

The present invention will be explained below with respect to vending machines. They are not limited thereto, but transferable to any type of vending machine.

Vending machines have goods compartments in which the goods to be sold are stored in magazines. Preferably goods compartments are used, in which the goods are stored magazines, since they are so better presented to the outside. To issue the goods from the goods compartment usually a transport device is provided, which is designed to push out the goods from the goods compartment mostly one by one. The goods fall out of the goods compartment upon reaching a front end of the goods compartment and into an output device. Such a vending machine is in the DE 20 2008 017 721 U1 described. Alternatively, the goods may also fall into a goods lift and be transported by means of the goods lift to an output device.

In vending machines, there is an increasing demand to be able to be used for very different commodity products. Thus, there is a large variation in the dimensions of the goods to be stored and dispensed. In particular, in the case of goods of large dimensions, for example bottles or beverage cartons with a high height, there is a risk that the goods may be placed in an undesired manner, tilted or assume another undefined state during dispensing so that it does not reach the dispensing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved goods compartment, an improved vending machine and an improved method for dispensing a product from a goods compartment.

This object is achieved by a goods compartment having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by a vending machine with the features of claim 10 and / or by a method for dispensing a product from a goods compartment with the features of claim 14.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• A goods compartment for a vending machine, comprising a merchandise shelf having a front end, which is provided for dispensing goods from the goods compartment, provided with a ramp provided on the shelf, which is arranged and designed such that the goods to issue the goods compartment is pushed onto the ramp, before reaching the front end of the fabric shelf from the ramp tilts and tilts over the front end of the fabric shelf.
• A vending machine, in particular vending machine, with at least one goods compartment according to the invention.
• A method for dispensing a product from a goods compartment, in particular from a goods compartment of a vending machine according to the invention, wherein the product is pushed onto a ramp located on a shelf before reaching a front end of the shelf from the ramp and thereby over the front end of the shelf tilts.

The idea on which the present invention is based is to influence the orientation of the goods during delivery from the goods compartment by means of a ramp in such a way that the goods tilt in a controlled manner before reaching a front end of the goods compartment floor and with the tilting movement as well tilts over the front end of the goods compartment.

Thus, tipping out of the goods compartment requires significantly less space, since the tipping process still begins within the goods compartment and not until it reaches a front end of the shelf. The goods, instead of extending horizontally into a space located in front of the front end of the goods compartment when tilting out with their entire height, in a horizontal orientation initially only with a headboard in this room, while a foot still in the Merchandise compartment is located. If the goods with their entire height enters the space located before the front end of the goods compartment, there is already an orientation tilted beyond the horizontal the goods in front, in particular an upside down in about vertical orientation.

Thus, in high-building goods, for example, with a height greater than a gap or a distance between the goods compartment and a windshield of a vending machine, according to the invention be avoided that the product gets stuck in the output between the merchandise compartment and front panel.

In particular, according to the invention, it is avoided that the product, instead of being transferred to the dispensing device, still stands with the bottom on the front end of the goods compartment and rests with its upper edge against the front pane.

Furthermore, in a vending machine with a goods lift a correct entry of the goods can be guaranteed in a lifter. In particular, the present invention avoids that the goods, instead of submerging in the lifter trough, rests transversely on top of two vertical walls of the lifter trough.

In addition, the shape of a ramp building up on the shelf with an inclined plane advantageously ensures that, in the event of vibration or jarring of the vending machine, there is no danger that a product will be jarred forward and fall into the goods issue without proper operation of the vending machine.

A ramp is to be understood in particular as meaning a ramp which builds up on the goods compartment floor. When sliding the goods stored in the goods compartment up to the ramp, the goods are raised accordingly. Furthermore, a ramp has a predetermined tilting point, on which a product pushed onto it tilts, in particular accelerates forward in the direction of the front end of the goods shelf with a gravitational acceleration.

The tilting of the goods therefore begins in a relation to the goods shelf elevated position. Upon reaching the shelf during tipping, the goods thus already have a certain twist due to the gravitational acceleration. when exiting the goods compartment in the region of the front end of the fabric shelf, the goods thus continue to turn overhead. The product then passes upside down, especially in an approximately vertical position, from the goods compartment.

In an automatic vending machine without a lift, the goods thus fall vertically into a space provided between the windscreen and the goods compartments. In the event that the vending machine has a lift, the product falls vertically into the lifter.

The position and height of the ramp is particularly adapted to the height, depth and center of gravity of the goods. A predetermined tilting of the ramp is thus tuned to the nature and shape of the product.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the ramp is arranged at a distance from the front end of the fabric shelf. Advantageously, the goods tilts before reaching the end of the shelf from the ramp.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the ramp and the goods shelf are releasably coupled together. Furthermore, the ramp is slidably attachable to the goods shelf. In particular, the distance of the ramp to the front end of the fabric shelf is provided freely adjustable. Advantageous Thus, the point at which the goods tilts, adjusted accordingly and thus matched to a commodity.

According to one embodiment, the merchandise compartment floor has interrupted longitudinal slots for coupling to the ramp. The ramp has corresponding, in the longitudinal slots insertable support extensions. In addition, at a front and rear end of the ramp in engaging recesses of the fabric shelf engaging insert extensions may be provided. Thus, a displaceable coupling of the ramp is realized with the goods shelf easy in a simple manner.

For example, in one embodiment, the ramp is designed as a bent part, in particular as a wedge-shaped bent part. In particular, the support extensions are made by means of bending. The mounting extensions can be arranged laterally or centrally on the ramp. In particular, the support extensions on the goods compartment floor in the assembled state engaging behind the hook extension.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the distance is adjustable in a range in which it can be tuned to the height and center of gravity of a product located in the goods compartment, that a center of gravity of the goods during tilting the front end of the fabric shelf passes before the goods goes through a horizontal position. Thus, it is advantageously ensured that the goods in turning out of the goods compartment according to the invention continues to turn over the head.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a transport device is provided, which has a predetermined transport direction and by means of which the goods can be pushed onto the ramp. Thus, a safe process is the Warehousing guaranteed by the goods controlled on the ramp postponed.

According to one embodiment, the ramp has a tilting edge, which is designed and arranged such that the goods tilt in the transport direction of the ramp. A tilting edge represents an advantageous realization of a defined tilting point, since when the tilting edge is exceeded, the rest of the dispensing operation, that is to say the tilting out of the goods compartment, can take place with a gravitational acceleration. Thus, no further drive or adjusting means for outputting the goods from the goods compartment are necessary. For example, the ramp is designed as a bent part, wherein in particular the tilting edge is made by bending.

According to one embodiment, the tilting edge is aligned transversely to the transport direction. Thus, a simple realization of ensuring the tilting of the goods in the transport direction is provided because the product tilts so gravitationally in the transport direction when the tilting edge is exceeded.

According to one embodiment, the front end of the fabric shelf has an end edge which is oriented transversely to the transport direction. Advantageously, the goods can thus overcome directly with their tilt taken up by the ramp swirl the final edge by further tilting. In the end, therefore, the goods tilt upside down out of the goods compartment. The end edge preferably runs parallel to an instantaneous pole axis of the tilting movement, in particular when the article tilts forward in the transport direction.

According to one embodiment of a vending machine, the latter has a front cover, in particular a front screen, and an output device. The goods compartment is behind the front cover arranged. Between the front cover and the goods compartment, a gap is provided, through which an output from the goods compartment goods can be transferred to the output device. The size of the gap is characterized in particular by the distance between the goods compartment and front cover. Advantageously, this gap can turn out to be smaller in accordance with the invention, or larger goods, in particular goods with highly constructive packaging, such as, for example, beverage cartons or high PET bottles, can be reliably dispensed with it.

According to one embodiment, the gap has a size which is less than the usable height of the goods compartment. Thus, the size of the gap is smaller than the maximum height of goods that can be stored in the goods compartment. The inventive design of the goods compartment is thereby ensured that the goods in the output from the goods compartment functionally reliable through the intermediate space is passed into the output device. In particular, a product can be dispensed by tilting overhead, preferably substantially perpendicular, in the space and thus fall unhindered into the dispenser.

According to one embodiment, a goods lift is arranged in the region of the intermediate space, which has a lift trough and is designed to receive the goods for transfer from the goods compartment into the delivery device in the lift trough. In particular, the Liftwanne thereby has a length or width which is less than the usable height of the goods compartment and thus formed less than the maximum height of magazines in the goods compartment goods. According to the invention, it is ensured by the design of the goods compartment with a ramp that the goods are reliably transferred to the lifter trough during the delivery from the goods compartment. Especially For example, goods can be transferred vertically into the lifter tank by tilting them over their heads.

According to a preferred embodiment of a method for dispensing a product from a goods compartment, when the goods are tipped out, the goods enter upside down into a space provided between a front cover and the goods compartment or into a lift tray of a goods lift. Under an upside down entry is to be understood as entering into a tilted by more than 90 ° rotated, in particular substantially vertical, alignment.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. In particular, features of the product compartment, the vending machine and the method of operation, if appropriate, are transferable to one another. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine auf einem Warenfachboden eines Warenfachs angeordnete Rampe;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Längsschnittansicht eines Warenfachs mit einer Rampe gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Warenfachs mit einer Rampe gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Fig. 4

eine Längsschnittansicht eines Warenfachs mit einer Rampe gemäß Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Verkaufsautomaten mit einem Warenfach;

Fig. 6A-6D

einen Bewegungsablauf beim Ausgeben einer Ware aus einem Warenfach eines Verkaufsautomaten;

Fig. 7

einen Warenautomaten mit Warenlift.

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

Fig. 1

a ramp arranged on a shelf of a goods compartment;

Fig. 2

a perspective longitudinal sectional view of a goods compartment with a ramp according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a goods compartment with a ramp according to another embodiment;

Fig. 4

a longitudinal sectional view of a goods compartment with a ramp according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a section of a vending machine with a goods compartment;

Figs. 6A-6D

a movement sequence when issuing a product from a goods compartment of a vending machine;

Fig. 7

a vending machine with goods lift.

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a arranged on a shelf 2 of a goods compartment 1 ramp 4th

The ramp 4 is arranged before a front end 3 of the fabric shelf 2. The ramp 4 is further designed such that a product pushed onto it tilts in the direction of the front end 3 of the fabric shelf 2. Thus, a product pushed onto it tilts before reaching the front end 3 of the ramp 4 and also tilts over the front end of the third

The ramp 4 builds on the goods compartment floor 2 in the height. When pushing a product onto the ramp 4, the goods are therefore raised accordingly. Furthermore, the ramp 4 has a highest point, which represents a predetermined tilting point. A pushed onto the ramp 4 goods tilts when crossing this highest point thus gravitationally accelerated by the ramp. 4

The tilting of the goods therefore begins at a position opposite the shelf 2 increased. Furthermore, the tilting begins in a relation to the end 3 of the fabric shelf 2 set back position.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective longitudinal sectional view of a goods compartment with a ramp according to Fig. 1 ,

In the illustrated embodiment, the goods compartment 1 on several magazines 12. The magazines 12 are separated from each other by side walls 19.

The running in the illustrated sectional plane magazine 12 has a goods floor 2, on which a ramp 4 is provided, as with respect to Fig. 1 explained.

The goods compartment 1 is intended for use in a vending machine. Goods to be stored in the magazines 12 of the goods compartment 1 can be lined up in rows along the transport direction.

The goods compartment 1 has a transport device 8 in the form of running on toothed belt 14 product sliders 13. As an alternative to toothed belt and spindle drives can be provided. The transport device 8 conveys goods stored in the magazines 12 in a transport direction 9 aligned along the toothed belts 14. The transport device 8 is designed to transport the goods in the direction of the end 3 of the goods compartment bottom 2. When transporting the goods thus a foremost product of a magazine 12 is pushed onto the ramp 4.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a goods compartment 1 with a ramp 4 according to another embodiment. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 the ramp 4 is designed here as a wedge-shaped bent part.

The cloth compartment bottom 2 has insertion holes 15 for inserting insert extensions 16 respectively provided at a front and rear end of the ramp 4.

Furthermore, 2 longitudinal slot-like recesses 6 are provided in the goods shelf 2, which are provided for engagement of a holding part 7 of the ramp 4.

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a goods compartment with a ramp according to Fig. 3 ,

Clearly recognizable in this view, the ramp 4 designed as a bent part has a tilting edge 10, which is produced by means of bending.

Also by means of bending the holding part 7 is formed. This has a hook extension 17, which releasably engages in the longitudinal slot-like recesses 6 and thereby engages behind the fabric shelf 2.

The ramp 4 is inserted into the different insertion holes 15 and longitudinal slot-like recesses 6 and thus detachably mounted and displaceable in the transport direction 9 on the fabric shelf 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp 4 is arranged at a distance 5 from the front end 3 of the goods compartment to the goods shelf 2. The distance 5 can be adjusted by moving the ramp 4 along the transport direction 9 or adapted to the height and center of gravity of a product.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a section of a trained as a vending machine 20 with a goods compartment. 1

The vending machine 20 has a front panel 21 in the form of a transparent front screen and an output device 22.

Between the goods compartment 1 and the front panel 21, a gap 23 is provided. The size of the gap 23 corresponds to a distance provided between the front screen 21 and the front end 3 of the shelf.

The output device 22 has an output flap 26 and an output tray 27, from which a goods output from the goods compartment can be removed.

In the operation of the machine for the output of a product on the ramp 4 of the goods compartment 1 is postponed and then tilts from the ramp 4 on the front end 3 of the fabric shelf upside down in the space 23. Then the goods fall into the output tray 27 and can by opening the Output flap 26 are removed.

The Figs. 6A-6D show a sequence of movements when issuing a product from a goods compartment 1 of a vending machine.

Fig. 6A shows a product 18 standing on the goods shelf 2 of a goods compartment behind the goods 18 shown a number of other goods may be arranged, which are not shown for clarity.

The goods 18 has a height which is greater than a provided between a front window 21 of the vending machine 20 and a front end 3 of the shelf 2 intermediate space 23 is formed.

To output the goods 18 from the vending machine 20, the goods 18 is pushed onto the ramp 4 of the goods compartment 1. Upon reaching a predetermined tilting point of the ramp 4, the goods 18 tilts from the ramp. 4

Fig. 6B shows the goods 18 in a tilted from the ramp 4 state. The goods 18 tilts forward in the direction of the windshield 21 on the front end 3 of the fabric shelf second

Due to the fact that the ramp 4 is arranged at a distance from the front end 3 of the fabric shelf 2, the goods 18 does not come into contact with the windshield 21 during the tilting with its head end. Instead, the tilting operation between the top of the goods and the front screen 21 preferably non-contact.

Furthermore, the distance 5 between the ramp 4 and the front end of the fabric shelf 2 is dimensioned such that a center of gravity S of the goods 18, the front end 3 of the fabric shelf 2 passes before the goods 18 passes through a horizontal position. Thus, the goods 18 tilts on reaching a horizontal position and tilts so in a tilt angle of> 90 °.

Fig. 6C shows the goods 18 while tipping over the front end 3 of the fabric shelf 2. In the illustrated situation, the goods 18 has already rotated by more than 90 ° and thus dives headfirst into the space 23.

A foot of the goods 18 is still supported in this state at the front end 3 of the fabric shelf. This gives the gravity-accelerated product 18 a certain amount of spin, in order to turn further upside down into a vertical position.

Fig. 6D shows the goods 18 in a fully submerged in the gap 23 position. The product 18 is here in free fall vertically upside down within the space provided between the windscreen 21 and the front end 3 of the fabric shelf 2 intermediate space 23. In this state, the goods 18 requires only a small cross-section of the space and thus can functionally safe either in an output tray 26 of an output device 22 according to Fig. 5 or fall into a lifter 25 of a goods lift 24.

Fig. 7 shows a trained as a vending machine 20 with a goods lift 24th

The vending machine 20 has a goods compartment 1 and a front screen 21. The goods lift 24 is arranged in a gap 23 between the front screen 21 and goods compartment 1.

The goods lift 24 has a lifter 25 for receiving a product 18. A width 28 of the lifter 25 is smaller than the height of the goods 18 is provided.

With the caused by the formation of the goods compartment 1 movement, as in the FIGS. 6A to 6D shown, immersed the goods 18 upside down substantially vertically in the Liftwanne 25. Thus, a secure reception of the goods is guaranteed.

The goods lift 24 can then transport the goods 18 to an output device, not shown here, where it can be removed.

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

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

were trade

2

Goods shelf

3

front end

4

ramp

5

distance

6

longitudinal slots

7

Support extensions

8th

transport device

9

transport direction

10

tilting edge

11

terminal edge

12

Magazine

13

product slider

14

toothed belt

15

insertion hole

16

Use extension

17

Hook extension

18

Would

19

Side wall

20

Vending machine or vending machine

21

front panel

22

output device

23

gap

24

goods lift

25

lift pan

26

exit door

27

output tray

28

width

Claims (15)

1. Product shelf (1) for a product dispensing machine, comprising a product shelf base (2) which has a front end (3) which is provided for outputting products from the product shelf (1),
   comprising a ramp (4) which is provided on the product shelf base (2) and which is arranged and formed in such a way that the product to be outputted from the product shelf (1) can be slid onto the ramp (4), tips off the ramp (4) before reaching the front end (3) of the product shelf base, and thus tips over the front end (3) of the product shelf base (2).
2. Product shelf according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the ramp (4) is arranged at a distance (5) from the front end (3) of the product shelf base (2).
3. Product shelf according to either claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterised in that the ramp (4) and the product shelf base (2) are detachably coupled to one another and the ramp (4) can be attached to the product shelf base (2) displaceably.
4. Product shelf according to claim 3,
   characterised in that
   the product shelf base (2) has interrupted longitudinal slits (6) for coupling to the ramp (4), and the ramp (4) has corresponding mounting projections (7) introducible into the longitudinal slits (6).
5. Product shelf according to either claim 3 or claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the distance (5) is adjustable in a range in which it can be adapted to the height and centre of gravity of a product located in the product shelf in such a way that during tipping a centre of gravity (S) of the product passes the front end (3) of the product shelf base (2) before the product passes through a horizontal position.
6. Product shelf according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a transport device (8) is provided, which has a predetermined transport direction (9) and by means of which the product can be slid onto the ramp (4).
7. Product shelf according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the ramp (4) has a tipping edge (10) which is formed and arranged in such a way that the product tips off the ramp in the transport direction (9).
8. Product shelf according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the tipping edge (10) is orientated transverse to the transport direction (9).
9. Product shelf according to any of claims 6 to 8,
   characterised in that
   the front end (3) of the product shelf base has a terminating edge (11) orientated transverse to the transport direction (9).
10. Product dispending machine (20), in particular a vending machine,
    comprising at least one product shelf (1) according to any of the preceding claims.
11. Product dispensing machine according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    the product dispensing machine has a front cover (21), in particular a front pane, and an output device (22), the product shelf (1) being arranged behind the front cover (21), and a gap (23), through which a product outputted from the product shelf (1) can be passed into the output device (22), being provided between the front cover (21) and the product shelf (1).
12. Product dispensing machine according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    the gap (23) is of a size formed smaller than a usable height of the product shelf (1).
13. Product dispensing machine according to either claim 11 or claim 12,
    characterised in that
    a product lift (24) is arranged in the region of the gap (23), has a lifting tray (25), and is configured to receive in the lifting tray (25) the product to be passed from the product shelf (1) into the output device (22).
14. Method for outputting a product from a product shelf, in particular from a product shelf of a product dispensing machine according to any of preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein the product is slid onto a ramp (4) arranged on a product shelf base (2), tips off the ramp (4) before reaching a front end (3) of the product shelf base (2), and thereupon tips over the front end (3) of the product shelf base (2).
15. Method according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    when tipped out the product enters a gap (23) provided between a front cover (21) and the product shelf (1) headfirst or enters a lifting tray (25) of a product lift (24) headfirst.

Images