JP2000038201A - Container recovering device for dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively utilize nearly the whole height of the side section of a dispenser as a space for storing a plurality of containers by providing an accommodation section having the size nearly corresponding to the whole height of the side section of the dispenser and an insertion section for inserting the containers discharged with contents on the side section of the dispenser. SOLUTION: A depth and height of an accommodation section 2 are set nearly equal to those of the right side section of a dispenser, and the lateral width is formed in parallel with the right side section and set to the size that containers can be stored in laminations. The whole side face of the accommodation section 2 is opened, a storage section for extractably storing a recovery box 4 in it is formed, and the storage section and the recovery box 4 are provided adjustably in the longitudinal and vertical directions. A feed path 8 for shifting the containers inserted from an insertion port 5 to an upper center section in the recovery box 4 and feeding them into a recovery box E installed in the recovery box 4 is formed in the front side of the recovery box 4. Many containers can be stocked in the recovery box 4 in the accommodation section 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine for selling containers in which contents such as soft drinks, carbonated drinks, drinking water, tea, liquors or other contents liquids are enclosed. The present invention relates to a container collection device for a vending machine used when collecting containers (eg, PET bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles, etc.) from which contents have been discharged.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when collecting the above-mentioned container, the container in which the liquid content has been drunk is inserted into a collection box installed on the side of a vending machine, and the container inserted into the collection box is periodically removed. Vending machine to be collected in Japan (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-39424)
There is.

Further, there is a container collecting device (Utility Model No. 3042523) for inserting an empty container into which an internal liquid has been drunk, in an insertion box fixed above the vending machine.

[0004]

However, when the above-mentioned vending machine is installed outdoors or indoors, it is necessary to secure a space for installing a collection box on the side of the vending machine. Since a large space is required, the number of installations is limited. In addition, since containers of different materials are inserted into the collection box in a lump, the containers must be sorted out by type at the time of recycling, and the work takes time and effort. I have.

Further, when inserting a container into the insertion box at the top of the vending machine, it is difficult to insert the container accurately into the insertion box, and the container may be scattered around the vending machine. At the time of insertion and collection, the residual liquid in the container is likely to leak out, and the liquid may adhere to the vending machine, or may adhere to the purchaser or worker and become dirty.

In addition, the collection box must be lowered from the upper part of the vending machine, the work posture when unloading the box is poor, and the container inserted in the collection box may be accidentally discharged.
There is a problem that workability is poor.

[0007] Furthermore, a collecting device provided inside a vending machine with a collecting box for separating and collecting containers (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-1).
82066 and JP-A-6-259646), but since the structure inside the vending machine is complicated and tends to be thin, the size of the collection box housed inside the vending machine and There is a problem that the number is limited and a large number of containers cannot be accommodated.

In view of the above problems, the present invention accommodates a container to be inserted from an insertion port in a housing provided on a side of a vending machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a container collecting device for a vending machine, which can be effectively used as a space for accommodating a vending machine, has a small accommodating width, and can easily secure an installation space.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
On the side of a vending machine that sells a container in which the contents are enclosed, a housing is provided for housing the container from which the contents have been discharged, and the overall height of the housing is defined as the overall height of the side of the vending machine. It is a container collection device for a vending machine which is formed to have a substantially corresponding size and has an insertion opening for inserting a container into which the above-mentioned contents have been discharged, at a side portion of the storage section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, a container transfer means for transferring a container inserted from the insertion port to a position above the storage portion is provided inside the storage portion. It is a container collection device for vending machines.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine for a vending machine having a container limiting means provided in the insertion port so as to allow insertion only into the specific container in addition to the structure according to the first or second aspect. It is a container collection device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine in which a door for closing the side portion is provided on a side portion of the housing portion so as to be openable and closable. It is a container collection device for use.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a vending machine in which the door is provided so as to be openable and closable in a direction corresponding to the side of the vending machine. It is a recovery device.

[0014] The invention according to claim 6 is the first or second invention.
Or, in combination with the configuration described in 4, the container collecting device for a vending machine, wherein the storage section is provided so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the side of the vending machine.

[0015] The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1,
A container collecting device for a vending machine in which the container is formed in a lateral width in which the container is stored in a posture parallel to the side of the vending machine, in combination with the configuration described in 2, 4, or 6. And

[0016] The invention of claim 8 provides the above-mentioned claim 1,
In combination with the configuration described in 2, 4, 6, or 7, it is a container collection device for a vending machine in which a bag body is opened and laid in a size enough to accommodate the container inside the accommodation portion. Features.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container collecting apparatus for a vending machine, wherein a container is inserted from an insertion port provided at a position higher than a central portion of the container, and a container provided at a side of the vending machine. Since the container is housed inside, a large number of containers can be stocked, and the overall height of substantially the side of the vending machine can be effectively utilized as a space for accommodating a large number of containers.

According to the container collecting device for a vending machine according to the second aspect, in addition to the operation according to the first aspect, the container inserted from the insertion port by the container transferring means is transferred upward in the accommodation portion. The container can be stored at a height corresponding to substantially the entire height of the storage section.

In the container collecting device for a vending machine according to the third aspect, in addition to the operation according to the first or second aspect, the container restricting means allows only a specific container (for example, a PET bottle) to be inserted. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent a container other than a specific container (for example, an aluminum can, a steel can, and a glass bottle) from being erroneously charged.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the container collecting apparatus for a vending machine opens the door provided on the side of the storage section and is stored in the storage section. Since the containers are collected, the work area in front of the vending machine is narrow, and the collection operation can be easily performed in an installation place where there are many passers-by.

In the container collecting device for a vending machine according to the fifth aspect, the door is opened in a direction corresponding to the side of the vending machine in addition to the operation according to the fourth aspect. The operation of opening the front side is not hindered, and the operation of loading the container into the vending machine can be easily performed.

According to the container collecting device for a vending machine according to the sixth aspect, in addition to the operation according to the first, second or fourth aspect, the container is moved in a direction parallel to the side of the vending machine (for example, an automatic vending machine). (In the direction corresponding to the front of the vending machine), and collects the containers stored in the storage unit, so that, for example, even if a vending machine, a building wall or other obstacles are in close proximity, the work is not hindered, Collection work can be performed easily.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container collection device for a vending machine, in which the position parallel to the side of the vending machine is provided inside the accommodating portion in addition to the operation of the first, second, fourth or sixth aspect. Since the containers are arranged and stored in a stack, the installation space can be reduced.

According to the container collecting device for a vending machine according to the eighth aspect, in addition to the operation according to the first, second, fourth, sixth or seventh aspect, a large number of containers can be stored in a bag laid in a housing portion. Since it is housed and collectively collected, the collection operation can be performed easily and easily. In addition, the impact generated at the time of drop is reduced, and the noise generated at the time of collection can be reduced.

[0025]

According to the present invention, a container to be inserted from an insertion slot is stored in a storage portion formed to have a size substantially corresponding to the overall height of a side portion of a vending machine. The entire height of the side of the vending machine can be effectively used as a space for accommodating a large number of containers. In addition, since the accommodation section on the side of the vending machine is provided,
There is no need to modify an existing vending machine or design and manufacture a vending machine with a new collection function, and it can be easily attached to an already installed vending machine.

In addition, since the container inserted from the insertion port by the container transfer means is transferred to and accommodated in the accommodation portion, a large number of containers can be accommodated at a height corresponding to substantially the entire height of the accommodation portion. It is possible to secure a storage capacity equal to or greater than that of the collection box installed on the side or upper part of the vending machine as in the conventional example.

Further, since only the container specified by the container restricting means is stored in the storage portion, it is possible to reliably prevent a container of a different material or type from being erroneously charged or mixed, and to prevent the container from being collected. In this case, it is not necessary to sort containers by material or type, and recycling can be performed easily.

Further, since the door provided on the side of the storage unit is opened and the containers stored in the storage unit are collected, the work area in front of the vending machine is narrow, and in places where there are many passersby, etc. In addition, the container can be easily collected. In addition, since the door is opened in a direction corresponding to the side of the vending machine, the opening / closing operation of the vending machine itself is not hindered, and the operation of loading containers inside the vending machine can be easily performed.

Furthermore, the container is moved or pulled out in a direction parallel to the side of the vending machine, and the container accommodated in the container is collected. For example, a vending machine, a wall of a building or other obstacles, etc. Work is not hindered by the proximity of
Collection work can be performed easily.

Further, since the containers are arranged and accommodated in the accommodating portion in a posture parallel to the side of the vending machine, the installation space is smaller than that of the collection box installed on the side of the vending machine, and the thickness is reduced. Therefore, the vending machine can be installed in a substantially flat state with respect to the side of the vending machine, and can be installed close to the above-described vending machine, a wall of a building, or the like.

Furthermore, since a large number of containers are accommodated in the bag laid in the accommodating portion and collectively collected, the collecting operation can be performed easily and easily, and the operation efficiency can be improved. Due to the mutual contact between the bag and the container, the falling speed is reduced, and the impact generated at the time of falling is reduced. Therefore, the noise generated at the time of collection can be reduced, and the collection operation of the container can be performed quietly. In addition, it is possible to surely prevent the scattering of the container and the outflow of the contents, and also the vending machine and the purchaser,
The contents can be reliably prevented from adhering to the operator, and the collection operation can be performed in a clean and sanitary state.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

The drawings show a container collecting device for a vending machine used mainly for collecting specific containers. In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the container collecting device 1 for a vending machine is An accommodation unit 2 for accommodating the specific container A is fixed to a right side wall or a left side wall of a vending machine D which sells a large number or mainly of specific containers A (for example, PET bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate = PET resin). And accommodation part 2
A collection box 4 for collecting the container A is provided in the storage unit 3 formed therein so as to be able to enter and exit in a direction corresponding to the front surface of the vending machine D, and a door 7 can be opened and closed on the side of the collection box 4. It is attached to.

Instead of the above-mentioned container A made of synthetic resin (eg, PET bottle), the container A may be used for collecting a container A made of, for example, a polyethylene resin, a polypropylene resin, or another synthetic resin.

The accommodation section 2 has a depth and a height substantially coincident with the right side wall of the vending machine D, and a width (for example, about 10 mm) in which the containers A are stacked and accommodated in a posture parallel to the right side wall.
cm).

Further, the entire side surface of the storage section 2 is opened, and a storage section 3 for storing a collection box 4 described later in a removable manner is formed inside the open side, and as shown in FIG. According to the depth and height of the vending machine D, the accommodation unit 2 and the collection box 4 are provided so as to be adjustable in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction.

The fixed side wall portion of the housing portion 2 and the right side wall portion of the vending machine D lock one side or a locking portion (for example, a hook) provided to each other, or fit or lock the opposing surfaces. It is fixed integrally by, for example, fitting or locking a locking hole and a locking claw (not shown).

As another fixing method, for example, a magnet,
It may be fixed with an adsorber, a double-sided adhesive tape, a surface fastener, a band, an adhesive, a bolt, a screw, a pin, or may be fixed by clamping a wall or a part of the vending machine D with a chuck. .

The collection box 4 has an insertion opening 5 for inserting the container A in the longitudinal direction above the central portion on the front side, and a handle 6 is attached to the lower front surface of the insertion opening 5. I have. Note that the insertion port 5 may be changed to an arbitrary height position.

In the front inside of the collection box 4, the container A inserted from the insertion port 5 is transferred to the upper central portion of the collection box 4 along the inner wall surface at the upper corner, and A supply path 8 for supplying to the collection bag E laid inside is formed.

One end of the supply path 8 is connected to the container 5 so that the container A can be inserted into the insertion port 5 formed in the collection box 4, and the other end is connected to the upper central portion inside the collection box 4. The container A is extended and opened at an angle and a direction in which the container A can be inserted into the collection bag E laid in the collection box 4.

The supply path 8 is formed to be flexible (flexible) into an arbitrary round shape by an appropriate material such as aluminum, synthetic resin, synthetic rubber or the like, and the containers A are aligned in a line in the length direction. The container A is formed in a round shape (radius of curvature) in which the container A is smoothly supplied.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a plurality of receiving plates 9 are arranged inside the supply path 8 at intervals such that one container A is held in the longitudinal direction. ing.

The receiving plate 9 is formed by arranging a plurality of flexible plates 9b... Evenly in the circumferential direction or by dividing the plurality of flexible plates 9b around a pressing hole 9a formed in the center of the upper surface. .

The flexible plate 9b is made of a flexible elastic material such as synthetic rubber or synthetic resin, and is flexible in a direction in which the container A can be pushed or lifted. The lifting state of A is maintained, and containers B and C other than the container A are set to have elasticity that allows dropping.

The interval and hardness of the receiving plate 9 and the hole diameter of the insertion hole 9a may be changed according to the material and type of the container A. In place of the receiving plate 9, for example, a leaf spring, metal A flexible member such as a plate may be used.

When the container A is pushed or lifted above the receiving plate 9, the flexible plates 9b are restored to the original state, and the container A is held in the lifted state. Similarly, the next container A
Is manually pushed or lifted, the previously pushed container A is pushed up, and the container A is pushed and transferred one by one in the supply direction.

The pushing hole 9a is expandable to a size that allows the container A to be pushed into the container A, and is a hole diameter that allows a container B (for example, an aluminum can, steel, or a glass bottle) smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the container A to fall. And the shape.

Even if the small-diameter container B is pushed into the push-in hole 9a, the small-diameter container B falls down from the push-in hole 9a because the push-in hole 9a is larger than the container B.
Is discharged from

The upper peripheral surface of the container A can be held between the receiving plates 9, 9 arranged on the side of the insertion port 5, and the container C having a shorter diameter and a larger diameter than the entire length of the container A is allowed to fall. The holding plate 10 is fixed at a height position.

The holding plate 10 is locked or pressed against the upper outer peripheral surface of the container A, and holds the upper outer peripheral surface of the container A pushed or lifted above the lowermost receiving plate 9.

Since the space between the lower receiving plate 9 and the upper holding plate 10 is set so as to be longer than the entire length of the container C, the lowermost receiving plate 9 is provided. Board 9
When the container C is lifted upward, the container C is not held, and the flexible plates 9b of the receiving plate 9 are flexed by the container C,
Only the short container C falls and is discharged from the insertion port 5.
The containers B and C described above have a smaller capacity than the container A.

As another pushing method, for example, an operation unit such as a lever or a handle is moved by an artificial means (a purchaser or an operator), or is driven by a mechanical means such as a fluid pressure cylinder, a solenoid or a motor. For example, the container A may be pushed or lifted by a pusher (not shown). The driving and stopping of the mechanical means may be controlled based on the detection of the detection sensor or the operation of the switch.

Further, for example, the container A is held by a belt, the container A is transferred by elevating means such as an elevator or a bucket, the container A is held and transferred by holding means such as a chuck or an adsorber, or a blower is used. The container A may be transferred by air supplied from an air supply unit such as the above.

The collection box 4 is provided in the storage section 3
Is formed in a size and shape (a size substantially corresponding to the overall height of the side of the vending machine D).
It is a volume capable of accommodating a large number (for example, about 90) of containers A, and is formed in such a width that the containers A are stacked and accommodated in a posture parallel to one side wall (right side wall) of the vending machine D. I have.
The overall height of the storage section 2 and the collection box 4 may be slightly lower than the overall height of the side of the vending machine D.

Further, the entire side surface of the collection box 4 is opened, and the container A is provided so as to be able to be accommodated in the open side, and a collection bag E described later is provided so as to be collectable and laid.

The door 7 attached to the side of the collection box 4
The collection box 4 and the rear facing edge of the door 7 are connected to each other by a hinge 7a so as to be openable and closable, and the handle 7b is attached to the open side outer surface of the door 7. Installed.

The front facing edges of the collection box 4 and the door 7 are
For example, the magnet and the metal plate may be fixed to each other by suction, or the concave and convex portions may be engaged and fixed to each other to be fixed in a closed state, or may be fixed by the above-described locking means or locking means.

A rail 12 laid on the bottom of the storage section 3;
A receiving portion 13 fixed to the bottom of the collection box 4 is movably engaged with the receiving portion 13 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the right side wall of the vending machine D. The vending machine 3 is provided so as to be able to enter and exit a storage state in which the collection box 4 is stored and a drawer state in which substantially the entire collection box 4 is pulled out from the storage section 3 (frontward from the front of the vending machine D).

The collection box 4 stored in the storage section 4 is
For example, fixing with a lock means such as a lock lever,
It may be provided so as to be lockable by cylinder type, dial type or electronic lock type locking means.

A collection bag E made of, for example, a transparent or translucent synthetic resin is laid inside the collection box 4.

The collection bag E is substantially the same as the inside of the collection box 4, and is formed to have a size capable of collecting a large number of containers A. The mouth Ea of the collection bag E is held open by locking the hook 14 provided on the wall surface to a size that allows the container A discharged from the discharge-side opening of the supply path 8 to be inserted.

As another holding method, for example, the opening may be held by a clip, a chuck, a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive tape or the like. Further, a collection bag E formed of a material obtained by combining a synthetic resin and paper or a single material may be used.

Further, the container A discharged from the discharge side opening of the supply path 8 may be uniformly distributed and inserted into the collection bag E by a distribution means such as a distribution plate or an impeller.

A display 16 (for example, a neon light, an electric light, an electric signboard) or a signboard is attached to the upper front surface of the collection box 4 for displaying the advertisement content of the sale product.

The display 16 displays the amount of the container A based on the detection by a detection sensor (not shown) provided in the insertion slot 5 when the amount of the container A is almost full or the collection time has come. And inform.

As another notification method, a notification device 17 attached to the collection box 4 (for example, a buzzer (sound), a lamp (light), a speaker (voice, melody), or other notification means notifies the storage amount of the container A. The indicator 16 and the alarm 17 described above may be attached to the front or side surface of the housing 2.

In the vending machine D, a large number of samples very similar to products sold in large quantities (for example, PET bottles) are displayed in an exhibition section Da provided at the upper part on the front side. Further, a sample very similar to a product with a small sales amount (for example, a steel can, an aluminum can, or a glass bottle) may be displayed slightly. A selection switch Db... Is arranged on the lower front surface of the display section Da in correspondence with a product sample displayed on the display section, and a bill insertion slot Dc for inserting a bill and a coin are disposed on the lower front side. Coin insertion slot Dd for insertion, return lever De for returning the inserted money or change, return port Df for returning the inserted money or change, and outlet Dg for taking out sold products Are provided.

The illustrated embodiment is constructed as described above. Hereinafter, the container collecting device 1 attached to the vending machine D side will be described.
A method for collecting a specific container A (pet bottle) will be described below. First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container A in which the content liquid has been swallowed is held by a purchaser or an operator in a posture in which the mouth side faces upward, and inserted into the collection box 4. Insert it obliquely from below into the mouth 5

The container A is pushed into the pushing hole 9a of the receiving plate 9 arranged at the lowermost stage of the supply path 8, and the pushing force allows the flexible plates 9b. When the container A is pushed above the lowermost receiving plate 9 while being flexibly deformed, the flexible plates 9b are restored to the original state, and the container A is held in the lifted state. The container A may be inserted with the bottom side facing upward.

The next container A is placed on the receiving plate 9
Of the container A pushed into the pushing hole 9a of the
Is pushed up, and the container A is pushed above the receiving plate 9 arranged on the upper stage side. Similarly, the subsequent container A is pushed in, the previously pushed container A is pushed up, moved upward one by one along the supply path 8, and moved to the upper central portion in the collection box 4.

The container A discharged from the discharge side opening of the supply path 8 is dropped and inserted into the collection bag E laid in the collection box 4, and the container A is dropped by its own weight while being in contact with the inner wall surface of the collection bag E. Then, the falling speed of the container A is reduced to reduce the impact generated at the time of falling.

When a small-diameter container B (for example, an aluminum can or a steel can) is pushed in, as shown in FIG.
Since the pushing hole 9a is larger than the pushing hole 9a, the small-diameter container B falls from the pushing hole 9a and is discharged from the insertion port 5.

When the large-diameter and short container C is pushed in, as shown in FIG.
When the container C is lifted above the lowermost receiving plate 9, the container C is not held even if the distance between the holding plates 10 arranged on the upper stage side is wide, so that the flexible plates 9 b of the receiving plate 9. Is flexed by the container C, and the short container C is discharged from the insertion port 5.

Next, when the collection bag E is substantially full of the container A or when the collection time has come, the handle 6 attached to the collection box 4 is gripped by the operator's hand, and as shown in FIG. D along the rail 12 in a direction corresponding to the front side of the housing portion 2.
After pulling out the collection box 4 from the storage section 3 (for example, ahead of the vending machine D), the door 7 is opened.

The peripheral edge of the collection bag E on the opening side is detached from the hook 14 provided in the collection box 4, and the collection bag E containing a large number of containers A is taken out of the collection box 4 and collected. In addition, the indicator 16 and / or the alarm 1
7 may be notified.

After collection, the mouth Ea of the collection bag E prepared in advance
And the opening side peripheral edge of the collection bag E is engaged with a hook 14 provided in the collection box 4.

After closing the door 7, along the rail 12,
Since the collection box 4 is stored in the storage section 3 of the storage section 2,
The operation of collecting the specific container A can be continuously performed.

As described above, the collection box 4 in the storage section 2 formed to have a size substantially corresponding to the entire height of the side wall of the vending machine D,
Since it accommodates a specific container A inserted from the insertion port 5,
A large number of containers A can be stocked, and the entire height of the side wall of the vending machine D can be effectively utilized as a space for accommodating a large number of containers A. In addition, since the storage unit 2 is fixed to the side wall of the vending machine D, it is necessary to modify the existing vending machine D or design and manufacture a vending machine D having a new collecting function. And can be easily and easily attached to the vending machine D already installed.

Further, the specific container A inserted from the insertion port 5 is moved to the upper central portion in the collection box 4 along the supply path 8 formed in the collection box 4 and laid in the collection box 4. Since the collection bags E are equally charged into the collection bag E, a large number of containers A can be accommodated at a height corresponding to substantially the entire height of the collection box 4, and the vending machine side or upper portion as in the conventional example can be accommodated. A storage capacity equal to or greater than the collection box installed in the collection box can be secured.

Further, a specific container A (for example, a PET bottle or other synthetic resin container) is allowed to be inserted by the receiving plate 9 and the holding plate 10 disposed in the supply path 8, and the other containers B and C (for example, (Aluminum can, steel, glass bottle) is discharged from the insertion port 5, so that it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous introduction or mixing of containers B and C of different materials or types, and The trouble of sorting the containers A by material or type can be omitted, and recycling can be performed easily.

Further, the collection box 4 is pulled out in a direction parallel to the right wall of the vending machine D, the door 7 is opened, and the collection bag E containing the container A is collected. Even if the building walls or other obstacles are close, the work is not hindered, and the work of loading the container A into the vending machine D and collecting the collection bag E is easy. I can do it.

Further, the container A is placed on the collection bag E laid in the collection box 4 in a posture parallel to the right side wall of the vending machine D.
Are arranged and accommodated in a stack, so that the installation space is smaller than that of the collection box installed on the side of the vending machine D as in the conventional example. It can be installed in a flat state, and can be installed in close proximity to the above-mentioned vending machines, building walls, and the like.

Further, since a large number of containers A are accommodated in the collection bag E laid in the collection box 4 and collectively collected, the collection operation can be performed easily and easily, and the operation efficiency can be improved. . Due to the mutual contact between the container A and the collection bag E, the falling speed of the container A is reduced, and the impact generated at the time of falling is reduced. Therefore, the noise generated at the time of collection can be reduced, and the collection operation of the container A can be performed quietly.

Further, the scattering of the container A and the outflow of the contents can be reliably prevented, and the contents can be reliably prevented from adhering to the vending machine D, the purchaser and the worker. And the collection operation can be performed in a clean and sanitary state.

[0086] The housing 2 is provided on the left side wall of the vending machine D.
May be attached, or the attachment position may be changed according to the installation location or installation situation.

FIG. 8 shows the door 7 mounted on the side of the housing 2.
Is opened, and another example of the container collecting apparatus 1 for collecting or laying out the collecting bags E into which a large number of containers A are inserted is shown. The container is detachably fixed to the container, the entire side surface thereof is opened, the container A is provided so as to be accommodated in the open side, and the collection bag E is provided so as to be recoverable and laid.

The door 7 is formed in such a size and shape that the entire side surface of the housing 2 can be closed, and the housing 7 and the rear facing edge of the door 7 are connected by a hinge 7a so as to be openable and closable. A handle 7b is attached to the open outer surface. The front facing edges of the housing 2 and the door 7 may be fixed by the above-described locking means or locking means.

The container A is inserted into the insertion opening 5 formed on the front side of the housing portion 2 and is pushed above the receiving plate 9 arranged at the lowermost stage of the supply path 8 and is pushed in first. Are moved up one by one along the supply path 8 and moved to the upper central part in the storage part 2.

The container A discharged from the supply path 8 is dropped and inserted into the collection bag E laid in the storage section 2, and when the collection bag E is substantially full of the container A or the collection time has come, the door 7 is opened. When opened, the collection bag E into which the large number of containers A are inserted is stored in the storage section 2.
The container A can be easily collected in places where the working area in front of the vending machine D is narrow and there are many passers-by.

After collection, the mouth Ea of the collection bag E prepared in advance
And is hooked on a hook 14 provided in the accommodation portion 2,
Again, the side surface of the storage section 2 is closed by the door 7 and the operation of collecting the specific container A is continuously performed, so that the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In the correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the storage section of the present invention corresponds to the storage section 2 and the collection box 4 of the embodiment. Corresponds to the supply path 8, the receiving plate 9, and the holding plate 10,
Although the bag corresponds to the collection bag E, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

For example, an insertion port 5 may be formed on the upper side (front or side) of the collection section 2 or the collection box 4, and the container A can be accommodated at a height substantially coincident with the insertion port 5. The supply path 8 becomes unnecessary.

The storage section 3 of the storage section 2 formed in a box shape
The front face may be opened, and a collection box 4 having the entire side face opened may be provided in and out of the storage section 3 so that the door 7 is not required. Therefore, the collection bag E can be easily collected and laid. I can do it. Alternatively, the collection box 4 with the door 7 may be provided so as to be able to be taken in and out.

Further, at the time of collection, the label and cap attached to the container A may be separated, or portions of different materials (eg, neck, trunk, bottom, etc.) of the container A may be separated and collected. .

Further, a window is formed on the side of the storage section 2 and the collection box 4 or a part of the container is formed transparent or translucent, so that the container stored in the storage section 2 and the collection box 4 is formed. The accommodation amount of A may be provided so as to be visible from the outside.

Further, the container A inserted into the collection bag E
May be recovered after reducing or reducing the volume to a state in which the volume is reduced by a container reducing means such as a decompressor, a press or a crusher.

Further, in place of the synthetic resin container A (pet bottle), the present invention can also be used for collecting containers A such as aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which a container collection device is attached to a side of a vending machine.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the internal structure of the storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a collection box is pulled out.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an adjusted state of a storage unit.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the shape of a receiving plate.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an inserted state and a discharged state of another container.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing an inserted state and a discharged state of another container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the container collecting device in which the side of the storage unit is provided so as to be openable and closable.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A, B, C ... Container D ... Vending machine E ... Collection bag 1 ... Container collection device 2 ... Storage section 3 ... Storage section 4 ... Collection box 5 ... Insertion port 7 ... Door 8 ... Supply path 9 ... Receiving plate 9a ... Push-in hole 9b Flexible plate 10 Holding plate 12 Rail 13 Receiver 14 Hook

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 11, 1998 (1998.9.1)
1)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0055

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The collection box 4 is provided in the storage section 3
Size and shape ( side of vending machine D)
It is a size that roughly corresponds to the overall height of the
, And has a volume capable of accommodating a large number (for example, about 90) of containers A. One side wall portion (right side wall portion) of the vending machine D. The container A is formed in such a width that the containers A are stacked and accommodated in a posture parallel to the horizontal direction. Note that the overall height of the storage section 2 and the collection box 4 may be slightly lower than the overall side height of the vending machine D.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A vending machine which sells a container in which a content is enclosed is provided at a side portion thereof with a storage portion for storing a container from which the content has been discharged, and the overall height of the storage portion is determined by the vending machine. A container collecting device for a vending machine, which is formed to have a size substantially corresponding to the overall height of the side portion, and has an insertion opening for inserting a container into which the above-mentioned contents have been discharged, at the side portion of the housing portion. 2. A container collection device for a vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a container transfer means for transferring a container inserted from said insertion port to a position above said storage portion inside said storage portion. 3. A container collecting device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said insertion port is provided with a container restricting means for permitting insertion only into said specific container. 4. The container collecting device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein a door for closing the side portion is provided on a side portion of the housing portion so as to be openable and closable. 5. The container collecting device for a vending machine according to claim 4, wherein said door is provided so as to be openable and closable in a direction corresponding to the side of said vending machine. 6. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said accommodating portion is movable in a direction parallel to a side portion of said vending machine.
A container collection device for a vending machine according to the above. 7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is formed to have a width in which the container is stored in a posture parallel to the side of the vending machine.
7. The container collection device for a vending machine according to 2, 4, or 6. 8. A bag body is opened and laid inside the housing portion to a size enough to house the container.
A container collection device for a vending machine according to 6 or 7.