CN105980277A

CN105980277A - Systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating module-based vending

Info

Publication number: CN105980277A
Application number: CN201480075204.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·夏默力克; S·鲍费尔; B·鲍费尔; J·穆罕默德; A·盖丁伯格
Original assignee: Vengo Inc
Current assignee: Vengo Inc
Priority date: 2013-12-20
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-19
Also published as: CN109243064B; CN105980277B; CN109243064A; CA2932937A1; CA2932937C; WO2015095669A1

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Description

For convenient based on module sell goods system, method and apparatus

Cross-Reference to Related Applications: this application claims that on October 16th, 2014 that submit, entitled " is used for facilitating base The system sold goods, method and apparatus (SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR in module FACILITATING MODULE-BASED VENDING) " U.S. Patent application No.14/516,563 preferential Power.

This application claims " vendor system based on module that submit, entitled on October 16th, 2014 (MODULE-BASED VENDING MACHINE SYSTEM) " U.S. Patent application No.14/516,565 Priority.

This application claims that December in 2013 20 days is that submit, entitled " utilize the vending system of product box, method and set Standby (VENDING SYSTEM, METHODS, AND APPARATUS UTILIZING PRODUCT The priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/919,091 CARTRIDGES) ".

Accompanying drawing explanation

When described in detail below considered together with accompanying drawing time, in embodiment described in the disclosure and associated advantages The understanding of many advantages can be able to be readily available, wherein by referring to described in detail below:

Fig. 1 is the diagram of the system according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 2 is the diagram of the vending machine according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of the product distribution module according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 4 is the perspective view of the product distribution module according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 5 is the perspective view of the module coupler mechanism according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B is the perspective view of the product distribution module according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 7 is the perspective view of the modularity vending machine being coupled to product distribution module according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 8 is the top view of the product distribution module according to embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of the method according to embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B is the perspective view of the vending machine according to embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 11 is the product distribution module being mounted or being removed from modularity vending machine according to embodiment of the present invention Perspective view；

Figure 12 is the perspective view of the product distribution module being arranged in modularity vending machine according to embodiment of the present invention； And

Figure 13 is docked station and the perspective of product distribution module of the modularity vending system according to embodiment of the present invention Figure.

Detailed description of the invention

A. introduction

Some embodiments of the present invention provide and utilize the product distribution module that can reload (to be also referred to as in the disclosure " product box ", " box " or " product distribution boxes ") vending system.In one example, product can be loaded onto In product distribution module, then product distribution module can be mounted in vending machine.Such system advantageously provides sells goods The stock of the easier and higher efficiency of machine.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide the product distribution module that can reload, and this product distribution module convenience product divides Send out the safety of the improvement of the product in the easier conveying of module, product distribution module and/or product distribution module itself And/or the loading of the peak efficiency that product distribution module is in vending machine.

Some embodiments according to the present invention, it is provided that a kind of vending machine, wherein one or more parts of this vending machine Can be mounted in vending machine, removed from vending machine and/or be replaced in vending machine.Such vendor system exists The disclosure can be referred to as " modularity vendor system ".According to some embodiments, this of modularity vendor system The parts of sample can include but not limited to following in one or more: sell the relieving mechanism of product, motor (such as, Drive relieving mechanism), from the connection of motor and relieving mechanism (such as, electrical connection), connection between motor and vending machine And/or any combination of above-mentioned parts.In one example, for can being packed in advance via the product of vending machine distribution In box, and the framework that box can be removably coupled to or is otherwise releasably secured to vending machine (such as, distributing product for the exchange as customer payment of selling goods from box).

According to some embodiments, it is provided that a kind of product distribution module (such as, be used in modularity vendor system), This product distribution module include following in one or more: vertical conveyor, it includes into substantially vertically disposed many Individual product Support Position (such as, spiral winding, the arranged perpendicular of conveyer platform)；It is connected to the container of vertical conveyor, This container includes at least one sidewall being configured to make product be maintained on the product Support Position of vertical conveyor；It is connected to The bonder of vertical conveyor, this bonder is configured to and for operating driving assembly (such as, the motor of vertical conveyor And/or drive shaft) coupling.

According to some embodiments, product distribution module may further include coupler lock (such as, being attached to container). In one or more embodiment, coupler lock is configured to be essentially prevented bonder and/or vertical conveyor motion. Such as, when bonder is not coupled to (such as, vending machine) for operating the driving assembly of vertical conveyor, coupling Device lock can make coupler lock fixed and not move.Coupler lock can be additionally configured to allow bonder and/or vertical conveyor Move with distribution product (such as, when bonder is coupled to the driving assembly for operating vertical conveyor of vending machine so that will When the product bought is distributed to client).According to some embodiments, the ability of fixed coupling device and/or vertical conveyor can To provide the product safer carrying in product distribution module.

According to some embodiments, it is provided that a kind of box or module for vertically distributing product in vending machine, this box bag Include following in one or more: the first side plate and the second side plate；Back plate, this back plate connects along the first edge of this back plate Receive the first side plate, and be connected to the second side plate along second edge relative with the first edge of this back plate；And box coupling Clutch mechanism, it is connected to the respective top of the first side plate, the second side plate and back plate.In some embodiments, Box coupler mechanism can include following in one or more: rotatable coupler；Fluid coupling shell；And be connected to Rotatable coupler vertically distribute coil.

In one embodiment, cartridge module farther includes motor (such as, being connected to vertically distribute the motor of coil). In different embodiments, cartridge module does not include that motor is (such as, for driving the motor of vertical distribution coil to be wrapped Include in the cabinet of modularity vending machine).

In one embodiment, fluid coupling shell can include coupler lock, so that when in primary importance, it makes Bonder is fixing not to be rotated, and when in the second position, it allows bonder to rotate.

According to some embodiments, it is provided that a kind of system for distributing product, this system includes: (i) product is distributed Module, it includes having the conveyer of multiple product Support Position, be connected to the container of conveyer and be connected to vertical transport The module coupler of machine；And (ii) sells goods unit, it includes that at least one drives assembly and control device, described extremely Few one drives assembly for coupling and/or operated products distribution module with product distribution module, and described control device is joined It is set to the operation (such as, to sell the product bought from the product distribution module coupled with unit of selling goods) controlling to drive assembly. In one embodiment, container includes being configured to make product be maintained on the product Support Position of vertical conveyor at least One wall.In one embodiment, product Support Position is arranged to substantially vertically disposed (such as, for purchasing When buying, product is distributed and/or be increased to product and obtain region).In one embodiment, module coupler is configured to (such as, to allow to drive assembly operation conveyer) is coupled with the drive coupler of unit of selling goods.According to some embodiments, One or more product distribution module can be installed in sells goods in unit.

According to some embodiments, product distribution module can include being attached to container be essentially prevented module coupler and/ Or the module coupler lock of conveyer motion.In one embodiment, module coupler lock can be configured as bonder It is not coupled to when driving assembly be essentially prevented module coupler and vertical conveyor motion, and/or module coupler lock can To be further configured to when module coupler is coupled to drive assembly allow module coupler and vertical conveyor motion (example As, to distribute product).

Can be advantageously according to one or more the modularity vendor system in the embodiment described in the disclosure There is provided one or more benefit, including again to the speed of vending machine stock.In one or more embodiment, as It is interchangeable (such as, such as the product distribution mould that can reload with depositing housing that fruit is used for the relieving mechanism of the product of sale As block is implemented), then the stock again of the product sold significantly can be shortened by rapidly, carry out expeditiously Again the time got ready the goods to vending machine, and/or improve the profitability having or runing vending machine.Such as, operator is permissible With complete or functional part replacement parts or again get ready the goods to parts rapidly.

According to some embodiments, modular member can also have the ability shippeding to expect place, it is allowed to machine is not Again got ready the goods, overhauled or repaired in the case of disposing the labour force of vending machine operator.In one example, vending machine Box and/or any other modular member can directly be shipped to " affiliate place " by (such as, dispensing operation person), The client of such as dispensing operation person (such as, the company of one or more vending machine installed of trustship or place).Box (example As, comprise the product being sold and/or one or more modular member) can be by the user at partner place in partnership (such as installing the employee of the company of vending machine) installs simply.To this, dispensing operation person can avoid using its own To labor requirements necessary to vending machine stock and/or repairing vending machine, (such as, this is for dispensing operation person's again for employee Client can cause saving).

In some embodiments, a kind of utilization method sold goods based on box may include that user is (such as, cooperation partner At companion place) box of receiver module vending machine and/or other modular members；Described parts are removed from pig；Step on Record in vending machine or otherwise obtain the physics to vending machine to enter (such as, by using dispensing operation person to provide Electronic key)；Box (such as, empty product distribution module) or other modular members is removed from vending machine；With reception Box or unit replacement described in parts；And the person that returns to dispensing operation by the box removed or parts is (such as, by by described Parts are placed in the same pig that will be directly shipped).

Some embodiments of the present invention may be provided for the reliability of one or more modularity vending machine parts and/or resistance to Tracking with the improvement of property.In one example, motor (such as, for distributing the article of sale) can got ready the goods again Or maintenance process is replaced (box such as, being included motor by replacing).Then motor can be examined, and really Recognizing motor is suitable and/or after repairing motor, is taken back in the circulation in vendor system.Therefore, this process can To optimize the performance of vending machine in service with limited interruption.In another example, monitor each over time The performance of the parts of type and store the ability of the information about monitored parts and can allow to monitor information based on parts It is further analyzed (such as, to provide the understanding in the life-span of parts, to expect or predict fault and/or in reality Parts are actively changed) before fault.

B. term and definition

In following whole description, unless otherwise specified, following term can include and/or comprise in this section carrying The example meaning of confession.These terms and illustrated examples meaning are provided to make to be chosen as at specification and appended book The lamprophonia of embodiment described in Liang Zhe, therefore, it is restrictive for being not intended to.

Some embodiments described in the disclosure are associated with " control system ".As used in this disclosure, term " control system " may generally refer to operate the hardware of the embodiment realized and/or described in the convenient disclosure, soft Any combination of part, firmware and/or microcode.Such as, control system can include performing convenient modularity vendor system The processor of the instruction of the program of management.According to some embodiments, control system can include single assembly and/or parts, Or the interconnection device of any feasible number can be included.

Some embodiments described in the disclosure are associated with " network equipment ".As used in this disclosure, term " network equipment " may generally refer to any device that can communicate via network.The example of network equipment include PC, Work station, server, printer, scanner, facsimile machine, photocopier, PDA, storage device (such as, disk drive), Hub, router, switch and modem or radio telephone.In some embodiments, network equipment is permissible Including one or more network components, such as static RAM (SRAM) device or module, network processes Device and/or network communication path, connection, port or cable.Some examples of network equipment can include but not limited to clothes Business device or controller, client's device, vending machine, input equipment, output device and peripheral unit.

As used in this disclosure, term " server " and " controller " can be employed interchangeably, and typically may be used With refer to can with one or more vending machine, one or more product distribution module, the docked station of one or more box, One or more third-party server, one or more remote controller, one or more client's device, one or more Any device that individual peripheral unit and/or other network nodes communicate, and can come with each such device Return the relay forwarding communication information.Controller or server can such as include one or more network equipment and/or parts.

Some embodiments described in the disclosure are associated with " input equipment ".As used in this disclosure, term " input equipment " may generally refer to be used to receive or process any device of input.Input equipment can fill with another Put the part communicating and/or be another device.Some examples of input equipment include but not limited to: button, press Key, one or more soft key and/or changeable input equipment, barcode scanner, magnetic strip reader, computer key Dish, fixed-point apparatus (such as, computer mouse, Trackpad and/or trace ball), keypad, touch screen, mike, Infrared sensor, velocity of sound diastimeter, computer port, video camera, motion detector, accelerometer, thermometer, numeral Camera, network card, USB (universal serial bus) (USB) port, global positioning system (GPS) receptor, RF identification (RFID) Receptor and/or RF receptor.

Some embodiments described in the disclosure are associated with " output device ".As used in this disclosure, term " output device " may generally refer to be used to " output device " of output information.Output device can be with another device Communicate and/or be a part for another device.Some examples of output device include but not limited to: cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, light emitting diode (LED) screen, printer, audio frequency are raised one's voice Device (or other sound or noise generating apparatus), infrared radiation (IR) emitter, RF emitter, vibrating device and/or FPDP.

Should be understood that some devices can not only as input equipment, but also as output device effect and/or operation.Touch sensitivity Display device (or " touch screen ") such as can by via display screen receive pressure and/or electrostatic instruction receive Input, and also such as figure, text and/or the output of other data can be provided via same display screen.

Some embodiments in the disclosure are associated with " communication information ".As used in this disclosure, term " communication Information " may refer to be provided by entity, send, receive and/or otherwise process and/or at two or more Many individuals, share between device and/or other entities or any information, data and/or the signal of exchange.The communication information can With the outside at one or more device, internal (such as, in device and/or parts), it is wired, wireless , continuous print and/or interval.The communication information can relate to such as following in one or more: send, receive, Relay forwarding, process information and/or data and/or be otherwise connected by interface with information and/or data.Can be used for Some rather than all of possible communication network of such communication information include: LAN (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, telephone wire (such as, PSTN (PSTN)), cable wire, aerogram Road, optical communication line and/or satellite communication link.Various communication protocols can be used to facilitate and/or carry out such communication, Include but not limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), inter network packet exchange (IPX), service adverstising protocol (SAP), XON/XOFF (ATP),And/or transmission control protocol (TCP)/Internet protocol (IP).Communication Information can be with encrypted to guarantee privacy and prevent known or feasible or become known or feasible various modes Any one of the swindle of mode.

The device communicated with each other is without sending continuously to the other side.On the contrary, such device only needs when necessary to right Side sends, and can essentially be in most of the time suppression exchange data.Such as, enter with another device via the Internet The device of row communication once can not send data to this another device within several weeks.

As used in this disclosure, term " information " and " data " can be employed interchangeably, and may refer to appoint What data, text, voice, video, image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform and/or other classes Type or the signal of configuration and/or information.Information can be or can include such as according to Internet Engineering Task group (IETF) " internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) specification " that network work group S.Deering et al. (nineteen ninety-five December) is issued The information block that IP version 6 (IPv6) standard defined in RFC 1883 sends.According to some embodiments, information can With according to known or feasible or become known or feasible any method and compressed, encrypt and/or otherwise Packing or manipulation.

It addition, some embodiments described in the disclosure can be associated with " instruction ".As used in this disclosure, Term " indicate " can be used to refer to indicate main body, article, entity and/or other objects and/or design or with this phase Any labelling of association and/or other information.As used in this disclosure, phrase " instruction ... information " and " mark Note " can be used to refer to represent, describe related entities, main body or object and/or the most related to this appointing What information.The labelling of information can include such as code, quote, link, signal, identifier and/or their any group The expression of other the offer information closed and/or be associated with this information.In some embodiments, information labelling (or The instruction of information) can be or this information itself and/or any part of this information or ingredient can be included.One In a little embodiments, instruction can be to include asking, to implore, to broadcast and/or the information gathering of any other form and/or propagation.

As used in this disclosure, term " coupling " may generally refer to known or feasible or become known or Feasible any type or the coupling of configuration.Coupling can describe that couple the most communicatively, that mechanically couple, electric coupling And/or magnetic-coupled two or more objects, device and/or parts.Term " couples communicatively " and usually instigates Two or more objects, device, parts or part, element or combinations thereof are placed in any type of connection or configuration Coupling.Machinery, electrically and magnetically coupling are the examples of such connection.Term " mechanically couples " and generally refers to two or more Multiple objects, device, parts or part, any physical binding between element or combinations thereof, bond, attached and/ Or the physical contact of other forms.Term " electric coupling " indicate one or more object, device, parts or part, Element or combinations thereof make electrical contact with so that the signal of telecommunication, pulse or electric current can pass between one or more object Pass so that object can telecommunication each other.Term " magnetic-coupled " indicate one or more object, device, parts or Partly, element or combinations thereof are in the magnetic field that one or more is associated.Object can themselves not physics attached Connect or electric coupling and/or magnetic coupling in the case of mechanical couplings.Such as, in not physical contact or the most non-conterminous situation Under, object can carry out telecommunication by the communication of various wireless, or can (at least partly) in magnetic field.

C. total system and structure

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a kind of vending machine.In one or more embodiment, vending machine can wrap Include following in one or more: be used for showing that product (such as, is available for one or more bought via vending machine The product of type) product viewing area, product delivery zone (such as, for for client provide access purchased product Passage), product distribution module, payment processes device (such as, for facilitate and/or receive client's payment to product), Cabinet or other kinds of housing and/or client can be selected by its one or more product selecting product to carry out buying Device (such as, button, electronic user interface).In one example, client is to payment processes device (such as, the credit card Reader device) insert, brush payment mechanism (such as, is had magnetic stripe and/or the credit card of safety chip, is led to by near field That letter (NFC) technology enables and corresponding with finance account device), or otherwise make this payment mechanism and prop up Pay processing means to be connected by interface.The product selected is by (such as, can not be by client at it from the place being kept safe In the modular product distribution module accessed) being distributed to product delivery zone (such as, can hinged via in vending machine cabinet Door enters) in, and can be obtained by client.

According to some embodiments, payment processes device can include such as bank note and/or specie payment mechanism, for providing About the user interface and/or be used for of the information paid by mails read payment information (such as, the account number of branded financial account), Payment information is sent to payment mechanism (such as, the credit card) and/or from payment mechanism (such as, the credit card) reception The payment mechanism sensor of the information of paying or other kinds of electronic installation.

According to some embodiments, product viewing area can include such as following in one or more: display reality is produced The window of product sample and/or electronic display unit (such as, flat panel monitor).As fruit product viewing area includes display dress Put, then product viewing area can be used to show about be available for buy product information, about new product information, Commercial message and other advertisements (message such as, being associated with the current location of vending machine) and the current location of vending machine The information that is associated (such as, map, local information, local shopping information, local transit information, local entertainment information), The product etc. that (such as, based on about the transactions history of client and/or current directory) recommends.If vending machine is installed in In vehicle or be otherwise mobile, then as about described by the various embodiments in the disclosure, with current position The information that point is associated can change along with the place of vending machine and change.

According to some embodiments, product viewing area can include touch-screen display.In one example, viewing area Display product image, client can select, by one of product image that touch shows, the product bought.Therefore, at some In embodiment, touch-screen display can include the product selector of vending machine.In some embodiments, by display Product image can determine by the processor of vending machine and/or by the central controller device communicated with vending machine.One In individual example, if for buy each product be available in specific vending machine sell, then this product can with via The respective product image that viewing area shows is associated (such as, in data base).

With reference first to Fig. 1, it is shown that according to the block diagram of the system 100 of some embodiments.Various described in the disclosure System be in order to for illustrate and unrestricted described embodiment and be depicted.Without departing from some embodiments In the case of scope, it is possible to use dissimilar, layout, the quantity described in the disclosure and the system of configuration.

Example system 100 includes controller 150, and controller 150 is via communication network 190 and one or more vending machine 110a, 110b, 110n communicate.Controller 150 can via wired or wireless medium (such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, token ring) or via any suitable means of communication or means of communication combination come (directly or Indirectly) communicate with vending machine.

Each vending machine can include one or more computer being suitable to communicate with controller 150, such as based onOr Centrino^TMThose of processor.Additionally, in some embodiments, controller 150 is permissible Including one or more computer, such as based onThose of processor, these computers may be located at One or more long-range remotely or in vending machine each other.Therefore, in some embodiments, controller 150 Can facilitate between one or more vending machine data transmission so that human operator can remotely with vending machine and / or vending machine client interact.The most further, in some embodiments, system 100 includes so that client can Transmit data to vending machine and/or controller and/or from one or more use of vending machine and/or controller receiving data Family device (not shown).

Although three vending machines 110a, 110b, 110n are depicted within system 100, but without departing from one or more In the case of the scope of individual embodiment, less or more vending machine can be included in vendor system.Similarly, Although vending machine 110a-n is depicted as communicating and/or be coupled to controller 150 with controller 150 and/or docked station 180 And/or docked station 180, but less or more such device 150,180 can be with appointing in vending machine 110a-n How one or all communicates and/or is coupled to any one in vending machine 110a-n or whole.

According to some embodiments, vending machine 110a-n can via the Internet and/or network 190 with various devices (such as, Device 150,170,180) communicate and/or be coupled to various device (such as, device 150,170,180).Sell Cargo aircraft 110a-n can such as communicate with controller 150 for sending and/or receiving various types of information, such as But it is not limited to, about information, sales information, product information and/or the location information of box.

System 100 can include one or more vending machine such as communicated via network 190 and controller 150 110a、110b、110n.Network 190 typically can include any feasible and/or desirable type and/or the network of configuration, Such as the Internet and/or LAN.The vending machine 110a-n of any quantity and type can communicate with controller 150.Sell Communication between cargo aircraft and controller 150 and between vending machine can be direct or indirectly, leads to the most on the internet Cross the website of the maintenance of the controller 150 on remote server and/or including the online data net of business online service provider On network.In other the embodiment also having, vending machine can pass through RF, wired TV, satellite link etc. and carry out each other Communicate and/or communicate with controller 150.

In embodiments, that can be included in communication network 190 or can be by otherwise by as system The communication network that the part of 100 includes includes: LAN (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, telephone wire, Cable, radio channel, optical communication line, satellite communication link.Can be possible the leading to of the part of 100 200 Letter agreement includes: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth^TMAnd TCP/IP.The communication information Can be with encrypted to guarantee privacy and to prevent the swindle of any one of various mode as known in the art mode.

In embodiments, it is not necessary to utilize controller 150.Such as, according to embodiment, independent vending machine and/or with The vending machine that other vending machines individual or more communicate can be utilized in the case of not having controller 150.Cause This, alternatively or in addition, according to various embodiments, be described as any function of being performed by controller 150 with And any data being stored on controller 150 can be performed by one or more vending machine or be stored in one or On more vending machines.

Similarly, in the embodiment consistent with Fig. 2, it is described as by vending machine 110a, 110b, 110n with reference to Fig. 1 In one or more perform function in some be readily modified as or additionally performed by system 200.Similarly, reference Fig. 1 is described as any number in one or more the memorizer being stored in vending machine 110a, 110b, 110n According to being readily modified as or be otherwise stored in the memorizer of system 200.

One or more in vending machine 110a, 110b, 110n can include such as wrapping into processor, communicator, Catalogue storage and in dispensing device, payment processes device, input equipment, output device and/or data storage device Or more shells.According in some embodiments, one or more in vending machine 110a, 110b, 110n can To be configured to perform and/or the convenient process according to one or more embodiment described in the disclosure.

Example vending machine 110b can include such as one or more product box 140a, 140b, 140n.Although three this The product box of sample is depicted, but any amount of product box can be utilized, as long as being deemed suitable for desired realization. According to an embodiment, one or more in product box can communicate with the processor of vending machine 110b and/or (such as, for will send information to vending machine, described information such as but does not limits to be coupled to the processor of vending machine 110b In the box ID identifying this box).

According to some embodiments, the docked station of example 180 can include being configured to accommodate one or more box (such as, Box 170) equipment, this equipment for by product stock in box and/or receive mark box box ID (such as, for By be available in controller 150 and/or vending machine one or more access database purchase in box).A reality Executing in scheme, box ID can be sent to box 170 (such as, for the memorizer that ID is stored in box by docked station 180 In).Any amount of docked station can be used in the example system 100 being deemed suitable for specific implementation.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vending machine communicated with each other and/or computer are without sending to the other side continuously. On the contrary, send to the other side when such vending machine and/or computer only need when necessary or need, and can be actually In most of the time suppression exchange data.Such as, can be once with the vending machine that another machine communicates via the Internet Data are not sent to this another machine within several weeks.

With reference to Fig. 2, it is shown that according to the block diagram of the system 200 of some embodiments.In one or more embodiment, System 200 can include multiple device (such as, controller and one or more vending machine and/or docked station).? In some embodiments, system 200 may be implemented as single assembly (such as, vending machine).Vending machine 200 can wrap Include such as following in one or more: the storage of processor 205, catalogue and dispensing device 270, payment processes device 250, Input equipment 260, output device 255, COM1 265 and/or data storage device 210.According to some embodiments, Vending machine 200 can be configured to perform and/or the convenient process according to the embodiment described in the disclosure.

In some embodiments, one or more during shell can wrap into the parts of vending machine 200.Real according to some Execute scheme, suitable shell and/or cabinet to be made up of any suitable material, include but not limited to following any group Close: (1) business level steel (such as, for exterior panel and/or internal partition), (2) such as glass or Plexiglas^TM Transparent material (such as, for product display window)；(3) rubber (such as, for anti-water segregation), (4) mould Material and/or (5) aluminum.

According to some embodiments, vending machine 200 can include that processor 205, processor 205 can be or can wrap Include known or become known any type, quantity and/or the processor of configuration.Processor 205 can include such as WithThe coupling of E7501 chipsetIXP 2800 network processing unit orXEON^TMProcessor.One In a little embodiments, processor 205 can include multiple interconnecting processor, microprocessor and/or micro engine.According to some Embodiment, processor 205 can include or be coupled to one or more clock or intervalometer (not illustrated expressly) With COM1 265.According to some embodiments, processor 205 can be carried out with other devices by COM1 265 Communication, other devices described such as one or more peripheral unit, one or more server and/or one or more Multiple user's sets (such as, such as laptop computer, tablet PC or smart phone).COM1 265 is permissible Including such as known or feasible or become known or feasible any type or the COM1 of configuration, cable, tune Modulator-demodulator and/or signal transceiver.

In some embodiments, processor 205 can also or can alternately any amount of with vending machine 200 Miscellaneous part communicates or is coupled to these parts, and these parts such as catalogue stores and at dispensing device 270, payment Reason device 250, input equipment 260, output device 255 and/or data storage device 210.

In some embodiments, vending machine 200 can include catalogue storage and dispensing device 216.According to some embodiment party Case, catalogue storage and dispensing device 216 can include the convenient storage via the obtainable product of vending machine 200 or service and / or distribution and/or any quantity related to this and/or the device of configuration and/or parts.

The catalogue storage of the vending machine 200 according to the configuration of one or more vending machine embodiment and product distribute merit Can be able to include such as following in one or more: (i) drives motor, (ii) metal shelf, and (iii) product is passed Send system and/or region (such as, skewed slot, product tray and/or product tray door), and/or (iv) product support level The layout put (such as, for clamping and/or distribute the list of article and/or double spiral shell/rifle bar or coil).

According to some embodiments, vending machine 200 can include payment processes device 250.According to some embodiments, Pay processing means 250 can include for receiving any quantity and/or the device of configuration and/or portion paying and/or distributing change Part, including Coin acceptor, biil validator, card reader (such as, magnetic strip reader and/or embed chip reader), Payment mechanism reader based on NFC and/or change distributor.

In some embodiments, magnetic stripe card reader can read the data on the magnetic stripe of such as credit or debit card, and And it can cooperate with conventional POS credit card processing equipment and be verified the based on card of conventional Trading Authorization network Buy.Suitably transaction processing system based on card and method can from the USA Technologies of Pennsylvania's Wei grace, Inc.^TMObtain.In some embodiments, Coin acceptor, biil validator and/or change distributor can be deposited with currency Storage equipment (" funnel ", not shown) communicates and/or is coupled to currency storage device, and can include conventional dress Put, such as the Mars of Pennsylvania's west chester, Inc.^TMModel AE-2400, MC5000, TRC200 or CoinCo^TMModel 9300-L.

Coin acceptor and/or biil validator can receive and verify the currency that currency storage device stores.Real according to some Executing scheme, when dealing with change, change distributor can start the coin to client and return.As it is known in the art, this The feature of the equipment of sample can be multi-point bus (MDB) and/or Micromech peripheral capabilities.

In another embodiment, vending machine 200 can be configured to wireless device network (such as, via COM1 265) either directly or indirectly to receive from client's device (such as, cell phone or tablet PC) to pay Authorize and/or product select command or signal.In such embodiments, payment processes device 250 can include operation Be connected to processor 205 to receive, to send and/or process the cellular transceiver of such signal.Allow via honeycomb electricity Words select and pay the system and method for vending machine product by USA Technologies, Inc.^TMThere is provided.Additionally, such In embodiment, as described by the disclosure elsewhere, client's cell phone can serve as input equipment 260 and/or Output device 255.Further details about vending machine payment processes device 250 are well known in the present art, at this Without being described in more detail in Gong Kai.

According to some embodiments, vending machine 200 can include one or more input equipment 260 and/or one or more Multiple output devices 255.In some embodiments, input equipment (one or more) 200 can may operate to from I client that () instruction product and/or offer select receives input, grasps from (ii) during the grafting or maintenance of vending machine 200 Author (or its agency) receives input, and/or receives input from (iii) third party.Additionally, output device 255 is permissible Be configured to by output of products give and/or information (such as sales promotion) is supplied to client, operator and/or third party.Input Device and/or output device can be carried out with vending machine processor 205 by any feasible interface (such as USB interface) Communication.

Many combinations according to various embodiments, input equipment 260 and output device 255 can be utilized.Real at some Executing in scheme, vending machine 200 can comprise more than the input equipment 260 of one.Such as, vending machine 200 can include using In receive client input external input device and for from operator or be authorized to enter vending machine inside (such as, with For grafting again and/or maintenance) other users receive the internal input device of input.In some embodiments, defeated Enter device 260 and user from more than one type can be provided (such as, operator, client and in partnership at partner place Authorized user) receive the bi-functional inputting data.Similarly, vending machine 200 can comprise more than the output dress of Put 255 (such as, basic display unit, secondary monitor and/or lcd screen and several LED matrix).Implement at some In scheme (such as it is characterized in that those of touch screen (in the disclosure be described elsewhere)), input equipment 260 and output device 255 both functional can by single assembly and/or single type device provide.

Many input equipment 260 are contemplated.Therefore, input equipment 260 can include such as following in one or more: I () for providing one group of alphanumeric key of input, (ii) selector rotating disk, (iii) and respective one group to vending machine One group of button that distribution of goods device is associated, (iv) barcode reader (such as, 1-D or 2-D barcode reader), (v) dual-tone multifrequency receiver/decoder, (vi) wireless device (such as, cellular transceiver, radio frequency receiver, red Outer receptor, WAP or wireless router, other wireless devices), (vii) smart card reader, (viii) Magnetic strip reader, (ix) biometric apparatus (such as, iris scanner, retinal scanner, thumbprint reader Deng), (x) client device, and/or (xi) can be known or feasible or become known or feasible any The input equipment 260 of other types or configuration.

Similarly, the most eurypalynous output device 255 is contemplated.Such as, output device 255 can include lcd screen Or device.Alternatively or in addition, output device 255 can include one or more light-emitting diode display or device. According to some embodiments, output device 255 or can also alternately include audibly exporting client information Audio-frequency module, such as audio tweeter.

As mentioned, in some embodiments, touch sensitive screen can be used to perform input equipment 260 and output The function of both devices 255.The suitable commercially available touch screen used according to various embodiments is by adding Li Fuliya state Fei Limeng Elo TouchSystems Inc. manufacture, the AccuTouch array of touch screen of such as Elo.Such touch screen can wrap Include: first (such as, outmost) crust screen layer that (i) applied anti-dazzle is covered with paint, lacquer, colour wash, etc., (ii) is applied transparent Second screen layer of conductive coating, and/or (iii) include the 3rd screen layer with the glass substrate of homogeneous conductive coating.This Outward, such touch screen can be configured to detect the precalculated position precision (mistake of positive and negative 8 the percent of all such as less than one inch The standard deviation (± 0.08 "/2mm) of difference) in input.These and other details of operation of touch screen (such as, drives electricity Stream, signal code, electric capacity, offresistance and closed circuit resistance) it is well known in the present art, in the disclosure without entering One step describes.

In some embodiments, input and/or the output function of vending machine 200 can be by being configured to data transmission Wireless device to user's set and/or from user's set reception data facilitates, the calculating the most on knee of described user's set Machine or cell phone.In some embodiments, such wireless device can include detecting the signal from client's device Sensor.Such signal can include but not limited to radiofrequency signal and/or IR signal.Therefore, real at one or more Executing in scheme, radio input device 260 can include being configured to the WAP according to IEEE 802.11 standard operation or road By device, IEEE 802.11 standard includes 802.11b and the 802.11g standard with 2.4GHz transmission or transmits with 5GHz 802.11a standard.In some embodiments, such wireless device can have the energy of " frequency modulation " between radio frequency Power, in order to reduce interference and/or improve safety.Encryption technology can also or can alternately be used to improve transmission Safety.Suitably WAP can be from the Belkin adding Compton, Li Fuliya state^TMCorporation, add Li Fuliya state The Cisco of san jose^TMSystemm, Inc. obtain.In some embodiments, wireless device can be used to build up such as this Communication link described in Gong Kai.

It addition, in some embodiments, output device 255 can include the audio-frequency module that client audibly exports information, Such as audio tweeter.Speaker can include speaker and/or the supersonic speed speaker in modern times of routine.

According to some embodiments, data storage device 210 can include any suitable of magnetic, light and/or semiconductor memory When combination, and can include such as adding processor, COM1, RAM, read only memory (ROM), Compact disk and/or hard disk.Processor 205 and data storage device 210 all can be such as: (i) is entirely within single meter In calculation machine or other calculating devices；Or (ii) being connected to each other by long-range communications mediums, described long-range communications mediums is such as Serial-port cables, LAN (LAN), telephone wire, RF transceiver, optical fiber connection etc..In some embodiments, Such as, vending machine 200 can include being connected to operate safeguarding that the remote server computer of data base is (such as, via logical Letter port 265) one or more computer (or processor 205), wherein data storage device 210 is by remotely taking Business device computer forms with the combination of the data base being associated.

Data storage device 210 typically can store one or more program 215 for controlling processor 205.Process Device 205 can perform the instruction of such as program 215, thus according to some embodiments (in particular according to detailed in the disclosure The method described) operate.According to some embodiments, program 215 can include known or feasible or become Known or feasible any quantity or the program of type.In some embodiments, program 215 can by use towards The programming language of object is developed, and complication system is modeled by described OO programming language permission modular object The abstract of real world, physical object and mutual relation thereof is represented to create.But, those of ordinary skill in the art will manage Solving, the embodiment described in the disclosure can be by range programming technique widely and generic hardware system or special Realize in a number of different ways with controller.

Program 215 can be stored with the form of that compress, that do not compile and/or encryption.Program 215 additionally can be wrapped Include typically can be useful program element, such as operating system, data base management system and/or allow processor 205 and meter The device driver that the various parts of calculation machine peripheral unit and/or vending machine 200 are connected by interface.Suitable general program Element is known to those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe in detail in the disclosure.

Additionally, program 215 is operable to perform the specific object of several present invention, module and/or subroutine, these Object, module and/or subroutine can include, but is not limited to determine that box catalogue (such as, is currently installed to modularity The identity of the product box in vending machine and/or quantity), catalogue (such as, what kind of product and/or what quantity Article), product price information, location information (such as, current location) and/or one of transaction history information or more Multiple subroutines.Program 215 can also or can alternately include for making processor 205 based on vending machine 200 Place (current location of the vending machine based on vehicle such as, determined based on gps receiver) determines and presents client One or more advertisement information.The example of some and operation in these subroutines in the disclosure elsewhere Described in process be described in detail.

According to some embodiments, the instruction of program 215 can be by from (the such as data storage of another computer-readable medium Device 210) read in the main storage (being not explicitly depicted) of processor 205, just as reading RAM mono-from ROM Sample.The execution of the sequence of the instruction in program 215 can make processor 205 perform the process step described in the disclosure. In an alternate embodiment, hard-wired Circuits System or integrated circuit can be used to replace being retouched in the disclosure for realizing The software instruction of the process stated, or be applied in combination with these software instructions.Therefore, some embodiments be not limited to hardware, Firmware and/or any particular combination of software.

In addition to program 215, data storage device 210 is also operable to store and comprises such as following information volume one Or more data base, file and/or form: (i) box data base 218, (ii) catalogue data base 220, (iii) Product price data 225, and/or (iii) transaction history data storehouse 230.In addition to those advised in Fig. 2, any The data of quantity are arranged and can also be utilized.Such as, though four single data forms, bin, file and/or number Being illustrated according to storehouse, embodiment can also use the data base of less or more functional equivalent or similar structures to come effectively Implement.Code and/or identifier, rule or parameter, transaction history data, third party's data and/or other tolerance can be with examples As the embodiment being stored in order to described in the convenient disclosure is implemented via vending machine 200.Will readily appreciate that, based on object Model can be used to storage and handle one or more of various data type, similarly, object method or row For can be used to realize in the process described in the disclosure one or more.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the function described in the disclosure and some or all in method step are permissible Partially or entirely performed by one or more separate device (being not explicitly depicted).For with such embodiment The separate device being used together includes but not limited to (such as, in partnership buddy subscriber, operator and/or client) user Device and client's device (PDA device, laptop computer and cell phone).Be characterized with separate device In a little embodiments, such device can directly (such as, viaConnect) or (example indirectly As, by web server or IVRU) communicate with control system (such as, the controller 150 of Fig. 1), in order to The function of the creation described in the convenient disclosure.In some embodiments being characterized with separate device, such point The device opened can communicate with remote computer.

Fig. 3 shows the perspective view of the example product distribution module 300 according to one or more embodiment.Product is distributed Module 300 can include the vertical conveyor 302 being such as connected to bonder 304, and bonder 304 is connected to container 306. In one example, vertical conveyor 302 can include at least one bung flange or the spiral shell being rotatably installed in container 306 Spin line circle and/or screw-type conveyer, its longitudinal axis can be aligned or orient to provide into multiple products of substantially vertical layout Support Position.Such as, each product being sold can be placed on the top of respective ring of spiral winding, so that Obtain in the article substantially vertical row in product distribution module and supported.In some embodiments, product distribution module 300 The respective product that multiple product, each product are stored in multiple product Support Positions of vertical conveyor can be included On product Support Position.

In another embodiment, vertical conveyor 302 can include that one or more carries band.Such as, conveying Band can include one or more the attached shelf supporting the product that perpendicular in the module moves.An enforcement In scheme, an end of shelf can be attached to carry band by articulated elements, so that when ring returns to product distribution mould During the top of block, shelf be folded downwardly to substantially with the position in ring same level, then, when ring returns and downwards Time mobile, shelf is down to the substantially horizontal of the longitudinal axis relative to module and/or is substantially perpendicular to the travel path of ring Support Position.

Example product distribution module 300 can also include being configured to drive assembly (such as, for and vertical conveyor 302 couplings and operate the motor of vertical conveyor 302) at least one bonder 304 of coupling.An embodiment In, bonder can be connected and/or integrated with vertical conveyor 302.In one example, bonder 304 can be vertical A part for straight conveyer 302, and/or can be by the side of product distribution module (such as, by the module coupling of Fig. 3 Clutch mechanism 309) it is connected to vertical conveyor 302.According to some embodiments, bonder 304 can be configured to Vending machine (such as, being configured to accommodate the modularity vending machine of removable product distribution module) and/or product distribution mould The driving assembly of block and/or motor coupling.Such as, the signal that sends in response to vending machine and/or product distribution module and/or refer to Order, drives assembly can operate vertical conveyor to distribute purchased product (such as, by rotating screw coil to discharge Or distribution is clamped in the product at the product Support Position of coil).

Container 306 can include being configured to make one or more product be maintained in product distribution module (such as, vertically On the product Support Position of conveyer 302) at least one side (and/or other holding members).Some embodiment party In case, container may be configured to generally rectangular or square lateral cross section, or container may be configured to substantially round, Triangle or the lateral cross section of elliptical shape, or any shape desired for specific implementation can be regarded as.One In a little embodiments, as depicted in figure 3, (such as, container 306 can include two relative sidewalls, the 3rd sidewall Rear wall) and top sidewall and/or the module coupler mechanism 309 integrated with top sidewall, wherein vertical conveyor are provided 302 are rotatably mounted to bonder 304 by the opening in module coupler mechanism 309.Implement at one or more In scheme, the profile that the size of product distribution module 300 can be configured to permission modularity vending machine is the most very thin.

According to some embodiments, product distribution module 300 can include the coupler lock 308 being connected to container 306.? In one embodiment, coupler lock 308 can (as discuss in more detail in the disclosure) be configured to substantially Bonder 304 and/or vertical conveyor 302 is stoped to move.Such as, coupler lock 308 can be configured as bonder (such as, just it is filled when product distribution module 300 when being not coupled to the driving assembly for operating vertical conveyor 302 Product or when getting out transport) substantially limit the motion of bonder 304.In another example, coupler lock 308 Can be configured to allow bonder 304 and/or vertical conveyor 302 to move to be coupled to for operating vertical when bonder (such as, when product distribution module 300 is installed in modularity vending machine) distribution product during the driving assembly of conveyer. In some embodiments, bonder 304 is rotatable (such as, in order to rotate attached vertical conveyor 302), And therefore coupler lock is configured to couple with bonder to stop bonder to rotate.

According to some embodiments, as depicted in figure 3, bonder 304 and coupler lock 308 may be coupled to product The module coupler mechanism 309 of distribution module 300 and/or the module coupler mechanism 309 with product distribution module 300 collect Become (its top cover that can also serve as container 306 or sidewall).In one example, module coupler mechanism 309 can be down to Small part is by including that vertical conveyor 302 can be connected through the module coupler mechanism shape of the opening of bonder 304 Become.

According to some embodiments, at least one wall of product distribution module 300 includes being configured to accommodate removable panel At least one pair of groove or groove 310.Such as, the degree of depth of container 306 can be carried out by using removable side or panel Adjust so that the product of all size is contained on product Support Position.In some embodiments, product distribution module 300 can be included in container 306 and/or module coupler mechanism 309 for accommodating of removable panel or side Or more opening 312.In one example, as depicted in figure 3, product distribution module 300 can include multiple Opening 312, each opening is associated with the respective selectable and/or configurable degree of depth of container 306, and this degree of depth is permissible Selected optionally for the particular size of product by operator or other kinds of user.In some embodiments, Mei Gekai Mouth 312 can be with respective for accommodating and clamping one group of one or more groove by the panel of corresponding opening insertion 310 are associated.

Although being depicted as that there is one or more open side (such as, the leading flank of opening and bottom side) in this example, But it will be readily understood that, any amount of side of example container 306 can be as required by respective wall part part Ground or entirely cover.

According to some embodiments discussed in more detail in the disclosure, coupler lock 308 can be removably attached to container 306.In one example, coupler lock 308 (such as, can be used for and bonder 304 from the first bonder latched position Engage to stop it to move) move to the second bonder latched position and (such as, be used for making bonder 304 depart to allow it Mobile).In one embodiment, coupler lock 308 can movingly and/or be slidably attached to module coupling Device mechanism 309, or a part for module coupler mechanism 309, and can be slidably, or with its other party Formula can move to the second latched position from the first bonder latched position.In another embodiment, coupler lock is permissible Remove or dismantle (such as, in order to make bonder depart from) from container.

According to some embodiments, coupler lock 308 can be configured to product distribution module is arranged on modularity vending machine In and/or make bonder couple with for operating the driving assembly of vertical conveyor, make bonder move to solve from latched position Lock position.Such as, in one embodiment, bonder is made to couple make to drive with for operating the driving assembly of vertical conveyor Bonder is pushed to from the first bonder latched position or otherwise moves by other parts of dynamic assembly and/or vending machine Move the second bonder latched position.

According to some embodiments, product distribution module 300 can include being connected to container, for transfer module and/or Make module alignment for install or remove can be useful handle.In one embodiment, handle can be attached to module Coupler mechanism 309 and/or be the part of module coupler mechanism 309.

In some embodiments, product distribution module 300 can include the identifier (example of storage mark product distribution module As, uniquely identify the module identifier of product distribution module) data storage device (not shown).An embodiment party In case, data storage device can be configured to by unit of selling goods for reading identifier processing means read and/or with Other modes communicate with this processing means.In one embodiment, when product distribution module be coupled to drive assembly and / or when being installed in modularity vending machine, data storage device can be coupled to drive assembly with being configured as bonder Time read data storage processing means (such as, RFID reader) electrical connection.

Fig. 4 shows the perspective view of another example product distribution module 400 according to one or more embodiment.Produce Product distribution module 400 can include such as being connected to module coupler mechanism 409 (such as, including bonder, coupler lock And/or for accommodating the mechanism of one or more opening of removable header board) vertical conveyor 402, module coupler machine Structure 409 is connected to container 406.Being formed with the container 306 of Fig. 3 and compare, container 406 is relative to vertical conveyor 402 Wider width.The configuration of container 406 allows to deposit the product than the width of vertical conveyor 402 big (such as, wide).To the greatest extent Pipe vertical conveyor 402 is depicted in the side of container 406, but will readily appreciate that vertical conveyor 402 can be placed in the middle Or can relative to the side of container 406, be considered for specific implementation on desired any position.According to some Embodiment, product distribution module 400 can include for accommodating one or more of removable and/or adjustable panel Groove and/or opening (not shown), described removable and/or adjustable panel is for adjusting the product of depositing of container 406 The width of part and/or height.Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention allow to reconfigure the region (example depositing product As, around vertical conveyor 402) the degree of depth, height and/or the degree of depth for shipment and/or distribution.

Fig. 5 shows the perspective view of the exemplary components of the exemplary module coupler mechanism according to one or more embodiment. According to one or more embodiment, as discussed about Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B, coupler lock 502 can include coupling Clutch container 510, it limits and is configured to accommodate, fix and/or discharge corresponding module coupler 520 and/or coupling The slit of device bar 522 or other receiving parts 512.Collecting in some embodiments, coupler lock 502 can wrap further Include one or more locking slider being configured to be movably coupled to coupler lock 502 coupler bottom seat 530 506a、506b.Such as, the power putting on coupler lock 502 (such as, by the user installing product distribution module) is permissible It is used to move to locking slider 506a, 506b for locking or the position of unlocked state bonder 520 as required On.

According to some embodiments, handle can be attached to coupler lock 502, coupler bottom seat 530, module coupler 520 And/or one or more in modular container side 540, and can realize to be deemed suitable for expectation or use Any mode attaches.In one embodiment, the coupler lock 502 of exemplary module coupler mechanism may further include Handle 504.Such as described in the non-limiting example of Fig. 5, in one embodiment, handle 504 can be by inciting somebody to action Handle end 503a, 503b are inserted into and are attached to coupler lock 502 in handle slots 508a, 508b.

According to some embodiments, module coupler 520 can include module coupler base 524, at one or more In embodiment, module coupler base 524 include the corresponding bonder for accommodating conveyer or other parts and/or with The corresponding bonder of conveyer or opening, slit or other containers 526 of the coupling of other parts.In one example, as Depicted in figure 5, the conveyer bonder bar 562 of conveyer bonder 560 can be fixed in container 526, So that when bonder bar 522 and/or module coupler base 524 rotate (such as, being rotated by the driving assembly of vending machine) Time, conveyer bonder bar 562 also rotates, so that any conveyer being attached to conveyer bonder 560 rotates.Example As, a part for vertical coil can be configured to be inserted into and be fixed in the groove 566 of conveyer coupler bottom seat 564, So that when module coupler 520 rotates, vertical coil also rotates (such as, to distribute the product of clamping in coil).

In one or more embodiment, at least one in module coupler 520 and conveyer bonder 560 is permissible Including one or more in receiving and/or stuck-module bonder 520 and/or conveyer bonder 560 and/or use In at least one opening allowing module coupler 520 and conveyer bonder 560 to connect or path.As is depicted in Figure 5 , opening 532,542 allows module coupler 520 to engage with conveyer bonder 560.

As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, module coupler 520 and conveyer bonder 560 can connect each other Connect and/or be fixed to one or more miscellaneous part of module coupler mechanism, include but not limited to bonder platform 530 With container platform 540.Although being depicted as separate parts in Figure 5, it will be understood that bonder platform 530 and container Platform 540 can be integrated into single parts；Alternately, bonder platform 530 and/or container platform 540 is various Feature can be for being deemed suitable for assembling and/or any amount of separate parts offer of intended use.

According to some embodiments, bonder platform 530 can include for connecing with locking slider 506a, 506b respectively One or more bonder platform slider part 534a, the 534b closed.Locking slider 506a, 506b can be joined It is set to such as by making locking slider connect with bonder platform 530 at bonder platform slider part 534a, 534b Incompatible it is movably coupled to bonder platform slider part 534a, 534b.It is in one embodiment, the most assembled, Coupler lock 502 just can (such as, by the holding structure on bonder platform 530 and/or container platform 540) quilt Stop and depart from from bonder platform 530 completely.

Can include coupling for storage module according to some embodiments, bonder platform 530 and/or container platform 540 One or more data storage of device mechanism or one or more parts of storage arrangement.In one example, such as figure Being described in 5, storage arrangement clamper 536 can be configured to read-only storage device (such as, example RFID Chip 547).In some embodiments, the placement of storage arrangement clamper 536 can be configured to convenient storage device The electrical connection of device and the wherein vending machine of installation product distribution module.As discussed in the disclosure, storage arrangement is permissible Including the information about product distribution module, include but not limited to identify identifier (such as, the Wei Yimo of product distribution module Block ID) instruction, about the product left in product distribution module information and/or with leave in product distribution module The relevant pricing information of product.

Can include for product is distributed mould according to some embodiments, bonder platform 530 and/or container platform 540 One or more parts that block is installed or is otherwise placed in modularity vending machine.In one example, such as figure Being described in 5, installing component 538a and 538b can be the prominent of snap-fitting (such as, plastics cantilever snaps joint) Going out part, when product distribution module is installed in vending machine, these ledges are by the component being stuck in vending machine Corresponding depression in.Preferably, such installing component 538a and 538b fixes product when product distribution module is mounted Distribution module is with one or more in facilitating below: the reading of the storage arrangement of (i) module is (such as, by making The storage arrangement of module keeps the memory device reader of sufficiently close together vending machine, so that storage arrangement can be become Merit ground reads), and (ii) prevention product distribution module is in the way of any distribution that may affect module or other operations Move, vibrate or dump.The mounting structure and the one of module clamp structure of the installing component of such as snap-fitting etc. can be included Other example is discussed in more detail about Figure 10 B and Figure 11 a bit.

In some embodiments, one or more securing member 549 (such as, screw, nail, pin etc.) can by with Fix the parts of module coupler mechanism or otherwise the parts of module coupler mechanism linked together.Various Being suitable for of type connect such as bonder platform 530 and container platform 540 securing member will by those skilled in the art according to The disclosure and understand.

As discussed with respect to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the module coupler mechanism of product distribution module can include One or more opening 546a, 546b, 546c, these openings are for accommodating removable panel or the side of container, it is allowed to The degree of depth of container is adjusted to be suitable for different size of product.

Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B shows the perspective view of the product distribution module 600 according to embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 6 A shows The coupler lock 606 at the first bonder latched position (such as, latched position) place, the first bonder latched position are gone out Make module coupler 608 engage with bonder container 610, and be essentially prevented module coupler 608 and rotate.Locking Slider 612 slidably engages with bonder platform slider part 630a (the most invisible).Fig. 6 A enters One step shows the card in the corresponding matching parts (discussing in more detail about Figure 11) for fastening to modularity vending machine Buckle joint parts 638a and 638b.Fig. 6 B shows the coupler lock 606 departed from module coupler 608.As schemed B In arrow indicated by, coupler lock 606 moves to the second bonder latched position from the first bonder latched position (such as, unlocked position) or moved to the second bonder latched position from the first bonder latched position.Locking is slided Device 612 be enough to make module coupling along at least some of of bonder platform slider part 630a through (such as, sliding) The distance that clutch 608 departs from bonder container 610.Therefore, module coupler 608 can rotate freely or with it His mode is moved and/or engages (such as, distributing product for from vertical conveyor) with driving assembly (not shown).

According to some embodiments, as discussed above with respect to Fig. 3, product distribution module 600 can include at least one Removable panel 614 (such as, by using opening 616 to be stored in modular platform 602).

Some embodiments provide a kind of modularity vending machine, and this modularity vending machine includes for accommodating product distribution mould Block engages, installs and/or fixes removedly one or more types of product distribution module with product distribution module Module clamp structure.In some embodiments, product distribution module can be configured with one or more mounting structure, These mounting structures corresponding to the module clamp structure of modularity vending machine, and be configured to removedly with these module clips Hold structure to engage.In some embodiments, as discussed in the disclosure, when product distribution module is installed in modularity Time in vending machine, the assembly that drives of vending machine is coupled to the vertical conveyor of product distribution module.In some embodiments, Discussing in greater detail below, modularity vending machine can include multiple position, and these positions are used for accommodating and can be removed Ground hangs, installs or otherwise fix respective product distribution module so that the driving assembly of modularity vending machine is permissible The vertical conveyor of operation distribution module is with distribution product (such as, under the control of modularity vending machine) and/or facility point Send out the reading (such as, from the storage arrangement of distribution module) of the identifier of module.

In one embodiment, modularity vending machine can include the multiple positions for removable product distribution module, Each position has for mounting structure corresponding with module joint (such as, being inserted in the corresponding mounting structure of module) At least one supports shelf.In one example, the mounting structure of module can include one or more snap-fitting parts (such as, cantilever snaps joint component), and modularity vending machine can include the corresponding matching parts of snap-fitting.? In another embodiment, modularity vending machine can include for engaging with the counter structure of vertical product distribution module so that Hang or otherwise install for distributing one or more fixture of product distribution module of product, bore portion, buckle Joint component (such as, for cantilever snaps joint, annular snap buckle joint, torsion snap-fitting or combinations thereof), extension (such as, hook or post for accommodating product distribution module are distributed to install or to hang vertical product for hook, mounting post, stake etc. The bore portion of module；Press from both sides for accommodating the snap-fitting of the corresponding mounting post fastened in fixture of vertical product distribution module Tool).

Fig. 7 shows that the example modular being coupled to product distribution module 704 according to one embodiment of the invention is sold goods The perspective view of machine 700.As depicted in Figure 7, according to an embodiment, product distribution module 704 can by with The mounting structure of one or more types and mounted or be placed in modularity vending machine 700.Specifically, at Fig. 7 Embodiment in, when product distribution module 704 is installed in modularity vending machine 700, modularity vending machine Support shelf 740a, 740b are inserted in the corresponding gap between bonder platform 730 and container platform 702.

As discussed in the disclosure, in some embodiments, product distribution module can include coupler lock.At one In example, as depicted in Figure 7, product distribution module 704 is installed and makes the support shelf 740b of side and opposite side Support shelf 740a contact locking slider 712 leading edge, this make coupler lock 706 slide or otherwise away from Module coupler 708 moves and departs from from module coupler 708.As shown in Figure 7, according to some embodiments, when When product distribution module 704 is mounted, drive constituent coupler 742 (being also referred to as " u groove " in the disclosure) with Module coupler 708 engages.In some embodiments, drive constituent coupler 742 can be attached to be arranged on product to divide Send out the drive shaft (not shown) of motor (not shown) above module.Support in shelf 740a, 740b or more Multiple mounting structures 748 that may be coupled to modularity vending machine and/or integrated with the mounting structure 748 of modularity vending machine (such as, to support the weight of the product distribution module of shelf and installation).

The person skilled in the art will easily understand, although the exemplary module bonder 708 of Fig. 7 have generally cylindrical in shape and Circular lateral cross-section, and drive constituent coupler 742 to have " u " being configured to accommodate and engage exemplary module bonder Shape, but the module coupler of any shape (such as, triangle, square) and/or the driving assembly coupling of correspondingly-shaped It is desired that clutch can be used to be considered for specific implementation.

According to some embodiments, example modular vending machine 700 farther includes the communication via modularity vending machine 700 The storage arrangement 720 (such as, by the part installation as product distribution module 704) of parts 746 electrical connection.Cause This, the information of storage arrangement 720 storage can be read from this storage arrangement and/or is written to this storage arrangement In (such as, by control device and/or the server of vending machine).

Fig. 8 shows that the top view of product distribution module 800, product distribution module 800 include for by product distribution module Another example of the mounting structure being arranged in modularity vending machine.As depicted in fig. 8, according to one of the present invention Embodiment, one or more mounting post 804a, 804b (such as, are connected to module coupler mechanism 802 and/or hold Device).As depicted in fig. 8, mounting post 804a, 804b can be configured to be releasably connected to install folder respectively 806a、806b.In one embodiment, folder 806a, 806b are installed and can be attached to vending machine and/or docked station (not Illustrate), and be configured to make mounting post fasten in fixture securely product distribution module 800 is clamped in vending machine In for distribute purchased product.Similarly, as depicted in fig. 8, alternatively or in addition, real at some Executing in scheme, the correspondence that snap-fitting parts 838a and 838b can be configured to snap fit onto in the parts of vending machine is recessed In Xianing.Although mounting post and snap-fitting parts are depicted as being connected to product distribution module or dividing as product in fig. 8 Send out a part for module, but according to some embodiments, one or more of snap-fitting installs folder or other types ( Kind or more kinds of) containing component may be coupled to product distribution module or a part for product distribution module, and one Individual or more correspondence projecting part can be vending machine and/or the part at docked station or be connected to vending machine and/or depressed place Go to the station to meet somebody.

D. example process

According to some embodiments, the process described in the disclosure can special and/or computerization by one or more Processing means (such as, the device of the Fig. 1 described in the disclosure), special-purpose computer, terminal, computer take Business device, computer system and/or network and/or their any combination perform and/or realize, and/or otherwise with these It is associated.In some embodiments, method can be implemented in various input mechanisms and/or interface, by various input machines Structure and/or interface facilitate, and/or are otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or interface.

Any process described in the disclosure does not necessarily implies that fixing for action, step and/or the process of any description Order, and embodiment typically can be by feasible any order execution, unless otherwise concrete note.The disclosure is retouched Any one in the process stated and/or method can be by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware or their any group Close and perform and/or facilitate.Such as, storage medium (such as, hard disk, USB (universal serial bus) (USB) massive store dress Put and/or digital video disc (DVD)) can store thereon when being performed by machine (such as computerization processing means) Time cause the instruction according to one or more the execution in the embodiment described in the disclosure.

Referring now to Fig. 9, it is shown that according to the flow chart of the method 900 of some embodiments.Method 900 can such as by Server computer performs.Although some that it should be noted that in the step of method 900 can be described as by server computer Perform, and other steps be described as being calculated device (such as, vending machine and/or product distribution module) by another and perform, But any one in these steps can be performed by single calculating device.Additionally, in some embodiments, in these public affairs Any step being described as in opening being performed by particular computing device can optionally be performed by the mankind or another calculating device.

According to some embodiments, method 900 can be included in 910 storages and uniquely identify box (such as, modular product Box) box identifier.In one or more embodiment, storage box identifier can include following in one or more Multiple: to read or otherwise receive the instruction of box identifier (such as, from user interface and/or for box stock Docked station), identifier is written to be stored in (box) storage arrangement and/or by box identifier (such as, central authorities Server) in data base.In some alternate embodiment, box identifier without being unique for particular cartridge, but (all boxes of the product such as, depositing same type can be by identical mark can to identify the box of a certain type or classification Symbol is specified).According to some embodiments because unique ID chip of box can by chip manufacturer's preprogramming, so ID chip may must be read, and is then associated by the certain types of product of clamping with box.According to other embodiments, ID can be written to the memorizer of such as box.

According to some embodiments, method 900 can be included in the product information that 920 storages are associated with box.At one or In more embodiments, storage product information can include following in one or more: read or otherwise connect Receive and that leave in box and/or the designated instruction (example leaving the information that one or more product in box is associated in As, from user interface and/or for the docked station of box stock), product information is written to (such as, box) storage Device device and/or product information is stored in (such as, central server) data base.

According to some embodiments, method 900 can be included in 930 and be mounted with that the vending machine of box receives box identifier from which, And 940, product information is sent to vending machine.In one embodiment, as described in this disclosure, product box Can be arranged in modularity vending machine by (such as, the user at affiliate place).The memorizer with box of vending machine Device (such as, ID chip) carries out the processor that (wired or wireless) communicate can receive box mark from this storage arrangement Know symbol, and box identifier is sent to central server (such as, together with to the request of the information being associated with box or Person is as a part for this request).Central server such as can search product information in product information database.According to Some embodiments, product information can include that the respective of the product for one or more types being included in box is retouched State and/or with and the respective pricing information that is associated of any product of being associated of box.Vending machine can be such as via vending machine Electronic display unit display product information (such as, with advertisement be available for buy product, including pricing information).

According to some embodiments, central server can be ad hoc programmed for receiving, from vending machine, the product updated further The product information of the renewal that information and/or storage are associated with box identifier.In one example, product information can include That sell and/or in box the quantity of remaining article and/or the Transaction Information that is associated with product (such as, about at vending machine The information that the product that place is carried out is bought).In some embodiments, central computer can be specifically programmed as based on history Transaction Information (such as, based on the quantity etc. in the catalogue at sales trend, vending machine) updates one or more types The pricing information of product.

E. example vending machine

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B is the perspective view of the example modular vending machine 1000 of some embodiments according to the present invention. Modularity vending machine 1000 preferably includes one or more and installs and drive component system, and each such system is joined It is set to accommodate respective product distribution module (such as, removable product box).As Figure 10 A describes, example mould Massing vending machine 1000 can include shell or the cabinet wrapping into various parts, includes but not limited to: one or more mould Block supports shelf 1040a, 1040b；One or more drives constituent coupler 1042a, 1042b；And/or one or more Multiple motor 1050a, 1050b.As discussed with respect to FIG. 7, product distribution module can by use support shelf 1040a, 1040b and driving constituent coupler 1042a engages with module coupler mechanism and is installed in vending machine.Figure 10 B illustrates The close-up view of one installation system of modularity vending machine 1000.The decomposition view driving assembly 1042a shows driving Assembly can be installed in drive shaft 1070 (such as, be connected to the motor 1050a of Figure 10 A), and according to some Embodiment, can be separated with mounting platform by distance piece 1060.Bonder container 1044 be preferably constructed to The module coupler (as discuss about Fig. 7) shaped accordingly of product distribution module engages.

As shown in Figure 10 B, according to some embodiments, modularity vending machine 1000 may further include for peace Dress the storage arrangement communication of product distribution module and/or the communication component 1046 of electrical connection and one or more join Close parts 1041a, 1041b and (such as, there is the corresponding buckle fastening the depression coordinating hook for accommodating product distribution module Joint component, snap-fitting parts 638a, 638b of such as Fig. 6).As discussed in the disclosure, component is permissible Guarantee that product distribution module is sufficiently strongly placed so that any mechanically actuated of vending machine or moves (such as, by distribution The operation of mechanism or vibration or be knocked due to the motion of vehicle at vending machine place) do not remove product distribution module.Cause This, storage device storage information (such as, box identifier) can by (such as, vending machine control device and/or Server) from this storage arrangement read and/or be written to this storage arrangement.

Figure 11 is the example product distribution mould installing (or removing) from modularity vending machine according to embodiment of the present invention The perspective view of block 1102.Such as described in the example system of Figure 11, product distribution module 1102 can be by making module Coupler mechanism 1112 engages with support shelf 1040a, 1040b and is installed in vending machine, according to some embodiments, Support shelf 1040a, 1040b slide between the upper mounting plate and lower platform of modular couplers mechanism 1112 and (see for example The example platforms 530 and 540 of Fig. 5).Additionally, support shelf 1040a, 1040b include respectively component 1041a, 1041b, each have the corresponding depression being respectively used to accommodate flexible snap joint component 1038a, 1038b.When product is distributed When module 1102 is installed in modularity vending machine, flexible snap joint component 1038a, 1038b and support shelf 1040a, 1040b inward flange contact, and in the depression being stuck in component 1041a, 1041b before deflect with help by product Distribution module 1102 fix in position.Once fixed, storage arrangement 1147 the most preferably with memory reader device 1046 communicate (such as, for the identifier receiving mark product distribution module).Such as fruit product distribution module 1102 To be removed, then the configuration of flexible snap joint component 1038a, 1038b allows them to be applied in so that dividing in enough power Send out module from supporting bending when shelf 1040a, 1040b depart from.

Figure 12 is the multiple products being arranged in the example modular vending machine 1200 distribution mould according to embodiment of the present invention The perspective view of block.Modularity vending machine 1200 includes the cabinet 1206 with hinged door 1202, and hinged door 1202 carries For entering the path (such as, for the purpose safeguarded and/or again get ready the goods) of the inside of vending machine.According to an enforcement Scheme, door 1202 includes that the product of product delivery zone of the bottom for allowing user to enter inside at cabinet 1206 is passed Send door 1204, wherein product landing when mounted product box distribution.

As depicted in figure 12, modularity vending machine 1200 includes the product distribution module 1208a installed, and it is coupled to Motor 1220a leaves the product in the vertical conveyor of such as module in for distribution.As depicted, example vending machine Have remaining set-point with by make module coupler with drive constituent coupler 1210 couple thus by module (and hang down Straight conveyer) it is connected to motor 1220b to accommodate product distribution module 1208b.

Figure 13 is according to embodiment of the present invention (such as, modularity vending system) product distribution module 1300 The perspective view at docked station 1302.As depicted in fig. 13, product distribution module 1300 is alternatively coupled to docked station 1302, For, but be not limited to: get ready the goods to product distribution module and/or store and/or update the information being associated with this module.Respectively The information of type and for storing and/or updating the means of such information in modularity vending system in the disclosure It is described.

According to some embodiments, docked station 1302 can include following in one or more: installation system 1306, Stayed surface 1308, display device and/or user interface 1312 and/or one or more supporting member 1310a, 1310b. Installation system 1306 can include one or more of the module coupler mechanism for accommodating product distribution module 1300 Support shelf, those such as described about Fig. 7.In one or more embodiment, installation system 1306 is preferably It is sent to identification information register software including microcontroller, its box identifier being configured to read the box installed and facility Program (such as, it runs as application based on web by web server trustship and by the Internet).

According to some embodiments, stayed surface 1308 is preferably relative to horizontal surface or base plate (such as, docked station 1302 Can be placed thereon) tilt or angled (such as, about 30 to 60 spend in the range of) so as to make to Product distribution module 1300 get ready the goods (such as, product being placed on the product Support Position of vertical conveyor) convenient. Will readily appreciate that, the different configurations of table top may be implemented as being considered to be applicable.

In one or more embodiment, docked station 1302 can include user interface 1312 (such as, touch screen dress Put), user can receive information (such as, box information, product information and/or pricing information) via user interface 1312 And/or enter information into modularity vendor system.In one embodiment, docked station 1302 can include for The COM1 that one or more server computer, vending machine and/or product distribution module communicate.According to some Embodiment, user interface 1312 may be implemented as connecting via Wi-Fi and being connected to the tablet PC of the Internet.

According to some embodiments, docked station can be used to be initialised in modularity vending system (such as, new box After box assembling has processed), and can be utilized to be associated with particular cartridge by product during stock again processes.

F. additional embodiment

According to some embodiments, it is provided that a kind of size or the less vending machine of form factor and vendor system are (such as, It is used in vehicle).In one or more embodiment, vending machine accepts the product of the degree of depth about 7 inches (or less) Product box, and box includes vertically clamping the vertical coil of the product for distribution.Such as, when selling article, coil quilt Rotate to discharge the minimum article of this coil clamping.

In some embodiments, some features of vertical product box and/or vendor system can include following in one Or more:

There is the oedoeagus/female end coupled system of " u groove "

Integrated bonder lid/handle on box

The different size of product of receiving on box is for shipment and/or the adjustable panel of distribution

" very thin " vertical cassette includes vertical coil and is had product in advance

Vending machine does not make actual product for product information seen from client by vending machine box ID based on mark box mark

According to some embodiments, unit of selling goods can include, but not limited to six boxes, each comprise respective different Product.In one embodiment, each box has four sides: three solid stationary wall, and one removable and/or can Adjust header board.In one embodiment, header board can be transparent, so that the product within box is for potential purchase Person is visible.In some embodiments, each single box all comprises the product of variable amounts, and the product sold It is released via the coil mechanism of motor of the unit that is coupled to sell goods.Coil is also used for (example during non-state of selling goods As, in box just transported period) product is held in place.

According to some embodiments, it is the top cover accommodating the coil supports being attached to oedoeagus bonder at the top of product box. In some embodiments, oedoeagus bonder is clamped and lock into place with the bonder lid/handle device of combination.Work as sun When end bonder is locked, such as, coil keeps static, thus transports at box and/or carry (such as, at vending machine Outside) period makes product keep static and " pinning ".When being inserted in vending machine, unit of selling goods be inserted into box U groove supporting member makes bonder lid/handle device depart from, and makes oedoeagus bonder rotate freely.The most simultaneously, insertion makes The oedoeagus bonder at box top engage with the static female end bonder of the end being attached to the main motor sold goods on unit ( U trench interiors).Motor is connected to coil with the corresponding matching of female end bonder by oedoeagus bonder, makes box be ready to sell Sell goods the product within unit.

In one or more embodiment, when being inserted in unit of selling goods, be installed to the ID chip at the box back side with Sell goods the unit back side one or more electronic sensor contact.This allows main sale note meta software mark box and knows spy Determine box comprises anything.In one embodiment, unit of selling goods can show the information about box on the screen of sale note unit, Together with product price, quantity etc..

Applicant is recognized by test, and according to some embodiments, the identification of coupling mechanism and box identifier is (such as, Via ID chip) allow vending machine unit again to be got ready the goods by the efficiency to improve, and shorten lead time again.Example As, in some timing are tested, up to six boxes can be got ready the goods in sale note unit in less than 30 seconds again.

According to some embodiments, modularity vendor system allows no matter place is the most all to (in multiple vending machines) The ability of each specific networking vending machine upgrading products information (such as, via the Internet).Implement at one or more In scheme, product and price input can be automatically updated (such as, when by box via the identification of box identifier at vending machine When being arranged in unit of selling goods).

In some embodiments, as discussed in the disclosure, each box can include ID chip or with ID chip phase Association.Therefore, when box is inserted in vending machine, vending machine software instruction can instruct processor access microcontroller with Receive the serial number of ID chip.This serial number is compared with storage serial number data storehouse on the server.Exist with The form of the box numbering of product data cross reference.This information about particular cartridge is downloaded to software.When downloading, use All information on the interface of family all change for this specific recess or slit.This identical processing for being inserted in machine Each box occurs.Correct name of product, product price, product image and the product that display is updated by user interface now Quantity.

According to some embodiments, the ID chip for box preferably comprises unique sequence numbers (such as, 48 bit number). When box is installed in docked station, the software for the instruction of docked station makes microcontroller can carry out electronics with ID chip Communication is to read serial number.Serial number is received according to software instruction by processor, and in some embodiments, shown On the display screen at docked station.About box information (such as its type and/or component part numbers) can by user via User interface selects.According to some embodiments, the box type indicating what kind of coil to be inserted in box can be deposited Storage.Component part numbers can be the unique physical identifier being printed on box.

According to example box location registration process, serial number, box type and component part numbers can identify box and (such as, will be got ready the goods Empty box).Box information can be uploaded to central database from docked station.Product information can by the docked station of box and/or Another type of interface (such as, interface based on web) is associated with box.After product information associates with box, in It is that box is ready to be inserted into and sells goods in unit.

According to some embodiments, vending machine stock again processes can include easy-to-use any any sequence being inserted into box Number the vending machine software of reading initiate again to get ready the goods pattern.Such as, serial number can be read (example by respective microcontroller As, sequentially), and it is delivered to vending machine software.Then vending machine software can use serial number to inquire about central authorities' number According to storehouse (such as, passing through the Internet) to find the box of correspondence.When finding out box in data base, such as, it is associated with box Product information (such as, storing for this box during location registration process) vending machine can be downloaded to.Some embodiment party In case, the product information of reception is stored in local cache or other local memory arrangement to be used for various function In one or more.

In some embodiments, one or more product and/or box can be associated with respective color.Show at one In example, the energy products with red trade dress can be associated with the color redness in product database.According to a reality Executing scheme, vending machine can include that the software instruction that the processor according to vending machine performs is configured to (such as, divide at product Send out at region) show a kind of color or the lamp (example of multiple color being associated with product that is in catalogue and/or that be just distributed As, LED, RGB lamp).Such as, example " red ", if energy products are bought by client, can cause selling goods Machine makes color redness be shown.According to some embodiments, just at product by before the releasing winding of respective modules, process Corresponding color code can be sent to microcontroller by device.Based on color code, microcontroller can use RGB to produce Raw color.In one example, the color of first purchased product is red, and the color of second purchased product is blue Color.When first product will be sold, the lamp within vending machine can redden.Once product is released, within machine Lamp just becomes blue for for selling second product.In one embodiment, all products once selected are all by successfully Distribution, the lamp within machine just can change back to default color (such as, white).

According to some embodiments, user can use software program to update the product being associated with box and/or product Description, image, price, quantity and/or lamp color.This software will communicate with data base, and check above parameter In any one change, the then information of down loading updating.

After the unique information of box has been uploaded to central database, such as, product information can be by based on web Application or Web portal be associated with this box.In one example, box can be by being printed on this box in Web portal On physical box identifier found.When the box page on Web portal is found, its details can (such as, be The authorized user of system) amendment.In one embodiment, can be by comprising in system by the product being associated with given box Product in all over products or the optional interface element of user (such as, combobox) of subset and be chosen.Show at another In example, it is all specific that the price of product can become for all products in this box.In another example, particular cartridge The numbering of interior comprised product can such as be automatically updated by the text box that is positioned on Web portal screen to refer to Show the actual quantity of existence.

According to some embodiments, the programmed instruction that vending machine performs the most successfully can connect there being how many boxes with u groove The order touched is sent to microcontroller.This information can be sent to data base has a how many box to be installed in specific selling with storage Instruction in cargo aircraft.

According to some embodiments, modularity vendor system provides the product distribution module that can reload, including but do not limit In vertical product distribution module.In some embodiments, modularity vendor system includes that one or more modularity is sold Cargo aircraft and the product distribution mould can being releasably attached by the module holder structure of use modularity vending machine Block.In some embodiments, central controller device can be used for and multiple modularity vending machines, product distribution module And/or docked station communicates.

G. explain

Many embodiments are described in the present patent application, and merely for the sake of the purpose illustrated.Described reality Scheme of executing is not the most restrictive, and is not intended to be the most all restrictive.As from this Disclosure is readily apparent that, presents invention disclosed (one or more) is widely applicable for many embodiments.Ability Skilled artisan will realize that of territory, disclosed invention can by with various modifications and changes (such as structure, logic, Software and/or electricity amendment) implement.Although the special characteristic of disclosed invention (one or more) is probably with reference to one Individual or more particular and/or accompanying drawing describe, it should be understood that such feature be not limited in one or More particular or the use in describe their accompanying drawing with reference to it, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The disclosure, neither the literal description of all embodiments, is not the feature that must exist in all embodiments List.

Title (beginning at the page 1 of the disclosure is stated) and summary (stating at the end of the disclosure) are not to be regarded as Limit the scope of disclosed invention (one or more) by any way.

In whole description, unless otherwise specified, following term can include and/or comprise Examples provided below meaning Justice.These terms and illustrated examples meaning are provided to make to be chosen as described in the specification and appended real Execute the lamprophonia of scheme, therefore, be not intended to limit.

Term " embodiment ", " embodiment ", " multiple embodiment ", " described embodiment ", " institute State multiple embodiment ", " one or more embodiment ", " some embodiments ", " embodiment " Etc. meaning " embodiment disclosed in one or more (but not all) ", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Term " described invention " and " present invention " etc. mean " one or more embodiment of the present invention ".

The discussion to " another embodiment " described in embodiment do not imply that discussed embodiment and another Individual embodiment (embodiment such as, described before the embodiment discussed) is mutually exclusive, unless otherwise clearly Specify.

Term " includes ", " comprising " and modification thereof mean " including but not limited to ", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Term " one " and " being somebody's turn to do " mean " one or more ", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Term " multiple " means " two or more ", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Term " herein " means " in the disclosure, any content including being incorporated by reference into ", unless otherwise Clearly specify.

Phrase " at least one in ... " is meaning when multiple things (enumerated list of such as things) modified in such phrase Refer to one or more any combination in these things, unless expressly specified otherwise.Such as, phrase widget, automobile With at least one in wheel mean following in any one: (i) widget, (ii) automobile, (iii) wheel, (iv) Widget and automobile, (v) widget and wheel, (vi) automobile and wheel or (vi) widget, automobile and wheel.

Phrase " based on " be not intended to " being based only upon ", unless expressly specified otherwise.In other words, phrase " based on " describe " be based only upon " and " at least based on ".

First claim limit by contain one of feature and feature more than one (such as, such as " at least One widget " restriction contain a widget and more than one widget) in the case of, and be subordinated to In second claim of one claim, second claim uses " described " to refer to limit (such as, " institute State widget ") in the case of, this does not implies that first claim contains the only one of this feature, and this is not Imply and second claim contain the only one of this feature (such as, " described widget " can contain a widget And more than one both widgets).

Each process (no matter be known as method, algorithm or other) include one or more step inherently, therefore The all discussions of " step " or " multiple step " processed all are had and " processes " or similar terms pure at term Inherence in pure record is the most basic.Therefore, appointing " step " or " multiple step " processed in claim What is discussed all has enough formerly bases.

When ordinal number (such as " first ", " second ", " the 3rd " etc.) is used as the adjective before an item, this sequence Number is only applied to indicate special characteristic (unless expressly specified otherwise), such as with distinguish this special characteristic and by same term or Another feature that similar terms describes.Such as, " the first widget " can by so named be only used to distinguish it and Such as " the second widget ".Therefore, ordinal number " first " and " second " was only used not to refer to before item " widget " Show any other the relation between the two widget, similarly do not indicate that any one or two widgets any its His characteristic.Such as, only used ordinal number " first " and " second " (1) not to indicate that before item " widget " to appoint What widget occurs in the above or below of any other widget on order or position；(2) do not indicate that any One widget occurs or effect in above or below in time；And (3) do not indicate that any one widget according to The ranking of importance or quality is in the above and below of any other widget.It addition, only use ordinal number do not limit to this The numerical value of the feature of a little ordinal number marks limits.Such as, above ordinal number " first " and " second " are only used at item " widget " Not indicating that must be no more than the widget of two.

As used in this disclosure, " user " may generally refer to operate any individual and/or the entity of device.User Such as client, operator, affiliate place employee etc. can be included.

Some embodiments can be associated with " user's set " or " network equipment ".As used in this disclosure, art Language " user's set " and " network equipment " can be employed interchangeably, and may generally refer to carry out via network Any device of communication.The example of user's set or network equipment include personal computer (PC), work station, server, Printer, scanner, facsimile machine, photocopier, personal digital assistant (PDA), storage device (such as, hard drive Device), hub, router, switch and modem, video game console or radio telephone.User's set One or more communication component or network components can be included with network equipment.

Some embodiments can be associated with " network " or " communication network ".As used in this disclosure, term " net Network " and " communication network " can be employed interchangeably, and may refer to allow, convenient and/or otherwise facilitate Between one or more network equipment and/or within the transmission of information of message, packet, signal and/or other forms Or any object, entity, parts, device and/or their any combination being associated with this transmission.Implement at some In scheme, network can be hard-wired, wireless, virtual, neural and/or known or become Any other configuration or the network of type known.Network can include directly to each other or indirectly via wired or wireless medium (such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), token ring, RF, wired TV, satellite Link) or via any suitable means of communication or means of communication combine any amount of computer communicated and/ Or other kinds of device.In some embodiments, network can include according to known or feasible or become known Or feasible any communication standard or one or more wiredly and/or wirelessly network of agreement operation.For network service Example protocol include but be not limited to: the Fast Ethernet LAN that Institute of Electrical and Electric Engineers (IEEE) is issued passes Defeated standardBluetooth^TM, time division multiple acess (TDMA), CDMA (CDMA), the whole world mobile Communication system (GSM), enhancing data rate (EDGE) for GSM evolution, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), numeral AMPS (D-AMPS), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.3, SAP, optimal kind (BOB), system are to system (S2S) etc..Device Between and/or among communication can be with encrypted to guarantee in privacy and/or stopping power territory in known various modes Any or more kinds of swindles.

The device communicated with each other is without communicating the most constantly, unless expressly specified otherwise.On the contrary, such device is only Send to the other side when needing in necessity or need, and can essentially be in most of the time suppression exchange data.Such as, warp The machine communicated by the Internet and another machine once can not send data to this another machine within several weeks.Separately Outward, the device communicated with each other can either directly or indirectly be communicated by one or more intermediary.

As used in this disclosure, term " network components " may refer to network equipment or parts, workpiece, part or The combination of network equipment.The example of network components can include static RAM (SRAM) device or module, Network processing unit and network communication path, connection, port or cable.

As used herein, term " information " and " data " can be employed interchangeably, and may refer to any Data, text, voice, video, image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform and/or other classes Type or the signal of configuration and/or information.Information can include such as according to Internet Engineering Task group (IETF) network work " internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) specification " RFC 1883 that group S.Deering et al. (nineteen ninety-five December) is issued The information block that defined internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) standard sends.According to some embodiments, information is permissible According to known or feasible or become known or feasible any method and compressed, encode, encrypt and/or with it His mode is packed or handles.

It addition, some embodiments described in the disclosure are associated with " instruction ".Term " indicates " and can be used to Refer to indicate main body, article, entity and/or other objects and/or design or with main body, article, entity and/or other are right As and/or any labelling of being associated of design and/or other information.As used in this disclosure, phrase " instruction ... Information " and " labelling " can be used to refer to represent, describe related entities, main body or object and/or otherwise with This any information being associated.The labelling of information can include such as code, quote, link, signal, identifier and/or Their any combination and/or the expression of other offer information being associated with this information.In some embodiments, letter The labelling (or instruction of information) of breath can be or can include this information itself and/or any part of this information or group Become part.In some embodiments, instruction can be to include asking, implore, to broadcast and/or the information of any other form Gather and/or propagate.

" determine " that something can perform in every way, therefore, term " determine " (and similar terms) include calculate, Computing, derive, search (such as, in form, data base or data structure), find out, identification etc..

" processor " mean any one or more microprocessor, CPU (CPU) device, calculate device, Microcontroller, digital signal processor or similar device.The example of processor includes but not limited to the Pentium of Intel^TM、 The Athlon of AMD^TMOr the A6 processor of Apple Inc..

When single assembly or article are described in the disclosure, more than one device or article (whether they are from no cooperation) Can alternately be used to replace described single assembly or article.Therefore, the function just being had by device it is described as Can alternately be had by more than one device or article (whether they are from no cooperation).At more than one device or In the case of article are described (whether they are from no cooperation) in the disclosure, single assembly or article can alternately by It is used for replacing described more than one device or article.Such as, multiple computer based devices can by single based on The device of computer is replaced.Therefore, the function being described as just being had by more than one device or article can be alternately Had by single assembly or article.The function of described single assembly and/or feature can alternately by described, But one or more other device not being explicitly described as having such function and/or feature is implemented.Therefore, Other embodiments are without including described device itself, but can be included in those other embodiments and will have this One or more other devices of the function/feature of sample.

It is any specific that the description of the embodiment with several parts or feature does not implies that in such parts and/or feature One is required.On the contrary, various selectable unit (SU)s are described and illustrate the extensive many of the present invention (one or more) The possible embodiment of sample.Unless otherwise specifying expressly, it is necessary or required for otherwise not having parts and/or feature.

Although being probably order in order and describe additionally, process step, algorithm etc. or describe, but such process being permissible It is configured to by one or more of different order work.In other words, the step that can be described expressly or describe Any order or sequence is not necessarily indicative to the requirement that these steps perform in that sequence.The step of the process described in the disclosure Can perform by the order of any practicality.Additionally, some steps can perform simultaneously, although being described or imply as non-concurrent Occur (such as, because a step describes after other steps).And, process and described by it in the accompanying drawings Diagram do not imply that shown process does not include other changes and amendment, do not imply that shown process or its any one Step is necessary for the present invention, does not implies that shown process is preferred.

Being readily apparent, various methods and algorithm described in the disclosure can be by the most suitably and/or ad hoc programming General purpose computer and/or calculate device realize.Generally, processor (such as, one or more microprocessor) will be from Memorizer or similar device receive instruction, and perform these instructions, thus it is defined one or more to perform these instructions Individual process.Additionally, the program realizing such method and algorithm can be by using various media (such as, computer-readable Medium) stored in several ways and transmitted.In some embodiments, hard-wired Circuits System or custom hardware Can be used to replace the software instruction of the process for realizing various embodiment, or make with the combination of these software instructions With.Therefore, embodiment is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

Therefore, the description of process similarly describes at least one equipment for performing this process, and similarly describes For performing at least one computer-readable medium and/or the computer-readable memory of this process.Process described by execution The equipment parts that can include being adapted for carrying out this process and/or device (such as, processor, input equipment and output dress Put).Computer-readable medium can store program element and/or the instruction being adapted for carrying out described method.

Term " computer-readable medium " refers to participate in providing the data that can be read by computer, processor or similar device Any medium of (such as, instruction or other information).Various forms of computer-readable mediums can relate to including instruction The data posting of sequence is to processor.Such as, job sequence (i) can be delivered to processor from RAM, and (ii) can With by wireless transmission medium posting, and/or (iii) can be according to various known formats, standard or agreement (some of example Described about communication network in the disclosure) in any one or more formatted.

Computer-readable medium can include but not limited to non-volatile media, Volatile media and transmission to take many forms Medium.Non-volatile media can include such as optical disc or disk and other kinds of long-time memory.Volatile media Can include such as DRAM, it typically comprises the main storage for calculating device.Transmission medium can include the most coaxial Cable, copper cash and optical fiber, they include the wire comprising the system bus being coupled to processor.Transmission medium can include or Person transmits sound wave, light wave and Electromagnetic Launching, those such as produced during RF and IR data communication.The meter of common form Calculation machine computer-readable recording medium include such as floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, tape, any other magnetizing mediums, CD-ROM, DVD, Any other optical medium, card punch, paper tape, have any other physical medium of sectional hole patterns, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, USB (universal serial bus) (USB) memory stick or thumb actuator, softdog, any Any other medium that other memory chips or box, carrier wave or computer can be read from.

Term " computer-readable memory " may generally refer to a subset and/or a class non-transitory computer-readable Medium, it does not include invisible or temporary signal, ripple, waveform, carrier wave, Electromagnetic Launching etc..Computer-readable stores Device generally can include that data (such as, instruction or other information) are stored in medium physics thereon, non-transitory, Such as optical disc or disk and other long-time memorys, DRAM, floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, tape, any other Magnetizing mediums, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, card punch, paper tape, there is any other of sectional hole patterns Physical medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, USB device, any other storage core Sheet or box etc..

In the case of data base is described, those of ordinary skill in the art is it will be appreciated that those described by (i) replacement count Can be readily utilized according to the alternate data library structure of library structure, and other memorizeies that (ii) is in addition to data base Structure can be readily utilized.Any diagram in any sample data storehouse presented in the disclosure or description are the information of storage The illustrative arrangement represented.Except such as accompanying drawing or elsewhere shown in form proposed by those arrange in addition to, any Other layouts of quantity can also be utilized.Similarly, any shown entry of data base only represents exemplary information；Ability The quantity that ordinarily skilled artisan will understand that entry in territory and content can be differently configured from those described in the disclosure.Additionally, to the greatest extent Pipe has data base to be depicted as any description of form, but extended formatting (include relational database, object-based model, Layered electronic file structure and/or distributed data base) data described by storage and/or manipulation can also be used to.Equally Ground, the object method of data base or behavior can be used to realize in various process one or more, in the such as disclosure Described those.It addition, data base can be stored in the dress of the data accessed in such data base in known manner Put locally and/or remotely.Although additionally, unified database can be contemplated, but it is also possible that data base is permissible It is distributed between various devices and/or replicates.

The disclosure provides the description that can implement of several embodiment and/or invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Some in these embodiments and/or invention may not be claimed in this application, but but may require this Shen One or more continuation application of priority please is claimed.Applicant intends to submit to other application to seek to close But in disclosed and make it possible to the patent not being claimed in this application realized.

Claims

1. a product distribution module for modularity vendor system, described product distribution module includes:

Vertical conveyor, described vertical conveyor includes into substantially vertically disposed multiple product Support Positions；

Be connected to the bonder of described vertical conveyor, described bonder be configured to modularity vending machine for operating State the driving assembly coupling of vertical conveyor；And

Being connected to the container of described bonder, described container includes the institute being configured to make product be maintained at described vertical conveyor State at least one wall on product Support Position,

Described container is configured to be installed removedly.

2. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical conveyor includes being rotatably installed in institute State the spiral winding in container.

3. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical conveyor includes installing in the above-described container Conveying band.

4. product distribution module as claimed in claim 3, wherein said product Support Position includes being attached to described conveying Multiple shelves of band, the plurality of shelf is configured to support the product being vertically movable in the above-described container.

5. product distribution module as claimed in claim 4, each in wherein said multiple shelves is pivotally connected to institute State conveying band.

6. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vertical conveyor includes being rotatably installed in institute State the screw conveyer in container.

7. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, at least one wall wherein said includes:

The first side wall, the second sidewall and the 3rd sidewall.

8. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, it is the plurality of that wherein said container includes providing the user entrance The opening of the path of product Support Position.

9. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, at least one wall described of described container be configured with One of lower:

Substantial rectangular lateral cross section,

Substantially square lateral cross section,

Substantially triangle lateral cross section,

Substantially elliptical lateral cross section, or

Substantially circular lateral cross section.

10. product distribution module as claimed in claim 1, at least one wall wherein said includes the top side of described container Wall, wherein said vertical conveyor is connected to described top sidewall.

11. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, at least one at least one wall wherein said includes opening, And wherein said vertical conveyor is connected to described bonder by described opening.

12. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, at least one wall wherein said includes that being configured to receiving can move At least one pair of groove except panel.

13. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, at least one at least one wall wherein said is adjustable , with provide described container for clamping the degree of depth that at least two of different size of product is different.

14. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, farther include:

Being attached to the coupler lock of described container, described coupler lock is configured as described bonder and is not coupled to for grasping Make during the driving assembly of described vertical conveyor, to be essentially prevented described bonder and the motion of described vertical conveyor, described coupling Device lock is further configured to when described bonder is coupled to the driving assembly for operating described vertical conveyor allow institute State bonder and the motion of described vertical conveyor.

15. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bonder is rotatable, and wherein institute State coupler lock to be configured to engage with described bonder to stop described bonder to rotate.

16. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 14, wherein said coupler lock can be from the first coupler lock location Putting and move to the second bonder latched position, described first bonder latched position is for engaging to stop institute with described bonder Stating coupler motion, described second bonder latched position is used for making described bonder depart to allow described coupler motion.

17. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 16, wherein said coupler lock can be from described first coupler lock Location is put and is slided into described second latched position.

18. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 16, are configured to make described bonder described vertical with for operating The coupler lock driving assembly coupling of straight conveyer makes described bonder move to institute from described first bonder latched position State the second bonder latched position.

19. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 16, are configured to make described bonder described vertical with for operating The coupler lock driving assembly coupling of straight conveyer makes described driving assembly by described bonder from described first coupler lock Location is put and is pushed to described second bonder latched position.

20. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, farther include to be connected to the handle of described container.

21. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, farther include multiple product, and each product is stored in institute State on the respective product Support Position in the plurality of product Support Position of vertical conveyor.

22. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, each at least one wall wherein said has no more than seven The vertical height of inch.

23. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, farther include storage and identify the mark of described product distribution module Know the data storage device of symbol.

24. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 23, described data storage device is configured to and sells goods unit Communicate for reading the processing means of described identifier.

25. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 23, described data storage device is configured to and processing means electricity Connecting, described processing means is configured as described bonder and is coupled to when driving assembly read described data storage dress Put.

26. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container includes being configured to releasedly by described Container is fixed at least one mounting structure parts of modularity vending machine.

27. product distribution modules as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container include being configured to releasedly with module Change the snap-fitting parts that the corresponding matching parts of vending machine engage.

28. 1 kinds of boxes being used for vertically distributing product in vending machine, described box includes:

First side plate；

Second side plate；

Back plate, described back plate is connected to described first side plate along the first edge of described back plate, and along described back plate Second edge relative with described first edge is connected to described second side plate；

Box coupler mechanism, described box coupler mechanism is connected to described first side plate, described second side plate and described back plate Respective top, described box coupler mechanism includes:

The bonder being rotatably fixed；

Fluid coupling shell, described fluid coupling shell makes described bonder fixing not when being configured as in primary importance Rotate and allow described bonder to rotate when in the second position；And

Vertically distribute coil, described vertical distribution coil be connected to described in the bonder that is rotatably fixed.

29. boxes as claimed in claim 28, described box coupler mechanism farther includes to be attached to described box bonder machine The handle of the upper surface of structure.

30. boxes as claimed in claim 28, described box coupler mechanism farther includes storage and identifies the mark of described box The data storage device of symbol.

31. boxes as claimed in claim 28, wherein said fluid coupling shell is configured to slide from described primary importance To the described second position.

32. boxes as claimed in claim 28, described box coupler mechanism farther includes to force the mechanism of compression, institute State and the mechanism of compression can be forced to allow when power puts on described fluid coupling shell described fluid coupling shell from described primary importance Slide into the described second position, and it is described to make when power is not applied to described fluid coupling shell described fluid coupling shell return to Primary importance.

33. boxes as claimed in claim 28, farther include:

Described first side plate with in each in described second side plate to be configured to accommodate many groups of removable header board corresponding recessed Groove, often group respective slot allows to be arranged in described box multiple different depth.

34. boxes as claimed in claim 28, farther include removable header board.

35. boxes as claimed in claim 28, wherein said removable header board is transparent.

36. boxes as claimed in claim 28, farther include at least one product leaving in described vertical distribution coil Product.

37. 1 kinds of modularity vendor systems, described modularity vendor system includes:

Modularity vending machine, described modularity vending machine includes:

Module clamp structure, described module clamp structure is for fixed vertical product distribution module removedly；

Driving assembly, described driving assembly is configured to be operatively coupled with vertical product distribution module；And

Vending machine controller, described vending machine controller is configured to the operation controlling described driving assembly with from described Vertical product distribution module distribution product；And

Vertical product distribution module, described vertical product distribution module includes:

Being connected to the bonder of described vertical conveyor, described bonder is configured to and described modularity vending machine Couple for operating the described driving assembly of described vertical conveyor；

Being connected to the container of described bonder, described container includes being configured to make product be maintained at described vertical transport At least one wall on the described product Support Position of machine；And

Mounting structure, described mounting structure is connected to described container, and with the described mould of described modularity vending machine Block clamp structure engages removedly.

38. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, farther include:

Central controller device, described central controller device carries out electronics by communication network and described modularity vending machine and leads to Letter, described control device includes:

Processor；

The computer readable storage means communicated with described processor, described computer readable storage means stores Instruct described processor to perform the following instruction operated when being performed by described processor:

Receive the instruction of the identifier of mark vertical product distribution module；

The product information being associated with described box is determined based on described identifier；And

Send the described product information being associated with described box.

39. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 38, wherein said computer readable storage means is further Including at least one of the following:

Box data base, described box data base includes the information about multiple vertical product distribution modules, described information include about The instruction of each vertical product distribution module, respective mark described vertical product distribution module identifier and respective The instruction of product；And

Product database, described product database includes the information about multiple products.

40. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 39, wherein said instruction is when being performed by described processor The described processor of guidance further:

Receive the instruction of the product being associated with described vertical product distribution module；And

The instruction of the product being associated with the identifier identifying described vertical product distribution module is stored in described box data base In.

41. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 38, wherein receive and identify described vertical product distribution module The instruction of identifier include:

The identifier identifying described vertical product distribution module is received from described modularity vending machine.

42. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 38, farther include to enter with described central controller device The docked station of row communication, and include:

Installation system, described installation system is for fixed vertical product distribution module removedly；

Reader device, described reader device is connected to described installation system, and is configured to distribute mould from vertical product The data storage device reading identifier of block；And

COM1, described COM1 communicates with described reader device, and is configured to send the identifier to Described central controller device.

43. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 42, wherein receive and identify described vertical product distribution module The instruction of identifier include:

The instruction of the identifier identifying described vertical product distribution module is received from described docked station.

44. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said module clamp structure and described installation knot Structure includes snap-fitting parts.

45. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said module clamp structure includes at least one Support shelf.

46. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 45, wherein said mounting structure includes at least one buckle Joint component, and the most each support shelf includes the respective corresponding snap-fitting being configured to accommodate described mounting structure The component of parts.

47. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said vertical conveyor includes rotatably pacifying Dress spiral winding in the above-described container.

48. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said vertical conveyor includes being arranged on described Conveying band in container.

49. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, at least one wall described of described container is configured to There is one below:

Substantial rectangular lateral cross section,

Substantially square lateral cross section,

Substantially triangle lateral cross section,

Substantially elliptical lateral cross section, or

Substantially circular lateral cross section.

50. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, at least one wall wherein said includes described container Top sidewall, and wherein said vertical conveyor is connected to described top sidewall.

51. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, at least one bag at least one wall wherein said Include opening, and wherein said vertical conveyor is connected to described bonder by described opening.

52. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, at least one at least one wall wherein said is Adjustable, with provide described container for clamping the degree of depth that at least two of different size of product is different.

53. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, farther include:

Be attached to the coupler lock of described container, described coupler lock be configured as described bonder be not coupled to described in drive Being essentially prevented described bonder and the motion of described vertical conveyor during dynamic assembly, described coupler lock is further configured to work as Described bonder is coupled to during described driving assembly allow described bonder and the motion of described vertical conveyor.

54. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 53, wherein said coupler lock can be from the first coupler lock Location is put and is moved to the second bonder latched position, and described first bonder latched position is for engaging with described bonder with resistance Only described coupler motion, described second bonder latched position is used for making described bonder depart to allow described bonder fortune Dynamic.

55. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, farther include multiple product, and each product is deposited On the respective product Support Position being placed in the plurality of product Support Position of described vertical conveyor.

56. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said vertical product distribution module wraps further Include the data storage device that storage identifies the identifier of described vertical product distribution module.

57. modularity vendor systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said mounting structure includes being configured to release The snap-fitting parts engaged with the corresponding matching parts of the described module clamp structure of described modularity vending machine with putting.