JP2004510233A - Centralized automatic vending method using a device loaded with cartridges - Google Patents

Abstract

The vending machine (1) is housed in a light and rigid enclosure made of a sheet metal outer body (18) and a seamless inner plastic liner (22). Expandable synthetic foam material is injected between the liner. One or more commodity holding magazines (3, 77) are detachably held in the enclosure. The door (4) closing the front of the enclosure incorporates a keypad, a display consisting of letters and numbers, and a card reader. A drive motor module (1) and a cash acceptor (7) are detachably attached to the inner liner. With no complex and delicate construction, the device can be maintained, cleaned and disinfected in minutes. One stores a snack food and the other connects a pair of vending machines storing beverage cans, and cooperates to dispense the combined products from one control panel. Both beverage and snack food vending machines are driven by the same type of motor module mounted on the liner. The device is used in a centralized manner for selling goods via a plurality of such devices located at various user locations. The magazine is filled at the supply headquarters and transported through a predetermined transport path. Maintenance of each device mainly consists of a process of opening the device, a process of removing the previously installed magazine, a process of replacing it with a new filled magazine, and a process of locking the device. There is no need to account for or perform any other maintenance.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to vending machines, and more particularly, to vending machines, such as those found in workplaces, that can sell pastries, small snacks, beverages, and the like.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional pastries, candy bars, canned soda water, and other snack product vending machines must have a significant inventory of goods to avoid frequent refills. Was. Accordingly, such vending machines were bulky and heavy, occupying about one square meter (10 square feet) and about two meters (72 inches) high.
[0003]
In such a vending machine, refilling takes time because it is necessary to put in one product at a time and to check the expiration date of unsold inventory items and replace them in some cases. Also, the serviceman must collect and count the cash. The product holding station may have grease that has oozed from the packaged product and must be cleaned. Such a cumbersome procedure is time consuming, labor intensive, and sometimes offers the opportunity for theft.
[0004]
Conventional vending machines are not designed to be installed in small workplaces with less than 150 employees. This is because the profits that can be made in such a small number of places are not worth the labor costs associated with vending machine maintenance.
[0005]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,649 to Fellner et al. Uses a removable and replaceable merchandise magazine that is factory-filled and has an empty or partially empty magazine. It proposes a method to solve some of the above problems by exchanging with. However, this type of magazine is relatively inefficient because only one type of product can be placed in each position. Furthermore, it is still necessary to collect and count coins at the installation site. A similar drawback exists with the vending machine disclosed in Lockwood et al., U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,115. In this vending machine, a drum-type rotating rack is used to hold products to be sold. Empty carousels can be removed and replaced with filled racks, but each carousel station can only hold one type of product and cash must be processed separately. The inefficient design of this device makes it a bulky vending machine not suitable for tight spaces.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in an attempt to solve these various disadvantages.
[0007]
[Summary of the Invention]
It is a direct and indirect object of the present invention to substantially reduce the time and cost required for refilling and maintaining vending machines installed at multiple locations for a predetermined period of time, and to reduce the cost of goods and sales by service personnel. And to reduce the risk of health caused by spilling of beverages and foods in the vending machine.
[0008]
These and other important issues can be solved by using a compact vending machine in which all available merchandise is contained in a removable and replaceable magazine. After the magazine set is filled at the headquarters, it is transported to a plurality of vending machines through a predetermined route. Maintaining vending machines at each location mainly involves opening vending machines, removing previously installed magazines, installing new magazines, locking vending machines, other maintenance, and remaining There is no need to count and inventory products by product or count the cash collected. Payment is made by debit card, which is sold by the vending machine owner to the owner of the installation site and distributed to employees and customers. Payment can also be made in cash, in which case the cash is put into a vending machine and is safely stored in a magazine, which cannot be collected without a special key at the headquarters. The selection of the desired product and its payment can also be made by wireless communication using a mobile phone or other portable handheld device. Depending on the location, a beverage vending machine and a snack food vending machine can be combined and operated together to sell a combination product with a special advertisement that can be bought at a discounted price. When the magazine is brought back to headquarters, the unsold products and proceeds are removed, cleaned, disinfected, refilled with new products, and then distributed to routes for transport to new locations.
[0009]
The vending machine is opened by a memory chip mounted card called a "smart" card. When the vending machine is opened, all sales calculations, including the amount of coins accumulated in the coin box, generated since the last service call are automatically downloaded to the card. This card is taken back to the delivery headquarters together with the removed magazine, and is used to check whether or not the item brought back is complete, thereby preventing theft by a service person. The "smart" card can also be used to upload the type, location, and price of merchandise for sale in a new magazine to a vending machine.
[0010]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a compact countertop type vending machine 1 housed in a cabinet 2 made of molded plastic and sheet metal. A replaceable rectangular magazine 3 is fixed behind the front door of the cabinet and inside the cabinet. The customer interface includes a message display 5, a keypad 6 for selecting a product to be purchased, a cash acceptor 7, a card reader 8, and a product removal pocket 9. The number of the item 10 and the station or shelf 11 containing the item can be seen through the transparent door of the cabinet.
[0011]
Each station or shelf 11 can store a plurality of products having the same selling price. Each station is identified by a letter (AC) and a number (1-6). In each station 11, a plurality of products are held between the coils of the spiral rack 13. The shapes and dimensions of these products may be different. The helical rack, when rotated, acts as an Archimedes spiral, moving goods to the access port 14 along the front of the magazine. The magazine comprises three trays or layers 15 of product storage station units. By changing the number of stations in each unit and the number of units in the magazine, it can be seen that products of different sizes and types can be accommodated. For example, small commodities such as candy bars can be filled into thin shelves as shown on the right side of each tray. Large items that require large shelves, such as pastry and potato chip bags, can be filled into stations such as those shown on the center or left side of each tray.
[0012]
The corner on the lower side surface of the magazine 3 is placed on a shelf 16 formed inside the cabinet.
[0013]
The cabinet 2 has an outer body formed of a first metal plate 19 that is bent to form a top portion and two opposing side walls, a second plate 20 that closes the back surface of the cabinet, and a third plate 21 that forms a bottom portion. A part 18 is included.
[0014]
A plastic liner 22 is nested in the body 18 from the open front. The body and liner are joined along respective flanged front peripheral edges 23,24. The liner defines an interior space closed by the door 4. This interior space is divided into a filling compartment 26 which occupies the majority thereof, and a pocket or container 9 for receiving goods conveyed below the filling compartment.
[0015]
The shelf 16, which separates the filling compartment from the pocket, is supported by an angled plate 28 fixed to three plates 19, 20, 21 forming the body.
[0016]
The insulating foamed polyurethane resin foam material 17 is injected between the liner 22 and the body except for a space 29 defined below the angled plate 28. When solidified, the foam material combines with the body and liner to form a strong and lightweight box. Thus, the outer body may be made of a relatively thin, typically 2 mm thick, sheet material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. Similarly, the thickness of the plastic liner can be about 1.5 mm.
[0017]
The components of the door 4 include a top molded part 30, a bottom molded part 31, and two extruded side pillars 32, 33 connecting the top and bottom parts. These four parts constitute the frame of the transparent polycarbonate window panel 34. This door is hingedly connected along the outer edge of the left column 33 to the flanged left connection at the peripheral edge of the trunk and liner. Along the top edge, bottom edge, and the outer edge of the post, so that when the door meets the connected peripheral edge of the torso and liner, the vertical center of the door is separated from the front edge of the cabinet. And a flange is provided. The space between the door and the cabinet defines a chute 27 through which the selected goods fall towards the pocket 9. An elastically compressible gasket 35 is fixed to the edge of the door and forms an airtight seal when the door is closed. For locking the door, a lock mechanism 36 having a key hole 37 for inserting a key at the right end of the top molded part 30 is used. Overlapping flanges 38 and 39 along the perimeter edges of the cabinet and door prevent a prying tool from being inserted between the two parts. On the back side of the door top part 30, a fluorescent lamp fixture 40 is attached. An electronic module 41 including a display 5, a keypad 6, a card reader 8, and an electronic control module 41 for use in operating a vending machine is mounted on the upper rear part of the door bottom part 31. By providing an opening 42 in the lower part of the bottom part, it is possible to access the pocket 9 from which the purchased product falls. This opening is protected by the universal door 43. When the universal door is pushed inward to pick up the product in the pocket, the universal door prevents access to the product held on the chute 27 and magazine shelves.
[0018]
The cash accepting device 7 is attached to the right wall of the liner 22. The passage 44 composed of two sections functions as a coin insertion slot from the pillar 33 on the right side of the door to the entrance of the cash acceptor. The coin chute 45 connects the exit of the cash acceptor and the cash receiving box 46 at the bottom 47 of the magazine.
[0019]
As shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the magazine comprises a bottom 47, three product storage trays 15, a cover 48, and a pair of locking straps 49 for holding all of these components. ing. The cash receiving box 46 occupying the right part of the bottom is closed by a lid 50 which is locked by a lock 51. At each station or shelf 11 of the tray, the rear end of the helical rack 13 is connected to a short shaft passing through the rear wall 52 of the tray, where it is supported by bearings. The shaft has a corresponding female coupling 53 of a shape and size with which the male coupling 54 of the drive mechanism engages. When the spiral rack is rotated 360 degrees by the drive mechanism, one of the products 10 is selectively discharged from the shelf and falls into the pocket 9 below. A folding handle 55 is provided at the center of the cover 48 so that the magazine can be easily carried. The lock strap 49 is shaped and dimensioned to securely fasten other parts of the magazine. The hooked left end 56 of the strap fits and locks into a corresponding recess 57 provided at the top of the cover 48. At the bottom end of the strap, a similar hooked end 58 fits and locks into a similar recess in the bottom.
[0020]
The drive mechanism for each helical rack consists of a motor assembly 60 containing control circuitry, which rotates the motor one revolution each time it is energized. A set of six motor assemblies housed in the sealed drive module 61 is mounted at the back of each tray 15 in a recess 62 provided in the rear wall of the liner.
[0021]
The wiring of the motor assembly in each drive module extends to a pigtail connector 63A, which mates with a corresponding connector 63B on a main wiring harness 63 leading to an electronic control module 41 located on the cabinet door. ing. The drive module is secured by snap fasteners. Therefore, a drive module including a different number of motor assemblies can be easily replaced according to the configuration of the tray.
[0022]
A removable cover 12 is attached to the front of the magazine in order to keep all access ports 14 closed during reciprocating transport to and from the service headquarters.
[0023]
An electronic sensor 65 provided in the chute 27 detects that the product has passed into the take-out pocket. The output of this sensor is sent to a microprocessor 66, which is a main component of the electronic module 41. The microprocessor typically has a storage device or a storage medium equivalent thereto. The microprocessor data can be accessed by the infrared transceiver 68. This transceiver can be used by service technicians to read useful information, such as the amount paid or the merchandise sold, using a mobile phone or other hand-held download device. Such a handheld download device may be any device known in the data processing arts that provides a communication interface with any type of device or network using so-called "Bluetooth" technology.
[0024]
The transceiver 68 can also respond to product orders and payments sent from similar wireless communication devices.
[0025]
When the user designates and selects the station containing the desired product with the keypad 6, the product take-out mechanism for operating the specific station is activated, and the product located at the forefront of the spiral rack is selected. It can be seen that it is dropped through the chute 27 to the take-out pocket 9.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the operation of the vending machine is controlled by a microprocessor 66. The motor is controlled by a motor control module 69 and an address decoder 70. The motor control module and the address decoder mainly consist of a gate current driver which supplies a forward current to two appropriate motors under the control of a microprocessor. The modem 71 provides a microprocessor communication interface via conventional mobile phone services and / or the Internet. Using the LCD message display 72, which is part of the display 5 provided on the cabinet door, recommends another option to the user when there is no selected product, or gives other notices as described below. can do. A power supply 73 is accommodated below the angled plate 28. The wiring harness 74 connecting the power supply to the fluorescent lamp 40 and the electronic module 41 is the only component that penetrates the liner 22.
[0027]
As shown in more detail in FIG. 9, the operation of the vending machine is performed when the cash acceptor detects that cash has been inserted (101), when a payment card is inserted (102), or via the Internet. Alternatively, it starts when payment by another method such as electronic transfer transmitted from a palm-type wireless device is detected. If the payment is made in cash, upon receipt of the correct amount (103), the system waits for the user to enter a selection of goods beginning with the letter corresponding to the appropriate line. If the payment is made by card, the system first determines whether the card is a credit card (104). If it is a credit card, the identification number of the card owner is read (105), and a balance check is started via the modem 71 (106). If the credit is rejected, a rejection message is displayed on the display 108 to inform the user of the rejection. If the credit card holder has sufficient balance, the system waits for the user to select. If the card is not a credit card, the system reads 109 the available balance on the card, assuming the card is a debit card or so-called "smart card". If the balance is not enough to pay for one of the offered products, a rejection message is displayed (108). If the balance is sufficient to cover the purchase amount (110), the system waits for the user's selection.
[0028]
When the user selects a row (111), the ID of that row is input to the microprocessor (112). The system then waits for the appropriate row to be dialed (113). When a row is dialed, the row ID is input to the processor (114). At this point, the corresponding motor is started (115) and a 10 second timer is also started (116). If the timer expires (117) before the electronic sensor 65 detects that the product has passed into the removal pocket, the motor stops (118) and a message recommending another option is displayed (119). A 20 second timer is also started (120). If the timer expires before the user dials a new line of characters (121), the magnetic card or coin inserted into the vending machine is returned (122). If the row letter is dialed before the timer expires (123), the system proceeds to enter the row ID (112) and then enters the column ID as described above (114). If the electronic sensor 65 detects that the goods have passed into the unloading pocket before the 10-second timer expires, the motor stops (125). If the payment is made in cash (126), the cash is received (127) and falls into cash receiving box 46. If the payment is made with a credit card (128), the bank is queried for the amount to be charged via the modem 71 (129). If the payment is made with a "smart card", the price of the item is subtracted from the card (130).
[0029]
The modem 71 provides information about the status of the vending machine, such as sales, including the number of items sold and the exact amount of cash currently stored in the cash bin 46 via a warehouse, via the Internet. Used to communicate with the control center. The microprocessor is programmed to initiate such communications at regular intervals or at specific times, over conventional telephone lines or the Internet, according to known techniques. The vending machine activity and sales data compiled and stored by the microprocessor can be downloaded on the spot by a service person to a recording medium such as a smart card, and the recording medium is returned to the headquarters together with the used magazine. . The microprocessor can also respond to polling calls from the control center. In this way, from the information received by the control center, it is possible to determine the most appropriate time to dispatch a serviceman to exchange the magazine of the vending machine. Further, since the amount of cash in the cash receiving box and the number of commodities remaining in the magazine are already known, they can be confirmed when the magazine returns. In this way, fraud and theft by a service person can be prevented.
[0030]
The preferred embodiment of this vending machine has a total height of 85 cm (33.5 inches), a total width of 72.5 cm (28.5 inches), a total depth of 57 cm (22.5 inches), and an approximate weight of 34 kg including an empty magazine. (75 pounds). Such vending machines can be easily transported and installed on tables and countertops and take up less than 0.5 square meters (5.4 square feet).
[0031]
The vending machine 1 for selling various snack foods described above is advantageous with a similar vending machine 75 for selling beverage cans, and more particularly with a vending machine 75 as shown in FIGS. Can be combined. The beverage can vending machine uses a cabinet 76 basically similar to a snack vending machine. However, there is no cash acceptor, and there are provided four can magazines 77 arranged side by side. Each magazine is driven by one and only one motor assembly 60. Therefore, only one motor drive module 61 is placed in the filling compartment of the liner 22.
[0032]
In each of the four magazines 77, up to 24 355 ml (12 oz) 12 oz beverage cans are arranged in a serpentine pattern forming a single shelf 78 with zigzag passageways from front to back. This passage has five parts in alternating directions, and the cans roll toward the dispensing gate mechanism 80 because the floor that supports the product in each part is sloping. At the end of the gate, the dispensed cans fall into the take-out pocket 9 by an opening 81 provided at the bottom of the magazine. The gate mechanism 80 includes a horizontal shaft 82 connected to a coupling 83 below the rear wall of the magazine. This coupling is similar to that used with the helical rack shaft in the original vending machine, and is shaped and sized to engage the corresponding coupling in one of the motor assemblies 60. At the opposite end of the shaft, a fan-shaped first barrier is provided vertically on one side of the shaft, and when the shaft rotates, this first barrier will cause the passage of the lowermost can 85 in the passage. Rises radially across the. On the opposite side of the shaft 82, a fan-shaped second gate 86 is provided radially opposite to the first barrier 84, and is axially separated from the first barrier by a distance substantially corresponding to the diameter of the can. I have. Thus, lowering the first barrier by rotating the shaft 82 by 180 degrees raises the second barrier between the first can 85 and the next can 87 immediately behind it. When the first can rolls out of the magazine through the opening 81, the next can is held down by the second barrier 86 until the shaft has made one full revolution. When the shaft makes one complete rotation, the second barrier 86 falls below the inclined floor 79. The next can 87 then rolls until it is latched and held by the raised first barrier 84. All of the cans remaining in the magazine are attracted by gravity and roll down one by one throughout the winding path. The mechanism is now ready to discharge the next can. In the beverage can vending machine 75, a compressor 88 mounted below the angled plate 28, a cooling coil 89 mounted on a ceiling portion 90 of the liner, and mounted inside a back plate 20 are mounted. A cooling assembly including the condenser 91 may be provided.
[0033]
A power supply 73 is accommodated below the angled plate 28 and next to the capacitor. It turns out that it is convenient to provide this cooling assembly in the snack vending machine 1.
[0034]
In addition, it can be seen that the liner 22 forms a wall surface having no seams or holes except for the passage for the harness 74. The harness passage is automatically sealed when the insulating foam material is injected. Therefore, the interior of the filling compartment and pockets can be easily cleaned and disinfected using strong detergents and disinfectants. Since there are no metal parts or delicate mechanisms, the maintenance of the vending machine can be performed very quickly and the reliability is high. If necessary, the drive module 61 and the cash acceptor 7 can be easily pulled out and removed from the harness 74 during cleaning and disinfection.
[0035]
Substantially increasing the utility and profitability of the vending machine by combining the vending machine with a programmable scrolling display of the type disclosed in Simson US Pat. No. 5,493,802. Can be done. This patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 5, the scroll-type display 131 is preferably incorporated into the door of the auxiliary vending machine unit 75 for dispensing only beverages. Beverage dispensers do not require transparent doors to show the various products available for purchase. The types of drinks available for purchase can be indicated by a graphic 132 above the take-out pocket 9.
[0037]
The selection of the beverage and its payment method is performed using the keypad 6 of the main device 1 and the card reader 8 or the cash acceptor. The two vending machines can be connected with a simple umbilical cable 133. Various interesting messages can be displayed on the display scroll 134. The scrolling message is displayed for a few seconds for each frame in continuous operation mode. Some messages feature a special package that combines food from the main unit and beverage from the auxiliary unit at a discounted price. The display can also be programmed to match the message to the time of day. They emphasize sandwiches and puddings around lunch and dinner, and sell candy and cookies during coffee breaks. The operation of the scroll display is controlled by a microprocessor 66 which operates according to known program routines. The input of the program command can be performed by wireless communication via the modem 71 using the card reader 8 or by a “smart card” of a service person.
[0038]
Another embodiment 201 of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 11-18, also features a merchandise and cash cartridge 202 that is removable from the enclosure cabinet 203. The cabinet is preferably made of molded plastic and has a transparent front door 204 secured to the cabinet by a top horizontal hinge 205 and a bottom lock 206. The cartridge 202 is mounted on a pair of slides 207 fixed below the cabinet.
[0039]
With the transparent door 204 opened, the magazine can be pulled out and lifted from the slide supporting it.
[0040]
On the front right side of the cabinet is a keypad 208 that the user can use to dial his choice, and receive and pay with a bank card or input and output data with a so-called "smart card". And a coin insertion slot 210 for receiving cash payment. A large opening 211 in the lower part of the door leads to a take-out pocket 212, and purchased goods fall into this pocket. In the lower rear part of the cabinet is a cooling unit including a compressor 213 and a condenser 214. An electronic module 216 and a series of motor assemblies 217 are mounted on the back plate 215. A light 219 placed on the door 24 illuminates the entire device. The cartridge includes three or more product holding trays 219, 220, 221 and a triangular cash receiving box 222. This cash receiving box forms the base of the cartridge, and the lower horizontal shelf is mounted on a slide 207. The trays are stacked up and down on the inclined top of the cash bin. The tray has a downwardly sloping floor and a tapered front surface 224 and is vertically aligned with the front edge of the lower surface protruding, the front edge of the lower surface providing a dispensing opening 225 for the prepared product. Is formed. The trays are approximately the same width. Accordingly, the rear portion 226 of the lower surface of each tray also protrudes because the trays are inclined. A cover 223 is used to seal the top tray 219. The cover, tray, and cash receiving box are secured to one another by screws that engage sets of protrusions 227 along their respective side edges.
[0041]
The cartridge may be a combination of trays shaped to accommodate products of different types and sizes. By way of example, a preferred embodiment is shown that includes a top tray 219 shaped to accommodate small items such as candy bars and cookie bags. The intermediate tray 220 is shaped to accommodate bags of snack foods such as chips and pretzels. The bottom tray 221 is shaped to hold a standard 355 ml (12 oz) beverage can. Each tray is divided into four or eight rows, and each row is provided with a dedicated dispensing mechanism. Typically, a 60 cm (24 inch) wide cartridge can hold four rows of beverage cans or bags of snack food, and eight rows of candies or cookies. Each row of the beverage can holding tray 221 is provided with two layers of cans supplied to one dispensing gate. It can be seen that the number of layers of cans can be increased as shown in FIG. 30, and that the entire beverage-only cartridge can be a single tray divided into four rows. As shown in FIG. 13, an insert 231 may be added to a row originally formed for a bag of large snack foods so as to accommodate a small product.
[0042]
A sliding gate member 233 lining the bottom of each row includes a forward portion closing the dispensing opening 225. At the other end of the gate member, a pinion or gear 235 driven by an external electric motor 236 is engaged with the toothed rack 234. A set of motors for each row is mounted on a motor assembly 217 fixed to the back plate 215. Therefore, a plate for a motor assembly is required for each tray. If the shape of the tray in the cartridge is changed, the arrangement of the motor assembly at the rear of the cabinet must be changed accordingly. As shown in FIG. 28, when the cartridge is pushed into a predetermined position in the cabinet, a flat key element 237 mounted on one end of a shaft 238 for driving the pinion 235 is provided on a head 240 covering the top of the motor shaft 241. Into the groove 239. This can power the motor and drive the gear in either direction to open or close the dispensing opening 225.
[0043]
As described below, when the cartridge is transported, all the dispensing openings are closed. Therefore, the key 237 can be directed in a direction always facing the groove 239 of the motor shaft head 240.
[0044]
In each tray, the products are arranged in contact with the back side of the front surface 224 and are held in this position by triangular pressing blocks 242 inserted into contact with the back surface of the last product in each row. As the goods are dispensed one by one, this block continues to slide towards the front face 224 and the dispensing opening 225 with the remaining goods.
[0045]
In the case of a smooth or round product that slides toward the dispensing gate without applying a downward force other than gravity, this pressing block is unnecessary.
[0046]
At the same time as the sliding gate member 233 moves backward so that two or more products are not dispensed each time the gate member 233 makes one turn, the sliding member 233 moves between the dispensed product and the next product in the row. The barrier 243 rises. This barrier passes through a rectangular window 245 cut out from the front end of the sliding gate member 233.
[0047]
In the case of the beverage can tray 221, the barrier is made of a nylon plate 246 folded along three parallel lines forming three hinges 247, 248, 249, the three hinges being barriers 243. Are hingedly connected to each other. The front end 252 of the barrier is fixed to the front end of the window 245. The rear end 253 of the barrier is connected to a trapezoidal nylon push bar 254 which extends into a similarly shaped groove 255 formed in the longitudinal direction of the gate member 233. The rear end of the pressure bar is in the form of a toothed rack 255, which also engages with a pinion or gear 235 on the diametrically opposite side of the gate member's own rack 234. Therefore, when the gate member 233 is pulled toward the rear of the tray to open the dispensing opening 225, the pressing bar 254 moves in the opposite direction to raise the barrier.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 20, the gate member is housed in a recess 257 provided in the center of the passage floor 258 so that the heavy weight of the can 256 does not hinder the movement of the gate member 233. . Thus, the edge of the can rests on the remaining shoulder 259 of the channel side edge.
[0049]
The second modified embodiment 260 of the snack food vending machine shown in FIGS. 21 to 24 is basically the same as the first embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 except that the magazine 3 is a cabinet. It is fixed by a guillotine-type cover plate 261 that can be removed through a groove 262 provided in the roof part of the second. A pair of cutouts 263 provided on the right edge of the cover plate are normally engaged with latches of two locks 264. This lock can be opened using a special key stored in the headquarters for processing the magazine. This lock can be operated with a smart card. An ID number such as the date of the day is recorded on the card. The device's microprocessor contains its own calendar. When the ID number and date read from the smart card match those stored in the microprocessor, the lock can be operated. Lost or stolen cards can be used without delay in the rest of the day. Smart cards need to be updated daily by special equipment at the processing headquarters. Each lock 264 has two modules that lock together. The first module 265A is placed next to the cover plate holding groove 263A in contact with the outer wall of the magazine 3. The second module 265B is placed in contact with the inner wall of the cabinet 2, and is interconnected with the first module when the magazine is inserted into the cabinet. Each module has spring-loaded latches 266A, 266B that can only be retracted by the attraction of the solenoid. The latch of the first module engages the notch 263 in the cover plate. The latch of the second module engages with a mortise provided in the edge of the door 4. When the door is open, the cover plate 261 cannot be removed. When the cover plate is not locked at a predetermined position of the magazine, the door cannot be opened. Furthermore, the door cannot be locked when there is no magazine in the cabinet. These conditions can be conveniently implemented using contact sensors and simple logic.
[0050]
In the embodiment 201 of FIGS. 11 to 18, each tray is provided with a locking mechanism as shown in FIGS. 25 to 29 in order to lock all the gate members 233 at the frontmost position where the dispensing opening 225 is closed. The locking mechanism includes a lock bar 267 extending along the rear lower corner of each tray, which bar is arranged to slide behind the rear end of each rack 234 when in the locked position. Are provided. When in the unlocked position, the protrusion can be moved and dropped into the void 269 left behind the pinion 235. The left end of the bar extends through the wall of the tray and is inserted into a lock 270 placed against the rear lower corner of the left side of the tray. This lock has an eccentric cam 271 that engages in a circular hole 272 provided in one end of a bar 267. A lever 273 that can be operated by a serviceman is provided at the front end of the lock. At the rear end of the lock is a tubular assembly that, when the cartridge is completely installed in the cabinet, can engage a key 275 that is permanently secured to the back plate 215 of the cabinet. Formed and arranged. The tubular assembly 274 prevents operation of the lever 273 when the key 275 is not engaged. In addition, this mechanism must be in the locked position to keep the key away from the tubular assembly. Thus, when the cartridge is outside the cabinet, all dispensing openings 225 are closed, and the lever 273 cannot be operated unless a key similar to the key installed inside the vending machine is used. You can see that. The dispensing opening can be opened by operating the drive motor 236 only after the cartridge is installed in the vending machine and the lock mechanism is released by operating the lever 273.
[0051]
The coin inserted into the coin slot 210 passes through a chute and enters a small hole provided at the rear of the cash receiving box 222. A sliding gate, controlled by a lock mechanism similar to the lock mechanism for securing the tray, closes this hole when the cartridge is released by operating a lever of the mechanism. Thus, if the cartridge is outside the magazine, it cannot reach the cash bin through this hole.
[0052]
A locked door 277 is provided to empty the cash receiving box at the service headquarters. FIGS. 31 and 32 show another embodiment 278 of the gate member and barrier drive mechanism. In this embodiment, the rack and pinion assembly is replaced by a threaded rod 279 driven by an in-line motor 280. This rod 279 engages with a square nut 281 fitted in the cavity in the gate member 233. The distal end 282 of the rod engages a hole in the trailing edge of the barrier 243. Turning the motor in one direction causes the rod to advance through the square nut, thereby pulling the gate member away from the dispensing opening and simultaneously pressing the rear surface of the barrier.
[0053]
In another embodiment of the dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 33, the merchandise is in a separate pack 284 and suspended on a threaded carousel 285 through a perforated tab 286. The holes in each tab are slidably engaged in the axial direction of the threaded rack 285 so that when the rack is rotated, it moves toward the dispensing opening. The rack is driven by the same motor that controls the gate member 233. Therefore, in synchronization with the movement of the gate member, the product can be transported accurately and dropped just above the dispensing opening.
[0054]
In the beverage can vending machine 287 shown in FIGS. 30 and 34, a series of can cartridges 288 slightly different from those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, are used side by side. Each cartridge has a plurality of rows that feed into one dispensing opening shown in FIG.
[0055]
Each cartridge is mounted on a pair of inclined support rails 289 and a front bar 290. A series of round keys for fixing the cartridge in the cabinet in cooperation with a lock mechanism 292 provided on the bottom of the cartridge are mounted on the front bar. A similar lock mechanism 293 is provided on the cash receiving box 294. Filling of the cartridge can be through a dispensing opening or through a removable panel on the top wall, side wall, or rear wall. The inclination of the rows of beverage trays or cartridges is preferably between 10 and 20 degrees with respect to the horizontal.
[0056]
For snack food packages and candy bar rows, this inclination is preferably between 20 and 30 degrees.
[0057]
A 60 cm (24 inch) wide, 75 cm (30 inch) high, 55 cm (22 inch) deep magazine can accommodate about 96 candy bars, 32 bags of chips, and 72 cans. .
[0058]
A 15 cm (6 inch) wide, 60 cm (24 inch) high, 55 cm (22 inch) deep cartridge can accommodate 32 cans, and the vending machine as a whole can accommodate 128 cans. it can.
[0059]
FIGS. 35-40 show another design for dispensing control that does not rely on gravity to move goods toward the gate. This design uses a pressing mechanism that synchronizes with the gate opening instead of gravity.
[0060]
In the dispensing mechanism 300, a foldable gate 301 is mounted across the dispensing opening 102 and is driven by a motor 303 mounted on a backboard via a spline-threaded rod assembly. The front end of the foldable gate 301 is fixed to a threaded spline 304, the other end of which engages a threaded sleeve 305. The opposite end of the sleeve is secured to the end of a threaded rod 306 driven by a motor 303. Thus, when the motor is activated, the foldable gate 301 is retracted, forming a barrier between the first product 307 and the next product 308 in the dispensing row, as shown in FIG. The products to be dispensed are lined and pressed against the front of the dispensing passage by a pressing plate 310, the driving plate resting on a longitudinal groove 312 provided in the floor 313 of the passage. 311. The drive mechanism includes a U-shaped bracket 314 that engages a threaded rod 306 at both ends. A square nut 315 and a coil spring 316 are fitted between both legs of the bracket, and both engage the threaded rod 306. The nut is driven by the leaf spring 317 to rotate the rod 306 while the rod rotates clockwise, but toward the distal end of the rod opposite the motor 303 when the motor rotates in the reverse direction. Proceed and close the dispensing gate 301. This movement of the square nut 315 exerts pressure on the distal end of the bracket 314 via the spring 316, causing the pressure plate 310 to move the product toward the dispensing opening as shown in FIG. The coil spring 316 pressed by the nut is provided to absorb a slight difference in the size of the product and prevent the product such as a potato chip from being broken by the action of the pressing plate 310. Therefore, this pressing operation occurs only after the first product is dispensed, and the next product must be placed on the foldable gate 301.
[0061]
It can be seen that by changing the position of the hinge of the folding gate and the barrier, goods of different thicknesses can be accommodated quickly. Also, a transparent insert may be provided on the back side of the front surface to narrow the width of the dispensing opening. Since the folding gate has a very light duty cycle and is not particularly stressed, it can be conveniently made of appropriately creased hinged nylon or other synthetic sheet material. The mounting of the splines and passages of the gate element to the floor can be easily achieved by a snap-fit projection and hole mechanism. Thus, the gate barrier can be easily replaced to adjust to a new height and size, and even when severely worn. Since the customer does not have access to the dispensing opening, there is no need to extend the folding gate over the entire width of the dispensing opening. It is sufficient to close one third towards the center. All moving parts of this system can be conveniently made of self-lubricating and rust-proof materials such as nylon.
[0062]
In another embodiment 401 of the vending machine shown in FIGS. 41-45, a user obtains driving force for the product dispensing mechanism by opening a pocket door 402 in front of each product holding station. .
[0063]
Each pocket door has an inwardly curved portion 403 that forms a trough for holding goods to be dispensed. The pocket door is supported by a lateral bearing 404 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of the curved portion 403. When the pocket door is opened by pulling the handle 405, the end of the curved portion rises between the product 406 in the pocket and the next product 407 in the row to be dispensed, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. At the same time, the barrier flap 408 receiving the action of the lever 409 connected to the curved portion 403 rotates downward. The barrier flap cooperates with the curved portion 403 of the pocket door to prevent the remaining products in the station from being touched.
[0064]
The pressing plate 410 behind the last product 411 in the station advances toward the pocket door each time the pocket door is closed. The pocket door is biased to a closed position by a pair of springs 412. The pressing plate has a projection 413 which projects downward through a groove 414 provided on the floor of the station and is fixed to a pair of continuous drive belts 415. This belt is driven by a ratchet gear mechanism connected to a toothed part 417 provided on the lower surface of the curved portion 403 of the pocket door.
[0065]
The pocket door is locked in the closed position by a bolt 418 controlled by a solenoid. This solenoid engages a second toothed section 419 provided on the bottom surface of the pocket door. When the solenoid is turned off, the bolt 418 is pressed toward the pocket door by the coil spring 420 and engages the second toothed portion 419 to prevent the door from opening.
[0066]
In order to absorb the difference in the thickness of the product, it is preferable that the drive belt 416 has some elasticity. Alternatively, some elastic sliding may be allowed between the belt and the protrusion 413 of the pressing plate. As taught for some of the embodiments of the device described above, if the station floor is inclined downward toward the pocket door, then the pressure plate and its drive may not be necessary. is there.
[0067]
A pivot pin 421 for the barrier flap and pocket door bearing 403 is fixed to the front frame of the station.
[0068]
The removable and replaceable magazine 423 includes stations and pocket doors for each station. The front part 424 of the magazine, which consists mainly of the pocket door and its mechanism, is removable along the line 425 from the rest of the magazine and can be supplied and refilled at the supply headquarters.
[0069]
The cash receiving section 426 is disposed between the floor 427 of the station at the bottom and the floor 428 of the magazine. The card reader 429 and the keypad 430 are provided on the side surface of the device enclosure.
[0070]
46 to 48 show still another embodiment of the dispensing gate mechanism 431. The mechanism is particularly adapted to dispense irregularly shaped goods, such as bags of chips. It can also be used to dispense beverage cans. The moving gate 432 is arcuate and forms a trough having a quarter bottom 433. The gate is supported on both sides by a pair of pins 434 mounted on a pair of brackets 435. The bottom of the bracket is fixed to a side edge of a plate 436 forming the bottom of the product holding passage. The plate slides longitudinally under the action of a rotating cam 437 driven by a motor 438. A pair of arms 439 projecting vertically from the top of the side wall of the arcuate gate 432 comes into contact with two stationary columns 440 and 441 placed on both sides of the arm. When arm 439 contacts one of the two columns, leverage causes the gate to swing about a bearing pin 434 about an axis perpendicular to the downward inclination of plate 436. As shown in FIG. 47, when the 436 caused by the action of the cam 437 is completely retracted, the gate 432 swings inward to open the dispensing opening 442. It can be seen that the width of the dispensing opening is equal to the sum of the quarter-string of the gate and the travel distance of the plate 436. Thus, if a gate with a radius of 2.5 cm (1 inch) is used and the plate travel distance is 1.25 cm (0.5 inch), the overall size of the dispensing opening will be about 5 cm (2 inches). The trailing edge 443 of the arched gate rises above the front edge of the floorboard 436 to form a barrier that prevents the next product in the row of products to be dispensed from moving toward the dispensing opening 442. You can see that. As the plate 436 slides forward, the arcuate gate assumes the closed position, shown in phantom in FIG. 47, with the trailing edge 443 of the gate abutting the front edge of the floorboard. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 46, the interface between the rear portion 443 of the gate and the front end of the plate 436 forms a series of intermeshing serrated gaps 444,445. This shape can prevent the bottom of the dispensed product from being caught between the gate and the plate.
[0071]
Another embodiment of a dispensing gate particularly suitable for dispensing beverage cans is shown in FIGS. In this case, the gate is constituted by a trap door 446 that falls away from the loading stopper 447 by its own weight when the slide plate 448 is pulled in only by 0.625 cm (0.24 inch). The trap door gate 446 is hinged to the end of the slide plate 448 by a pin 449, and the pin is located approximately 1.25 cm (1.5 inches) away from the rear end of the trap door gate 446. Are located. Accordingly, the rear end 450 of the gate forms a barrier to prevent the next dispensing can 451 from passing when the gate is down. When the slide plate 448 moves forward, the pair of horizontal pillars 452 firmly fixed to the side wall of the product holding passage contacts the upper surface of the rear part of the gate 450, and rotates the dispensing gate upward to close the dispensing opening. I do.
[0072]
Another convenient embodiment of the beverage can dispensing mechanism is shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, the cabinet 444 and the main magazine 455 are basically similar to those of the embodiment shown in FIG. The cabinet's front door 456 is hinged at the bottom 457 rather than at the top edge to provide the space required to place the auxiliary magazine 458 on the main magazine 455. In this embodiment, the main magazine has a capacity of 16 cans and includes a cash receiver 459 and a dispensing gate 460 driven by a cam and motor mechanism 461 of the type shown in FIGS. The main magazine is not supported by slides. First, the lower front corner is arranged on the tilting angled bar 462 with the front of the magazine being horizontal, and then the rear end of the moving plate 464 is The magazine is installed by tilting the magazine upward in the direction indicated by arrow 463 until it contacts the motor mechanism 461. The can rolls along three layers of slides, inclined about 5 degrees from horizontal. The magazine is filled through a slot opening 465 provided at the top. This opening is closed by a slide gate described below. The main magazine 455 may be completely refilled or supplied from a portable auxiliary magazine 458. The service technician therefore has the option of removing the main magazine and replacing it with a full one, or using a removable auxiliary magazine 484 to add as many cans as necessary to refill the main magazine. There is. The bottom shape of the auxiliary magazine 458 is a shape that closely fits the shape of the top of the main auxiliary magazine. Furthermore, the dispensing gate 466 provided at the bottom of the auxiliary magazine can only be opened when the two magazines are completely fitted. Both the filling opening 465 of the main magazine and the dispensing opening 466 of the auxiliary magazine are controlled by slide gates which are similar and are activated by mating mechanisms 467,468. Details of this mechanism are shown in FIGS. Each slide plate 469 has a pair of longitudinal grooves 470 and 471 near the front edge 472. The lock 473 mounted on the front surface of the corresponding magazine by the angled bracket 474 is engaged with the first groove 470. The angled bracket is not attached to the lock body, but is usually attached to a shaft on which the latch is placed. The enlarged area 475 provided at the front end of the first groove is shaped and dimensioned so as to engage with the rotating main body of the lock 476, and when the key is removed, the main body of the lock 476 is positioned as shown in FIG. It is oriented to be locked in. Therefore, the movement of the gate 479 is prevented. The second groove 478 is shaped and dimensioned to pass the key 477 of another magazine lock. This key is also mounted on the front of the magazine by the bracket 479. From this, it can be seen that in order to open the slide gate 479 of either magazine, both magazines must be fitted with a key 477 that properly engages with each lock. At this point, the slide gate 469 can be pulled out by rotating the body 476 of each lock in the direction indicated by the arrow 480, and the filling opening 465 and the dispensing opening 466 of each magazine can be opened. A handle 481 associated with each lock body is provided for easy rotation. The auxiliary magazine 458 can be refilled by opening the locked top lid 482 at the service headquarters.
[0073]
It turns out that the serviceman cannot touch the products in either of the two magazines.
[0074]
As with the first described embodiment of the invention, another embodiment of the device can accept payment by a so-called "smart card". A smart card is a kind of debit card equipped with a microchip capable of storing a file from which data can be read and written. Smart cards are typically those that can be purchased for a fixed fee plus a small service fee. This fixed fee corresponds to the amount recorded on the microchip. In an apparatus adapted to accept payment by such a card, an amount corresponding to the purchase amount can be deducted from the file of the microchip. This type of smart card and associated hardware and software technology is commercially available from Cardlogix, Inc. of Irvine, California. As shown in FIG. 54, a vending machine is equipped with a microprocessor 483, and a data bus 484 of the processor is connected to various peripheral devices such as a smart card reader / writer 485. The smart card reader / writer 485 can read and write a smart card 486 used by a customer and a smart card used by a service person to track machine performance and inventory status. The microprocessor bus is also connected to a keypad 487 for the customer to enter a selection of goods or for a service person to enter predetermined information or instructions. In addition, the bus also has access to a display 488 that combines alphabets and numbers used to convey visual messages to the customer, such as operating instructions for the device. When the customer selects an item, a command is sent to the motor control 489 that selects and activates the motor corresponding to the path containing the selected item. The processor can read the position of various status changeover switches 490 via the data bus to confirm that the device is operating properly. The optical sensor 491 provided at the dispensing opening entrance can indicate whether or not the selected product has dropped into the take-out pocket. Further, the microprocessor can release a predetermined latch for executing or stopping a predetermined operation of the apparatus according to a predetermined situation reflected by the status changeover switch 490. For example, if the magazine is correctly inserted into the device and the front door is not closed, the device will not dispense the goods. The operation application program of the microprocessor and the stock status information are stored in a semiconductor memory or a recording medium 493 equivalent thereto. The microprocessor can monitor all sales and record detailed inventory in memory. Prior to commencing service of the device, the serviceman inserts the smart card into the card reader, enters a code on the keypad, and transfers the inventory data from the semiconductor memory 483 to the serviceman's smart card using a microprocessor. To instruct. The smart card can also record program instructions that can be read and executed by the microprocessor. Such instructions include price changes, special promotional commands for scrolling displays, and the like. The smart card can be taken back to the service headquarters for processing, refile, and refilling, as can a removed or partially emptied magazine. The microprocessor 483 is also a program for recharging the user's smart card with an amount corresponding to the cash inserted into the cash slot and the cash receiver 7.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 55, a central processing unit 494 is installed in the service headquarters, and this device is also provided with a smart card reader / writer 495 and a printer 496. Using the information read from the serviceman's smart card, check that the contents of the returned cartridge match the number and type of products dispensed by the device, Create a complete inventory table that covers all the remaining products in all vending machines, and provide services the next day according to the number of products still in the previously checked device Or make a plan. Accordingly, the central processing unit 494 includes the returned cartridge software module 498, the inventory management module 499, and the route planning module 500. It should also be understood that the central document device can also accumulate statistical data about the entire operation.
[0076]
Advantageously, smart cards and readers can be connected to other recording devices via a communication interface, such as a palm processor using a "Bluetooth" interface, or a direct link via the Internet using techniques known to those skilled in the data processing arts. It is also possible to replace it.
[0077]
The block diagram in FIG. 56 shows magazine processing on both the user side and the processing headquarters.
[0078]
When the service person arrives at the user side, the sales person downloads the sales data accumulated by the processor of the vending machine (501). The download can be made to a smart card, hand-held recording device, or other convenient recording medium. This download step may be skipped if the device is in direct communication with the processing headquarters.
[0079]
Next, the serviceman locks the emptied or partially emptied magazine (502) and unlocks and opens the cabinet door (503). Some devices can perform these two steps simply by unlocking the door. When the magazine that has become empty, that is, the magazine that was previously loaded is removed (504), a new filled magazine is installed in the cabinet (505). Then, the cabinet door is closed (506), and the newly installed magazine is unlocked (507). Again, there are devices of the type in which the last two steps can be performed by locking the door.
[0080]
The empty magazine is returned to the processing headquarters (508). When the device is used, the microprocessor in the device accumulates sales data such as merchandise sold and the amount collected (509). In response to a command from a remote location or a program downloaded from a serviceman's smart card or wireless communication device, the price of the product in each station is entered, the display is activated or advanced (510), and a special discount is provided. A fee is set (511) and an advertisement is placed on the display unit.
[0081]
When the magazine arrives at the processing headquarters, a record of the magazine and its contents, including cash, is created and collated with the data stored on the serviceman's smart card (512). Next, the magazine is emptied and washed and disinfected (513). The magazine is refilled with commodities (514) and distributed to delivery routes (515). The filled magazine is conveyed to the user side (516), and the above steps are repeated.
[0082]
Having described preferred embodiments of the invention, modifications may be made and other embodiments created without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a snack food vending machine.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view along the center of the vending machine of FIG.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the magazine.
FIG. 5
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the beverage vending machine.
FIG. 6
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the beverage can magazine.
FIG. 7
FIG. 7 is a side view of the gate mechanism.
FIG. 8
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electronic control system.
FIG. 9
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vending machine.
FIG. 10
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multi-unit device having a scroll type display.
FIG. 11
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view showing a first modified embodiment of the vending machine of the present invention.
FIG.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG.
FIG. 13
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing path including a commodity concentration insert.
FIG. 14
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the can dispensing mechanism.
FIG.
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the gate plate.
FIG.
FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG.
FIG.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG.
FIG.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG.
FIG.
FIG. 19 is a detailed sectional view of the barrier mechanism.
FIG.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another aspect of the distribution path.
FIG. 21
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second modified embodiment of the snack food vending machine.
FIG.
FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of the vending machine of FIG.
FIG. 23
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the magazine.
FIG. 24
FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the lock mechanism.
FIG. 25
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the magazine.
FIG. 26
FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge lock mechanism.
FIG. 27
FIG. 27 is a side view of the lock pin.
FIG. 28
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the drive motor coupling mechanism.
FIG. 29
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the cartridge tray.
FIG. 30
FIG. 30 is a sectional view of another beverage can dispensing cartridge.
FIG. 31
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of another gate plate and a barrier drive mechanism.
FIG. 32
FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the gate plate and barrier driving mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 33
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another package supply mechanism.
FIG. 34
FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the beverage can vending machine with the cabinet removed.
FIG. 35
FIG. 35 is a side view of another product distribution mechanism.
FIG. 36
FIG. 36 is a side view of the mechanism during a gate opening step.
FIG. 37
FIG. 37 is a side view of the mechanism during a gate closing step.
FIG. 38
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the pushing drive mechanism.
FIG. 39
FIG. 39 is a top plan view of another dispensing mechanism.
FIG. 40
FIG. 40 is a detailed view of the gate actuator.
FIG. 41
FIG. 41 is a side view of another embodiment of the dispensing mechanism.
FIG. 42
FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 43
FIG. 43 is a bottom plan view of the mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 44
FIG. 44 is a front elevation view of the entire vending machine.
FIG. 45
FIG. 45 is a schematic side view of the magazine and the enclosure.
FIG. 46
FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the bow-shaped dispensing gate mechanism.
FIG. 47
FIG. 47 is a side view of the mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 48
FIG. 48 is a top plan view of the operation cam.
FIG. 49
FIG. 49 is a top plan view of yet another dispensing gate mechanism.
FIG. 50
FIG. 50 is a side view of the mechanism of FIG.
FIG. 51
FIG. 51 is a side view of the beverage can dispensing mechanism and the auxiliary magazine.
FIG. 52
FIG. 52 is a front view of the magazine mutual lock mechanism.
FIG. 53
FIG. 53 is a top plan view of the magazine gate.
FIG. 54
FIG. 54 is a block diagram of vending machine electronic control.
FIG. 55
FIG. 55 is a block diagram of the data processing system of the central processing facility.
FIG. 56
FIG. 56 is a block diagram of the magazine processing.

Claims (30)

A method for selling various goods from a supply headquarters to employees and customers of multiple organizations at multiple locations, the method comprising:
Installing, at each of the locations, at least one vending machine configured to dispense the set of goods from a removable magazine upon receipt of payment;
At the supply headquarter, a step of filling a plurality of the magazines with various sets of the products,
Setting a route connecting a predetermined number of locations among the locations;
Transporting the filled magazine to the location along the path and replacing one of the magazines previously placed in each vending machine at each location with one of the magazines mounted thereon; ,
Automatically compiling a merchandise sales transaction record recorded on a readable medium into the device;
Returning the previously mounted magazine to the supply center;
Servicing the returned magazine.
For each vending machine, placing one of the magazines,
Opening the vending machine;
Removing the magazine placed earlier,
A step of inserting the filled magazine in place of the previously mounted magazine,
Locking the vending machine substantially, and does not handle or account for cash or individual products at the location, and supplies various products from a supply headquarters to employees and customers of a plurality of organizations at a number of locations. Way to sell. Compiling a magazine transport and device command table for the location;
Recording the table on a portable medium in a device-readable format, wherein the table includes data allocated to at least one device at each of the locations;
At each location, interfacing the portable medium and one of the devices with an interface;
Downloading the merchandise sales transaction record from the readable medium of the device to the portable medium;
Reading data from a table allocated to the device from the portable medium. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a plurality of debit cards that can be used for payment at the vending machine to each of the parties in exchange for costs for distribution to the employees and customers. Method. The step of installing,
Receiving cash as payment for the goods and using a vending machine configured to securely store the cash in a removable magazine mounted in the vending machine;
The method of claim 1, wherein the maintaining comprises removing the stored cash from the magazine when the magazine returns to the supply headquarters. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of maintaining comprises disinfecting the magazine before refilling the article. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein compiling the transport and equipment command table includes pricing each type of product. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said installing comprises installing at least one snack food vending machine and at least one beverage vending machine at said plurality of locations. A step of displaying a discount price for at least one combination of a snack food product and a beverage product in one of the vending machines,
Recording instructions in the table to program the device to dispense the combination upon receipt of the discount price. Compiling the merchandise sales transaction record,
Recording the payment method for each transaction;
Downloading the compiled record periodically. Compiling the record into the magazine,
The method of claim 9, wherein the step of maintaining comprises downloading the record. An outer body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls, and an open front;
A plastic inner liner nested within the body and connected to the body along a front peripheral edge, the liner defining a filling compartment;
An insulating material sandwiched between the body and the liner,
A door including a front panel, a front panel, and a peripheral flange that engages with the body and the liner near the front peripheral edge;
At least one product magazine removably held in the filling compartment;
Means for selectively releasing various products stored therein provided in the magazine;
A driving means provided in the filling compartment and engageable with the means for discharging;
Control means for operating the driving means in response to a signal input by a user;
Means for generating the signal. The magazine includes at least one shelf shaped and sized to hold a plurality of products of substantially similar dimensions, the shelf having an opening spaced from the front panel;
12. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the means for discharging comprises a drive shaft engageable from the rear of the magazine opposite the opening. The drive means includes at least one electromechanical device mounted against the liner, wherein the electromechanical device is arranged to engage the drive shaft when a magazine is placed in the filling compartment. The vending machine according to claim 12, wherein the vending machine is used. 14. The vending machine according to claim 13, wherein the electromechanical device comprises a motor. 15. The vending machine according to claim 14, wherein the means for discharging comprises a helical rack connected to the shaft. 15. The vending machine according to claim 14, wherein the means for discharging comprises a gate connected to the shaft and is shaped, dimensioned and arranged to selectively close the opening. 17. The vending machine according to claim 16, wherein the shelves comprise a sloping product support floor arranged to move products contained therein toward the gate. The gate is
A first barrier radially connected to the axis;
A second barrier, opposite the first barrier, spaced axially distally and radially connected to the axis;
Rotating the shaft 180 degrees lowers the first barrier to eject the first of the products from the shelf, and the next product immediately behind the first product is the second barrier. 18. The vending machine according to claim 17, wherein the vending machine is held in a shelf. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the control means includes an electronic data input module mounted on the front panel. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the control means includes an electronic data receiving module. A mechanism for separately dispensing goods from the compartment,
The compartment includes a dispensing gate and a downwardly sloping floor with a front end proximate to the gate, such that the compartment holds one row of the goods that are stacked. Shape and dimensions,
The dispensing gate includes a door that takes a closed position and an open position,
The door is shaped and dimensioned to hold only one of the items when in the closed position;
The mechanism is
A barrier that can be inserted between the only product and the next product in the row when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position;
Means for moving the door from one of the two positions to the other, the mechanism for separately dispensing goods from the compartment. 22. The door of claim 21, wherein the door is substantially flat in shape, the closed position is substantially coplanar with the sloping floor, and the open position is substantially angled with the sloping floor. A mechanism according to claim 1. The door is arcuate about an axis perpendicular to the inclination of the floor;
The gate is pivoted between the closed position, where the rear end of the door is close to the front end of the floor, and the open position, where the rear end rises above the front end to form the barrier. 22. The mechanism of claim 21, further comprising means for rotating about a center. Further comprising a rotatable shaft, wherein the door comprises a first plate projecting radially from one side of the shaft, perpendicular to the shaft,
The barrier comprises a second plate, opposite the first plate, axially spaced apart, perpendicular to the shaft and radially projecting from the shaft;
When the shaft is rotated 180 degrees, the first plate lowers to dispense the first of the products, and the next product immediately behind the first is held by the second plate. 22. The mechanism of claim 21, wherein the mechanism is: 22. The mechanism of claim 21, wherein the floor includes a plurality of angled segments arranged and oriented in a serpentine pattern. An encryption card reader / writer,
Means for reading and writing data on an encryption card by the card reader / writer;
Means for receiving payment by the card reader / writer;
Means for monitoring and keeping track of sales transactions;
Means for receiving a program instruction via the card reader / writer;
Means for outputting the record via the card reader / writer. 22. The mechanism of claim 21, wherein the floor includes a plurality of angled segments arranged and oriented in a serpentine pattern. 22. The vending machine according to claim 21, wherein the card reader / writer is formed to interface with a memory chip-mounted card. A vending machine for dispensing a plurality of goods enclosed in a substantially symmetric container having a cylindrical wall, the vending machine comprising:
A product holding tank,
A dispensing station,
A dispensing gate between the product holding tank and the dispensing station,
The tank comprises a passage having a floor that slopes down toward the dispensing gate, the passage being shaped and dimensioned to hold a series of the containers arranged vertically below a cylindrical wall. ,
Thereby, the container can be rolled freely on the inclined floor toward the dispensing gate, in line, without applying any force other than gravity.
The tank has a filling opening at the top,
The vending machine further comprises:
A lockable filling gate sealing the filling opening;
A portable refillable magazine of a shape and size for holding the plurality of cylindrical containers and interlocking with the tank,
The magazine has a discharge opening in a lower portion,
A lockable release gate sealing the discharge opening;
The discharge opening is shaped, dimensioned and arranged such that when the magazine is interlocked within the tank, it is aligned with the filling opening;
The vending machine further comprises:
A first lock mechanism associated with the fill gate and a second lock mechanism associated with the discharge gate, the first and second mechanisms having interlocking interfaces;
Means for interlocking the filling gate and the discharge gate when the tank and the locking mechanism interface are firmly interlocked,
A vending machine whereby a tank can be refilled from the magazine without an operator touching or handling the container. 25. The vending machine according to claim 24, further comprising a scrollable display and a plurality of messages on the display promoting products dispensed by the vending machine.

Images