Envelope dispenser with locking mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for lottery tickets or individual lottery tickets with a front opening, a movable cover that covers the front opening and can be moved between an open and a closed position, a locking mechanism on the back of the dispenser which, in a locking position, prevents the cover from being opened and preferably locks automatically when the cover is closed, and a release element on the back of the dispenser which, when actuated, causes the locking mechanism to be moved into an unlocked position, thereby allowing the cover to be moved into an open position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for lottery tickets or individual lottery tickets, in particular according to claim 1.

[0002] Lottery tickets and individual lottery tickets are often stored and dispensed in dispensers. These dispensers allow authorized personnel to easily and control the removal of tickets. Typically, such dispensers include an opening through which the tickets can be removed, as well as a cover that seals this opening.

[0003] However, conventional dispensers for lottery tickets and individual tickets have some disadvantages. Often, the covers are not sufficiently secure, allowing unauthorized access to the tickets. This can be particularly problematic if the operator is briefly absent.

[0004] It was recognized that a dispenser for both individual and package lottery tickets was needed that would overcome these problems. Such a dispenser should prevent unauthorized access while simultaneously allowing for easy operation by authorized personnel.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a dispenser having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Preferred aspects and further developments are specified in the description and dependent claims.

[0007] In a first aspect, a dispenser for lottery tickets or individual lottery tickets is provided. The dispenser comprises a front opening, a movable cover that covers the front opening and can be moved between an open and a closed position, a locking mechanism on the back of the dispenser which, in a locked position, prevents the cover from being opened and preferably locks automatically when the cover is closed, and a release element on the back of the dispenser which, when actuated, causes the locking mechanism to move into an unlocked position, thereby allowing the cover to be moved into an open position.

[0008] This configuration enables the secure and controlled dispensing of lottery tickets or individual tickets, with access to the tickets restricted to authorized personnel. The locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access, while the unlocking element allows for easy operation by authorized individuals.

[0009] The dispenser can feature a positive guidance system with a guide pin, whereby the guide pin can be operatively connected to the cover, and the release element can position the guide pin in the positive guidance system to release it for movement in the opening direction. This positive guidance system with guide pin ensures precise and controlled movement of the cover, which increases the reliability and durability of the dispenser.

[0010] The dispenser can feature a positive guidance system with a guide pin that is operatively connected to the cover, whereby the release element can position the positive guidance system relative to the guide pin to release the movement in the opening direction. This positive guidance configuration offers additional flexibility in the dispenser's design and can be advantageous depending on specific requirements.

[0011] The positive guidance system can include a guide cam along which the guide pin can be movably mounted. The use of a guide cam enables even more precise control of the cover movement and allows for more complex motion sequences.

[0012] The guide cam can be shaped to precisely direct the movement of the guide pin and ensure controlled locking and unlocking of the cover. This specific shape of the guide cam contributes to improved operational reliability and user-friendliness of the dispenser. The guide cam can, at least partially, mimic the movement of the guide pin during opening and closing. For example, the guide cam on the moving part can have a hockey stick shape. However, the shape of the guide cam can depend on the position of the moving part on which the guide cam is located.According to the invention, it can be provided that the movable part, which carries the guide cam, in a closed state provides a position for the guide pin in the guide roller, in which the latter must first undergo a local displacement by the unlocking element in order to bring the movable part into a synchronized position with the stationary part of the guide cam, which can be arranged on the housing, in order to enable a concerted movement along both guide cams in parallel and to provide a release for the opening process of the front cover.

[0013] The guide cam can be movably mounted on the dispenser, and the locking mechanism can contact the guide cam, thus preventing movement of the guide cam and therefore of the cover or guide pin when locked. This movable mounting of the guide cam, in combination with the locking mechanism, provides an additional layer of security against unauthorized access.

[0014] The locking mechanism can be positively connected to the flexibly mounted guide cam and moved into its locking position when the cover is closed. This automatic locking upon closing the cover increases user-friendliness and ensures that the dispenser is securely closed after each use.

[0015] The positive guidance system can include a reset mechanism that returns the release element to its initial position after unlocking. This reset mechanism ensures that the release element is in the correct position for the next use after the opening is closed, thus increasing the dispenser's reliability.

[0016] The release element can be designed as a sliding part. This sliding design allows for intuitive and easy operation of the release element.

[0017] The sliding element can perform a linear and / or horizontal movement to control the locking mechanism. The horizontal movement of the sliding element can provide an ergonomic and space-saving solution for controlling the locking mechanism, and is particularly easy to use.

[0018] The locking mechanism can include a snap mechanism that holds the dispenser in the closed position. The snap mechanism provides additional security and can provide audible feedback when closing. The snap mechanism can also lock the release element on the dispenser.

[0019] The release element can be activated by pressing the snap mechanism. This configuration allows for easy and intuitive unlocking of the dispenser.

[0020] The locking mechanism can be designed to lock automatically when the cover is fully inserted. Automatic locking increases user-friendliness and ensures the dispenser is securely closed after each use. When locked, the release element can be fixed to the dispenser.

[0021] The release mechanism is preferably accessible and operable only from the rear of the dispenser, and not from the front. The front is positioned opposite the side with the cover. This arrangement prevents unauthorized access from the front of the dispenser and thus increases security.

[0022] The positive guidance system can prevent incorrect operation of the dispenser by restricting the movement of the unlocking element to a predetermined path, in particular a movement along the guide cam. This restriction of movement reduces the risk of incorrect operation and increases the operational reliability of the dispenser.

[0023] The guide and guide pin can be made of wear-resistant materials to ensure long-term functionality. The use of wear-resistant materials contributes to the dispenser's durability and reliability.

[0024] The dispenser can hold a stack of lottery tickets or individual tickets. This capability allows for efficient storage and dispensing of the tickets.

[0025] The forced guidance system can be designed in two parts, wherein a first part is designed as a guide track fixed to the dispenser and a second part is designed as a guide track movable relative to the dispenser, whereby the guide pin can be arranged in both tracks simultaneously.

[0026] Preferably, the movable part of the guide track can be rotatably mounted on the dispenser. Preferably, the movable part of the guide track can be linearly displaceable, at least over a defined section of the dispenser.

[0027] Preferably, the locking mechanism engages through the movable part of the guide cam, which houses the movable guide track, in a linear guide of the locking mechanism, which is fixed to the dispenser and / or guides the locking mechanism linearly.

[0028] The dispenser can be designed to accommodate batches of varying stack sizes. This flexibility in accommodating different stack sizes increases the dispenser's versatility.

[0029] The release mechanism can be designed to cause a partial or complete relocation of the cover when activated. This feature can simplify dispenser operation by enabling the opening process to be completed in a single step.

[0030] The forced guidance system can include a cam track into which the guide pin can engage or within which it can be movably guided. Using a cam track allows for precise guidance of the guide pin and thus accurate control of the cover's movement.

[0031] The locking mechanism may include a lever that secures the release element against accidental activation. The lever provides an additional safeguard against unintentional activation of the release element.

[0032] The cover can be made of a transparent material to allow visual inspection of the batches. The transparency of the cover enables visual verification of the batch contents without opening the dispenser.

[0033] The dispenser may have markings indicating the correct positioning of the cover in the closed and open positions. These markings can facilitate correct operation of the dispenser and reduce operating errors.

[0034] The dispenser can include an indicator that shows the locking status of the cover. Such an indicator can simplify operation and make the dispenser's safety status immediately apparent.

[0035] The dispenser may include a device for recording the number of batches remaining in the dispenser. This function can facilitate inventory control and enable timely refills.

[0036] The dispenser may include a device for emitting an audible signal when the cover is unlocked. An audible signal can increase security by drawing attention to opening operations.

[0037] The dispenser may include a device for emitting a visual signal when the cover is unlocked. A visual signal can increase security in addition to, or as an alternative to, an audible signal.

[0038] The dispenser may include a device for recording and storing data on lot dispensing. This feature can be useful for auditing purposes and monitoring lot dispensing.

[0039] The dispenser can include an interface for transferring data to an external system. Such an interface enables the integration of the dispenser into higher-level management systems.

[0040] The dispenser may include a device for operator identification. Operator identification can increase security and improve the traceability of transactions.

[0041] The operator identification device may include an RFID reader. An RFID reader provides a contactless and fast method for operator identification and / or release of the unlocking element.

[0042] The dispenser may include a device for recording the time spent dispensing batches. This time recording can be useful for auditing purposes and for analyzing usage patterns.

[0043] The dispenser may include a device for measuring the ambient temperature. This temperature measurement can be used to monitor the storage conditions of the batches.

[0044] The dispenser may include a device for issuing a low-stock warning signal. A low-stock warning signal can facilitate timely refills.

[0045] The dispenser can include a device for automatically reordering batches when stock is low. Automatic reordering can reduce administrative overhead and prevent shortages.

[0046] The dispenser may include a device for measuring the force applied to open the cover. This force measurement can be used to monitor the condition of the opening mechanism and to plan maintenance.

[0047] The dispenser may include a device for adjusting the force required to open the cover. The ability to adjust the force can improve ergonomics and adapt the dispenser to different user groups.

[0048] The dispenser may include a device for detecting the position of the cover. This position detection can be used for monitoring the operating status and for fault detection.

[0049] The dispenser may include a device for emitting a warning signal if the cover is not fully closed. Such a warning signal can increase safety and prevent the dispenser from being left open unintentionally.

[0050] The dispenser may include a device for recording the dwell time of the cover in the open position. Recording this dwell time can be used to optimize operational processes and to detect unusual usage patterns.

[0051] The dispenser may include a device for emitting a warning signal if the cover remains in the open position for an extended period. Such a warning signal can increase safety and draw attention to potential problems or unusual situations.

[0052] The dispenser may include a device for recording and storing maintenance data. Recording maintenance data can facilitate the planning and execution of maintenance work and contribute to extending the dispenser's service life. Additional groups of terms and definitions:

[0053] Individual lottery tickets: Tickets that can be stored and dispensed from a dispenser. These can come in various sizes and formats.

[0054] Front opening: An opening on the front of the dispenser through which lots can be dispensed.

[0055] Movable cover, sliding section: A movable element that covers the front opening and can be moved between an open and closed position. The cover can be made of transparent material to allow visual inspection of the lots.

[0056] Locking mechanism, cover locking device, lock, closure mechanism: A device that can be operated from the rear of the dispenser and prevents the cover from being opened without unlocking it. The mechanism may lock automatically when the cover is closed and may include a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0057] Dispenser: A device for dispensing lottery tickets or individual tickets. The dispenser can hold a stack of tickets and make them available for individual removal.

[0058] Individual lottery tickets: Tickets that are stored and dispensed from a dispenser. These can come in various sizes and formats.

[0059] Front opening [1]: An opening on the front of the dispenser through which lots can be dispensed.

[0060] Movable cover [2], sliding section: A movable element that covers the front opening and can be moved between an open and closed position. The cover may be made of transparent material to allow visual inspection of the lots.

[0061] Locking mechanism [3], cover locking device, lock, locking mechanism: A device operable from the rear of the dispenser that prevents the cover from being opened without unlocking it. The mechanism may lock automatically when the cover is closed and may include a snap-fit ​​mechanism. In principle, the mechanism may also be located on the side, top, or bottom of the dispenser. It may be advantageous for the locking and / or unlocking mechanism to be operable by a person standing at the rear of the dispenser, but inaccessible to a person standing in front of the opening / cover.

[0062] Unlocking element [4], tab, snap mechanism, button, lever: An element located on the rear of the dispenser and / or at least in operative connection with the locking mechanism, preferably in a position that prevents access for a person standing in front of the opening / cover of the dispenser (front), for releasing the cover movement. It can be designed as a sliding part and perform a horizontal movement.

[0063] Forced guidance [5], rail, cam: A device that controls the movement of the guide pin and thus of the cover. It may include a return mechanism and be made of wear-resistant materials. The device may be movably mounted on the dispenser, which can provide a complex movement between the guide pin and the device. The device may also be operatively connected to the locking element and / or be positively guided by it (i.e., one by the other), which can, on the one hand, effect an automated return of the locking element or unlocking element to a starting position (closed position / locked position) when the cover is moved into its closed position.

[0064] Guide pin [6]: An element that is connected to the cover and moves in the forced guidance.

[0065] Guide curve: A part of the positive guidance system along which the guide pin moves. It can be shaped to enable precise steering and controlled locking / unlocking. The guide curve can also be designed to prevent an initial opening movement of the cover, as the guide pin experiences a displacement trajectory when the cover is opened that does not correspond to the trajectory or orientation of the guide curve on the dispenser when the cover is closed. Unlocking allows the guide curve or positive guidance system to align with the dispenser, which can lead to an approximation or alignment of the trajectories of the guide pin and the guide curve, thus enabling the cover to open.Instead of a guide pin, any element of the cover or any other element that interacts with the cover and supports the function of the locking device can be used.

[0066] Return mechanism: A device that returns the unlocking element to its initial position after unlocking. The return mechanism can also be implemented through the interaction of the locking mechanism, positive guidance, and cover, where the return of the cover returns the locking mechanism to its locked position.

[0067] Sliding part: A possible name for the unlocking element, which preferably performs a horizontal movement.

[0068] Snap mechanism: A part of the locking mechanism that interacts with the unlocking element and holds it in the locked position.

[0069] Tab: One possible embodiment of the unlocking element.

[0070] Background: A part of the forced guidance system into which the guide pin can intervene.

[0071] Lever: A possible element of the locking mechanism that can secure the unlocking element against actuation.

[0072] Transparent material: Material from which the cover can be made to allow visual inspection of the lots.

[0073] Markings: Markings on the dispenser that can indicate the correct positioning of the cover in the closed and open positions.

[0074] Indicator: A device that can indicate the locking status of the cover.

[0075] Device for recording the number of remaining lots: A system for monitoring the lot inventory in the dispenser.

[0076] Device for emitting an acoustic signal: A system that can emit an audible signal when the cover is unlocked.

[0077] Device for outputting an optical signal: A system that can output a visible signal when the cover is unlocked.

[0078] Device for recording and storing data: A system for recording information about the taking of lots.

[0079] Data transfer interface: A component for transmitting data to an external system.

[0080] Operator identification device: A system for identifying and authenticating the person operating the dispenser.

[0081] RFID reader: A possible component for identifying the operator using RFID technology.

[0082] Time recording device: A system for recording the time of lot removal.

[0083] Device for detecting ambient temperature: A sensor for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the dispenser.

[0084] Device for issuing a warning signal: A system that can issue a warning signal in the event of low stock levels or other events.

[0085] Automatic reordering device: A system that can automatically trigger a reorder when stock levels are low.

[0086] Force detection device: A sensor for measuring the force applied to open the cover.

[0087] Force adjustment device: A system for regulating the force required to open the cover.

[0088] Device for detecting the position: A sensor for determining the position of the cover.

[0089] Device for recording dwell time: A system for measuring the time the cover remains in the open position.

[0090] Device for recording and storing maintenance data: A system for recording information about maintenance work on the dispenser.

[0091] The locking mechanism and unlocking element can have overlapping meanings and / or be used synonymously. The preceding general description of the exemplary aspects and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teaching of this invention and are not to be interpreted restrictively. All aspects of the invention, both in the general description and in the description of the figures, are disclosed both in a separate, individual manner and can be combined and combined with one another in any way.

[0092] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the dispensing unit according to the invention. The dispenser has a housing which can be designed in one piece or in multiple parts. A multi-part design can be particularly advantageous if the mechanism of the dispenser is to be easily concealed behind a cover.

[0093] The dispenser has a front opening 1 through which loose items can be dispensed from the inside of the dispenser. The front opening 1 can be closed by a movable cover 2. When open, access to the loose items inside the dispenser is possible through the front opening 1, but is prevented when the cover is closed.

[0094] The locking mechanism 3, which is located, for example, in Figure 2BAs shown in more detail, it can in particular comprise at least one of the parts of the unlocking element 4 and the positive guidance 5, which in turn can have two separate guide curves 5A and 5B.

[0095] The unlocking element 4 can be operatively connected to a connecting member 9, which engages at least one movable part having the guide cam 5A. The movable part can have a receptacle 13 for the engagement of the connecting member. The movable part is displaced by the displacement of the unlocking element 4, the resulting movement of the connecting member 9, and the engagement of the connecting member 9 with the movable part. The guide pin 6 can be arranged simultaneously in the movable guide cam 5A and in the guide cam 5B, which is fixed to the dispenser. Together, these form the positive guidance 5 for the guide pin 6. The movable part carrying the guide cam 5A can be movably mounted on the dispenser via a joint 8. The movement can preferably be a pivoting movement.This can be beneficial for controlled guidance of the guide pin 6 along the positive guidance 5, in that the guide curve 5A adapts to the displacement of the guide pin 6 within the stationary guide curve 5B through the pivoting movement of the moving part and enables free displacement of the guide pin 6 in the guide curve 5B through a continuous adjustment of the orientation of the moving part.

[0096] The movable part carrying the guide cam 5A can have a first support edge 7A, which is arranged and aligned such that, in the closed state of the movable cover 2, it contacts an opposite support edge 7B on the release element 4. The contact of the two support edges can counteract a pivoting movement of the movable part and thus prevent displacement of the guide pin 6 in the positive guide. This can ultimately cause the movable cover 2 to lock, thus preventing it from being opened.

[0097] The release element 4 can be locked onto the dispenser base or onto other fixed devices. Locking the release element onto the dispenser can help to prevent or hinder the opening of the movable cover 2.

[0098] This design offers several ways in which the release element can influence the movement of the movable cover 2. Firstly, the locking mechanism of the release element 4, i.e., its locking to the dispenser to prevent movement, can fundamentally block the positive guidance 5 for the guide pin 6 of the movable cover 2. Secondly, the (flat) contact of the support edge 7A with the support edge 7B can prevent a pivoting movement of the movable part carrying the guide cam 5A, thus also blocking the movement of the guide pin 6 along the positive guidance 5. The support edges can, in principle, have any shape that prevents a pivoting movement of the movable part.

[0099] The section 5A of the guide curve can be shifted by the aforementioned pivoting movement into an orientation in which the natural movement of the guide pin 6 within the guide curve 5B fixed to the dispenser is blocked by the alignment of the guide curve 5A with the moving part. By initially shifting the moving part, the guide curve 5A can be reoriented / aligned with the guide curve 5B fixed to the dispenser and the natural path of movement of the guide pin 6 during an opening movement of the movable cover 2. Since the joint of the moving part preferably does not coincide with the pivot point of the movable cover 2, the first guide curve 5A and the second guide curve 5B have fundamentally different shapes in order to synchronously reproduce, for example, the semicircular movement of the guide pin 6.This allows the movable part to be provided with a section of the guide curve 5B which, while opposing movement of the guide pin 6 in the stationary guide curve 5B, does not prevent pivoting of the movable part about its joint 8. This initial pivoting movement can then be effected by the unlocking element 4, thereby harmonizing the two guide curves of the positive guidance 5 and the guide pin 6 with respect to the movement trajectory of the guide pin.

[0100] This initial displacement of the moving part can be achieved by means of the release element 4 via the connecting link 9, which can engage in the receptacle 13 of the moving part. For a defined movement of the connecting link 9 along the dispenser, it can be guided in the release guide 14 on the dispenser.

[0101] As in the Figures 2A to 2FAs shown from two perspectives, a first displacement of the moving part on the dispenser can be effected by relocating the unlocking element 4 (comparison). Figure 2B and 2D ), whereby the guide pin in the guide curve 5A can be moved into a position where a further opening of the movable cover 2 can be released. The movement of the release element 4 can already cause a partial opening of the movable cover 2. In particular, from this point onward, a further movement of the cover 2 to its complete opening can be released, whereby the pin 6 within the positive guide 5 can be guided by the coordinated movement of the guide pin 6 in the guide curves 5A and 5B.

[0102] Figure 3The figure shows the dispenser's construction from a rear perspective and how it can be arranged within a larger housing. This larger housing can have additional cover elements to prevent access to the interior and / or the locking mechanism past the movable cover 2. However, the dispenser can also be designed as a single, monolithic unit with respect to its outer shell.

Claims

1. Dispenser for lottery tickets or single tickets, comprising: a front opening [1]; a movable cover [2], which covers the front opening [1] and is movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover exposes the front opening; a locking mechanism [3], which is designed to prevent the cover [2] from being opened and preferably locks automatically when the cover [2] is closed; a release element [4] on a rear side of the dispenser, which, when actuated, causes the locking mechanism [3] to be moved into an unlocked position, thereby allowing the cover to be moved into an open position.

2. Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe dispenser has a positive guidance [5] with a guide pin [6], wherein the guide pin [6] is operatively connected to the cover [2], wherein the unlocking element [4] positions the guide pin [6] in the positive guidance [5] to release a displacement in the opening direction.

3. Dispenser according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the dispenser has a positive guidance [5] with a guide pin [6] which is operatively connected to the cover [2], wherein the unlocking element [4] positive guidance [5] is positioned opposite the guide pin [6] to release the displacement in the opening direction.

4. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the positive guidance [5] has a guide curve along which the guide pin [6] is movably mounted.

5. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the guide curve is shaped to precisely direct the movement of the guide pin [6] and to ensure controlled locking and unlocking of the cover [2].

6. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the guide cam is movably mounted on the dispenser and the locking mechanism contacts the guide cam, thereby preventing movement of the guide cam and thus of the cover or the guide pin [6] in the locked state.

7. Dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism is positively connected to the movably mounted guide cam and is moved into its locking position when the cover is closed.

8. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive guidance [5] comprises a reset mechanism which returns the unlocking element [4] to its initial position after unlocking.

9. Dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unlocking element [4] is designed as a sliding part.

10. Dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the sliding part performs a horizontal movement to control the locking mechanism [3].

11. Dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking mechanism [3] comprises a snap mechanism and holds it in the closed position.

12. Dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the unlocking element [4] is released by actuating the snap mechanism.

13. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism [3] is configured to lock automatically when the cover [2] is fully inserted.

14. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unlocking element [4] is accessible only from the rear of the dispenser, which is opposite the side with the cover.

15. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive guidance [5] prevents incorrect operation of the dispenser by restricting the movement of the unlocking element [4] to a predetermined path, in particular the guide curve.

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