JP2004164114A

JP2004164114A - Commodity carrying-out device for automatic vending machine

Info

Publication number: JP2004164114A
Application number: JP2002327242A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Misao Tamura; 操田村
Original assignee: Sanden Corp
Current assignee: Sanden Corp
Priority date: 2002-11-11
Filing date: 2002-11-11
Publication date: 2004-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-11
Also published as: JP4234396B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity carrying-out device for an automatic vending machine capable of minimizing the space for passing each commodity support member when a plurality of commodity support members to be arranged between commodities are provided on an endless member. <P>SOLUTION: Each commodity support member is constituted to be expansible and contractible. Accordingly, the commodity support member 60 is contracted after carrying out a commodity, whereby the space for passing each commodity support member 60 can be minimized. When a plurality of commodity columns are vertically arranged, for example, each commodity support member 60 moved under a conveyor 32 can be passed above the lower commodity column without requiring the increase in space with the lower commodity column. When a commodity bucket is provided in the front of the commodity column, for example, the commodity support member 60 can be passed between the commodity bucket and the commodity column without requiring an increase in the clearance between the commodity column and the commodity bucket. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、缶、ビン、ペットボトル若しくは紙パック等に封入された飲料、カップ等の所定の容器に収容された乳製品、箱入りまたは袋入りの菓子等、多様な形状及び大きさを有する商品を販売可能な自動販売機の商品搬出装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の自動販売機としては、前面下部に商品取出口を有する自動販売機本体と、自動販売機本体の幅方向及び上下方向に配列された複数の商品コラムと、各商品コラムの前方に自動販売機本体の幅方向及び上下方向に移動可能に配置された商品バケットと、商品バケットを自動販売機本体の幅方向及び上下方向に移動させる移動機構とを備えたものが知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【０００３】
この自動販売機では、商品が選択されると、移動機構によって商品バケットが選択商品に対応する商品コラムまで移動するとともに、商品コラムの商品搬出装置によって商品バケット内に商品が搬出され、商品を受容した商品バケットが移動機構によって商品取出口まで移動し、商品バケットの商品が商品取出口に搬出されるようになっている。
【０００４】
また、前記自動販売機の商品搬出装置は、商品コラムの両端側にそれぞれ配置された一対のプーリと、各プーリに巻き掛けられた無端状のベルトとを備え、プーリをモータによって所定方向に回転させることにより、商品コラム内の商品をベルトによって所定方向に移動させて商品コラムの一端側から順次搬出するようになっている。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−３５７４５０号公報
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、前記商品搬出装置では商品をベルト上に並べて載置しているが、多数の商品を効率よく収納するため、商品を縦向きにして収納する場合がある。しかしながら、例えば偏平状の商品を縦向きに収納した場合は自立状態が不安定となり、搬出時や収納時に転倒を生じ易いなどの問題があった。また、袋入り商品のように不定形なものは単独で自立させることができず、縦向きに収納することができなかった。
【０００７】
そこで、このような問題を解消するために、ベルトに複数の商品支持部材を互いに間隔おいて設け、各商品支持部材の間に商品を収納することにより、商品支持部材によって商品の転倒等を防止するようにしたものが提案されている。
【０００８】
しかしながら、商品支持部材は商品を確実に支持可能な高さ寸法を必要とするため、ベルトに商品支持部材を設ける場合には、商品コラムの周囲に商品搬出後の商品支持部材を通過させる十分な空間が必要となる。例えば、複数の商品コラムを互いに上下方向に配置した場合、ベルトの下方に移動した商品支持部材は下方の商品コラムの上方を通過するため、各商品コラムの上下方向の間隔を大きくしなければならず、その分だけ商品コラム数が少なくなるという問題点があった。また、前記自動販売機では、商品コラムの商品を前方の商品バケットに搬出するようになっているが、商品搬出後の商品支持部材は商品バケットと商品コラムの間を通過するため、商品コラムのベルトと商品バケットとの隙間を大きくしなければならず、この隙間に小型の商品が落下するおそれがあった。
【０００９】
本発明は前記問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、無端状部材に商品間に配置される複数の商品支持部材を設けた場合でも、各商品支持部材を通過させるための空間を少なくすることのできる自動販売機の商品搬出装置を提供することにある。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は前記目的を達成するために、請求項１では、商品コラムの両端側にそれぞれ配置された一対の回転部材と、各回転部材に巻き掛けられた無端状部材と、無端状部材に互いに間隔をおいて設けられた複数の商品支持部材とを備え、回転部材を回転させて無端状部材を所定方向に回動させることにより、各商品支持部材間に収納された商品を商品コラムの一端側から搬出するようにした自動販売機の商品搬出装置において、前記商品支持部材を所定方向に拡大及び縮小自在に構成している。これにより、商品搬出後の商品支持部材を縮小することにより、各商品支持部材を通過させるための空間が少なくなる。これにより、例えば複数の商品コラムを互いに上下方向に配置した場合、無端状部材の下方に移動した各商品支持部材が下方の商品コラムの上方を通過しても、下方の商品コラムとの間隔を大きくする必要がない。また、例えば商品コラムの前方に搬出商品を受容する商品バケットを備えた場合、商品搬出後の商品支持部材が商品バケットと商品コラムとの間を通過しても、商品コラムと商品バケットとの隙間を大きくする必要がない。
【００１１】
また、請求項２では、請求項１記載の自動販売機の商品搬出装置において、前記商品支持部材を、板状に形成された支持部材本体と、支持部材本体に出没自在に設けられた可動部材とから構成している。これにより、請求項１の作用に加え、支持部材本体に対する可動部材の出没により商品支持部材の拡大及び縮小動作が達成される。
【００１２】
また、請求項３では、請求項２記載の自動販売機の商品搬出装置において、前記可動部材を支持部材本体から突出する方向に付勢する付勢手段と、可動部材を支持部材本体に没入した状態でロックするロック手段とを備え、商品支持部材が商品搬出位置まで移動すると可動部材のロックを解除するように構成している。これにより、請求項２の作用に加え、各商品支持部材の可動部材が商品搬出後に自動的に支持部材本体側に没入することから、例えば商品コラム側に可動部材を没入させるための専用の部品や機構を設ける必要がない。
【００１３】
また、請求項４では、請求項３記載の自動販売機の商品搬出装置において、前記ロック手段を無端状部材に係合することにより可動部材を没入状態に保持する係合部によって形成し、無端状部材が回転部材の巻き掛け部分で湾曲して商品支持部材の一部が無端状部材から離れることによって係合部と無端状部材との係合を解除するように構成している。これにより、請求項３の作用に加え、各商品支持部材が商品搬出位置まで移動したときに可動部材のロックが自動的に解除されることから、例えば商品コラム側に可動部材のロックを解除するための専用の部品や機構を設ける必要がない。
【００１４】
また、請求項５では、請求項１、２、３または４記載の自動販売機の商品搬出装置において、前記無端状部材が回転部材の巻き掛け部分で湾曲して商品支持部材の一部が無端状部材から離れると、商品支持部材と無端状部材との間に生ずる隙間の少なくとも一部を覆う隙間閉鎖部を備えている。これにより、請求項１、２、３または４の作用に加え、無端状部材の湾曲により商品支持部材の一部が無端状部材から離れると、商品支持部材と無端状部材との隙間が隙間閉鎖部によって覆われることから、この隙間に商品が落ち込むことがない。
【００１５】
また、請求項６では、請求項１、２、３、４または５記載の自動販売機の商品搬出装置において、前記各商品支持部材を無端状部材の任意の位置に着脱可能に構成している。これにより、請求項１、２、３、４または５の作用に加え、各商品支持部材を無端状部材の任意の位置に取付けることにより、商品の大きさや形状に応じて各商品支持部材の間隔を変更することが可能となる。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１乃至図１２は本発明の一実施形態を示すもので、図１は本発明の商品搬出装置の備わる自動販売機の正面図、図２はその正面断面図、図３はその側面断面図、図４は商品コラム及び商品バケットの側面断面図、図５は商品コラムの正面図、図６はコンベアの部分平面図、図７は商品支持部材の正面断面図、図８はその分解斜視図、図９はその斜視図、図１０は商品支持部材及びコンベアの側面図、図１１は商品支持部材のロック操作を示す正面断面図、図１２はその動作を示す側面図である。
【００１７】
同図に示す自動販売機は、前面の一部を透明に形成された自動販売機本体１０と、自動販売機本体１０の幅方向及び上下方向に配列された複数の商品コラム２０と、各商品コラム２０にそれぞれ設けられた商品搬出装置３０と、各商品コラム２０から搬出される商品を受容可能な商品バケット４０と、商品バケット４０を各商品コラム２０の配列方向に移動させるバケット移動機構５０とから構成されている。
【００１８】
自動販売機本体１０は前面を開口し、その前面開口部は外扉１１によって開閉するようになっている。外扉１１の下部を除く部分は透明のガラス板１１ａによって形成され、その前面には紙幣投入口１１ｂ、硬貨投入口１１ｃ、金額表示部１１ｄ、硬貨返却口１１ｅ、商品選択操作部１１ｆ及び商品取出口１１ｇが設けられている。自動販売機本体１０内には断熱壁で囲まれた商品収納庫１２が設けられ、その前面は内扉１３によって覆われている。内扉１３は大部分を透明のガラス板１３ａによって形成されるとともに、その下部には商品搬出口１３ｂが設けられ、商品搬出口１３ｂには搬出扉１３ｃが取付けられている。また、商品収納庫１２内の底面側には冷却ユニット１４が設けられ、冷却ユニット１４は図示しない冷却器及び送風機によって構成されている。
【００１９】
各商品コラム２０は前後方向に延びるコラム本体２１を有し、それぞれ自動販売機本体１０に前方に引き出し可能に設けられている。尚、商品コラム２０の引き出し構造については詳細な説明は省略するが、例えば周知のスライドレール等を用いて構成することができる。商品コラム２０はコラム本体２１内を幅方向に仕切る仕切板２２を備え、仕切板２２はコラム本体２１内の幅方向中央に設けた基板２３に取付けられている。また、各商品コラム２０は上下方向各段ごとにそれぞれ幅方向に延びる棚２４によって支持されており、各棚２４は自動販売機本体１０内の幅方向両側に立設した複数の支柱２５によって上下方向所定位置に固定されている。
【００２０】
商品搬出装置３０は各商品コラム２０にそれぞれ二つずつ設けられ、コラム本体２１内に互いに幅方向に配置されている。各商品搬出装置３０は、コラム本体２１の前端側及び後端側にそれぞれ回動自在に取付けられた回転部材としての一対のスプロケット３１と、各スプロケット３１に巻き掛けられた無端状部材としてのコンベア３２と、前端側のスプロケット３１と連動する歯車ユニット３３とからなり、コンベア３２の上面には商品が載置されるようになっている。即ち、各商品コラム２０には、仕切板２２を間にして商品が二列ずつ収納されるようになっている。歯車ユニット３３はプーリ３１の回転軸に連結された第１の歯車３３ａと、第１の歯車３３ａに噛み合う第２の歯車３３ｂとからなり、第２の歯車３３ｂは後述する商品バケット４０側の歯車と噛み合うようになっている。
【００２１】
コンベア３２は互いに回動自在に連結された多数のコンベアチェーン３２ａからなり、各コンベアチェーン３２ａを無端状に連続して連結することによって形成されている。コンベアチェーン３２ａはコンベア３２の幅方向に長いブロック状の部材からなり、その幅方向中央の前後方向一端側には凸部３２ｂが設けられ、その前後方向他端側には他のコンベアチェーン３２ａの凸部３２ｂを受容する凹部３２ｃが設けられている。即ち、各コンベアチェーン３２ａは、凹部３２ｃの幅方向両側面に突設した連結軸３２ｄを介して他のコンベアチェーン３２ａの凸部３２ｂの幅方向両端に回動自在に連結されている。また、他のコンベアチェーン３２ａの幅方向両端にはスプロケット３１に係合する係合軸３２ｅがそれぞれ突設されている。更に、各コンベアチェーン３２ａには、後述する商品支持部材６０の突片６４ｄ及び取付片６４ｅが挿入される孔３２ｆと、商品支持部材６０のリンク６３が挿入される孔３２ｇがそれぞれ設けられている。各孔３２ｆ，３２ｇはそれぞれコンベアチェーン３２ａの幅方向二箇所ずつに設けられ、リンク６３用の各孔３２ｇ内には段部３２ｈが設けられている。
【００２２】
商品バケット４０は、バケット本体４１の前端側及び後端側にそれぞれ回動自在に取付けられた一対のプーリ４２と、各プーリ４２に巻き掛けられた無端状のベルト４３とを備え、図示しないモータによって一方のプーリ４２を回転させることにより、ベルト４３が所定方向に回動するようになっている。また、商品バケット４０は各商品コラム２０の商品搬出装置３０を駆動する歯車４４を備え、歯車４４は図示しないモータによって回転するようになっている。
【００２３】
バケット移動機構５０は、商品バケット４０を幅方向に移動させる第１の駆動部５１と、第１の駆動部５１を上下方向に移動させる一対の第２の駆動部５２とからなり、各第２の駆動部５２は自動販売機本体１０内の幅方向両側にそれぞれ配置されている。第１の駆動部５１は商品バケット４０を移動自在に支持する上下一対のガイドレール５１ａ，５１ｂを備え、図示しないモータによって商品バケット４０を各ガイドレール５１ａ，５１ｂに沿って移動させるようになっている。また、第２の駆動部５２は、第１の駆動部５１を移動自在に支持するガイドレール５２ａと、第１の駆動部５１を移動させるモータ（図示せず）とから構成されている。このバケット移動機構５０では、光センサ等からなる位置検知手段またはモータのパルス検知手段等によって各商品コラム２０の幅方向及び上下方向の位置を検知することにより、商品バケット４０を各駆動部５１，５２によって任意の商品コラム２０または商品取出口１０ｂまで移動させるようになっている。
【００２４】
また、前記商品搬出装置３０のコンベア３２には、商品間に配置される複数の商品支持部材６０が取付けられるようになっている。この商品支持部材６０は、板状に形成された支持部材本体６１と、支持部材本体６１に出没自在に設けられた可動板６２と、可動板６２を出没動作させる一対のリンク６３と、コンベア３２に取付られる基板６４とからなり、支持部材本体６１は基板６４に回動自在に連結されている。
【００２５】
支持部材本体６１は可動板６２を収容可能な箱状に形成され、その一端側の両側面には基板６４に連結される連結軸６１ａが設けられている。支持部材本体６１の他端面には可動板６２が出没する開口部６１ｂが設けられ、その幅方向中央の縁部には可動板６２を把持するための円弧状の切り欠き部６１ｃが設けられている。また、支持部材本体６１の一端側中央には突出部６１ｄが形成され、突出部６１ｄの端面には各リンク６３の一部を外部に突出させる開口部６１ｅが設けられている。
【００２６】
可動板６２は支持部材本体６１よりもやや小さい平板状に形成され、支持部材本体６１の開口部６１ｂを介して支持部材本体６１内に収容されている。また、可動板６２の一端の幅方向両側には、各リンク６３に連結される連結片６２ａが設けられ、各連結片６２ａには幅方向に延びる長孔６２ｂがそれぞれ設けられている。
【００２７】
各リンク６３は、それぞれ支持部材本体６１内の幅方向両側に配置され、支持部材本体６１内の支軸６３ａに回動自在に取付けられている。リンク６３の一端側には可動板６２の長孔６２ｂに移動自在に係合する係合ピン６３ｂが設けられ、各リンク６３は係合ピン６３ｂを介して可動板６２の各連結片６２ａにそれぞれ連結されている。リンク６３の他端側は支持部材本体６１の一端側開口部６１ｅから外部に突出しており、その先端にはコンベア３２に係合する係合爪６３ｃが設けられている。また、各リンク６３には支持部材本体６１内の支軸６３ｄに取付けられたコイルスプリング６５の両端がそれぞれ連結され、コイルスプリング６５は各リンク６３を可動板６２の没入方向に付勢している。
【００２８】
基板６４は支持部材本体６１とほぼ同等の大きさの平板状に形成され、その一端側の幅方向両側には支持部材本体６１を連結する連結片６４ａが設けられている。即ち、支持部材本体６１の各連結軸６１ａは基板６４の各連結片６４ａに設けた孔６４ｂに回動自在に挿入されている。この場合、支持部材本体６１は各連結軸６１ａにそれぞれ取付けられたコイルスプリング６６によって支持部材本体６１の可倒方向、即ち支持部材本体６１の前面が基板６４の上面に重なり合う方向に付勢されている。また、基板６４の一端側中央には支持部材本体６１の突出部６１ｄを受容する切り欠き部６４ｃが設けられている。更に、基板６４の下面一端側には、コンベア３２の湾曲時に基板６４の一端側とコンベア３２との間に生ずる隙間の一部を覆うための隙間閉鎖部としての突片６４ｄが設けられている。この突片６４ｄは基板６４の幅方向二箇所に設けられ、その先端側は基板６４の他端側に向かってやや屈曲するように形成されている。また、基板６４の下面他端側には、商品支持部材６０をコンベア３２に着脱自在に取付けるための取付片６４ｅが設けられている。この取付片６４ｅは基板６４の幅方向二箇所にそれぞれ一対ずつ対向して設けられ、互いに対向する取付片６４ｅの先端側にはコンベア３２に係合する係合爪６４ｆが形成されている。
【００２９】
以上のように構成された自動販売機においては、各商品コラム２０に複数種類の商品Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃが収納されている。この場合、商品Ａは菓子等を収容した箱入り商品で、商品Ｂは菓子等を収容した袋入り商品である。また、商品Ｃは乳製品等を収容したカップ入り商品である。この場合、商品Ａ，Ｂが収納された商品コラム２０では、商品搬出装置３０のコンベア３２に商品支持部材６０が取付けられており、各商品Ａ，Ｂは各商品支持部材６０の間にそれぞれ一つずつ収納されている。
【００３０】
ここで、前記自動販売機に対し、自動販売機に対して金銭の投入及び商品の選択が行われると、商品バケット４０がバケット移動機構５０によって選択商品に対応する商品コラム２０まで移動する。その際、商品バケット４０側のベルト４３が商品コラム２０側のコンベア３２のやや下方に位置するとともに、商品バケット４０側の歯車４４が商品搬出装置３０の第３の歯車３３ｂに噛み合う。次に、商品バケット４０側の歯車４４が回転し、歯車ユニット３３によって商品搬出装置３０のスプロケット３１が回転する。これにより、コンベア３２が回動し、コンベア３２上の商品Ａが商品バケット４０側に搬出され、商品バケット４０に受容される。そして、商品Ａを受容した商品バケット４０はバケット移動機構５０によって商品搬出口１３ｂまで移動し、商品バケット４０内の商品Ｂが商品取出口１１ｇに搬出される。
【００３１】
また、商品コラム２０の商品Ａが商品バケット４０に搬出される際、商品コラム２０の各商品Ａはそれぞれ各商品支持部材６０によって前後方向に支持されていることから、最前部の商品Ａが搬出時に転倒または姿勢の乱れを生じた場合でも、後続の商品Ａが搬出商品Ａによって転倒することがない。また、各商品Ａの間には商品支持部材６０がそれぞれ介在しているため、商品同士の張り付きを生ずることもない。
【００３２】
ここで、前記商品支持部材６０の動作について説明する。まず、商品支持部材６０をコンベア３２の任意の位置に装着することにより、商品支持部材６０がコンベア３２に取付けられる。その際、図１０（ａ）に示すように商品支持部材６０の各取付片６４ｅをコンベア３２の任意の孔３２ｆにそれぞれ挿入すると、図１０（ｂ）に示すように各取付片６４ｅが弾性変形して各係合爪６４ｆが孔３２ｆの下端縁に係止し、商品支持部材６０がコンベア３２に固定されるとともに、商品支持部材６０の各突片６４ｄが他の孔３２ｆに挿入される。また、各取付片６４ｅの係合爪６４ｆと孔３２ｆとの係合を強制的に解除すれば、商品支持部材６０をコンベア３２から取外すことが可能である。尚、前記取付時においては、商品支持部材６０の支持部材本体６１は各コイルスプリング６６によって基板６４側に倒れた状態になっており、商品支持部材６０の可動板６２はコイルスプリング６５によって支持部材本体６１内に没入した状態になっている。
【００３３】
次に、図１０（ｂ）に示すように可動板６２を引き出しながら支持部材本体６１を起立させると、支持部材本体６１が起立状態でロックされるとともに、可動板６２が突出状態でロックされる。即ち、図１１（ａ）に示すように可動板６２を支持部材本体６１から引き出すと、各リンク６３がその他端側が互いに離れる方向に回動し、各係合爪６３ｃの間隔が広がる。これにより、各係合爪６３ｃがコンベア３２の各孔３２ｇに挿入され、可動板６２の引き出し力を解除すると、コイルスプリング６５によって各リンク６３が回動し、図１１（ｂ）に示すように各係合爪６３ｃが各孔３２ｇ内にそれぞれ係止する。その際、各孔３２ｇ内の段部３２ｈとの係合により、各係合爪６３ｃが各孔３２ｇから抜け出す方向への移動が規制される。また、可動板６２はコイルスプリング６５によって没入方向に付勢されるが、各係合爪６３ｃが各孔３２ｇ内に係止して各リンク６３の回動が規制されているため、図１１（ｂ）に示すように可動板６２が支持部材本体６１から所定長さＬだけ突出した状態に保持される。また、支持部材本体６１は各コイルスプリング６６によって可倒方向に付勢されているが、各係合爪６３ｃの各孔３２ｇとの係止により、支持部材本体６１が基板６４に対して直立した状態で保持される。
【００３４】
前述のように、支持部材本体６１を起立させ且つ可動板６２の突出により拡大した商品支持部材６０がコンベア３２の回動によって商品コラム２０の前端側に移動し、図１２（ａ）に示すようにコンベア３２がスプロケット３１の巻き掛け部分で湾曲すると、基板６４は前端側（他端側）のみを取付片６４ｅによってコンベア３２に固定されているため、基板６４の後端側（一端側）がコンベア３２から離れる。その結果、商品支持部材６０の各係合爪６３ｃがコンベア３２から強制的に外れて各孔３２ｇとの係合を解除され、図１２（ｂ）に示すように可動板６２がコイルスプリング６５によって支持部材本体６１内に没入して商品支持部材６０が縮小するとともに、支持部材本体６１が各コイルスプリング６６によって基板６４側に倒れ、この状態でコンベア３２の前方及び下方を移動する。また、コンベア３２がスプロケット３１の巻き掛け部分で湾曲して基板６４の後端側がコンベア３２から離れると、基板６４の後端側に設けた各突片６４ｄが孔３２ｆの外部に移動し、基板６４とコンベア３２との隙間の幅方向一部が各突片６４ｄによって覆われることから、この隙間に商品が落ち込むことがない。
【００３５】
このように、本実施形態によれば、商品搬出装置３０のコンベア３２に取付けられる各商品支持部材６０を拡大及び縮小自在に構成したので、商品搬出後の商品支持部材６０を縮小させることにより、各商品支持部材６０を通過させるための空間を少なくすることができる。これにより、コンベア３２の下方に移動した各商品支持部材６０が下方の商品コラム２０の上方を通過しても、下方の商品コラムとの間隔を大きくする必要がなく、商品コラム数の減少による商品収納数の低下を来すことがないという利点がある。また、商品搬出後の商品支持部材６０が商品バケット４０と商品コラム２０との間を通過しても、商品コラム２０のコンベア３２と商品バケット４０との隙間を大きくする必要がなく、商品コラム２０と商品バケット４０との隙間に小型の商品が落下することがないという利点もある。
【００３６】
また、商品支持部材６０を、板状に形成された支持部材本体６１と、支持部材本体６１に出没自在に設けられた可動板６２とから構成したので、支持部材本体６１に対する可動板６２の出没により商品支持部材６０の拡大及び縮小動作を確実に達成することができ、商品支持部材６０を常に良好に拡大及び縮小させることができる。
【００３７】
更に、可動板６２をコイルスプリング６５によって没入方向に付勢するとともに、可動板６２を支持部材本体６１から突出させた状態でロック可能に構成し、商品支持部材６０が商品コラム２０の前端側に移動すると可動板６２のロックを解除するようにしたので、商品支持部材６０の可動板６２を商品搬出後に自動的に没入させることができ、例えば商品コラム２０側に可動板６２を没入させるための専用の部品や機構を設ける必要がなく、汎用性の向上を図ることができる。
【００３８】
この場合、商品支持部材６０にコンベア３２に係合することによって可動板６２を没入状態でロックする係合爪６３ｃを設け、コンベア３２がスプロケット３１の巻き掛け部分で湾曲して基板６４の一部と共に係合爪６３ｃがコンベア３２から離れることによって可動板６２のロックを解除するようにしたので、商品支持部材６０が商品コラム２０の前端側に移動したときに、可動板６２のロックを自動的に解除することができ、例えば商品コラム２０側に可動板６２のロックを解除するための専用の部品や機構を設ける必要がなく、汎用性の向上を図ることができる。
【００３９】
また、商品支持部材６０に設けた突片６４ｄにより、コンベア３２がスプロケット３１の巻き掛け部分で湾曲して基板６４の一部がコンベア３２から離れることによって生ずる隙間を覆うようにしたので、この隙間に商品が落ち込むことがなく、商品の搬出不良を確実に防止することができる。
【００４０】
また、各商品支持部材６０をコンベア３２の任意の位置に着脱可能に構成したので、商品の大きさや形状に応じて各商品支持部材６０の間隔を変更することができ、多種多様な商品に的確に対応することができる。
【００４１】
尚、前記実施形態では、商品支持部材６０の支持部材本体６１を起倒自在に構成したものを示したが、支持部材本体６１を起立状態で固定したものであってもよい。
【００４２】
また、前記実施形態では、箱入り商品Ａについて説明したが、袋入り商品Ｂの場合も同様である。尚、カップ入り商品Ｃのように安定して自立させることのできる商品の場合は、商品支持部材６０を用いずに収納するようにしてもよい。
【００４３】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、請求項１の商品搬出装置によれば、例えば複数の商品コラムを互いに上下方向に配置した場合、無端状部材の下方に移動した各商品支持部材が下方の商品コラムの上方を通過しても、下方の商品コラムとの間隔を大きくする必要がないので、商品コラム数の減少による商品収納数の低下を来すことがなく、商品収納効率の向上を図ることができる。また、例えば商品コラムの前方に搬出商品を受容する商品バケットを備えた場合には、商品搬出後の商品支持部材が商品バケットと商品コラムとの間を通過しても、商品コラムと商品バケットとの隙間を大きくする必要がないので、商品コラムと商品バケットとの隙間に小型の商品が落下することがなく、商品の搬出不良を確実に防止することができる。
【００４４】
また、請求項２の商品搬出装置によれば、請求項１の効果に加え、可動部材の出没により商品支持部材の拡大及び縮小動作を確実に達成することができるので、商品支持部材を常に良好に拡大及び縮小させることができる。
【００４５】
また、請求項３の商品搬出装置によれば、請求項２の効果に加え、商品支持部材の可動部材を商品搬出後に自動的に支持部材本体側に没入させることができるので、例えば商品コラム側に可動部材を没入させるための専用の部品や機構を設ける必要がなく、汎用性の向上を図ることができる。
【００４６】
また、請求項４の商品搬出装置によれば、請求項３の効果に加え、商品支持部材が商品搬出位置に移動したときに可動部材のロックを自動的に解除することができるので、例えば商品コラム側に可動部材のロックを解除するための専用の部品や機構を設ける必要がなく、汎用性の向上を図ることができる。
【００４７】
また、請求項５の商品搬出装置によれば、請求項１、２、３または４効果に加え、無端状部材が回転部材の巻き掛け部分で湾曲して商品支持部材の一部が無端状部材から離れることによって商品支持部材と無端状部材との間に生ずる隙間に商品が落ち込むことがないので、商品の搬出不良を確実に防止することができる。
【００４８】
また、請求項６の商品搬出装置によれば、請求項１、２、３、４または５効果に加え、商品の大きさや形状に応じて各商品支持部材の間隔を変更することができるので、多種多様な商品に的確に対応することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る商品搬出装置を備えた自動販売機の正面図
【図２】自動販売機図の正面断面図
【図３】自動販売機の側面断面図
【図４】商品コラム及び商品バケットの側面断面図
【図５】商品コラムの正面図
【図６】コンベアの部分平面図
【図７】商品支持部材の正面断面図
【図８】商品支持部材の分解斜視図
【図９】商品支持部材の斜視図
【図１０】商品支持部材及びコンベアの側面図
【図１１】商品支持部材のロック操作を示す正面断面図
【図１２】商品支持部材の動作を示す側面図
【符号の説明】
２０…商品コラム、３０…商品搬出装置、３１…スプロケット、３２…コンベアベルト、６０…商品支持部材、６１…支持部材本体、６２…可動板、６３ｃ…係合爪、６４ｄ…突片、６４ｅ…取付片、６５…コイルスプリング、Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ…商品。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to products having various shapes and sizes, such as beverages enclosed in cans, bottles, plastic bottles, paper packs, and the like, dairy products contained in predetermined containers such as cups, boxed or bagged confections, and the like. The present invention relates to a merchandise unloading device of a vending machine capable of selling a product.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of vending machine includes a vending machine main body having a product outlet at a lower front portion, a plurality of product columns arranged in a width direction and a vertical direction of the vending machine main body, and a front of each product column. There is also known an apparatus provided with a product bucket arranged so as to be movable in the width direction and the vertical direction of the vending machine main body, and a moving mechanism for moving the product bucket in the width direction and the vertical direction of the vending machine main body. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In this vending machine, when a product is selected, the product bucket is moved to the product column corresponding to the selected product by the moving mechanism, and the product is unloaded into the product bucket by the product unloading device of the product column, and the product is received. The moved product bucket is moved to the product outlet by the moving mechanism, and the product in the product bucket is carried out to the product outlet.
[0004]
Further, the product discharging device of the vending machine includes a pair of pulleys respectively arranged on both ends of the product column, and an endless belt wound around each pulley, and the pulley is rotated in a predetermined direction by a motor. By doing so, the products in the product column are moved in a predetermined direction by a belt, and are sequentially carried out from one end of the product column.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-357450 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-mentioned product carrying-out device, the products are placed side by side on a belt. However, in order to efficiently store a large number of products, the products may be stored vertically. However, for example, when a flat product is stored vertically, the self-supporting state becomes unstable, and there is a problem in that the product is likely to fall when being carried out or stored. In addition, irregular-shaped items such as bagged products cannot stand alone and cannot be stored vertically.
[0007]
In order to solve such a problem, a plurality of product support members are provided on the belt at intervals, and the products are stored between the product support members. What has been proposed has been proposed.
[0008]
However, since the product support member needs to have a height dimension that can reliably support the product, when the product support member is provided on the belt, there is sufficient space for passing the product support member after the product is carried out around the product column. Space is needed. For example, when a plurality of product columns are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to each other, the product support member moved below the belt passes above the product column below, so that the vertical interval between each product column must be increased. However, there is a problem that the number of product columns is reduced accordingly. Further, in the vending machine, the products in the product column are carried out to the product bucket in front, but the product support member after the product is carried out passes between the product bucket and the product column, so that the product column The gap between the belt and the product bucket must be increased, and a small product may fall into this gap.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to allow each product support member to pass even when a plurality of product support members arranged between products are provided in an endless member. The object of the present invention is to provide a product unloading device for a vending machine which can reduce the space for the product.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a pair of rotating members disposed at both ends of a product column, an endless member wound around each rotating member, and an endless member are attached to each other. A plurality of product support members provided at intervals, and by rotating the rotating member to rotate the endless member in a predetermined direction, the product stored between the respective product support members is moved to one end of the product column. In a product discharging device of a vending machine configured to be discharged from a side, the product supporting member is configured to be freely expandable and contractable in a predetermined direction. Thus, by reducing the size of the product support member after the product is carried out, the space for passing each product support member is reduced. Thus, for example, when a plurality of product columns are arranged in the up-down direction, even if each product support member moved below the endless member passes above the lower product column, the space between the product support member and the lower product column is reduced. There is no need to increase. In addition, for example, when a product bucket for receiving a product to be carried out is provided in front of the product column, even if the product support member after carrying out the product passes between the product bucket and the product column, a gap between the product column and the product bucket is provided. Need not be increased.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the merchandise unloading device of the vending machine according to the first aspect, the article supporting member is a support member main body formed in a plate shape, and a movable member provided in the support member main body so as to be able to protrude and retract. It is composed of Thereby, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the expansion and contraction operation of the product support member is achieved by the protrusion and retreat of the movable member with respect to the support member main body.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the commodity delivery device for a vending machine according to the second aspect, an urging means for urging the movable member in a direction protruding from the support member main body, and the movable member is immersed in the support member main body. And a lock means for locking in a state, wherein the lock of the movable member is released when the product support member moves to the product carry-out position. Thus, in addition to the function of claim 2, since the movable member of each product support member is automatically immersed in the support member main body side after the product is carried out, for example, a dedicated component for immersing the movable member in the product column side There is no need to provide any mechanism or mechanism.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the commodity delivery device for a vending machine according to the third aspect, the locking means is formed by an engaging portion that holds the movable member in an immersed state by engaging the endless member. The configuration is such that the engaging member is disengaged from the endless member when the part-shaped member curves at the winding portion of the rotating member and a part of the product support member is separated from the endless member. Thereby, in addition to the operation of the third aspect, the lock of the movable member is automatically released when each product support member moves to the product carry-out position, so that the lock of the movable member is released, for example, on the product column side. It is not necessary to provide a dedicated component or mechanism for this.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the commodity delivery device for a vending machine according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect, the endless member is curved at a portion where the rotating member is wound, and a part of the commodity support member is endless. A gap closing portion that covers at least a part of a gap formed between the product supporting member and the endless member when the member is separated from the member. Thereby, in addition to the operation of the first, second, third or fourth aspect, when a part of the product support member is separated from the endless member due to the bending of the endless member, the gap between the product support member and the endless member is closed. The product does not fall into this gap because it is covered by the part.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the merchandise unloading device for a vending machine according to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect, each of the merchandise support members is configured to be detachably attached to an arbitrary position of the endless member. . Thus, in addition to the functions of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, the distance between the product support members according to the size and shape of the product by mounting each product support member at an arbitrary position on the endless member. Can be changed.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
1 to 12 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine provided with a product unloading device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front sectional view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view thereof. 4 is a side sectional view of a product column and a product bucket, FIG. 5 is a front view of a product column, FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of a conveyor, FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of a product support member, and FIG. , FIG. 9 is a perspective view thereof, FIG. 10 is a side view of a product support member and a conveyor, FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing a locking operation of the product support member, and FIG. 12 is a side view showing the operation.
[0017]
The vending machine shown in FIG. 1 includes a vending machine main body 10 in which a part of the front surface is formed transparent, a plurality of product columns 20 arranged in the width direction and the vertical direction of the vending machine main body 10, and each product. A product unloading device 30 provided in each of the columns 20, a product bucket 40 capable of receiving a product unloaded from each of the product columns 20, a bucket moving mechanism 50 for moving the product bucket 40 in the direction in which the product columns 20 are arranged; It is composed of
[0018]
The vending machine main body 10 has a front opening, and the front opening is opened and closed by an outer door 11. A portion excluding the lower portion of the outer door 11 is formed of a transparent glass plate 11a, and a bill insertion slot 11b, a coin insertion slot 11c, a money amount display section 11d, a coin return slot 11e, a product selection operation section 11f, and a product collection section are provided on the front surface thereof. An outlet 11g is provided. In the vending machine main body 10, a product storage 12 surrounded by a heat insulating wall is provided, and the front surface thereof is covered by an inner door 13. The inner door 13 is formed of a transparent glass plate 13a for the most part, and a commodity outlet 13b is provided below the inner glass 13a, and a carry-out door 13c is attached to the commodity outlet 13b. Further, a cooling unit 14 is provided on the bottom side in the product storage 12, and the cooling unit 14 is configured by a cooler and a blower (not shown).
[0019]
Each product column 20 has a column body 21 extending in the front-rear direction, and is provided in the vending machine body 10 so as to be able to be pulled out forward. Although a detailed description of the draw-out structure of the product column 20 is omitted, the draw-out structure can be configured using, for example, a well-known slide rail. The product column 20 includes a partition plate 22 that partitions the inside of the column main body 21 in the width direction. The partition plate 22 is attached to a substrate 23 provided at the center of the column main body 21 in the width direction. Further, each product column 20 is supported by a shelf 24 extending in the width direction at each stage in the vertical direction, and each shelf 24 is vertically moved by a plurality of columns 25 standing on both sides in the width direction in the vending machine main body 10. It is fixed at a predetermined position in the direction.
[0020]
Two product unloading devices 30 are provided in each of the product columns 20, and are arranged in the column main body 21 in the width direction. Each product unloading device 30 has a pair of sprockets 31 as rotatable members rotatably attached to the front end side and the rear end side of the column body 21, respectively, and a conveyor as an endless member wound around each sprocket 31. 32 and a gear unit 33 interlocked with the sprocket 31 on the front end side, and a product is placed on the upper surface of the conveyor 32. That is, in each product column 20, two rows of products are stored with the partition plate 22 therebetween. The gear unit 33 includes a first gear 33a connected to the rotation shaft of the pulley 31 and a second gear 33b meshing with the first gear 33a, and the second gear 33b is a gear on a commodity bucket 40 side described later. It is designed to mesh with.
[0021]
The conveyor 32 is composed of a number of conveyor chains 32a rotatably connected to each other, and is formed by continuously connecting the conveyor chains 32a endlessly. The conveyor chain 32a is formed of a block-shaped member that is long in the width direction of the conveyor 32, and a convex portion 32b is provided at one end in the front-rear direction at the center in the width direction, and another conveyor chain 32a is provided at the other end in the front-rear direction. A concave portion 32c for receiving the convex portion 32b is provided. That is, each conveyor chain 32a is rotatably connected to both ends in the width direction of the projection 32b of the other conveyor chain 32a via the connection shaft 32d protruding from both sides in the width direction of the recess 32c. In addition, engaging shafts 32e that engage with the sprockets 31 protrude from both ends in the width direction of the other conveyor chains 32a. Further, each conveyor chain 32a is provided with a hole 32f into which a protruding piece 64d and a mounting piece 64e of a product support member 60 described later are inserted, and a hole 32g into which a link 63 of the product support member 60 is inserted. . Each of the holes 32f and 32g is provided at each of two positions in the width direction of the conveyor chain 32a, and a step 32h is provided in each of the holes 32g for the link 63.
[0022]
The product bucket 40 includes a pair of pulleys 42 rotatably attached to the front end side and the rear end side of the bucket body 41, respectively, and an endless belt 43 wound around each pulley 42. By rotating one pulley 42, the belt 43 rotates in a predetermined direction. The product bucket 40 includes a gear 44 for driving the product unloading device 30 of each product column 20. The gear 44 is rotated by a motor (not shown).
[0023]
The bucket moving mechanism 50 includes a first driving unit 51 that moves the product bucket 40 in the width direction, and a pair of second driving units 52 that move the first driving unit 51 in the vertical direction. Are disposed on both sides in the width direction in the vending machine main body 10, respectively. The first driving unit 51 includes a pair of upper and lower guide rails 51a and 51b that movably support the product bucket 40, and the product bucket 40 is moved along the guide rails 51a and 51b by a motor (not shown). I have. The second driving unit 52 includes a guide rail 52a that movably supports the first driving unit 51, and a motor (not shown) that moves the first driving unit 51. In the bucket moving mechanism 50, the position of each product column 20 in the width direction and the vertical direction is detected by a position detecting means such as an optical sensor or a pulse detecting means of a motor or the like, so that the product bucket 40 is moved to each of the driving units 51, 52 allows the product to be moved to an arbitrary product column 20 or product outlet 10b.
[0024]
Further, a plurality of product support members 60 disposed between the products are attached to the conveyor 32 of the product unloading device 30. The product support member 60 includes a support member main body 61 formed in a plate shape, a movable plate 62 provided in the support member main body 61 so as to be able to move in and out, a pair of links 63 for moving the movable plate 62 in and out, and a conveyor 32. The support member main body 61 is rotatably connected to the substrate 64.
[0025]
The support member main body 61 is formed in a box shape capable of accommodating the movable plate 62, and connection shafts 61 a connected to the substrate 64 are provided on both side surfaces on one end side. The other end surface of the support member main body 61 is provided with an opening 61b in which the movable plate 62 protrudes and retracts, and an arc-shaped notch 61c for gripping the movable plate 62 is provided at a center edge in the width direction. I have. A projecting portion 61d is formed at the center of one end side of the support member main body 61, and an opening 61e for projecting a part of each link 63 to the outside is provided at an end surface of the projecting portion 61d.
[0026]
The movable plate 62 is formed in a flat plate shape slightly smaller than the support member main body 61, and is housed in the support member main body 61 via the opening 61 b of the support member main body 61. At both ends in the width direction of one end of the movable plate 62, connection pieces 62a connected to the links 63 are provided, and each connection piece 62a is provided with a long hole 62b extending in the width direction.
[0027]
Each link 63 is arranged on each side in the width direction in the support member main body 61, and is rotatably attached to a support shaft 63a in the support member main body 61. At one end of the link 63 is provided an engagement pin 63b movably engaged with a long hole 62b of the movable plate 62. Each link 63 is connected to each connecting piece 62a of the movable plate 62 via the engagement pin 63b. Are linked. The other end of the link 63 protrudes outside from the one end side opening 61e of the support member main body 61, and an engagement claw 63c that engages with the conveyor 32 is provided at the end thereof. Further, both ends of a coil spring 65 attached to a support shaft 63d in the support member main body 61 are connected to each link 63, and the coil spring 65 urges each link 63 in a direction in which the movable plate 62 is immersed. .
[0028]
The substrate 64 is formed in a flat plate shape having substantially the same size as the support member main body 61, and connecting pieces 64 a for connecting the support member main body 61 are provided on both ends in the width direction at one end side. That is, each connection shaft 61a of the support member main body 61 is rotatably inserted into a hole 64b provided in each connection piece 64a of the substrate 64. In this case, the support member main body 61 is urged by the coil springs 66 attached to the respective connection shafts 61 a in a direction in which the support member main body 61 can be tilted, that is, a direction in which the front surface of the support member main body 61 overlaps the upper surface of the substrate 64. I have. A notch 64c is provided at the center of one end of the substrate 64 to receive the protrusion 61d of the support member main body 61. Further, a protruding piece 64d is provided at one end of the lower surface of the substrate 64 as a gap closing portion for covering a part of a gap generated between the one end of the substrate 64 and the conveyor 32 when the conveyor 32 is curved. . The protruding pieces 64d are provided at two places in the width direction of the substrate 64, and the distal end thereof is formed to bend slightly toward the other end of the substrate 64. At the other end of the lower surface of the substrate 64, an attachment piece 64e for detachably attaching the product support member 60 to the conveyor 32 is provided. The mounting pieces 64e are provided in a pair at two locations in the width direction of the substrate 64, and engaging tips 64f for engaging with the conveyor 32 are formed at the distal ends of the mounting pieces 64e facing each other.
[0029]
In the vending machine configured as described above, each product column 20 stores a plurality of types of products A, B, and C. In this case, the product A is a boxed product containing confectionery and the like, and the product B is a packaged product containing confectionery and the like. Product C is a product in a cup containing dairy products and the like. In this case, in the product column 20 in which the products A and B are stored, the product support members 60 are attached to the conveyor 32 of the product unloading device 30, and each of the products A and B is placed between the respective product support members 60. Are stored one by one.
[0030]
Here, when money is input to the vending machine and a commodity is selected, the bucket moving mechanism 50 moves the commodity bucket 40 to the commodity column 20 corresponding to the selected commodity. At this time, the belt 43 on the product bucket 40 is located slightly below the conveyor 32 on the product column 20, and the gear 44 on the product bucket 40 meshes with the third gear 33 b of the product unloading device 30. Next, the gear 44 on the product bucket 40 side is rotated, and the sprocket 31 of the product unloading device 30 is rotated by the gear unit 33. Thereby, the conveyor 32 rotates, and the product A on the conveyor 32 is carried out to the product bucket 40 side and received by the product bucket 40. Then, the product bucket 40 receiving the product A is moved to the product outlet 13b by the bucket moving mechanism 50, and the product B in the product bucket 40 is carried out to the product outlet 11g.
[0031]
When the product A in the product column 20 is carried out to the product bucket 40, since the products A in the product column 20 are supported in the front-rear direction by the product support members 60, the product A at the forefront is carried out. Even when the vehicle sometimes falls or the posture is disturbed, the following product A does not fall due to the carried-out product A. Further, since the product support members 60 are interposed between the products A, the products do not stick to each other.
[0032]
Here, the operation of the product support member 60 will be described. First, the product support member 60 is attached to an arbitrary position of the conveyor 32, so that the product support member 60 is attached to the conveyor 32. At this time, when each mounting piece 64e of the product support member 60 is inserted into an arbitrary hole 32f of the conveyor 32 as shown in FIG. 10 (a), each mounting piece 64e is elastically deformed as shown in FIG. 10 (b). Then, each engaging claw 64f is locked to the lower end edge of the hole 32f, the product support member 60 is fixed to the conveyor 32, and each protruding piece 64d of the product support member 60 is inserted into another hole 32f. Further, if the engagement between the engaging claw 64f of each mounting piece 64e and the hole 32f is forcibly released, the product support member 60 can be removed from the conveyor 32. At the time of the attachment, the support member main body 61 of the product support member 60 is in a state of being tilted toward the substrate 64 by each coil spring 66, and the movable plate 62 of the product support member 60 is supported by the coil spring 65. It is immersed in the main body 61.
[0033]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the support member main body 61 is raised while pulling out the movable plate 62, the support member main body 61 is locked in the upright state and the movable plate 62 is locked in the protruding state. . That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the movable plate 62 is pulled out from the support member main body 61, each link 63 rotates in a direction in which the other ends are separated from each other, and the interval between the engagement claws 63c increases. As a result, when each engaging claw 63c is inserted into each hole 32g of the conveyor 32 and the pulling force of the movable plate 62 is released, each link 63 is rotated by the coil spring 65, and as shown in FIG. Each engaging claw 63c is locked in each hole 32g. At this time, the engagement with the step portion 32h in each hole 32g restricts the movement of each engagement claw 63c in the direction of coming out of each hole 32g. The movable plate 62 is urged in the immersion direction by the coil spring 65. However, since the engaging claws 63c are locked in the holes 32g and the rotation of the links 63 is restricted, the movable plate 62 is rotated as shown in FIG. b), the movable plate 62 is held so as to protrude from the support member main body 61 by a predetermined length L. Further, the support member main body 61 is urged in the tilting direction by the respective coil springs 66, but the support member main body 61 stands upright with respect to the substrate 64 by the engagement of the engaging claws 63c with the respective holes 32g. Held in state.
[0034]
As described above, the support member main body 61 is raised, and the product support member 60 enlarged by the protrusion of the movable plate 62 is moved to the front end side of the product column 20 by the rotation of the conveyor 32, as shown in FIG. When the conveyor 32 is bent at the portion where the sprocket 31 is wound, the board 64 is fixed to the conveyor 32 only by the mounting piece 64e on the front end side (the other end side). Move away from conveyor 32. As a result, the engaging claws 63c of the product support member 60 are forcibly disengaged from the conveyor 32 and disengaged from the holes 32g, and the movable plate 62 is moved by the coil spring 65 as shown in FIG. The product support member 60 is immersed in the support member main body 61 and contracts, and at the same time, the support member main body 61 falls down toward the substrate 64 by the respective coil springs 66, and moves forward and downward of the conveyor 32 in this state. When the conveyor 32 bends at the portion where the sprocket 31 is wound and the rear end of the substrate 64 separates from the conveyor 32, each protruding piece 64d provided on the rear end of the substrate 64 moves outside the hole 32f, Since a part in the width direction of the gap between the conveyor 64 and the conveyor 32 is covered by each protruding piece 64d, the product does not fall into the gap.
[0035]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since each of the product support members 60 attached to the conveyor 32 of the product unloading device 30 is configured to be freely expandable and contractable, by reducing the product support member 60 after the product is unloaded, The space for passing each product support member 60 can be reduced. Thus, even if each product support member 60 moved below the conveyor 32 passes above the lower product column 20, there is no need to increase the distance between the lower product column and the product by reducing the number of product columns. There is an advantage that the number of stored items does not decrease. Further, even if the product support member 60 after carrying out the product passes between the product bucket 40 and the product column 20, there is no need to increase the gap between the conveyor 32 of the product column 20 and the product bucket 40. There is also an advantage that a small product does not fall into the gap between the product and the product bucket 40.
[0036]
In addition, since the product support member 60 is composed of the support member main body 61 formed in a plate shape and the movable plate 62 provided to be able to protrude and retract from the support member main body 61, the movable plate 62 protrudes and retracts from the support member main body 61. Thereby, the expansion and contraction operations of the product support member 60 can be reliably achieved, and the product support member 60 can always be satisfactorily expanded and reduced.
[0037]
Furthermore, the movable plate 62 is urged in the immersion direction by the coil spring 65, and the movable plate 62 is configured to be lockable in a state of protruding from the support member main body 61, so that the product support member 60 is located on the front end side of the product column 20. Since the movable plate 62 is unlocked when it moves, the movable plate 62 of the product support member 60 can be automatically immersed after the product is carried out. For example, the movable plate 62 can be immersed in the product column 20. There is no need to provide dedicated parts or mechanisms, and versatility can be improved.
[0038]
In this case, an engaging claw 63c that locks the movable plate 62 in a submerged state by engaging the product support member 60 with the conveyor 32 is provided, and the conveyor 32 bends at the portion where the sprocket 31 is wound around and a part of the substrate 64. At the same time, the locking of the movable plate 62 is released when the engaging claw 63c separates from the conveyor 32, so that when the product support member 60 moves to the front end side of the product column 20, the locking of the movable plate 62 is automatically performed. For example, there is no need to provide a dedicated component or mechanism for unlocking the movable plate 62 on the product column 20 side, and the versatility can be improved.
[0039]
Also, the projecting piece 64d provided on the product support member 60 causes the conveyor 32 to bend at the portion where the sprocket 31 is wound, and to cover the gap generated when a part of the substrate 64 separates from the conveyor 32. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the product from being unsuccessfully carried out.
[0040]
In addition, since each product support member 60 is configured to be detachable at an arbitrary position on the conveyor 32, the interval between each product support member 60 can be changed according to the size and shape of the product, so that it can be accurately applied to various kinds of products. Can be handled.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the support member main body 61 of the product support member 60 is configured to be able to be turned upside down. However, the support member main body 61 may be fixed in an upright state.
[0042]
Further, in the above embodiment, the boxed product A has been described, but the same applies to the case of the bagged product B. In addition, in the case of a product that can be stably self-supported, such as a product C in a cup, the product may be stored without using the product support member 60.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the commodity discharging device of claim 1, for example, when a plurality of commodity columns are arranged in the up-down direction, each commodity support member moved below the endless member is placed above the lower commodity column. , It is not necessary to increase the distance between the product columns below, so that the number of stored products does not decrease due to the decrease in the number of product columns, and the product storage efficiency can be improved. In addition, for example, when a product bucket for receiving a product to be carried out is provided in front of the product column, even if the product support member after carrying out the product passes between the product bucket and the product column, the product column and the product bucket are Since it is not necessary to increase the gap between the products, the small product does not fall into the gap between the product column and the product bucket, and it is possible to reliably prevent the product from being unsuccessfully carried out.
[0044]
Further, according to the product discharging device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the expansion and contraction operation of the product supporting member can be reliably achieved by moving the movable member in and out, the product supporting member is always kept in good condition. Can be enlarged and reduced.
[0045]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the movable member of the product support member can be automatically immersed in the support member main body after the product is carried out. There is no need to provide a dedicated component or mechanism for immersing the movable member in the, and versatility can be improved.
[0046]
According to the product discharging device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the third aspect, the lock of the movable member can be automatically released when the product supporting member moves to the product discharging position. There is no need to provide a dedicated component or mechanism for releasing the lock of the movable member on the column side, and the versatility can be improved.
[0047]
According to the commodity discharging device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effects of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, the endless member is curved at a portion where the rotating member is wound, and a part of the commodity supporting member is an endless member. Since the product does not fall into the gap generated between the product support member and the endless member by separating from the product, it is possible to reliably prevent the product from being unsuccessfully carried out.
[0048]
Further, according to the commodity discharging device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effects of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect, the interval between the respective commodity supporting members can be changed according to the size and shape of the commodity. It can respond to a wide variety of products accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine provided with a product unloading device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of a vending machine diagram. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a vending machine. FIG. 5 is a front view of the product column. FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the conveyor. FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of the product support member. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the product support member. 9 is a perspective view of the product support member. FIG. 10 is a side view of the product support member and the conveyor. FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing a locking operation of the product support member. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the operation of the product support member. [Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 20: Commodity column, 30: Commodity unloading device, 31: Sprocket, 32: Conveyor belt, 60: Commodity support member, 61: Support member body, 62: Movable plate, 63c: Engagement claw, 64d: Projection piece, 64e Mounting piece, 65: coil spring, A, B, C: product.

Claims

A pair of rotating members respectively arranged on both ends of the product column, an endless member wound around each rotating member, and a plurality of product support members provided at intervals on the endless member, By rotating the rotating member and rotating the endless member in a predetermined direction, in a product unloading device of a vending machine configured to discharge products stored between the product support members from one end of a product column,
A product delivery device for a vending machine, wherein the product support member is configured to be able to expand and contract in a predetermined direction.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the product support member includes a plate-shaped support member main body and a movable member provided in the support member body so as to be able to protrude and retract. .

Urging means for urging the movable member in a direction protruding from the support member main body,
Lock means for locking the movable member in a state of being immersed in the support member main body,
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the movable member is unlocked when the product support member moves to the product discharge position.

The locking means is formed by an engaging portion that holds the movable member in a immersed state by engaging the endless member,
The endless member is configured to be curved at a portion where the rotating member is wound and a part of the product support member is separated from the endless member to release the engagement between the engaging portion and the endless member. 4. The device for unloading goods of a vending machine according to claim 3.

When the endless member bends around the wrapping portion of the rotating member and a part of the product support member separates from the endless member, a gap closure that covers at least a part of a gap generated between the product support member and the endless member. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the commodity support members is detachably attached to an arbitrary position of the endless member.