Drive arrangement, goods vending machine, method for detecting a configuration of a goods vending machine, method for producing a goods vending machine

Abstract

Drive arrangement, vending machine, vending machine, method for manufacturing a vending machine, method for detecting functional components within a vending machine. The present invention relates to a drive arrangement for the selective control of product compartments in a vending machine, comprising: a motor designed for driving product compartments; at least two coupling units, each coupling unit having a coupling operatively connected to the motor for transmitting the drive to a product compartment, wherein the coupling units are each independently movable along a predetermined axis and the respective couplings are designed to be driven synchronously with the motor. The invention further relates to a vending machine with such a drive arrangement, a vending machine, a method for detecting a configuration of a product magazine of a vending machine, and a method for manufacturing a vending machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive arrangement for selectively controlling merchandise compartments in a vending machine and to a vending machine having such a drive arrangement. The invention further relates to a vending machine, a method for detecting a configuration of such a vending machine, and a method for manufacturing such a vending machine. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Vending machines are used worldwide and deliver a wide variety of goods to consumers. Such vending machines can be integrated into cold drink, snack, or combination vending machines. In addition to the well-known providers, farmers, butchers, and bakers, for example, have already recognized the added value of vending machines. With the help of vending machines, they offer, for example, fresh eggs, bread, pasta, and / or meat products outside of opening hours. It should be noted that vending machines offer a variety of goods of varying sizes for sale.

[0003] Vending machines are generally configured at the time of purchase or manufacture and are designed and built specifically for a specific product range or product type. A vending machine that exclusively sells cold drinks must therefore be configured differently than one that sells meat products. Vending machines can be designed to offer products of different sizes. It's important to note that such particularly large items often require special control to ensure the product is delivered to the customer without errors.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the specific configuration of vending machines, changing the product range is not possible without significant additional effort. Such changes to the product range are usually made manually using a keyboard and display on the vending machine. For example, changing the products on offer can only be implemented without significant effort if the dimensions remain the same.

[0005] This is a situation that needs to be improved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved drive arrangement and an improved vending machine.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a drive arrangement for selectively controlling merchandise compartments in a vending machine, comprising: a motor designed to drive merchandise compartments; at least two coupling units, each coupling unit having a coupling operatively connected to the motor for transmitting the drive to a merchandise compartment, the coupling units each being movable independently of one another along a predetermined axis, and the respective couplings being designed to be driven synchronously with the motor.

[0008] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a vending machine with a drive arrangement according to the invention.

[0009] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a vending machine comprising: a goods magazine with a plurality of configurable goods compartments, and a sensor arranged on a carriage movable within the goods magazine for controlling the goods compartments; wherein the goods compartments and / or the goods magazine have functional components which are each or at least partially provided with at least one transponder, and wherein the sensor is designed to detect a respective configuration of the functional components within the goods magazine by means of the at least one transponder.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting a configuration of a goods magazine of a vending machine, in particular of a vending machine according to the third aspect, comprising the steps of: moving a carriage provided with a sensor along all goods compartments of a goods magazine; detecting transponders on functional components arranged within the goods magazine by means of the sensor; and evaluating the detected data to detect a configuration of the functional components in the goods magazine.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a vending machine, in particular a vending machine according to the third aspect, and / or for carrying out a detection method according to the fourth aspect, comprising the steps of: arranging a sensor on a movable carriage designed to control merchandise compartments of a configurable merchandise magazine; and arranging at least one transponder on at least one functional component provided for configuring the merchandise compartments and / or the merchandise magazine.

[0012] A finding underlying the present invention is that it is necessary to drive certain goods compartments separately and other specific goods compartments in parallel.

[0013] One idea underlying the present invention is to provide synchronously driven coupling units in order to drive certain goods compartments either separately or in parallel.

[0014] According to the invention, a synchronous drive of several clutches with a common motor can be provided, wherein the clutches are arranged on independently movable clutch units. In this way, if necessary, a second clutch unit can be optionally added to control a merchandise compartment. Thus, a flexibly deployable drive arrangement is provided, whereby the drive arrangement according to the invention can be used for a wide variety of applications in the vending machine sector.

[0015] Advantageously, the drive arrangement comprises only one motor designed to drive merchandise compartments. The merchandise compartments can each comprise at least one drive system, which is supplied by the motor with the required torque to transport the merchandise. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for one motor per merchandise compartment, since the motor drives the merchandise compartments via the respective coupling unit and its coupling.

[0016] The motor designed to drive merchandise compartments can, for example, be a DC motor with an operating voltage of 24V, although other motor types and / or voltages are conceivable. Additionally, the clutches of the at least two clutch units are operatively connected to one motor. The operative connection can be understood as a continuous mechanical coupling between the respective clutch and the motor. In this way, the motor drives the clutches of the clutch units synchronously. The synchronous drive is designed to constantly provide an identical speed to both clutches.

[0017] Furthermore, the drive arrangement according to the invention allows the distance, in particular a variable distance, between the coupling units to be freely adjusted along the predetermined axis. For example, the coupling units can be arranged axially adjacent to one another, in particular with a minimal distance. Furthermore, the coupling units can be arranged along the predetermined axis with a large axial distance between them, in particular opposite one another with respect to a center of the vending machine. In particular, the predetermined axis can be a predetermined spatial axis.

[0018] Advantageously, the drive arrangement according to the invention enables the definition of a main coupling unit, wherein the main coupling unit primarily serves to transmit the drive to the respective merchandise compartments, in particular if these only require a separate (single) drive. It is possible to define another coupling unit as an auxiliary coupling unit, wherein the auxiliary coupling unit is only controlled when required to support the main coupling unit in transmitting the drive, in particular if these require a parallel (synchronous) drive via two couplings. For example, the auxiliary coupling unit can remain in a starting position and be controlled from this starting position when required to support the main coupling unit.The starting position of the auxiliary coupling unit can be defined as a position within the vending machine in which the auxiliary coupling unit does not prevent and / or hinder the movement of the main coupling unit.

[0019] Additionally, the respective coupling of the coupling units can be designed for coupling to a goods compartment, wherein the coupling serves to transmit torque between the motor and a goods compartment, in particular a drive system and / or a drive train. The coupling according to the invention can, for example, be designed with an engagement means, in particular a claw, a hook, a gear, and / or a fork, thus providing optimal torque transmission. Alternatively or additionally, a design as a friction clutch would also be conceivable.

[0020] A further finding underlying the present invention is that automated recognition of the configuration of a configurable vending machine is advantageous.

[0021] A further idea underlying the present invention is therefore to use a movable sensor and transponders attached to functional components in order to automatically detect the configuration of the functional components.

[0022] According to the invention, the sensor can recognize the respective configuration of the functional components within the goods magazine using the respective transponders. In this way, the configuration of all functional components of the entire vending machine can be recognized with minimal manual effort. Advantageously, manual programming by a service technician or a customer can be dispensed with. The configuration of a functional component can be understood as all relevant properties of the respective functional component. These relevant properties can at least include the arrangement of the respective functional components relative to one another. Furthermore, a configuration of a goods compartment can be understood as all relevant properties of the respective goods compartment. Furthermore, the configuration of a goods compartment can include the configuration of all functional components contained in the goods compartment.Additionally, a configuration of a goods magazine can be understood as all relevant properties of the respective goods magazine. Furthermore, the configuration of a goods magazine can include the respective configuration of all goods compartments contained in the goods magazine and the respective configuration of all functional components contained in the goods magazine. In this way, a configuration contains information about the functional components themselves and information regarding the arrangement of the functional components within the goods magazine, both absolute and / or relative to one another.

[0023] The merchandise magazine can be understood as an arrangement, particularly a two-dimensional arrangement, of at least two merchandise compartments. This provides a practical and efficient arrangement or temporary storage and presentation option for various goods. The specific arrangement and the

[0024] The number of compartments within the vending machine's magazine is freely selectable. Furthermore, a vending machine includes at least one magazine.

[0025] Advantageously, the carriage is movable within the goods magazine. The carriage can be designed to be able to specifically approach each functional component and / or each goods compartment within the goods magazine. Furthermore, the carriage can be designed to control each goods compartment within the goods magazine separately and without adhering to a specific sequence, whereby this is possible regardless of the configuration of the functional components and / or the arrangement of the goods compartments within the goods magazine. In addition, the carriage is designed such that the sensor arranged on the carriage is brought into the immediate vicinity of the at least one transponder for detection. The immediate proximity can be understood as a distance between the sensor and the transponder, whereby detection of the transponder takes place with the aid of the sensor.According to one embodiment, the distance between the sensor and the transponder can be, for example, between 5 mm and 30 mm, although other designs are of course also conceivable.

[0026] Additionally, the method for recognizing the configuration of a vending machine's merchandise magazine includes moving the carriage along all merchandise compartments of the merchandise magazine. This means that at least every configurable merchandise compartment is approached to recognize the configuration. In this case, the inventive movement of the carriage can be understood as the targeted control of each merchandise compartment within the merchandise magazine. In addition, a movement of the carriage can be understood as the targeted control of each functional component within the respective merchandise compartments and / or within the merchandise magazine.

[0027] In this way, the inventive step of detecting the transponders is ensured by moving the sensor located on the carriage.

[0028] According to the invention, the method comprises a step of evaluating the detected data. The data can contain relevant properties of the functional components, the product compartments, and / or the product magazine. The data can enable the recognition of a configuration of the functional components, the product compartments, and / or the product magazine. Additionally, the evaluation step can be performed using a control device.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the respective clutch units are arranged axially movably on a common shaft, wherein the motor is designed to drive the common shaft. In this way, efficient synchronization, in particular mechanical synchronization, of the two clutch units is provided. In addition, the mobility of the respective clutch unit on the common shaft can be supported by means of a suitable bearing. In particular, the clutch units are arranged on the common shaft by means of plain bearings; other bearing types are also conceivable in further embodiments. Furthermore, the common shaft can be aligned parallel to the predetermined axis. In addition, the shaft can be designed as a square or hexagonal shaft; other cross-sectional geometries are also conceivable.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the coupling units each have an independent drive designed to move the coupling unit independently along the predetermined axis. This makes it possible to move the coupling units independently of one another and as needed along the predetermined axis and / or on the common shaft. Furthermore, it is possible to move both coupling units simultaneously in the same direction or in different directions along the predetermined axis and / or on the common shaft. The independent drives can each be designed, for example, as a DC motor with a voltage of 24V, although other motor types and / or voltages are also conceivable.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the respective drive is arranged integrally with the coupling unit. This provides a structurally very compact coupling unit with an integrated drive. In particular, the drive is formed integrally with the coupling unit. Furthermore, the coupling unit can have a receiving surface or a flange for the drive.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the respective drive is arranged separately from the coupling unit. This provides a lightweight coupling unit. Furthermore, the respective drive can be arranged at a suitable position within the vending machine without causing any structural conflict with any other component. Furthermore, the independent drives can be positioned specifically, particularly with regard to cooling and / or installation space optimization.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the drive is designed as a belt, chain, and / or rack drive. This provides a cost-effective and efficient drive for moving the coupling unit along the predetermined axis. In particular, the independent drives can have a similar drive type or different drives.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the coupling units are arranged on a common guide, in particular a common rail, and are designed to be movable along the common guide. In this way, cost-effective and effective guidance of the respective coupling units is provided. Furthermore, the guide can be designed to run along the predetermined axis. In addition, the guide and / or the rail can be designed as an extruded profile. In particular, a low friction value can prevail between the guide surface and the coupling unit in order to support the movement of the coupling unit and prevent the coupling unit from jamming on the guide. In addition, the drive arrangement can have a suitable bearing for mounting the respective coupling unit on the guide. The respective bearing can in particular be designed as a plain bearing.Furthermore, the drive assembly can have at least one limit switch and / or limit switch, wherein the limit switch is arranged between the two coupling units and is designed to prevent a collision between the coupling units on the shared guide. Additionally, the at least one limit switch can be designed to detect an outer limit of the guide. In this way, a reliable and durable drive assembly can be provided.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the respective coupling unit is designed by means of the coupling to control differently designed merchandise compartments, in particular with different widths and / or different drive systems. In particular, the drive systems can be designed as spiral, belt, or slider systems. This provides a versatile drive arrangement, which can be used in a vending machine with different drive systems.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the at least two coupling units are designed, by means of their respective couplings, to jointly control a drive system with two parallel drive trains. In this way, the at least two coupling units can be used in a variety of ways to synchronously control multiple drive trains simultaneously. Furthermore, the drive system can be designed with two parallel drive trains for conveying a particularly large and / or wide product type in a goods compartment. In this way, there are advantageously significantly fewer restrictions with regard to the product dimensions that can be offered. In addition, more than two coupling units can also be designed for joint control, for example, three or more coupling units for jointly controlling a drive system with three or more parallel drive trains.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the predetermined axis runs in a, in particular horizontal, arrangement direction of adjacently arranged merchandise compartments of the vending machine, wherein the vending machine has an elevator designed to move the drive arrangement along a further, in particular vertical, predetermined axis in order to control merchandise compartments at different levels of the vending machine. In this way, the coupling units of the drive arrangement according to the invention can control all merchandise compartments in the vending machine. Furthermore, the elevator can be designed to move the common guide along the further, in particular vertical, predetermined axis, wherein the coupling units are also moved along the further predetermined axis. In addition, the predetermined axis can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the further predetermined axis.In particular, one level of the vending machine can be designed as a substantially horizontal goods level of the goods magazine. Additionally, a vending machine, in particular a goods magazine, can have multiple levels.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, a control device is provided which is designed to control the carriage for a reference travel along all of the merchandise compartments of a merchandise magazine for the purpose of detecting the transponders. This enables detection of the arrangement of the transponders and thus detection of the configuration of the functional components, the merchandise compartments, and / or the merchandise magazine. Additionally, the reference travel can be designed as an automated reference travel, whereby no manual action by a user is required. The reference travel can represent a targeted movement of the carriage within the merchandise magazine along all of the functional components for the purpose of detecting the respective configuration of the functional components and / or merchandise compartments.In this way, the entire sales range can be changed as often as required, and in particular several times a day, without any additional manual effort, since a reference run to detect the configuration of the functional components can be initiated at any time.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the carriage is designed to be movable along a first predetermined axis. Additionally, the vending machine has a lift designed to move the carriage along a second predetermined axis. This allows the carriage and the sensor arranged thereon to control all functional components within the goods magazine. In particular, the first predetermined axis can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the second predetermined axis.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the functional components are designed as a partition wall, a drive system, or a level of the vending machine or the goods magazine. In this way, the sensor can detect the respective configuration of all essential components of a vending machine or its goods magazine. Other designs of the functional components are also conceivable. A partition wall can be designed as a dividing wall between two goods compartments and / or as the closure of an outer goods compartment. In addition, a wall can be understood as a subdivision of the goods compartments along the first predetermined axis. Furthermore, a drive system can be designed as a spiral, belt, or slider system. The drive systems can have one or more parallel drive trains for conveying the goods.In addition, a level can be understood as a subdivision of the goods compartments of a goods magazine along the second predetermined axis.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the carriage and the elevator each have a position sensor designed to detect a change in position of the carriage within the goods magazine. This ensures that the current position of the carriage can be detected in any position and at any time. Furthermore, the position sensor can be designed as a linear position sensor, in particular as an incremental encoder. In addition, a first position sensor can detect a change in position of the carriage along the first predetermined axis, and a second position sensor can detect a change in position of the carriage along the second predetermined axis. The second position sensor simultaneously detects the change in position of the elevator along the second predetermined axis. In this way, the actual position of the carriage along the first and second predetermined axes within the goods magazine can be detected.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the detection of the respective configuration of the functional components includes detection of the respective position of the functional components by means of the position sensors within the respective goods compartment and / or the goods magazine. This makes it possible for the position of the respective functional components within the respective goods compartment and / or the goods magazine to be detected by evaluating the data from the position sensors. At the same time, when a configuration of a functional component is detected by means of the sensor and the at least one transponder, the position of the respective functional component can be detected using the data from the position sensors.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the recognition of the respective configuration of the functional components includes recognition of the relevant metadata of the functional components. In this way, additional relevant properties can be transmitted, whereby the properties are intended to support the user and / or the customer. The metadata can include, for example, the type of goods, the selling price, the clutch speed, the clutch speed profile, the starting points, the starting point offset, and the type and / or type of the functional component. The metadata can, in particular, already be stored by a manufacturer of the respective functional component on the provided at least one transponder.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the vending machine, the sensor is an RFID sensor and the transponder is an RFID tag. This provides a versatile communication technology. The RFID components used can be designed according to ISO 15693 or ISO 14443.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the detection method, the moving step includes moving the carriage along a first predetermined axis and moving it along a second predetermined axis, wherein the first predetermined axis corresponds to a width of the goods magazine, and the second predetermined axis corresponds to a height of the goods magazine. This enables the carriage to reach all functional components within the goods magazine in order to be able to detect their configuration using the sensor and the at least one transponder. A plane of the vending machine can be designed as a, in particular substantially horizontal, goods plane of the goods magazine.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the detection method, the step of moving the carriage along the first predetermined axis is followed by a step of moving the carriage along the second predetermined axis, wherein the step of moving along the second axis ends with the detection of a functional component, in particular a plane, within the goods magazine. In this way, an efficient detection method can be provided, wherein initially all functional components along the first predetermined axis, in particular in one plane of the goods magazine, are detected, and wherein the carriage subsequently changes to the next plane by moving along the second predetermined axis in order to also detect all functional components along the first predetermined axis therein.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the detection method, the evaluation step includes evaluating the respective position and / or metadata of the functional components within the goods magazine. In this way, when the configuration of the goods magazine is detected, the position and / or metadata of all functional components arranged in the goods magazine are also simultaneously detected. In particular, during a reference run of the carriage within the goods magazine, the configuration of all functional components and thus all information can be collected. In addition, the position can be evaluated using position sensors arranged within the goods magazine, in particular on the carriage and on the elevator.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing method, the method further comprises providing a control device configured to control the carriage to detect a configuration of the merchandise compartments and / or the merchandise magazine based on the transponders detectable by the sensor. In this way, a central component can be provided that is configured to control the various components. In particular, the control device can be arranged within the vending machine. Naturally, according to one embodiment of a vending machine, the correspondingly designed control device is provided.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be noted that all embodiments of the vending machine according to the second aspect and their features can be combined with the embodiments of the vending machine according to the third aspect and their features.

[0051] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

[0052] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a drive arrangement; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a drive arrangement according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a vending machine according to the third aspect; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a vending machine according to the fourth aspect; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for detecting a configuration of a goods magazine of a vending machine; and Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a vending machine.

[0053] The accompanying drawing figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will become apparent upon review of the drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to one another.

[0054] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a drive arrangement 1.

[0056] This is a schematic diagram of a drive arrangement 1 for the selective control of merchandise compartments in a vending machine 10 (not shown). It should be noted that the Fig. 1 The drive arrangement 1 and its components shown are not shown to scale.

[0057] The drive assembly 1 comprises a motor 2 designed to drive merchandise compartments. Furthermore, the drive assembly 1 comprises at least two coupling units 3, 3a operatively connected to the motor 2. It should be noted that each coupling unit 3, 3a has a coupling 4 for transmitting the drive to a merchandise compartment. Additionally, the coupling units 3, 3a are each designed to be movable independently of one another along a predetermined axis A1, so that the respective couplings 4 can be driven synchronously with the motor 2.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a drive arrangement 1 according to an embodiment.

[0059] The representation of Fig. 2 shows a drive arrangement 1 according to Fig. 1 with an increased level of detail. The details associated with the embodiment according to Fig. 1 The kinematic relationships explained also apply to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 . It should be noted that the Fig. 2 The drive arrangement 1 and its components shown are not shown to scale.

[0060] The Fig. 2 The respective coupling units 3, 3a shown are arranged axially movably on a common shaft 5. Here, the motor 2 is designed to drive the common shaft 5. In addition, the coupling units 3, 3a each have an independent drive 6. The drives 6 are designed to move the coupling unit 3, 3a independently along the predetermined axis A1. Furthermore, it is shown that the respective drive 6 is arranged integrally with the coupling unit 3, 3a.

[0061] Additionally, the coupling units 3, 3a are arranged on a common guide 7 and are designed such that they are movable along the common guide 7. The independent mobility of the individual coupling units 3, 3a is indicated by the double-headed arrows. The illustrated guide 7 is designed, for example, as an extruded profile. Additionally, two bearings 13 are shown, in which the common shaft 5 is mounted. The illustrated bearings 13 are designed as pillow blocks and are arranged near the respective ends of the common shaft 5 purely as an example.

[0062] Additionally, two merchandise compartments 14 are shown as examples. Since the merchandise compartments 14 are not part of the drive assembly 1, the merchandise compartments 14 are depicted with dashed lines. Furthermore, the respective merchandise compartments 14 have a suitable counterpart to the respective couplings 4, wherein the couplings 4 are designed to transmit the drive of the motor 2 to the merchandise compartments 14.

[0063] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a vending machine 10.

[0064] This is a schematic diagram of a vending machine 10 with a drive arrangement 1 according to the invention.

[0065] Here, it is shown that the predetermined axis A1 runs in a, in particular horizontal, arrangement direction of adjacently arranged merchandise compartments 14 of the vending machine 10. Furthermore, the vending machine 10 has a lift 11 designed to move the drive assembly 1 along a further, in particular vertical, predetermined axis A2. In this way, it is possible to control merchandise compartments in different levels 12 or merchandise compartment levels of the vending machine 10.

[0066] Additionally, it is shown that the respective coupling unit 3, 3a is configured, by means of the coupling 4, to control differently designed merchandise compartments, in particular with different widths and / or different drive systems 8. Furthermore, the at least two coupling units 3, 3a are configured, by means of their respective couplings 4, to jointly control a drive system 8 with two parallel drive trains 9. It should be noted that, for reasons of clarity, only two drive systems 8, each with one drive train 9, and two drive trains 9 are shown.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a vending machine 100.

[0068] This is a schematic diagram of a vending machine 100 with a reduced number of components.

[0069] This shows Fig. 4 a vending machine 100, in particular a vending machine, with a goods magazine 101 with a plurality of configurable goods compartments 102. The vending machine 100 shown comprises a total of twenty-eight goods compartments 102 in a four-by-seven arrangement of the goods compartments 102. The vending machine 100 further comprises a sensor 103 arranged on a carriage 104 movable within the goods magazine 101 for controlling the goods compartments 102. The carriage 104 is arranged, for example, in the outermost goods compartment 102 at the bottom right of the goods magazine 101. Furthermore, the goods compartments 102 shown and / or the goods magazine 101 have functional components 106, each of which is at least partially provided with at least one transponder 105. The goods magazine 101 shown comprises, for example, three functional components 106, each of which is formed with a transponder 105.

[0070] In addition, the illustrated sensor 103 is designed to detect a respective configuration of the functional components 106 within the goods magazine 101 by means of the at least one transponder 105. Furthermore, a control device 109 is provided, which is designed to control the carriage 104 for a reference travel along all goods compartments 102 of a goods magazine 101 for detecting the arranged transponders 105. It should be noted that the carriage 104 is designed to be movable along a first predetermined axis R1. In addition, the vending machine 100 has a lift 107, which is designed to move the carriage 104 along a second predetermined axis R2.

[0071] For reasons of clarity, the illustrated functional components 106 are embodied, by way of example, as a partition wall, a drive system, and a level 110. Furthermore, the carriage 104 and the elevator 107 each have a position sensor 108, which is designed to detect a change in the position of the carriage 104 within the goods magazine 101. It should be noted that the detection of the respective configuration of the functional components 106 can include detection of the respective position of the functional components 106 by means of the position sensors 108 within the respective goods compartment 102 and / or the goods magazine 101. Furthermore, the detection of the respective configuration of the functional components 106 can include detection of the relevant metadata of the functional components 106. In addition, the sensor 103 can be an RFID sensor, and the at least one transponder 105 can be an RFID tag.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for detecting a configuration of a goods magazine 101 of a vending machine 100.

[0073] The process flow diagram shown comprises three process steps E1-E3. The numbering of the process steps E1-E3 serves only to distinguish the various process steps E1-E3 from each other and does not imply any order in which the process steps E1-E3 must be carried out. In this sense, the order of the process steps E1-E3 can also be carried out in a different order than that shown in Fig. 5 be carried out in the order shown.

[0074] The method for detecting a configuration of a goods magazine 101 of a vending machine 100, in particular of a vending machine 100 according to the invention, comprises the step of moving E1 a carriage 104 provided with a sensor 103 along all goods compartments 102 of a goods magazine 101. In addition, the method comprises the steps of detecting E2 transponders 105 on functional components 106 arranged within the goods magazine by means of the sensor 103, and evaluating E3 the detected data to detect a configuration of the functional components 106 in the goods magazine 101. In addition, the step of moving E1 can include moving E1.1 the carriage 104 along a first predetermined axis R1 and moving E1.2 along a second predetermined axis R2, wherein the first predetermined axis R1 is aligned with a width B of the goods magazine 101, and the second predetermined axis R2 is aligned with a height H of the goods magazine 101. matches.

[0075] Furthermore, the step E1.1 of moving the carriage 104 along the first predetermined axis R1 can be followed by a step E1.2 of moving the carriage 104 along the second predetermined axis R2, wherein the step E1.2 of moving the carriage 104 along the second predetermined axis R2 ends with the detection E2 of a functional component 106, in particular a plane, within the goods magazine 101. Furthermore, the step of evaluating E3 can include an evaluation E3.1 of the respective position and / or metadata of the functional components 106 within the goods magazine 101.

[0076] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a vending machine 100.

[0077] The process flow diagram shown comprises three process steps V1-V3. The numbering of the process steps V1-V3 serves only to distinguish the various process steps V1-V3 from each other and does not imply any order in which the process steps V1-V3 must be carried out. In this sense, the order of the process steps V1-V3 can also be carried out in a different order than that shown in Fig. 6 be carried out in the order shown.

[0078] The method for manufacturing a vending machine 100, in particular a vending machine 100 according to the invention, and / or for carrying out a method according to the invention for detecting a configuration of a goods magazine 101 of a vending machine 100, comprises the step of arranging V1 a sensor 103 on a movable carriage 104, which is designed to control goods compartments 102 of a configurable goods magazine 101. The manufacturing method further comprises the step of arranging V2 at least one transponder 105 on at least one functional component 106, which is provided for configuring the goods compartments 102 and / or the goods magazine 101.

[0079] In addition, the method may further comprise the step of providing V3 a control device 109, wherein the control device 109 is designed to control the carriage to detect a configuration of the goods compartments 102 and / or the goods magazine 101 based on the transponders detectable by means of the sensor.

[0080] Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways. List of reference symbols

[0081] 1Drive arrangement 10Vending machine 2Motor 3Coupling unit 4Coupling 5Shaft 6Drive 7Guide 8Drive system 9Drive train 11Lift 12Level 13Warehouse 14Goods compartment 100Vending machine 101Goods magazine 102Goods compartments 103Sensor 104Slide 105Transponder 106Functional components 107Elevator 108Position sensor 109Control device 110Level A1predetermined axis A2further predetermined axis R1first predetermined axis R2second predetermined axis BWidth HHeight

Claims

1. Drive arrangement (1) for the selective control of merchandise compartments in a vending machine, comprising: a motor (2) designed to drive merchandise compartments; at least two coupling units (3, 3a), each coupling unit (3, 3a) having a coupling (4) operatively connected to the motor (2) for transmitting the drive to a merchandise compartment, the coupling units (3, 3a) each being movable independently of one another along a predetermined axis (A1) and the respective couplings (4) being designed to be driven synchronously with the motor (2).

2. Drive arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the respective coupling units (3, 3a) are arranged axially movable on a common shaft (5), wherein the motor (2) is designed to drive the common shaft (5).

3. Drive arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by thatthe coupling units (3, 3a) each have an independent drive (6) which is designed to move the coupling unit (3, 3a) independently along the predetermined axis (A1).

4. Drive arrangement according to claim 3, characterized by that the respective drive (6) is arranged integrally or separately with the coupling unit (3, 3a); and / or that the drive (6) is designed as a belt, chain and / or rack drive.

5. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling units (3, 3a) are arranged on a common guide (7), in particular a common rail, and are designed to be movable along the common guide (7).

6. Drive arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe respective coupling unit (3, 3a) is designed by means of the coupling (4) to control differently designed merchandise compartments, in particular with different widths and / or different drive systems (8); and / or that the at least two coupling units (3, 3a) are designed by means of their respective couplings (4) to jointly control a drive system (8) with two parallel drive trains (9).

7. Vending machine (10) with a drive arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1-6.

8. Vending machine (10) according to claim 7, characterized by thatthe predetermined axis (A1) runs in a, in particular horizontal, arrangement direction of adjacently arranged goods compartments of the vending machine (10), wherein the vending machine (10) has a lift (11) which is designed to move the drive arrangement (1) along a further, in particular vertical, predetermined axis (A2) in order to control goods compartments (14) in different levels (12) of the vending machine (10).

9. A vending machine (100), in particular a vending machine, comprising a goods magazine (101) with a plurality of configurable goods compartments (102), and comprising a sensor (103) arranged on a carriage (104) movable within the goods magazine (101) for controlling the goods compartments (102); wherein the goods compartments (102) and / or the goods magazine (101) have functional components (106), each of which is at least partially provided with at least one transponder (105), and wherein the sensor (103) is designed to detect a respective configuration of the functional components (106) within the goods magazine (101) by means of the at least one transponder (105).

10. Vending machine according to claim 9, characterized by thata control device (109) is provided, which is designed to control the carriage (104) for a reference travel along all goods compartments of a goods magazine (101) for detecting the transponders (105); and / or that the carriage (104) is designed to be movable along a first predetermined axis (R1), and that the vending machine (100) has a lift (107) designed to move the carriage (104) along a second predetermined axis (R2); and / or that the functional components (106) are designed as a partition wall, a drive system and / or a plane (110) of the vending machine (100).

11. Vending machine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by thatthe carriage (104) and the elevator (107) each have a position sensor (108) which is designed to detect a change in position of the carriage (104) within the goods magazine (101), wherein the detection of the respective configuration of the functional components (106) includes, in particular, a detection of the respective position of the functional components (106) by means of the position sensors (108) within the respective goods compartment (102) and / or the goods magazine (101).

12. Vending machine according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the recognition of the respective configuration of the functional components (106) includes recognition of the relevant metadata of the functional components (106); and / or that the sensor (103) is designed as an RFID sensor and the at least one transponder (105) is designed as an RFID tag.

13. A method for detecting a configuration of a goods magazine (101) of a vending machine (100), in particular a vending machine according to one of claims 9 to 12, comprising the steps of: moving (E1) a carriage (104) provided with a sensor (103) along all goods compartments (102) of a goods magazine (101); detecting (E2) transponders (105) on functional components (106) arranged within the goods magazine by means of the sensor (103); and evaluating (E3) the detected data to detect a configuration of the functional components (106) in the goods magazine (101).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by thatthe step of moving (E1) includes moving (E1.1) the carriage (104) along a first predetermined axis (R1) and preferably subsequently moving (E1.2) along a second predetermined axis (R2), wherein the first predetermined axis (R1) corresponds to a width (B) of the goods magazine (101), and the second predetermined axis (R2) corresponds to a height (H) of the goods magazine (101); and / or wherein the step of moving (E1.2) along the second axis (R2) ends with the detection (E2) of a predetermined functional component (106), in particular a plane (110), within the goods magazine (101); and / or that the step of evaluating (E3) includes evaluating (E3.1) the respective position and / or metadata of the functional components (106) within the goods magazine (101).

15. A method for producing a vending machine (100), in particular a vending machine according to one of claims 9 to 12, and / or for carrying out a method according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising the steps of: arranging (V1) a sensor (103) on a movable carriage (104) designed to control merchandise compartments (102) of a configurable merchandise magazine (101); arranging (V2) at least one transponder (105) on at least one functional component (106) provided for configuring the merchandise compartments (102) and / or the merchandise magazine (101); and in particular providing (V3) a control device (109) designed to control the carriage to detect a configuration of the merchandise compartments (102) and / or the merchandise magazine (101) based on the transponders (105) detectable by the sensor (103).

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