Dispensing device for dispensing flat items

Abstract

Dispensing device (10) for dispensing flat articles (20), in particular clay targets or flying discs, comprising a housing (30) with a front (31) from which the device can be operated, at least one first storage space (40) arranged behind the front (31) and provided with a bottom (41) for receiving and storing the articles (20) in a stack, at least one dispensing space (90) adjoining the first storage space (40) and at least one withdrawal space (70) arranged below the dispensing space (90), wherein the dispensing space (90) is open towards the withdrawal space (70).Furthermore, the dispensing device has at least one flat transfer element (50) which is movable between a home position (G) in the storage space (40) for receiving the bottom item (20) of the stack and a dispensing position (A) in the dispensing space (90) for dispensing the received item (20), wherein the transfer element (50) has a receiving section (51) designed as a through-hole (54) for the item (20).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for dispensing flat articles, in particular throwing discs or flying discs, such as Frisbees. ® Golf discs, throwing rings, or similar items. Furthermore, the dispensing device can be part of a vending machine, in particular a vending machine, self-service machine, or rental machine, so that the flat items can be removed from the machine after payment. The dispensing device for flat items can be used both indoors and outdoors. State of the art

[0002] Examples of flying discs or throwing discs include Frisbees. ®These are disc-shaped sports and leisure items, preferably made of plastic. The disc-shaped sports and leisure item is suitable for almost all age groups, easy to transport due to its compact dimensions, and can be used anywhere there is an open space, such as on the beach, in the park, or at the lake. It would often be desirable to have the Frisbee ® One could buy or rent them on site. Such devices for dispensing Frisbees. ® are not known from the state of the art.

[0003] Golf discs have also become established in the realm of flying discs or throwing discs, and are typically used in disc golf. Disc golf is a game in which players attempt to throw a disc from a designated teeing area into a permanently installed basket. Golf discs differ in their intended use and can be categorized into various distance classes, namely putt and approach discs, midrange discs, fairway drivers, and distance drivers, with the primary differences being their weight, size, and shape. Golf disc courses, in particular, do not typically have automated dispensing systems for these discs.

[0004] In contrast, nowadays there are a multitude of dispensing devices or dispensers for a wide variety of items, such as dispensers for soaps, creams or paper towels, or dispensing devices for snacks, drinks or eggs.

[0005] For example, WO 03 / 003964 A1 discloses a diaper dispenser, preferably in the form of a wall cabinet, consisting of a housing, a storage compartment inside the housing for holding several stacked diapers, and a drawer located below the front panel of the housing for removing a diaper from the dispenser. The interior of the drawer is connected to the storage compartment when retracted or closed, and the drawer is dimensioned such that it can hold only one diaper at a time. To prevent further diapers from sliding down from the storage compartment when the drawer is pulled out, a tear-resistant and rigid plastic film is provided, which is attached on one side to a spring mechanism located in the housing and on the other side to the back wall of the drawer.When the drawer is pulled out, the foil attached to it is pulled forward as well, so that it extends between the storage compartment and the space exposed by pulling out the drawer. In other words, the foil separates the storage compartment from the space created by the extended drawer. A disadvantage is that the dispensing device, consisting of the drawer, foil, and spring mechanism, has a relatively large number of components, and the foil can tear easily, especially when used with pointed or sharp-edged objects.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 699 13 155 T2 discloses a dispensing device for storing a supply of individual product packages, comprising an elongated, upright container suitable for receiving and holding a vertical stack of product packages. A dispensing mechanism with a pull device is provided at the lower end of the container, the pull device being movable horizontally between a closed and an open position. The pull device has an upwardly open recess, which is shaped and deep enough to accommodate a single product package. A pair of coiled, band-like helical springs are attached to the rear wall of the pull device on one side and to the lower part of the housing on the other. These springs serve to exert a restoring force when the pull device is moved into the open position.The springs also act as retaining elements to hold back product packages that remain stacked in the container above the dispensing mechanism while it is being operated. A major disadvantage is that the two band-like coil springs do not provide a flat retaining surface, which can cause product packages to become jammed in the dispensing device and even allow smaller packages to slip down. Furthermore, the restoring force of the coil springs can diminish with frequent use of the dispensing mechanism. Description of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The device should reliably enable the dispensing of individual, flat items and, furthermore, be as simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture as possible. This object is achieved according to the invention by the device according to independent claim 1, the vending machine according to claim 26, and the kit according to claim 27. Further advantageous aspects, details, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] The dispensing device according to the invention for dispensing flat articles, in particular throwing discs or flying discs, such as frisbees ®The dispensing device, which may contain golf discs, throwing rings, or the like, comprises a housing with a front panel from which the device can be operated, at least one first storage compartment arranged behind the front panel and provided with a base for receiving and storing the items in a stack, at least one dispensing compartment adjacent to the first storage compartment, and at least one dispensing compartment arranged below the dispensing compartment, wherein the dispensing compartment is open towards the dispensing compartment, i.e., the dispensing compartment is connected to the dispensing compartment by an opening. Furthermore, the dispensing device according to the invention has at least one flat transfer element which is movable between a base position in the storage compartment for receiving the bottommost item of the stack and a dispensing position in the dispensing compartment for releasing the received item, wherein the transfer element has a receiving section designed as an opening for the item.In the output position, the transfer element, in particular the receiving section of the transfer element, is positioned in such a way that the item can fall through the opening between the output space and the removal space.

[0009] In this case, each storage compartment has a central axis extending lengthwise along the compartment, i.e., the central axis runs parallel to the stacking direction of the items within the compartment. Therefore, the central axis of the storage compartment is preferably perpendicular to the floor or floor surface of the compartment. The displacement or sliding movement of the transfer element relative to the associated storage compartment(s) occurs transversely to the central axis of the storage compartment, or essentially perpendicular to it.

[0010] The special arrangement of the storage compartment, dispensing compartment, and removal compartment prevents unauthorized persons from reaching into the storage compartment when removing items from the removal area, particularly the removal tray or dispensing / ejection opening. Instead, when the dispensing device is activated, the item is not initially moved to the front of the housing, but rather to the dispensing position in the dispensing compartment. From there, the item falls through the opening between the dispensing compartment and the removal compartment and travels across the removal compartment to the removal area. Only at the removal area can the user of the device according to the invention remove the item from the dispensing device. Due to the different height levels of the removal compartment and the dispensing compartment, as well as the respective storage compartments, a theft-proof dispensing device is provided.

[0011] The transfer element according to the invention, which is designed in the form of an elongated plate, is considered particularly advantageous. The plate preferably has a uniform material thickness and a top and bottom surface, the top and bottom surfaces being essentially flat. Due to the uniform material thickness and the flat surfaces of the transfer element, it can be easily moved back and forth between the home position and the output position. To further improve the transfer element's mobility, it can also be provided with a functional coating, such as a friction-reducing coating. Furthermore, to ensure the plate-shaped transfer element's durability, it is made of a robust and resistant material, such as...Made of metal or metal alloys, in particular steel, stainless steel, copper, titanium, aluminium or alloys thereof, sheet metal, plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic or recycled plastic, wood or a composite material.

[0012] The at least one flat transfer element is movable back and forth through the storage and dispensing areas of the device in the transfer direction, from a home position to a dispensing position and vice versa, with the transfer element being oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the storage area or parallel to the floor of the storage area. In a preferred embodiment, the central axis of the storage area extends vertically, allowing the transfer element to be moved horizontally, i.e., the central axis of the storage area is perpendicular to the top of the transfer element. In an alternative embodiment, the central axis of the storage area extends horizontally, i.e., the items are stacked horizontally rather than vertically, with the top of the transfer element still being perpendicular to the central axis of the storage area.By aligning the central axis of the storage area and the transfer element, it is ensured that the items from the storage area can be picked up by the transfer element without jamming or tilting.

[0013] In the context of the invention, the transfer direction is understood to mean a displacement or linear movement of the transfer element from the home position to the dispensing position, and vice versa. The transport surface or transport plane, preferably a horizontally arranged transport plane, on which the item picked up by the transfer element is transported from the home position to the dispensing position, also extends in the transfer direction. The movement or displacement of the transfer element itself can be limited by end stops or similar means. End stops or similar limiting means ensure that the transfer element can only be displaced between the home position and the dispensing position; that is, the limiting means define the respective end positions of the transfer element in the transfer direction.In the dispensing position, the transfer element is positioned in such a way that the item can fall through the opening between the dispensing area and the dispensing area into the dispensing area.

[0014] Depending on the weight of the items and / or the orientation of the storage space, it may be necessary for the first storage space and / or subsequent storage spaces to each be equipped with a feed device. This feed device serves to push or press the items towards the bottom of the respective storage space. Such a feed device could, for example, be implemented with at least one spring element and at least one, preferably plate-shaped, pressure element. However, other embodiments of the feed device are also conceivable. For instance, the pressure element could be actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators or a rack and pinion drive. If the storage space is arranged such that the items are stacked vertically, the feed device could also consist solely of a pressure element of a certain mass, which is actuated by its weight or...The force of gravity exerts pressure on the stacked items. Such a pressure element of a certain mass could also be attached to the housing by means of a strap, rope, or wire-like fastening device.

[0015] Regardless of the type of feed device chosen, it must be designed to exert pressure on the stack of items until all items have been removed from the storage area or the storage area is empty. This means the feed device must be movable between a starting position, where the storage area is completely filled with items, and an end position, where the last item has been transferred to the transfer element. To ensure that items in the storage area are continuously fed in after the removal of the bottom item, the feed device is in constant contact with the topmost item in the stack.

[0016] Furthermore, the at least one flat transfer element has a preferably planar, first retention section and a rear section adjoining it in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device or in the transfer direction, in which the receiving section, designed as a through-hole, is inserted. The first retention section essentially forms a retention surface that, when the transfer element is moved from the home position to the dispensing position, retains the items remaining in the storage space or prevents the items from sliding out; that is, the retention section serves as a type of closing element that closes the part of the storage space located above the transfer element when the transfer element is in the dispensing position. The retention surface of the first retention section is essentially continuous and, in particular, has a flat or planar upper surface.

[0017] In contrast to the first retention section, the receiving section has an opening dimensioned such that an article can be at least partially, and preferably completely, received within it; that is, the depth and size of the opening correspond at least to the dimensions of an article. Preferably, the transfer element has a first thickness and the article has a second thickness, wherein the first thickness of the transfer element is equal to or greater than the second thickness of the article. This ensures that the article does not become stuck on or be damaged by any of the limiting elements during its movement through the transfer element.

[0018] The shape of the opening is preferably adapted to that of the article, although other shapes, such as square, rectangular, circular, polygonal, etc., are also conceivable. To ensure that the article can be reliably picked up by the receiving section in the home position of the transfer element, the size of the opening is slightly larger than the size of the article. In particular, the length and width of the opening are 1.1 to 1.5 times the length and width or diameter of the article. Due to the opening in the receiving section, the receiving section forms a closed frame within which the article can be moved during horizontal displacement from the home position to the dispensing position. The frame thus prevents the article from becoming caught or wedged within the housing during the displacement movement.

[0019] The transfer element, with its retention and receiving sections, fulfills two functions: firstly, it moves an item from the storage area to the dispensing area, and secondly, it retains the items remaining in the storage area. Furthermore, the transfer element is particularly simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture. In an advantageous embodiment, the transfer element is formed as a single piece.

[0020] To enable easy operation, particularly one-handed operation, of the transfer element, the transfer element features an actuating element, preferably protruding from the front of the housing. The actuating element can be a handle, which is either permanently or detachably attached to the transfer element. The handle can be attached to the transfer element by means of a positive-locking, friction-locking, or material-locking connection. Preferably, the handle is attached to the transfer element by means of a screw, rivet, or weld connection. In an alternative embodiment, the actuating element is designed as a handle section and is part of the transfer element. Here, the actuating element can, for example, be in the form of a recessed grip or a recess serving as a handle. Consequently, a transfer element with an actuating element is provided that is a single, integral component.

[0021] The at least one dispensing area adjoins the first storage area in the transfer direction and has an opening connecting it to the dispensing area. This opening is dimensioned large enough to allow the item to fall from the dispensing area into the dispensing area. Depending on the design of the dispensing device, the opening between the dispensing area and the dispensing area can be opened or closed by a door, particularly a drop door. The door can be a sliding door or a hinged door, particularly a swing or pivot door. Advantageously, the door can be controlled by a control unit so that it only opens once the item has been paid for or the payment system has registered full payment.

[0022] Depending on the size of the dispensing device and / or the type of items and / or the use of a discharge ramp and / or the positioning of the dispensing area, the dispensing chamber can vary in size. While in a first embodiment the dispensing chamber extends only below the dispensing chamber, it can also be located below the dispensing chamber and the first storage chamber and / or the subsequent storage chamber. If the dispensing chamber does not extend over the entire length and / or width of the dispensing device, the remaining space can be used, for example, to house the control unit and / or an energy storage device.

[0023] It is further advantageous that a downwardly inclined discharge ramp or track is arranged in the dispensing chamber, on which the item can slide, glide, or roll to the dispensing opening. The discharge ramp or track is mounted on the housing, particularly on the rear wall of the housing, and extends at least partially through the dispensing chamber towards the dispensing area of ​​the dispenser. Thus, the discharge ramp represents a type of slide or guide track on which the item can slide, glide, or roll from the dispensing chamber to the dispensing area, in particular the dispensing compartment or dispensing opening. To ensure that the item reaches the dispensing area, the angle of inclination of the discharge ramp relative to the horizontal must be between 1 degree and 89 degrees, preferably between 10 degrees and 70 degrees, and particularly between 20 degrees and 60 degrees.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of the discharge ramp is between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. The greater the angle of inclination, the faster the item slides towards the dispensing area of ​​the output device.

[0024] It can be further advantageous for the ejection ramp to have a retaining section at the end facing the rear wall of the housing. This retaining section extends horizontally and is dimensioned such that, on the one hand, the opening connecting the dispensing and removal chambers is large enough to allow the item moved into the dispensing position by the transfer element to fall through the opening without difficulty, and on the other hand, the transfer element can rest upon it in the dispensing position. Thus, the retaining section essentially serves to stabilize the transfer element in the dispensing position; that is, the retaining section is designed as a type of bearing element.

[0025] For easy removal of the item from the dispensing device, the dispensing area has a removal zone, in particular a dispensing compartment or a dispensing / ejection opening. Depending on the design and / or location of the dispensing device, the removal zone can be arranged at different points on the housing. In a first embodiment, the dispensing area is open towards the front, forming a removal zone there. Accordingly, the dispensing device can be actuated and operated from the front, and at the same time, the desired item can be removed from the device from the front.

[0026] Optionally, an ejection opening can be provided at the end of the dispensing area, integrated into the base of the housing, allowing the item to fall out of the device from below. Naturally, the dispensing area, in particular the dispensing compartment or dispensing / ejection opening, can also be located on a different side of the housing, such as on one of the side walls or the rear wall. Furthermore, the dispensing area, in particular the dispensing compartment or dispensing / ejection opening, can be closed by a cover element to protect it from external influences such as water, moisture, dirt, etc. The cover element could, for example, be a hinged, preferably transparent, cover plate.

[0027] Preferably, the dispensing device has at least one return compartment, preferably located above the dispensing area and separated from it. The return compartment can be separated within the housing by means of a base plate and / or side walls. This separation creates a space within the housing of the dispensing device where used or borrowed items can be deposited and collected. To allow items to be deposited into the return compartment, the housing provides at least one access opening, through which the return compartment is accessible from the outside. Furthermore, a lockable service opening or service door is provided, through which the owner of the dispensing device can retrieve the returned items from the return compartment.

[0028] It can also be provided that the housing includes at least a second insertion slot, which is assigned to the first and / or the second storage compartment and is arranged in such a way that items inserted into the second insertion slot are deposited into the storage compartment associated with that slot. Each storage compartment has its own insertion slot. The insertion slot connected to the respective storage compartment allows items to be deposited directly into the storage compartment after use or after the loan period has ended, meaning the storage compartment can be restocked with the deposited items. This system of item retrieval and return is particularly suitable for dispensing devices used as rental machines.

[0029] To determine the number and / or type of items deposited in the return area or one of the storage rooms, a detection unit, in particular a sensor unit, is arranged on the housing near the respective insertion opening. This unit detects the items before they are inserted into the opening. For this purpose, the items can be equipped with an RFID chip or RFID transponder, which is detected by the respective detection unit. The detection unit can, for example, include optical sensors, cameras, or NFC sensors. The data acquired by the detection unit can be transmitted to the control unit via cable or wirelessly.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the respective insertion opening has a cover that is designed and arranged in such a way that items can be inserted into the return room or the storage room, but unauthorized third parties cannot reach into the return room or the storage room and possibly remove items from it.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dispensing device has at least two first storage compartments, which are arranged laterally spaced apart from each other in the housing. Accordingly, the at least two first storage compartments are arranged behind the front of the housing and can be operated by one or more transfer elements.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, further storage compartments can be provided, each arranged opposite the first storage compartment in the transfer direction. Consequently, the dispensing device has at least one further storage compartment, preferably located behind the dispensing compartment and equipped with a base, for receiving and storing further items in a stack, with the at least one dispensing compartment being situated between the first storage compartment and the further storage compartment. The further storage compartment is thus arranged on the side of the housing opposite the front and is preferably positioned in line with or aligned with a first storage compartment. Like each first storage compartment, each further storage compartment also has a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective storage compartment.The aligned arrangement of a first and second storage room has the advantage that the same service area can be used for both. However, in this configuration, it may be necessary for the service area opening to be lockable with a door, and for the door to only open once the desired item from the first or second storage room has been paid for.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dispensing device has several transfer elements, with each storage compartment being assigned a separate transfer element for dispensing items; that is, each storage compartment is served by an independent transfer element. In this case, the number of transfer elements depends on the number of storage compartments. If two transfer elements are positioned opposite each other—because one transfer element serves a first storage compartment and a second transfer element serves another storage compartment opposite the first—the transfer elements can be arranged on different horizontal planes or height levels. If the directly opposite transfer elements are located on different horizontal planes or height levels, they can also be operated simultaneously. It is also conceivable that each storage compartment has a separate dispensing compartment.

[0034] It is also conceivable, however, that the transfer element is modified so that it additionally has at least one, preferably planar, second retention section that connects to the receiving section in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The first retention section is suitable for retaining items in the first storage compartment, and the second retention section is suitable for retaining items in the second storage compartment. For this purpose, the first and second storage compartments must be arranged in a line or aligned with each other so that the modified transfer element can access both. The modified transfer element can be designed such that it can be accessed from both the front and the side of the housing opposite the front.Depending on which side the dispensing device is to be operated from, the housing has a corresponding opening, dimensioned to allow the respective transfer element to move from the starting position to the dispensing position and back again. The transfer element can thus be pulled out of and pushed back into the housing like a drawer.

[0035] A further advantage is that the dispensing device has a guide assembly arranged in the housing for guiding the transfer element in the transfer direction, particularly in the horizontal direction. The guide assembly is, in particular, a guide rail, slide rail, rack, or gear, which is attached either to the side walls of the housing or to the bottom of the storage compartment. The transfer element, in turn, has means to interact with the guide assembly. Furthermore, the guide assembly can define the respective end position of the transfer element, namely the home position and the dispensing position.

[0036] Furthermore, the dispensing device can have at least one locking unit controlled by a release mechanism, by means of which the movement of the at least one transfer element can be blocked or locked, or unlocked or released. If the dispensing device is used, for example, in a vending machine, in particular a vending machine, rental machine, or self-service machine, the locking unit can be connected to a control unit or vending machine control system and a payment system; that is, the transfer element is only unlocked or released by the locking unit once a payment has been registered by the payment system. As long as no payment has been detected, the transfer element is locked by the locking unit; that is, the transfer element cannot be moved in the transfer direction.The release mechanism is therefore preferably connected or coupled to the payment system, wherein the release mechanism releases the locking unit by means of a control command as soon as the item has been paid for or the payment process has been successfully completed.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the respective storage compartment is separated from the dispensing compartment by at least one boundary element. The boundary element is attached to the housing and spaced from the bottom of the storage compartment such that the transfer element, which is movable in the transfer direction, preferably horizontally, can slide back and forth between the bottom and the boundary element. Preferably, the distance between the bottom and the free end of the boundary element facing the bottom is at least 1.1 times the thickness of the transfer element. This allows the transfer element to be moved from the home position to the dispensing position, and vice versa, without touching the boundary element.

[0038] The length of the retaining walls depends primarily on the height of the storage compartment. The more items the compartment is intended to hold, the longer the retaining walls must be. The retaining walls are typically attached to the housing using fasteners. It is advantageous if the fasteners are removable, allowing the retaining walls to be replaced at any time. Consequently, defective retaining walls can be easily replaced, and the retaining walls can also be replaced when different items are to be stored in the compartment.

[0039] More than one boundary element can be provided to prevent the items from shifting within the storage area. The number and arrangement of the boundary elements depend primarily on the type of item to be stored in the storage area. At least one primary boundary element, separating the storage area from the dispensing area, and at least one secondary boundary element, opposite the primary boundary element, can be arranged. This specific arrangement ensures that the stored items cannot shift in either direction of transfer. Depending on the design, two or more primary boundary elements and two or more secondary boundary elements can also be provided, preferably arranged symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically to each other, meaning that each primary boundary element has a corresponding secondary boundary element.

[0040] It has proven particularly advantageous if the limiting element is designed as a boundary wall, especially a profiled boundary wall, or as spaced-apart, elongated, vertically extending profile elements. The limiting elements are preferably attached to the housing of the dispensing device.

[0041] In a first preferred embodiment, the storage space is bounded by at least one profiled boundary wall, the profile being adapted to the shape of the article such that it at least partially encloses it. Advantageously, a first profiled boundary wall and a second profiled boundary wall opposite the first are provided, the articles being held within the boundary walls in such a way that they are secured against displacement both in the transfer direction and transversely to the transfer direction. The profiled, opposing boundary walls thus ensure extremely secure retention of the articles in the storage space.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the boundary elements are designed as spaced-apart, elongated, vertically extending profile elements. These can be, for example, post-like boundary elements, which can be designed as hollow or solid profiles. The boundary element can have a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, quadrilateral, rectangular, square, triangular, oval, semicircular, etc., and can be made of a wide variety of materials. For example, the boundary element could be a plastic tube. To protect the flat item, such as a Frisbee, ®To be able to securely hold golf discs, throwing rings or the like, both in the direction of transfer and perpendicular to the direction of transfer, a boundary element is preferably arranged at each corner of the storage area, namely two spaced-apart, first boundary elements which separate the storage area from the dispensing area and two, opposite the first boundary walls, second boundary elements.

[0043] In general, however, it is sufficient if the storage area is limited only by the floor, the front of the housing, parts of the side walls of the housing, and a single boundary element located between the storage area and the dispensing area.

[0044] The transfer element can be moved in various ways. A particularly simple and cost-effective dispensing device is achieved if the transfer element can be moved manually. Alternatively, a drive device can be provided by means of which the transfer element can be moved, wherein the drive device comprises at least one motor, in particular a stepper motor or electric motor, or a pneumatic or hydraulic drive.

[0045] To allow for restocking the dispensing compartment, the housing features a refill opening that can be closed with a lid. Refilling is particularly easy if the refill opening is located above the compartment. This can be achieved either by having a removable housing lid or by incorporating a refill opening in the housing lid that connects to the dispensing compartment and can be closed with a lid. Since the dispensing device is typically used in a vending machine, the lid or housing lid must be lockable. Additionally, or optionally, the housing can have a maintenance opening with a lid, allowing for maintenance and repair work to be carried out inside the dispensing device, for example, on electronic components, moving parts, etc.

[0046] The housing essentially consists of a front panel, a rear panel opposite it, side panels, a base, and a lid. The housing forms an interior space, which is divided into different compartments, such as a storage compartment, a dispensing compartment, a withdrawal compartment, and, if applicable, a return compartment. Furthermore, the housing is made of a robust, durable, and weather-resistant material, preferably metal or metal alloys, in particular steel, stainless steel, copper, titanium, or aluminum or alloys thereof, sheet metal, plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic or recycled plastic, wood, or a composite material, and is elongated, with the longitudinal axis extending from the front of the housing to its rear panel. Advantageously, the housing has a width that is 1.2 to 1.5 times the width of the housing.The diameter of the item corresponds to the width of the item, and the length is 2.2 to 3 times the width or diameter of the item. To allow the items inside the housing to be viewed from the outside, at least one viewing window is incorporated into the housing. This window allows the customer to see the items and also enables easy monitoring of the fill level.

[0047] The dispensing device according to the invention can be mounted in various ways. For example, brackets or wall mounts can be attached to the housing to allow the dispensing device to be mounted on the wall or hung. Alternatively, a frame can be provided on which the dispensing device is mounted. In a further alternative embodiment, the dispensing device has, preferably height-adjustable, feet that can be attached to the housing, particularly to the base of the housing. The height-adjustable feet have the advantage that the dispensing device can be positioned securely and reliably even on uneven surfaces.

[0048] According to the invention, a vending machine for dispensing flat items, preferably frisbees, is also provided. ®A vending machine dispensing golf discs or throwing rings, equipped with at least one such dispensing device, comprising a (preferably self-contained) power supply, an input unit for selecting items, a display device, a payment system, and a machine control system with a central control unit, wherein the dispensing device can be controlled by means of the central control unit. Furthermore, the machine has a locking unit by means of which the movement of the transfer element can be blocked or released depending on the payment process. The machine can be a vending machine, a rental machine, or a self-service machine with which the items can be sold around the clock.

[0049] For selecting items and operating the vending machine, an input unit such as a touchscreen, touchpad, or corresponding selection and / or control buttons or knobs may be provided. Furthermore, the vending machine incorporates a highly flexible payment system, offering customers a variety of payment methods. This payment flexibility ranges from cryptocurrency, cash, debit or credit cards to contactless payment. Contactless payment, in particular, is not only hygienic but also simple, advanced, and fast.

[0050] First, the customer selects the desired item and / or quantity via the input device and pays the corresponding amount. After successful input and payment, the electronic control unit releases the transfer element. The transfer element can then be moved to its home position, where the receiving section picks up the bottom item of the stack before the transfer element can be moved horizontally to the dispensing position. Preferably, the item is moved horizontally from the home position to the dispensing position on a horizontal transport plane. Since the dispensing area is open towards the dispensing area, the item falls from the dispensing area into the dispensing area, being conveyed by the ejection ramp towards the dispensing area. The customer can then conveniently remove the selected item from the dispensing area.

[0051] The vending machine according to the invention can be operated either with a self-sufficient power supply and / or connected to a power grid. In this context, it is conceivable that the energy supply could be provided by renewable energies, such as solar or wind power. For example, the vending machine could be equipped with a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, the dispensing device could have at least one lighting unit that illuminates, for example, a logo, the operating terminal or display unit, the items, the transfer element, or other components or parts of the dispensing device. It is also possible for the operating elements to be illuminated. In this way, the dispensing device can be easily operated even in the dark.

[0052] Furthermore, the vending machine for dispensing flat items can also be equipped with two or more storage compartments. This provides a single machine that can be used for a wide variety of items. The dispensing units could also offer items of the same category, such as golf discs, which, however, differ in their characteristics, such as material, color, texture, printing, flight characteristics, weight, etc.

[0053] Finally, the dispensing device can be manufactured as a kit, so that assembly of the dispensing device can only take place at the location where the dispensing device is to be installed. The kit of the dispensing device according to the invention comprises at least a front, a rear wall, side walls, a housing base, a housing cover, at least one transfer element, a base and at least one limiting element and / or a dispensing ramp and / or at least one guide device and / or a door for closing the opening between the dispensing chamber and the dispensing chamber and / or at least one locking unit and / or a control unit, as well as corresponding connecting means for connecting the respective components. Brief description of the drawings

[0054] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings show... Fig. 1 a perspective view of an output device according to the invention for outputting flat articles with a transfer element which is located in the output position; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the dispensing device according to the invention for dispensing flat articles with a transfer element which is in the home position; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of the output device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a schematic top view of the dispensing device according to the invention Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 a perspective view of the dispensing device according to the invention for dispensing flat articles with an alternative configuration of the storage space. Ways to implement the invention

[0055] In Fig. Figure 1, referenced by reference numeral 10, shows a dispensing device for dispensing flat items, in particular leisure items, textiles, packages or boxes for food, luxury goods, tobacco products or medicines, etc. The leisure items for which the dispensing device 10 is used are preferably throwing discs or flying discs, such as Frisbees. ® Consider golf discs or throwing rings. A standard Frisbee ® It has a size of approximately 27.5 cm and a weight of 175 g and is preferably made of plastic, especially bioplastic or recycled plastic. Disc golf discs, also known as golf discs, differ in size, diameter and / or shape depending on the type of golf disc.

[0056] The dispensing device 10 has an elongated housing 30 or enclosure with a front 31 from which the device can be operated, a rear housing wall 32 opposite this front, side walls 33, 33', a housing base 34 and a housing cover 35 (only in Fig. (5 shown). The housing 30 forms an interior space which is divided into different compartments. Furthermore, the housing 30 has a longitudinal axis LA extending from the front 31 to the rear wall 32, with the housing 30 having a base area with a length L and a width B. The housing 30 is dimensioned such that the width B corresponds to 1.2 to 1.5 times the width or diameter d of the article 20 and the length L to 2.2 to 3 times the width or diameter d of the article 20. The housing 30 can, however, also be larger than the specified range of values; however, the aim is generally to keep the space required for the dispensing device as small as possible.

[0057] The housing 30 is preferably made of a robust, durable, and weather-resistant material, in particular metal or metal alloys, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof, or sheet metal. The individual housing parts can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner from a flat section of metal or sheet metal by machine-punching the housing parts and, if necessary, bending them into the appropriate shape. The housing parts manufactured in this way are then joined together, preferably by means of a weld, solder, or adhesive bond and / or a rivet or screw connection.

[0058] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the dispensing device 10 comprises a first storage chamber 40, arranged behind the front 31 and provided with a base 41, for receiving and storing the articles 20 in a stack, a dispensing chamber 90, preferably arranged behind the first storage chamber 40, and a dispensing chamber 70 arranged below the dispensing chamber 90 and the first storage chamber 40, wherein the dispensing chamber 90 is open towards the dispensing chamber 70, i.e., the dispensing chamber 90 is connected to the dispensing chamber 70 by an opening. Accordingly, the interior 36 of the housing 30 is essentially divided into a first storage chamber 40, a dispensing chamber 90, and a dispensing chamber 70.

[0059] The first storage room 40 located behind the front 31 is separated from the dispensing room 90 by means of at least one elongated boundary element 42, wherein the boundary element 42 can be designed either as a boundary wall or as vertically extending profile elements spaced apart from one another. In the Fig. In figures 1 to 4, the limiting element 42 is designed as a profiled limiting wall, the profile being adapted to the shape of the article 20 such that the stored articles 20 are at least partially surrounded by the limiting wall. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a first limiting element 42.1 separates the first storage compartment 40 from the dispensing compartment 90, and a second limiting element 42.2 is provided opposite the first limiting element 42.1. Due to the profiling of the two limiting elements 42.1 and 42.2, the stacked articles 20 are surrounded or enclosed by the limiting elements 42.1 and 42.2 to such an extent that the articles 20 are held securely against displacement; that is, the articles cannot be displaced by the two limiting elements either in the direction of the longitudinal axis LA or transversely to the longitudinal axis LA. This means that the stack of articles 20 in the first storage compartment 40 is held securely. The length of the limiting elements 42, 42.1, and 42.2 depends on the height of the housing 30 and / or on the number of articles 20 to be accommodated in the storage compartment.

[0060] Like the housing components, the boundary elements 42, 42.1, 42.2 can be made of metal or metal alloys, in particular steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum or alloys thereof, sheet metal or plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced or recycled plastic, wood or a composite material. Advantageously, the profiled boundary wall is made from a section of metal material, in particular sheet metal, wherein the section of material is formed into the desired shape and size by means of punching and / or bending processes. This results in an extremely simple and cost-effective manufacture of the boundary elements.

[0061] The first storage chamber 40 is bounded at the bottom by a base 41, which is attached to the housing 30. A special feature of the dispensing device 10 according to the invention is that the at least one limiting element 42 does not extend to the base 41 of the first storage chamber 40, but is spaced vertically away from the base 41. Accordingly, a distance h2 is provided between the free end of the limiting element 42 and the top of the base 41, the distance h2 being chosen such that a transfer element 50 with a thickness h1 can be moved back and forth between the limiting element 42 and the base 41, i.e., the distance h2 is greater than the thickness h1 of the transfer element 50. This is the only way to ensure that the transfer element 50 can be moved easily from its home position G to a dispensing position A, and vice versa.On the other hand, the distance h2 is chosen to be only so large that no second article can slip under the limiting element 42 when the transfer element 50 is actuated.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, which in Fig. As disclosed in Figure 5, the first storage space 40 is essentially bounded by several spaced-apart boundary elements 42 and the floor 41. The boundary elements 42 are designed in the form of elongated profile elements, such as posts or corner pillars. To ensure a secure hold for the articles 20, preferably two first boundary elements 42.1, which in turn separate the first storage space 40 from the dispensing space 90, and two second boundary elements 42.2, opposite the first boundary elements 42.1, are provided. The first and second boundary elements 42.1, 42.2 are arranged at the respective corners of the first storage space 40 and thus prevent the articles 20 from shifting along the longitudinal axis LA as well as transversely to the longitudinal axis LA. In both the embodiment according to Figures 5 and 42.2, the first and second boundary elements 42.1 and 42.2 are arranged at the respective corners of the first storage space 40 and thus prevent displacement of the articles 20 along the longitudinal axis LA and transversely to the longitudinal axis LA. Fig. 1 to 4 as well as in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 the opposing first and second boundary elements 42.1, 42.2 are each arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the axis of symmetry SA.

[0063] In another alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, the first storage compartment 40 has only a boundary element 42 or a first boundary element 42.1 and the base 41. On all other sides, the first storage compartment 40 is bounded by the housing 30, i.e., by the front 31 and by the wall section of the respective side wall 33, 33'.

[0064] Furthermore, the dispensing device 10 has a flat transfer element 50, which is horizontally displaceable between a home position G in the first storage chamber 40 for receiving the bottom item 20 of the stack and a dispensing position A in the dispensing chamber 90 for releasing the received item 20. In dispensing position A, the item 20 carried by the transfer element 50 falls through the opening between the dispensing chamber 90 and the dispensing chamber 70 into the dispensing chamber 70. The transfer element 50 is designed in the form of an elongated plate, which has two sections, namely a first retention section 52, preferably planar, and an adjoining rear receiving section 51. In the present embodiment, the first retention section 52 is formed over its entire surface and serves to retain the items 20 remaining in the first storage chamber 40.To prevent the articles 20 from slipping while the bottom article 20 is moved to the output position A, the receiving section 51 has an opening 54 and a frame 55 or frame-like edge section surrounding the opening 54. The opening 54 is designed and dimensioned such that it can receive the bottom article of the stack in its home position G. The received article can then be moved from the home position G to the output position A, i.e., in the transfer direction TR, by means of the transfer element 50.

[0065] To pick up an item, the transfer element 50 must be moved to its home position G, so that the receiving section 51 is located below the items 20 stored in the first storage compartment 40. In this position of the transfer element 50, the items 20 slide downwards, allowing the lowest item to be picked up by the receiving section 51 of the transfer element 50. This means that the item 20 rests on the floor 41 of the first storage compartment 40 and is surrounded by the frame 55 of the receiving section 51. If the transfer element 50 is now actuated by moving it from its home position G to the dispensing position A in the transfer direction TR or along the longitudinal axis LA, specifically horizontally, the picked-up item 20 is first pushed across the floor 41 of the first storage compartment 40 by means of the receiving section 51.Upon reaching dispensing position A, the item 20 falls downwards through the opening between dispensing chamber 90 and dispensing chamber 70 due to gravity. The item 20 is then guided through a discharge chute 72 located in dispensing chamber 70 towards the dispensing area, in particular a dispensing compartment or dispensing / ejection opening. The user can then remove the selected item from the dispensing area. To make item removal as easy as possible for the user, the dispensing area is open at the front. Alternatively, the dispensing area can be open at the bottom, so that the item can fall out of a dispensing / ejection opening 74 provided in the base 34 of the housing at the end of the discharge chute 72.

[0066] To ensure the durability of the plate-shaped transfer element 50, it is made of a robust and resistant material, such as metal or metal alloys, in particular steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof, or plastic, in particular fiber-reinforced plastic or recycled plastic. To further increase its resistance and / or robustness, the transfer element 50 may be additionally coated. Furthermore, the transfer element 50 is manufactured as a single piece.

[0067] To further simplify operation, an actuating element 53 is provided on the transfer element 50, preferably projecting from the housing 30 through the front 31. The actuating element 53 is either a handle element, a handle section, or a handle recess. From the Fig. In figures 1 to 5, the actuating element 53 is designed as a handle section. This allows the transfer element 50 and the actuating element 53 to be designed as a single unit. If a handle is used (not shown in the figures), it can be permanently or detachably attached to the transfer element 50. The transfer element 50 can be operated manually using the actuating element 53. However, it would also be conceivable to move the transfer element 50 using a drive unit.

[0068] In the dispensing chamber 70, a type of discharge chute 72 is arranged, by means of which the article 20 dispensed at the output position A is conveyed towards the dispensing area. The discharge chute 72 comprises a downwardly inclined discharge ramp 76, on which the article can slide or roll towards the dispensing area or the dispensing / discharge opening 74. As shown in the Fig. 1 to 3 as well as Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the discharge ramp 76 can have a retaining section at the end facing the rear wall 32 of the housing 30. The retaining section serves, on the one hand, to secure the discharge ramp 76 within the housing 30, and on the other hand, it serves as a kind of support surface for the transfer element 50, which can be moved into the dispensing position A.

[0069] The discharge ramp 76 is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle α, where the angle α is in the range between 1 degree and 89 degrees, preferably between 10 degrees and 70 degrees, and particularly between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. The greater the angle α, the steeper the discharge ramp 76. The angle α thus determines the speed at which the respective item slides towards the dispensing area. To completely avoid damage to the item, the angle α of the discharge ramp 76 is usually selected so that the item can slide downwards on the discharge ramp 76 at a low speed.

[0070] To stock the first storage compartment 40, the housing 30 must provide access to the storage compartment. In the Fig.In figure 5, the housing cover 35 is designed to be removable, so that the first storage compartment 40 can be filled with articles 20 by opening the housing cover. It would also be conceivable, though not shown in the figures, that the housing 30 has a refill opening which can be closed by a cover. Alternatively, the filling could be carried out by means of a front 31 that can be opened to fill the first storage compartment 40. To make the fill level of the storage compartment visible from the outside, a vertically extending viewing window 37 can be provided in the housing 30, in particular in one of the side walls 33, 33'.

[0071] Not shown in the figures is a vending machine for dispensing flat items, in which at least one dispensing device according to the invention is integrated. The machine is preferably a vending machine, rental machine, or self-service machine, which, in addition to the dispensing device, includes at least one input unit for selecting items and / or a display device, in particular a display, and / or a locking unit controlled by a release mechanism, by means of which the movement of the transfer element 50 can be locked or unlocked, and / or a payment system and a machine control with an electronic control unit, wherein the dispensing device can be controlled by means of the control unit. Preferably, the input unit, the display device, and the payment system and / or the dispensing area are arranged on the front 31 of the housing 30, so that they are easily accessible to the customer.The payment system can be designed for payment with cryptocurrency, cash and debit or credit cards, as well as for contactless payment.

[0072] The central control unit manages and monitors payment transactions, as well as the other functions of the vending machine, such as dispensing goods, controlling the drive unit (if the transfer element is motorized), controlling the locking unit, and evaluating the measurement signals from sensors and detection units. Furthermore, it may include a change dispenser and / or a receipt dispenser and / or a loudspeaker for emitting sounds and / or instructions and / or detection / sensor units for determining the fill level in the storage area and / or for recording returned items. Reference symbol list 10 Output device 20 flat items 30 cases 31 Front 32 Back panel 33, 33' side wall 34 Case base 35 Housing covers 36 Interior 37 viewing windows 40 first pantry 41 Floor 42 Boundary element 42.1 first boundary element 42.2 second boundary element 50 transfer element 51 Recording section 52 first retention section 53 Actuating element 54 Breakthrough 55 frames 56 Retention area 70 withdrawal room 72 Discharge chute 74 Dispensing or ejection opening 76 Discharge ramp 90 Dispensing room G Basic position A Output position B Width of the housing L Length of the housing d Width or diameter of the article α Angle of inclination h1 first thickness h2 Distance between boundary element and ground h3 second thickness LA Longitudinal axis MA Central Axis SA axis of symmetry TR Transfer direction E horizontal plane QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 03 / 003964 A1

[0005] DE 699 13 155 T2

[0006]

Claims

[1] Dispensing device (10) for dispensing flat articles (20), in particular flying discs or flying discs, comprising - a housing (30) with a front (31) from which the device can be operated, at least one first storage space (40) arranged behind the front (31) and provided with a floor (41) for receiving and storing the articles (20) in a stack, - at least one dispensing room (90) adjacent to the first storage room (40) and - at least one removal chamber (70) arranged below the dispensing chamber (90), wherein the dispensing chamber (90) is open towards the removal chamber (70), - at least one flat transfer element (50) which is displaceable between a base position (G) in the storage space (40) for receiving the lowest article (20) of the stack and an output position (A) in the output space (90) for delivering the received article (20), wherein the transfer element (50) has a receiving section (51) for the article (20) designed as an opening (54). [2] Dispensing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the dispensing device (10) has at least two first storage spaces (40) which are arranged laterally spaced from one another in the housing (30). [3] Dispensing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the dispensing device (10) has at least one further storage space provided with a base for receiving and storing further articles in a stack, wherein the at least one dispensing space (90) is located between the first storage space (40) and the further storage space. [4] Dispensing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the removal space (70) extends below the first storage space (40) and / or the further storage space. [5] Dispensing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the dispensing device (10) has at least one return space, preferably arranged above the dispensing space (90) and separated from the dispensing space (90), which is accessible from the outside through at least one first insertion opening introduced into the housing (30), so that articles, in particular after use, can be thrown into the return space and collected there. [6] Dispensing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that at least one second insertion opening is provided in the housing (30), which can be assigned to the first storage space (40) or to the further storage space and is arranged such that the articles inserted into the second insertion opening reach the storage space assigned to the insertion opening. [7] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the transfer element (50) is designed in the form of an elongated plate. [8] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transfer element (50) has a first thickness (h1) and the article (20) has a second thickness (h3), wherein the first thickness (h1) is equal to or greater than the second thickness (h3). [9] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transfer element (50) is formed in one piece. [10] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transfer element (50) has at least one, preferably flat, first retaining section (52) and at least one receiving section (51) adjoining this in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA). [11] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the dispensing device (10) has a plurality of transfer elements, wherein each storage space for removing articles (20) is assigned a separate transfer element. [12] Dispensing device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized by in that the transfer element (50) additionally has at least one, preferably flat, second retaining section which adjoins the receiving section (51) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA), wherein the first retaining cut (52) is suitable for retaining articles (20) in the first storage space (40) and wherein the second retaining section is suitable for retaining articles (20) in the further storage space. [13] Dispensing device (10) according to claim 12, characterized by that the transfer element (50) can be operated from the front (31) and / or from the side of the housing (30) opposite the front (31). [14] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the transfer element (50) has at least one actuating element (53), preferably protruding from the housing (30) through the front (31), for moving or actuating the transfer element (50) by the user. [15] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transfer element (50) can be moved manually or by motor. [16] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dispensing device (10) comprises at least one locking unit controlled by a release mechanism, by means of which the displacement of the at least one transfer element (50) can be blocked or released. [17] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening between the dispensing space (90) and the removal space (70) can be closed or opened by a door, in particular a pivoting door or sliding door. [18] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a downwardly inclined ejection ramp (76) is arranged in the removal space (70), on which the article (20) can slide or slide to the removal area. [19] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the output device (10) has a guide device, in particular guide rails, arranged in the housing (30) for guiding the transfer element (50) in the transfer direction (TR), in particular the horizontal direction. [20] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the respective first or further storage space is separated from the dispensing space (90) by at least one limiting element (42). [21] Dispensing device (10) according to claim 20, characterized by that the boundary element (42) is designed as a boundary wall or as an elongated, vertically extending profile element. [22] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first and / or further storage space is each equipped with a feed device in order to be able to push or press the articles (20) towards the floor of the respective storage space. [23] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (30) has a refill opening which can be closed with a lid and through which the respective storage space can be filled with articles (20) and / or the housing (30) has a maintenance opening which can be closed with a lid and through which maintenance and repair work can be carried out within the dispensing device (10). [24] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (30) is elongated, the longitudinal axis (LA) extending from its front (31) to its rear wall (32). [25] Dispensing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (30) has a width (B) which corresponds to 1.2 to 1.5 times the width or diameter (d) of the article (20) and a length (L) which corresponds to 2.2 to 3 times the width or diameter (d) of the article (20). [26] Vending machine for dispensing flat articles (20), in particular clay pigeons or flying discs, with at least one dispensing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 25, and / or a, preferably self-sufficient, power supply, and / or an input unit for selecting articles and / or a display device and / or a locking unit controlled by a release mechanism, by means of which the displacement of the transfer element (50) can be blocked or released and / or at least one detection unit and / or at least one lighting unit and / or at least one energy storage unit and / or a payment system and / or a vending machine control with a central control unit, wherein the dispensing device (10) can be controlled by means of the central control unit. [27] Kit of a dispensing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 25, comprising at least one front (31), a rear wall (32), side walls (33, 33'), a housing base (34), a housing cover (35), at least one transfer element (50), a base (41), at least one limiting element (42) and / or an ejection ramp (76) and / or at least one guide device and / or a door for closing the opening between the dispensing space (90) and the removal space (70) and / or at least one locking unit controlled by a release mechanism and / or at least one lighting unit and / or at least one detection unit and / or at least one energy storage unit and / or a control unit as well as corresponding connecting means for connecting the corresponding components.

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