Vending machine for storing and dispensing goods, vending machine station for automatically outputting goods to a buyer, and method for outputting goods from a vending machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vending machine for storing and dispensing goods, in particular for a vending machine station, comprising a vending machine housing with an interior for storing the goods; and with an opening on the underside of the vending machine housing through which the goods can be dispensed from the vending machine in a vertical direction. The present invention further relates to a vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a customer, comprising a plurality of such vending machines; and comprising a common transport device arranged in an area between a lowest compartment of the vending machines and a base for the vending machines. The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing goods from a vending machine.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine for storing and dispensing goods. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a customer, comprising a plurality of such vending machines. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for dispensing goods from a vending machine. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Vending machines are well-known and come in many variations, such as those for storing and dispensing hot or cold drinks or snacks. Typically, such a vending machine is designed to sell a specific type of item, for example, hot drinks. However, it is becoming increasingly popular to offer other products besides hot or cold drinks and snacks in vending machines, such as pasta or barbecue meat. This allows a vending machine operator and / or local butcher, meat processor, or producer in general to sell, preferably regional, products from the vending machine outside of regular store hours, essentially at any time.

[0003] It is common for a single vending machine to contain or offer several different items of a specific type, from which a customer can select their desired item. Payment for the ordered item is made either in advance or after placing the order by providing the corresponding amount of money for the item in cash or via a standard electronic payment method.

[0004] For example, DE 20 2019 004 624 U1 describes a vending machine for goods with at least one container for the goods, from which the goods can be removed via a dispensing opening, wherein the vending machine has a closed, visible dispensing chamber with a manual dispensing device, with which the goods can be transported individually after payment via a dispensing opening into a drop chute onto a discharge chute to a dispensing opening.

[0005] A disadvantage of conventional vending machines is that filling, dispensing and operating the vending machine is done on one side of the machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a vending machine that can dispense the goods in an alternative way.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a vending machine with the features of claim 1 and / or by a vending machine station with the features of claim 12 and / or by a method with the features of claim 14.

[0008] Accordingly, the following is planned: A vending machine for storing and dispensing goods, in particular for a vending machine station, comprising a machine housing that has an interior for storing the goods; and with an opening on the underside of the machine housing through which the goods can be dispensed from the vending machine in a vertical direction. A vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a customer, comprising a plurality of vending machines according to the invention; and comprising a common transport device, which is arranged in an area between a lowest compartment of the vending machines and a base for the vending machines.A method for dispensing goods from a vending machine, in particular from a vending machine according to the invention, comprising the steps of: providing goods requested by a buyer within a vending machine housing, which has an interior space for storing the goods; and dispensing the goods from the vending machine through an opening on the underside of the vending machine housing in a vertical direction.

[0009] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is that the goods leave the vending machine or vending unit vertically through the opening or the bottom. This means that the goods do not have to be dispensed forward, particularly at the front, but can be dispensed through the opening from the underside. Thus, the goods can be dispensed solely by gravity. Consequently, the underside corresponds to the dispensing side of the vending machine.

[0010] The vending machine housing surrounds, in particular, those components of the vending machine that are assigned to this individual vending machine, as well as the interior including the goods stored therein.

[0011] The vending machine in the present application does not necessarily include a viewing window, a manual control unit, or a payment module. Furthermore, the interior of the vending machine does not need to be vandal-proof or locked, as the customer typically does not have access to the inside of the vending machine station.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a vending machine station or array of vending machines whose multiple vending machines can store and dispense a wide variety of products / goods. A goods handling unit or common transport device is capable of receiving all the goods dispensed by the vending machines. The common transport device is characterized by the fact that goods / products can be moved outside the vending machines using it. In other words, the common transport device collects the goods / products dispensed by the multiple vending machines. Accordingly, the common transport device could also be described as a conveyor belt. The multiple vending machines can be arranged side by side, one above the other, or opposite each other with respect to the common transport device.

[0013] The common transport device of the vending machine station according to the invention is arranged in the area between the lowest product compartment of the vending machines and the base on which the vending machines are installed. In other words, the common transport device is arranged below the product compartments of the vending machines. For example, the goods can be transported vertically from the product compartment to the common transport device.

[0014] One advantage of the vending machine according to the invention is that it can be used more flexibly.

[0015] An advantage of the vending machine station according to the invention is that a customer only needs to operate a single suitable control unit and perform only one payment transaction to purchase a variety of goods. The suitable control unit or control panel comprises product selection input devices and money and credit processing devices, which, like a coin return device, are generally known. The purchased goods can be made available in a single common dispensing area, even if the goods originate from different vending machines.

[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 one embodiment of the vending machine, the filling side and the dispensing side of the vending machine are different. This means the filling side is not the same as the dispensing side. For example, if the goods are dispensed from the bottom of the vending machine and the goods are filled from the front or back.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the vending machine also includes a dispensing device or mechanism for distributing goods, which is arranged at least partially within the machine housing, wherein the dispensing device is designed to dispense the goods through the opening. Thus, for example, fragile goods can be dispensed safely, as they do not have to slip or fall through the opening due to gravity.

[0019] The dispensing device can be designed, for example, as a manipulator, in particular as a basket. The vending machine has, for example, at least one product compartment. Preferably, the vending machine has a plurality of product compartments arranged in an array within its interior.

[0020] The retrieval unit can be moved variably and thus positioned at any front of the product compartment. This is achieved via a variably movable transport unit to which the retrieval unit can be attached. The transport unit can, for example, include guide rails on which the retrieval unit moves. In this way, a single drive unit can power both the retrieval unit and the product compartment.

[0021] The transport of goods within the storage compartment, particularly to the front, is accomplished, for example, via a conveyor belt, pusher, rollers, or a spiral. The drive unit can be integrated into or coupled to the unloading mechanism. Preferably, the drive unit is an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, stepper motor, DC motor, or the like. However, the drive type is not limited to this; for example, a magnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive can also be used. Optionally, the drive unit can also include a gearbox. The drive unit can drive directly or via the gearbox.

[0022] According to a further development of the vending machine, the dispensing mechanism is designed to transfer the goods to a shared transport device located outside the vending machine. In this way, the goods can be transported further, for example, together with other goods from this or another vending machine. Thus, the goods requested by a customer can first be collected on the shared transport device before the customer can take them.

[0023] According to a further development of the vending machine, the dispensing mechanism is designed to deliver the goods to a space located below the vending machine. This allows the vending machine to be positioned away from a dispensing point. In particular, the vending machine can be separated from the space located below it. If necessary, this allows gravity to be used even more effectively to dispense the goods, thanks to the height difference between the vending machine and the space below.

[0024] For example, the vending machine can be located in one room of a building, with the dispensing mechanism delivering the goods to the room below by conveying them through the ceiling between the two rooms. Alternatively or additionally, the vending machine can be placed on a platform or similar structure, creating a space beneath the platform. This allows the vending machine to be positioned at a height inaccessible to the customer, for example, to deter vandalism.

[0025] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the vending machine can be positioned, for example, in a plane arranged above the installation floor, in particular in a space provided above it. This allows the vending machine and the shared transport device to be positioned separately from each other in superimposed spaces.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the vending machine, the opening is designed to be automatically closed or opened. This allows the interior of the vending machine to be climate-controlled. Furthermore, it prevents animals from nesting inside the vending machine.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the vending machine, the underside has a sliding bottom section or a flap or the like.

[0028] According to a further development of the vending machine, the sliding bottom section or flap is designed to seal the interior in a closed state.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the vending machine also includes a cooling device or an air conditioning device for climate control of the interior and the goods stored therein. The cooling device is specifically designed to cool the interior and the goods stored therein. The air conditioning device is specifically designed to maintain a predetermined internal climate, in particular a predetermined temperature and / or humidity, within the vending machine.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the vending machine further comprises a roller door, a louver, or a swing door for refilling the machine. For example, the roller door or swing door can be lockable. The roller door or louver can be located on the front, the rear, or both of the vending machine. This allows the vending machine to be designed without having to consider the swing radius of swing doors, flaps, or similar access points. The roller door can preferably roll up inside the vending machine. This is particularly advantageous when the vending machine is installed in a container or building.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the vending machine also includes a platform for the operator to step onto, which is arranged between the lowest product compartment and the base of the vending machine on one of the filling sides, allowing the operator to fill higher product compartments. In this case, the filling side corresponds to the front of the vending machine. The vending machine can also be filled from the rear. Preferably, the platform is located at the level of the bottom of the vending machine. In this way, the vending machine can be filled by the operator standing on the platform. Alternatively or additionally, the platform can be located on the rear of the vending machine.

[0032] The vending machine housing can, in particular, enclose the dispensing device, at least one product compartment, and the drive unit.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the vending machine station, the common transport device is designed to receive the goods dispensed by the vending machines and transport them to a common goods dispensing area. For example, the multitude of vending machines, each intended for storing and dispensing goods, form a first row of vending machines arranged side by side.

[0034] Furthermore, the vending machine station can also include a second row of vending machines arranged side by side, each designed for storing and dispensing a product. This allows the vending machine station to be more compact or arranged according to spatial constraints. For example, the first and second rows can be arranged in an L-shape, a T-shape, or any other configuration that can be formed with two or more rows.

[0035] For example, the second series can have the same features as the first series. Optionally, the second series can combine the described features differently with regard to the vending machines than the first series.

[0036] Optionally, the vending machine station also includes a separate transport device designed to receive the goods dispensed by the vending machines in the second row and transport them to a common goods dispensing area. This allows for even greater flexibility in the arrangement of the first and second rows, as the second row has its own separate transport device, which can operate independently of the common transport device.

[0037] For example, the shared transport device and the separate transport device can share a common conveyor level. Alternatively or additionally, the separate transport device can be positioned at a distance from the shared transport device of the first row. Optionally, the separate transport device can transport the goods to the same shared goods issue area as the shared transport device or to a different goods issue area.

[0038] According to a further development, the vending machine station also includes a connecting transport device for moving goods between the common transport device and the separate transport device. This means the connecting transport device links the common transport device and the separate transport device. Thus, the goods from the common and the separate transport devices can be combined or pre-sorted. The connecting transport device can be essentially designed and driven in the same way as the common transport device. Optionally, the connecting transport device can be designed so that the transport devices form a loop, for example, around the first and second rows.

[0039] According to a further development of the vending machine station, the connecting transport device is designed and coupled to the common transport device and the separate transport device in such a way that the connecting transport device connects the common transport device and the separate transport device in a straight line or in a curve.

[0040] According to a further development of the vending machine station, the front of each vending machine in the first row faces the front of each vending machine in the second row. This allows for easy restocking from the rear of the machines. Furthermore, this configuration enables a very compact arrangement of the vending machines.

[0041] The front side corresponds, for example, to the filling side. If the front sides of the vending machines face each other, the front side preferably corresponds to the filling side. For example, the goods within the product compartment are conveyed to the front side. In addition, a viewing window may be provided on the front and / or the back.

[0042] According to a further development of the vending machine station, the common transport device is arranged between the first and second rows and is designed to receive the goods dispensed by the vending machines of the first and second rows and transport them to the common goods dispensing area. Thus, the vending machines of the first and second rows are positioned opposite each other and all dispense the goods onto the common transport device. Preferably, the first and second rows are approximately the same length, but this is not a requirement. The advantage is that only one transport device is necessary.

[0043] According to a further development of the vending machine station, the back of the vending machines in the first row faces the back of the vending machines in the second row. For example, the vending machines in the first row can be spaced apart from the second row, creating an aisle between the two backs for restocking the machines. This allows a restocker to fill the machines more quickly, provided the aisle is available. Alternatively or additionally, the vending machines can be restocked from the front.

[0044] The back side corresponds, for example, to the filling side. If the backs of the vending machines face each other, with no aisle between them, the front side preferably corresponds to the filling side.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the vending machine station, at least one of the transport devices, i.e. the common transport device and / or the separate transport device, has a conveyor belt, transport rollers, transport cylinders or a goods collection container.

[0046] Optionally, at least one of the transport devices can be driven by a motor. Preferably, the motor is an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, stepper motor, DC motor, or the like. However, the type of drive is not limited to this; for example, a magnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive can also be provided. The motor can also include a gearbox. Optionally, the motor can be coupled directly or via the gearbox to the common transport device and / or the separate transport device for driving purposes. Optionally, the motor can be a gear drive, a friction wheel drive, or a belt drive. To transmit the drive torque from the motor to the common transport device and / or the separate transport device, the motor can provide a gear, a friction wheel, or a belt.Furthermore, the connecting transport device can have its own motor drive or be driven by the motor drive of the common or separate transport device.

[0047] Furthermore, the vending machine station can be designed and controlled in such a way that when a vending machine is being refilled, only that specific machine is out of service for the duration of the refilling process, while the other vending machines remain operational. This means that the other vending machines can continue dispensing goods while the one being refilled is being filled. For example, for safety reasons and to prevent errors, the vending machine being refilled might be deactivated. Thus, the operation of the vending machine station is only minimally affected, and sales can be maintained, at least to a limited extent. In other words, a vending machine or vending unit can be opened individually, allowing the dispensing of goods from the other vending machines or vending units to continue. This means that only that one vending machine or vending unit is out of service.A vending machine unit is blocked from dispensing during refilling.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the vending machine station also includes a vertical conveying device for raising and / or lowering the goods to an ergonomically convenient dispensing height for the customer, wherein the vertical conveying device is arranged in the common dispensing area. This makes the purchase more convenient for the customer. For example, the vertical conveying device can be designed as a spiral conveyor, a carousel or lift system, or the like.

[0049] An ergonomically suitable dispensing height for a buyer within the meaning of the present application corresponds to a height in the range of approximately 75 cm to approximately 140 cm above a floor, for example the floor on which the product is installed.

[0050] According to further training, the vending machine station also includes a movable diverter device for variably directing the goods from the common transport device and / or the separate transport device to the vertical conveyor. In this way, the goods at the end of the common transport device and / or the separate transport device can, for example, be divided into two dispensing areas. The diverter device can, for example, be movable perpendicular to one of the conveying directions of the common transport device.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the vending machine station, the common transport device is designed and arranged such that it transports the goods to the common dispensing area at an ergonomically convenient dispensing height for the customer. For example, the common transport device can be arranged at an angle, at least in sections, to raise or lower the goods relative to a floor.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the vending machine station further comprises a lockable housing in which the multiple vending machines and the common transport device are positioned. The housing separates the interior of the vending machine station, inaccessible to customers, from its surroundings. Optionally, the housing can include a viewing window for the customer.

[0053] Optionally, the vending machine station can be designed as a container. For example, the container can be transported, particularly using a truck. This allows the vending machine station to be self-sufficient and mobile. Therefore, the vending machine station can be flexibly moved to a new location and put into operation as needed.

[0054] Optionally, the vending machine station can have a climate control system to set a predetermined internal climate, in particular a predetermined temperature and / or humidity.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the vending machine station also includes at least one common input terminal and / or one common payment terminal. The common input terminal and / or the common payment terminal can be located at or away from the common dispensing area. In the case of a remote location, the vending machine station can already take the next customer's order while the previous customer's goods are still being assembled and transported to the common dispensing area. Optionally, after the order is placed, a collection code can be provided to the customer, which the customer can use to collect the goods at the common dispensing area. In this way, the goods can be made available for collection at the common dispensing area when the customer enters the collection code.This allows, for example, a goods collection container to be assembled in advance and stored inside the vending machine station until later collection.

[0056] Furthermore, the goods can be ordered online, for example via an application. The ordered goods can, for instance, be pre-assembled and stored ready for collection until the buyer picks them up.

[0057] The multitude of vending machines according to the invention in the vending machine station comprises several vending machines of essentially comparable design. Nevertheless, the vending machines in the vending machine station according to the invention may differ from one another in details. For example, the number and / or size of the product compartments of each vending machine may differ.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the method, the goods are dispensed by means of a dispensing device.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the method, the goods are delivered to a common transport device located outside the vending machine.

[0060] Optionally, the procedure also includes a step of transporting the goods using the common transport device to a common goods issue area where the buyer can receive the goods.

[0061] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. In particular, all features of the coupling system or coupling device can be transferred to the associated method for configuring the coupling system, and vice versa.

[0062] Further possible embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to 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

[0063] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to an embodiment with a dispensing device for a product and a movable base section; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to a further embodiment with a dispensing device for a product; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of a vending machine station according to an embodiment with a common transport device below the lowest product compartment; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a plurality of vending machines according to a further embodiment with a footplate device; Fig. 5 a flowchart of a method for dispensing a product from a vending machine according to an embodiment.

[0064] The accompanying drawings 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.

[0065] 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

[0066] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vending machine 1 according to an embodiment with a dispensing device 4 for dispensing goods 100 and a movable bottom section 17.

[0067] The vending machine 1 comprises, by way of example, a vending machine housing 19, an opening 20 on an underside of the vending machine housing 19, the dispensing device 4 and the sliding bottom section 17.

[0068] The vending machine housing 19 has an interior for storing the goods 100. In addition, the vending machine 1 contains several compartments for goods within the interior.

[0069] The opening 20 allows the goods 100 to be dispensed vertically from the vending machine 1. The opening 20 is designed, for example, to be automatically closed or opened. The sliding base section 17 is shown by way of example on the underside of the vending machine housing 19.

[0070] The dispensing device 4 is arranged by way of example within the vending machine housing 19, wherein the dispensing device 4 is designed to dispense the goods 100 through the opening 20. When the goods 100 are dispensed through the opening 20, a section of the dispensing device 4 may protrude from the vending machine housing.

[0071] The vending machine 1 here shows, by way of example, a bottom compartment 9 and feet with which the vending machine 1 stands on a base 10.

[0072] The dispensing device 4 can transfer the goods onto a common transport device 2, which is located between the lowest product compartment 9 and the base 10. For this purpose, the sliding base section 17, in an open position, can form the opening 20 on the underside of the vending machine 1. Through this opening 20, the dispensing device 4 or the manipulator can exit the interior, in particular without having to open a front panel 7. That is, the dispensing device 4 can move downwards out of the vending machine 1. Fig. 1 Although the front side 7 is shown open, this is solely for the purpose of better visibility of the features. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 4 can also dispense the goods 100 with the front side 7 closed. This is the case, for example, in Fig. 3 illustrated. In a closed position, the sliding floor section 17 can seal the interior.

[0073] The vending machine 1 may also include a door, which is typically hinged to the vending machine housing 19. The door may be attached to the front 7, to one side 8, or to both the front and back. The door and the vending machine housing 19 together form the interior, which houses, in particular, the products 100 to be sold, the control and cooling functions of the vending machine 1, and other vending machine functions. For example, the door may have a transparent glass or clear plastic pane which, when the door is closed, provides a clear view into the interior of the vending machine 1 and thus of the products 100 stored therein, which are arranged in the compartments within the vending machine 1.

[0074] Furthermore, a locking mechanism can be provided that allows the door to be opened and closed safely for purposes of maintenance, refilling vending machine 1, and the like. Here, for example, a refilling side and a dispensing side of vending machine 1 are shown as distinct. This means that the underside corresponds to the dispensing side, and the front and / or back corresponds to the refilling side.

[0075] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a vending machine 1 according to a further embodiment with a dispensing device 4 for dispensing a product 100.

[0076] The vending machine 1 of the in the Fig. 2 The illustrated further embodiment essentially corresponds to vending machine 1 according to Fig. 1 , but differs in that the underside has a flap (not shown) as an opening 20. The flap can be spring-loaded so that it closes automatically if the dispensing device 4 does not block it, for example, if the dispensing device 4 protrudes through the opening 20 to release the goods 100.

[0077] Furthermore, the vending machine 1 includes, for example, a roller door 15 for filling the vending machine 1. The roller door 15 is arranged on the front side 7 and can roll up inside the vending machine 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the vending machine 1 includes, for example, a cooling device or an air conditioning device for climate control of the interior and the goods stored therein 100.

[0079] For example, vending machine 1 has a large number of product compartments arranged in an array within the interior of vending machine 1. Fig. 2 The arrangement of four compartments within the interior is shown as an example, with each of the four compartments representing one level of vending machine 1. Optionally, the compartments can be arranged on the same level, but additional compartments can also be arranged on other levels, i.e., above or below. The individual compartments can be of different sizes, although this is not mandatory. Advantageously, the compartments can be adjustable in both width and height.

[0080] The transport of the goods 100 within the compartment, particularly to the front 7, is accomplished, for example, via a conveyor belt, a pusher, transport rollers, or a spiral. For instance, the goods are conveyed within the compartment to the front 7. The removal device 4 is located at the front 7 to transport the goods 100 from the compartment to the common transport device 2. The removal device 4 is, for example, designed as a manipulator with a basket. The basket can receive the goods 100 and transport them, in particular, in a vertical direction. The removal device 4, or the manipulator, is arranged and movable within the interior of the vending machine 1. This means, for example, that the removal device 4 is located behind the roller door 15 within the interior.

[0081] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vending machine station according to an exemplary embodiment with a common transport device 2 below the lowest product compartment 9. The vending machine station is designed for the automatic dispensing of goods to a buyer.

[0082] The vending machine station comprises a plurality of vending machines 1 arranged side by side, each designed for storing and dispensing one item 100, and the common transport device 2. The common transport device 2 is located outside the vending machine 1. Four vending machines 1, arranged in essentially the same orientation, are shown here as examples. The number of vending machines 1 in the arrangement is not limited and can include any number of vending machines.

[0083] Each vending machine 1 includes, for example, its own vending machine housing 19 and its own dispensing device 4.

[0084] Furthermore, it is clearly evident here that the goods 100 are transported from the removal device 4, with the front 7 closed, onto the common transport device 2. In particular, the basket 4 empties the goods 100 onto the common transport device 2.

[0085] The removal device 4 is designed to deliver the goods 100 to the common transport device 2 and / or to a room located below the vending machine 1.

[0086] The multitude of vending machines 1 can optionally comprise several vending machines 1 of comparable design or one or more vending machines 1 with different designs. For example, at least one vending machine 1 in the multitude of vending machines 1 can differ in the number and / or size of its product compartments. Alternatively or additionally, at least one vending machine 1 in the multitude of vending machines 1 can include a cooling device for cooling the interior and the goods 100 stored therein.

[0087] The common transport device 2 is designed to receive the goods 100 dispensed by the vending machines 1 and transport them to a common goods dispensing area 3. The common transport device 2 includes, for example, a conveyor belt. By way of example, the conveyor belt 2 extends in Fig. 3 along the front 7 of the vending machines 1. The vending machines 1 can dispense the requested goods 100 through the opening 20 and using the dispensing device 4 onto the conveyor belt 2, as illustrated by the example of the middle of the four vending machines 1. In this way, the vending machine station shown in the example can transport the goods 100 from the four vending machines 1 to the common goods dispensing area 3.

[0088] In this example, the shared goods dispensing area 3 connects to one end of conveyor belt 2, but it does not necessarily have to be directly connected to conveyor belt 2. For example, the shared goods dispensing area 3 could include a container into which the goods at the end of conveyor belt 2 can slide or fall.

[0089] Optionally, the common transport device 2 can be driven by a motor drive (not shown). Preferably, the motor drive is designed as a servo motor. For example, the motor drive can also include a gearbox. Optionally, the motor drive can be coupled to the common transport device 2 for driving purposes, either directly or via the gearbox.

[0090] The servo motor, for example, sets the conveyor belt or the goods collection container in motion, and the goods 100 located on the conveyor belt or in the goods collection container can be conveyed towards the goods dispensing area 3.

[0091] The vending machine station can, for example, be located in a building, a container, or a similar enclosure.

[0092] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a plurality of vending machines 1 according to a further embodiment with a footboard device 11.

[0093] As an example, five vending machines 1 are arranged in a row. The five vending machines 1, together with a common transport device 2, form a vending machine station that is set up in a room.

[0094] Furthermore, the vending machines 1 include a step-on device 11 for entry by a filler 12, which is arranged between a lowest product compartment 9 and a base 10 of the vending machine 1 on a filling side of the vending machine 1, so that the filler 12 can also fill higher product compartments.

[0095] A filler 12 can stand and move around on the platform 11 or step surface to fill the vending machines 1. The front panels 7 of the vending machines can be opened and closed, for example, via a roller door 15. The vending machine 1, which is located in Fig. 4 The machine being filled by the filler 12 is shown with the roller door 15 open. This vending machine 1, for example, has six compartments stacked vertically. Each of the six compartments extends, for example, across the entire width of the vending machine 1. The lowest compartment 9 of the six compartments is located approximately at the level of the footplate 11. Preferably, the footplate 11 is located approximately at the level of the lowest compartment 9. The common transport device 2 is located at a predetermined distance below the footplate 11, providing sufficient space between them for transporting the goods 100.

[0096] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a procedure for dispensing a product 100 from a vending machine 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0097] The process comprises a step V1 of providing a good 100 requested by a buyer within a vending machine housing 19 of the vending machine 1, which has an interior space for storing the good 100. For example, the good 100 can be provided in a compartment. In particular, the good can be made available in the compartment, for example at a front, via a conveyor belt, a slide, transport rollers, transport cylinders or a spiral for collection by a dispensing device 4.

[0098] Furthermore, the procedure comprises a step V2 dispensing the item 100 from the vending machine through an opening 20 on the underside of the vending machine housing 19 in a vertical direction with respect to a base 10. For example, the item 100 can be dispensed by means of the dispensing device 4, by the dispensing device 4 picking up the item 100 from the compartment and conveying it through the opening 20.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, the goods can be delivered to a common transport device 2 located outside the vending machine 1.

[0100] Furthermore, the procedure may, for example, include a step V3 transporting the goods by means of the common transport device 2 to a common goods issue area 3, where the buyer can receive the requested goods 100.

[0101] 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. Reference symbol list

[0102] 1 Vending machine 2 Shared transport device 3 Shared goods dispensing area 4 Dispensing device 7 Front side 9 Bottom goods compartment 10 Base 11 Footboard device 12 Filler 15 Roller door 17 Sliding floor section 19 Vending machine housing 20 Opening 100 Goods V1 Provision V2 Dispensing V3 Transport

Claims

1. Vending machine (1) for storing and dispensing a product (100), in particular for a vending machine station, comprising a vending machine housing (19) having an interior space for storing the product (100); and comprising an opening (20) on an underside of the vending machine housing (19) through which the product (100) can be dispensed from the vending machine (1) in a vertical direction.

2. Vending machine according to claim 1, characterized by that a filling side of the vending machine (1) and a dispensing side of the vending machine (1) are different from each other.

3. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore, a removal device (4) which is arranged at least in sections within the vending machine housing (19), wherein the removal device (4) is designed to dispense the goods (100) through the opening (20).

4. Vending machine according to claim 3, characterized by thatthe removal device (4) is designed to deliver the goods (100) to a common transport device (2) arranged outside the vending machine (1).

5. Vending machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the removal device (4) is designed to deliver the goods (100) to a space arranged below the vending machine (1).

6. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening (20) is designed to be automatically closable / openable.

7. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the underside has a movable bottom section (17) or a flap.

8. Vending machine according to claim 7, characterized by that the displaceable floor section (17) or the flap is designed to seal the interior in a closed state.

9. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore, a cooling device or an air conditioning device for air conditioning the interior and the goods stored therein (100).

10. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore, a roller shutter (15) or a swing door for filling the vending machine (1).

11. Vending machine according to one of the preceding claims, furthermore, a stepping-on device (11) for entry by a filler (12), which stepping-on device is arranged between a lowest goods compartment (9) and a support base (10) of the vending machine (1) on a filling side (7, 8) of the vending machine (1), so that the filler (12) can also fill higher goods compartments.

12. A vending machine station for automatically dispensing goods to a buyer, comprising a plurality of vending machines (1) according to one of the preceding claims; and comprising a common transport device (2) arranged in an area between a lowermost goods compartment (9) of the vending machines (1) and a support floor (10) of the vending machines (1).

13. Vending machine station according to claim 12, characterized by that the common transport device (2) is designed to receive the goods (100) dispensed by the vending machines (1) and to transport them to a common goods dispensing area (3); and / or that a lockable housing is provided in which the plurality of vending machines (1) and the common transport device (2) are positioned; and / or that at least one common input terminal is provided; and / or that at least one common payment terminal is provided.

14. A method for dispensing a product from a vending machine, in particular from a vending machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: providing (V1) a product (100) requested by a buyer within a vending machine housing (19) of the vending machine, which housing has an interior space for storing the product (100); and dispensing (V2) the product (100) from the vending machine through an opening (20) on an underside of the vending machine housing (19) in a vertical direction.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by that the goods (100) are dispensed (V2) by means of a removal device (4); and / or that the goods (100) are delivered (V2) to a common transport device (2) arranged outside the vending machine (1).

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