Connecting device for connecting a rotationally drivable spiral of a merchandise compartment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a rotatably driven spiral of a product compartment to a motor-driven rotor, comprising a bearing arrangement for supporting the rotor, which has a component extension, a disk element that can be rotationally fixed to the spiral, and a clamping element having at least two legs that are self-resetting from a spreading position to a clamping position, whereby the clamping element can be clamped onto the component extension of the bearing arrangement, wherein each leg comprises at least one receiving section designed for rotatably receiving the disk element, so that the disk element can be axially connected to the rotor via the clamping element. The present invention further relates to a product compartment and a vending machine with such a connecting device, as well as a method for assembly.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a rotatably driven spiral of a product compartment to a motor-driven rotor, with a bearing arrangement for supporting the rotor, which has a component extension, with a disk element that can be connected to the spiral in a rotationally fixed manner, and with a clamping element. The invention further relates to a product compartment, a vending machine, and a method for assembling a rotatably driven spiral. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Vending machines are used for a variety of applications. These machines are often placed in public places. For example, they can dispense products such as food and / or other consumer goods. The food items, such as individually packaged food or bottled beverages, are usually stored in a sorted, box-like or drawer-like structure inside the machine. The machine can also be used to dispense tobacco products or similar items.

[0003] A vending machine known from the prior art generally comprises one or more drawers, in particular arranged one above the other, which are subdivided into parallel compartments or product compartments. Each of these product compartments has at least one open end so that the products can be dispensed.

[0004] To ensure the dispensing of individual products or a specific number of products, the product compartments usually contain at least one spiral conveyor, with the products for sale located between the coils. Such a mechanism can also be called a spiral dispenser, and the spiral itself can also be referred to as a conveyor coil or spiral conveyor.

[0005] A spiral is therefore understood to be a component that has helical windings along a longitudinal axis, formed along a cylindrical contour. Such a spiral can be formed from a type of wire or a rod-shaped element, which in particular has a constant cross-section and forms the windings. The cross-section of the spiral is also particularly constant along its length. Preferably, the windings are formed uniformly along the longitudinal axis of the spiral, so that a space is formed between each winding in which the same product can be placed. The component can therefore also be referred to as a three-dimensional spiral, a screw, or a coil. In the following, the term "spiral" will be used for such a component.

[0006] In a vending machine, each of these spirals is connected to a motor, forming its own spiral drive. When a user selects a desired product, the motor is activated, causing the spiral to rotate around a longitudinal axis. This moves the products located between the coils towards the open end. When the product reaches the end of the spiral, it is pushed over the edge of the individual compartments and, for example, ejected onto a lower part of the machine. The user can then retrieve the product through a flap or similar mechanism.

[0007] Advantageously, the machines are designed to accommodate a variety of products. The individual compartments and spirals must be suitable for products of different shapes and sizes, or at least adjustable. For example, spirals with different diameters and pitches are used.

[0008] Furthermore, it is important that the spiral is positioned with respect to its axis of rotation such that, with respect to the rotational path provided by the motor, the product is sufficiently displaced and ejection over the end edge of the individual compartment is ensured. A free end of the spiral, located at the end edge of the individual compartment, must be correctly aligned. Adjusting the spiral, i.e., aligning it with respect to its own axis of rotation, is possible, for example, using disc elements that are rigidly connected to an end of the spiral located on the motor side. By fixing the disc elements in a specific orientation, a starting position of the spiral can be set.

[0009] EP 2 248 115 B1 shows an adjusting drum for a spiral. The adjusting drum consists of two disc elements that can be rotated relative to each other. The first disc element is fixed to the spiral, while the second disc element is fixed to the motor rotor via a rod element. The rod element forms an extension of the rotor. A third element is arranged between the two disc elements, allowing the first disc element to be rotated relative to the second disc element in only one direction. This is made possible by detents in the third element and by receptacles in the second disc element. Thus, by rotating the spiral against the direction of rotation of the rotor, a desired starting position of the spiral can be set and fixed.

[0010] A disadvantage of such designs is that the adjusting drum requires considerable installation space due to its connection to the rotor via the rod element. Another disadvantage is that the rod element must be precisely aligned axially as an extension of the rotor on the rotor axis; otherwise, a deviation in the orientation of the spiral will result.

[0011] The adjustment drum with its rod element wastes installation space, reducing the machine's product capacity. Furthermore, damage to the spiral and / or the drawer or individual compartment can occur if the spiral is not precisely aligned axially with the rotor's axis of rotation. An axial deviation of the spiral relative to the rotor's axis can also compromise product dispensing.

[0012] For further prior art, reference is made to US 5,649,641 A1, which describes another connection method between a spiral and a rotor in a shopping basket of a vending machine. The spiral has a disc element with a projection in the form of a shaft. The shaft can be inserted into a receptacle of a drive unit to connect the spiral to the rotor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an improved connecting device.

[0014] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a connecting device with the features of claim 1, by a goods compartment with the features of claim 13, by a goods dispensing machine with the features of claim 14 and / or by a method with the features of claim 15.

[0015] Accordingly, the following is planned:A connecting device for connecting a rotatably driven spiral of a goods compartment to a motor-driven rotor, with a bearing device for supporting the rotor, which has a component extension, with a disk element that can be rotationally fixed to the spiral, and with a clamping element that has at least two legs which are designed to be self-resetting from a spreading position to a clamping position, whereby the clamping element can be clamped onto the component extension of the bearing device, wherein the legs each comprise at least one receiving section designed for the rotatable receiving of the disk element, so that the disk element can be axially connected to the rotor via the clamping element.A compartment for a vending machine, comprising a connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, a spiral which can be coupled via the connecting device to a rotor mounted in a bearing device, wherein goods to be dispensed from the compartment can be arranged between the turns of the spiral, the spiral being designed to move the goods along a rotational axis of the spiral to a dispensing compartment, and a motor with which the rotor can be driven to dispense goods by rotating the spiral. A vending machine with at least one compartment, in particular two or more compartments. A method for mounting a rotatably driven spiral to a rotor of a compartment with a connecting device comprising the steps of: fixing a clamping element to a component extension of a storage device within a product area by means of two legs of the clamping element, axially displacing the spiral so that a disc element, rotationally fixed to the spiral, is positioned on the two legs, axially pressing the disc element against the legs, causing the legs to spread apart, axially displacing and snapping the disc element between the legs, thereby axially fixing the disc element to the clamping element.

[0016] The underlying insight of the present invention is that adjusting the spiral to a desired angle of the windings and disassembling the spiral is desirable to be quick and easy from the side of the product area or from the product compartment, while at the same time requiring as little installation space as possible within the machine due to the adjustment elements.

[0017] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is to connect the end of a spiral, via a clamping element, almost directly to the motor-driven rotor and to a component extension of the bearing assembly supporting the rotor. This saves space within the product area and allows more products to be accommodated in a single spiral. By connecting the axially aligned clamping element and the disc element connected to the rotor, an axially fixed yet rotatable connection device can be formed.

[0018] Furthermore, this type of connection device allows for easy mounting of the clamping element to the component extension of the storage system in the goods area, as the clamping element can only be clamped to the component extension in a predetermined and unambiguous position. Additional fasteners, such as bolts or similar components, are not required. The clamping element can be attached to a component extension already positioned in the goods area with minimal force. A mechanical connection between the clamping element and the component extension ensures axial positioning of the clamping element. This also allows for axial positioning of the spiral.

[0019] Furthermore, this method makes it advantageous to mount the clamping element in a user-friendly manner from the goods area in the goods dispensing direction, whereby the mounting is independent of the goods compartment division, i.e., the division of the individual compartments or goods compartments in the drawer.

[0020] A clamping element is a component that, via a clamping mechanism consisting primarily of two legs, can be contacted with another component, particularly a component extension, and clamped to it. The legs can be moved relative to each other, allowing them, for example, to be spread apart before being attached to the other component. The legs of the clamping element are designed to be self-resetting, so that they return to their original position after being spread apart. This enables a clamping effect with another component.

[0021] The bearing assembly is preferably connected to a part of the motor, in particular to a part of the motor housing, and forms a bearing for the rotor. The bearing assembly can establish a connection from the motor, which is arranged outside the product compartment, to the interior of the product compartment. For example, the bearing assembly itself, or a component extension of the bearing assembly, can project through a recess in an outer wall of the product compartment.

[0022] The component extension preferably has a shape corresponding to an inner surface of the legs, so that optimal clamping action of the clamping element on the component extension can be achieved. In particular, the component extension is designed with an undercut that serves as a clamping surface.

[0023] A disc element is a component that is rigidly, and in particular rotationally, mounted to the spiral. The disc element is preferably located at the end of the spiral that faces the motor or bearing assembly. The disc element can serve as a mechanical connection to the rotor and / or the clamping element. In particular, the disc element serves for positioning, securing against removal, and / or transmitting torque. The disc element ensures the positioning of the spiral on the rotor's axis of rotation. Likewise, by engaging the disc element with the clamping element, unintentional removal of the spiral from its individual compartment is prevented, as the spiral is fixed immovably to the clamping element in the axial direction, i.e., along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, it ensures that any torque from the motor is transmitted directly to the disc element.

[0024] The clamping element according to the invention significantly speeds up the assembly of the spiral on the rotor, as the clamping element, which is clamped to the component extension, enables precise positioning of the spiral. Overall, this allows for precise, intuitive, and therefore user-friendly adjustment of the spiral, requiring only simple steps. Due to the small number of components and the simple manufacturing processes for the required components, cost savings can also be achieved through lower production costs.

[0025] If the spiral is to be rotated to a desired angle with the spiral installed, it can be locked into place between evenly spaced angular positions, for example in 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, or 40° increments, with minimal effort. This can be achieved, for example, by slightly spreading the arms of the actuating element, particularly by means of actuating elements that may be arranged on the clamping element and moving them towards each other, especially by manually pressing them together. The spiral can then be moved or pulled a short distance along its axis of rotation and away from the clamping element. The spiral can then be rotated to the desired angular position and secured, particularly by releasing the clamping element. Realignment or disassembly of the clamping element is not necessary.

[0026] To replace the spiral, simply detach the disc element from the clamping element by spreading open at least two of the clamping element's legs. Once the spiral is mechanically released, it can be removed from the compartment or drawer. The clamping element can remain attached to the bearing assembly's component extension, as the legs tend to self-return. Therefore, the clamping element continues to provide axial alignment with the rotor.

[0027] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one receiving section of each leg can have an inclined sliding section, such that the gap between the two legs is enlarged towards an open side, and the disc element can have a sliding element corresponding to each sliding section, wherein, when the disc element is connected to the clamping element, the sliding element contacts the sliding sections. The respective sliding section forms a kind of insertion ramp, so that when the disc element is moved axially towards the clamping element, the legs are forced apart, thereby clamping the disc element to the clamping element.Advantageously, in the direction of an outer surface of the clamping element, the horizontal distance between the two sliding sections corresponds to the distance between the two outermost points of the sliding element of the disc element, so that a movement of the disc element towards the clamping element causes the legs to spread apart. In particular, the sliding element can be designed to correspond to a specific inclination of the sliding sections in order to improve contact and the spreading process. According to a further embodiment, the sliding section can have an undercut designed to receive the sliding element of the disc element in order to fix the disc element to the clamping element in the axial direction of the axis of rotation. In this way, the sliding element of the disc element can snap into the undercut. This is achieved in particular by the restoring forces of the legs.In particular, a stop can be provided that limits axial displacement of the disc element relative to the clamping element, whereby the distance between the stop and the undercut can be coordinated. In a further embodiment, an undercut for engaging a section of the receiving section can also be arranged on the sliding element.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a coupling element can be included that can be mounted on the rotor in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the coupling element is designed to transmit a rotational movement to the disc element. Advantageously, this allows for a space-saving connection device, since the coupling element preferably does not extend beyond the length of the rotor or only does so to a minimal extent. Consequently, the disc element can be in direct contact with the rotor and thus be fixed close to the motor, particularly close to the bearing assembly. The coupling element is arranged directly on the rotor and not as an extension of the rotor, thereby saving installation space.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element can comprise a cylindrical section designed to receive and align the disc element on the rotor's axis of rotation. This advantageously allows for a particularly space-saving design, since, for example, the disc element can encompass the cylindrical section of the coupling element to be positioned in close proximity to the motor, especially to the bearing assembly. In one embodiment, the disc element, the clamping element, and the coupling element can be arranged almost on a vertical axis.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element can comprise a grid structure with angular divisions in a range of 10° to 45°, particularly 15° to 30°, preferably 20°, and the disc element can have a corresponding grid structure. For example, engagement in 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 40°, or 45° increments is possible. In this way, adjustment and fixation of the spiral can be achieved by rotation about the axis of rotation. An angular position of the spiral, in particular an angular position of a coil end of the spiral, can be achieved by an interaction of the grid structure of the coupling element and the grid structure of the disc element, whereby a torque from the coupling element can simultaneously be transmitted to the spiral via the disc element. The grid structure can, for example, be designed as a toothed pattern.The grid structure can be arranged on an outer surface of the cylindrical section. Likewise, the coupling element can include a flange-like section, preferably located on the motor side and, in particular, in contact with the component extension when the coupling element is mounted on the rotor. The grid structure can also be arranged on the flange-like section. Since the angular position of the coil end must be arranged differently for different products, the coil can be released from the grid structure, especially the toothing, with minimal force by first slightly spreading the legs of the clamping element, thereby releasing the coil.Any desired angular position can be achieved by first axially displacing the spiral, then rotating it around its own axis of rotation to the desired angular position, and finally moving the spiral back towards the bearing assembly. The clamping element can then be returned to the clamping position, thereby fixing the spiral in the desired angular position and aligning it axially.

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the clamping element can have actuating elements that are movable relative to each other and, when actuated, move the legs of the clamping element into the spreading position. Advantageously, these actuating elements can serve to move the clamping element from the clamping position to the spreading position.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the legs of the clamping element can be U-shaped. In this way, the clamping element can be easily attached to the rotor or coupling element from above.

[0034] According to further training, the clamping element can be fixed to the component extension in a rotationally fixed manner. In this way, precise alignment of the disc element with the spiral can be ensured, especially during rotor rotation.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the component extension onto which the clamping element can be attached can be arranged within a product compartment, with the clamping element being arranged within the product compartment if it contacts the disc element. Advantageously, this allows for user-friendly installation from the side of the product compartment or directly within the product compartment.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the disc element can have a recess designed to receive the rotor. The recess is preferably arranged on the axis of rotation of the spiral or the disc element. Advantageously, the recess is also designed to receive the coupling element, thus enabling a space-saving design. The clamping element, the disc element, and the coupling element can therefore be arranged almost in one plane, particularly a vertical plane.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the component extension can have a T-shaped cross-section. This T-shaped cross-section is particularly pronounced in a horizontal plane, allowing the clamping element to be attached to the component extension from above. The T-shaped cross-section allows the component extension to have an undercut that serves as a clamping surface, with the T-shape forming a kind of collar that prevents axial displacement of the clamping element. In another cross-sectional plane, particularly a vertical one, the component extension can be, for example, square, rectangular, circular, or semicircular to form a contact surface with the inner surface of the legs.

[0038] The features and advantages mentioned regarding the connecting device also apply to the product compartment, the vending machine, and the assembly procedure.

[0039] In particular, the connecting device, the compartment, or the method allows the spiral to be installed by means of an axial movement of the spiral and the disc element. With minimal effort, the legs of the clamping element, which no longer requires manual operation, can be forced apart solely by the axial pressure of the disc element on the sliding sections of the clamping element. Particularly after reaching a mechanical stop, the legs can return to their original position when the sliding elements of the disc element reach the undercuts of the clamping element. This allows the disc element to be fixed to the clamping element.

[0040] Repositioning the spiral, i.e., rotating it around its axis of rotation, can be achieved by first slightly spreading the clamping element, for example, by actuating the actuators. The disc element with the spiral can then be detached from the motor coupling by a slight axial movement along the spiral's axis of rotation. This means, for example, that the grid structure of the disc element is disengaged from the grid structure of the coupling element. The spiral with the disc element can then be rotated by a desired angle. If the grid structure has, for example, a 20° division, the spiral can be adjusted in 20° increments. Finally, the spiral with the disc element can be moved back towards the motor or bearing assembly so that the grid structures interlock.By subsequently releasing the actuating elements of the clamping element, the clamping element can be returned to the clamping position, whereby the disc element is fixed to the clamping element.

[0041] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0042] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show: Fig. 1 a connecting device in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a connecting device in a product compartment or a vending machine in a first embodiment; Fig. 3 an embodiment of a connecting device with a clamping element in a spreading position; Fig. 4 an embodiment of a connecting device with a clamping element in a clamping position; Fig. 5 a further view of the embodiment from Fig. 4 .

[0043] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0044] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0045] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a connecting device 1 in a first embodiment. A disk element 5 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a spiral 2. The disk element 5 is arranged at one end of the spiral 2, which faces a rotor 7 of a motor 10. The rotor 7 is mounted in a bearing assembly 25. This assembly has a component extension 18, which serves as a support for a clamping element 6. In this embodiment, the component extension 18 has a T-shaped cross-section formed in a horizontal plane, so that the clamping element 6 can be clamped to the component extension 18 in a rotationally fixed manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 7 passes through or pierces the bearing assembly 25 and the component extension 18, so that the rotor 7 can be accessed by the disk element 5. This can be achieved, for example, by forming a through-hole in the component extension 18.

[0046] In Fig. 1 The individual elements are shown before assembly, so that, among other things, the component extension 18 is visible. Only one coupling element 15 is already mounted on the rotor 7. The coupling element 15 serves to transmit the rotational motion from the rotor 7 to the disk element 5. For this purpose, the coupling element 15 includes a cylindrical section 16, which serves to receive and align the disk element 5 on a rotational axis R of the motor 10.

[0047] The spiral 2 is designed to move goods 3 in a vending machine along a rotational axis R of the spiral 2. The goods 3 are stored between the turns 4 of the spiral 2. The goods 3 can be products such as food or tobacco products. To dispense the goods 3, the spiral 2 can be rotated by the connecting device 1 along the direction of rotation R1 or the direction of rotation R2. The connecting device 1 according to the invention enables both directions of rotation without any modification of the spiral 2 or the connecting device 1.

[0048] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the connecting device 1 arranged in a vending machine or in a product compartment. Three individual compartments 11 of a product area 19 are shown. A spiral 2 is provided in each of the individual compartments 11. For illustration, the clamping element 6 is shown in the spreading position S in one connecting device 1 and in a clamping position K in another. Both the clamping element 6 and the disc element 5 are arranged very close to the motor 10. The entire connecting device 10 therefore requires little installation space. The precise alignment of the spiral 2 on the axis of rotation R prevents damage to the spiral 2, the product stored therein, and individual elements of the product area 19, such as the partitions 12.

[0049] To release the spiral 2, the clamping element 6 simply needs to be moved into the spreading position S, for example manually, possibly rotating the spiral 2 slightly and then moving it away from the motor 10 in the direction of the axis of rotation R.

[0050] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the connecting device 1, wherein the clamping element 6 is arranged or held in a spreading position S. The clamping element 6 has two legs 8. On each leg 8, a receiving section 9 is arranged on a surface, which is designed to receive the disc element 5. The receiving sections 9 are arranged on the opposing surfaces of the two legs 8. Each receiving section 9 comprises a sliding section 14, which is designed as a surface inclined towards the disc element 5. This means that a gap Z between the two legs 8 is widened or enlarged towards the surface of the disc element 5. The sliding sections 14 are therefore designed as inclined surfaces. In particular, they are inclined at an angle with respect to a vertical surface and a vertical axis.The two sliding sections 14 serve as insertion ramps for the disk element 5.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows the state before the clamping element 6 is clamped onto the component extension 18. In Fig. 4 The connecting device 1 with the clamping element 6 is shown in a clamping position K. In the clamping position K, the legs 8 contact the component extension 18. The coupling element 15 remains freely accessible, so that a grid structure 22 of the coupling element 15 can be contacted by a grid structure 23 of the disc element 5.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows another view of the embodiment Fig. 4 In this view, the grid structure 23 of the disk element 5 is visible. The disk element 5 has at least one sliding element 21, which can, for example, be shaped as a circumferential ring element. The sliding element 21 can be integrated into an undercut 13, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 The disc element 5 engages with the clamping element 6 on the legs 8, thereby fixing it in place. The disc element 5 also has a recess 24, which serves to receive the rotor 7 and the coupling element 15.

[0053] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many ways.

[0054] For example, the sliding element 21 of the disc element 5 can have different shapes. For instance, the sliding element 21 can also be designed as an insertion ramp and correspond to the inclined shape of the sliding section 14 on the legs 8. In such an embodiment, the legs 8 of the unactuated clamping element 6, i.e., the clamping element 6 in the clamping position K, can be forced apart with very little force when the disc element 5 contacts the legs 8.

[0055] In another embodiment, the grid structure 22 or 23 can be arbitrarily shaped and therefore allow for any angular positions. In particular, the alignment and clamping of the clamping element 6 allows the disc element 5 to be positioned easily and quickly with axial precision, thus enabling user-friendly adjustment of the spiral 2. Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 Connecting device 2 Spiral 3 Goods 4 Turn 5 Disc element 6 Clamping element 7 Rotor 8 Leg 9 Mounting section 10 Motor 11 Single compartment 12 Partition 13 Undercut 14 Sliding section 15 Coupling element 16 Cylindrical section 17 Flange element 18 Motor component extension 19 Goods area 20 Actuating element 21 Sliding element 22 Grid structure of the coupling element 23 Grid structure of the disc element 24 Recess 25 Bearing device SSpreading position KKlamping position RRotation axis ZGap R1, R2Rotation direction

Claims

1. Connecting device (1) for connecting a rotatably drivable spiral (2) of a product compartment to a motor-drivable rotor (7), having a bearing device (25) for mounting the rotor (7), which comprises a component extension (18), and having a disc element (5), which can be connected to the spiral (2) in a rotationally fixed manner, characterised in that the connecting device (1) further comprises: a clamp element (6), which comprises at least two limbs (8), which are designed to be self-resettable from a spreading position (S) into a clamping position (K), whereby the clamp element (6) can be clamped onto the component extension (18) of the bearing device (25), wherein the limbs (8) each comprise at least one receiving section (9), which is designed so as to rotatably receive the disc element (5), so that the disc element (5) can be axially connected to the rotor (7) via the clamp element (6).

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one receiving section (9) of each limb (8) comprises an inclined sliding section (14), so that an intermediate space (Z) between the two limbs (8) is designed so as to be enlarged towards an open side, and in that the disc element (5) comprises a sliding element (21) corresponding to each sliding section (14), wherein, when connecting the disc element (5) to the clamp element (6), the sliding element (21) contacts the sliding sections (14).

3. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sliding section (14) comprises an undercut (13), which is designed so as to receive the sliding element (21) of the disc element (5), in order to fix the disc element (5) with the clamp element (6) in the axial direction of the axis of rotation (R).

4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a coupling element (15) is included, which can be mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on the rotor (7), wherein the coupling element (15) is designed so as to transmit a rotational movement to the disc element (5).

5. Connecting device according to claim 4, characterised in that the coupling element (15) comprises a cylindrical section (16), which is designed so as to receive and orient the disc element (5) on the axis of rotation (R) of the rotor (7).

6. Connecting device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the coupling element (15) comprises a grid structure (22), which comprises angular subdivisions in a range from 10° to 45°, in particular 15° to 30°, preferably 20°, and the disc element (5) comprises a grid structure (23) corresponding thereto.

7. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamp element (6) comprises actuating elements (20), which can be moved relative to one another and, when actuated, transfer the limbs (8) of the clamp element (6) into the spreading position (S).

8. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the limbs (8) of the clamp element (6) are U-shaped.

9. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamp element (6) can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner with the component extension (18).

10. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component extension (18), onto which the clamp element (6) can be clamped, can be arranged within a product area (19), wherein the clamp element (6) can be arranged within the product area (19) when contacting the disc element (5).

11. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the disc element (5) comprises a recess (24), which is designed so as to receive the rotor (7).

12. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component extension (18) comprises a T-shaped cross-section.

13. Product compartment for a product dispensing machine, having a connecting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having a spiral (2), which can be coupled via the connecting device (1) to a rotor (7) that is mounted in a bearing device (25), wherein products (3) that can be dispensed from the product compartment can be arranged between the turns (4) of the spiral (2), wherein the spiral (2) is designed so as to displace the products (3) along an axis of rotation (R) of the spiral (2) towards a dispensing compartment, and having a motor (10), by means of which the rotor (7) can be driven so as to dispense products (3) by rotating the spiral (2).

14. Product dispensing machine having at least one product compartment according to claim 13, in particular having two or more product compartments.

15. Method for mounting a rotatably drivable spiral (2) on a rotor (7) of a product compartment in accordance with claim 13, having a connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: fixing a clamp element (6) to a component extension (18) of a bearing device (25) within a product area (19) by means of two limbs (8) of the clamp element (6), axially displacing the spiral (2), so that a disc element (5), which is connected to the spiral (2) in a rotationally fixed manner, is positioned on the two limbs (8), axially pressing the disc element (5) against the limbs (8), so that the limbs (8) spread, axially displacing and locking the disc element (5) between the limbs (8), whereby the disc element (5) is axially fixed to the clamp element (6).

Images