EP4172963A2

EP4172963A2 - Vending machine

Info

Publication number: EP4172963A2
Application number: EP21773867.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: László Bálint HORVÁTH; Tamás MOLDOVÁN; Gergö Borbély
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-26
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Also published as: WO2021260401A2; HU5595U; WO2021260401A3; HUP2000210A1

Abstract

The invention is a vending machine (10) comprising - a product storage space (12) adapted for storing products, - rails (22) arranged in the product storage space (12), - at least one tray (20) configured for receiving products, and - a central control unit (40) adapted for controlling the vending machine (10). The vending machine (10) is characterized in that the tray (20) is replaceably arranged at one tray position, wherein the tray positions are defined by the rails (22), and the tray (20) comprises - a first connector portion (23) receiving power supply from the vending machine (10) and enabling a bidirectional communications link with the vending machine (10), and - a controller unit (25) connected to the first connector portion (23) and storing data related to the products stored on the tray (20) and providing bidirectional communications with the central control unit (40) of the vending machine (10) in respect of these data, the vending machine (10) further comprising - for each tray position defined by the rails (22), a respective second connector portion (24) providing a releasable connection to the first connector portion (23) of the tray (20) and providing the power supply and the bidirectional communications link in an interconnected state when the tray (20) is inserted into the vending machine (10), wherein the second connector portions (24) are arranged in the product storage space (12) aligned with the tray positions defined therein.

Description

VENDING MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a vending machine that is adapted, for example, for dispensing or vending limited availability products.

BACKGROUND ART

The prior art includes several different vending machines. In most of these machines, the products to be sold are accommodated on shelves or trays arranged above each other.

US 7,203,571 B2 discloses a method and a system for loading a tray with a medication, wherein a light grid and a scanner are arranged over a surface of the tray. When a medicine is being loaded, its identifier (for example a barcode on the packaging) is scanned by the system, and based on that the system records the position of each loaded medicine. In case the tray is to be loaded with a given medicine, then the system checks if the appropriate medicine has been loaded to any given position, i.e. , if the identifier of the loaded medicine is identical to the identifier set for the given position; an error signal is issued by the system if the identifiers do not match.

US 8,712,586 B2 discloses a dispensing apparatus adapted for dispensing restricted products, for example medicinal products. The products are stored in variable-size compartments, and the shelves of the storage system may comprise a different number of compartments, wherein the shelves can be arranged at different distance from each other, corresponding to the different product sizes. The position of the products can be changed at any time, for example by repositioning the trays; after the repositioning, the new coordinates of the trays are checked automatically by the system. The technical implementation of the check is, however, not detailed in the document. When dispensing a product, the system checks if the appropriate product is located at the given location, and if the result of the check is negative, it rejects the dispensing of a product from the given position. US 8,800,867 B2 discloses a dispensing machine comprising one or more modules, wherein the modules or sub-assemblies are provided with electronic identifiers (tags). A coffee dispensing machine can for example comprise a coffee maker module, a module for preparing milk from milk powder, a water filter module, and a control module. The dispensing machine further comprises a system for reading an electronic identifier, for example an RFID tag, which tag can also be applied for tracking the products loaded in the dispensing machine. If a module that is not part of the original configuration is inserted into the dispensing machine, the dispensing machine refuses to utilize the erroneously inserted module, and in case a module included in the original configuration is inserted in the wrong place, the control module modifies the settings of the dispensing machine such that the new module can be accepted, and its contents can be dispensed. In addition to the RFID tag, further connections are also required to interconnect the dispensing machine and the modules, through which connections, for example, the power supply of the modules is implemented, resulting in a dispensing machine having a complicated configuration.

In US 9,790,028 B2 a storage unit is disclosed wherein the stored products are disposed in separate bins. The bins have different dimensions (height and width) to correspond to the dimensions of the products, thereby reducing unused storage space. The bins hang on rails that are preferably parallel with each other; to improve space utilization the differently dimensioned bins can be arranged on rails spaced apart equally or unequally. Possible arrangements are illustrated in Figs. 13a and 13b of the document, where, if so required, the rails according to Fig. 13a can be moved to attachment points indicated by arrows. Flowever, moving or relocating the rails may require the intervention of a skilled person, and also causes downtime, which increases the operating costs.

One of the embodiments of US 2019/0147685 A1 is a vending machine wherein replaceable dispensing modules are arranged in trays retained on rails. The modules may have different width, and thus allow for loading products having different width on the trays. The technical solution according to the document comprises a controller adapted for controlling the vending machine and a respective connector for each dispensing module that is adapted for supplying power to the module and for transferring control signals and data from the controller of the vending machine to the dispensing module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In light of the known technical solutions there is a need for a vending machine that allows for easily and quickly reconfiguring its internal arrangement corresponding to the current needs (e.g., product inventory, product dimensions, peripherals).

The object of the technical solution according to the invention is to provide such a vending machine that has a reconfigurable internal configuration, more particularly, the position of the trays accommodating the products to be sold can be rearranged to match the current needs.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a vending machine wherein reconfiguration does not require refitting of the vending machine, so the reconfiguration can be performed simply and quickly, even without an intervention of a skilled person.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vending machine that is capable of automatically recognizing and identifying the products loaded therein, and based on that, of appropriately dispensing any of the products.

The objects according to the invention have been achieved by providing the vending machine according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The advantage of the vending machine according to the invention is that the internal reconfiguration of the vending machine does not require the intervention of skilled personnel or a mechanic, and the trays holding the products to be sold can be replaced or relocated to a different tray position quickly and easily. Relocation of the trays allows for improved space utilization of the inside of the vending machine (the product storage space thereof), considering the dimensions of the accommodated products, for example if the inventory of the products to be sold changes. The vending machine according to the invention also allows for installing more trays in the vending machine without assembly work, while the no longer used tray support elements (e.g., rails) need not be removed even if a reduced number of trays are installed, so an arrangement providing optimal space utilization for an actual inventory (and for the actual dimensions of the products) can be provided in the vending machine.

A further advantage of the vending machine according to the invention is that the connection between the trays and the vending machine can be released easily, without the intervention of a mechanic, while the power supply of the tray can also be provided through the same connection from the direction of the vending machine, and bidirectional communications between the tray and the vending machine can also be established. Over the bidirectional communications link the tray is able to receive commands arriving from the vending machine, e.g., to dispense a product, and the tray is also able to send a signal to the vending machine in relation to the products stored thereon, for example giving inventory information and information on product data.

Another advantageous feature is that, thanks to the bidirectional communications connection between the tray and the vending machine, the trays can be replenished after removing them from the vending machine, even at a location remote from the vending machine, which shortens tray replacement time and increases the availability rate of the vending machine. After a tray is inserted into the vending machine according to the invention, the vending machine retrieves the data related to the products loaded on the tray, so the products do not have to be manually loaded into the vending machine, and product data also do not have to be entered manually.

We have recognized that providing a releasable connection implementing power supply and data communications does not necessarily require the intervention of a skilled person when the trays are replaced or rearranged, while the connections brought about by inserting the trays shorten and simplify the tray replacement process, and the bidirectional communications established between the tray and the vending machine allows that the vending machine can be loaded with the desired set of products. If a mistake is made during loading the vending machine according to the invention (for example a tray intended for another vending machine is inserted), the products erroneously loaded into the vending machine are also recognized by the vending machine utilizing the bidirectional communications link, so the erroneously loaded products can also be sold/dispensed by the vending machine.

In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the peripherals, for example the peripherals corresponding to financial transactions and to user/customer interaction are also configured to be replaceable and relocatable. An advantage of this configuration is that the peripherals of the vending machine can be modified or rearranged to match changing customer needs, or to implement novel technology solutions (e.g., no-touch payment) and to comply with changing regulations. For example, in case a new type of coin or a new banknote is issued and a new peripheral capable of accepting it is introduced, the existing peripheral can be replaced by simply removing the old unit and inserting the new one. Replacement of the peripherals does not necessitate the rearrangement of the internal space of the vending machine; in certain cases, only the cover panel of the front door covering the peripherals has to be manufactured again corresponding to the new arrangement/dimensions of the peripherals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example with reference to the following drawings, where

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine showing the vending machine with an open door,

Fig. 4 is another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine with an open door,

Fig. 5 is a detail of the product storage space of a preferred configuration of the vending machine shown in a perspective view,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tray adapted to be applied in the vending machine,

Fig. 7 is a magnified drawing of detail A of Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic illustration of the connection between the vending machine and the tray, Fig. 9 is a side elevation view showing a schematic illustration of the connection between the vending machine and the tray,

Fig. 10 is in top plan view showing a schematic illustration of the connection between the vending machine and the tray according to Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 is another perspective view showing a schematic illustration of the connection between the vending machine and the tray shown in Fig. 8,

Fig. 12 is a magnified drawing of detail A of Fig. 11 ,

Fig. 13 is an exploded view showing a detail of a further preferred embodiment of the vending machine according to the invention,

Fig. 14 is a magnified drawing of detail A of Fig. 13,

Fig. 15 is an exploded drawing showing another perspective view of a detail of the vending machine according to Fig. 13,

Fig. 16 is an exploded drawing showing a further perspective view of a detail of the vending machine according to Fig. 13,

Fig. 17 is a magnified drawing of detail B of Fig. 16, and Fig. 18 is the block diagram of the vending machine.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the figures, components with the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals; however, the concrete implementation of these may differ from each other.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine 10 according to the invention. The vending machine 10 comprises a product storage space 12 adapted for storing products, rails 22 arranged in the product storage space 12, at least one tray 20 that is configured for receiving the products and is replaceably arranged at one of the tray positions defined by the rails 22, and a central control unit 40 adapted for controlling the vending machine 10 (see Fig. 18).

The products sold by the vending machine 10 are products known from the prior art, for example foods, beverages, medicines, toys, books, etc. that are typically arranged in boxes or bottles on one or more trays 20 situated in the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10. The vending machine 10 according to the invention preferably also comprises a peripheral space 14 that is adapted for receiving peripherals 30 and is separated from the product storage space 12. The peripherals 30 held in the peripheral space 14 are preferably devices allowing for selecting the product to be purchased, for enabling communication and interaction with the user or customer, for user or customer identification, and for carrying out financial transactions, for example screens, touchscreens, code keyboards, coin acceptors/validators, banknote acceptors/validators, card readers, printers, microphones, cameras, etc. Particular implementations of the vending machine 10 preferably comprise peripherals 30 corresponding to a given product range and to the needs of the users and customers. For example, vending machines 10 selling products that are age-limited or identification restricted preferably comprise peripherals 30, for example a camera or a device adapted for ID scanning, that allow the vending machine 10 to verify the user’s or customer’s eligibility.

It is a frequently occurring situation with operating vending machines 10 that handling of products and peripherals 30 are performed by separate, independent service providers; it is therefore preferable to apply a separated/isolated configuration for the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10, adapted for accommodating the products to be sold, and the peripheral space 14 adapted for receiving peripherals 30. In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 , separation of the product storage space 12 and the peripheral space 14 is implemented by applying a separator wall 11. In the case of vending machines 10 selling medicinal products, regulations require that the products being sold must be isolated from other parts of the vending machine 10, particularly from the peripherals 30, but in the case of vending machines 10 selling food it is also preferred to physically isolate the products being sold for considerations related to food safety.

The trays 20 of the vending machine 10 may accommodate the products in a manner known from the prior art, and the products can also be dispensed to the customer in a known manner. Depending on the type and shape of the products stored in the vending machine 10, the trays 20 disposed therein may be configured differently from each other. Preferably, the trays 20 comprise a product dispensing unit adapted for dispensing products, the product dispensing unit preferably comprising a spiral conveyor 21 , a belt conveyor, feed rail, or other means for dispensing or conveying products known in the art, or a combination thereof, and the product dispensing unit comprises a motor drive 27 (see Fig. 6). The vending machine 10 implemented according to Fig. 1 comprises trays 20 having spiral conveyors 21 , wherein the purchased product is urged from the storage position to the product dispensing position by the spiral conveyor 21 driven by a motor drive 27. In the vending machine 10 according to Fig. 1 , the products chosen and purchased by the customer are dispensed through a product dispensing opening 18 formed in a door 16 of the vending machine 10; however, dispensing of the products can be implemented by other means known in the art.

The trays 20 are arranged replaceably in the tray positions defined by the rails 22. The rails 22 are preferably arranged on an inside surface of the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10, for example on a side wall 19 and/or on the separator wall 11. The rails 22 preferably form rail pairs, wherein one rail of the rail pair is arranged on the inside surface of the side wall 19 of the vending machine 10 and the other rail thereof is arranged on the side of the separator wall 11 facing the product storage space 12. Each of the trays 20 can be placed on a rail pair formed by the rails 22 and can be preferably pushed inward. The rails 22 are preferably arranged parallel to each other; in the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 all rails 22 are arranged at a horizontal orientation, however, in other embodiments not shown in the drawings the rails 22 may also be arranged at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction (i.e. , in a tilted manner). A further embodiment may also be implemented (not shown), wherein the rails 22 arranged under each other are not parallel with each other but extend at different angles (preferably only slightly different angles) relative to the horizontal direction.

According to the invention, each tray 20 comprises a first connector portion 23 adapted for receiving power supply from the vending machine 10 and for enabling a bidirectional communications link with the vending machine 10 (see Figs. 6-11 ), and a controller unit 25 that is connected to the first connector portion 23 and is adapted for storing data related to the products stored on the tray 20 and for providing bidirectional communications with the central control unit 40 of the vending machine 10 in respect of these data (see Figs. 8-11 ). The features of the first connector portion 23 and the controller unit 25 are described in more detail in relation to Figs. 6-11.

The vending machine 10 according to the invention further comprises, for each tray position defined by the rails 22, a respective second connector portion 24 (see Figs. 3-11 ), wherein the second connector portions 24 are aligned with the tray positions defined by the rails 22, preferably along a vertical direction. The second connector portions 24 are preferably arranged affixed to the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10, for example to a rear wall of the vending machine 10; more preferably, the second connector portions 24 are affixed to respective rails 22, preferably the inside ends thereof (see Fig. 3). In this latter preferred embodiment, it is ensured by securing together the rails 22 and the second connector portions 24 that the second connector portions 24 are located at a position corresponding to their tray positions, thereby facilitating a quick and accurate connection of the first connector portions 23 of the trays 20 to the corresponding second connector portions 24. The second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10 and the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 can be interconnected by a releasable connection, and the interconnected state of the first connector portion 23 and the second connector portion 24 is brought about when the tray 20 has reached its end position after being inserted into the vending machine 10 (for example, pushed therein along the rails 22), so replacing the trays 20 or relocating them to another tray position does not require the intervention of a skilled person. In the interconnected state of the first connector portion 23 and the second connector portion 24 power supply is provided, and a bidirectional communications link is established between the vending machine 10 and the tray 20. In contrast to prior art technical solutions, the vending machine 10 according to the invention does not require that the trays 20 have a usual, fixed mechanical connection to the vending machine 10, furthermore an installation of a wiring (or often multiple independent wirings) providing power supply to the tray 20 and communication with the vending machine 10 - which requires intervention by a skilled person for exchanging or removing the trays 20 in the case of conventional solutions - is also not necessary. In the vending machine 10 according to the invention, preferably as many as at least 10.000 connection cycles can be performed between the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 and the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10 by a tool-less, releasable connection.

In the vending machine 10 according to the invention a respective second connector portion 24 corresponds to each tray position, ensuring that the trays 20 can be inserted at any tray position. The trays 20 are preferably arranged in the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10 such that the products stored on the trays 20 fill the space available in the product storage space 12 as efficiently as possible. In case the inventory of products to be sold by the vending machine 10 is changed, the dimensions of the products may also change, which can make it necessary to relocate the trays 20. If the vending machine 10 accommodates smaller-sized products (i.e. , products having smaller volume) than before, then the trays 20 accommodating these smaller-sized products can be placed at tray positions lying closer to each other, which allows for accommodating even more trays 20 than before in the same vending machine 10. By applying a larger number of trays 20, due to the more efficient utilization of space a wider range of products to be sold can be accommodated at the same time, or a larger quantity of the same product can be stored, so the risk that the vending machine 10 runs out of a given product can be reduced, while the vending machine 10 needs to be replenished less frequently, which has additional economic benefits.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine 10 according to the invention. A window 17 is preferably arranged in the door 16 of the vending machine 10, through which window 17 the products arranged in the vending machine 10 can be viewed. In certain other preferred embodiments of the invention the window 17 is replaced by a display on the door 16, the display showing, for example, the virtual images of the products stored in the vending machine 10, or displaying interactive content, such as a film or other media content intended to help purchasing the products. An additional advantage of this preferred configuration is that certain products, for example foods and medicinal products are exposed to the effects of light and heat to a reduced extent, or are not exposed to such effects at all. In the case of medicinal products, the unobstructed viewing of the products may be forbidden by laws or regulations, i.e., such products must be stored out of sight. The vending machine 10 further comprises several different peripherals 30, the peripherals 30 being adapted for enabling user/customer interactions described above in relation to Fig. 1 , and for carrying out transactions. The peripherals 30 can be preferably accessed by the user or customer through an opening 31 formed in the door 16 (see for example in Fig. 3). The dimensions and position of the openings 31 preferably corresponds to the dimensions and position of the peripherals 30.

Preferably, the peripherals 30 of the vending machine 10 are configured to be replaceable, removable, and allowing for receiving new types of peripherals 30 (for more details, see the description of Figs. 3-4). The relocation or replacement of the peripherals 30 or the installation of new peripherals 30 may necessitate the relocation or re-dimensioning of the openings 31 disposed on the door 16, which in specific cases can also make it necessary to replace a cover portion of the door 16 that covers the peripheral space 14. Flowever, other components of the vending machine 10, including further portions of the door 16 (for example the window 17 or the product dispensing opening 18) can be left unchanged, so the peripherals 30 can be rearranged or replaced at a low cost, in contrast to the conventional solutions wherein the peripherals 30 are not arranged a peripheral space 14 but are affixed to the door 16. In the case of such conventionally configured vending machines 10, replacing the peripherals 30 required the replacement of the entire door 16; in contrast to that, in the vending machine 10 according to the invention the replacement or relocation of the peripherals 30 requires replacing only a portion of the door 16, which can be implemented at lower cost and in shorter time.

Figs. 3-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the vending machine 10 according to the invention, showing the vending machine 10 with its door 16 open. These vending machines 10 also comprise a product storage space 12 and a peripheral space 14 that are separated from each other preferably by a separator wall 11 . Products are arranged in the product storage space 12 on at least one tray 20, said tray 20 comprising, in the preferred embodiments according to the figure, a product dispensing unit having a spiral conveyor 21 adapted for dispensing the products, and the product dispensing unit preferably comprising a motor drive 27 adapted for driving the spiral conveyor 21. A preferred configuration of the tray 20 is shown in more detail in Fig. 6. In the preferred embodiment according to Figs. 3-4 the products are arranged on the tray 20 between the coils of the spiral conveyor 21 , and the product selected and paid for by the customer is conveyed towards the product dispensing opening 18 disposed on the door 16 of the vending machine 10 by the movement of the spiral conveyor 21 driven by the motor drive 27.

The trays 20 preferably have identical features to the trays 20 described in relation to Figs. 1 and 2. In Figs. 3-4, vending machines 10 comprising trays 20 arranged on horizontally oriented rails 22 are illustrated. Each of the vending machines 10 illustrated in the figures comprises two trays 20; however, the vending machines 10 have more tray positions than the number of the actually installed trays 20, wherein the trays 20 can be installed at any position. Therefore, the rails 22 need not be moved for relocating the trays 20, but the trays 20 can be installed at any tray position (defined by the rails 22) that is currently empty. In addition to the rails 22, the second connector portions 24 corresponding to the different tray positions are also arranged fixedly in the vending machine 10, so the trays 20 can be replaced or relocated without using a tool, i.e. , without the intervention of a skilled person. By pushing the trays 20 into place in the vending machine 10 according to the invention, a connection providing power supply to the tray 20 and a connection providing bidirectional communication between the tray 20 and the vending machine 10 are established, i.e., the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 and the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10 are interconnected.

The second connector portions 24 are preferably arranged affixed to an inside surface of the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10, for example to rails 22 mounted on the side wall 19 and/or on the separator wall 11 of the vending machine 10, preferably being secured to the inside end of the rails 22. The advantage of the vending machine 10 having second connector portions 24 affixed to the rails 22 is that the second connector portions 24 will be automatically aligned with the corresponding tray positions; thus, when the tray 20 is inserted or pushed along a direction defined by the rails 22, the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 will quickly and accurately connect to the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10. In a preferred embodiment of the vending machine 10, the trays 20 are arranged on rail pairs formed by the rails 22, wherein one rail 22 of the rail pair is arranged for example on the separator wall 11 in the product storage space 12, and the other rail 22 thereof is arranged on the side wall 19, in such case the second connector portion 24 is preferably connected only to one rail 22 of each rail pair.

The vending machine 10 preferably has at most as many tray positions as the maximum number of the second connector portions 24 that can be arranged in the vending machine 10. Provided that the vending machine 10 has second connector portions 24 affixed to the rails 22, the condition that the number of tray positions must equal the number of second connector portions 24 is also fulfilled, as there is a respective second connector portion 24 connected to each rail 22, or one rail 22 of each rail pair. The more tray positions a given vending machine 10 has the more efficient the use of space can be when the product storage space 12 is loaded up with trays 20 storing products. In Fig. 5, an exemplary arrangement is shown for implementing the maximum number of tray positions in a given vending machine 10.

In the case of the vending machine 10 according to Figs. 3-4, the peripherals 30 are preferably corresponding to the peripherals 30 described in relation to Fig. 1 . The peripherals 30 are arranged in peripheral positions defined by the peripheral mounting rails 32, and the peripherals 30 are provided with a respective third connector portion 33 adapted for providing connection to the vending machine 10. In the vending machine 10 the fourth connector portions 34 are arranged in the peripheral space 14 corresponding to the predefined peripheral positions, preferably, the fourth connector portions 34 are arranged along a vertical direction. The fourth connector portions 34 are preferably arranged affixed to the rear wall of the vending machine 10, more preferably, the fourth connector portions 34 are affixed to respective peripheral mounting rails 32, preferably the inside ends thereof. In this latter preferred embodiment, it is ensured by securing together the peripheral mounting rails 32 and the fourth connector portions 34 that the fourth connector portions 34 are arranged at a position corresponding to the peripheral positions, thereby facilitating a quick and accurate connection of the third connector portions 33 of the peripherals 30 to the corresponding fourth connector portions 34. Upon inserting the peripheral 30, the third connector portion 33 and the fourth connector portion 34 are brought into an interconnected state, preferably by means of a releasable connection. In the interconnected state, power supply is provided to the peripheral 30 by the vending machine 10, and communication is established between the vending machine 10 and the peripheral 30. Depending on the type of the peripheral 30, communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional; in case of unidirectional communication the direction of the communication can be from the vending machine 10 to the peripheral 30 or from the peripheral 30 to the vending machine 10.

The peripherals 30 are replaceably arranged on the peripheral mounting rails 32, i.e. , if needed, the peripherals 30 can be removed from the vending machine 10, for example in case a new type of a given peripheral 30 is intended to be installed, while the peripherals 30 can also be relocated into another currently empty peripheral position. As set forth in relation to Fig. 2 above, replacing the peripherals 30 may involve replacing the door 16 of the vending machine 10 or a portion of the door 16 due to the different dimensions of the openings 31 formed on the door 16 corresponding to the different peripherals 30.

Commercially available peripherals 30 typically do not have a third connector portion 33 adapted for providing connection to the fourth connector portion 34 of the vending machine 10, so these peripherals 30 preferably have to be provided with the third connector portion 33 according to the invention. A possible way of implementation is to arrange the peripherals 30 in storage devices (for example, boxes) equipped with a third connector portion 33, or, in the preferred embodiment according to Figs. 3-4, in peripheral trays 35 similar to the trays 20. The third connector portion 33 is connected to the conventional output or outputs of the peripheral 30. Preferably, it is sufficient to connect the peripheral 30 to the third connector portion 33 of the storage device only once, after which the peripheral 30 can be easily (without using a tool or requiring the intervention of a skilled person) relocated into another peripheral position together with the storage device, or, in case of servicing/maintenance, can be reinstalled at the same position. By the quick replacement of the peripherals 30, on-site troubleshooting and servicing time can be significantly reduced, because the personnel tasked with operating the vending machine 10 (i.e. service personnel or operators) need not guess the cause of the malfunction of the vending machine 10 (i.e. guess which peripheral 30 malfunctions), only insert a new peripheral 30 unit in place of the previous peripheral 30, and thereby the vending machine 10 can be restored to operation, for example after restarting the vending machine 10. Thanks to its configuration, the vending machine 10 according to the invention can be operated easily, at a high availability rate, i.e. , the downtime caused by servicing and maintenance (the duty cycle) is significantly reduced. Furthermore, by applying the above-described storage devices preferably ensures that the peripherals 30 have a uniform width, which is also required for the replaceability of the peripherals 30; and in case of replacing a peripheral 30 (for example due to a version upgrade), it can compensate for the different dimensions of the new peripheral 30 as long as one of the dimensions of the new peripheral 30 do not exceed the dimensions of the storage device. If the peripherals 30 are originally manufactured to have a third connector portion 33 and a standard, identical width, then they can be utilized in the vending machine 10 without applying any additional equipment.

The peripheral mounting rails 32 preferably accurately guide the third connector portion 33 of the peripheral 30 onto the fourth connector portion 34 of the vending machine 10; however, in certain preferred embodiments the third connector portion

33 and/or the fourth connector portion 34 may preferably also comprise a guide element adapted to facilitate the connection process, ensuring that the third connector portion 33 is accurately connects to the fourth connector portion 34 and the components are prevented from getting damaged due to inaccurate connection.

One of the third connector portion 33 and the fourth connector portion 34 comprises connector pins arranged in parallel with the insertion direction of the peripheral 30, while the other one of the third connector portion 33 and the fourth connector portion

34 is configured for receiving the connector pins. The third connector portion 33 or fourth connector portion 34 are implemented by applying connector pins allowing as many as 10.000 connection (replacement) cycles.

In Figs. 3 and 4 each of the fourth connector portions 34 are preferably arranged affixed to the inside surface of the peripheral space 14 of the vending machine 10, for example to peripheral mounting rails 32 mounted on the side wall 19 and/or on the separator wall 11 of the vending machine 10, preferably to the inside end of the peripherals mounting rails 32. The advantage of the vending machine 10 utilizing fourth connector portions 34 affixed to the peripheral mounting rails 32 is that the fourth connector portions 34 will be automatically aligned with the peripheral positions; thus, when a given peripheral 30 is inserted or pushed along a direction defined by the peripheral mounting rails 32, the third connector portion 33 of the peripheral 30 will quickly and accurately connect to the fourth connector portion 34 of the vending machine 10. In the preferred embodiment according to Figs. 3 and 4 the peripheral mounting rails 32 and the fourth connector portions 34 connected thereto are arranged separated from each other. The maximum number of peripheral positions of the vending machine 10 preferably equals the maximum number of the fourth connector portions 34 that can be installed - which is determined by the peripheral mounting rails 32 mounted on the side wall 19 and/or separator wall 11 of the vending machine 10 -, or the maximum number of peripheral mounting rails 32 that can be separately arranged on the side wall 19 or the separator wall 11 of the vending machine 10. The greater the number of the peripheral positions comprised by a given vending machine 10, the more favourable distribution of peripherals 30 can be achieved in the peripheral space 14, i.e. , the height/eye level of the customers and/or user can be considered for positioning the peripherals 30.

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the vending machines 10 according to Figs. 3-4, showing the product storage space 12, wherein the preferred arrangement of the rails 22 disposed on the separator wall 11 and the second connector portions 24 secured to the inside ends of the rails 22 can be seen. In the preferred embodiment depicted in the figure, the rails 22 are arranged horizontally, parallel with each other, and a tray 20 that comprises a product dispensing unit having a spiral conveyor 21 and is adapted for accommodating the products is arranged in the product storage space 12.

The rails 22 are preferably secured to attachment places 28 disposed on the side wall 19 and/or separator wall 11 of the vending machine 10. The vending machine 10 preferably comprises more pre-prepared attachment places 28 than a minimum amount required by the included rails 22; thereby the tray positions of the vending machine 10 can be implemented even by using rails 22 of different sizes, or by arranging or distributing the rails 22 differently. Rearranging the rails 22 may require the intervention of a skilled person; however, such rearranging is rarely needed in the course of the operation of the vending machine 10.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is constituted by the configuration wherein the peripheral space 14 of the vending machine 10 is configured in a similar fashion to the product storage space 12 according to Fig. 5.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tray 20 applicable in the vending machine 10 according to the invention. The tray 20 comprises a product dispensing unit having a spiral conveyor 21 where the products can be placed between the coils of the spiral conveyor 21. The tray 20 according to the figure comprises eight product dispensing units that have identical configuration. The number of the product dispensing units arranged in the tray 20 preferably depends on the size of the accommodated products; the individual product dispensing units may have different configuration, for example, for dispensing the products the product dispensing units can comprise a spiral conveyor 21 , a belt conveyor, a feed rail, a combination thereof, or other known technical solutions. The product dispensing units preferably also comprise a motor drive 27 that preferably drives for example the spiral conveyor 21 , belt conveyor, or feed rail. In the interconnected state of the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 and the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10 - which interconnected state is brought about by inserting the tray 20 into the vending machine 10 (pushing it therein) - the motor drive 27 receives power supply from the vending machine 10.

The tray 20 further comprises a guide edge 29 that is adapted for guiding the first connector portion 23 along the rail 22 into a connection position. In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 6, the guide edge 29 is arranged on a base plate 26 affixed to the bottom portion of the tray 20, wherein the first connector portion 23 is secured to the base plate 26, and the controller unit 25 that is adapted for storing data related to the products stored on the tray 20 and for providing bidirectional communications with the central control unit 40 of the vending machine 10 in respect of these data is also arranged on the base plate 26 (see Figs. 8-11 ). The controller unit 25 is preferably disposed on a controller retaining surface 25a of the base plate 26. A preferred configuration of the base plate 26 can be seen in more detail in Figs. 8-11 . By using the base plate 26, any commercially available tray 20 can be made suitable for application in the vending machine 10 according to the invention.

The controller unit 25 preferably comprises a microprocessor unit controlled by a communications program, a memory unit that is connected to the microprocessor unit and is adapted for storing data comprising product inventory information, and a communications interface connected to the microprocessor unit. In addition to product inventory information, the memory unit may preferably store additional data on the products accommodated in the vending machine 10, for example data (name, dimensions, expiry date, etc.) related to the products.

Based on the information received from the vending machine 10, the controller unit 25 initiates a dispensing process of the stored product, in the course of which it activates the motor drive of the product dispensing unit corresponding to the storage location of the chosen product, and the product is dispensed at a quantity requested by the customer or user. After dispensing a product, the product inventory information is updated by the memory unit of the controller 25.

Fig. 7 is a magnified drawing of detail A of Fig. 6, wherein the preferred configuration of the first connector portion 23 and the second connector portion 24 can be better observed. In the preferred embodiment according to the figure, the second connector portion 24 comprises connector pins arranged in parallel with the insertion direction of the tray 20, with the first connector portion 23 having a configuration (preferably comprising sockets, i.e. , receptacles) adapted to receive the connector pins. The second connector portion 24 is preferably implemented as a bed of nails comprising connector pins.

The first connector portion 23 and/or the second connector portion 24 may preferably also comprise a guide element adapted to facilitate the connection process, ensuring that the first connector portion 23 is accurately connected to the second connector portion 24 and preventing the components from getting damaged due to inaccurate connection.

In a manner set forth above in relation to Fig. 6, the first connector portion 23 is disposed on the base plate 26, wherein the base plate 26 also comprises the controller retaining surface 25a. Figs. 8-11 illustrate the insertion process of the tray 20 in various views. In Figs. 8- 11 , the insertion process of the tray 20 is illustrated in various perspective views, wherein Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show a side elevation and a top plan view, respectively; in Figs. 9-10 the insertion direction of the tray 20 is indicated by an arrow.

In the preferred embodiment according to the figures, the rail 22 and the second connector portion 24 are secured together, which ensures that the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 (not shown) inserted along the rail 22 can be connected, at each tray position, to the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10. In a manner described above in relation to Fig. 6, the tray 20 comprises a base plate 26, wherein the first connector portion 23 and the controller unit 25 are arranged on the base plate 26. The controller unit 25 is preferably arranged on the controller retaining surface 25a of the base plate 26. The features of the controller unit 25 are preferably identical to the features described in relation to Fig. 6.

When the tray 20 is inserted into the vending machine 10, the guide edge 29 of the base plate 26 affixed to the bottom portion of the tray 20 moves along the rail 22, and thereby the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 can be guided to an accurate connection with the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10. The tray 20 is prevented from tipping during the insertion process by a guide element 29a of the rail 22 shown in Fig. 10; the guide edge of the tray 20 is allowed to move only in a slot defined by the guide element 29a.

Fig. 12 is a magnified drawing of detail A of Fig. 11. The rail 22 is attached to the attachment places 28 of the vending machine 10 by way of an attachment opening 28a, preferably by means of a form-fit connection, more preferably a releasable form-fit connection. The guide edge 29 of the tray 20 is able to move in the slot defined by the guide element 29a of the rail 22 in a guided manner, so the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 can make an accurate connection with the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10. The guide element 29a also prevents the tray 20 from tipping in the course of the insertion process.

Figs. 13-17 illustrate, in exploded drawings the connection of the tray 20 to the vending machine 10, showing various perspective views (Figs. 13, 15, and 16) and detail views (Figs. 14 and 17), where Fig. 14 is a magnified view of detail A of Fig. 13, and Fig. 17 is a magnified drawing of detail B of Fig. 16.

The vending machine 10 having the preferred configuration illustrated in Figs. 13- 17 comprises a tray 20 adapted for accommodating the products that in the embodiment shown in the figure comprises a first connector portion 23 for providing connection to the vending machine 10, and product dispensing units comprising spiral conveyors 21 , wherein the spiral conveyors 21 are driven by motor drive units 27 for dispensing the products. In the interconnected state brought about by the insertion of the tray 20, power is supplied to the motor drive 27 via the first connector portion 23 and the second connector portion 24. The motor drive 27 corresponding to the product that has been chosen and paid for is started by the controller unit 25 based on a signal received from the central control unit 40 of the vending machine 10. The communications link between the central control unit 40 of the vending machine 10 and the controller unit 25 is also provided via the interconnected first connector portion 23 and second connector portion 24. The communications link established via the first connector portion 23 and the second connector portion 24 is a bidirectional one, enabling the tray 20 to send product inventory data and information on the accommodated products to the vending machine 10, and the vending machine 10 to preferably send commands to the tray 20 in relation to dispensing particular products.

The tray 20 according to Figs. 13, 15, and 16 preferably has the same features as the tray 20 according to Fig. 6. A base plate 26 having a guide edge 29 is coupled to a bottom portion of the tray 20, wherein the first connector portion 23 and the controller unit 25 are adapted to be connected to the base plate 26. The tray 20 can be inserted into the vending machine 10 along the guide edge 29 of the base plate 26, wherein the guide edge 29 is fitted against the rail 22. The rails 22 can be affixed to predetermined attachment places 28 formed on the separator wall 11 and/or the side wall 19 of the vending machine 10. In the case of an vending machine 10 comprising replaceable peripherals 30 in the peripheral space 14, the peripheral mounting rails 32 can also be affixed to predetermined attachment places 28 formed on the separator wall 11 and the side wall 19 of the vending machine 10. The rails 22 and the peripheral mounting rails 32 are expediently affixed in the same manner as was described in relation to Fig. 5. To provide stable attachment of the rail 22 and/or of the peripheral mounting rail 32, each rail 22 and/or peripheral mounting rail 32 can be affixed to more than one attachment places 28.

The second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10 is preferably implemented to be attached to the rails 22, which ensures that for each tray position defined by the rails 22 there is a second connector portion 24 with which the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 is connected in the inserted state of the tray 20.

Figs. 14 and 17 show preferred embodiments of the first connector portion 23 of the tray 20 and the second connector portion 24 of the vending machine 10. In the preferred embodiments according to the figures, the second connector portion 24 comprises connector pins arranged in parallel with the insertion direction of the tray 20, wherein the first connector portion 23 has a configuration (preferably comprising sockets) adapted to receive the connector pins. The second connector portion 24 is preferably implemented as a bed of nails comprising connector pins.

The first connector portions 23 and second connector portions 24 illustrated in the drawings can also be applied with rails 22 arranged in a tilted fashion (i.e. at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction), in which case these have to be secured in a tilted position that corresponds to the angle of the rail 22 to the horizontal direction such that the connector pins and the sockets adapted to receive the connector pins are parallel with the insertion direction of the tray 20, and that the interconnected state of the first connector portions 23 and the second connector portion 24 can be brought about by the insertion of the tray 20.

Similar to what was set forth in relation to Fig. 7 above, the first connector portion 23 and/or the second connector portion 24 preferably also comprises a guide element adapted to facilitate the connection process, ensuring that the first connector portion 23 is accurately connected to the second connector portion 24 and preventing the components from getting damaged due to an inaccurate connection.

Fig. 18 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the vending machine 10 according to the invention. The vending machine 10 comprises a central control unit 40 adapted for performing control tasks. In the embodiment according to the figure, the central control unit 40 comprises a computing device 41 that is preferably implemented as a computer or minicomputer adapted for industrial control applications and that runs various programs and/or applications, for example a maintenance application 42 adapted for supervising the operation of the components of the vending machine 10, a user or customer application 43 that enables the user or customer to carry out the product purchase, and a media application 44 that is adapted for monitoring those aspects of the operation of the vending machine 10 that are not related to the purchase transactions, for example managing the advertisements being run on a display 30i of the vending machine 10.

The central control unit 40 further comprises an interface 45 adapted for connecting peripherals 30 and other accessories, and optionally also comprises a USB hub 46. The interface 45 can be utilized for connecting devices or peripherals 30 with various different connector types, for example, devices or peripherals 30 with MDB, USB, or RS-485 connectors to the computing device 41. Thereby, the computing device 41 is able to establish a connection, preferably a communications connection, with all of the devices (i.e. , peripherals 30) adapted to be connected to the vending machine 10.

In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 18, various different peripherals 30 are connected to the vending machine 10, for example peripherals 30 required for carrying out financial transactions, such as a coin acceptor/validator 30a, a banknote acceptor/validator 30b, a POS card reader 30c, an NFC card reader 30d, as well as peripherals 30 adapted for enabling interaction between the user and the vending machine 10, such as a printer 30e, a microphone 30f, a camera 30g, an ID scanner 30h, a display 30i, and a touchscreen 30j. In the preferred embodiment according to the figure, some of the peripherals 30 related to financial transactions (for example the coin acceptor/validator 30a, the banknote acceptor/validator 30b, and the POS card reader 30c) have an MDB connection, so these are in connection, preferably via a bidirectional communications link, with the interface 45 of the central control unit 40. The preferred directions of the connections are indicated by arrows in the figure. Further peripherals 30, preferably with USB connectivity (for example the POS card reader 30c, the NFC card reader 30d, the printer 30e, the microphone 30f, the camera 30g, and the ID scanner 30h), are in connection with the USB hub 46 of the central control unit 40. The preferred directions of the communication performed via the USB connection are illustrated by the arrows. The display 30i is preferably adapted for visual presentation, for example for showing advertisements, and is preferably connected to the media application 44 of the computing device 41 ; the link between the display 30i and the computing device 41 can preferably be implemented via a HDMI connection. Using the touchscreen 30j, the customers can select the product they would like to purchase from the vending machine 10. The touchscreen 30j is preferably connected with the user or customer application 43 of the computing device 41 , and receives the information to be displayed from the central control unit 40 preferably via a HDMI connection; the touchscreen 30j preferably communicates with the central control unit 40 preferably via a USB connection. Preferably, a bidirectional communications link is maintained also between the user or customer application 43 and the media application 44; a connection between the display 30i and the touchscreen 30j can also be established via this link. If the display 30i is disposed in the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 2 in place of the window 17, then, with the help of the bidirectional communications link between the user or customer application 43 and the media application 44, media content corresponding to the purchase started utilizing the touchscreen 30j can be shown on the display 30i (for example an advertisement or suggestions for use related to the product being purchased, or alternatively, instructions related to the purchase process), which further improves the interactive connection between the user or customer and the vending machine 10.

Power is preferably supplied to the vending machine 10 by an uninterrupted power supply 47 and a power supply 48 connected thereto, the power supply 48 generating, for example, voltages of 12V and 24V for powering different components of the vending machine 10.

The central control unit 40 is preferably connected to a cloud 53, which connection is preferably implemented directly, for example via an Ethernet connection and/or via a wireless (for example, Wi-Fi) connection 54, and/or via a GSM connection 55. Through the cloud 53, the vending machine 10 can maintain a connection with a central database in order to receive and transmit data and product inventory information related to the products accommodated in the vending machine 10, with customers in the course of a web purchase, with a bank for carrying out financial transactions (for example, during the use of the POS card reader 30c), with the warehouses/logistic centres tasked with replenishing the trays 20, and with the operator of the vending machine 10.

The trays 20 accommodated in the product storage space 12 of the vending machine 10 are preferably disposed in a temperature-regulated space 50, which is particularly preferable in the case of vending machines 10 selling medicinal products and/or food products (e.g., foods and beverages). The temperature-regulated space 50 preferably comprises a cooling unit 56, which cooling unit 56 is connected to the interface 45 of the central control unit 40, a temperature and humidity sensor 52, and infrared sensors 51. The trays 20 are in bidirectional communications connection with the central control unit 40 via the controller unit 25, as it is shown by the arrows in Fig. 18.

A lighting control unit 57 adapted for controlling the illumination of the vending machine 10 and a security unit 58 adapted for providing and monitoring security functions of the vending machine 10 are preferably also connected to the central control unit 40.

The vending machine 10 may also comprise additional services or devices related to the products to be sold, for example in the case of vending machines 10 applied for selling medicinal products, non-invasive measurement devices 60 adapted for measuring the temperature, blood pressure, or other physiological functions of the customer can also be connected to the vending machine 10, where the measurement device can also be a heart condition monitoring device according to the Hungarian patent HU 231028. The measurement device 60 is preferably capable of sharing/transferring the measured data via a bidirectional wireless connection, for example a Bluetooth connection with the user’s computer 59 or smartphone.

The trays 20 of the vending machine 10 according to the invention preferably need not be loaded with products directly in the vending machine 10; instead, making use of the easy replaceability of the trays 20, the trays 20 can be replenished at a central replenishment location where, in the course of the replenishment process, the data related to the loaded-in goods, for example the exact position of each particular product on the tray 20, the name and optionally the expiry date and price of the products, are transferred to the memory of the controller unit 25 of the tray 20. In such a manner, fully loaded trays 20 can be inserted into the vending machine 10, which reduces the time required for loading the vending machine 10 on-site, and also reduces the risk of incorrectly filling the vending machine 10 and of incorrect product dispensing. In case a service provider operates several vending machines 10 it may happen that a tray 20 loaded with products is put in a wrong vending machine 10. After the insertion of the tray 20, the central control unit 40 of the vending machines 10 according to the invention establishes a bidirectional communications link with the tray 20 to retrieve product inventory information related to the contents of the tray 20. Possessing the product inventory information, the products accommodated on the tray 20 are identified by the vending machine 10, which allows the machine to sell the products at the appropriate prices corresponding to the particular products, and - provided that it comprises the suitable peripherals 30 - perform the appropriate identification and authorization of the customers if required, for example in the case of age-limited or other limited availability products requiring authorization, and to dispense the product or deny the transaction based on the result of the identification or authorization.

In the case of a system comprising several vending machines 10, the vending machines 10 can be connected to a common cloud 53 that enables operating personnel to retrieve inventory information from the particular vending machines 10, and based on that information, to replace or replenish particular trays 20. The operators can also remotely detect and identify malfunctions hampering the optimal operation of the vending machines 10, enabling service personnel to prepare for repairing the defects, for example, to take the appropriate replacement parts to the installation location.

The manner of industrial application of the invention follows from the characteristics of the technical solution described above. As can be seen from the above, the invention achieves its objects in a very preferable manner compared to the prior art. The invention is, of course, not limited to the preferred embodiments described in detail above, but further variants, modifications and developments are possible within the scope of protection determined by the claims, for example by combining the preferred embodiments illustrated also in the figures.

List of reference signs

10 vending machine

11 separator wall

12 product storage space

14 peripheral space

16 door

17 window

18 product dispensing opening

19 side wall

20 tray 21 spiral conveyor 22 rail

23 first connector portion

24 second connector portion

25 controller unit 25a controller retaining surface

26 base plate

27 motor drive

28 attachment point 28a attachment opening

29 guide edge 29a guide element

30 peripheral 30a coin acceptor/validator 30b banknote acceptor/validator 30c POS card reader 30d NFC card reader

30e printer

30f microphone

30g camera

30h ID scanner

30i display

30j touchscreen

31 opening

32 peripheral mounting rail

33 third connector portion

34 fourth connector portion

35 peripheral tray

40 central control unit

41 computing device

42 maintenance application

43 user or customer application

44 media application

45 interface

46 USB hub

47 uninterrupted power supply

48 power supply

50 temperature-regulated space

51 infrared sensor

52 temperature and humidity sensor

53 cloud

54 wireless connection

55 GSM connection

56 cooling unit

57 lighting control unit

58 security unit 59 computer

60 measurement device

Claims

1. A vending machine (10) comprising

- a product storage space (12) adapted for storing products,

- rails (22) arranged in the product storage space (12),

- at least one tray (20) configured for receiving products, and

- a central control unit (40) adapted for controlling the vending machine (10), characterised in that the tray (20) is replaceably arranged at one tray position, wherein the tray positions are defined by the rails (22), and the tray (20) comprises

- a first connector portion (23) receiving power supply from the vending machine (10) and enabling a bidirectional communications link with the vending machine (10), and

- a controller unit (25) connected to the first connector portion (23) and storing data related to the products stored on the tray (20) and providing bidirectional communications with the central control unit (40) of the vending machine (10) in respect of these data, the vending machine (10) further comprising

- for each tray position defined by the rails (22), a respective second connector portion (24) providing a releasable connection to the first connector portion (23) of the tray (20) and providing the power supply and the bidirectional communications link in an interconnected state when the tray (20) is inserted into the vending machine (10), wherein the second connector portions (24) are arranged in the product storage space (12) aligned with the tray positions defined therein.

2. The vending machine (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that one of the first connector portion (23) and the second connector portion (24) comprises connector pins arranged in parallel with the insertion direction of the tray (20), and the other one of the first connector portion (23) and the second connector portion (24) is configured for receiving said connector pins.

3. The vending machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the rails (22) are arranged affixed to an inside surface of the product storage space (12) of the vending machine (10).

4. The vending machine (10) according to any of claims 1-3, characterised in that the second connector portion (24) is retained by being connected to an inside surface of the product storage space (12) of the vending machine (10) or to the rails (22).

5. The vending machine (10) according to any of claims 1-4, characterised in that the controller unit (25) comprises

- a microprocessor unit controlled by a communications program,

- a memory unit connected to the microprocessor unit and storing data comprising product inventory information, and

- a communications interface connected to the microprocessor unit.

6. The vending machine (10) according to any of claims 1-5, characterised in that it comprises a peripheral space (14) separated from the product storage space (12) and receiving peripherals (30), the vending machine (10) further comprising in the peripheral space (14)

- peripheral mounting rails (32),

- at least one peripheral (30) replaceably arranged at one peripheral position, wherein the peripheral positions are defined by the peripheral mounting rails (32), and wherein the least one peripheral (30) comprises a third connector portion (33), and

- for each peripheral position defined by the peripheral mounting rails (32), a respective fourth connector portion (34) being adapted for providing releasable connection to the third connector portion (33) of the peripheral (30) and for providing power supply and communications to the peripheral (30) in the interconnected state when the peripheral (30) is inserted, wherein the fourth connector portions (34) are arranged in the peripheral space (14) aligned with the peripheral positions defined therein.

7. The vending machine (10) according to claim 6, characterised in that one of the third connector portion (33) and the fourth connector portion (34) comprises connector pins arranged in parallel with the insertion direction of the peripheral (30), and the other one of the third connector portion (33) and the fourth connector portion (34) is configured for receiving the connector pins.

8. The vending machine (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the peripheral mounting rails (32) are arranged affixed to an inside surface of the peripheral space (14).

9. The vending machine (10) according to any of claims 6-8, characterised in that the fourth connector portion (24) is retained by being connected to an inside surface of the peripheral space (14) of the vending machine (10) or to the rails (22).

10. The vending machine according to any of claims 1-9, characterised in that the tray (20) comprises product dispensing units that are provided with a motor drive (27) and are adapted for dispensing products, each of the product dispensing units preferably comprising a spiral conveyor (21), a belt conveyor, a feed rail or a combination thereof, and the power supply of the motor drive (27) is provided in the interconnected state of the first connector portion (23) of the tray (20) and the second connector portion (24) of the vending machine (10).