EP4492350A1 - Vending machine for storing and dispensing goods, vending machine station for automatically outputting goods to a buyer, and method for outputting goods from a vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vending machine for storing and dispensing goods, in particular for a vending machine station, with a vending machine housing that has an interior space for storing the goods; and with an opening on an underside of the vending machine housing through which the goods can be dispensed from the vending machine in a vertical direction. The present invention also relates to a vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a buyer, with a plurality of such vending machines; and with a common transport device that is arranged in an area between a lowest goods compartment of the vending machines and a base of the vending machines. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for dispensing goods from a vending machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vending machine for storing and dispensing goods. The present invention also relates to a vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a buyer with a plurality of such vending machines. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for dispensing goods from a vending machine.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Vending machines are well known and are used in many different ways, for example machines for storing and dispensing hot or cold drinks or snacks. Such a vending machine is usually designed to sell a specific type of item, for example hot drinks. It is trendy to offer other products such as pasta or grilled meat in a vending machine in addition to hot or cold drinks and snacks. In this way, a vending machine operator and/or local butcher, meat cutter or general producer can sell preferably regional products in the vending machine outside of shop opening hours, so to speak, at any time.

It is common for a single machine to contain or provide several different items of a certain type from which a buyer can select a desired item. Payment for the ordered item is made either in advance or after placing the order by providing the corresponding amount of money for the item in cash or via a standard electronic payment method.

For example, the DE 20 2019 004 624 U1 a vending machine for goods with at least one filling container for the goods, from which the goods can be removed via a dispensing opening, wherein the vending machine has a closed, visible removal area with a manual removal device with which the goods can be transported individually after payment via a removal opening into a chute onto an ejection chute to a dispensing opening.

The disadvantage of conventional vending machines is that filling, dispensing and operating the vending machine is provided on the front side of the vending machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine that can dispense the goods in an alternative manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vending machine having the features of patent claim 1 and/or by a vending machine station having the features of patent claim 12 and/or by a method having the features of patent claim 14.

• Ein Verkaufsautomat zur Lagerung und Abgabe einer Ware, insbesondere für eine Verkaufsautomatenstation, mit einem Automatengehäuse, das einen Innenraum zur Lagerung der Ware aufweist; und mit einer Öffnung an einer Unterseite des Automatengehäuses, durch welche die Ware von dem Verkaufsautomaten in einer vertikalen Richtung abgebbar ist.
• Eine Verkaufsautomatenstation zur automatischen Ausgabe von Waren an einen Käufer, mit einer Vielzahl von erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten; und mit einer gemeinsamen Transportvorrichtung, welche in einem Bereich zwischen einem untersten Warenfach der Verkaufsautomaten und einem Aufstellboden der Verkaufsautomaten angeordnet ist.
• Ein Verfahren zur Ausgabe einer Ware aus einem Verkaufsautomaten, insbesondere aus einem erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten, umfassend die Schritte: Bereitstellen einer von einem Käufer angeforderten Ware innerhalb eines Automatengehäuses des Verkaufsautomaten, das einen Innenraum zur Lagerung der Ware aufweist; und Abgeben der Ware aus dem Verkaufsautomaten durch eine Öffnung an einer Unterseite des Automatengehäuses in einer vertikalen Richtung.

Accordingly, it is envisaged:

• A vending machine for storing and dispensing a product, in particular for a vending machine station, with a machine housing having an interior space for storing the product; and with an opening on an underside of the machine housing through which the product can be dispensed from the vending machine in a vertical direction.
• A vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a customer, comprising a plurality of vending machines according to the invention; and comprising a common transport device which is arranged in an area between a lowest goods compartment of the vending machines and a mounting floor of the vending machines.
• A method for dispensing a product from a vending machine, in particular from a vending machine according to the invention, comprising the steps of: providing a product requested by a buyer within a vending machine housing of the vending machine, which has an interior space for storing the product; and dispensing the product from the vending machine through an opening on an underside of the vending machine housing in a vertical direction.

The idea underlying the present invention is that the goods leave the vending machine or the vending machine unit through the opening or the bottom in the vertical direction. This means that the goods do not have to be dispensed to the front, for example, in particular at the front, but can be dispensed through the opening via the bottom. The goods can therefore only be dispensed by gravity. Consequently, the bottom corresponds to the dispensing side of the vending machine.

The vending machine housing surrounds in particular those components of the vending machine that are assigned to this individual vending machine, as well as the interior space including the goods stored therein.

The vending machine in the present application does not necessarily contain a viewing window, a manual operating unit and a payment module. Furthermore, the interior of the vending machine does not have to be secured against vandalism and locked, since the buyer generally does not have access to the interior of the vending machine station.

Furthermore, the present invention is based on the idea of providing a vending machine station or vending machine array, whose multitude of vending machines or vending machine units can store and dispense a wide variety of products/goods. A goods conveying unit or the common transport device is able to receive all the goods dispensed by the vending machines. The common transport device is characterized in that it can be used to move goods/products outside the vending machines. In other words, the common transport device collects the goods/products that are taken from the multitude of vending machines. Accordingly, the common transport device could also be referred to as a collection belt. The multitude of vending machines can be arranged next to one another, one above the other or opposite one another in relation to the common transport device.

The common transport device of the vending machine station according to the invention is located in the area between the lowest goods compartment of the vending machines and the installation floor of the vending machines. In other words, the common transport device is arranged below the goods compartments of the vending machines. For example, the goods can be transported in the vertical direction from the goods compartment to the common transport device.

An advantage of the vending machine according to the invention is that it can be used more flexibly.

An advantage of the vending machine station according to the invention is that a purchaser only has to operate a single suitable operating unit and also only has to make a payment transaction in order to purchase a variety of goods. The suitable operating unit or a suitable control panel comprises product selection input devices and money and credit processing devices, which are well known, as well as a coin return device. The purchased goods can be provided in a single common goods dispensing area, even if the goods originate from different vending machines.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to one embodiment of the vending machine, a filling side of the vending machine and a dispensing side of the vending machine are different from each other. This means that the filling side is not the same as the dispensing side. For example, if the goods are dispensed via the underside or floor of the vending machine and filled via a front or back.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine further comprises a removal device or mechanism for dispensing a product, which is arranged at least in sections within the machine housing, wherein the removal device is designed to dispense the product through the opening. This means that, for example, fragile products can be dispensed safely, since they do not have to slip or fall through the opening due to gravity.

The removal device can be designed, for example, as a manipulator, in particular as a basket. The vending machine has, for example, at least one goods compartment. Preferably, the vending machine has a plurality of goods compartments arranged in an array in the interior.

The removal device can be variably movable and can therefore be moved to any front side of the goods compartment. This is done via a variably movable transport device to which the removal device can be attached. The transport device can, for example, contain guide rails on which the removal device can be moved. In this way, one drive unit can drive both the removal device and the goods compartment.

The transport of the goods in the goods compartment, in particular to the front, takes place, for example, via a conveyor belt, a slider, transport rollers, transport rollers or a spiral. The drive unit can be integrated in the removal device or coupled to the removal device. The drive unit is preferably designed as an electric motor, in particular as a servo motor, as a stepper motor, as a DC motor or the like. However, the type of drive not limited to this, for example, a magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic drive can also be provided. Optionally, the drive unit can also have a gearbox. The drive unit can either drive directly or via the gearbox.

According to a further development of the vending machine, the removal device is designed to deliver the goods to a common transport device arranged outside the vending machine. In this way, the goods can be transported further, for example together with other goods from this or another vending machine. The goods requested by a buyer can therefore first be collected on the common transport device before the buyer can receive them.

According to a further development of the vending machine, the removal device is designed to deliver the goods to a space located underneath the vending machine. The vending machine can therefore be located away from a goods dispenser. In particular, the vending machine can be separated from the space located underneath the vending machine. If necessary, gravity can be used even better in this way to deliver the goods due to the difference in height between the vending machine and the space below.

For example, the vending machine can be installed in a room of a building, with the removal device delivering the goods to the room below by conveying the goods through the ceiling between the two rooms. Alternatively or additionally, the vending machine can be installed on a platform or the like, with a space under the platform This means that the vending machine can be installed at a height that is inaccessible to the buyer, for example to make vandalism more difficult.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the vending machine can be positioned, for example, in a plane arranged above the installation floor, in particular in a space provided above it. The vending machine and the common transport device can thus be positioned separately from one another in spaces arranged one above the other.

According to a further embodiment of the vending machine, the opening is designed to be automatically closed or opened. This means that the interior of the vending machine can be air-conditioned. Furthermore, no animals can nest in the vending machine.

According to a further embodiment of the vending machine, the underside has a movable floor section or a flap or the like.

According to a further development of the vending machine, the movable floor section or the flap is designed to seal the interior in a closed state.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine further comprises a cooling device or an air conditioning device for air conditioning the interior and the goods stored therein. The cooling device is designed in particular for cooling the interior and the goods stored therein. The air conditioning device is designed in particular to create a predetermined interior climate in the interior of the vending machine, in particular a predetermined temperature and/or humidity.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine further comprises a roller door or a blind or a swing door for filling the vending machine. For example, the roller door or the swing door is designed to be lockable. The roller door or blind can be provided on the front, on the back or on the front and back of the vending machine. The vending machine can thus be designed without having to take into account a swing range of swing doors, flaps or similar access options. The roller door can preferably roll up inside the vending machine. This is particularly advantageous if the vending machine is installed in a container or in a building.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine further comprises a stepping board device for a filler to enter, which is arranged between a lowest goods compartment and a base of the vending machine on a filling side of the vending machine, so that the filler can also fill higher goods compartments. In this case, the filling side corresponds to a front side of the vending machine. In addition, the vending machine can also be filled from the back. Preferably, the stepping board device is arranged at the level of the underside of the vending machine. In this way, a vending machine can be filled by the filler standing on the stepping board device. Alternatively or additionally, the stepping board device can be arranged on a back side of the vending machine.

The machine housing can in particular surround the removal device, at least one goods compartment and the drive unit.

According to one embodiment of the vending machine station, the common transport device is designed to receive the goods dispensed by the vending machines and to transport them to a common goods dispensing area. For example, the plurality of vending machines each intended for storing and dispensing a product forms a first row of vending machines arranged next to one another.

In addition, the vending machine station may further comprise a second row of vending machines arranged side by side, each intended for storing and dispensing a product. Thus, the vending machine station can be arranged more compactly or in accordance with spatial conditions. For example, the first row and the second row can be arranged in an L-shape, a T-shape or any other shape that can be formed with two or more rows.

For example, the second row may have the same features as the first row. Optionally, the second row may combine the described features with respect to the vending machines differently than the first row.

Optionally, the vending machine station further comprises a separate transport device which is designed to receive the goods dispensed by the vending machines in the second row and to transport them to a common goods dispensing area. This allows the first row and the second row to be arranged even more freely, since the second row has a own transport device, i.e. the separate transport device, which can be independent of the common transport device.

For example, the common transport device and the separate transport device can have a common conveying plane. Alternatively or additionally, the separate transport device can be arranged at a distance from the common transport device of the first row. Optionally, the separate transport device can transport the goods to the same common goods output area as the common transport device or to a different goods output area.

According to a further development, the vending machine station further comprises a connecting transport device for transporting the goods between the common transport device and the separate transport device. This means that the connecting transport device connects the common transport device and the separate transport device. The goods from the common and separate transport devices can thus be brought together or pre-sorted. The connecting transport device can be designed and driven essentially like the common transport device. Optionally, the connecting transport device can be designed such that the transport devices form a circuit, for example around the first row and the second row.

According to a further development of the vending machine station, the connecting transport device is designed and coupled to the common transport device and the separate transport device in such a way that the connecting transport device connects the common transport device and the separate transport device connects straight or curved.

According to a further development of the vending machine station, a front side of the vending machines in the first row faces a front side of the vending machines in the second row. In this way, the vending machines can be easily filled from the back of the vending machines. In addition, the vending machines can be arranged very compactly.

The front side corresponds, for example, to the filling side. If the front sides of the vending machines face each other, the front side preferably corresponds to the filling side. For example, the goods within the goods compartment are conveyed to the front side. In addition, a viewing window can be provided on the front and/or the back.

According to a further development of the vending machine station, the common transport device is arranged between the first row and the second row and is designed to receive the goods dispensed by the vending machines in the first row and the second row and to transport them to the common goods dispensing area. The vending machines in the first and second rows are thus located opposite each other and all dispense the goods onto the common transport device. The first row and the second row are preferably approximately the same length, but are not limited to this. The advantage is that only one transport device is therefore necessary.

According to a further development of the vending machine station, a back of the vending machines of the first row facing a rear side of the vending machines in the second row. For example, the vending machines in the first row may be spaced from the second row so that an aisle is provided between the two rear sides for filling the vending machines. In this way, a filler can fill the vending machines more quickly if the aisle is provided. Alternatively or additionally, the vending machines may be filled from the front.

For example, the back side corresponds to the filling side. If the back sides of the vending machines face each other and there is no aisle between them, the front side preferably corresponds to the filling side.

According to a further embodiment of the vending machine station, at least one of the transport devices, i.e. the common transport device and/or the separate transport device, has a conveyor belt, transport rollers, transport rollers or a goods collection container.

Optionally, at least one of the transport devices can be driven by a motor drive. Preferably, the motor drive is designed as an electric motor, in particular as a servo motor, as a stepper motor, as a DC motor or the like. However, the type of drive is not limited to this, for example, a magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic drive can also be provided. For example, the motor drive can also have a gear. Optionally, the motor drive can be coupled directly or via the gear to the common transport device and/or the separate transport device for driving. Optionally, the motor drive is designed as a gear drive, as Friction wheel drive or belt drive. To transfer the drive torque from the motor drive to the common transport device and/or the separate transport device, the motor drive can provide a gear, a friction wheel or a belt. Furthermore, the connecting transport device can have its own motor drive or be driven by the motor drive of the common or separate transport device.

Furthermore, the vending machine station can be designed and controlled in such a way that when a vending machine is being filled, only this one vending machine is out of operation for the duration of the filling, with the others of the plurality of vending machines remaining in operation. This means that the other vending machines can continue to dispense goods while the one vending machine is being filled. For example, for reasons of safety and to avoid errors, the vending machine that is being filled is deactivated. This only slightly affects the operation of the vending machine station, and sales in particular can be maintained at least to a limited extent. In other words, a vending machine or vending machine unit can be opened individually, with goods being able to be dispensed from the other vending machines or vending machine units. This means that only this one vending machine or vending machine unit is blocked from dispensing when it is being filled.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine station further comprises a vertical conveyor for raising and/or lowering the goods to an ergonomic dispensing height for a buyer to remove the goods, wherein the vertical conveyor in the common goods dispensing area This can make the purchase more convenient for the buyer. For example, the vertical conveyor system can be designed as a spiral conveyor, a circulating shelf or a lift system or the like.

An ergonomic serving height for a buyer within the meaning of the present application corresponds to a height in the range of approximately 75 cm to approximately 140 cm above a floor, for example the installation floor.

According to a further development, the vending machine station further comprises a movable switch device or switch for variable forwarding of the goods from the common transport device and/or the separate transport device to the vertical conveyor device. In this way, the goods at the end of the common transport device and/or the separate transport device can be divided into two goods dispensing areas, for example. For example, the switch device can be movable transversely to a conveying direction of the common transport device.

According to a further embodiment of the vending machine station, the common transport device is designed and arranged such that it transports the goods into the common goods dispensing area to an ergonomic dispensing height for a buyer to remove the goods. For example, the common transport device can be arranged at an angle at least in sections in order to raise or lower the goods in relation to a support floor.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine station further comprises a lockable housing in which the A plurality of vending machines and the common transport device are positioned. The housing separates an interior of the vending machine station from the surroundings, which is not accessible to the buyers. Optionally, the housing can contain a viewing window for the buyer.

Optionally, the vending machine station is designed as a container. For example, the container can be transportable, particularly with the help of a truck. In this way, the vending machine station can be self-sufficient and mobile. This means that the vending machine station can be flexibly moved to a new location and put into operation as required.

Optionally, the vending machine station can have an air conditioning device in order to set a predetermined internal climate, in particular a predetermined temperature and/or humidity, inside the vending machine station.

According to a further embodiment, the vending machine station further comprises at least one common input terminal and/or one common payment terminal. The common input terminal and/or the common payment terminal can be arranged at the common goods issue area or remotely from the common goods issue area. In the remote arrangement, the vending machine station can already take the order of the next buyer while the goods of the previous buyer are still being assembled and transported to the common goods issue area. Optionally, after the order, a pick-up code can be provided to the buyer, with which the buyer can pick up the goods from the common goods issue area. In this way, the goods can be stored in the common goods issue area for removal. provided when the buyer enters the pickup code. This means that, for example, a goods pickup container can be assembled in advance and stored inside the vending machine station until later pickup.

In addition, the goods can be ordered online, for example via an application. The ordered goods can, for example, be assembled in advance and stored ready for collection until the buyer picks them up.

The plurality of vending machines according to the invention in the vending machine station comprises several vending machines of essentially comparable design. Nevertheless, the vending machines in the vending machine station according to the invention can differ from one another in details. For example, the number and/or size of the goods compartments of each vending machine can be different.

According to one embodiment of the method, the goods are dispensed by means of a removal device.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the goods are delivered to a common transport device arranged outside the vending machine.

Optionally, the method further comprises a step of transporting the goods by means of the common transport device to a common goods issue area where the buyer can receive the goods.

The above embodiments and developments can be combined with each other as desired, provided that this makes sense. In particular, all features of the coupling system or the coupling device can be transferred to the associated method for configuring the coupling system, and vice versa.

Further possible embodiments, further developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Verkaufsautomaten gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer Entnahme-Einrichtung zur Abgabe einer Ware und einem verschiebbaren Bodenabschnitt;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Verkaufsautomaten gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer Entnahme-Einrichtung zur Abgabe einer Ware;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Verkaufsautomatenstation gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer gemeinsamen Transportvorrichtung unterhalb des untersten Warenfachs;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Vielzahl von Verkaufsautomaten gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer Trittbretteinrichtung;

Fig. 5

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Ausgabe einer Ware aus einem Verkaufsautomaten gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. They show:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to an embodiment with a removal device for dispensing a product and a displaceable base section;

Fig. 2

a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to a further embodiment with a removal device for dispensing a product;

Fig. 3

a schematic perspective view of a vending machine station according to an embodiment with a common transport device below the lowest goods compartment;

Fig. 4

a schematic perspective view of a plurality of vending machines according to another embodiment with a stepping board device;

Fig. 5

a flow chart of a method for dispensing a product from a vending machine according to an embodiment.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to one another.

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

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vending machine 1 according to an embodiment with a removal device 4 for dispensing a product 100 and a displaceable base section 17.

The vending machine 1 here comprises, for example, a machine housing 19, an opening 20 on an underside of the machine housing 19, the removal device 4 and the movable base section 17.

The vending machine housing 19 has an interior space for storing the goods 100. In addition, the vending machine 1 contains several goods compartments within the interior space.

The goods 100 can be dispensed from the vending machine 1 in a vertical direction through the opening 20. The opening 20 is designed to be automatically closed or opened, for example. The movable base section 17 is arranged, for example, on the underside of the machine housing 19.

The removal device 4 is arranged, for example, within the vending machine housing 19, wherein the removal device 4 is designed to dispense the goods 100 through the opening 20. When the goods 100 are dispensed through the opening 20, a section of the removal device 4 can protrude from the vending machine housing.

The vending machine 1 here has, as an example, a lowest goods compartment 9 and feet with which the vending machine 1 stands on a base 10.

The removal device 4 can transport the goods onto a common transport device 2, which is arranged between the lowest goods compartment 9 and the installation floor 10. For this purpose, the movable floor section 17 can form the opening 20 on the underside of the vending machine 1 in an open position. The removal device 4 or the manipulator can leave the interior through this opening 20, in particular without having to open a front side 7. This means that the removal device 4 can move downwards out of the vending machine 1. In Fig. 1 the front side 7 is open shown, however, this is only to make the features more visible. The removal device 4 can also deliver the goods 100 in this embodiment with the front side 7 closed. This is the case, for example, in Fig. 3 illustrated. In a closed position, the movable floor section 17 can seal the interior.

The vending machine 1 can also contain a door, which is typically hinged to the machine housing 19 via joints. The door can be attached to the front 7, to a rear 8 or to the front and rear. The door and the machine housing 19 together form the interior, in particular to accommodate the goods 100 to be sold, control and cooling functions of the vending machine 1 and other vending machine functions. For example, the door can have a transparent glass or clear plastic pane which, when the door is closed, provides a clear view of the interior of the vending machine 1 and thus of the goods 100 housed therein, which are kept in an orderly manner in the interior of the vending machine 1 in the goods compartments.

Furthermore, a locking unit can be provided which enables the door to be opened and closed in a safe manner for the purposes of maintenance, filling of the vending machine 1 and the like. Here, for example, a filling side of the vending machine 1 and a dispensing side of the vending machine 1 are different from one another. This means that the underside corresponds to the dispensing side and the front and/or back corresponds to the filling side.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a vending machine 1 according to a further embodiment with a removal device 4 for dispensing a product 100.

The vending machine 1 of the Fig. 2 illustrated further embodiment essentially corresponds to the vending machine 1 according to Fig. 1 , but differs in that here the underside has a flap (not shown) as opening 20. The flap can be spring-loaded so that it closes automatically if the removal device 4 does not block it, for example if the removal device 4 protrudes through the opening 20 to dispense the goods 100.

Furthermore, the vending machine 1 comprises, for example, a roller door 15 for filling the vending machine 1. The roller door 15 is arranged on the front side 7 and can roll up inside the vending machine 1.

Furthermore, the vending machine 1 comprises, for example, a cooling device or an air conditioning device for air conditioning the interior and the goods 100 stored therein.

The vending machine 1 has, for example, a plurality of goods compartments arranged in an array in an interior of the vending machine 1. In Fig. 2 The arrangement of four product compartments in the interior is shown as an example, whereby the four product compartments here each form a level of the vending machine 1. Optionally, the product compartments can be arranged on the same level, for example, but other product compartments can also be arranged on other levels, i.e. below or above. The individual product compartments can each have a different size, but this is not absolutely necessary. Advantageously, the product compartments can be variably adjustable in their width and height.

The transport of the goods 100 in the goods compartment, in particular to the front side 7, takes place, for example, via a conveyor belt, a slider, transport rollers, transport rollers or a spiral. For example, the goods in the goods compartment are conveyed to the front side 7. The removal device 4 is provided on the front side 7 in order to transport the goods 100 from the goods compartment to the common transport device 2. The removal device 4 is designed here, for example, as a manipulator with a basket. The basket can receive the goods 100 and transport them, in particular, in a vertical direction. The removal device 4 or the manipulator is arranged and movable within an interior of the vending machine 1. This means that the removal device 4 is arranged, for example, behind the roller door 15 in the interior.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a vending machine station according to an embodiment with a common transport device 2 below the lowest goods compartment 9. The vending machine station is designed to automatically dispense goods to a buyer.

The vending machine station comprises a plurality of vending machines 1 arranged next to one another, each of which is intended for storing and dispensing a product 100, and the common transport device 2. The common transport device 2 is arranged outside the vending machine 1. Four vending machines 1 are shown here as an example, which are essentially aligned in the same way. Number of vending machines 1 The arrangement is not limited, but can include any number of vending machines.

Each vending machine 1 comprises, for example, its own machine housing 19 and its own removal device 4.

Furthermore, it can be clearly seen here that the goods 100 are transported from the removal device 4 to the common transport device 2 when the front side 7 is closed. In particular, the basket 4 empties the goods 100 onto the common transport device 2.

The removal device 4 is designed to deliver the goods 100 to the common transport device 2 and/or to a space arranged below the vending machine 1.

The plurality of vending machines 1 can optionally comprise a plurality of vending machines 1 of comparable design or one or a plurality of vending machines 1 with different design. For example, at least one vending machine 1 of the plurality of vending machines 1 can differ in the number and/or size of the goods compartments. Alternatively or additionally, at least one vending machine 1 of the plurality of vending machines 1 can comprise a cooling device for cooling the interior and the goods 100 stored therein.

The common transport device 2 is designed to receive the goods 100 dispensed by the vending machines 1 and to transport them to a common goods dispensing area 3. The common transport device 2 has, for example, a conveyor belt. For example, conveyor belt 2 extends in Fig. 3 along the front side 7 of the vending machines 1. The vending machines 1 can deliver the requested goods 100 through the opening 20 and with the help of the removal device 4 to the conveyor belt 2 or place them on the conveyor belt 2, as is illustrated by way of example in the middle of the four vending machines 1. In this way, the vending machine station shown as an example can transport the goods 100 of the four vending machines 1 to the common goods dispensing area 3.

In this example, the common goods issue area 3 is connected to one end of the conveyor belt 2, but does not necessarily have to be connected directly to the conveyor belt 2. For example, the common goods issue area 3 can include a container into which the goods can slide or fall at the end of the conveyor belt 2.

Optionally, the common transport device 2 can be driven by a motor drive (not shown). Preferably, the motor drive is designed as a servo motor. For example, the motor drive can also have a gear. Optionally, the motor drive can be coupled to the common transport device 2 for driving directly or via the gear.

The servo motor sets, for example, the conveyor belt or the goods collection container in motion and the goods 100 located on the conveyor belt or in the goods collection container can be conveyed in the direction of the goods delivery area 3.

The vending machine station can, for example, be located in a building room, a container or a similar enclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a plurality of vending machines 1 according to a further embodiment with a footboard device 11.

As an example, five vending machines 1 are arranged in a row. The five vending machines 1 together with a common transport device 2 form a vending machine station that is set up in a room.

Furthermore, the vending machines 1 comprise a step device 11 for entry by a filler 12, which is arranged between a lowest goods compartment 9 and a support floor 10 of the vending machine 1 on a filling side of the vending machine 1, so that the filler 12 can also fill higher goods compartments.

A filler 12 can stand and move on the step device 11 or step surface in order to fill the vending machines 1. The front sides 7 of the vending machines can be opened and closed, for example, via a roller door 15. The vending machine 1, which is in Fig. 4 is filled by the filler 12, is shown with the open roller door 15. This vending machine 1 has, for example, six product compartments one above the other. The six product compartments extend, for example, over the entire width of the vending machine 1. A bottom product compartment 9 of the six product compartments is arranged approximately at the height of the footboard device 11. Preferably, the footboard device 11 is arranged approximately at the height of the bottom product compartment 9. The common transport device 2 is arranged at a predetermined distance below the footboard device 11 so that there is sufficient space therebetween for the transport of the goods 100.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for dispensing a product 100 from a vending machine 1 according to an embodiment.

The method comprises a step of providing V1 a product 100 requested by a buyer within a machine housing 19 of the vending machine 1, which has an interior space for storing the product 100. For example, the product 100 can be provided in a product compartment. In particular, the product can be provided in the product compartment, for example on a front side, via a conveyor belt, a slider, transport rollers, transport rollers or a spiral for collection by a removal device 4.

Furthermore, the method comprises a step of dispensing V2 the product 100 from the vending machine through an opening 20 on an underside of the machine housing 19 in a vertical direction with respect to a support floor 10. For example, the product 100 can be dispensed by means of the removal device 4 in that the removal device 4 picks up the product 100 from the product compartment and conveys it through the opening 20.

Alternatively or additionally, the goods 100 can be delivered to a common transport device 2 arranged outside the vending machine 1.

In addition, the method can, for example, comprise a step V3 of transporting the goods by means of the common transport device 2 to a common goods issue area 3, where the buyer can receive the requested goods 100.

Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

list of reference symbols

1

vending machine

2

common transport device

3

common goods issue area

4

removal device

7

front

9

lowest shelf

10

installation floor

11

running board device

12

filler

15

roller shutter

17

movable floor section

19

machine housing

20

opening

100

Goods

V1

Provide

V2

Hand over

V3

Transport

Claims (15)

Vending machine (1) for storing and dispensing a product (100), in particular for a vending machine station, with a machine housing (19) having an interior for storing the goods (100); and with an opening (20) on an underside of the vending machine housing (19), through which the goods (100) can be dispensed from the vending machine (1) in a vertical direction. Vending machine according to claim 1,
characterized by
that a filling side of the vending machine (1) and a dispensing side of the vending machine (1) are different from each other. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims,
further comprehensive,
a removal device (4) which is arranged at least in sections within the vending machine housing (19), wherein the removal device (4) is designed to dispense the goods (100) through the opening (20). Vending machine according to claim 3,
characterized by
that the removal device (4) is designed to deliver the goods (100) to a common transport device (2) arranged outside the vending machine (1). Vending machine according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized by
that the removal device (4) is designed to deliver the goods (100) to a space arranged below the vending machine (1). Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized by
that the opening (20) is designed to be automatically closed/opened. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized by
that the underside has a movable bottom section (17) or a flap. Vending machine according to claim 7,
characterized by
that the displaceable bottom portion (17) or the flap is designed to seal the interior in a closed state. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a cooling device or an air conditioning device for air-conditioning the interior and the goods stored therein (100). Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a roller shutter (15) or a swing door for filling the vending machine (1). Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a step device (11) for entry by a filler (12), which is arranged between a lowest goods compartment (9) and a support floor (10) of the vending machine (1) on a filling side (7, 8) of the vending machine (1), so that the filler (12) can also fill higher goods compartments. Vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a buyer, with a plurality of vending machines (1) according to one of the preceding claims; and with a common transport device (2) which is arranged in an area between a lowest goods compartment (9) of the vending machines (1) and a mounting floor (10) of the vending machines (1). Vending machine station according to claim 12,
characterized by that the common transport device (2) is designed to receive the goods (100) dispensed by the vending machines (1) and to transport them to a common goods dispensing area (3); and/or that a lockable housing is provided in which the plurality of vending machines (1) and the common transport device (2) are positioned; and/or that at least one common input terminal is provided; and/or that at least one common payment terminal is provided. Method for dispensing a product from a vending machine, in particular from a vending machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps: Providing (V1) a product (100) requested by a buyer within a machine housing (19) of the vending machine, which has an interior space for storing the product (100); and Dispensing (V2) the goods (100) from the vending machine through an opening (20) on a bottom side of the machine housing (19) in a vertical direction. Method according to claim 14,
characterized by that the goods (100) are dispensed (V2) by means of a removal device (4); and/or that the goods (100) are delivered (V2) to a common transport device (2) arranged outside the vending machine (1).

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