Automatic machine for dispensing items

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic machine for dispensing items, in particular tools and workpieces, having an item storage area. The item storage area contains at least one array of compartments comprising multiple compartments that are able to be gradually unblocked, and an item situated in the respective compartment is able to be removed. There is provision for an operating device by means of which the compartments are able to be unblocked, and the array of compartments has an automatically movable base that is able to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the array of compartments by means of an actuator, to open individual compartments, in such a way that an item situated in the compartment falls into an item collection device arranged underneath.

Description

[0001] Machine for dispensing items

[0002] The invention relates to a machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces.

[0003] Vending machines for dispensing items are widely known. For example, there are vending machines for dispensing goods such as bottled drinks or snacks, primarily in public places. An operator has a selection of various items via a control panel. The operator can see from the outside through a panel which item is in which compartment or is shown which items are available using symbols. By entering a number assigned to the respective compartment, the item is selected and the front unit of the item is transported to a dispensing chute either by falling down or by means of a movable arm, which the operator can reach into to retrieve it. The other units of the item are automatically pushed forward at the same time to make the same selection available to the next operator.One of the basic ideas here is that an operator does not have unrestricted access to all goods, but can only take the goods for which he has paid in this case.

[0004] Vending machines for dispensing items can also be provided in office buildings, production buildings, or other non-public facilities. For example, US Pat. No. 5,927,540 discloses a device for dispensing articles, particularly medical articles such as medical consumables or pharmaceuticals. The device comprises a housing in the form of a cabinet with operating elements and at least one drawer, wherein at least one row of compartments is arranged in the drawer. A lid is also attached to the row of compartments to expose the individual compartments by manually sliding the lid. The lid has a locking mechanism and a distance sensor to prevent further movement of the lid once the desired compartment has been reached.

[0005] Automatic tool dispensing machines are also known. DE 10 2010 000 595 A1 discloses a modular tool dispensing machine. The automatic tool dispensing machine comprises at least one tool conveyor, with which tools are transported to a tool dispensing point. The tool conveyor can be a spiral conveyor. The tool dispensing point can be a pivoting flap or a drawer, toward which the tools slide or into which they fall. A control panel allows a user to dispense a tool.

[0006] DE 10 2010 019 126 A1 discloses a tool dispenser with operating elements for dispensing tools. The tool dispenser has at least one first conveyor spiral on one level and a second conveyor spiral located behind it in the conveying direction. A collecting container is provided beneath each of the conveyor spirals to receive a tool and transport it to a tool dispensing point. The tool dispensing points can be designed as pivoting devices or as drawers. DE 20 201 1 004 171 U1 discloses a vending machine for the automated dispensing of tools. The vending machine comprises a control panel and spiral compartments and drawers in which tools are stored.

[0007] EP 2 567 792 A1 discloses a dispensing cabinet for the controlled dispensing of objects, in particular tools. The dispensing cabinet comprises a storage unit with a plurality of storage locations for the objects and an input device for selecting an object to be dispensed. The storage unit is designed as a vertically rotating carousel. An operator gains access to the objects via locked, pivoting access doors.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of providing a vending machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, by means of which an operator of the vending machine can be provided with an object arranged in the vending machine quickly and easily.

[0009] The present invention is based on the further object of providing a machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, by means of which a good overview of the dispensed objects and those still present in the machine is achieved.

[0010] The present invention is based on the further object of providing a machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, which enables a continuous inventory in real time.

[0011] The present invention is based on the further object of providing a machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, which allows safe access to the objects both for the object and for an operator.

[0012] The present invention is based on the further object of providing a machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, in which the objects can be refilled and removed easily and quickly.

[0013] One or more of the objects are achieved by a machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, as defined in independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, are specified in the dependent subclaims.

[0014] According to the invention, a vending machine for dispensing objects, in particular tools and workpieces, is provided with an object storage area. Arranged in the object storage area is at least one row of compartments with a plurality of compartments that can be released one after the other, and an object located in each compartment can be removed. An operating device is provided by means of which the compartments can be released, and the row of compartments has an automatically displaceable base that can be displaced by means of an actuator in the longitudinal direction of the row of compartments to open individual compartments in such a way that an object located in the compartment falls into an object transfer device arranged below.

[0015] The operating device allows the vending machine operator to quickly and easily locate and select the desired item. Since the item is then automatically released via the sliding base and falls into the item transfer device, the item is presented to the operator for easy and controlled removal. The sliding base also eliminates the need to move other items in the vending machine after the first item has been removed. The other items in the vending machine can remain in their respective positions in the compartments until the sliding base releases them as well.

[0016] The design of the sliding floor, which gradually releases individual items, also ensures that the individual items fall into the item transfer device at different locations. This allows multiple items to be released by the machine first before being removed from the item transfer device. Due to the spatial offset of the items, they do not fall onto one another in the item transfer device, which would pose a risk of damage to the items.

[0017] The machine provides a good overview of the items dispensed. This means that the items are not freely accessible from the outside. Only items that have been selected using the operating device and then released by the machine can be taken out. Each item is assigned to a specific compartment in the row of compartments, and this information is stored in an electronic database. The dispensing of an item is recorded by the machine and also saved in the database. This way, for example, it can be quickly identified whether an item type is running low, and it can be reordered in good time. A minimum stock level can be set that the machine should always have on hand. If this minimum stock level is not reached, this can be highlighted by an additional message on the machine and / or in the database.

[0018] Because an object contained in the compartment falls into the object transfer device located below, which is preferably easily accessible for an operator and allows convenient access to the object, the object can be removed safely from the compartment, both for the object and for the operator. This allows, for example, sharp-edged objects to be stored in the machine, which would be difficult to remove from one of the narrow compartments and would pose a risk of cutting oneself.

[0019] The vending machine can be designed in such a way that it is clear from the outside which item is in each compartment. In this case, the operating device can simply be a small keypad for selecting the compartment. This means that each compartment can be assigned a button. However, the vending machine can also be designed in such a way that it is not possible to see into the compartments from the outside. In this case, it is advantageous if the operating device or the outside of the vending machine has a picture or written indication of which item is in each compartment. The operating device can, for example, be a screen with a touchscreen function, where the screen shows which item is in which compartment and where the item can be selected and dispensed using the screen. The operating device has the appropriate software for this purpose.The software may also include a search function that allows you to search for a specific item.

[0020] It can also be designed for an object to be scanned using a scanner on the machine, which is then displayed on the operating device. This allows the operator to search for an object that is physically in front of them at the operating device.

[0021] The database stores a variety of information that is captured by the operating device as soon as a user requests an item to be dispensed using the operating device. In addition to the dispensed item itself, this includes, for example, the time the item was dispensed, the project for which the item is intended, and / or the user's name. Refilling the vending machine is normally performed by an authorized person who can mechanically open the vending machine. During or after refilling, the database is synchronized according to the items sorted into the compartments.

[0022] Different authorization levels can be provided for selecting and releasing an item. For example, selecting the item may be subject to a lower authorization level (e.g., a worker in a department), while releasing the item via the machine may be subject to a higher authorization level (e.g., a department manager).

[0023] The item storage area can contain several rows of compartments arranged parallel to one another, each with an automatically movable shelf. An actuator can be provided for each movable shelf in the rows of compartments, by means of which the shelf can be moved.

[0024] If multiple rows of compartments are arranged in the item storage area, a larger number of compartments are available into which items can be placed. This allows the vending machine to be filled with more items and can be used for longer periods before needing to be refilled. With the parallel arrangement of the rows of compartments, the individual rows are independent of each other and each row can be used in parallel. This means, for example, that a first row of compartments can be filled with a first type of item and a second row with a second type of item, allowing access to the desired type of item at any time.

[0025] It can also be arranged so that different items are arranged in each row of compartments. This allows a large number of different items to be provided in the vending machine.

[0026] The compartments of one row of compartments can have different sizes and / or the compartments of several rows of compartments can have different sizes from each other.

[0027] The actuator can be a linear actuator or an actuator with a linear drive. The actuator is designed to move the movable floor of a row of compartments in the longitudinal direction of the row. The actuator includes the components necessary to establish a coupling with the floor and to move the floor.

[0028] It can be provided that the at least one automatically movable shelf is a rigid body, in particular a rigid plate. The shelf is sufficiently stable that it can support the objects arranged in the compartments without bending. At the same time, the shelf is designed to be sufficiently stable that it can be moved linearly by means of the actuator.

[0029] The at least one automatically movable floor can be a rollable belt, in particular a metal belt, which is automatically rolled up or unrolled when moved by means of the actuator.

[0030] Designing the movable floor as a rollable belt offers the advantage that very little space is required in the direction of movement of the floor once it has been pushed out of the row of compartments. Only as much space is needed as the floor requires when fully rolled up. If, however, the floor is designed as a rigid body, a space corresponding to the length of the floor is required behind the row of compartments. The actuator and the at least one automatically movable floor can be coupled with a frictional or positive fit.

[0031] A frictional coupling between the actuator and the movable floor refers to a coupling in which a component of the actuator is frictionally connected to the floor. This component is driven and, via the frictional connection, transmits a force to the floor, causing the floor to move. For a frictional connection, the actuator can, for example, have a roller that is pressed against the floor with sufficient force to create a frictional connection. For this purpose, both the roller and the floor can be roughened at the contact surfaces. Alternatively, only the roller or the floor can have a rough surface. This creates a more effective frictional connection.

[0032] A positive coupling between the actuator and the movable floor means a coupling in which a component of the actuator is positively connected to the floor. This component is driven and, via the positive connection, transmits a force to the floor, causing the floor to move. As an example of a positive connection, the actuator can have a gear, for example, and the floor can have corresponding recesses into which the gear can engage to create a positive connection. The recesses can be provided in the floor itself. It can also be provided that the floor has a toothed rack in a lateral region into which the teeth of the actuator's gear can engage.

[0033] At least a portion of one or more of the rows of compartments may be designed as a magazine that can be removed from and reinserted into the object storage area, wherein a magazine base can be coupled to the actuator and the magazine base forms the automatically displaceable base.

[0034] The magazine may comprise a magazine housing with four side walls and a magazine cover, as well as the magazine base. The magazine housing and the magazine base enclose an interior magazine area containing one or more compartments for storing items. The magazine housing is designed to be robust enough to protect the items inside as effectively as possible against external influences.

[0035] If at least one section of one or more of the rows of compartments is designed as a magazine, then the rows of compartments can be easily removed from the item storage area and reinserted. In this case, at least one section of the individual row of compartments forms an independent unit. The section of the row of compartments can be removed when the individual compartments in the section are empty and filled outside the machine and then reinserted into the machine. In this way, a filled section can be kept ready and quickly swapped for an empty section from the machine. This minimizes the time the machine cannot be used or at least one section of an individual row of compartments is missing or cannot be accessed when it is being filled. In this way, modular rows of compartments with compartments of different sizes can also be used.

[0036] It may also be designed so that the magazine is not refilled and is instead disposed of after all compartments are empty. In this case, the magazine serves as disposable packaging for the items it contains, which can be purchased as a unit and quickly replaced in the vending machine.

[0037] It can be arranged for a supplier to directly load the machine with filled magazines. A customer who has the machine at their disposal then only has to worry about removing the empty magazines, or the customer only has to worry about removing the products / tools / workpieces. The empty magazines can also be removed by the external supplier when the machine is refilled.

[0038] The section of the compartment row in the form of a magazine can have a magazine base that prevents objects from falling out of the individual compartments and can simultaneously be coupled to the actuator, thus forming the automatically movable base of the machine. The magazine base can have a projection or recess that directly couples the magazine base to the actuator when the magazine is inserted into the object storage area. In addition, further elements can be provided that secure the magazine within the object storage area.

[0039] Additionally, the magazine base may have a locking mechanism that allows the magazine base to be moved only after the locking mechanism has been unlocked. This may, for example, only be possible with a specific key. The locking mechanism may also be a seal between the magazine base and a magazine housing, which is destroyed as soon as the magazine base is pushed open even slightly.

[0040] The magazines are particularly suitable for transport and can therefore be easily filled at a location other than the vending machine. For example, the magazines can be filled with items directly at the manufacturer's site. This eliminates the need to package the items separately and then fill them into the magazines later in a separate process. The items can also be filled into the magazines by a supplier or another service provider within the supply chain.

[0041] The magazines can also be designed so that one magazine has two or more rows of compartments arranged side by side. For this purpose, each row of compartments can have a movable base, or a movable base can be provided for the at least two rows of compartments. If a movable base is provided for the at least two rows of compartments, at least two parallel compartments of the rows can be released simultaneously by moving this base. This allows multiple items to be released simultaneously.

[0042] The item transfer device can be a pull-out drawer. The machine can be designed so that an item is only released when the drawer is fully retracted. This eliminates the risk of an item falling behind the drawer. Likewise, the machine can also be designed so that the drawer is only released after an item has been released and is therefore located in the drawer.

[0043] Furthermore, the object transfer device can have a chute and a stop, whereby an object falls from the object storage area onto the slope and slides from there to the stop. An opening can be provided at the stop, through which the operator only needs to reach in to remove the object at the stop.

[0044] The article transfer device can be a conveyor belt, wherein an article falls from the article storage area onto the conveyor belt and is conveyed by the conveyor belt to a removal location. The removal location is a location accessible by an operator to pick up the article. A stop can be provided to which the article is conveyed by the conveyor belt and stopped there to be removed by the operator. An article receiving area can also be provided into which the article falls after being conveyed there by the conveyor belt. The article can then be removed from the article receiving area by the operator. The conveyor belt can be configured to start moving automatically as soon as an article has been released and is therefore on the conveyor belt.

[0045] In the embodiment in which the object transfer device has a chute and a stop or is a conveyor belt, an operator is provided with quick and easy access to the object after it has been released. Since the object automatically slides toward the stop or the conveyor belt automatically moves the object toward the operator, the object can be said to be ejected.

[0046] The drawer or the slope or the conveyor belt may have an impact-absorbing surface, such as a fleece or foam rubber.

[0047] An impact-resistant surface ensures that the falling object is not damaged. This means that the items stored in the vending machine can be more delicate items that would be easily damaged if dropped from a great height or hit a hard surface.

[0048] A control device may be provided, wherein the control device is connected to the operating device and the actuator, and a corresponding input at the operating device is transmitted to the actuator by means of the control device in order to release a selected object.

[0049] The control device ensures that an input made by an operator on the control device is transmitted to the actuator. The input, which is present at this point as an electronic signal, is then translated into a movement by the actuator and transmitted to the movable floor. Subsequently, the floor moves and releases the object selected by the operator.

[0050] An interface unit with an interface to a database can be provided, wherein the interface unit automatically makes at least one piece of information detected by the control device and / or by the operating device available to the database.

[0051] The interface unit transmits information via electronic signals from the control device and / or the operating device to the database. This can be information entered directly by an operator at the operating device. However, it can also be information that is also transmitted to the control device, as the control device requires it for the operation of the machine. The information can be transmitted in real time.

[0052] The following information can be made available to the database via the interface unit:

[0053] - which item was released by the machine, and / or

[0054] - at what time was the item released by the machine, and / or

[0055] - for which project and / or for which cost center and / or for which machine and / or for which order was the item taken from the machine, and / or

[0056] - which operator removed the item from the machine.

[0057] In order to be able to trace the respective project, a project number for which the item is intended can be queried. In order to trace the operator, the operator's personal identification number can be queried. This information is of interest to a vending machine administrator, for example. They can quickly view it via the database. This ensures that they are always aware of the vending machine's fill level and can reorder in good time. In addition, planning for individual projects is easier if the exact tool consumption for this project is already known. In addition, the storage time of the tools in the vending machine can be continuously and permanently measured or recorded. This allows the administrator to see whether one operator (employee) needs more tools than another.For example, quality fluctuations in the material being processed or the tool itself can be detected in a timely manner.

[0058] A password may be required to select an item at the operating device. A login may also be required at the vending machine, for example, using an RFID chip.

[0059] By means of the interface unit, information from the database can be automatically made available to the control device and / or the operating device.

[0060] The interface unit transmits information from the database to the control unit and / or the operating unit using electronic signals. This can, for example, be information stored in the database by an administrator. The information transfer can occur in real time.

[0061] The following information can be made available to the control device and / or the operating device via the interface unit:

[0062] - which employee needs an item, and / or

[0063] - which item is needed or which item should be removed, and / or

[0064] - when is the item needed, and / or

[0065] - for which order is the item needed, and / or

[0066] - for which machine is the item needed, and / or

[0067] - which cost center is the item assigned to.

[0068] The machine can be configured to release a selected item only after the operator enters the reason for the change or desired data about the previously used item. This could, for example, include information about the type of wear and tear on the item.

[0069] The vending machine may be equipped with a scanner for a machine-readable code or an RFID chip. The machine-readable code could be a barcode, for example.

[0070] It can be provided that a machine-readable code or an RFID chip is attached to each item. The code or chip stores at least one piece of information about the item. The scanner can read the code or RFID chip, and the information can be stored in the database. For example, when filling the vending machine, it is possible to quickly record which item has just been filled.

[0071] The removal of objects can be carried out as follows: An operator scans a tool list which they receive with an order and which lists all the tools required for the order. The scanning process transmits all the tools that are to be dispensed to the machine's control unit. In this way, the dispensing of all tools on the tool list can be triggered with a single scanning process. It can be provided that a machine-readable code or an RFID chip is arranged on each magazine. The code or chip can be used to store at least one piece of information about each of the objects in the magazine, which can all be saved in the database with a single scanning process. For example, when the machine is being filled, a single scanning process can be used to record which objects have just been put in.

[0072] The vending machine is generally intended to be placed in a location where tools or workpieces are particularly needed. This could be a company workshop. However, it is also conceivable to place the vending machine in a publicly accessible location. In this case, the vending machine can be equipped with a payment function, allowing a customer to purchase a tool or workpiece through the vending machine.

[0073] The machine can be designed to be movable, allowing it to be moved from one location to another. The machine can be designed to be moved by an autonomous moving unit (robot).

[0074] Furthermore, a magazine for a vending machine for dispensing items is provided. The magazine comprises a magazine housing with four side walls and a magazine cover, as well as a magazine base. The magazine housing and the magazine base enclose an interior magazine area in which one or more compartments for receiving items are formed. The magazine base has a coupling means for coupling to an actuator of the vending machine, or is formed by a removable cover.

[0075] The magazine can be removed from an object storage area of ​​the machine and reinserted, whereby the magazine base can be coupled to an actuator of the machine by means of the coupling means and the magazine base can form an automatically movable base of the machine.

[0076] It may also be designed so that the magazine is not refilled and is instead disposed of after all compartments are empty. In this case, the magazine serves as disposable packaging for the items it contains, which can be purchased as a unit and quickly replaced in the vending machine.

[0077] The magazine base can be provided as a removable cover, such as a film, on the underside of the magazine. The cover thus forms the magazine base, preventing items from falling out. The cover is positioned on the magazine in such a way that it can still be removed once the magazine has been inserted into the item storage area. The automatically movable base is then part of the machine.

[0078] The advantages described above with reference to the vending machine apply analogously to the magazine for a vending machine for dispensing items for such a vending machine.

[0079] Furthermore, a method according to the invention for dispensing objects from a vending machine for dispensing objects is provided, comprising the following steps: selecting an object to be dispensed on an operating device of the machine, controlling an actuator by means of a control device,

[0080] Moving a base of a row of compartments to release a compartment of the row of compartments so that the object located in the compartment falls into an object transfer device arranged below, and

[0081] Removing the object from the object transfer device. The advantages described above with reference to the vending machine apply analogously to the method according to the invention for dispensing objects using such a vending machine.

[0082] Furthermore, a machine tool with an automatic device according to the invention for dispensing objects is provided. The machine tool is, in particular, a milling machine, a lathe, or a CNC machining center.

[0083] If the machine is designed for a milling machine, the items in the machine are primarily those necessary for the operation of the milling machine. These could be cutting tools for the milling machine, for example. It may be planned that the cutting tools need to be replaced because they are worn out. It may also be planned that a cutting tool of a different size is required for the next milling operation. In both cases, the required cutting tool can be quickly provided by the machine, allowing the milling machine to continue operating.

[0084] The machine tool can be a machine tool that is approximately the same size as the machine. In this case, the machine can be installed adjacent to the machine tool.

[0085] If the machine tool is sufficiently large, the machine can be an integral part of the machine tool.

[0086] A large machine tool can have tool cabinets, such as drawers. The tool cabinets can be arranged separately or be an integral part of the machine tool. The machine can be integrated into an existing tool cabinet, for example, by inserting drawers designed according to the present invention. This allows for easy retrofitting. If necessary, an additional control console can be provided in or near the tool cabinet. Of course, a separately designed tool cabinet according to the invention can also be coupled to an existing machine.

[0087] The advantages described above with reference to the vending machine and the method for dispensing objects with such a vending machine apply analogously to the machine tool with such a vending machine.

[0088] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description and the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures. These show:

[0089] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vending machine according to the invention for dispensing objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0090] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0091] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the vending machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the vending machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with objects, wherein a housing, an operating device and an actuator are not shown, in

[0092] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with further objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0093] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with further objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0094] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with further objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0095] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects with further objects in a further embodiment, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0096] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing articles, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown and the rows of compartments are designed as magazines, in

[0097] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects, wherein a housing and an operating device are not shown, in

[0098] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the machine according to the invention for dispensing objects, in

[0099] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an electronic connection or a data connection from the machine according to the invention to a database and from there to an accounting system, an ordering system and to a machine tool, in particular a milling machine, and in

[0100] Figure 13 typical dimensions for the machine’s magazines.

[0101] A vending machine 1 (Fig. 11) for dispensing objects 2 according to an embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below (Figs. 1 to 11). The vending machine 1 is intended, in particular, for dispensing tools and workpieces.

[0102] The vending machine 1 comprises a housing 15. Within the housing 15, the vending machine 1 has an item storage area 3 and an item transfer device 4 arranged underneath. An operator can remove an item 2 released by the vending machine 1 from the item transfer device 4. An operating device 16 for operating the vending machine 1 by the operator is arranged on the vending machine 1 outside the housing.

[0103] The object storage area 3 is essentially an area in which at least one compartment 5, normally a plurality of compartments 5, is arranged. The compartments 5 can be arranged side by side on a horizontal plane and / or one above the other on several horizontal planes. Each of the compartments 5 stores one of the objects 2. These can be completely different objects (Figs. 5 to 7).

[0104] The item transfer device 4 is essentially a device that is accessible or openable from the outside. It allows an operator of the vending machine 1 to access the item 2 released by the vending machine 1 in order to remove it from the vending machine 1.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the object storage area 3 comprises several rows of compartments 6 arranged parallel to one another, each containing several compartments 5. The rows of compartments 6 are arranged adjacent to one another on a horizontal plane. The individual compartments

[0106] 5 of the rows of 6 compartments are all the same size. However, it is also possible that the compartments 5 of one row of 6 compartments have different sizes and / or that the compartments 5 of several rows

[0107] 6 different sizes to each other.

[0108] The rows of compartments 6, or the individual compartments 5 of the rows of compartments 6, are open at the top and bottom. In this case, the term "bottom" refers to a downward direction 7 relative to the horizontal plane formed by the adjacent rows of compartments 6. "Top" refers to an upward direction 8 opposite to the direction 7. The compartments 5 have a side edge 18 running all the way around the sides, which simultaneously determines the height of the compartments 5, or in this case, also of the rows of compartments 6.

[0109] Below the compartments 5 of each of the compartment rows 6, a movable floor 10 extends in the longitudinal direction 9 of the compartment row 6 over the length of the compartment row 6. The floor 10 is a rigid plate and completely covers the downward-facing openings of the compartments 5. The floor 10 is movable in the longitudinal direction 9 of the respective compartment row 6 in order to gradually release the compartments 5 of the compartment row 6 so that the object 2 located in the compartment 5 falls downwards into the object transfer device 4. Likewise, the floor 10 can also be moved in the opposite direction so that it covers the compartments 5 again (Fig. 4). The floor 10 is arranged independently of the respective compartment row 6. However, the floor 10 can also be a component of the respective compartment row 6.

[0110] The compartment rows 6 can be removed from the item storage area 3 and reinserted. The compartment rows 6 can be filled within the item storage area 3. However, the compartment rows 6 can also be filled outside the vending machine 1. If the base 10 is not part of the respective compartment row 6, a removable cover, for example a film, can be provided on the underside of the compartment rows 6. The cover thus forms a base for the compartment row 6, preventing the objects 2 from falling out. The cover is arranged on the compartment row 6 in such a way that it can still be removed when the compartment row 6 is placed on the base 10.

[0111] The base 10 of each of the compartment rows 6 is coupled to an actuator 11. By means of the actuator 11, the base 10 can be displaced along the longitudinal direction 9 of the respective compartment row 6. The actuators 11 are actuators with a linear drive 12. The actuators 11 comprise a drive rod 13 which is connected to the linear drive 12. The linear drive 12 sets the drive rod 13 in a rotary motion. The drive rod 13 is a rod with a rotating thread. Preferably, the rotating thread is a recirculating ball screw with particularly low mechanical resistance. At an end of the drive rod 13 opposite the linear drive 12, a carriage 14 is arranged on the drive rod 13. The carriage 14 has a thread and is connected to the rotating thread of the drive rod 13 in such a way that the carriage 14 is moved translationally along the longitudinal direction 9 of the row of compartments 6 in front of or behind by the rotational movement of the drive rod 13.is moved back. One rotation of the drive rod 13 corresponds to a specific distance traveled by the base 10. This allows the actuator 11 to precisely release compartments 5 of different sizes. For this purpose, the actuator 11 knows the corresponding compartment size.

[0112] The slide 14 of the actuator 11 is positively and releasably coupled to the base 10 of the respective compartment row 6. For this purpose, the base 10 has a projection behind which the slide 14 engages. The positive connection can be released or established by raising or lowering the base 10. If the slide 14 and the base 10 are coupled, a translational movement of the slide 14 is transmitted directly to the base 10.

[0113] For coupling the slide 14 to the base 10, it can also be provided that the slide 14 has a projection, and the base 10 has a corresponding recess into which the projection of the slide 14 can engage. The recess can be provided in the base 10 itself. It is also possible for the recess to be arranged in a lateral region of the base 10. Furthermore, it can be provided that the base 10 or the slide 14 has a hook, and the slide 14 or the base 10 has a corresponding counterpart for coupling to the hook. Another possibility is a magnetic coupling between the base 10 and the slide 14.

[0114] It can also be provided that the slide 14 of the actuator 11 is frictionally coupled to the base 10 of the respective compartment row 6. This can result in the slide 14 being pressed onto the base 10. For this purpose, both the slide 14 and the base 10 can be roughened at the contact surfaces. This creates a more effective frictional connection. A translational movement of the slide 14 is then transmitted to the base 10 due to the frictional connection between the slide 14 and the base, causing the base 10 to be displaced in the longitudinal direction 9 of the respective compartment row 6.

[0115] The object transfer device 4 is arranged below the object storage area 3, pointing in direction 7. The area of ​​the object transfer device 4 essentially corresponds to that of the object storage area 3. It is crucial that the object transfer device 4 covers the entire object storage area 3, so that an object 2 falling downwards lands safely within it.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the object transfer device 4 is a pull-out drawer that is pulled out by the operator as soon as an object 2 is located therein. The object 2 can then be easily removed from the drawer by the operator, while all other objects 2 remain inaccessible.

[0117] The machine 1 can be designed so that an object 2 is only released when the drawer is fully retracted. This eliminates the risk of an object 2 falling behind the drawer.

[0118] The drawer has an impact-resistant surface, such as a fleece or foam rubber. This prevents a falling object 2 from being damaged when it hits the surface of the drawer.

[0119] Instead of a drawer, the object transfer device 4 can also be a chute with a stop at its end. An object 2 then falls onto the chute and slides by itself towards the stop, where it is held. An opening can then be provided at the stop, through which an operator can reach in to remove the object 2. The chute also has an impact-absorbing surface. A conveyor belt can also be provided as the object transfer device 4. The object 2 from the object storage area 3 then falls onto the conveyor belt and is conveyed by the conveyor belt to a removal location. A stop can be provided as the removal location, to which the object 2 is conveyed by the conveyor belt and stopped there to be removed by the operator. An object receiving area can also be provided as the removal location, into which the object 2 falls after being conveyed there by the conveyor belt.The object 2 can then be removed by the operator from the object receiving area. The conveyor belt also has an impact-absorbing surface.

[0120] The operating device 16 is located on the outside of the housing 15 of the vending machine 1. The operating device 16 is a screen on which an operator can select the item 2 he or she wishes to dispense.

[0121] A control device 17 is provided (Fig. 12). The control device 17 is electronically connected to the operating device 16 and the actuator 11. An input from the operating device 16 is transmitted to the corresponding actuator 11 via the control device 17.

[0122] Furthermore, an interface unit 24 is provided. The interface unit 24 provides an electronic interface from the operating device 16 and the control device 17 to a database 25. By means of the interface unit 24, information is transmitted from the operating device 16 and the control device 17 to the database 25 via corresponding data connections (wired connections and / or radio connections) for storage there. Conversely, information is also transmitted from the database 25 to the operating device 16 or the control device 17.

[0123] The database 25 is also connected to an accounting system 26, which automatically records the withdrawn tools or other items 2 and, if necessary, also assigns them to the respective projects for accounting purposes, and an ordering system 27. The ordering system 27 records the tools or other items 2 used and automatically generates corresponding order suggestions as needed, ensuring that the tools are always delivered on time. The accounting system 26 and the ordering system 27 can, in turn, also be linked to each other. Other planning programs for work preparation and other programs can also be connected.

[0124] Since the database 25 is connected to the operating device 16 of the vending machine 1, it records, for example, which item 2 has just been dispensed. The ordering system 26 also receives this information immediately—or at the desired interval—and can reorder directly as needed.

[0125] It can be provided that the operating device 16 of the machine 1 is connected via a data line to a machine control device 28 of a machine tool 29, for which the objects 2 in the machine 1 are intended. The machine tool 29 is, in particular, a milling machine or a lathe, and the objects 2 arranged in the machine are, in particular, cutting tools for this machine. The machine tool 29 can also be a different type of machine that uses objects 2 in the form of tools. (By means of the machine control device 28, the operator of the machine 1 can be shown on the operating device 16, for example, which cutting tool is currently in use. This allows the operator to quickly select the same cutting tool if a new cutting tool should be necessary due to wear.)) Thus, the operator can also be shown on the operating device 16 which cutting tool is required for the next process step. It can also be provided that the machine tool 29 has an API ("Application Programming Interface"). Thus, the machine 1 can be connected to the machine tool 29 in such a way that the information from the operating device 16 of the machine 1 can be displayed on an operating device of the machine tool 29.

[0126] If the machine control device 28 is designed with an automatic maintenance function that automatically detects tool wear, it can issue a message to the operator (visually via display; message to a data terminal such as a mobile phone or computer; acoustically via loudspeaker) or directly control the machine 1 to dispense the corresponding tool.

[0127] In a further embodiment, the rows of compartments 6 can be designed as magazines 23 (Fig. 9). The individual magazines 23 are designed such that they can be removed from and reinserted into the object storage area 3.

[0128] The respective magazine 23 has a magazine housing 30 and a magazine base 31. The magazine housing 30 has four side walls 32 and a magazine cover 33. The magazine housing 30 and the magazine base 31 are designed to completely enclose an interior magazine area 35 of the magazine 23.

[0129] The magazine's interior 35 contains compartments 5 in which objects 2 can be stored. Side walls 18 of the compartments 5, which separate the individual compartments 5 from each other, are as high as the height of the magazine 23 itself. Thus, even if the magazine 23 tips over, objects 2 cannot move from one compartment 5 to another.

[0130] A viewing opening 34 is provided in the magazine cover 33 in a longitudinal direction of the magazine 23, through which the contents of the compartments 5 of the magazine 23 can be seen. The magazine 34 can also be designed to be transparent, thus eliminating the need for the viewing opening 34. The magazine cover 33 can be opened. The magazine cover 33 can also be designed to be non-openable and firmly connected to the side walls 32.

[0131] The magazine base 31 simultaneously forms the movable base 10. The magazine base 31 has a coupling means for coupling to the actuator 11 when inserting the magazine 23 into the object storage area 3. For this purpose, the magazine base 31 and the slide 14 of the actuator 11 can have a corresponding projection or recess that engage with each other. In addition, further elements can be provided that fix the magazine 23 within the object storage area 3.

[0132] It can also be provided that the movable base 10 is not part of the magazine 23. A removable cover, for example a film, can be provided on the underside of the magazine 23. Thus, the cover forms the magazine base 32, preventing the objects 2 from falling out. The cover is arranged on the magazine 23 in such a way that it can still be removed when the magazine 23 is inserted into the object storage area 3.

[0133] In addition, the magazine base 31 and / or the magazine cover 33 can have a locking mechanism that only allows the magazine base 31 to be moved or the magazine cover 33 to be opened after the locking mechanism has been unlocked. This can, for example, only be possible with a specific key. The locking mechanism can, for example, also be a seal between the magazine base 31 and the magazine housing 30 or between the magazine cover 33 and the magazine housing 30, which is destroyed as soon as the magazine base 31 is pushed open a little or the magazine cover 33 is opened a little. The magazines 23 can also be designed such that a magazine 23 has two or more rows of compartments 6 arranged next to one another. For this purpose, it can be provided that each of the rows of compartments 6 has a movable base 10, or that a movable base 10 is provided for the at least two rows of compartments 6.

[0134] Typical dimensions for the magazines 23 are listed in Figure 13. An inner length of each compartment 5 refers to a length of the individual compartments 5 in a longitudinal direction of the compartment rows 6. An inner width of each compartment 5 refers to a width of the individual compartments 5 in a transverse direction of the compartment rows 6. An inner height of each compartment 5 refers to a height of the individual compartments 5.

[0135] In a further embodiment, the movable base 10 is not a rigid plate, but a rollable belt 19, in particular a metal belt (Fig. 8). The belt 19 forms the base 10 and is automatically rolled up or unrolled when moved in the longitudinal direction 9 of the respective row of compartments 6. Thus, only a small amount of space is required for the base 10 in the direction of movement. Essentially, only as much space is required as the belt 19 requires in a fully rolled-up state.

[0136] The belt 19 is coupled to a driven roller 21. Driving the roller 21 causes it to rotate. This rotational movement causes the belt 19 to wind up and unwind.

[0137] A line sensor may be arranged on the roller 21 and markings on the belt 19. This allows the distance of the belt 19 to be determined.

[0138] If the compartment rows 6 are configured as magazines 23, then the band 19 forms the base of the magazine 23. The band 19 is configured with a projection relative to the magazine 23 and has a coupling means at its end so that, when the magazine 23 is inserted into the object storage area 3, it can be coupled to a roller onto which the band 19 can be rolled.

[0139] Furthermore, a method according to the invention for dispensing objects 2 is provided with a vending machine 1 for dispensing objects 2, as explained above using an exemplary embodiment.

[0140] Machine 1 is set up at a location where tools or workpieces are particularly needed. This could be a workshop. Machine 1

[0141] Compartments 5 of the machine 1 are filled with objects 2, in particular tools or workpieces. The compartments 5 are arranged in rows 6. The rows 6 each have a movable base 10 on which the objects 2 are arranged.

[0142] An operator of the machine 1 selects an item 2 to be dispensed on an operating device 16 of the machine 1.

[0143] By means of a control device 17 of the machine 1, the operator's input is electronically processed and transmitted as a corresponding command to an actuator 11 of the machine 1. This actuator 11 is assigned to the row of compartments 6 in which the compartment 5 containing the selected item 2 is located.

[0144] A linear drive 12 of the actuator 11 is driven. Since the actuator 11 is coupled to the base 10 of the compartment row 6, the base 10 is set in a translational movement in a longitudinal direction 9 of the compartment row 6. The base 10 moves in the longitudinal direction 9 of the compartment row 6 and releases the compartment 5 in which the selected object 2 is located. Due to the shifted base 10 of the compartment row 6, the selected object 2 falls into a designated object transfer device 4.

[0145] The object transfer device 4 is designed as a drawer. This can be pulled open by the operator so that he or she can remove the object 2.

[0146] List of reference symbols

[0147] 1 machine

[0148] 2 Item

[0149] 3 Item storage area

[0150] 4 Item transfer device

[0151] 5 compartments

[0152] 6 compartment series

[0153] 7 Direction down

[0154] 8 Direction up

[0155] 9 Longitudinal direction

[0156] 10 movable floor

[0157] 11 Actuator

[0158] 12 Linear drive

[0159] 13 Drive rod

[0160] 14 sleds

[0161] 15 housings

[0162] 16 Control device

[0163] 17 Control device

[0164] 18 margin

[0165] 19 volumes

[0166] 20

[0167] 21 roll

[0168] 22

[0169] 23 Magazine

[0170] 24 Interface unit

[0171] 25 Database

[0172] 26 Accounting system

[0173] 27 Ordering system

[0174] 28 Machine control device

[0175] 29 Machine tool (especially milling machine)

[0176] 30 magazine housings

[0177] 31 Magazine base

[0178] 32 side wall

[0179] 33 magazine cover

[0180] 34 Viewing opening

[0181] 35 Magazine interior

Claims

Patent claims 1. A vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2), in particular tools and workpieces, having an object storage area (3), wherein at least one row of compartments (6) with a plurality of compartments (5) is arranged in the object storage area (3), which compartments can be released one after the other, and an object (2) located in the respective compartment (5) can be removed, wherein an operating device (16) is provided by means of which the compartments (5) can be released, and wherein the row of compartments (6) has an automatically displaceable base (10) which can be displaced by means of an actuator (11) in the longitudinal direction (9) of the row of compartments (6) for opening individual compartments (5) in such a way that an object (2) located in the compartment (5) falls into an object transfer device (4) arranged underneath.

2. Vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the object storage area (3) several rows of compartments (6) arranged parallel to one another, each with an automatically displaceable base (10) are arranged.

3. Vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one automatically displaceable base (10) is a rollable belt, in particular a metal belt, which is automatically rolled up or unrolled when moved by means of the actuator (11).

4. Vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuator (11) and the at least one automatically displaceable base (10) are coupled to one another in a frictionally or positively locking manner.

5. A vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a section of one or more of the rows of compartments (6) is designed as a magazine (23) which can be removed from the object storage area (3) and reinserted, wherein a magazine base (31) can be coupled to the actuator (11) and the magazine base (31) forms the automatically displaceable base (10).

6. Vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the object transfer device (4) is a pull-out drawer.

7. Machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the object transfer device (4) has a slide and a stop, wherein an object (2) falls from the object storage area (3) onto the slope and slides from there to the stop.

8. A vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the object transfer device (4) is a conveyor belt, wherein an object (2) falls from the object storage area (3) onto the conveyor belt and is conveyed by the conveyor belt to a removal location.

9. A machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the drawer or the slope or the conveyor belt has an impact-resistant surface, such as a fleece or a foam rubber.

10. Vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a control device (17) is provided, wherein the control device (17) is connected to the operating device (16) and the actuator (11) and a corresponding input at the operating device (16) is transmitted to the actuator (11) by means of the control device (17) in order to release a selected object (2).

11. Vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an interface unit with an interface to a database is provided, wherein the interface unit automatically makes at least one item of information, which is detected by the control device (17) and / or by the operating device (16), available to the database.

12. Machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the following information is made available to the database by means of the interface unit: - which item (2) was released by the machine (1), and / or - at what time was the item (2) released by the machine (1), and / or - for which project and / or for which cost centre and / or for which machine and / or for which order was the item (2) taken from the machine (1), and / or - by which operator was the item (2) taken from the machine (1).

13. Magazine (23) for a vending machine (1) for dispensing objects (2), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a magazine housing (30) with four side walls (32) and a magazine lid (33), and a magazine base (31), wherein the magazine housing (30) and the magazine base (31) enclose a magazine interior region (35) in which one or more compartments (5) for receiving objects (2) are formed, and wherein the magazine base (31) has a coupling means in order to be coupled to an actuator (11) of the vending machine (1), or wherein the magazine base (31) is formed by a removable cover.

14. A method for dispensing objects (2) from a machine (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising Selecting an item (2) to be dispensed on an operating device (16) of the machine (1), Controlling an actuator (11) by means of a control device (17), Moving a base (10) of a row of compartments (6) to release a compartment (5) of the row of compartments (6) so that the object (2) located in the compartment (5) falls into an object transfer device (4) arranged thereunder, and Removing the object (2) from the object transfer device (4).

15. Machine tool with an automatic device (1) for dispensing objects (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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