JP2005258704A - Merchandise storing device for vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the movement operability of a movable side board, without bringing about a problem, such as merchandise becoming jammed or wrong merchandise pay out. <P>SOLUTION: In this merchandise storage rack 10, a merchandise storage path 12 is formed between a pair of base side boards 11 facing each other, and a movable side board 140 is disposed so as to be movable in approaching or departing those base side boards 11, and the movable side board 140 is moved so that merchandise passage width between the movable side board 140 and the base side board 11 can be changed. In this case, a slide guide shaft 143a is arranged between a pair of base side boards 11, and a cylindrical body 143 is formed at the movable side board 140 so that the slide guide shaft 143a in a mode of penetrating, and the cylindrical body 143 is made to slide along the extended direction of the slide guide shaft 143a so that the position of the movable side board 140 is changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a product storage device for a vending machine.

  Conventionally, in a product storage device of a vending machine, a movable side plate is movably disposed in a product storage passage defined between a pair of base side plates, and the base side plate is connected to the base side plate according to the height dimension of the product to be introduced. There is something that changes the product passage width between. According to such a product storage device, the product passing width can be made to correspond to the height of the product by appropriately moving the movable side plate, so that the product can be stored in a stable posture in the product storage passage. It becomes possible, and there is no possibility of incurring product clogging due to the product attitude being disturbed.

  In this type of product storage device, engaging projections are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the movable side plate, respectively, while a plurality of engaging elements are provided as positioning elements on the upper frame member and the lower frame member disposed between the base side plates. By forming a slit and selectively engaging the engaging protrusion with the engaging slit, the movable side plate is positioned and held at a desired position in a manner parallel to the base side plate (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-55273

  By the way, in order to prevent product clogging and product delivery mistakes more reliably in the product storage device as described above, the gap between the two is made as small as possible when the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement slit. It is preferable to do. That is, if the gap between the engagement protrusion and the engagement slit is made small, the movable side plate is not likely to rattle around the vertical axis or the horizontal axis along the front-rear direction. The attitude of the product becomes more stable, and the above-described problems can be reliably prevented.

  However, when the gap between the engagement protrusion and the engagement slit is made small, it is difficult to attach and detach them, in particular, the operation of inserting the engagement protrusion into the engagement slit. However, it is not necessarily preferable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a product storage device for a vending machine capable of improving the movable operability of the movable side plate without incurring problems such as product clogging or product delivery mistakes. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 1 of the present invention defines a product storage passage between a pair of base side plates opposed to each other, and is close to and away from these base side plates. In the product storage device of the vending machine, wherein the movable side plate is movably disposed in such a manner that the product passing width between the movable side plate and the base side plate is changed by moving the movable side plate. A slide guide shaft is provided, and a cylindrical body is formed on the movable side plate so that the slide guide shaft penetrates, and the position of the movable side plate is adjusted by sliding the cylindrical body along the extending direction of the slide guide shaft. It is characterized by changing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a commodity storage device for a vending machine according to the first aspect, wherein the commodity storage device is disposed along the slide guide shaft between the pair of base side plates, and the direction in which the slide guide shaft extends. A positioning frame member having a plurality of positioning elements along the movable side plate, movable in a predetermined engagement / disengagement direction intersecting the extending direction of the positioning frame member with respect to the movable side plate, and extending the slide guide shaft together with the movable side plate. The slide guide shaft is disposed on the movable side plate in such a manner that the slide guide shaft can be moved along the existing direction, and is selectively engaged with a plurality of positioning elements when moved toward one of the engaging and disengaging directions. While the movable side plate is prevented from moving along the extending direction, it is separated from the positioning element when moved toward the other side of the engagement / disengagement direction. Characterized in that a slide lever to allow movement of the movable plate along the extending direction of the shaft.

  According to the present invention, there is no possibility of the movable side plate rattling around the vertical axis or the horizontal axis along the front-rear direction due to the cylindrical body penetrating the slide guide shaft. It becomes possible to improve the movement operability of the movable side plate without incurring problems such as product clogging and product payout errors due to backlash of the movable side plate.

  Exemplary embodiments of a product storage device for a vending machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 to 5 show a commodity storage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the product storage device illustrated here is applied to a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages and beverages containing plastic bottles, and has a heat insulating structure configured in the main body cabinet 1. A product storage rack 10 is provided in the product storage 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the product storage rack 10 stores products that are thrown in a lying position in the product storage 2 of the vending machine, while the products corresponding to the case where a sales instruction is given. A product storage passage 12 is provided between the pair of left and right base side plates 11 for storing products. The product storage passage 12 is configured by arranging a plurality of passage components between the pair of base side plates 11, and extends in a meandering manner in the front-rear direction along the vertical direction. On the other hand, the lower end opening is a product outlet. The front and rear depth length of the product storage passage 12 is configured to allow the product to pass through even when the product with the largest diameter is introduced. In the present embodiment, a product storage rack 10 in which five product storage passages 12 having the same configuration are arranged in the front-rear direction of the product storage 2 is illustrated. Hereinafter, the first product storage passage, the second product storage passage, the third product storage passage, the fourth product storage passage, and the fifth product storage passage are sequentially referred to from the front side as necessary.

  The curved segment 13 and the outlet adjuster plate 14 are applied as the passage components that define the product storage passage 12. The curved segment 13 is a thin plate-like member having a width corresponding to the distance between the base side plates 11 and having a curved cross section, with the curved inner surfaces facing each other inward and back and forth along the vertical direction. Arranged in a zigzag manner. Reference numeral 15 in the figure denotes a flapper provided on the curved segment 13. The flapper 15 is provided so as to protrude into the product storage passage 12 by the elastic force of a leaf spring or a coil spring (not shown), and interferes with an impact applied to the product by contacting the product passing through the product storage passage 12. At the same time, the posture of the product is corrected in the product storage passage 12. The outlet adjuster plate 14 is a plate-like member disposed at a position opposite to the product delivery mechanism 16 called a bend mech at the lower end of the product storage passage 12, and the depth length between the outlet adjuster plate 14 and the product delivery mechanism 16 is increased or reduced. It is arranged between the pair of base side plates 11 in such a manner that it can move in a direction approaching and separating from the commodity delivery mechanism 16.

  Here, with respect to the curved segment (hereinafter referred to as “lower free segment 13L”) positioned immediately above the outlet adjuster plate 14 in each of the product storage passages 12, the upper end edge is pivotably disposed. In addition, the lower end edge portion is provided so as to intersect the upper end edge portion of the outlet adjuster plate 14 on the inner side of the outlet adjuster plate 14. Accordingly, when the outlet adjuster plate 14 is moved, the lower free segment 13L is appropriately swung in conjunction with the outlet adjuster plate 14, and is continuously continuous between the two regardless of the position of the outlet adjuster plate 14. Function to maintain the state.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a product dispensing mechanism 16 including left and right pedals 16 a and 16 b is applied.

  The product storage rack 10 is provided with a top tray 20 for each product storage passage 12. The top tray 20 is a plate-like member for guiding the product introduced from the front opening of the product storage 2 to the upper end opening of the product storage passage 12, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the product storage passage 12 It is arrange | positioned in the aspect which gradually inclines upwards toward the front. Specifically, support shaft portions 21 project from both side edges of the top tray 20, a tray support slit 22 is formed in the base side plate 11, and a protruding end portion of the support shaft portion 21 is inserted into the tray support slit 22. Thus, the top tray 20 is provided between the pair of base side plates 11. In the present embodiment, the top tray 20 corresponding to the rear product storage passage 12 is positioned above the base side plate 11 and the entire length is gradually increased. In other words, the top tray 20 corresponding to the first product storage passage 12 has the shortest overall length at the bottom, while the top tray 20 corresponding to the fifth product storage passage 12 has the longest overall length at the top. It is constituted as follows. Therefore, the top tray 20 having the shortest length corresponding to the first product storage passage 12 is supported by the base side plate 11 via the support shaft portion 21 provided at the center thereof, while the other product storage passage 12 has The corresponding top tray 20 is supported by the base side plate 11 via support shaft portions 21 provided at the front end portion and the rear end portion.

  As is clear from FIGS. 7 and 8, the tray support slits 22 that support the top trays 20 each include a slide portion 22 a that extends along the front-rear direction of the base side plate 11. On the other hand, what is located at least on the front end side of the base side plate 11 is configured to have a front end defining portion 22b and a rear end defining portion 22c. The front end defining portion 22b is a portion extending downward from the front end portion of the slide portion 22a, and the rear end defining portion 22c is a portion extending downward from the rear end portion of the slide portion 22a.

  Further, the upper end of a curved segment (hereinafter, referred to as “upper movable segment 13U”) positioned at the uppermost position on the front end side of the product storage passage 12 is connected to the rear edge of each top tray 20. . More specifically, in the first product storage passage 12, the rear end edge of the top tray 20 and the upper end edge of the upper movable segment 13U are configured so as to be integrated with each other. In the path 12, the upper end of the upper movable segment 13 </ b> U provided separately from the top tray 20 is linked to the lower surface of the rear end edge of the top tray 20. It is configured to prevent movement.

  In the top tray 20 configured as described above, if the support shaft portion 21 is positioned on the slide portion 22a of the tray support slit 22 by lifting the front end portion, it can be moved back and forth with respect to the base side plate 11. It becomes possible, and the rear end edge portion can be moved back and forth with respect to each product storage passage 12. Specifically, when the top tray 20 is pulled forward, the rear edge of the top tray 20 is separated from the curved segment 13 positioned at the uppermost position on the rear end side of the product storage passage 12 as shown in FIG. While the depth length between them can be increased, if the top tray 20 is pushed backward, the rear edge of the top tray 20 is located behind the product storage passage 12 as shown in FIG. The depth length between each other can be reduced in the vicinity of the curved segment 13 positioned at the uppermost position on the end side.

  Moreover, since the upper movable segment 13U is interlocked with the movement of the top tray 20 in any state, the depth length of the upper end portion of the product storage passage 12 is also expanded and contracted in conjunction with the movement of the top tray 20. Become.

  Furthermore, if the front end portion of the top tray 20 is pushed down in each state, the support shaft portion 21 is positioned at the front end defining portion 22b or the rear end defining portion 22c, and the top tray 20 of the top tray 20 is not moved unless the front end portion is pushed up again. Since the support shaft portion 21 does not reach the slide portion 22 a of the tray support slit 22, there is no possibility that the top tray 20 may inadvertently move.

  Therefore, when a relatively large-diameter product is introduced, the top tray 20 is pulled out to the front side as shown in FIG. If the depth length of each part is enlarged to correspond to a product having a large diameter, the posture of the product can be corrected when passing from the top tray 20 through the upper end opening of the product storage passage 12, and the product storage passage It is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the posture is disturbed when passing through the upper end portion of the twelve.

  On the contrary, when a relatively small-diameter product is introduced, as shown in FIG. 8, the top tray 20 is pushed rearward and the depth of the upper end opening in the product storage passage 12 is set together with the depth in the product storage passage 12. If the depth length of the upper end portion is reduced to correspond to a product having a small diameter, the posture of the product can be corrected when passing from the top tray 20 through the upper end opening of the product storage passage 12, and the product is stored. Since the gap at the time of passing through the upper end portion of the passage 12 becomes small, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the posture is disturbed.

  As a result, by appropriately changing the position of the top tray 20, it becomes possible to store the product in the product storage passage 12 in a stable posture regardless of the outer diameter of the product to be introduced, and the product posture is disturbed. It is possible to effectively prevent problems such as sales mistakes and product clogging caused by.

  In the above-described embodiment, the top tray 20 and the upper movable segment 13U are integrally configured, or the upper movable segment 13U is directly connected to the top tray 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. The upper movable segment 13U may be moved in conjunction with the tray 20. For example, even if the top tray 20 and the upper movable segment 13U are linked by a link mechanism, the same effect can be expected.

  In the above-described embodiment, only the uppermost curved segment 13 is linked to the top tray 20, but a plurality of curved segments 13 may be linked to the top tray 20.

  On the other hand, the product storage rack 10 is provided with a posture control member 30 between the top tray 20 and the product storage passage 12 via a support shaft 31.

  The support shaft 31 is a long linear member having a circular shape with a uniform cross section, and is laid between the pair of base side plates 11 in a portion located between the top tray 20 and the product storage passage 12. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the posture control member 30 has a substantially L-shaped cross section having a first posture control unit 30a and a second posture control unit 30b. A locking member 32 and a pair of locking guides 33 are provided on the surface. As shown in FIG. 10A, the locking member 32 includes a first elastic portion 32 a erected from the outer surface of the first posture control portion 30 a, and the first posture control portion 30 a and the second elastic portion 32 a. It has a second elastic part 32b that is bent and extended toward the meeting part direction with the posture control part 30b, and an introduction part 32c that is slightly bent outward from the extending end of the second elastic part 32b. It is integrally formed of a thin metal plate rich in elasticity. The locking guide 33 includes a first guide portion 33a erected from the outer surface of the first posture control portion 30a, and a meeting portion direction between the first guide portion 33a and the first posture control portion 30a and the second posture control portion 30b. And a second guide portion 33b that is bent and extended toward the end, and is configured by appropriately raising a part of the first posture control unit 30a and the second posture control unit 30b.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the second guide portion 33b of the locking guide 33 is in a state in which a gap corresponding to the outer diameter of the support shaft 31 is secured between the second guide portion 33b and the outer surface of the first attitude control portion 30a. 1 It is extended in the aspect which becomes substantially parallel to the outer surface of the attitude | position control part 30a. On the other hand, the second elastic portion 32b of the locking member 32 is inclined and extended so as to gradually approach the first posture control portion 30a as the distance from the first elastic portion 32a increases. A gap smaller than the outer diameter of the support shaft 31 is secured between the outer surface of the first attitude control unit 30a.

  The posture control member 30 configured as described above is attached to the support shaft 31 in the following procedure. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first posture control unit 30a extends forward and the second posture control unit 30b secures a posture extending downward, and from this state 10-2, the support shaft 31 is pressed between the introduction portion 32c of the locking member 32 and the outer surface of the first posture control unit 30a by moving the posture control member 30 to the rear side. .

  In the locking member 32 in which the support shaft 31 is pressed between the introduction portion 32c and the outer surface of the first attitude control portion 30a, the extended end portion of the second elastic portion 32b is according to the tilting action of the introduction portion 32c. By being elastically deformed as appropriate, it is separated from the outer surface of the first attitude control unit 30a. Thereafter, when the gap between the two exceeds the outer diameter of the support shaft 31, the support shaft 31 is located between the second elastic portion 32 b and the outer surface of the first attitude control portion 30 a and the second guide in the locking guide 33. It will be inserted between the part 33b and the outer surface of the first attitude control part 30a.

  After the support shaft 31 is inserted between the second elastic portion 32b and the outer surface of the first attitude control portion 30a, as shown in FIG. 10C, the extended end portion of the second elastic portion 32b is The elastic restoring force restores the original state, and the gap between the extended end portion of the second guide portion 33b and the outer surface of the first attitude control portion 30a becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the support shaft 31 again. As a result, the support shaft 31 is held between the meeting portion between the first elastic portion 32a and the second elastic portion 32b of the locking member 32 and the outer surface of the first posture control portion 30a. As a result, the attitude control member 30 is held by the support shaft 31 via the locking member 32.

  On the other hand, when the posture control member 30 is pulled forward from the above-described state, the extended end portion of the second elastic portion 32b is appropriately elastically deformed according to the tilting action of the second elastic portion 32b, whereby the first posture control portion 30a. It will be separated from the outer surface of the. Thereafter, when the gap between the two exceeds the outer diameter of the support shaft 31, the support shaft 31 is located between the second elastic portion 32 b and the outer surface of the first attitude control portion 30 a and the second guide in the locking guide 33. It will deviate from between the part 33b and the outer surface of the 1st attitude | position control part 30a, and the attitude | position control member 30 can be removed from the support shaft 31. FIG.

  In the posture control member 30 thus held by the support shaft 31, the posture defining member 34 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) provided between the pair of base side plates 11 comes into contact with the outer surface of the second posture control unit 30b. Thus, in a normal state, the passage height between the top tray 20 and the first posture control unit 30a is held in a posture that is smaller than the outer diameter of the product.

  When a product is put on the top tray 20 in a lying position from this state, the posture of the first posture control unit 30a is corrected by contacting the product. For this reason, for example, even if a product is thrown into the top tray 20 in an oblique state, this can be corrected by the attitude control member 30. In this case, according to the posture control member 30, since the locking guides 33 located on both sides of the locking member 32 are in contact with the support shaft 31, for example, the product is in the first posture control unit 30 a. Even if it comes into contact with a position deviated from the center, there is no fear of tilting with respect to the support shaft 31.

  The attitude control member 30 with which the product abuts on the first attitude control unit 30a allows the product to pass by swinging in the direction in which the first attitude control unit 30a is separated from the top tray 20, while the second attitude control is performed. The part 30b swings in the direction protruding into the product storage passage 12, and the depth length between the opposing curved segments 13 is reduced.

  As a result, the posture of the product is now corrected between the second posture control unit 30b of the posture control member 30 and the curved segment 13 facing the second posture control unit 30b, and between the second posture control unit 30b and the curved segment 13 In the meantime, the passage of goods in an upright position is prevented. For this reason, even if the correction by the first posture control unit 30a is insufficient, the posture of the product is corrected again by the second posture control unit 30b, and the product storage passage 12 is sequentially placed in a lying position. The product can be stored.

  Here, in the attitude control member 30 described above, the optimum forms are different from each other according to the outer diameter of the product. For example, in the case of a product with a large diameter, it is preferable that the angle α between the first attitude control unit 30a and the second attitude control unit 30b is larger. Conversely, in the case of a product with a small diameter, the first attitude As the angle α between the control unit 30a and the second posture control unit 30b is smaller, the posture of the product tends to be surely corrected. That is, it is difficult to deal with all products having different outer diameters depending on one type of attitude control member 30.

  In this regard, according to the product storage rack 10, the attitude control member 30 can be attached to and detached from the support shaft 31 by the above-described operation. Therefore, the posture control member 30 can be changed to an optimal configuration each time depending on the size of the product to be introduced, and the posture of the product can always be reliably corrected regardless of the outer diameter of the product.

  The posture control member 30 is not necessarily limited to the first posture control unit 30a and the second posture control unit 30b. For example, the posture control member 30 includes a third posture control unit at the lower end edge of the second posture control unit 30b. You may apply.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the product storage rack 10 is provided with a movable side plate 40 at a position located between the pair of base side plates 11 with respect to each product storage passage 12. The movable side plate 40 is for changing the product passage width between the movable side plate 40 and the base side plate 11. The first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate movably disposed in the direction of approaching and moving away from the base side plate 11. A side plate 240 is provided.

  The first movable side plate 140 is disposed so as to face the base side plate 11 on the left side as viewed from the front. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, 11, and 13, the first movable side plate 140 is arranged inside the product storage passage 12. The first storage width defining portion 141 located at the top of the top tray 20 and the first insertion width defining portion 142 located above the top tray 20 are provided.

  The first storage width defining portion 141 is a long plate-like member having an upper end protruding from the upper end opening of the product storage passage 12 and a lower end having a length sufficient to face the outlet adjuster plate 14. .

  The first storage width defining portion 141 is provided with a cylindrical body 143 at the upper end and an engaging protrusion 141c at the lower end. The cylindrical body 143 has a small cylindrical shape centered on an axis that is horizontal along the left-right direction, and has a sufficiently large length with respect to the plate thickness of the first storage width defining portion 141. The slide guide shaft 143a passes through the center hole. The slide guide shaft 143 a is a long linear member having a circular shape with a uniform cross section, and is laid in a horizontal manner between the pair of base side plates 11. A function of guiding the movement of the first storage width defining portion 141 along the left-right direction and regulating the backlash of the first storage width defining portion 141 about the axis perpendicular to the axis between the first storage width defining portion 141 and the cylindrical body 143. have. The engagement protrusion 141c constitutes a lower holding means between the engagement protrusion 141c and the engagement groove hole 14a provided in the outlet adjuster plate 14. The engagement protrusion 141c is a portion that protrudes in a triangular shape that gradually slopes outward from a portion facing the outlet adjuster plate 14 at the lowermost end of the first storage width defining portion 141. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 15, the engagement groove hole 14 a of the outlet adjuster plate 14 includes a triangular guide hole 14 aa whose width gradually decreases upward, and the top of the guide hole 14 aa. A positioning slit portion 14ab extending upward from a corner position is formed integrally, and is associated with each case when the first storage width defining portion 141 occupies a predetermined retraction position and a division position described later. The mating protrusion 141c is formed so that it can be inserted into the positioning slit portion 14ab.

  The first input width defining portion 142 is a portion extending forward from the upper end portion of the first storage width defining portion 141, and is movable only along the vertical direction with respect to the first storage width defining portion 141. In this manner, the first storage width defining portion 141 is held. Specifically, a slide tongue piece 142a protrudes downward from one side surface of the first input width defining portion 142, while the slide tongue piece 142a slides in the first storage width defining portion 141 along the vertical direction. By forming the slide opening 141a that can be inserted through and forming the slide guide walls 141b and 142b along the vertical direction between them, the first input width defining portion 142 becomes the first storage width defining portion. Both are linked to 141 so as to be movable only along the vertical direction (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

  The first insertion width defining portion 142 is provided with a slide insertion hole 144 and a pair of front and rear engaging projections 145 and 146. The slide insertion hole 144 is a through hole provided in the first insertion width defining portion 142, and the slide member 147 is inserted therein. The slide member 147 is constructed so as to be horizontal between the pair of base side plates 11. The slide insertion hole 144 through which the slide member 147 is inserted is formed such that the width along the front-rear direction fits the slide member 147 and the height thereof is sufficiently larger than the plate thickness of the slide member 147. It is formed and guides the movement of the first movable side plate 140 along the left-right direction via the first insertion width defining portion 142, while the first insertion width defining portion 142 is vertically moved with respect to the first storage width defining portion 141. It has a function to allow movement along. The engagement protrusions 145 and 146 are protrusions provided at the front and rear portions of the first insertion width defining part 142, and a plurality of engagement protrusions 145 and 146 are provided on the front positioning frame member 148 and the rear positioning frame member 149, respectively. The upper holding means is configured between the engagement slits 148a and 149a. An engagement protrusion (hereinafter referred to as “front engagement protrusion 145”) provided in front of the first insertion width defining portion 142 protrudes downward, and as shown in FIG. When the frame member 148 is moved downward, it engages with the engagement slit 148a. On the other hand, when the frame member 148 is moved upward, the engagement state with the engagement slit 148a can be released as shown in FIG. is there. An engagement protrusion (hereinafter referred to as “rear engagement protrusion 146”) provided at the rear of the first insertion width defining portion 142 protrudes toward the rear, with respect to the rear positioning frame member 149. When it moves downward, it engages with the engagement slit 149a, and when it moves upward, it is possible to release the engagement state with the engagement slit 149a. For the first movable side plate 140 provided in the first product storage passage 12, a front engagement protrusion 145 is formed at the upper edge of the slide insertion hole 144 from the viewpoint of space efficiency, and the slide is inserted into the slide insertion hole 144. The front positioning frame member 148 that also serves as the member 147 is inserted. Further, with respect to the second product storage passage to the fifth product storage passage, the top tray 20 is also used as the front positioning frame member 148 by forming an engagement slit 148a in each top tray 20.

  The second movable side plate 240 is arranged in a manner facing the base side plate 11 and the first movable side plate 140 on the right side as viewed from the front, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, 12 and 14, A second storage width defining portion 241 located inside the product storage passage 12 and a second input width defining portion 242 located in the upper region of the top tray 20 are provided. The second storage width defining portion 241 is a long plate-like member having an upper end protruding from the upper end opening of the product storage passage 12 and a lower end having a length sufficient to face the outlet adjuster plate 14. . The second input width defining portion 242 is a portion extending forward from the upper end of the second storage width defining portion 241, and is configured integrally with the second storage width defining portion 241.

  The second movable side plate 240 is provided with a slide insertion hole 244 and a pair of front and rear engaging projections 245 and 246. The slide insertion hole 244 is a through hole formed in a portion corresponding to the slide insertion hole 144 of the first movable side plate 140, and the above-described slide member 147 is inserted therein. The slide insertion hole 244 through which the slide member 147 is inserted is formed such that the width along the front-rear direction fits the slide member 147 and the height thereof is sufficiently larger than the plate thickness of the slide member 147. The second movable side plate 240 has a function of guiding the movement along the left-right direction of the second movable side plate 240 and allowing the base side plate 11 to move along the vertical direction of the second movable side plate 240. The engagement protrusions 245 and 246 are formed at portions corresponding to the front engagement protrusion 145 and the rear engagement protrusion 146 of the first movable side plate 140, respectively, and are respectively a front positioning frame member 148 and a rear positioning frame. Upper holding means is configured between the plurality of engagement slits 148a and 149a provided in the member 149. For the second movable side plate 240 provided in the first product storage passage 12, as with the first movable side plate 140, a front engagement protrusion 245 is formed at the upper edge of the slide insertion hole 244 from the viewpoint of space efficiency. The front positioning frame member 148 that also serves as the slide member 147 is inserted into the slide insertion hole 244. Also, with respect to the second product storage passage to the fifth product storage passage, by forming engagement slits 148a and 149a in each top tray 20, the top tray 20 is also used as the front positioning frame member 148. It is the same as the first movable side plate 140.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 have a link mechanism 50 and an error between the first storage width defining portion 141 and the second storage width defining portion 241, respectively. An insertion preventing member 60 is provided.

  The link mechanism 50 is configured by interposing a pair of upper and lower link rods 52 and 53 between the first movable side plate 140 and the slide body 51 provided in the second storage width defining portion 241 of the second movable side plate 240, respectively. Parallel links. The slide body 51 is disposed on the second storage width defining portion 241 of the second movable side plate 240 so as to be slidable only in the vertical direction. Each of the link rods 52 and 53 is supported by the intermediate portion and the lower portion of the first storage width defining portion 141 in such a manner that one end portion thereof swings around a horizontal axis along the front-rear direction. Are supported on the upper and lower ends of the slide body 51 in such a manner as to swing around a horizontal axis along the front-rear direction.

  The mis-insertion preventing member 60 has a coil part 61 wound in a coil shape at an intermediate part, and has both ends extended from the front end part and the rear end part of the coil part 61 in the radially outward direction. For example, it is formed by a series of linear bodies made of metal. The erroneous insertion preventing member 60 has a first storage width defining portion at one end in a state along the front-rear direction on a vertical plane in which the central axis of the coil portion 61 is parallel to the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240. 141 is connected between the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 by connecting the other end to the upper end of the second storage width defining portion 241. FIG. 20).

  In the product storage rack 10 that includes the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 and constitutes the movable side plate 40 as described above, the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate are configured as shown in FIGS. The first movable side plate 140 is disposed at a retracted position adjacent to one base side plate 11, for example, the base side plate 11 on the left side when viewed from the front, with the side plates 240 being close to each other. From this state, the front engagement protrusions 145 and 245 of the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 are engaged with the engagement slits 148a of the front positioning frame member 148, and the rear engagement protrusions 146 and 246 are engaged. Is engaged with the engagement slit 149a of the rear positioning frame member 149, and the engagement protrusion 141c provided at the lower end of the first movable side plate 140 is inserted into the engagement groove hole 14a of the outlet adjuster plate 14. The maximum product passage width can be secured between the second movable side plate 240 and the right side base side plate 11, and a product having a height corresponding to the product passage width is stable. It becomes possible to store with. When a product is paid out according to the sales command, the pair of left and right pedals 16a and 16b provided in the product delivery mechanism 16 may be driven in synchronization.

  Further, as described above, since the attitude control member 30 can be attached to and detached from the support shaft 31, as shown in FIG. 3, if the attitude control member 30 configured to be large in the left-right direction is held, the attitude of the product It is possible to further stabilize the attitude of the product in the product storage passage 12 by correcting the above.

  In this case, the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 is folded between the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 by being appropriately elastically deformed. Therefore, the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 does not have any influence on the passage of the product put in the top tray 20.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the second movable side plate 240 is moved upward from the above-described state to release the engagement between the front engaging protrusion 245 and the front positioning frame member 148 and the rear engaging protrusion. The engagement between the portion 246 and the rear positioning frame member 149 is released, and only the second movable side plate 240 is moved away from the base side plate 11 on the left side. At this time, when the slide body 51 appropriately moves in the vertical direction, the second movable side plate 240 does not move in the vertical direction and always moves in a parallel state with respect to the first movable side plate 140. After the second movable side plate 240 is disposed at a desired position, the front movable protrusion 245 is again engaged with the engagement slit 148a of the front positioning frame member 148 by lowering the second movable side plate 240 and the rear engagement protrusion. When the portion 246 is engaged with the engagement slit 149a of the frame member 149 for rearward positioning, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20, the space is reduced between the second movable side plate 240 and the base side plate 11 on the right side. The product passing width can be ensured, and a relatively small product can be stored in a stable posture. When a product is paid out according to the sales command, the pair of left and right pedals 16a and 16b provided in the product delivery mechanism 16 may be driven in synchronization.

  Further, if the attitude control member 30 ′ having a small width is replaced prior to the movement of the second movable side plate 240, the attitude of the product in the product storage passage 12 can be further stabilized by reliably correcting the attitude of the product. Can do.

  In this case, the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 is automatically expanded with the movement of the second movable side plate 240 relative to the first movable side plate 140, and the product is stored from the top tray 20 with the coil portion 61 facing in the front-rear direction. It will appear in the passing area of the product while it reaches the passage 12. Therefore, when a product is mistakenly inserted between the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240, the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 can enter the product storage passage 12 without setting by an operator such as a route man. It is possible to reliably prevent the situation. In addition, since the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 having the coil portion 61 is provided in such a manner that the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 are connected to each other, the second movable side plate 240 is excessively caused by an operation error. Even if it is moved, its function can be continuously exhibited, and it is possible to prevent erroneous insertion of a product due to an operation error without providing a separate means for restricting the movement of the second movable side plate 240. Can do.

  From the above state, the second movable side plate 240 is further moved toward the base side plate 11 on the right side by the same operation, and then, as shown in FIG. And the front positioning frame member 148 are disengaged, the rear engaging projection 146 is disengaged from the rear positioning frame member 149, and the engagement is provided at the lower end of the first movable side plate 140. The engagement state of the engagement piece 141c and the engagement groove hole 14a of the outlet adjuster plate 14 is released, and the first movable side plate 140 is arranged at a division position separated from the left base side plate 11. From this state, the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 are brought close to each other, and the front engaging protrusions 145 and 245 of the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 are engaged with the front positioning frame member 148. The rear engaging protrusions 146 and 246 are engaged with the engaging slit 149a of the rear positioning frame member 149, and the engaging protruding piece 141c provided at the lower end of the first movable side plate 140 is engaged with the slit 148a. Is inserted into the engaging groove 14a of the outlet adjuster plate 14, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 22, between the left side base side plate 11 and the first movable side plate 140, and the second movable side plate 240. A product storage passage 12 having a product passage width of approximately ½ can be ensured between the right side base plate 11 and the right side base plate 11. Therefore, it is possible not only to store products having a height corresponding to each product passage width in a stable posture, but also to greatly increase the number of products stored and to effectively use space. be able to. When a product is paid out according to a sales command, the pair of left and right pedals 16a and 16b provided in the product delivery mechanism 16 may be driven independently of each other.

  In addition, if the posture control member 30 ′ is removed prior to the movement of the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240, and then the posture control member 30 ″ is attached corresponding to each product storage passage 12, The attitude of the product can be reliably corrected, and the attitude of the product in the product storage passage 12 can be further stabilized.

  In this case, the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 is folded between the first movable side plate 140 and the second movable side plate 240 by appropriately elastically deforming without being set by an operator such as a route man. It becomes. Therefore, the erroneous insertion preventing member 60 does not have any influence on the passage of the product put in the top tray 20.

  Here, according to the commodity storage rack 10 configured as described above, the upper holding unit and the lower holding unit are respectively provided at the divided position separated from the left base side plate 11 and at the retracted position adjacent to the left base side plate 11. A first movable side plate 140 that is alternatively arranged via the means, and a second movable side plate 240 that is connected to the first movable side plate 140 via the link mechanism 50 in a manner that moves parallel to the first movable side plate 140. Therefore, the second movable side plate 240 always maintains a parallel state with respect to the first movable side plate 140, and the position of the second movable side plate 240 is defined. It is sufficient to provide only the upper holding means. Therefore, even when a large number of types of products are stored in the product storage passage 12, a large number of engagement slits 148a and 149a may be provided only in the front positioning frame member 148 and the rear positioning frame member 149, and the product load is always maintained. There is no need to provide a large number of engaging grooves 14a in the outlet adjuster plate 14 that receives the power, and there is no possibility of causing a problem in strength.

  In addition, the second movable side plate 240 connected to the first movable side plate 140 via the link mechanism 50 also moves smoothly, which is advantageous in terms of moving operability.

  Moreover, according to the said product storage rack 10, there is no possibility that the 1st movable side plate 140 will rattle around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis along the front-back direction by the cylindrical body 143 which penetrates the slide guide shaft 143a. Accordingly, the front engagement protrusion 145 and the engagement slit 148a of the front positioning frame member 148, the rear engagement protrusion 146 and the engagement slit 149a of the rear positioning frame member 149, the engagement protrusion 141c, and the outlet adjuster plate 14 are provided. Even if the engagement groove hole 14a is a case where a clearance is secured between them in consideration of the detachability operability, product clogging or product due to backlash of the first movable side plate 140 is applied. Therefore, it is possible to improve the moving operability of the first movable side plate 140 without causing a problem such as a payout error.

  Further, with respect to the first movable side plate 140, the first insertion width defining portion 142 is disposed so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the first storage width defining portion 141, and the first storage width defining portion 141 and the front side. Since the upper holding means is configured between the positioning frame member 148 and the rear positioning frame member 149, when the upper holding means is released, the first storage width defining portion 141 is moved at all. Instead, only the first insertion width defining portion 142 needs to be moved upward, and the operation can be performed easily and lightly.

  In the above-described embodiment, the movable side plate including the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate is an application target. However, the movable side plate is not necessarily provided with two movable side plates. Further, in the case where the movable side plate includes the first movable side plate and the second movable side plate, in the above description, the cylindrical body is provided only on the first movable side plate, but only the second movable side plate. A cylindrical body may be provided, or a cylindrical body may be provided on each of the movable side plates.

1 is a cross-sectional side view conceptually showing a product storage device for a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part enlarged view of the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the movable side board in the 1st aspect in the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the movable side board in the 2nd aspect in the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the movable side board in the 3rd aspect in the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the vending machine which applies the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the merchandise insertion guide means in the 1st aspect in the merchandise storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the merchandise insertion guide means in the 2nd aspect in the merchandise storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the attitude | position control member applied to the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the attachment aspect of the attitude | position control member shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the attachment aspect of the attitude | position control member shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the attachment aspect of the attitude | position control member shown in FIG. It is a side view of the 1st movable side plate applied to the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a side view of a second movable side plate corresponding to the first movable side plate shown in FIG. 11. It is a side view which shows the other example of the 1st movable side plate applied to the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a side view of a second movable side plate corresponding to the first movable side plate shown in FIG. 13. It is a conceptual diagram of the outlet adjuster board applied to the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the upper holding means applied to the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the upper holding unit illustrated in FIG. 16 is released. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the movable side board in the 1st aspect in the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which moved the 2nd movable side plate upwards from the state shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the movable side board in the 2nd aspect in the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which moved the 1st movable side plate upwards from the state shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the movable side board in the 3rd aspect in the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Product storage rack 11 Base side plate 12 Product storage passage 40 Movable side plate 140 1st movable side plate 143 Cylindrical body 143a Slide guide shaft 240 2nd movable side plate

Claims (2)

A product storage passage is defined between a pair of opposing base side plates, and a movable side plate is movably disposed in a manner close to and away from the base side plates, and the movable side plate is moved to move between the base side plates. In the product storage device of the vending machine that changes the product passage width of
By providing a slide guide shaft between the pair of base side plates, forming a cylindrical body on the movable side plate in such a manner that the slide guide shaft penetrates, and sliding the cylindrical body along the extending direction of the slide guide shaft A product storage device for a vending machine, wherein the position of the movable side plate is changed. A positioning frame member disposed along the slide guide shaft between the pair of base side plates and having a plurality of positioning elements along the extending direction of the slide guide shaft;
Arranged on the movable side plate in such a manner that it can move in a predetermined engagement / disengagement direction intersecting the extending direction of the positioning frame member with respect to the movable side plate and can move along the extending direction of the slide guide shaft together with the movable side plate. The movable side plate is prevented from moving along the extending direction of the slide guide shaft by selectively engaging with a plurality of positioning elements when moved toward one of the engaging and disengaging directions. 2. A slide lever that allows movement of the movable side plate along the extending direction of the slide guide shaft by detaching from the positioning element when moved toward the other side in the disengagement direction. Vending machine product storage device described in 1.

Images