Vending machine, especially a vending machine

Abstract

Vending machine (100), in particular vending machine (100a), comprising: an outer casing (110) for protecting an interior of the machine (100); a protective space (120) arranged in the outer housing (110), in particular encased, for storing goods and / or cash; and a goods dispensing space (130) arranged in the outer housing (110), in particular a lower one, which is accessible through a goods opening (112) in the outer housing (110), characterized in that the vending machine (100) has an explosion protection, wherein a part of the outer housing (110) forming the goods dispensing space (130) at least in part is designed as a detachable part (140) and is designed to be detachable, in particular separable, from the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110) by a compressive force acting in the goods dispensing space (130).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a vending machine, in particular a vending machine, having an outer housing, a protective space arranged in the outer housing for storing goods and / or cash, and a goods dispensing space arranged in the outer housing. State of the art

[0002] Vending machines, especially cigarette vending machines, are widespread and offer customers the opportunity to purchase products around the clock. For this purpose, the vending machines are located in freely accessible locations.

[0003] These positions are often located in corners or areas that are difficult to see. Vending machines have recently become increasingly the target of vandalism attempts, either to destroy the machines or to gain access to their contents by force.

[0004] While the vending machines known from the prior art have sturdy housings, for example, the vending machine known from DE 10 2017 113 315 A1 discloses a housing that has at least one wall, a rear wall for attaching to a wall of a building, and an opening and closing device comprising a door with a front panel. However, the vending machines known from the prior art, and in particular their housings, are not sufficiently protected against explosions.

[0005] There is therefore an urgent need for improved security measures to address the increasing threat of explosive attempts. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a vending machine that eliminates the problems and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine that is effectively protected against explosive attempts.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

[0008] The solution according to the invention consists in particular in providing a vending machine, in particular a vending machine. The machine has an outer housing for protecting the interior of the machine. Furthermore, the machine has a protective space arranged in the outer housing, in particular an enclosed space, for storing goods and / or cash. Furthermore, the machine has a goods dispensing space arranged in the outer housing, in particular a lower one, which is accessible through a goods opening in the outer housing.

[0009] According to the invention, the vending machine has explosion protection, wherein a part of the outer housing that forms the goods dispensing area, at least in part, is designed as a detachable part. The detachable part is detachable, in particular separable, from the remaining part of the outer housing by a compressive force acting in the goods dispensing area.

[0010] In general, a vending machine is a technical device or machine that performs specific tasks or functions independently, without the need for continuous human control. The general term "vending machine" encompasses various types of machines designed for different purposes. For example, the term "vending machine" can include vending machines, bank or cash machines, and gaming machines.

[0011] Preferably, however, the machine is a vending machine. A vending machine is a device that automatically sells goods for sale, such as snacks, drinks, cigarettes, or other items. The customer selects the desired product and pays by inserting cash or electronic payment. After payment, the machine dispenses the selected product. Accordingly, the vending machine contains stored goods and cash.

[0012] An ATM is an electronic device that allows bank customers to perform basic transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, transfers, and account inquiries. At a minimum, an ATM contains cash.

[0013] A slot machine is an electronic gambling device found primarily in casinos, arcades, and other entertainment venues. At a minimum, cash is stored in a slot machine.

[0014] What all these machines have in common is that they have a dispensing area where either goods or cash can be dispensed to the customer. This dispensing area is often used by attackers to insert an explosive charge and blow up the machine.

[0015] The outer housing is preferably the outer shell of the machine. The protective space is a protected area inside the outer housing, for example, by means of another housing. Goods or cash, or mechanical or electrical components of the machine, can be protected within it. The protective space preferably has another enclosure or housing, in particular one that is different from the outer housing.

[0016] The actual goods issue area is located in the goods issue area, from which the customer can collect his goods and / or cash given as change.

[0017] According to the invention, the outer housing for explosion protection has a detachable part and a remaining part. The detachable part is designed to be detachable from the remaining part, in particular completely separable. The protective space is located in the remaining part of the outer housing. According to the invention, the goods dispensing space is formed, at least in part, by the detachable part. The goods dispensing itself can be fixed to the detachable part or to the remaining part. Depending on the situation, the goods dispensing detaches together with the detachable part or remains attached to the remaining part.

[0018] If an explosion occurs in the goods issue area, the released energy or pressure force causes the detachable part to separate from the remaining part. This diverts the explosive energy away from the protected area.

[0019] Accordingly, the shelter and the goods, cash and / or mechanical and electrical components stored therein can be protected in the event of an explosion.

[0020] The technical advantage of the invention is that in the event of an explosion, the detachable part detaches, thereby diverting the explosive force and protecting the remaining part containing the protective space.

[0021] This minimizes the damage caused by blasting. Furthermore, the machine's operational readiness can be restored quickly.

[0022] According to an advantageous development of the invention, in the event of an explosion, the detachable part is struck downwards by the released energy in such a way that the remaining, in particular upper, part of the machine in which the protective space is located remains largely undamaged and / or the protective space remains largely closed.

[0023] The goods dispensing area is located in a lower part of the machine, which is folded downwards, leaving the upper part with the protective area largely undamaged and closed.

[0024] In an advantageous development of the invention, the detachable part is designed as the bottom of the outer housing.

[0025] This separates the bottom of the outer casing from the rest of the outer casing. This causes the detachable part to blast downward toward the ground, reducing the risk of injury from flying debris.

[0026] In an advantageous development of the invention, the detachable part forms the lower end of the goods dispensing area in an intact vending machine.

[0027] After an explosion, the removable part is separated from the rest of the outer casing in such a way that the former goods dispensing area is open downwards.

[0028] The explosion creates an opening at the bottom of the vending machine's outer casing. This primarily involves blasting away the former merchandise dispensing area and the walls surrounding it from the outer casing.

[0029] In an advantageous development of the invention, the detachable part is designed in the shape of a drawer. In the event of an explosion, the detachable part is preferably movable in the shape of a drawer relative to the remaining part of the outer housing.

[0030] By moving the detachable part away from the rest of the outer casing, the detachable part can be separated from the rest of the outer casing. The drawer shape ensures a controlled and directed movement of the detachable part during a blast. Essentially, the detachable part is at least partially guided during a blast.

[0031] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the protective space is protected from the goods dispensing area by a protective device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one part of the protective space facing the goods dispensing area is reinforced.

[0032] The protective device can provide additional protection for the critical area containing goods and cash or sensitive components, i.e. the protective room.

[0033] The protective device could, for example, be an additional wall. The reinforcement of the shelter could, for example, be a reinforced, i.e., thicker or more stable wall.

[0034] In an advantageous development of the invention, a partition plate is arranged, in particular as a protective device, between the protective space and the goods dispensing space.

[0035] The separating plate is preferably designed to channel the energy released during an explosion and divert it from the shelter. The separating plate thus leads to a targeted redirection of the explosive force away from the shelter. This effectively diverts the explosion energy to protect the shelter.

[0036] The separating plate can, for example, extend at least substantially parallel to the bottom of the outer housing. Preferably, the separating plate forms a small angle of less than 45°, particularly preferably less than 30°, to the bottom of the outer housing.

[0037] In an advantageous further development of the embodiment, the separating plate is made of a high-strength, in particular explosion-resistant material.

[0038] The separating plate is preferably made of a high-strength steel alloy. The choice of material can achieve increased resistance to explosions. A composite material, for example, with ceramic inserts, would also be conceivable.

[0039] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the remaining part and / or the shelter has additional structural reinforcements. The additional structural reinforcements are designed to ensure the integrity of the shelter in the event of an explosion and to prevent penetration into the shelter. The structural reinforcements can, in particular, be thickened portions or reinforcing elements arranged in the walls.

[0040] In an advantageous development of the invention, the detachable part is held, in particular exclusively, by means of frictional force on the remaining part of the outer housing.

[0041] The frictional force is overcome accordingly in the event of a detonation, so that the detachable part separates from the remaining part. This creates a simple mechanism that, on the one hand, securely holds the detachable part to the remaining part during normal operation. On the other hand, in the event of a detonation and excessive load, the detachable part can be easily released.

[0042] In an advantageous development of the invention, the remaining part and / or the detachable part are provided with predefined predetermined breaking points.

[0043] The predefined breaking points give way during a detonation if a certain load limit is exceeded. Thus, the predefined breaking points enable a controlled separation of the detachable part. This allows for a controlled separation of the detachable part during a detonation.

[0044] In an advantageous development of the invention, the detachable part is arranged on the remaining part of the outer housing by means of a guide contour.

[0045] A guide contour is generally a structural element for the controlled movement of the detachable part. This enables a guided and controlled movement of the detachable part during release or separation.

[0046] In an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the guide contour is designed and arranged such that the guide contour allows a movement of the detachable part relative to the remaining part of the outer housing for releasing the detachable part.

[0047] In other words, the guide contour allows relative movement of the detachable part to the rest of the outer housing in at least one direction, for example, downward. Consequently, the guide contour preferably limits the movement of the detachable part relative to the rest of the outer housing in other directions.

[0048] According to an advantageous development of the invention, elongated holes are formed for the connection between the detachable part and the remaining part.

[0049] Slotted holes are a special type of guide contour. Generally speaking, slots are elongated openings designed to guide the movement of the detachable part to the remaining part. Slotted holes allow for simple and effective implementation of the guide with defined movement options.

[0050] According to an advantageous further development of this embodiment, the elongated holes are formed on the detachable part.

[0051] Alternatively, the slots are formed on the remaining part. Providing slots on the detachable part makes assembly easier.

[0052] In an advantageous development of the invention, the elongated holes are open to the outside.

[0053] This means that no blocking resistance needs to be bridged to release the detachable part. Accordingly, reliable release can be ensured. In particular, the elongated holes are designed to be open towards the other part, on which fastening elements that can be inserted into the elongated holes can be arranged. Transferred to elongated holes arranged on the detachable part, these elongated holes are therefore designed to be open towards the rest of the part. If the detachable part releases downwards, the elongated holes are preferably designed to be open upwards. More generally, the elongated holes are designed to be open in a direction opposite to the compressive force. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the elongated holes to be closed by a thin-walled closure. This thin-walled closure would then act as a debit entry point and break in the event of an explosion, thus enabling the detachable part to be finally released.

[0054] In an advantageous development of the invention, the merchandise opening is formed in a door of the outer housing. The door preferably completely covers a front side of the vending machine.

[0055] The door is generally an access element, particularly a hinged one, to the interior of the machine, arranged on the remaining outer casing.

[0056] The door can be attached to the rest of the vending machine, for example, by means of hinges. The merchandise opening is an opening in the door for removing goods from the goods dispensing area located behind the door.

[0057] A door that completely covers the front of the vending machine means that when viewed from the front, only the door of the outer casing is visible. In other words, there is no area of ​​the outer casing that protrudes significantly beyond the door when viewed from the front. The door can at least partially encompass the outer casing. Preferably, the door does not encompass a lower area of ​​the outer casing.

[0058] Independently of this, one of the protective devices, in particular one of the partition plates, is preferably attached to the door or a door-side side of the outer housing. The partition plate then moves together with the door when the door is opened. This partition plate is preferably arranged exclusively on the door or attached to it. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, a further partition plate is arranged on the housing-side side of the outer housing, in particular as a boundary, between the protective space and the goods dispensing space.

[0059] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the door is formed, in particular completely, as part of the remaining part of the outer housing.

[0060] In other words, the door is not designed as part of the detachable section. This has the advantage that in the event of an explosion, the door, i.e., the front part of the machine, remains at least largely intact. This makes access to the interior significantly more difficult after the explosion.

[0061] In an advantageous development of the invention, the machine has a sensor for detecting vibrations or pressure waves. The sensor is preferably connectable and / or connected to an alarm unit. The sensor is designed to detect an explosion and, preferably, trigger an alarm signal via the alarm unit.

[0062] The alarm signal can be an acoustic and / or visual warning signal. It can also be a notification to a monitoring center. A combination of several options is also conceivable.

[0063] The alarm signal allows for early detection of attacks, allowing for a quick response. Furthermore, such alarm units act as a deterrent.

[0064] The invention therefore describes a highly developed vending machine, in particular a vending machine, with protection against attempted demolition.

[0065] A possible application for the invention is, for example, vending machines for tobacco products. However, the invention is particularly suitable for all vending machines. Short description of the drawings

[0066] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, provided this is technically reasonable and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

[0067] The figures used to explain the embodiments show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vending machine; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a detachable part. Ways to implement the invention

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a vending machine 100 designed as a vending machine 100a. The vending machine 100a is, in particular, a vending machine for selling cigarettes.

[0069] In Fig. 1, the vending machine 100 is shown open. An outer housing 110 of the vending machine 100 is open. In particular, a door 111 of the vending machine 100 or outer housing 100 is folded outward. This allows the interior of the vending machine 100 to be seen.

[0070] A protective compartment 120 is formed in an upper region of the outer housing 100. The protective compartment 120 serves for storing goods, in particular cigarettes and / or cash.

[0071] Furthermore, a lower goods dispensing space 130 is formed in the outer housing 100. In a closed vending machine 100A, the goods dispensing space 130 is accessible through a goods opening 112 in the door 111.

[0072] In Fig. 1 indicates that a lower part of the outer housing 110 is designed as a detachable part 140. This detachable part 140 is designed to be detachable from an upper part of the outer housing 110, the remaining part 150.

[0073] The goods dispensing chamber 130 is arranged in the detachable part 140. If an explosive device is inserted through the goods opening 112 into the goods dispensing chamber 130 and detonated there, the released energy causes the lower detachable part 140 to be forced downward and separate from the remaining upper part 150 of the vending machine 100. Since the protective chamber 120 is located in the upper part 150, it can remain largely undamaged in the event of an explosion. This allows goods or cash, as well as mechanical and electrical components of the vending machine 100, to be protected.

[0074] In Fig. 1, it can be seen in particular that the detachable part 140 is designed as the base 113 of the outer housing 110. In the event of an explosion, the detachable part 140 detaches in such a way that the former goods dispensing space 130 is opened downwards.

[0075] The vending machine 100 has a protective device 160 designed as a partition plate 160a. The partition plate 160a is attached, for example, to the door 111. The protective device 160 or the partition plate 160a is arranged between the protective chamber 120 and the goods dispensing chamber 130 when the door 111 is closed. The protective device 160 or the partition plate 160a is designed to channel the energy released by an explosion and divert it downwards from the protective chamber 120. Preferably, a further partition plate 160b is arranged as a protective device 160 on the housing-side part of the outer housing 110 between the protective chamber 120 and the goods dispensing chamber 130.

[0076] In Fig. 2 shows a more detailed view of the detachable part 140. The detachable part 140 is drawer-shaped. In particular, the detachable part 140 consists of a bottom 141 and side walls 142. The front side wall 142 can be formed as shown in the Fig. 2, it may be formed with a recess. Alternatively, the front side wall 142 may be omitted. Preferably, at least three side walls 142 are provided.

[0077] The detachable part 140 is open at the top. In the event of an explosion, the detachable part 140 moves downwards in a drawer-like manner toward the remaining part 150 of the outer housing 110. This allows the detachable part 140 to be detached from the remaining part 150.

[0078] The detachable part 140 is held to the remaining part 150 of the outer housing 110 exclusively by frictional force. For this purpose, fastening elements are guided through elongated holes 170a arranged on the detachable part 140 and clamped. The fastening elements thus serve to press the detachable part 140 against the remaining part 150.

[0079] The elongated holes 170a also serve as a guide contour 170. The guide contour 170 enables controlled movement of the detachable part 140 relative to the remaining part 150 of the outer housing 110. The elongated holes 170a are particularly open at the top. Thus, no additional resistance needs to be overcome to detach the detachable part 140 from the remaining part 150.

[0080] It should be noted that the features of the invention described with reference to individual embodiments or variants, such as the type and design of the individual components as well as their precise dimensions and spatial arrangement, may also be present in other embodiments, unless otherwise stated or technically prohibited. Furthermore, such features of individual embodiments described in combination do not necessarily have to be implemented in a given embodiment. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2017 113 315 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Machine (100), in particular a vending machine (100a), comprising: an outer casing (110) for protecting an interior of the machine (100); a protective space (120) arranged in the outer housing (110), in particular encased, for storing goods and / or cash; and a goods dispensing space (130) arranged in the outer housing (110), in particular a lower one, which is accessible through a goods opening (112) in the outer housing (110), characterized by , that the vending machine (100) has an explosion protection, wherein a part of the outer housing (110) forming the goods dispensing space (130) at least in part is designed as a detachable part (140) and is designed to be detachable, in particular separable, from the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110) by a compressive force acting in the goods dispensing space (130). [2] Automat (100) according to claim 1, characterized bythat in the event of an explosion, the detachable part (140) is struck downwards by the released energy, so that the remaining, in particular upper, part (150) of the machine (100), in which the protective space (120) is preferably located, remains largely undamaged and the protective space (120) remains largely closed. [3] Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the detachable part (140) is designed as a base (113) of the outer housing (110). [4] Machine according to claim 3, characterized by that the detachable part (140) forms the lower end of the goods dispensing space (130) in an intact vending machine (100) and, after being blown up, is detached from the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110) in such a way that the former goods dispensing space (130) is open downwards. [5] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the detachable part (140) is drawer-shaped and, in the event of an explosion, is preferably movable in a drawer-like manner to the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110) and detachable from it. [6] Machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective space (120) is protected from the goods dispensing space (130) by a protective device (160) and / or that at least a part of the protective space (120) facing the goods dispensing space (130) is reinforced. [7] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a partition plate (160a), in particular as a protective device (160), is arranged between the protective space (120) and the goods dispensing space (130), wherein the partition plate (160a) is designed to channel the energy released by an explosion and to divert it from the protective space (120). [8] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the separating plate (160a) is made of a high-strength, in particular explosion-resistant material, preferably a high-strength steel alloy. [9] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the remaining part (150) and / or the protective space (120) has additional structural reinforcements to ensure the integrity of the protective space (120) in the event of an explosion and to prevent intrusion into the protective space (120). [10] Machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the detachable part (140) is held, in particular exclusively, by means of frictional force on the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110). [11] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the remaining part (150) and / or the detachable part (140) is provided with predefined predetermined breaking points which give way in the event of an explosion and thus enable a controlled separation of the detachable part (140). [12] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the detachable part (140) is arranged on the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110) by means of a guide contour (170). [13] Automat (100) according to claim 12, characterized by that the guide contour (170) is designed and arranged such that the guide contour (170) allows a movement of the detachable part (140) relative to the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110) for releasing the detachable part (140). [14] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for the connection between the detachable part (140) and the remaining part (150), elongated holes (170a) are formed, in particular acting as a guide contour (170). [15] Automat (100) according to claim 14, characterized by that the elongated holes (170a) are formed on the detachable part (140). [16] Automat (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the elongated holes (170a) are open to the outside. [17] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the goods opening (112) is formed in a door (111) of the outer housing (110), which preferably completely covers a front side of the vending machine (100). [18] Automat (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the door (111), in particular completely, is formed as part of the remaining part (150) of the outer housing (110). [19] Machine (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the machine (100) has a sensor for detecting vibrations or pressure waves, which is preferably designed to be connectable and / or connected to an alarm unit, wherein the sensor is designed to detect an explosion and to trigger an alarm signal via the alarm unit.

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