JPH04364811A - Vendor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a vendor in which space loss is small, housing volume is large and vending is not troublesome. CONSTITUTION:A customer who wants to buy a can C, opens a lid 20 below a display shelf 14. Then, a detecting switch 72 operates and a control part 74 transmits a vending command signal to a driving motor 52 and a vending device 34. The vending device 34 makes one of the cans C drop down. Th dropping can C passes through a transfer passage 42 and is lifted up by a transfer means 56. The can C positioned at an upper end of a lift-up device 44 drops down on a chute 61 and reaches a take-out port 18. Then the customer takes out the can C positioned at the take-out port 18.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Object of the invention]

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine that can be incorporated into a counter at a station kiosk or the like.

0003

[Prior Art] Conventionally, station kiosks have been selling newspapers, magazines,
Along with confectionery, they also sell canned and bottled soft drinks such as juice and coffee (hereinafter simply referred to as products).

[0004] The way this product is sold is that the products are usually stored in a glass showcase placed next to or inside the counter, and the customer is asked to select the product inside. The method was for the salesperson to take it out.

However, this method has the following problems.

[0006] ■ Since the glass showcase is placed next to or inside the counter, there is a large loss of space.

[0007] ■ Since the customer selects the product and the salesperson takes it out, the interaction takes time;
The time loss is also large.

[0008] In the case of a showcase, first-in, first-out is not possible, so it is necessary to change the products in the back and the products in the front, which is time-consuming.

[0009] ■ Because the capacity of the showcase was small, products at appropriate temperatures quickly ran out, and even when they ran out, they could not be easily replenished.

[0010] Therefore, as a conventional showcase that has solved these problems, a showcase in which a partition plate and a heating device or a cooling device are arranged inside can be made by curving the partition plate and providing an arc. A showcase has been proposed that has a guiding groove, a storage opening on the top surface, an exit opening on the lower front surface, and a door that opens only to the outside (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 33853/1983).

[0011] With this showcase, the storage opening on the top surface and the extraction opening on the entire lower surface are clearly defined, and it is possible to reliably take out the cans stored earlier without making a mistake and without requiring any trouble. This has the effect of making it possible to always sell products at the appropriate temperature.

0012

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, with the showcase configured as described above, the products are simply stacked inside the showcase from bottom to top, and the products are taken out in order starting from the bottom. There was a problem that when the product was removed, the product would fall from above.

[0013] Furthermore, since the customer selects the product and the salesperson takes it out, the interaction takes time and there is a large amount of time lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a vending machine that can easily and reliably take out products one by one at a suitable temperature at all times.

[Configuration of the invention]

[0016]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The vending machine of the present invention includes a main body of the vending machine that can be used as a counter or a showcase;
A product outlet provided on the outside of the main body, a display means provided on the outside of the main body for displaying products, a column provided inside the main body for stacking and storing multiple products, and a column provided on the operation side of the main body. An input port for putting the products into the column, a product delivery means for taking out the products one by one from the column, a transportation means for transporting the products from the column to the takeout port, and a means for refrigerating or heating the products inside the main body. It consists of a temperature adjustment means for storing products, and a control means for controlling the product carrying out means, the conveying means, and the temperature adjustment means.

[0017]

[Operation] When a product is to be sold in the vending machine configured as described above, a customer looks at the product on the display means provided on the outside of the machine and specifies the product. When the control means controls the product carrying-out means and the lift-up means, the product carrying-out means carries out one product stacked and stored in the column. The lift-up means transports the products carried out from the column to the outlet. The product transported by the lift-up means is taken out by the customer from the take-out port.

[0018] Furthermore, the product inside the main body is kept refrigerated or heated at an appropriate temperature for the product by means of temperature adjustment means.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The vending machine 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 shown in this embodiment
is for selling cans C of juice, coffee, etc., and can be used as a form that can be incorporated into the counter of a shop installed on a station platform.

Reference numeral 12 denotes the main body of the vending machine 10,
As shown in FIG. 3, it can be used as a counter, and magazines, sweets, etc. can be placed on the top surface of the main body 10.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a display shelf provided on the outer surface of the main body 12 serving as the customer service surface, that is, the upper part of the front surface. Four display shelves 14 are provided in the left-right direction, and sample cans 16 are placed on each of them. The front side of the display shelf 14 is transparent, so that the sample cans 16 can be observed from the front of the vending machine 10. Further, the sample cans 16 are placed on the display shelf 14 in a sideways state.

Reference numeral 18 is an outlet for taking out the cans C provided below the display shelf 14. This outlet 18 has a lid 2.
0 is set. The lid 20 is pivoted at the top and can be opened forward.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a front door provided at the lower front of the main body 12. When the front door 22 is opened, the inside of the main body 12 is exposed, and the machinery inside the main body 12, which will be described later, can be inspected.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a storage box provided at the rear side of the main body 12 for storing luggage.

Reference numeral 26 denotes an inlet for the can C provided at the rear of the upper surface of the main body 12. The input ports 26 are provided in four rows in the left-right direction.

Reference numeral 28 designates the input port door of the input port 26.

Reference numeral 30 is a serpentine column. The columns 30 are provided vertically inside the main body 12, and are provided in four rows in the left-right direction.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a charging path provided from the charging port 26 to the upper end of the column 30. This input path 32 is inclined downward toward the front so that the can C can roll up to the column 30 in a sideways state.

Reference numeral 34 is a bending device provided at the lower end of the column 30 for discharging the cans C one by one. This bending device 34 includes a support piece 36 and a temporary fixing piece 3 from below.
8. A sold-out detection bar 40 is provided. Support piece 36
supports the can C located at the bottom of the column 30, and when a sales command signal is input to the bending device 34,
The support piece 36 sinks into the bending device 34 and drops the can C at the lowest stage. Further, at this time, the temporary fixing piece 38 protrudes into the inside of the column 30 to hold the second can C from the bottom and prevent it from falling with the can C at the bottom. The sold-out detection bar 40 is press-fitted into the bending device 34 when the cans C are filled inside the column 30, and when the cans C are sold out, it protrudes into the inside of the column 30, and the bending device 34 receives a sold-out detection signal. Output.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a conveyance path extending forward from the bottom of the column 30, and is inclined downward toward the front so that the can C rolls forward.

Reference numeral 44 is a lift-up device provided between the column 30 and the front surface of the main body 12. This lift-up device 44 is a device that lifts up the can C rolling on the conveyance path 42 and conveys the can C to the take-out port 18 provided at the upper part of the main body 12. The structure of this lift-up device 44 will be explained in detail below.

[0033] Reference numerals 46 and 48 are sprockets;
The sprocket 46 is provided behind the outlet 18,
The sprocket 48 is provided above the conveyance path 42.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a chain extending vertically between the sprockets 46 and 48. When the sprockets 46 and 48 rotate, the chain 50 rotates.

Reference numeral 52 is a drive motor. A chain 54 is stretched between the drive motor 52 and the sprocket 48. When the sales command signal is input to the drive motor 52, the drive motor 52 rotates, thereby causing the chain 50 to rotate counterclockwise in FIGS. 1 and 4.

Reference numeral 56 denotes a plurality of conveyors arranged around the chain 50 at equal intervals. This conveyor 56 has a concave central portion so that the can C can be stably placed on the placing surface 56c. In addition, the tip 50 of the carrier 56
a has a comb-teeth shape. Base 56 of carrier 56
A shaft portion 58 is provided at the upper end portion of b. The shaft portion 58 is connected to the chain 50.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a rail provided along the chain 50 from the lower end to the upper end of the chain 50 on the rear side of the chain 50 in the longitudinal direction.

Reference numeral 62 is a movable flap provided between the lower end of the column 30 and the lift-up device 44. This flap 62 is rotatably supported on a horizontal axis and is in a downwardly bulging state.

With this lift-up device 44, when the chain 50 rotates counterclockwise, the plurality of conveyors 56 rotate accordingly. At the rear of the chain 50, the carrying surface 56c of the carrying tool 56 faces upward, so that the can C can be carried. In this case, since the shaft portion 58 is located at the lower end of the base portion 56b, the mounting surface 56c remains in a horizontal position. Further, the base portion 56b moves along the rail 60 so as not to hit the chain 50 portion. Further, when the conveyor 56 is located at the upper end of the chain 50, the conveyor 56 rotates around the sprocket 46 with the can C placed on the mounting surface 56c, and in front of the chain 50 , is in a state where it hangs down from the chain 50.

The can C is thrown from the mounting surface 56c with the carrier 56 rotating the upper half of the sprocket 46, and
It is thrown out into a chute 61 located behind the outlet 18. This chute 61 has a comb-like shape, and is arranged so as to overlap the comb-like tip 56a of the conveyor 56.
The tip end 56a of the carrier 56 can pass through the chute 61.

When the hanging conveyance tool 56 reaches the lowest position of the chain 50, the can C rolling on the conveyance path 42 hits the mounting surface 56c, and the conveyance tool 56 picks up this can C. When the can C is received, the chain 50 is rotated to the rear side and the can C is lifted up. In this case, column 3
5, the can C that has fallen from 0 is exposed to the flap 62
It rolls on the conveyance path 42 while passing under it. When the carrier 56 receives the can C and moves upward, the flap 62 is in a downwardly hanging state, as shown in FIG. And when lifting up can C,
As shown in FIG. 7, the carrier 56 lifts the can C along the upper surface of the flap 62. This results in
The can C can be reliably lifted up without rolling off the mounting surface 56c of the carrier 56.

Reference numeral 64 is a refrigeration cycle provided at the bottom of the storage 24.

Reference numeral 66 is an evaporator provided in front of the storage 24.

Reference numeral 68 is a fan motor provided above the evaporator 66. These evaporators 66
Maintenance and the like of the fan motor 68 can be performed through a door 70 provided inside the storage 24.

Reference numeral 72 is a detection switch installed on the lid 20 provided at the outlet 18. This detection switch 72 outputs a detection signal when the lid 20 is opened forward.

A control section 74 outputs a sales command signal to the bending device 34 and the drive motor 52 when a detection signal is input from the detection switch 72.

A method of using the vending machine 10 having the above configuration will be explained below.

As described above, the vending machine 10 is installed as a counter at a station shop. In this case, the display shelves 14 and the like are placed on the customer service side.

A customer who wishes to purchase can C first opens the lid 20 located at the bottom of the display shelf 14. Then, the detection switch 72 is activated, and the control section 74 sends a sales command signal to the drive motor 52 and the bending device 34. The bend device 34 is
Drop one can C. The fallen can C passes through the conveyance path 42 and is lifted upward by the conveyor 56. In addition, the can C located at the upper end of the lift-up device 44
is dropped into the chute 61 by the conveyor 56 and reaches the outlet 18. Then, the customer takes the can C located at this takeout port 18. The customer then takes the money from this can C to the vending machine 10.
Hand it to the salesperson behind you.

The vending machine 10 having the above configuration has the following effects.

[0051] Since it is built into the counter, space can be used effectively. In other words, there is no need to specially install a vending machine or the like.

[0052] Can C can be loaded first and taken out first, and cold products can always be provided from the outlet 18.

[0053] Since the cans C can be stored in the input path 32, the column 30, and the carrier 56, a large amount of products can be stored, and the effort required to replenish the cans C can be reduced.

[0054] When replenishing cans C, it is only necessary to input them from the input port 26 at the rear of the main body 12, which saves time and effort.

[0055] Since the system allows the customer to select and take out the can C from the take-out port 18, speedy sales are possible.

[0056] Since the outlet 18 is located right in front of the customer, bulk purchases of newspapers, magazines, sweets, etc., ie, impulse purchases can be expected.

■ Since the chute 61 and the tip 56a of the conveyor 56 are comb-shaped, the distance A between the outlet 18 and the lift-up device 44 in FIG. 4 can be made small. Can be done.

[0058] When the number of cans C becomes less than a certain amount, the sold-out detection bar 40 of the bending device 34 detects this and notifies the salesperson that the cans C need to be replenished. Therefore,
Cans C can always be kept at an appropriate temperature.

In the above configuration, the refrigeration cycle 64 is provided at the bottom of the storage 24, but it may be provided separately from the vending machine 10 in order to secure more space in the storage 24. In addition, in the vending machine 10 of the above embodiment, the detection switch 72 is provided on the lid 20 so that the can C can be sold.
It may also be provided on the rear side of the store 2, and a salesperson may use this operation section to carry out the product in response to a customer's instruction.

[0060]

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the vending machine of the present invention has
Since it is built into the counter, space can be used effectively. They can be first in and out, and can always provide products at the right temperature.

[0061] Since a relatively large amount of products can be stored, the effort required to replenish products can be reduced.

[0062] Since the system allows customers to select and take out products, it is speedy.

[0063] Since it has a means for carrying out the product, it is ensured that 1
You can sell products individually.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vending machine showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vending machine showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a store with vending machines of this embodiment installed.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main parts of the vending machine of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a can that has fallen from a column.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a conveyor receives a can rolling on a conveyance path.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the carrier lifts the can along the flap.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tip of the carrier and the chute are engaged.

[Explanation of symbols]

10...Vending machine 12...Body 14...Display shelf 16……sample can 18... Outlet 26...Inlet 30...Column 34...Bend device 44... Lift up device 56...Transportation equipment 64... Refrigeration cycle 72...detection switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A main body of a vending machine that can be used as a counter or a showcase, a product outlet provided on the outer surface of the main body, a display means for displaying products provided on the outer surface of the main body, and an interior of the main body. A column provided on the main body for stacking and storing multiple products, an input port provided on the operating side of the main body for introducing products into the column, a product carrying means for carrying out products one by one from the column, and Consisting of a conveyance means for conveying the carried out product to the take-out port, a temperature adjustment means for refrigerating or warming the product inside the main body, and a control means for controlling the product carry-out means, the conveyance means, and the temperature adjustment means. A vending machine featuring