Spiral motor

A Spiral motor is the electromechanical drive unit in vending machines that turns the spirals to move products forward and dispense them.

Function and area of use

Spiral motors are DC or stepper motors that turn the spiral via a gearbox. After product selection and payment, the motor turns the spiral exactly as many revolutions as needed until the product has dropped forward. Sensors detect whether dispensing was successful. Modern motors have variable rotation speeds for products of different sensitivity.

Spiral motors are used in snack, drinks and confectionery vending machines. Different motor strengths are used depending on product weight and size: 12 V DC for light snacks, 24 V DC for heavy drinks bottles. Service life is 50,000–100,000 vends.

Maintenance is minimal: occasional greasing of the gearbox and cleaning off product residues. Faulty motors can be replaced individually without opening the entire vending machine.

Advantages

• Reliable product dispensing over 50,000+ cycles
• Variable speed protects delicate products
• Individually replaceable to minimise downtime
• Low power consumption of 5–15 watts per vend
• Sensor control guarantees successful dispensing
• Low maintenance thanks to robust construction

Technical details

Voltage range 12 V/24 V DC, power 10–30 watts, gear reduction 1:20 to 1:100, speed 10–60 rpm, torque 2–8 Nm. Service life 50,000–100,000 vends. Encoder feedback for positioning. Overload protection if the spiral is blocked. Noise level below 40 dB.

Frequently asked questions

How often do spiral motors need maintenance?

With normal use, grease the gearbox every 2–3 years. Replacement only if defective, after approx. 5–8 years of continuous operation or 80,000+ vends.

What should I do if a spiral is blocked?

Modern systems detect blockages by measuring the current draw and stop automatically. Turning the spiral by hand usually clears the blockage. If damaged, replace the spiral.

Related terms

• drinks vending machine
• Dispensing mechanism
• Vending machine
• Snack vending machine

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