ES347160A1 - Electrical control circuit for vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A vending machine comprises a plurality of article dispensing mechanisms 18, a common operating mechanism 26, a plurality of selection switches 55, 55a, 55b operable to energize an associated solenoid 46, 46a, 46b, 46c and pivot a coupling element 43 to connect a selected article dispensing mechanism with the operating mechanism, and a control circuit including a credit relay 72 energized when a coin is inserted in the machine, a vend relay 82 controlling a motor 34 driving the operating mechanism, and hold-on circuits for the credit relay, vend relay, and solenoids 46, 46a, 46b and 46c to ensure completion of an article dispensing cycle. The vending machine comprises compartments 14, each containing a stack of bottles supported on two rods 15, 15a. The rods are pivotally mounted and connected by links to an upright member 18. Reciprocation of the member 18 moves the rods 15, 15a apart to release a bottle. An operating member 26 extends across the compartments and carries solenoids 46, 46a, 46b and 46c, each co-operating with a pivotable member 43. Energization of a solenoid pivots the associated member 43 to couple movement of operating member 26 to the corresponding article dispensing member 18. The member 26 is supported between end plates 27 slidably mounted in a frame 21. The end plates 27 are connected by links 28 to cams 29 mounted on a shaft 31 oscillated by a motordriven cam 33. A cross-bar 22 supported by members 23 pivoted at 24 is moved towards and away from the stacks under the control of cam slots 41 to lower a dispensed bottle. Control circuit.-A coin actuates switch 67 to energize credit relay 72 and vend relay 82 momentarily, changing over hold-on contacts 72a and contacts 72b, 84. An article selection button 55, 55a, 55b is depressed to energize solenoid 46, 46a, 46b or 46c changing over a hold-on contact 62, 62a, 62b or 62c and pivoting a coupling member 43. Movement of a contact 62, 62a, 62b or 62c breaks the circuit of vend relay 82 whereby contact 84 closes on 85 to complete the circuit of drive motor 34. Selection button 55b alternately energizes solenoids 46b, 46c through switch 58 moved back and forth by associated members 18. " Empty " switches 92, 92a, 92c and 93, 93a, 93b are provided. Solenoid 76 is de-energized when the machine is completely empty (i.e. switches 93, 93a, 93b are all open) to release coin return member 73.