JP2005222391A - Commodity storage device of vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity storage device of a vending machine that ensures that a line of commodities A meanders, without adjusting the interval between column rails 27a, 27b on both sides. <P>SOLUTION: A dedicated meandering guide 39 is used independently of column rails 31 that form a merchandise passage 26. Each meandering direction changer 38 that protrudes most into the commodity passage 26 between the ends of the upper and lower column rails 31 is provided with the meandering guide 39 in such a way that the guide can oscillate vertically. The meandering guide 39 is sized to protrude into the commodity massage 26 just enough so that it can make contact with only one commodity A near each meandering direction changer 38. At each meandering-direction changing position 38 on the commodity passage 26 where the meandering direction of the commodities A changes, the meandering guide 39 pushes the commodities A one by one toward the opposite column rail 31 to cause the line of commodities A to meander. This ensures that the line of commodities A meanders without adjustment of the interval between the column rails 27a, 27b on both sides. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a product storage device of a vending machine that stores a product in a meandering product passage.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a product storage device of a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages and plastic bottled beverages, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), a product passage 1 for storing the product A is formed. The column 2 is formed with an inlet 3 through which the product A is introduced. The lower part of the column 2 supports the product A in the column 2 and stores the lowest product 1 at the time of sale. A product discharge mechanism 4 for discharging each one is provided.

  The column 2 has column rail bodies 6a and 6b on both sides in which a plurality of column rails 5 formed in a concave curved surface facing the product passage 1 are arranged on both sides of the product passage 1 so as to be shifted by approximately a half pitch in the vertical direction. A meandering product passage 1 for storing the product A is formed between the column rail bodies 6a and 6b on both sides. The upper part of each column rail 5 is pivotally supported, and is biased by a spring so that the lower side of each column rail 5 protrudes inward of the product passage 1. In addition, about the column 2 of the right side of Fig.11 (a) (b), the state which each column rail 5 moved to the position which comprises the product path | route 1 which meandered is shown.

  At the time of product introduction, the product A introduced into the product passage 1 of the column 2 from the introduction port 3 comes into contact with each column rail 5 protruding into the product passage 1, and each column rail 5 is placed outside the product passage 1. By dropping the product so as to meander while pushing, the drop impact of the product A is reduced, and the dropping posture of the product A is controlled to prevent the product from standing. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), in the product storage state, the product path 1 meandered by the column rail 5 pushed outward by the product A by the product A is formed, and the product added to the product discharge mechanism 4. The load is reduced. Further, when one product A is discharged by the product discharge mechanism 4 and each product A in the column 2 moves downward by one, the alignment posture of each product A is meandered by each column rail 5, and the product is discharged. The impact load applied to the mechanism 4 is reduced.

  By the way, in the configuration in which each column rail 5 itself protrudes into the product passage 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), a plurality of products A, that is, the product A of No6 and the product A of No7 come into contact with one column rail 5a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), when one product A is discharged by the product discharge mechanism 4, the column rail 5a is pressed by the upper No. 7 product A. The lower No. 6 product A is not pushed to the opposite side, and the product A is easy to line vertically without meandering. In particular, the meandering direction switching position at which the meandering direction immediately before the product discharge mechanism 4 is switched, that is, the lower part of the column rail 5a. There is a problem that the impact load on the product discharge mechanism 4 cannot be sufficiently reduced because the products A are arranged vertically without meandering on the side.

  In order to surely meander the alignment state of the product A, there is a method of adjusting the interval between the column rails 5 on both sides according to the diameter of the product A. That is, when the diameter of the product A is large as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the interval between the column rails 5 is widened, and when the diameter of the product A is small as shown in FIG. 13 (b). By narrowing the interval between the column rails 5, it is possible to surely meander the alignment state of the products A. FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b) show a state in which each column rail 5 has moved to a position constituting a meandering product passage 1. FIG.

  As another example of a conventional product storage device, a column rail portion is divided and provided on a part of the lower side of each column rail, and the column rail portion is protruded toward the inside of the product passage. Some of them are energized by (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this case, each column rail part moves to a position that constitutes a part of the concave curved surface of the column rail by contact with the product, and more than the meandering direction switching position where the meandering direction switches between the upper and lower column rails. Since there is a fulcrum on the upper side, the position of the product is not restricted at the meandering direction switching position that has passed through the position of the column rail part, especially for products with a small diameter relative to the interval between the column rails, and the product alignment state is ensured Cannot meander. Therefore, as described above, in order to surely meander the product alignment state, it is necessary to adjust the interval between the column rails on both sides according to the product diameter.
Utility Model Registration No. 2562799 (page 2-3, FIG. 1)

  As described above, in the conventional product storage device, the column rail 5 itself including the entire column rail 5 or a part of the column rail portion protrudes into the product passage 1, and between the upper and lower column rails 5. Since the product A in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position where the meandering direction is switched cannot be reliably pushed to the opposite side, the products A can be easily arranged vertically without meandering, and the meandering direction switching immediately before the product discharge mechanism 4 is particularly easy. There is a problem that the impact load on the product discharge mechanism 4 cannot be sufficiently reduced because the products A are arranged vertically without meandering at the position.

  Therefore, in order to surely meander the alignment state of the product A, it is necessary to adjust the distance between the column rails 5 on both sides in accordance with the diameter of the product A, but to adjust the distance between the column rails 5 on both sides. Adjustment mechanism is required, and laborious adjustment work is required, and depending on poor adjustment, it is difficult to reduce the load of the product or cause problems.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a product storage device for a vending machine that can surely meander the product alignment state without adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides. Objective.

  The product storage device of the vending machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of column rails formed in a concave curved surface facing the product passage are arranged by being shifted by about a half pitch vertically on both sides of the product passage. A column in which a meandering product passage is formed between the column rails and a vertical direction at each meandering direction switching position that protrudes most into the product passage between at least the ends of the upper and lower column rails of the column. A plurality of meandering guides formed so as to be able to come into contact with only one product in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position, and each of these meandering guides being connected to the product passage. Meandering guide urging means for urging upwardly projecting inward.

  In this configuration, a dedicated meandering guide is used separately from the column rail forming the product passage, and the meandering guide is switched between the meandering directions between the ends of the upper and lower column rails and protruding most into the product passage. Since the protrusion of the meandering guide into the product passage is formed in such a way that it can contact only one product near each meandering direction switching position. In the vicinity of each meandering direction switching position where the meandering direction of the product is switched, each meandering guide is surely pushed one by one toward the opposite column rail, and the product alignment state is surely meandered. It is possible to reduce the load applied to the product discharge mechanism for supporting the product at the lower part and discharging it one by one at the time of sale. Therefore, even with products of different sizes, the alignment state of the products surely meanders without adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides, and a mechanism and adjustment work for adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides are unnecessary.

  The product storage device of the vending machine according to claim 2 is the product storage device of the vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the product storage device in the passage width direction intersects the passage width direction in which the column rails on both sides are arranged in the product passage. Side plates are provided on both sides, and a movable plate for storing products is provided between the side plates so as to be movable within a predetermined movement range in the lateral direction of the passage, and the meander guide moves the movable plate. Provided closer to one side plate than the range, the column rail is integrally formed in the lateral direction of the passage and is disposed in a fixed state with respect to the product passage.

  In this configuration, the column rail can be arranged in a fixed state with respect to the product passage by using a meandering guide, so the column rail is divided into a movable portion outside the moving range of the movable plate and a fixed portion within the moving range. Therefore, the column rail can be integrally formed, and the number of parts can be reduced and the column rail can be prevented from being caught when the movable plate is moved.

  The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 3 is the product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 2, wherein upper and lower shafts to which upper and lower column rails are attached are installed between side plates on both sides, and a meandering guide is provided. Is attached to the lower shaft, and a hook that is hooked and locked to the lower shaft is provided at the lower portion of the column rail.

  And in this structure, since the hook was provided in the lower part of the column rail, this hook can be easily hooked and locked to the lower shaft to which the meandering guide is attached, and the column rail can be easily attached.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vending machine product storage device in which a plurality of column rails formed in a concave curved surface facing the product passage are arranged on both sides of the product passage so as to be shifted by about a half pitch in the vertical direction. A meandering product passage for storing products is formed between the column rails, and at least the upper column rails of the plurality of column rails can swing with the upper end as a fulcrum. A column urged in a protruding direction, a product discharge mechanism provided at the lower part of the column for supporting the product in the column and discharging one by one from the lowest product at the time of sale, and a plurality of column rails of the column Between the ends of the upper and lower column rails located in the lower region and at least the meandering direction switching position immediately before the product discharge mechanism that protrudes most into the product passage A meandering guide which is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, and whose projecting dimension into the product passage is such that it can contact only one product near the meandering direction switching position, and this meandering guide in the product passage. Meandering guide urging means for urging upward and projecting toward the top.

  In this configuration, at least each of the column rails on the upper side among the plurality of column rails is oscillated with the upper end as a fulcrum and is urged in a direction protruding into the product passage, so that the product passage falls when the product is introduced. Control the direction of the product to prevent the product from standing. In addition, a dedicated meandering guide is used separately from the column rail forming the product passage, and this meandering guide is placed between the end portions of the upper and lower column rails located in the lower region of the plurality of column rails and in the product passage. It is provided at least in the meandering direction switching position immediately before the product discharge mechanism so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, and the projecting dimension of the meandering guide into the product passage is limited to only one product near the meandering direction switching position. Because it is dimensioned so that it can be contacted, in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position just before the product discharge mechanism, the products are pushed one by one toward the column rail on the opposite side by the meandering guide to ensure the product alignment state Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the product discharge mechanism even if the meandering guide is provided only at one place. Therefore, even with products of different sizes, the alignment state of the products surely meanders without adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides, and a mechanism and adjustment work for adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides are unnecessary.

  The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 5 is the product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the meandering guide is directed toward the most recessed position of the column rail on the opposite side. It is provided so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction with the position protruding substantially horizontally inside as the upper limit position.

  In this configuration, the meandering guide is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction with the position protruding substantially horizontally in the product passage toward the most recessed position of the column rail on the opposite side as the upper limit position. In the vicinity of each meandering direction switching position where the meandering direction of the product is switched, the meandering guide reliably pushes the product toward the opposite column rail and restricts the product from returning to the meandering guide side to ensure the product alignment state It becomes possible.

  According to the commodity storage device of the vending machine according to claim 1, a dedicated meandering guide is used separately from the column rail forming the commodity passage, and the meandering guide is placed between the ends of the upper and lower column rails. Provided to be able to swing in the vertical direction at each meandering direction switching position that protrudes most in the passage, and the protruding size of the meandering guide into the product passage can contact only one product near each meandering direction switching position In the vicinity of each meandering direction switching position at which the meandering direction of the merchandise in the merchandise path changes, the merchandise guide securely pushes the merchandise one by one toward the opposite column rail. The alignment state can be surely meandered, and the load applied to the product discharge mechanism for supporting the products at the bottom of the column and discharging them one by one at the time of sale can be reduced. Therefore, even for products of different sizes, the alignment state of the products can be surely meandered without adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides, eliminating the need for mechanisms and adjustment work to adjust the spacing between the column rails on both sides. Can be.

  According to the product storage device of the vending machine according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the product storage device of the vending machine according to claim 1, the column rail is fixed to the product passage by using the meandering guide. Since the column rail can be arranged in a state, the column rail can be integrally formed without dividing the column rail into a movable part outside the movable range of the movable plate and a fixed part within the movable range, reducing the number of parts and moving the movable plate It is possible to prevent catching on the column rail at the time.

  According to the merchandise storage device of the vending machine according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the merchandise storage device of the vending machine according to claim 2, the hook is provided at the lower part of the column rail. It can be easily hooked and locked to the attached lower shaft, and the column rail can be easily attached.

  According to the commodity storage device of the vending machine according to claim 4, a dedicated meandering guide is used separately from the column rail forming the merchandise passage, and the meandering guide is arranged in the upper and lower positions located in the lower region of the plurality of column rails. Between the ends of the column rails and at least at the meandering direction switching position immediately before the product discharge mechanism which protrudes most into the product passage, and is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, and the projecting dimension of the meander guide into the product passage Is formed in such a size that only one product in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position can be contacted. It can be surely pushed toward the rail to meander the product, and the load on the product discharge mechanism can be reduced just by providing a meander guide in one place. . Therefore, even for products of different sizes, the alignment state of the products can be surely meandered without adjusting the spacing between the column rails on both sides, eliminating the need for mechanisms and adjustment work to adjust the spacing between the column rails on both sides. Can be.

  According to the product storage device of the vending machine according to claim 5, in addition to the effect of the product storage device of the vending machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, the meandering guide is recessed most in the column rail on the opposite side. Since the position that protrudes substantially horizontally into the product passage toward the position is provided as an upper limit position so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, the meander guide is provided in the vicinity of each meandering direction switching position where the product meandering direction of the product passage is switched. It is possible to reliably push the product toward the column rail on the opposite side and to restrict the product from returning to the meandering guide side, so that the alignment state of the products can be surely meandered.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 8 show a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, a vending machine 11 that sells products such as canned drinks and pet bolt drinks has a front face opened as a machine body 12. It has a machine body 13 and a door body 14 that can be opened and closed on the front surface of the vending machine body 13, and is further disposed between the vending machine body 13 and the door body 14 to insulate the front surface of the vending machine body 13 Each has an inner door 15 and a loading door 16 in which a heat insulating material is incorporated.

  A product sample display section, an operation section, and the like are disposed on the upper side of the door body 14, and an outlet 17 for taking out products is disposed on the lower side of the door body 14.

  The vending machine main body 13 has a box shape with an opening on the front surface, and a heat insulating material is incorporated in each wall surface, and a plurality of storage cabinets 19 are partitioned by a plurality of partition heat insulating panels 18 inside. A plurality of columns 20 of product storage devices for storing a plurality of products are arranged in the front-rear direction in 19 and a plurality of rows are also arranged in the left-right storage 19 in the left-right direction of the vending machine body 13. . In the upper part of each column 20, there is formed an inlet 21 for each column 20 into which each product 20 is introduced. The lower part of each column 20 supports the product in the column 20 and discharges the product one by one downward. A product discharge mechanism 22 is provided. A chute 23 for guiding the product discharged from each column 20 to the front outlet 17 is disposed at the bottom of each storage box 19. The inner door 15 is formed with an insertion port (not shown) through which products guided by the chute 23 are sent to the outlet 17 of the door body 14.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each column 20 has a product passage 26 for storing the product A, and both sides of the product passage 26 corresponding to the front-rear direction of the vending machine 11 in the passage width direction Y. Column rail bodies 27a and 27b are configured by side plates 28a and 28b on both sides of the channel width direction X of the product channel 26 corresponding to the left and right direction of the vending machine 11 intersecting the channel width direction Y. The side plates 28a and 28b are common to the two columns 20 in the front and rear. The column 20 has a cylindrical product A such as a canned beverage, for example, with its peripheral surface facing the column rail bodies 27a and 27b on both sides and its upper and lower end surfaces facing the side plates 28a and 28b on both sides. Stored in a state.

  Between the side plates 28a and 28b on both sides, a movable plate 29 for storing the product A is provided between the side plates 28a and 28b so as to be movable within a predetermined movement range L in the lateral direction X of the passage. The position of 29 is adjusted and set according to the length of the product A.

  The column rail bodies 27a and 27b on both sides have a plurality of column rails 31 formed on the concave curved surface 30 so as to face the product passage 26, and these column rails 31 are substantially half pitch in the vertical direction on both sides of the product passage 26 ( (Including a half pitch), the product passages 26 are formed in a meandering manner and are continuously fixed.

  The side plates 28a and 28b on both sides are fixedly arranged on the vending machine body 13, and the upper and lower shafts 32 and 33 for attaching the upper and lower portions of the column rails 31 corresponding to the positions of the column rails 31 between the side plates 28a and 28b on both sides. Are erected.

  Each column rail 31 is integrally formed in the passage lateral width direction X corresponding to the entire width between the side plates 28a, 28b on both sides, and a curl-shaped insertion portion 34 through which the upper shaft 32 is inserted is formed at the upper portion. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of hooks 35 having a substantially U-shaped cross section that are hooked and locked to the lower shaft 33 are formed in the lower part.

  Further, each meandering direction switching position 38, which is between each end portion of the upper and lower column rails 31, and is each top position that protrudes most into the product passage 26 in opposition to the most recessed position of the opposite column rail 31. In this configuration, meandering guides 39 each having a substantially flat plate shape projecting into the product passage 26 are arranged so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. Each meandering guide 39 is rotatable to a lower shaft 33 to which the lower part of each column rail 31 is attached in a region closer to one side plate 28a than the moving range L of the movable plate 29, that is, a region not interfering with the movable plate 29. It is attached. Each meandering guide 39 is formed with a plurality of curled mounting portions 40 through which the lower shaft 33 is rotatably inserted, and each mounting portion 40 is connected to the hook 35 of the column rail 31 with the shaft 33 axis. A notch portion 41 is formed between the mounting portions 40 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the lower shaft 33 of the hook 35 and to avoid interference with the hook 35.

  Each meandering guide 39 is swingable in the vertical direction with the position protruding substantially horizontally in the product passage 26 by contact with the upper column rail 31 as an upper limit position, and meandering mounted on the lower shaft 33 It is urged upward by a spring 42 as a guide urging means.

  The projecting dimension of each meandering guide 39 into the product passage 26 is formed so as to allow contact with only one product A in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position 38, that is, smaller than the diameter or width dimension of the product A. The tip of each meandering guide 39 is formed to have a dimension that substantially coincides with the center line of the product passage 26, that is, on the middle position between the column rails 31 on both sides.

  A lower shaft 33 and a meandering guide 39 are also arranged on the upper end side of the column rail 31 facing the most concave position of the column rail 31 on the opposite side of the column rail 31 located on the uppermost part.

  In addition, a lower guide 45 and an upper guide 46 for taking the product A into the product passage 26 are disposed at the insertion port 21, and the lower guide 45 is arranged in the passage width direction Y according to the size of the product A. The position of can be adjusted.

  The product discharge mechanism 22 has a main body 49 arranged between two columns 20 on one side of the product passage 26, and a lower latch 50 for locking the lowest product A from the main body 49, and An upper latch 51 that locks the second lowest product A is provided so as to be able to advance and retract. During standby, the lower latch 50 protrudes into the product passage 26 to lock the lowest product A and the upper latch 51 When the product is sold, the upper latch 51 protrudes into the product passage 26 to lock the second product A and the lower latch 50 is in the product passage. Rotate downward 26 to discharge the lowest product A. On the upper side of the upper latch 51, a detection lever 52 for detecting the sale of the product A is arranged.

  On the other side of the product passage 26 facing the main body 49 of the product discharge mechanism 22, a discharge guide 53 is provided that can adjust the position in the passage width direction Y according to the size of the product A or the like. In addition, a width-adjusting member 54 is provided on the upper side of the product discharge mechanism 22 above the discharge guide 53 so as to bring the product A to the main body 49. The width adjusting member 54 is pivotally supported by a shaft 55 installed between the side plates 28a and 28b on both sides, and is urged in a direction protruding into the product passage 26 by a width adjusting member urging means (not shown). Has been.

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

  When the product A is introduced into the column 20, as shown in FIG. 5, the product A is dropped along the concave curved surface 30 of the column rail 31 by introducing the product A through the insertion port 21, as shown in FIG. 31 abuts on the meandering guide 39 at the bottom of the concave curved surface 30 and guides the product A to the column rail 31 on the opposite side while the meandering guide 39 rotates obliquely downward against the spring bias. In addition, the product A falls along the concave curved surface 30 of the column rail 31 on the opposite side and comes into contact with the meandering guide 39 below the concave curved surface 30 of the column rail 31, and the meandering guide 39 resists spring bias. Then, the product A is meandering while being swung downward and guided to the column rail 31 on the opposite side, so that the product A falls while meandering and is locked on the lower latch 50 of the product discharge mechanism 22. The Therefore, the falling speed of the product A can be surely decelerated, the drop impact of the product A applied to the product discharge mechanism 22 can be surely mitigated, and the falling posture of the product A does not become slanted or stand up in a horizontal orientation. Can be reliably controlled.

  FIG. 1 (a) shows a product in the middle when a plurality of products A are sequentially introduced, and the product A that has dropped along the concave curved surface 30 of the column rail 31 meanders below the concave curved surface 30 of the column rail 31. By abutting against the guide 39, the meandering guide 39 guides the product A toward the column rail 31 on the opposite side while rotating obliquely downward against the spring bias. Even if the product A guided by the meander guide 39 abuts on the stored product A, the product A is pushed to the column rail 31 on the opposite side by the spring bias of the meander guide 39 so that the meander guide 39 is substantially horizontal. It stops at the position where it is in a state, and the product A is prevented from bouncing back and hitting the column rail 31 on the opposite side. Therefore, as shown in the product storage state of FIG. 1B, the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered, and the product load applied to the product discharge mechanism 22 can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, if there is no meandering guide 39, for example, in a product A such as a bottle with a tapered tip, the product A and the column in which the tip of the product A is stored It enters the gap with the rail 31 and the product stands up easily. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), each meandering direction switching position 38 that protrudes into the product passage 26 between the ends of the upper and lower column rails 31 and faces the substantially center of the opposite column rail 31 is provided. By having each meandering guide 39, it is possible to restrict the front end of the product A from entering the gap between the stored product A and the column rail 31, and to prevent the product from standing.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, when the product is sold, the product discharge mechanism 22 discharges the lowest product 1 so that the products A in the column 20 sequentially move downward. At this time, since the projecting dimension of the meandering guide 39 is formed so as to be able to contact only one product A in the vicinity of each meandering direction switching position 38, each meandering guide 39 makes contact with each meandering guide 39. Since one product A can be reliably pushed toward the column rail 31 on the opposite side, the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered. For example, the No. 7 product A that is in contact with one meander guide 39 is surely pushed to the position of the No. 6 product A by the meander guide 39 when the No. 1 product A is discharged, and the product A is surely meandered. Can do.

  In this way, a dedicated meandering guide 39 is used separately from the column rail 31 that forms the product passage 26, and this meandering guide 39 is placed between the end portions of the upper and lower column rails 31 and on the opposite side of the column rail 31. Each meandering direction switching position 38 that protrudes most into the product passage 26 facing the most recessed position is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, and the projecting dimension of the meander guide 39 into the product passage 26 is set in each meandering direction. Since the size is such that only one product A in the vicinity of the switching position 38 can be contacted, each meander guide 39 at each meandering direction switching position 38 where the meandering direction of the product A in the product passage 26 is switched. Can be pushed one by one toward the column rail 31 on the opposite side, and the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered.

  Therefore, the load applied to the product discharge mechanism 22 that supports the product A in the lower part of the column 20 and discharges one by one at the time of sale can be reduced, and the interval between the column rails 31 on both sides can be adjusted for the product A of different sizes. Without being necessary, the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered, the mechanism for adjusting the interval between the column rails 31 on both sides and the adjustment work can be eliminated, and the occurrence of problems due to poor adjustment can be prevented.

  Further, since the meandering guide 39 is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction with the position protruding substantially horizontally in the product passage 26 toward the most recessed position of the column rail 31 on the opposite side as the upper limit position, the product in the product passage 26 is provided. At each meandering direction switching position 38 where the meandering direction of A is switched, it is possible to reliably push the product A toward the column rail 31 on the opposite side with the meandering guide 39 and to return to the meandering guide 39 side. The alignment state can be surely meandered.

  In addition, when the column rail itself is projected into the product passage 26 as in the prior art, a movable part and a fixed part that prevents the movable plate 29 from interfering with each other in the moving range of the movable plate 29 are formed separately. Therefore, the number of parts increases, and the movable plate 29 may be caught between the movable part and the fixed part. By using a dedicated meander guide 39 separately from the column rail 31, the column rail 31 Since the column rail 31 can be formed integrally with the product passage 26, the number of parts can be reduced, and the movable plate 29 can be prevented from being caught by the column rail 31 during movement.

  Since the hook 35 is provided at the lower part of the column rail 31, the hook 35 can be easily hooked and locked to the lower shaft 33 to which the meandering guide 39 is attached, and the column rail 31 can be easily attached.

  Next, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show a second embodiment, and at least the upper column rail 31 among the plurality of column rails 31 constituting each column 20 is a product passage 26 with the upper shaft 32 as a fulcrum. And is urged in a direction protruding into the product passage 26 by a spring 61 as a column rail urging means attached to the upper shaft 32 and positioned in the lower region. Two column rails 31 adjacent to each other at least vertically are fixedly arranged. Here, a movable column rail is denoted by reference numeral 31a, and a fixed column rail is denoted by reference numeral 31b. From the bottom, which is the upper position of the product discharge mechanism 22 and located on one side of the column 20 where the product discharge mechanism 22 is disposed. The second column is a fixed column rail 31b, and the rest is a movable column rail 31a.

  Among the plurality of column rails 31 of the column 20, between the ends of the upper and lower column rails 31 located in the lower region, that is, between the ends of the fixed column rail 31b, at the most recessed position of the column rail 31 on the opposite side A meandering guide 39 is disposed at a meandering direction switching position 38 immediately before the product discharge mechanism 22 that opposes the product passage 26 most oppositely.

  When the product A is introduced into the column 20, the product A is brought into contact with the column rail 31a protruding into the product passage 26 by introducing the product A from the insertion port 21, and the column rail 31a is provided with a spring. The product A is guided to the column rail 31a protruding into the product passage 26 on the opposite side while rotating outward against the force, and similarly, the column rail 31a from which the product A protrudes into the product passage 26 on the opposite side. The product A is meandering so that the product A is guided to the column rail 31a protruding into the product passage 26 on the opposite side while the column rail 31a rotates outward against the spring bias. While falling.

  Further, when the product A falls to the lower region of the column 20 and is guided to the fixed column rail 31b, it falls along the concave curved surface 30 of the fixed column rail 31b and the concave curved surface 30 of the column rail 31b. The lower part contacts the meandering guide 39, and the meandering guide 39 guides the product A to the column rail 31a on the opposite side while rotating obliquely downward against the spring bias.

  Since the falling product A is locked on the lower latch 50 of the product discharge mechanism 22 in this way, the drop speed of the product A is surely reduced, and the drop impact of the product A applied to the product discharge mechanism 22 is ensured. While being able to relieve | moderate, the fall attitude | position of the goods A can be reliably controlled to the fixed attitude | position of sideways, without making it diagonally or standing up.

  In addition, when the product A is guided toward the column rail 31a on the opposite side by the meander guide 39 in the middle of the product introduction, even if the product A guided by the meander guide 39 abuts on the stored product A, the meandering The product A is pushed and moved to the opposite column rail 31a by the spring bias of the guide 39, stops at the position where the meandering guide 39 is in a substantially horizontal state, and the product A hits the opposite column rail 31a and bounces back. regulate. Therefore, the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered, and the product load applied to the product discharge mechanism 22 can be reduced.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), if there is no meandering guide 39, for example, in a product A such as a bottle with a tapered tip, the product A and the column in which the tip of the product A is stored. It enters the gap with the rail 31a, and product standing tends to occur. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), each meandering direction switching position 38 projecting into the product passage 26 between the ends of the upper and lower column rails 31b and facing the substantially center of the opposite column rail 31a. By having the meandering guide 39, it is possible to prevent the tip of the product A from entering the gap between the stored product A and the column rail 31a, thereby preventing the product from standing.

  Further, when the product is sold, the lowest product 1 is discharged by the product discharge mechanism 22 so that the products A in the column 20 are sequentially moved downward. At this time, since the projecting dimension of the meandering guide 39 is formed so as to be able to contact only one product A in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position 38, one product A that contacts the meandering guide 39 by the meandering guide 39. Can be reliably pushed toward the column rail 31a on the opposite side, so that the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered.

  In this way, a dedicated meandering guide 39 is used separately from the column rail 31 forming the product passage 26, and the meandering guide 39 is used as an end of the upper and lower column rails 31 located in the lower region of the plurality of column rails 31. It is provided at least at the meandering direction switching position 38 immediately before the product discharge mechanism 22 that protrudes most into the product passage 26 in opposition to the most recessed position of the column rail 31 on the opposite side. At the same time, the projecting dimension of the meandering guide 39 into the merchandise passage 26 is formed so as to allow contact with only one merchandise A in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position 38, so that the meandering direction switching just before the merchandise discharge mechanism 22 is switched. In the vicinity of the position 38, the product A can be surely pushed one by one toward the column rail 31 on the opposite side by the meandering guide 39, and the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered. Just place it in the place Also, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the commodity discharging mechanism 22. Therefore, even if the products A have different sizes, the alignment state of the products A can be surely meandered without adjusting the spacing between the column rails 31 on both sides, and a mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the column rails 31 on both sides Adjustment work is unnecessary.

  The column rail 31 is configured to be movable so that the lower side of the column rail 31 protrudes into the product passage 26. A meandering guide 39 is provided below the column rail 31, and the meandering guide 39 is biased by a spring 42. In addition, the falling speed of the product A put into the column 20 can be more reliably reduced, the drop impact can be reduced, and the product posture can be stabilized.

  Further, the same meandering guide 39 is used for the lower guide 45 of the input port 21 of the column 20 and the discharge guide 53 of the product discharge mechanism 22 to adjust the size of the product A. It can be made unnecessary.

1 shows a first embodiment of a product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention, where (a) is a side view in the middle of product introduction, and (b) is a side view of the product storage state. It is a side view of a goods storage device same as the above. It is a front view of a goods storage apparatus same as the above. It is a side view of a part of column rail of the same product storage device. It is a side view explaining the movement of the goods at the time of the article | item insertion of a goods storage apparatus same as the above. Regarding the product standing of the product storage device, (a) is an explanatory diagram when the meandering guide does not work, and (b) is an explanatory diagram when the meandering guide works. It is explanatory drawing explaining the motion of the goods at the time of goods sale of a goods storage apparatus same as the above. It is a perspective view of the state which opened the door of the vending machine same as the above. It is a side view of the goods storage apparatus of the vending machine which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Regarding the product standing of the product storage device, (a) is an explanatory diagram when the meandering guide does not work, and (b) is an explanatory diagram when the meandering guide works. 1 shows a conventional product storage device, in which (a) is a side view before product storage, and (b) is a side view of a product storage state. A part of a conventional product storage device is shown, (a) is a side view of a state in which products are meandered and stored, and (b) is a side view of products in a state of being vertically arranged without meandering. FIG. 2 shows a conventional product storage device, where (a) is a side view in which the interval between the column rails on both sides is increased, and (b) is a side view in which the interval between the column rails on both sides is reduced.

Explanation of symbols

11 Vending machines
20 columns
22 Product discharge mechanism
26 Product passage
28a, 28b side plate
29 Movable plate
30 concave surface
31 Column rail
32, 33 shaft
35 hook
38 Meander direction switching position
39 Meander Guide
42 Spring as meander guide biasing means
61 Spring as column rail biasing means A Product L Movement range Y Passage width direction X Passage width direction

Claims (5)

A plurality of column rails formed in a concave curved surface facing the product passage are arranged on both sides of the product passage with a vertical shift of approximately half a pitch, and a meandering product passage for storing products is formed between the column rails on both sides. Column,
This column is provided at least between the ends of the upper and lower column rails and can be swung vertically in each meandering direction switching position that protrudes most into the product passage, and the projecting dimension into the product passage changes the meandering direction. A plurality of meandering guides that are dimensioned to allow contact with only one product near the position,
A product storage device for a vending machine comprising: meandering guide urging means for urging each meandering guide upwardly projecting into the product passage. Side plates are provided on both sides of the passage width direction intersecting the passage width direction where the column rails on both sides are arranged in the product passage, and a movable plate for storing products between one side plate between these side plates is in the passage width direction. Provided within a predetermined movement range of
The meandering guide is provided closer to one side plate than the moving range of the movable plate,
The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the column rail is integrally formed in the lateral direction of the passage and is disposed in a fixed state with respect to the product passage. The upper and lower shafts to which the upper and lower column rails are attached are installed between the side plates on both sides.
A meander guide is attached to the lower shaft,
The vending machine product storage device according to claim 2, wherein a hook that is hooked and locked to a lower shaft is provided at a lower portion of the column rail. A plurality of column rails formed in a concave curved surface facing the product passage are arranged on both sides of the product passage so as to be shifted by about a half pitch in the vertical direction to form a meandering product passage between the column rails on both sides. A column which is urged in a direction protruding into the product passage by the column rail urging means, and at least the column rails on the upper side among the plurality of column rails are swingable with the upper end as a fulcrum;
A product discharge mechanism that is provided at the bottom of this column and supports the products in the column and discharges one by one from the lowest product at the time of sale,
Swing vertically between at least the meandering direction switching position immediately before the product discharge mechanism between the ends of the upper and lower column rails located in the lower area of the plurality of column rails of the column and protruding most in the product passage A meandering guide formed so as to be able to come into contact with only one product in the vicinity of the meandering direction switching position, and the projecting dimension into the product passage;
A product storage device for a vending machine, comprising: meandering guide biasing means for biasing the meandering guide upwardly projecting into the product passage. The meandering guide is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction with a position protruding substantially horizontally in the product passage toward the most recessed position of the column rail on the opposite side as an upper limit position. 4. The product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of 4 above.

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