JP2001006047A - Transportation device and beverage supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transportation device grasping that a transportation part during a stop is moved by external force and resetting position data of the transportation part. SOLUTION: When encoders 69 and 77 outputting signals corresponding to the movement quantity of a transportation part output the signals during the stop of the transportation part, it is judged that the transportation part is moved by external fore. A reset control means 91, according to the judgment, moves the transportation part to a transportation start position detected by a detection means 83 and resets position data of a storage means 92. Actual position data and position data stored in the storage means 92 are matched with each other and the transportation part moved based on position data stored in the storage means 92 is moved to the correct position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transport apparatus having a transport section moved by a transport mechanism and a beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a cup-type beverage dispensing apparatus which supplies and sells a beverage in a cup, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-9 / 1995 has been disclosed.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 9554, there is known a configuration of a vending machine adopting a cup transport system.

[0003] In the beverage providing apparatus employing such a cup transport system, when a beverage type is selected by a user, the transport section of the transport mechanism is moved to a cup supply position corresponding to the selected beverage type and transported. Receiving the cup on the transport unit, and then the transport unit sequentially moves to a beverage ingredient supply position or a diluent supply position corresponding to the selected beverage type, and places the powdered beverage ingredient or hot water in the cup on the transport unit. The beverage is prepared by receiving a diluent such as cold water, and then the transport unit moves to the position of the cup outlet so that the user can take out the cup containing the beverage.

In such a transport mechanism, the transport unit is moved to a target position by moving the transport unit in the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. The position of the transport unit is, for example, the X direction and the Y direction of the transport unit. The end of each of the directions is set as the transfer start position, and the determination is made based on the XY coordinate position data based on the transfer start position.

[0005] When the beverage supply device is powered on, the transport section is moved toward the transport start position by an initialization process, and the sensor detects that the transport section has moved to the transport start position, thereby detecting the transport section. A reference point of the position data is set, and the conveying section is conveyed based on the position data.

[0006]

By the way, the conveying section in the beverage supply standby state is provided with a position of a cup outlet, which is a final moving point at the time of the previous beverage supply, and a cup supply capable of receiving the cup immediately at the next beverage supply. It is common to wait at a standby position different from the transport start position, such as near the position, that is, at a position not detected by a sensor or the like.

[0007] Therefore, for example, even if a staff moves the transport unit manually for cleaning or the like during maintenance of the beverage dispensing apparatus, the standby position of the transport unit is not detected by a sensor or the like. Cannot be detected, and the next time the beverage is served, the actual position data and the transport unit will move based on the incorrect position data, that is, as the actual transport start position and the transport unit position data. There is a problem that a shift occurs from the stored transport start position, the transport position of the transport unit is shifted, the cup, the beverage raw material and the diluent cannot be received normally, and the beverage cannot be provided normally. I have.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a transport device and a beverage dispensing device capable of recognizing that a stopped transport portion has been moved by an external force and resetting position data of the transport portion. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer apparatus having a transfer unit, a transfer mechanism for moving the transfer unit with reference to a predetermined transfer start position, and a transfer mechanism for controlling a transfer amount of the transfer unit. An encoder that outputs a signal indicating the position of the transfer unit, a detecting unit that detects a transfer unit that is moved to the transfer start position, and storage that stores position data of the transfer unit based on the output of the encoder with respect to the transfer start position. Means, and reset control means for resetting the position data of the storage means by moving the transfer section to a transfer start position detected by the detection means when there is an output of the encoder while the transfer section is stopped. Is what you are doing.

When the output of the encoder for outputting a signal corresponding to the moving amount of the transport unit while the transport unit is stopped,
It is assumed that the transport unit has been moved by an external force, and the reset control unit moves the transport unit to the transport start position detected by the detection unit and resets the position data of the storage unit, so that the actual position data and the storage unit are reset. And the transport unit moved based on the position data stored in the storage unit is moved to the correct position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the reset control means performs a reset process when the output of the encoder changes by a predetermined value or more while the transport unit is stopped.

The reset control means performs reset processing when the output of the encoder changes by a predetermined value or more while the transport unit is stopped, thereby ignoring movement of the transport unit within an error range due to vibration or the like. Avoid unnecessary reset processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the transport apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when the transport unit is moved to the transport start position, the transport unit is located at a predetermined position relative to the transport start position based on the position data in the storage unit. A stop control means is provided for stopping the movement of the transport unit if the detection means does not detect the light even if the distance has passed.

When the transport unit is moved to the transport start position by the detection unit if the transport unit does not detect a predetermined distance from the transport start position based on the position data in the storage unit, the detection unit fails. Therefore, the movement of the transport unit is stopped.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage providing apparatus for providing a beverage in a cup, and transporting the cup on a transport unit in response to a beverage providing operation by the beverage providing means. And a maintenance mode setting unit for setting a maintenance mode, wherein the reset control unit of the transportation device functions in the maintenance mode.

In the maintenance mode, there is a possibility that the transport unit may be moved due to cleaning of the inside, etc. In this maintenance mode, the reset control means of the transport device functions so that the position data of the transport unit is accurately maintained. .

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a vending machine showing an embodiment of a transporting apparatus and a beverage providing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of the vending machine. The vending machine includes a cup station 11, a plurality of beverage ingredient supply means 12 for supplying beverage ingredients to respective beverage ingredient supply positions described later, and a cup station 11. Various beverage supply means 13 and 14 for supplying beverage directly, cup station 11
Water supply means 15 for supplying hot and cold water to the cup station
A cold water supply means 16 for supplying cold water to 11, a carbonated water supply means 17 for supplying carbonated water to the cup station 11, an ice supply means 18 for supplying ice to the cup station 11, and a stirring means for stirring the inside of the cup at the cup station 11. And a cup supply means and a transport device to be described later. Then, the beverage supply means 20 for providing the beverage in the cup with the beverage raw material supply means 12, the beverage supply means 13, 14, the hot and cold water supply means 15, the cold water supply means 16, the carbonated water supply means 17, the ice supply means 18, and the like. It is configured.

The beverage material supply means 12 includes a plurality of canisters 21 for accommodating powdered beverage materials such as instant coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, milk and the like by type.
Each of the canisters 21 sends out a beverage material in an amount corresponding to the beverage volume, and is supplied to each beverage material supply position described later through the corresponding chute 22.

The beverage supply means 13 has a plurality of containers 23 for accommodating coffee beans of regular coffee by type. From each of these containers 23, a fixed amount of coffee beans is sent out to a coffee mill 24, and the coffee mill 24 produces powdered coffee beans. The ground coffee powder is sent to the extractor 25, where the extractor 25 supplies hot water.
Mixed with hot water from 15 and the coffee liquor is filtered and extracted,
The extracted coffee liquid is supplied into a cup transported to the cup station 11.

The beverage supply means 14 has a plurality of ingredient bags 26 for accommodating liquid beverage ingredients such as, for example, undiluted juices. Through the cooling, the amount of the beverage ingredient corresponding to the beverage volume is supplied into the cup conveyed to the cup station 11.

The hot water supply means 15 has a hot water tank 27 for receiving water supplied from a water source such as tap water, boiling the water to a predetermined temperature and storing it, and transporting the hot water in the hot water tank 27 to the cup station 11. Is supplied to the inside of the cup or the extractor 25.

The cooling water supply means 16 has a cooling water tank 28 for storing cooling water w, a cooling coil 29 is arranged in the cooling water w of the cooling water tank 28, and water from a water source is cooled by a water pump 30 The cooling water is sent to the cooling station 29 and cooled while passing through the cooling coil 29. The cooled cooling water is supplied into the cup conveyed to the cup station 11.

The carbonated water supply means 17 includes a carbonated water container 31 disposed in cooling water w of a cooling water tank 28, and a part of the cold water passing through the cooling coil 29 and a carbonated cylinder 32 in the carbonated water container 31.
The carbon dioxide gas is supplied from each to create carbonated water,
This carbonated water is supplied into the cup conveyed to the cup station 11.

The ice supply means 18 has an ice making device 33 for making ice by receiving a supply of water from a water source, and the ice made by the ice making device 33 is supplied into a cup which is conveyed to the cup station 11. .

The stirring means 19 is provided above the cup station 11 and has a stirring tool 35 such as an impeller which is rotated and driven up and down by a stirring drive section 34. It is configured to enter the cup arranged in 11 and mix and stir the beverage (stir and mix).

Next, FIG. 3 is a front view showing the internal structure of the vending machine, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the vending machine. Reference numeral 41 denotes an airframe, and the airframe 41 includes a vending machine main body 42 and the vending machine. Body
It comprises a front door 43 that opens and closes the front of 42.

The front door 43 has a sales port 44 formed substantially at the center, and the cup station 11 is disposed behind the sales port 44. A door body 45 capable of closing the sales port 44 is attached to the sales port 44 so as to be openable and closable.The door body 45 is automatically opened and closed by, for example, door body opening and closing means, and is locked by a locking means in a closed state. It is unlocked.

In the upper area of the front door 43, a plurality of beverage display sections 46 for displaying each kind of beverage to be sold are arranged, and each of the beverage display sections 46 includes a standard capacity corresponding to the capacity type of the cup. A plurality of beverage selection buttons 47 are provided as beverage selection means that are assigned so that a plurality of types of beverage supply volumes can be selected. The beverage display section 46 and the beverage selection button 47 are divided into left and right regions of the front door 43. For example, one region is used for hot beverages and the other region is used for cold beverages.

In the lower right area of the front door 43, a coin slot 49,
A bill insertion slot 50, a coin return slot 51, a return lever 52, and the like are provided, and a money processing means 53 for identifying and counting bills and coins, returning them, and paying out change is provided behind them.

In the vending machine main body 42, a plurality of types of cups having different capacities depending on the type of beverage, such as for hot beverages or cold beverages, are stored in the upper left front side, and these cups are placed one by one below. A cup supply means 54 for supplying to each of the cup supply positions described later is arranged, and a plurality of beverage ingredient supply means 12 are arranged along the left-right direction at the upper left rear side (not shown in FIG. 3). Beverage supply means 13 is disposed on the upper right front side, hot water supply means 15 is disposed on the upper right rear side (not shown in FIG. 3), and raw material bag 26 is disposed on the lower left front side,
A carbon dioxide cylinder 32 is arranged on the lower right side, and the cold water supply means 16 is arranged on the lower rear side (not shown in FIG. 3).

In the rear area of the cup station 11 and below the beverage ingredient supply means 12 and the cup supply means 54,
A transfer device 55 for transferring the cup is provided. The transfer device 55 includes a transfer unit 56 that holds and moves the cup, and a transfer mechanism 57 that moves the transfer unit 56 in the horizontal direction.

Next, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transfer device of the vending machine, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the transfer device with a part cut away.
The horizontal direction of the body 41 is defined as an X axis, and the front and rear direction is defined as a Y axis.

The transport section 56 has a Y-axis slider 61, and a mounting table for mounting a cup on the front surface of the Y-axis slider 61.
A pair of cup holders 63 for holding the cup from both sides are provided on the mounting table 62 so as to be openable and closable.

The transport mechanism 57 includes a Y-axis slide base 64 that movably supports the transport section 56 along the Y-axis direction, and an X-axis slide base 64 that supports the Y-axis slide base 64 movably along the X-axis direction. It has a slide base 65.

Timing pulleys 66 are rotatably disposed at both ends of the Y-axis slide base 64, and a timing belt 67 is stretched between the timing pulleys 66. The motor 68 is connected. Then, the Y-axis slider 61 is attached to the timing belt 67.
The Y-axis slider 61 is moved in the Y-axis direction by the rotation of the timing belt 67 driven by the Y-axis motor 68. An encoder (Y-axis encoder) 69 as a pulse generating means for generating a pulse signal according to the rotation is mounted on the drive shaft of the Y-axis motor 68.

The X-axis slide base 65 includes front and rear base portions.
70, 71 and right and left connecting portions 72 for connecting both ends of the front and rear base portions 70, 71 are formed in a frame shape. In each of the base portions 70, 71, a timing pulley 73 is rotatably mounted at both ends. A timing belt 74 is stretched between these timing pulleys 73 at both ends, and an X-axis motor 76 is connected to an interlocking shaft 75 that connects the two timing pulleys 73 at one end (right side). The Y-axis slide base 64 is connected to the timing belt 74, and the Y-axis slide base 64 is rotated by the X-axis motor 76 to rotate the Y-axis slide base 64.
It is moved in the axial direction. Drive axis of X-axis motor 76 (interlocking axis 7
5) is provided with an encoder (X-axis encoder) 77 as a pulse generating means for generating a pulse signal according to the rotation.

The Y-axis slider 61 is provided with a Y-axis sensor 78, and the Y-axis slide base 64 is provided with a Y-axis corresponding to the transfer starting position of the Y-axis slider 61 and the Y-axis limit position behind.
Detection members 79 and 80 that are detected by the axis sensor 78 are provided.

An X-axis sensor 81 is disposed on the right side of the X-axis slide base 65, and the X-axis slide base 64 has an X-axis corresponding to the right starting position of the Y-axis slide base 64 and the X-axis limit position. Detection member 82 detected by axis sensor 81
Are arranged.

The Y-axis sensor 78 and the detecting member 79, and the X-axis sensor 81 and the detecting member 82 constitute a detecting means 83 for detecting the starting position of the conveying section 56.

Next, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the movement position of the transfer section of the transfer device. The transfer section 56 is moved by the transfer mechanism 57 to the position of the cup station 11, that is, the beverage preparation position.
Cst, the transport starting position P near the rear of this beverage preparation position Cst
0, the cups are moved to the cup supply positions cup1 to cup4 where the cups are dropped and supplied from the respective cup supply means 54 and the beverage ingredient supply positions P1 to P6 where the beverage ingredients are dropped and supplied from the respective beverage ingredient supply means 12. The transport starting position P0 of the transport section 56 is determined by the Y-axis sensor 78 detecting the detection member 79 and the X-axis sensor 81 detecting the detection member 82.
Is detected, and the Y-axis limit position Ly is detected.
Is determined by the Y-axis sensor 78 detecting the detection member 80, and the X-axis limit position Lx is determined by the X-axis sensor 81 detecting the detection member 82.

Next, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the vending machine. The control section 91 for controlling the vending machine (transportation device 55) includes the above-described beverage supply means 20 and the transportation device 55 (X-axis motor).
68, Y-axis motor 76, encoders 69 and 77, Y of detection means 83
Axis sensor 78 and X-axis sensor 81) are connected,
Storage means 92 for storing the position data of the XY coordinates of the transport unit 56 based on the transport starting point position P0 based on the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77, and maintenance mode setting means for setting the maintenance mode when the vending machine is maintained 93 is connected. The maintenance mode setting unit 93 is configured by, for example, a door open / close detection unit that detects opening of the front door 43.

In the maintenance mode, the control unit 91 functions as a position detecting means for obtaining the XY coordinate position data of the transport unit 56 based on the transport start position P0 based on the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77. Encoders 69 and 77
When the output of is performed, the transfer unit 56 is moved to the transfer start position P0 by moving the transfer unit 56 to the transfer start position P0 detected by the detection unit 83 and resetting the position data in the storage unit 92. At this time, the function of the stop control means for stopping the movement of the transport unit 56 if the detecting unit 83 does not detect even if the transport unit 56 has passed a predetermined distance or more with respect to the transport start position P0 based on the position data of the storage unit 92. Have. Further, the reset control means has a function of performing a reset process only when the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77 change by a predetermined value or more while the transport unit 56 is stopped in the maintenance mode. It has the function of a reset counter (reset counter) that counts up when the output changes.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

When the user inserts a currency more than the selling price and operates the beverage selection button 47, for example, the transporter that has been waiting at the position of the cup station 11, that is, the beverage blending position Cst after the previous beverage sale. The unit 56 moves to any one of the cup supply positions cup1 to cup4 via the transfer starting position P0, and receives the cup discharged from the cup supply unit 54 and dropped by the transfer unit 56, and then provides the beverage in the cup. Start operation.

In the beverage providing operation, for example, the transport unit 56 is sequentially moved to each of the beverage raw material supply positions P1 to P6 of the beverage raw material supply means 12 to sequentially receive the beverage raw materials in the cup, and then the position of the cup station 11, that is, The beverage is moved to the beverage blending position Cst to inject a diluent such as hot water or cold water into the cup, and the agitator 35 is advanced into the cup as needed to mix and blend the beverage in the cup. Further, after receiving the cup in the transport unit 56 at any of the cup supply positions cup1 to cup4, the position of the cup station 11, that is, the beverage preparation position
Cst, and the regular coffee extract, juice stock solution, diluent, etc. are directly injected into the cup from the beverage supply means 13, 14.

Upon completion of the beverage providing operation, the cup provided with the beverage can be taken out from the sales outlet 44.

Next, the monitoring operation of the transport device 55 during maintenance of the vending machine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In a normal selling mode other than the maintenance mode, for example, in a normal selling mode (step 1), the current position data (XY coordinates corresponding to the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77) of the transport unit 56 that moves with the beverage providing operation is stored. It is stored in the means 92 (step 2), and the reset counter of the storage means 92 is cleared (step 3).

When the front door 43 is opened by the attendant during maintenance of the vending machine, the opening of the front door 43 is detected by the door open / close detecting means, and the maintenance mode is set by the maintenance mode setting means 93.

During the maintenance mode, for example, the transfer device 55
If the transport unit 56 is moved by the driving of the motors 68 and 76 for inspection (step 4), the current position data of the moving transport unit 56 (XY corresponding to the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77) is output. (Coordinates) are stored in the storage means 92.

In the standby state in which the movement of the transport section 56 is stopped, it is monitored that the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77 change (step 5).

In the standby state of the transport unit 56, the encoder
If the outputs of 69 and 77 do not change at all, it is determined that the transport unit 56 has not been moved manually (external force) by the attendant, and if the maintenance mode is released as it is, the process proceeds to step 2 without performing the reset process.

In the standby state of the transfer unit 56, the encoder
The output (pulse output) of 69 and 77 changes from H level to L level,
Alternatively, when the level changes from the L level to the H level, it is determined that the transport unit 56 has been moved by an external force, and the current position data of the moved transport unit 56 (XY coordinates corresponding to the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77) is stored in the storage unit 92. Save (step 6), storage means 92
Is incremented by 1 (step 7).

Until the value of the reset counter of the storage means 92 reaches a predetermined value of the reset judgment criterion, for example, 3 (step 8), changes in the outputs of the encoders 69 and 77 are continuously monitored.

If the value of the reset counter in the storage means 92 increases and exceeds a predetermined value of a reset determination criterion, for example, 3, it is determined that the transport unit 56 has been manually (externally) moved by an attendant. A position shift flag is set (step 9).

Also, the value of the reset counter of the storage means 92 does not exceed a predetermined value of the reset criterion, for example, 3;
If the maintenance mode is released, it is determined that the transport unit 56 has moved slightly due to, for example, vibration, and
In step 3, the value of the reset counter of the storage means 92 is cleared.

When the maintenance of the vending machine by the attendant is completed and the front door 43 is closed, the closing of the front door 43 is detected by the door open / close detecting means, and the maintenance mode by the maintenance mode setting means 93 is released. I do. When the maintenance mode is released, if the misalignment flag is set, a reset process of the transport device 55 is started. In the reset process,
The transport unit 56 is moved toward the transport start position P0 based on the position data in the storage unit 92, and the sensors 78 and 81 of the detection unit 83 are moved.
The transport unit 56 is stopped at the position where the corresponding detection members 79 and 82 are detected, and the position data (XY coordinates) of the storage unit 92 is reset to 0. Note that this reset processing may be performed at the time of the next beverage supply operation.However, the reset processing is performed at the time when the maintenance mode is released, so that the beverage supply time at the next beverage supply operation is not extended, and a normal time is provided. Can be stored inside.

As described above, in the maintenance mode, the transport unit
When the encoders 69 and 77 output a signal corresponding to the movement amount of the transport unit 56 while the transport unit 56 is stopped (standby state), the control unit determines that the transport unit 56 has been moved by an external force.
The transfer unit 56 is moved to the transfer start position P0 detected by the detection unit 83 by the function of the reset control unit 91, and stored in the storage unit.
Since the position data of 92 can be reset, the actual position data and the position data stored in the storage means 92 are matched,
The transport unit 56 that is moved based on the position data stored in the storage unit 92 can be moved to a correct position.

In addition, the function of the reset control means of the control unit 91 allows the encoder 6 to operate while the transport unit 56 is stopped (during standby).
Since the reset processing is performed when the output of the switches 9 and 77 changes by a predetermined value or more, the movement of the transport unit 56 within an error range due to vibration or the like can be ignored, and unnecessary reset processing can be prevented.

Next, the operation of monitoring the movement of the transfer section 56 of the transfer device 55 to the transfer start position P0 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this movement monitoring operation, a detecting means for detecting the transport unit 56 at the transport start position P0 when the transport unit 56 moves toward the transport start position P0 at the time of beverage provision or reset processing described above.
Monitor 83 for failure.

When the transport unit 56 stopped at a position other than the transport starting point position P0 in the Y-axis direction starts moving toward the transport starting point position P0 in the Y-axis direction by driving the Y-axis motor 68 (step 11, 12), based on the position data in the storage means 92, the moving distance (the number of pulses) from the current position to the transport starting position P0 in the Y-axis direction is set to a predetermined distance (for example, 20 mm, A detection abnormality determination distance (number of pulses) to which 20 pulses have been added is obtained (step 13).

Then, the transport starting point position P0 in the Y-axis direction
The transport unit 56 moving toward the detection abnormality detection distance (Y
If the corresponding detection member 79 is detected by the Y-axis sensor 78 of the detection means 83 before the movement reaches the movement distance to the transport start position P0 in the axial direction + 20 pulses, that is, the Y-axis sensor 78
Is moved to the transport start position P0 in the Y-axis direction.
Is detected (steps 14 and 15), the detecting means 83
(Y-axis sensor 78 and detection member 79) are determined to be normal. As a result, the Y-axis motor 68 is stopped,
At the transport start position P0 in the Y-axis direction.

Further, even if the transport unit 56 moving toward the transport starting position P0 in the Y-axis direction reaches the detection abnormality determination distance (the moving distance to the transport starting position P0 in the Y-axis direction + 20 pulses), the detection is performed. If there is no detection output from the Y-axis sensor 78 of the means 83, it is determined that the detecting means 83 (the Y-axis sensor 78 and the detecting member 79) is abnormal, and the Y-axis motor 68 is immediately stopped (step 16).

As described above, when the transport section 56 is moved to the transport starting point position P0, the detecting section 83 detects even if the transport section 56 has passed a predetermined distance or more from the transport starting point position P0 based on the position data in the storage means 92. Otherwise, the movement of the transport unit 56 is stopped, so that the failure of the detection unit 83 can be grasped and the transport unit 56
If the transfer is continued without stopping, the transfer unit 56 contacts the cup station 11 or the like and the transfer unit 56 or the transfer mechanism 57
Such damage can be prevented from occurring.

The operation of monitoring the movement of the transport unit 56 to the transport starting position P0 in the Y-axis direction has been described.
The movement to the transport start position P0 in the X-axis direction of 56 may be monitored and processed in the same manner.

Further, the maintenance mode setting means is not limited to the door opening / closing detecting means, and the maintenance mode may be set by switching a staff operation unit provided in the vending machine.

[0069]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the output of the encoder that outputs a signal corresponding to the moving amount of the transport unit is stopped while the transport unit is stopped, the transport unit is moved by the external force. It is possible to reset the position data of the storage means by moving the conveyance section to the conveyance start position detected by the detection means by the reset control means, so that the actual position data and the position data stored in the storage means are reset. And the transport unit moved based on the position data stored in the storage means can be moved to the correct position.

According to the transfer device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the transfer device of the first aspect, the reset control means resets the output of the encoder when the output of the encoder changes by a predetermined value or more while the transfer unit is stopped. Since the processing is performed, the movement of the transport unit within the range of an error due to vibration or the like is ignored, and unnecessary reset processing can be prevented.

According to the transfer device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the transfer device of the first or second aspect, when the transfer section is moved to the transfer start position, the transfer section is moved to the transfer start position based on the position data of the storage means. On the other hand, if the detecting unit does not detect even if the transport unit passes a predetermined distance or more, the movement of the transport unit is stopped, so that the failure of the detecting unit can be grasped and the transport unit and the transport mechanism can be prevented from being damaged. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispenser, wherein the transport unit according to any one of the first to third aspects is provided, and the reset control means of the transport unit may move the transport unit due to internal cleaning or the like. Works in maintenance mode with
The position data of the transport unit can be accurately maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vending machine showing one embodiment of a transport device and a beverage providing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the vending machine;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an internal structure of the vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the same vending machine.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a transport device of the vending machine;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the transfer device with a part cut away.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement position of a transfer unit of the transfer device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a monitoring operation of the transfer device during maintenance of the vending machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a movement monitoring operation of the transfer unit of the transfer device to a transfer start position.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 Beverage provision means 55 Transport device 56 Transport section 57 Transport mechanism 69, 77 Encoder 83 Detection means 91 Control section having functions of reset control means and stop control means 92 Storage means 93 Maintenance mode setting means

Claims (4)

[Claims] A transport mechanism that has a transport section and moves the transport section with reference to a predetermined transport start position; an encoder that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of movement of the transport section; Detecting means for detecting a transport unit to be moved, storage means for storing position data of the transport unit with reference to the transport starting point position based on the output of the encoder, and the encoder of the encoder while the transport unit is stopped. A transfer device comprising: reset control means for resetting the position data in the storage means by moving the transfer section to a transfer start position detected by the detection means when there is an output. 2. The transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reset control unit performs a reset process when an output of the encoder changes by a predetermined value or more while the transport unit is stopped. 3. When the transport unit is moved to a transport start position,
If the detection unit does not detect even if the conveyance unit passes a predetermined distance or more with respect to the conveyance start position according to the position data of the storage unit,
3. The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising stop control means for stopping the movement of the transport unit. 4. A transport device according to claim 1, wherein the beverage is provided in the cup, and the cup is transported on a transport unit in accordance with the beverage providing operation by the beverage providing device. And a maintenance mode setting unit for setting a maintenance mode, wherein the reset control unit of the transport device functions in the maintenance mode.