Charging apparatus for vending-related devices, system for charging vending-related devices and method for charging a vending-related device using such a system

Charging apparatus for vending-related devices, comprising:

• a charging compartment, which is adapted to house a plurality of vending-related devices in an unsorted manner;
• an inlet opening for receiving vending-related devices into the charging apparatus;
• a wireless charging unit which is adapted to wirelessly transmit power to vending-related devices currently housed in the charging compartment during a charging operation;
• a second compartment;
• a sorting unit positioned between the inlet opening and the charging compartment and between the inlet opening and the second compartment;
• and
• a communications unit configured to be in communication with the vending-related devices and with the sorting unit, wherein the communications unit is configured to:
• receive state of charge information with respect to a state of charge of the vending-related devices;
• and
• provide the state of charge information to the sorting unit,
• wherein, depending upon the state of charge information, the sorting unit is adapted to:
• transfer vending-related devices to the charging compartment when at least the state of charge is below a threshold;
• and
• transfer vending-related devices to the second compartment when at least one of (i) the state of charge of the vending-related devices is above the threshold indicating no recharging is currently necessary or (ii) the vending-related devices have already undergone a predetermined number of recharging cycles.