DE102023101460B3 - Coupling system and coupling device for mechanical synchronization of transport devices arranged next to one another as well as vending machine and method for configuring a coupling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling system (1) for the mechanical synchronization of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another, in particular for or in a vending machine (3): with a plurality of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another, each of which has a rotatable roller (4) extending along a common axis of rotation (X); and with at least one coupling device (5) which is designed to produce a releasable positive connection between two adjacent rotatable rollers (4) of the plurality of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another in a predetermined end position, so that the plurality of transport devices (2) can be driven in a mechanically synchronized manner. The present invention further relates to a vending machine, a coupling device and a method for configuring a coupling system.

Description

The present invention relates to a coupling system and a coupling device for mechanically synchronizing transport devices arranged next to one another for or in a vending machine. The present invention also relates to a vending machine with such a coupling system and a method for configuring such a coupling system.

In addition to cold drinks and snacks, other products such as pasta or grilled meat are increasingly being offered in vending machines. In this way, a vending machine operator and/or a producer, for example a local butcher, baker, farmer or the like, can sell their products, for example regional products, in the vending machine even outside of shop opening hours, so to speak at any time. Typical products here would be, for example, eggs (in an egg carton), shrink-wrapped grilled meat or sausages, pasta or canned sausage. The large number of products and the associated different product sizes present new challenges for vending machines, including with regard to the storage and dispensing of the products in the vending machine. Changing products, due to current availability due to seasons or similar, also redefine the requirements for the vending machine. Existing storage and dispensing technologies, such as a spiral or a slider for conveying goods, can reach their limits here because, on the one hand, they can only accommodate certain product sizes and, on the other hand, they would have to be converted at great expense in order to implement a product change within the vending machine or the goods compartment.

For example, when the cold season is approaching and providing grilled meat in the vending machine no longer makes much sense, the vending machine operator requires that he can replace the grilled meat with, for example, canned meat or canned sausage. One problem is that the spirals normally used to dispense grilled meat are not suitable for dispensing canned sausage, for example. With the current technology, the vending machine or the product compartment would either have to be converted at great expense or switching to canned sausage would simply not be technically feasible. The operator would also have to convert the product compartments if a product, such as a baguette or similar, is to be sold that is a special size or has an unusual shape. In this case, the usual product compartments operated with spirals or sliders are not large enough.

The GB 1 082 150 A describes, for example, a goods conveyor for universal vending machines with several selection and replenishment options, in which the goods are arranged so that they can slide on horizontal stationary support plates. In the WO 2012/ 107 943 A1 For example, a device for dispensing products, such as edible or durable goods of various kinds, in a vending machine is described.

Furthermore, the JP 2001- 134 828 A two adjacent conveyor belts whose shafts are mechanically coupled via a tongue and groove connection. The groove or tongue is provided on one end of the shaft. The WO 92/ 15 796 A1 describes a separable coupling device for the mechanical transmission of a torque between two organs. The figures of D2 show various bayonet-type coupling devices for connecting two differently designed shafts, in particular for connecting a hollow shaft with a solid shaft. In the DE 19 83 545 U describes a coupling on the drive of the forme cylinder of rotary printing machines with two externally toothed coupling halves, on which an internally toothed coupling sleeve can be moved and locked in the engaged or disengaged position. Furthermore, the US 2016 / 0 194 152 A1 an alternative vending machine. The EN 10 2016 107 997 A1 describes a conveyor unit for a food cutting device, in particular for a high-performance slicer, as a product support. The US 5 582 489 A describes a device for connecting two shafts rotatable about a common axis and is particularly intended to be mounted on a steering column of a motor vehicle.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved coupling system with a variably applicable coupling device for transport devices and an improved method for configuring the coupling system.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a coupling system having the features of patent claim 1, by a vending machine having the features of patent claim 10, by a coupling device having the features of patent claim 11 and/or by a method having the features of patent claim 13.

• - Ein Kopplungssystem zur mechanischen Synchronisierung nebeneinander angeordneter Transportvorrichtungen, insbesondere für einen oder in einem Verkaufsautomaten: mit einer Vielzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Transportvorrichtungen, welche jeweils eine drehbare Rolle aufweisen, die sich entlang einer gemeinsamen Rotationsachse erstrecken; und mit zumindest einer Kopplungsvorrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, in einer vorbestimmten Endposition eine lösbare formschlüssige Verbindung zwischen zwei benachbarten drehbaren Rollen der Vielzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Transportvorrichtungen herzustellen, sodass die Vielzahl von Transportvorrichtungen mechanisch synchronisiert antreibbar sind.
• - Ein Verkaufsautomat: mit einem Gehäuse, das eine verschließbare Tür zum Befüllen des Verkaufsautomaten aufweist; mit einem Innenraum; und mit einem erfindungsgemä-ßen Kopplungssystem, welches in dem Innenraum zum Transport von Waren mit variierenden Außenmaßen vorgesehen ist.
• - Eine Kopplungsvorrichtung zur mechanischen Synchronisierung nebeneinander angeordneter Transportvorrichtungen, insbesondere für einen oder in einem Verkaufsautomaten:
  • mit einem Grundkörper; mit einer Durchgangsbohrung entlang einer Rotationsachse des Grundkörpers, wobei die Durchgangsbohrung dazu ausgebildet ist, den Grundkörper auf einer sich entlang der Rotationsachse erstreckenden ersten drehbaren Rolle verschiebbar und verdrehbar zu montieren; mit einer ersten Aussparung zum Einführen eines ersten Formschlusselements der ersten drehbaren Rolle an einer ersten Stirnseite des Grundkörpers, wobei die erste Aussparung an die Durchgangsbohrung anschließt und sich abschnittsweise in Umfangsrichtung des Grundkörpers erstreckt, so dass das erste Formschlusselement entlang der ersten Aussparung in eine vorbestimmte Endposition führbar ist, in welcher eine lösbare formschlüssige Verbindung zum Antreiben der ersten drehbaren Rolle hergestellt ist; und mit einer zweiten Aussparung zum Einführen eines zweiten Formschlusselements einer zweiten um die Rotationsachse drehbaren Rolle an einer zweiten Stirnseite des Grundkörpers, wobei die zweite Aussparung an die Durchgangsbohrung anschließt und sich abschnittsweise in Umfangsrichtung erstreckt, so dass das zweite Formschlusselement entlang der zweiten Aussparung in eine vorbestimmte Endposition führbar ist, in welcher eine lösbare formschlüssige Verbindung zum Antreiben der zweiten drehbaren Rolle hergestellt ist.
• - Ein Verfahren zum Konfigurieren eines erfindungsgemäßen Kopplungssystems, insbesondere für einen oder in einem Verkaufsautomaten, insbesondere einem erfindungsgemäßen Verkaufsautomaten, umfassend: Manipulieren zumindest einer Kopplungsvorrichtung des Kopplungssystems, welche verschiebbar und verdrehbar auf jeweils einer drehbaren Rolle der Vielzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Transportvorrichtungen montiert ist, wobei das Manipulieren folgendes umfasst: axiales Verschieben der Kopplungsvorrichtung relativ zu der drehbaren Rolle entlang einer Rotationsachse der drehbaren Rolle, wobei die Kopplungsvorrichtung zu der benachbarten drehbaren Rolle geführt wird, so dass die Kopplungsvorrichtung jeweils einen Endbereich der zwei benachbarten drehbaren Rollen zumindest teilweise umgibt; und Verdrehen der Kopplungsvorrichtung relativ zu den zwei benachbarten drehbaren Rollen um die gemeinsame Rotationsachse in eine vorbestimmte Endposition, wobei die Kopplungsvorrichtung in der vorbestimmten Endposition eine lösbare formschlüssige Verbindung zwischen den zwei benachbarten drehbaren Rollen zur Übertragung eines Antriebsmoments herstellt.

Accordingly, it is envisaged:

• - A coupling system for the mechanical synchronisation of transport devices arranged next to one another, in particular for or in a vending machine: with a plurality of transport devices arranged next to one another, each of which has a rotatable roller extending along a common axis of rotation; and with at least one coupling device which is designed to produce a releasable positive connection between two adjacent rotatable rollers of the plurality of transport devices arranged next to one another in a predetermined end position, so that the plurality of transport devices can be driven in a mechanically synchronized manner.
• - A vending machine: with a housing having a lockable door for filling the vending machine; with an interior; and with a coupling system according to the invention which is provided in the interior for transporting goods with varying external dimensions.
• - A coupling device for the mechanical synchronisation of transport devices arranged next to one another, in particular for or in a vending machine:
  • with a base body; with a through-hole along a rotation axis of the base body, wherein the through-hole is designed to mount the base body displaceably and rotatably on a first rotatable roller extending along the rotation axis; with a first recess for introducing a first form-locking element of the first rotatable roller on a first end face of the base body, wherein the first recess adjoins the through-hole and extends in sections in the circumferential direction of the base body, so that the first form-locking element can be guided along the first recess into a predetermined end position in which a releasable form-locking connection for driving the first rotatable roller is established; and with a second recess for introducing a second positive locking element of a second roller rotatable about the axis of rotation on a second end face of the base body, wherein the second recess adjoins the through-bore and extends in sections in the circumferential direction, so that the second positive locking element can be guided along the second recess into a predetermined end position in which a releasable positive connection for driving the second rotatable roller is established.
• - A method for configuring a coupling system according to the invention, in particular for or in a vending machine, in particular a vending machine according to the invention, comprising: manipulating at least one coupling device of the coupling system, which is mounted displaceably and rotatably on a respective rotatable roller of the plurality of transport devices arranged next to one another, wherein the manipulation comprises the following: axially displacing the coupling device relative to the rotatable roller along a rotation axis of the rotatable roller, wherein the coupling device is guided to the adjacent rotatable roller so that the coupling device at least partially surrounds an end region of the two adjacent rotatable rollers; and rotating the coupling device relative to the two adjacent rotatable rollers about the common rotation axis into a predetermined end position, wherein the coupling device in the predetermined end position establishes a releasable positive connection between the two adjacent rotatable rollers for transmitting a drive torque.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a storage and dispensing technology, i.e. a goods conveying unit, within a vending machine that can store and dispense a wide variety of products/goods and that can be easily and flexibly adjusted and adapted in size to a wide variety of goods. A goods conveying unit or a transport device is characterized by the fact that goods/products can be stored and moved using the transport device. This means that several transport devices in standard designs can be combined next to one another as desired in order to be mechanically coupled by the coupling device in a variable manner to suit changing goods formats.

The base body of the coupling device can be mounted on the first rotatable roller. Furthermore, the first form-locking element of the first rotatable roller can be inserted into the first recess on the first end face of the base body. Likewise, the second form-locking element of the second rotatable roller can be inserted into the second recess on the second end face of the base body. In the predetermined end position, the first and/or second rotatable roller can thus be driven by the releasable form-locking connection. In the mechanically synchronized state, the coupled transport devices have essentially the same conveying speed.

The manipulation of the at least one coupling device of the coupling system can can be applied both manually and automatically or semi-automatically.

When the coupled rotating rollers are initially started up in the predetermined end position, a slight relative twisting may occur between the coupled rotating rollers due to play in the releasable, positive connection, whereby the slight relative twisting between two adjacent rotating rollers is at most 10°. This relative twisting has no or only a negligible effect on the synchronized conveying process.

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

According to one embodiment of the coupling system, the plurality of transport devices arranged next to one another have a common conveying direction and a common conveying plane. The conveying direction includes, for example, forward conveying or backward conveying of the goods. For example, the conveying direction can extend perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotatable roller, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the conveying direction can also extend at any angle to the rotation axis, in particular extend along the rotation axis if the rotatable roller is coupled by a gear or the like to a slider or the like for conveying the goods.

The common conveyor level has the advantage that rigid goods in particular are stored essentially evenly on the large number of transport devices. Furthermore, this can increase the variety of goods to be conveyed.

According to a further embodiment of the coupling system, the coupling device connects the rotatable rollers of the plurality of transport devices in the predetermined end position in a form-fitting manner that is detachable axially and in the circumferential direction. The axially detachable form-fitting connection can securely fix an axial position of the coupling device, so that the form-fitting connection can be maintained even while the coupling system is being driven. The form-fitting connection can thus be provided in a detachable and yet reliable manner. The axially detachable form-fitting connection can be brought about in particular by an undercut of the coupling device, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation. The detachable form-fitting connection in the circumferential direction can also save on other drive transmission elements, since the drive torque between the rotatable roller and the coupling device can be transmitted in the circumferential direction via the detachable form-fitting connection.

According to a further embodiment of the coupling system, the mutually facing end regions of the rotatable rollers each have a form-locking element. The form-locking element can thus be designed depending on the requirements for mechanical load capacity and/or manufacturing conditions. The form-locking element can, for example, be pin-shaped, spherical, angular or a combination thereof. When the form-locking elements are arranged in the mutually facing end regions, the dimensions of the coupling device can advantageously be compact, i.e. as small as possible, since a smaller distance between the adjacent rotatable rollers has to be bridged by the coupling device.

Optionally, the form-locking element can be attached reversibly to the rotating roller. In this way, the variable application possibilities of the rotating roller can be increased and/or an existing rotating roller can be retrofitted.

Alternatively or additionally, the coupling device can have a form-locking element. Consequently, the rotatable rollers can each have a recess corresponding to the form-locking element, which extends into the rotatable rollers in such a way that the form-locking element can engage in the recess of the rotatable roller. The recess can be designed in such a way that the form-locking element can be received therein. The form-locking element can be shaped, for example, in a pin-shaped, spherical, angular or a combination thereof. Furthermore, this form-locking element can be reversibly attached to the coupling device.

According to a further development of the coupling system, the form-locking element protrudes from a casing surface of the rotating roller. In this way, a larger lever can be provided for the form-locking element designed to transmit the drive torque. The form-locking element can, for example, contain one or more sections protruding from the casing surface. This can increase the maximum drive torque that can be transmitted via the form-locking element. In particular, the form-locking element can contain two protruding sections that are arranged on opposite sides of the casing surface. In the case of coupled, adjacent rotating rollers, the respective form-locking element can protrude from the casing surface in the same orientation, so that the form-locking elements of the adjacent rotatable rollers are aligned with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the form-locking element can be aligned offset by an angle compared to the form-locking element of the coupled, adjacent rotatable roller.

According to a further development of the coupling system, the coupling device is designed as a hollow cylinder and has a recess corresponding to the form-locking element, which extends in the coupling device in such a way that the form-locking element can engage in the recess of the coupling device. For example, the coupling device contains a recess for the form-locking element on both end faces. The recess is designed in such a way that the form-locking element can be accommodated therein.

The recesses on both sides of the coupling device can, for example, be offset by approximately 90°, opposite each other, i.e. offset by approximately 180°, or similar. The recesses on both sides can preferably be arranged mirror-inverted in the coupling device in order to bring the form-locking elements of the two adjacent rotatable rollers into engagement simultaneously by rotating the coupling device.

According to the invention, the coupling device is mounted on the rotatable roller so that it can be moved along the common axis of rotation and rotated about the common axis of rotation. In particular, if the coupling device is not positioned in the predetermined end position, the coupling device can be mounted so that it can be moved along the common axis of rotation and rotated about the common axis of rotation. At least one of these, i.e. moved along the common axis of rotation or rotated about the common axis of rotation, is always possible. The coupling device can therefore be handled in a simple manner and in particular without the need for tools in the assembled state.

According to a further embodiment of the coupling system, the coupling device can be driven via a motor drive. The motor drive is preferably designed as an electric motor, in particular as a servo motor, as a stepper motor, as a 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. Optionally, the motor drive can also have a gear. Optionally, the motor drive can be coupled to the coupling device for driving directly or via the gear. It does not matter how many coupling devices of the coupled coupling system can be driven, as long as at least one coupling device is driven.

Optionally, the motor drive can be integrated into a removal device. The coupled transport devices form a goods compartment. The removal device can be moved variably and can therefore be moved to any front side of the goods compartment. This is done via a variably movable transport device to which the removal device is attached. This transport device can, for example, contain guide rails on which the removal device can be moved. In this way, the motor drive drives both the removal device and the transport devices by driving the transport device in front of whose goods compartment the removal device is positioned. This means that all goods compartments or transport devices can be driven with a single motor drive. Consequently, travel distances can be saved by the removal device moving to the most conveniently positioned coupling device.

According to a further embodiment of the coupling system, at least one of the rotating rollers can be driven via a motor drive or a motor-driven conveyor belt. The goods are transported, for example, via a conveyor belt, a slider, transport rollers, transport rollers or a spiral. The motor drive is preferably designed as an electric motor, in particular as a servo motor, as a stepper motor, as a 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. Optionally, the motor drive can also have a gear. Optionally, the motor drive can be coupled to the rotating roller for driving directly or via the gear. It does not matter how many rotating rollers of the coupled coupling system can be driven, as long as at least one rotating roller is driven.

The motor-driven conveyor belt is more suitable for transporting many goods, and in particular many slim bottles and cans, for reasons of stability, since these goods can be transported more stably with a powered conveyor belt and are therefore less likely to fall over. The powered conveyor belt is preferably stretched over a front rotating roller and a rear rotating roller. The powered rotating roller is preferably the front rotating roller, but can also be the rear rotating roller. The motor-driven conveyor belt can be designed like the motor drive.

According to a further development of the coupling system, the motor drive is designed as a gear drive, a friction wheel drive or a belt drive. To transmit the drive torque from the motor drive to the coupling device or to the rotatable roller, the motor drive can provide a gear, a friction wheel or a belt.

According to one embodiment of the coupling device, the base body is cylindrical and a lateral surface of the base body has a plurality of teeth for driving the coupling device by means of a gear drive. In this way, the coupling device can integrate a further function and installation space can be saved.

Optionally, the base body can have a bead within the recess to secure the form-locking element behind the bead. In this way, when manipulating the coupling device, a predefined torque is required to push the form-locking element past the bead within the recess. Consequently, the bead could transmit a torque up to the amount of the predefined torque via the form-locking element. In this way, for example, rotation of the coupling device relative to the rotating roller can be prevented even during a braking process. Furthermore, unintentional rotation of the coupling device relative to the rotating roller against the drive direction can generally be prevented. Nevertheless, the releasably form-locking connection can be released if the predefined torque is overcome during the intended rotation in order to push the form-locking element past the bead.

According to one embodiment of the method, the manipulation further comprises rotating the coupling device from a predetermined starting position, in which the coupling device establishes a releasable positive connection to the rotatable roller for transmitting a drive torque, relative to the rotatable roller about the common axis of rotation, wherein the releasable positive connection to the rotatable roller is released in the direction of the common axis of rotation. The predetermined starting position refers in particular to the position in which the coupling device is arranged to transmit the drive torque to exactly one rotatable roller. This means that the coupling device is releasably positively connected to exactly one rotatable roller in the predetermined starting position. When the coupling device is rotated, this releasable positive connection is released at least in the axial direction, so that the coupling device can be moved along the axis of rotation relative to the rotatable roller. The coupling device can therefore also be used to drive the rotatable roller in the uncoupled state.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the end region of the two adjacent rotatable rollers each has a form-locking element, wherein the form-locking elements protrude from a circumferential surface of the rotatable rollers and are aligned with one another in a predetermined orientation when the coupling device is axially displaced. The form-locking elements advantageously result in alignment in the predetermined orientation. The coupling device can thus be displaced axially from one rotatable roller to the adjacent rotatable roller and the form-locking element of the adjacent rotatable roller can be accommodated in the recess. The coupling device is preferably displaced axially until it surrounds the two end regions of the adjacent rotatable rollers approximately in the middle, wherein both form-locking elements engage in the respective recess.

According to a further development of the method, when the coupling device is rotated, one of the two adjacent rotatable rollers is aligned relative to the other adjacent rotatable roller and relative to the coupling device such that the form-locking elements engage in the coupling device depending on a predetermined transmission direction of the drive torque such that a substantially play-free starting process of the coupling system is provided. This means that the form-locking elements are brought into contact with an inner side of the coupling device such that the drive torque is transmitted via this contact. All coupled transport devices thus start running at the same time, whereby slippage of one of the coupled transport devices is minimized.

In particular, in the case where at least three transport devices are coupled, with only one coupling device being driven, the drive torque is transmitted from the rotatable roller connected to the driven coupling device to the non-driven coupling device and further to the rotatable roller connected thereto. In this case, the direction of the drive torque between the coupling device and the driving rotatable roller is reversed. Thus, advantageously, the coupling device is rotated relative to the driving rotatable roller in contact with the inside of the coupling device with which the drive moment is transmitted in the predetermined transmission direction.

According to a further embodiment of the method, a step of jointly driving the plurality of transport devices is provided, which are mechanically synchronized by means of the at least one coupling device. In this way, the coupled transport devices convey the goods at the same speed, which promotes the output of the goods. Furthermore, due to the synchronization, only one motor drive can be operated in order to drive the coupled transport devices simultaneously. This allows energy to be saved.

The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, provided that this makes sense. In particular, all features of the coupling system or the coupling device can be transferred to the associated method for configuring the coupling system, and vice versa.

Further possible embodiments, further developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are 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.

• 1 eine schematische Frontansicht eines Kopplungssystems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 eine isometrische Perspektivansicht eines Kopplungssystems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel mit zwei gekoppelten, benachbarten Transportvorrichtungen;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Kopplungsvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel in verschiedenen Seitenansichten;
• 4 eine schematische Frontansicht eines Verkaufsautomaten gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Kopplungssystem gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 5 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Konfigurieren eines Kopplungssystems.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. They show:

• 1 a schematic front view of a coupling system according to an embodiment;
• 2 an isometric perspective view of a coupling system according to another embodiment with two coupled, adjacent transport devices;
• 3 a schematic representation of a coupling device according to an embodiment in various side views;
• 4 a schematic front view of a vending machine according to one embodiment with a coupling system according to another embodiment;
• 5 a flowchart of a method for configuring a coupling system.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with respect to one another.

In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated.

1 shows a schematic front view of a coupling system 1 according to an embodiment.

The coupling system 1 is designed for the mechanical synchronization of transport devices 2 arranged next to one another. In particular, the coupling system is provided for or in a vending machine 3.

The coupling system 1 comprises two transport devices 2 arranged next to one another, each with a rotatable roller 4, and two coupling devices 5. The two rotatable rollers 4 extend along a common axis of rotation X.

For example, the rotatable rollers 4 each have a form-locking element 6 in an end region. The form-locking element 6 protrudes in a radial direction from the outer surface of the rotatable roller 4. The form-locking element 6 is preferably shaped like a pin, but this does not necessarily exclude other shapes. As in 1 As shown, the end region of the rotatable roller 4 can, for example, have a stepped outer diameter, in particular a reduced outer diameter, than a central region of the rotatable roller 4.

The coupling device 5 shown in the middle illustrates the position of the coupling device 5 in a predetermined end position in which the two rotatable rollers 4 are detachably connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. The coupling device 5 encloses, for example, the end regions of the two adjacent rotatable rollers 4 facing one another as well as the respective form-fitting element 6.

The coupling device 5 shown on the left only encloses the end region of a rotatable roller 4, whereby in this case too the form-locking element 6 can engage in the coupling device 5. In this way, the coupling system shown as an example can be 1 optional via the coupling device 5 shown on the left, the coupling device 5 shown in the middle or one of the two rotating rollers 4. Regardless of the drive side selected, the two coupling devices 5 and the two rotating rollers 4 are always driven simultaneously because they are mechanically synchronized.

For example, the middle coupling device 5 can be driven by a motor drive (not shown). The middle coupling device 5 drives the two rotatable rollers 4 simultaneously due to the positive connection. Furthermore, the rotatable roller 4 driven by the middle coupling device 5 drives the left coupling device 5, which is also positively connected to it.

2 shows an isometric perspective view of a coupling system 1 according to a further embodiment with two coupled, adjacent transport devices 2.

The coupling system 1 of the 2 illustrated further embodiment essentially corresponds to the coupling system according to 1 . The coupling system 1 differs, however, in that here the transport devices 2 each have two rotatable rollers 4 and a conveyor belt 8, which is stretched around the two rotatable rollers 4, for example, whereby these two rotatable rollers 4 of the individual transport device 2 naturally do not contain a common axis of rotation X, but are arranged parallel to one another. For the sake of simplicity, these two rotatable rollers 4 are referred to as the front rotatable roller and the rear rotatable roller.

Furthermore, the sectional view clearly illustrates that the releasable positive connection between the coupling device 5 and the rotatable roller 4 or the positive locking element 6 is present both in the circumferential direction for transmitting a drive torque and axially along the rotation axis X to secure against axial slipping.

According to the embodiment in 2 the front rotatable rollers 4 are connected to one another by the coupling device 5. Alternatively or additionally, the rear rotatable rollers 4 can be connected to one another.

If, for example, one of the coupling devices 5 is driven, the rotational movement is transmitted to the rotatable roller 4 by means of a form-locking element 6 and this in turn sets the conveyor belt 8 in motion and the goods located on the conveyor belt 8 can be conveyed in the direction of an output.

3 shows a schematic representation of a coupling device 5 according to an embodiment in various side views. In particular, a front side, a first end face 13A and a second end face 13B of the coupling device 5 or its base body 13 are shown.

The coupling device 5 of the 3 The further embodiment shown corresponds functionally essentially to the coupling device according to 1 . However, the coupling device 5 differs, for example, in that a circumferential surface of the base body 13 has a plurality of teeth 15. The plurality of teeth 15 can, for example, be coupled to a gear drive or another drive for transmitting the drive torque, wherein the other drive is in engagement with the plurality of teeth 15 by means of a gear transmission. In addition, the gear drive can also have a transmission.

Furthermore, the base body 13 contains a through hole 14. The through hole 14 extends here, for example, along the rotation axis X from the first end face 13A to the second end face 13B. A diameter of the through hole 14 corresponds essentially to the outer diameter of the end region of the rotatable roller 4 on which the coupling device 5 can be mounted.

In addition, the base body 13 contains a first recess 7A and a second recess 7B. The first and second recesses 7A, 7B are each designed to introduce, i.e. to engage, a first or second form-locking element of the first or second rotatable roller 4 on the first or second end face 13A, 13B. In particular, the form-locking element can contain two protruding sections which are arranged on opposite sides of the lateral surface. Consequently, the first or second recess 7A, 7B here also contains two sections, for example, in order to be able to accommodate the two sections of the form-locking element 6.

For example, the first recess 7A and the second recess 7B are mirror-inverted. This means that while the first recess 7A extends counterclockwise from a reference position in the circumferential direction, the second recess 7B extends clockwise from the reference position in the circumferential direction. A nose 9 can thus be formed within the first and second recess or between the first and second recess 7A, 7B in the base body 13. The nose 9 can be an undercut which Coupling device 5 is axially secured when the form-fitting element 6 rests against the nose 9. By way of example, the embodiment in 3 one nose 9 in each section of the first or second recess 7A, 7B. Optionally, however, a section of the first or second recess 7A, 7B can also have a second nose 9. Thus, for example, the undercut can be provided when the coupling device 5 is rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise.

4 shows a schematic front view of a vending machine 3 according to one embodiment with a coupling system 1 according to another embodiment.

The vending machine 3 comprises a housing 10, an interior 11 and the coupling system 1. In particular, the coupling system 1 is an embodiment according to 1 , 2 , 3 or combinations thereof.

The vending machine 3 may further include a front door, which is typically hinged to the housing 10. The front door and the housing 10 together form the interior 11 to accommodate the goods 12 to be sold, the control and cooling functions of the vending machine 3 and other vending machine functions. For example, the front door may have a transparent glass or clear plastic panel which, when the front door is closed, provides a clear view into the interior 11 of the vending machine 3 and thus of the goods 12 housed therein, which are kept in an orderly manner in product compartments in the interior 11 of the vending machine 3. In the area of the front door or alternatively also in the housing 10, a suitable control panel may be provided which includes product selection input devices and money and credit processing devices which are generally known, as is a coin return device. The vending machine 3 may further include an optical and/or acoustic signaling device.

Furthermore, a locking unit can be provided which enables the front door to be opened and closed in a safe manner for the purposes of maintenance, filling of the vending machine 3 and the like. The vending machine 3 can also contain a goods dispensing opening from which a sold goods product 12 can be removed by a buyer.

The vending machine 3 has, for example, a plurality of goods compartments arranged in an array in the interior 11. In 4 the arrangement of three product compartments in the interior 11 of the vending machine 3 is shown as an example. The three product compartments are arranged in the same conveyor level by way of example, but other product compartments of the plurality of product compartments can also be arranged in other conveyor levels, i.e. below or above. In the conveyor level shown, five transport devices 2 are shown as an example, with the three left-hand transport devices 2 representing a coupling system 1. To the right of these, two further transport devices 2' are provided, which are configured for individual operation independently of the coupling system 1. The two transport devices 2` are essentially identical to the transport devices 2 of the coupling system 1 and can be part of the coupling system 1 if required if the coupling device 5 is detachably connected in a form-fitting manner to the rotatable roller 4 of the adjacent transport device 2. In this way, the width of the goods compartments can be variably adjusted, wherein the coupling system 1 or each individual transport device 2' is assigned to a goods compartment and conveys the goods 12 stored therein.

In particular, all of the transport devices 2, 2' provided are essentially identical. In the illustrated embodiment with five transport devices 2, 2', five, four, three, two or one goods compartments can thus be formed. Accordingly, for example, the five transport devices 2' can be driven independently of one another, i.e. not coupled. Optionally, two transport devices 2 of a coupling system 1 can be coupled to one another and assigned to a goods compartment. Further optionally, the five transport devices 2 can be coupled to form a coupling system 1. The individual goods compartments can each have a different size, although this is not absolutely necessary. Advantageously, the goods compartments can be variably adjustable in their width and height. In the case that the transport device 2, 2' is equipped with a conveyor belt 8, as in 2 shown, the upper horizontal region of the conveyor belt 8 forms the bottom surface of the goods compartment.

5 shows a flow chart of a method V for configuring a coupling system 1.

The method V for configuring the coupling system 1 comprises, for example, the steps of individually driving V1 a transport device 2`, rotating V2 a coupling device 5, axially displacing V3 the coupling device 5, rotating V4 the coupling device 5 and jointly driving V5 the plurality of coupled transport devices 2. In particular, it is a method for configuring ration of the coupling system 1 for or in a vending machine 3.

Steps V1-V4 are illustrated graphically as examples and serve to illustrate the respective process step.

The individual drive V1 includes a releasable positive connection between the coupling device 5 and the first rotatable roller 4A. The first positive locking element 6A of the first rotatable roller 4A can, for example, engage in the second recess 7B of the coupling device 5. The coupling device 5 is therefore not connected to the second rotatable roller 4B and only drives the first rotatable roller 4A. The nose 9 in particular prevents the coupling device 5 from slipping axially in the direction of the adjacent second rotatable roller 4B. In addition, this provides the predetermined end position in which the coupling device 5 establishes the releasable positive connection to the first rotatable roller 4A for transmitting a drive torque.

When the coupling device 5 is rotated V2 from the predetermined starting position, the coupling device 5 is rotated relative to the first rotatable roller 4A about the common axis of rotation X. In the process, the releasable positive connection along the common axis of rotation X between the coupling device 5 and the first rotatable roller 4A is released. This means that the coupling device 5 is rotated in relation to the first rotatable roller 4A until the first positive locking element 6A is no longer restricted in its axial degree of freedom by the nose. Consequently, the coupling device 5 can be displaced axially in relation to the first rotatable roller 4A after the rotation V2.

When the coupling device 5 is axially displaced V3 relative to the first rotatable roller 4A, the coupling device 5 is guided to the adjacent second rotatable roller 4B. The first form-locking element 6A can, for example, change from the second recess 7B to the first recess 7A, with the first and second recesses 7A, 7B merging into one another. In particular, the coupling device 5 is axially displaced V3 such that the coupling device 5 surrounds an end region of the adjacent first and second rotatable rollers 4A, 4B. Preferably, the first form-locking element 6A is guided into engagement with the first recess 7A and the second form-locking element 6B is guided into engagement with the second recess 7B. Thus, during the axial displacement V3, in addition to the positive connection in the circumferential direction between the coupling device 5 and the first rotatable roller 4A or positive locking element 6A, the second rotatable roller 4B or the second positive locking element 6B is also positively connected in the circumferential direction by the coupling device 5.

Optionally, the form-locking elements 6A, 6B of the adjacent rotatable rollers 4A, 4B can be aligned with one another during axial displacement V3, for example.

Furthermore, a subsequent step includes the rotation V4 of the coupling device 5 relative to the two adjacent rotatable rollers 4, i.e. the first and second rotatable rollers 4A, 4B, about the common axis of rotation X into the predetermined end position. The predetermined end position here is comparable to the end position described above in relation to step V1, wherein the coupling device 5 here establishes the releasable positive connection to the first rotatable roller 4A and to the second rotatable roller 4B for transmitting the drive torque. The nose 9 is thus displaced between the positive locking elements 6A, 6B and in particular prevents the coupling device 5 from slipping axially.

Optionally, during rotation V4, for example, the second rotatable roller 4B can be aligned relative to the first rotatable roller 4A and relative to the coupling device 5 such that the second positive locking element 6B engages in the coupling device 5 depending on a predetermined transmission direction of the drive torque such that a substantially play-free starting process of the coupling system 1 is provided.

The joint driving V5 of the coupled transport devices 2 includes, for example, the transmission of the drive torque by means of a motor drive. Optionally, only one coupling device 5 can be driven or several coupling devices 5. Since all rotatable rollers 4 of the coupling system 1 are mechanically synchronized, all transport devices 2 of the coupling system 1 are moved at the same conveying speed.

In particular, the method V can be applied both forwards and backwards to couple or uncouple the rotatable rollers 4. The method V can also be applied only partially in the reverse order.

Although the present invention has been fully described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

List of reference symbols

1

Coupling system

2.2`

Transport device

3

Vending machine

4

rotating roller

4A

first rotating roller

4B

second rotating roller

5

Coupling device

6

Form-locking element

6A

first form-fitting element

6B

second form-locking element

7A

first recess

7B

second recess

8th

Conveyor belt

9

Nose

10

Housing

11

inner space

12

Goods

13

Base body

13A

first front side

13B

second front side

14

Through hole

15

Teeth

X

Rotation axis

V1

single drive

V2

Twisting

V3

axial displacement

V4

Twisting

V5

joint drive

Claims (17)

Coupling system (1) for mechanically synchronizing transport devices (2) arranged next to one another: with a plurality of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another, each of which has a rotatable roller (4) extending along a common axis of rotation (X); and with at least one coupling device (5) which is designed to produce a releasable positive connection between two adjacent rotatable rollers (4) of the plurality of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another in a predetermined end position, so that the plurality of transport devices (2) can be driven in a mechanically synchronized manner, wherein the coupling device (5) is mounted on the rotatable roller (4) so as to be displaceable along the common axis of rotation (X) and rotatable about the common axis of rotation (X). Coupling system (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the plurality of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another have a common conveying direction and plane. Coupling system (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the coupling device (5) in the predetermined end position connects the rotatable rollers (4) of the plurality of transport devices (2) axially and in the circumferential direction in a releasably form-fitting manner. Coupling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mutually facing end regions of the rotatable rollers (4) each have a positive locking element (6). Coupling system (1) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the form-locking element (6) protrudes from a lateral surface of the rotatable roller (4). Coupling system (1) according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the coupling device (5) is designed as a hollow cylinder and has a recess (7A; 7B) corresponding to the form-locking element (6), which extends in the coupling device in such a way that the form-locking element (6) can engage in the recess (7A; 7B) of the coupling device (5). Coupling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (5) can be driven via a motor drive. Coupling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the rotatable rollers (4) can be driven via a motor drive or a motor-driven conveyor belt (8). Coupling system (1) according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the motor drive is designed as a gear drive, as a friction wheel drive or as a belt drive. Vending machine (3): with a housing (10) having a lockable door for filling the vending machine (3); with an interior space (11); and with a coupling system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in the interior space (11) for transporting goods (12) with varying external dimensions. Coupling device (5) for mechanically synchronizing transport devices (2) arranged next to one another: with a base body (13); with a through hole (14) along a rotation axis (X) of the base body (13), wherein the through hole (14) is designed to mount the base body (13) displaceably and rotatably on a first rotatable roller (4A) extending along the rotation axis (X); with a first recess (7A) for introducing a first form-locking element (6A) of the first rotatable roller (4A) on a first end face (13A) of the base body (13), wherein the first recess (7A) adjoins the through-bore (14) and extends in sections in the circumferential direction of the base body (13), so that the first form-locking element (6A) can be guided along the first recess (7A) into a predetermined end position, in which a releasable form-locking connection for driving the first rotatable roller is established; and with a second recess (7B) for introducing a second positive locking element (6B) of a second roller rotatable about the rotation axis (X) on a second end face (13B) of the base body (13), wherein the second recess (7B) adjoins the through-bore (14) and extends in sections in the circumferential direction, so that the second positive locking element can be guided along the second recess (7B) into a predetermined end position, in which a releasable positive connection for driving the second rotatable roller (4B) is established. Coupling device (5) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the base body (13) is cylindrical and a lateral surface of the base body (13) has a plurality of teeth (15) for driving the coupling device (5) by means of a gear drive. Method (V) for configuring a coupling system (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , comprising: manipulating at least one coupling device (5) of the coupling system (1), which is displaceably and rotatably mounted on a respective rotatable roller (4) of the plurality of transport devices (2) arranged next to one another, wherein the manipulation comprises the following: axially displacing (V3) the coupling device (5) relative to the rotatable roller (4) along an axis of rotation (X) of the rotatable roller (4), wherein the coupling device (5) is guided to the adjacent rotatable roller (4) so that the coupling device (5) at least partially surrounds an end region of the two adjacent rotatable rollers (4); and rotating (V4) the coupling device (5) relative to the two adjacent rotatable rollers (4) about the common axis of rotation (X) into a predetermined end position, wherein the coupling device (5) in the predetermined end position establishes a releasable positive connection between the two adjacent rotatable rollers (4) for transmitting a drive torque. Procedure (V) according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the manipulation further comprises: rotating (V2) the coupling device (5) from a predetermined starting position, in which the coupling device (5) establishes a releasable positive connection to the rotatable roller (4) for transmitting a drive torque, relative to the rotatable roller (4) about the common axis of rotation (X), wherein the releasable positive connection to the rotatable roller (4) is released in the direction of the common axis of rotation (X). Procedure (V) according to Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the end region of the two adjacent rotatable rollers (4) each has a form-locking element (6), wherein the form-locking elements (6) protrude from a jacket surface of the rotatable rollers (4) and are aligned with one another in a predetermined orientation during axial displacement (V3) of the coupling device (5). Procedure (V) according to Claim 15 , characterized in that when rotating (V4) the coupling device (5), one of the two adjacent rotatable rollers (4) is aligned relative to the other adjacent rotatable roller (4) and relative to the coupling device (5) such that the form-locking elements (6) engage in the coupling device (5) depending on a predetermined transmission direction of the drive torque such that a substantially play-free starting process of the coupling system (1) is provided. Method (V) according to one of the Claims 13 until 16 , characterized by , joint driving (V5) of the plurality of transport devices (2), which are mechanically synchronized by means of the at least one coupling device (5).