Receiving device for receiving or dispensing products in a combined machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a receiving device for receiving or dispensing products in a vending machine, comprising a receiving unit for receiving at least one product, wherein the product can be inserted into or removed from the receiving unit through a dispensing opening, and a transport unit for guided storage and movement of the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit can be moved automatically by the transport unit at least in the direction of the dispensing opening and / or away from the dispensing opening, and wherein the transport unit has an opening such that the product can be dispensed from the receiving unit through the opening into a collection container. The present invention further relates to a method for receiving or dispensing products with a vending machine.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving device for receiving or dispensing products in a combination vending machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for receiving or dispensing products from a combination vending machine. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Vending machines, or simply vending machines, often also called self-service machines, have long been used to sell food, beverages, cigarettes, or other items and can come in a wide variety of designs, such as confectionery machines, beverage machines, cigarette machines, general merchandise machines, and the like. In the case of combination machines, returnable items can also be used.

[0003] The deposit items can be products such as PET bottles, CO2 bottles, glass bottles, beverage cans, reusable items or similar, which are to be collected in a take-back system.

[0004] German patent DE 11 37 588 B discloses a vending machine with a drawer for vertically stored goods. The drawer is manually pulled out using the handle and can be moved along rails. A movable, pivotally mounted shelf moves the product upwards towards the dispensing point. The shelf is guided by a guide pin in a bent slot.

[0005] This allows the floor to be tilted, so that the product is moved upwards.

[0006] German patent application DE 17 02 485 U describes another vending machine featuring a drawer with a pivoting platform. This design prevents the drawer from being pushed back into place while still containing a product. This is achieved by a pivoting platform that forms a lever, which is locked in the tilted position by a pawl. When the product is removed, the lever pivots into the horizontal position, allowing the drawer to be retracted.

[0007] A disadvantage of these drawers is that they must be moved manually, making automated and time-optimized loading and unloading of goods impossible. Similarly, returning goods with drawers is not possible, as the deposit item cannot be placed in a collection container or similar within the machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an improved intake or dispensing of products in a combination vending machine.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a receiving device with the features of claim 1 and / or by a method with the features of claim 14.

[0010] Accordingly, the following is planned: A receiving device for receiving or dispensing products in a combination vending machine, comprising a receiving unit for receiving at least one product, wherein the product can be inserted into or removed from the receiving unit through a dispensing opening, comprising a transport unit for guided storage and movement of the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit can be moved automatically by the transport unit at least in the direction of the dispensing opening and / or away from the dispensing opening, wherein the transport unit has an opening so that the product can be dispensed from the receiving unit through the opening into a collection container.A method for the return or dispensing of products using a combination vending machine, in particular for the return of deposit items such as CO2 bottles, comprising the steps of: providing a placement option for at least one product onto a receiving unit through a dispensing opening; moving the receiving unit along a transport unit, wherein the receiving unit is automatically moved by the transport unit at least towards and / or away from the dispensing opening; dispensing the product through an opening in the transport unit, such that the product is dispensed from the receiving unit through the opening into a collection container.

[0011] The underlying insight of the present invention is that the transport unit allows the receiving unit to be moved to different positions within the combination vending machine in order to dispense or receive at least one product and to transport the product to a desired position within the combination vending machine beforehand or afterwards.

[0012] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is to couple the receiving unit with the transport unit in such a way that a product stored in the receiving unit can be dispensed through an opening in the transport unit, in particular into a collection container or at least a chute, and preferably in a downward or upward direction. The product may in particular be a returnable container such as a CO2 cylinder or other goods designed for multiple uses.

[0013] Furthermore, such a receiving device allows for the aligned collection of deposit containers or goods, enabling subsequent aligned storage of the containers on top of each other and side by side. This prevents damage to the containers and simultaneously allows for space-saving storage.

[0014] The opening in the transport unit can be a passage located directly below the receiving unit. Preferably, the opening is larger than the product or deposit item, allowing the product, particularly in a horizontal position, to be conveyed through it. For example, in the case of a CO2 combination dispenser, the opening is preferably designed such that a bottle or cylinder can be conveyed vertically downwards or upwards through the opening in a horizontal position.

[0015] The opening can be designed as a rectangular opening in the transport unit. Likewise, the opening can have any shape.

[0016] 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.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transport unit can have a carriage, the opening of which is located on the bottom side of the carriage. The carriage is particularly designed to move the transport unit along a specific direction. This direction is, in particular, transverse to the direction in which the receiving unit can be moved towards or away from the dispensing opening. Thus, the carriage can be designed to move the receiving unit towards or away from the dispensing opening and to move the transport unit transversely to the dispensing opening. This allows the at least one product to be dispensed at a desired position within the vending machine, which can be selected independently of the dispensing opening.

[0018] According to a further development, the transport unit can have at least one guide element, wherein the receiving unit is slidable along the guide element. The guide elements are, in particular, integrated with the carriage. The guide elements can, for example, be designed as angled sheet metal elements against which the receiving unit can be supported or snapped. If the opening is provided as a rectangular opening in the transport unit, the guide elements can be formed on two opposite sides of the opening, in particular as bent sheet metal parts that can be formed from the same material used to create the opening.

[0019] According to one embodiment, two guide elements can be configured as stop elements, with the receiving unit having rollers that can be guided along the stop elements. The stop elements can be shaped as a type of undercut, in particular as angled sheet metal elements. The stop elements allow the receiving unit to be held in a desired position relative to the unit, especially the carriage, by preventing vertical movement. In particular, the stop elements form limiting elements that prevent the receiving unit from being moved vertically upwards. Furthermore, the transport unit itself prevents the receiving unit from being moved vertically downwards. This allows the receiving unit to be moved back and forth in a rail between the stop elements and the transport unit.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transport unit can be mounted on at least one guide rail, allowing it to move transversely to the dispensing opening. This enables the product to be moved to any position inside or outside the machine for dispensing through the opening. Furthermore, a product can be placed into the receiving unit from any position inside or outside the machine and then moved to the dispensing opening.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, a guide contour can be formed on the at least one guide rail, and the receiving unit can have at least one guide pin such that, upon contact of the guide pin along the guide contour, the receiving unit can be moved towards the dispensing opening. This allows for automated movement of the product towards the dispensing opening, ensuring ergonomic removal or insertion of the product. An additional motorized unit for this movement is therefore unnecessary.

[0022] The guide rails can be arranged parallel to each other, with one of the guide rails being positioned closer to the dispensing opening than the other. The guide contour can be formed integrally with the at least one guide rail, particularly with the guide rail that is located further away from the dispensing opening. Alternatively, the guide contour can be designed as a separate component that is attached to the at least one guide rail, in particular by screws or welds. The guide contour can preferably be positioned between the two guide rails to make contact with the guide pin located on the transport unit.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide contour can be formed in an edge region of the at least one guide rail, so that dispensing or receiving of the product is possible in the edge region. Thus, the guide rails can, for example, be arranged parallel to a front side of the combination vending machine within the vending machine, with the dispensing opening being located on a right or left side of the vending machine.

[0024] According to a further development, the guide contour can describe a partial circle shape, at least in sections, so that the guide pin is moved towards the dispensing opening by contact along the guide contour. This prevents the pin from jamming in the guide contour if the guide contour is designed as a continuous shape. It also prevents the receiving unit from being jerked forward towards the dispensing opening, thus preventing the product from falling out.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the receiving unit can be moved relative to the transport unit by means of contact between the guide pin and the guide contour. In particular, the receiving unit can be moved within the guide elements by means of contact between the guide pin and the guide contour.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving unit can have a pivoting device, wherein the pivoting device is pivotable in the direction of the opening so that the product can be dispensed through the opening. The pivoting device can be supported on one side, thus forming a pivot axis. From this one-sided support, the pivoting device can be designed as a kind of cantilever arm, preferably forming a support surface for the at least one product. The pivoting device can, for example, have a recess to ensure secure product reception. When the pivoting device is pivoted in the direction of the opening, the product is released from the recess and conveyed through the opening. The pivot axis is preferably horizontally oriented so that pivoting downwards about a horizontal axis dispenses the product downwards.Similarly, the product can be dispensed upwards by pivoting the device. The contact surface can be curved in such a way that, firstly, the indentation is formed, and secondly, at least one rolling edge is formed over which the product can slide or roll.

[0027] In particular, the swiveling device can have a recess, with a rolling edge formed on each of two opposite sides of the recess. This allows the product to roll off the swiveling device on two opposite sides, and in particular to be dispensed upwards or downwards.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the swiveling device can be held in a frame, the frame being open on one side so that the product can be dispensed through the dispensing opening at this open side. "Open" means that the frame is not formed all the way around, but only has three sides. The frame is preferably part of the receiving unit and can, for example, be U-shaped. Advantageously, the product can also be placed onto the swiveling device through the dispensing opening and, in particular, inserted or fed into the receiving device.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pivoting device can project beyond the frame on the open side. This eliminates the need to move the frame completely to the dispensing opening in order to store the product mounted on the pivoting device within easy reach of the dispensing opening.

[0030] According to a further development, the swiveling device can be driven by an electric motor, with a drive shaft of the electric motor connected to the swiveling device, so that rotation of the drive shaft can cause the swiveling device to deflect around the drive shaft. The drive shaft can form the swivel axis.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the transport unit can be mounted on at least one guide rail, allowing it to move transversely to the dispensing opening. A guide contour is formed on the at least one guide rail, and the receiving unit has at least one guide pin. Upon contact of the guide pin along the guide contour, the receiving unit is moved toward the dispensing opening, and the product can be removed or inserted through the dispensing opening. The method has the same features and advantages as described for the receiving device.

[0032] 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

[0033] 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 an embodiment of a receiving unit; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a receiving device; Fig. 3 a side view of the embodiment of the receiving device made of Fig. 2Fig. 4 shows another side view of the design of the receiving device. Fig. 2 Fig. 5 shows another view of the design of the receiving device. Fig. 2 Fig. 6 the receiving device during the dispensing of a product; Fig. 7 the receiving device during the dispensing of a product; Fig. 8 the receiving device during the dispensing of a product; Fig. 9 a receiving device with guide rails; Fig. 10 a receiving device with guide rails; Fig. 11 a receiving device with guide rails; Fig. 12 a receiving device with guide rails; Fig. 13 an embodiment of a combination vending machine.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and equally effective elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0036] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a receiving unit 3. The receiving unit 3 is designed to receive a product 2, which may be a returnable product, such as a CO2 cylinder. The receiving unit 3 has a pivoting device 14 mounted on a frame 15. The mounting is on a drive shaft 16 of an electric motor, the drive shaft 16 simultaneously forming a pivot axis 17 for the pivoting device 14. The frame 15 is open on one side, so that the pivoting device 14 projects beyond the frame 15 at the open side. This ensures easier removal of the product 2 from a vending machine, such as in [example missing in original text]. Fig. 13 shown.

[0037] Rollers 10 are arranged on the frame 15, so that the receiving unit 3 is positioned relative to a transport unit 5, as shown in Figure 2The frame can be moved. In particular, four rollers 10 can be provided, with each roller 10 being arranged in a corner region of the frame 15. In particular, the rollers 10 preferably lie on the same plane to form a plane of movement.

[0038] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a receiving device 1. The receiving unit 3 is mounted in the transport unit 5. The receiving unit 3 can be moved automatically by the transport unit 5 at least towards a dispensing opening of the vending machine and / or away from the dispensing opening. For this purpose, the transport unit 5 has guide elements 8 in which the rollers 10 can be mounted. The guide elements 8 can, for example, be designed as stop elements 9, whereby a vertical upward movement of the rollers 10 is prevented by the stop elements 9. A vertical downward movement of the rollers 10 is prevented by the transport unit 5, so that guide rails for the rollers 10 are formed. The guide elements 8 can be formed as L-shaped bent sheet metal elements, which are formed from the material taken from an opening 6.The product 2, which is mounted on the pivoting device 14 of the receiving unit 3, can be dispensed through the opening 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the product 2 can be dispensed downwards through the opening 6, in particular into a collection container or a shaft. This allows for the aligned storage of the product 2.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the design of the recording device 1. Fig. 2The swivel device 14 is shown in cross-section. The swivel device 14 is thus designed as a kind of cantilever arm, which is mounted on the drive shaft 16. The cantilever arm forms a support surface for the product 2 and, in particular, has a recess for this purpose. This allows the product 2 to be securely mounted on the swivel device 14. The recess can, for example, be V-shaped, so that the product 2 is prevented from rolling to the right or left.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows another side view of the design of the recording device 1. Fig. 2 An electric motor 18 is provided outside the frame 15 to drive the drive shaft 16. The product 2 extends beyond the frame 15 at the open side of the frame 15, allowing it to be ergonomically guided to a dispensing opening. The receiving unit 3 has a guide pin 13 on its underside, which is oriented with respect to the Figures 9-12 will be described in more detail.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows another view of the design of the recording device 1. Fig. 2 The electric motor 18 and the guide pin 3 are provided in a rear area of ​​the receiving unit 3 or the transport unit 5, with these elements being arranged outside the frame 15.

[0042] The drive shaft 16 is positively connected to the swiveling device 14, so that a movement of the drive shaft 16 is directly converted into a movement of the swiveling device 14. The drive can also be provided, for example, by a gear, belt, or worm gear. A drive with a rack and pinion, a cable, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanisms is also conceivable.

[0043] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows the receiving device 1 during the dispensing of a product 2. The product 2 is dispensed downwards through the opening 6 by the transport unit 5. The dispensing occurs specifically between the two guide elements 8 and between the rollers 10. This ensures that the unit which allows the receiving unit 3 to be displaced relative to the transport unit 5 is not affected by the dispensing of the product 2. The pivoting device 14 can therefore be moved through the opening 6 to dispense the product. This is shown in the following figure. Figure 7 shown.

[0044] Fig. 7 The receiving device 1 is shown during the dispensing of a product 2. The product 2 rolls over a rolling edge of the swiveling device 14 and can then be collected, for example, in a container or a shaft.

[0045] Fig. 8The receiving device 1 is shown in a further embodiment when a product 2 is dispensed. In this embodiment, the product 2 is dispensed upwards and can also roll off the swiveling device 14 at a further rolling edge.

[0046] The swivel device 14 can have a rolling edge so that the product 2 can be dispensed on two opposite sides of the swivel device 14. One of the rolling edges serves to dispense the product downwards through the opening 6, the other opposite rolling edge serves to dispense the product 2 upwards independently of the opening 6.

[0047] The Figures 9 to 12 The transport unit 5 is shown mounted on guide rails 11. The guide rails 11 are arranged parallel to each other, with the guide rail in the foreground being located closer to a discharge opening. The discharge opening 4 is, for example, in Figure 13The diagram illustrates the position of the guide rails 11 in the combination vending machine 19. The guide rails 11 allow the transport unit 5 to be moved towards the dispensing opening 4, enabling the insertion of a product 2 onto the receiving unit 3. Furthermore, the transport unit 5 can be moved perpendicular to the dispensing opening 4 to dispense the product 2 at any position inside or outside the machine. The directions of travel are indicated by the arrows in the diagram. Figure 10 depicted.

[0048] The Figures 11 and 12Figure 12 shows a guide contour 12 located between the two guide rails 11. The guide contour 12 can be formed integrally with a guide rail 11. Alternatively, the guide contour 12 can be welded or screwed to the guide rail 11. In particular, the guide contour 12 is designed as a component having a side edge that is at least partially semicircular. The guide pin 13 can be guided along this side edge, thereby triggering movement of the receiving unit 3. The guide pin 13 is therefore arranged on the receiving unit 3 so that the receiving unit 3 can be moved towards the dispensing opening 4 when the guide pin contacts the guide contour, and the transport unit 5 is moved along the guide rails 11.

[0049] Advantageously, a movement of the transport unit 5 in a first direction of movement can trigger a movement of the receiving unit 3 in a second direction of movement. The two directions of movement are specifically perpendicular to each other. This allows the product 2 to be moved both towards the receiving opening 4 and at least partially through the receiving opening 4. Simple and ergonomic removal and insertion of the product is thus ensured.

[0050] As in Figure 12 As shown, product 2 extends beyond the guide rail 11 when the transport unit 5 is arranged on a side area where the guide contour 12 is located. However, in the Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, the product 2 is discharged downwards through the opening 6 when the transport unit 5 is in a position where the guide contour 12 is not located. The guide contour 12 is preferably horizontally oriented so that the guide pin 13 can be guided horizontally along the guide contour 12.

[0051] Fig. 13 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the combination vending machine 19 with a receiving device 1. Detail view A shows the interior of the combination vending machine 19 in the area of ​​the dispensing opening 4. The receiving device 1 is visible here. In this illustration, the receiving device 1 is, for example, in the position shown in Figure 1. Figure 12As shown, the receiving device 1 allows the product 2 to be moved towards a front side 20 of the vending machine 19, thereby bringing it closer to the dispensing opening 4. The ability to move the receiving unit 3 relative to the transport unit 5 also allows the product 2 to be moved away from the dispensing opening 4 and subsequently dispensed at any desired position within the vending machine 19. This position can be reached via guide rails 11, along which the transport unit 5 can be moved.

[0052] In another embodiment, multiple contour guides can be formed using different guide contours 12. This allows for optimal utilization of the machine's depth. Furthermore, the swiveling device 14 can be extended through the dispensing opening 4 to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the product 2. The swiveling device can then be moved backward from the dispensing opening 4 to move the receiving unit 3 within the machine.

[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, sensors or at least a light barrier can be provided to detect what type of product has been placed in the receiving unit 3. The detected product 2 can then be sorted selectively or, if necessary, rejected. This allows, for example, the detection of an incorrectly inserted product or even waste, which should therefore not be introduced into the combination vending machine 19.

[0055] In another embodiment, a product incorrectly identified can, for example, be dispensed upwards instead of downwards, or vice versa. The swiveling device 14 therefore allows for sorting, enabling a selection of products to be dispensed upwards and another selection downwards. Individual products can also be disposed of in a waste container, for example.

[0056] Overall, the stepless movement options enable gentle handling of the products 2, and the holding device 1 is also suitable for glass bottles. Reference symbol list

[0057] 1 Pickup device 2 Product 3 Pickup unit 4 Dispensing opening 5 Transport unit 6 Opening 7 Slide 8 Guide element 9 Stop element 10 Roller 11 Guide rail 12 Guide contour 13 Guide pin 14 Swivel device 15 Frame 16 Drive shaft 17 Swivel axis 18 Electric motor 19 Combination machine 20 Front side

Claims

1. A receiving device (1) for receiving or dispensing products (2) in a combination vending machine (19), comprising a receiving unit (3) for receiving at least one product (2), - wherein the product can be inserted into or removed from the receiving unit (3) through a dispensing opening (4), comprising a transport unit (5) for the guided storage and displacement of the receiving unit (3), - wherein the receiving unit (3) can be moved in an automated manner by the transport unit (5) at least in the direction of the dispensing opening (4) and / or away from the dispensing opening (4), and - wherein the transport unit (5) has an opening (6) which is designed and arranged such that the product (2) can be dispensed from the receiving unit (3) through the opening (6) into a collecting container.

2. Receiving device according to claim 1, characterized by that the transport unit (5) has a carriage (7), wherein the opening (6) is arranged on a bottom side of the carriage (7).

3. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transport unit (5) has at least one guide element (8), wherein the receiving unit (3) is displaceable along the guide element (8).

4. Receiving device according to claim 3, characterized by that two guide elements (8) are designed as stop elements (9), wherein the receiving unit (3) has rollers (10) which can be guided along the stop elements (10).

5. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transport unit (5) is mounted on at least one guide rail (11) so that the transport unit (5) can be moved transversely to the dispensing opening (4).

6. Receiving device according to claim 5, characterized by thata guide contour (12) is formed on the at least one guide rail (11) and the receiving unit (3) has at least one guide pin (13), so that upon contact of the guide pin (13) along the guide contour (12) the receiving unit (3) can be moved in the direction of the dispensing opening (4).

7. Receiving device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the guide contour (12) is formed in an edge region of the at least one guide rail (11) so that the product (2) can be dispensed or picked up in the edge region.

8. Receiving device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that the guide contour (12) describes a partial circular shape at least in sections, so that the guide pin (13) is moved by contact along the guide contour (12) in the direction of the dispensing opening (4).

9. Receiving device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by thatby contact of the guide pin (13) along the guide contour (12) the receiving unit (3) is movable relative to the transport unit (5).

10. Receiving device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized by that the receiving unit (3) has a pivoting device (14), wherein the pivoting device (14) can be pivoted in the direction of the opening (6) so that the product (2) can be dispensed through the opening (6).

11. Receiving device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pivoting device (14) is held in a frame (15), wherein the frame (15) is open on one side so that the product (2) can be dispensed through the dispensing opening (4) on this open side.

12. Receiving device according to claim 11, characterized by that the swivel device (14) projects beyond the frame (15) on the open side.

13. Receiving device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the pivoting device (14) is driven by an electric motor (18), wherein a drive shaft (16) of the electric motor (18) is connected to the pivoting device (13) so that rotation of the drive shaft (16) can cause the pivoting device (14) to be deflected about the drive shaft (16).

14. Method for taking back or dispensing products (2) using a combination vending machine, in particular for taking back deposit goods such as CO2 bottles, comprising the steps of: providing a storage option for at least one product (2) on a receiving unit (3) through a dispensing opening (4); moving the receiving unit (3) along a transport unit (5), wherein the receiving unit (3) is moved automatically by the transport unit (5) at least in the direction of the dispensing opening (4) and / or away from the dispensing opening (4); dispensing the product (2) through an opening (6) in the transport unit (5), such that the product (2) is dispensed from the receiving unit (3) through the opening (6) into a collecting container.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by thatthe transport unit (5) is mounted on at least one guide rail (11) so that the transport unit (5) can be moved transversely to the dispensing opening (4), wherein a guide contour (12) is formed on the at least one guide rail (11) and the receiving unit (3) has at least one guide pin (13) so that upon contact of the guide pin (13) along the guide contour (12), the receiving unit (3) is moved in the direction of the dispensing opening (3) and the product (2) can be removed or inserted through the dispensing opening (3).

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