JP2006252027A - Merchandise storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a merchandise storage device capable of easily releasing merchandise jamming in a merchandise storage path. <P>SOLUTION: In the merchandise storage device (20) equipped with a vertically extended merchandise storage path L by which inputted merchandise is successively stored in a horizontal posture, the merchandise storage path L is formed so that a first path forming member constituted by preparing a plurality of segments (40, 50) between a pair of vertically extended right and left first guide boards and a second path forming member constituted by preparing a plurality of segments between a pair of vertically extended right and left second guide boards can be backwardly and forwardly arranged as a pair in such configurations that those segments are faced to each other. A cover member 80 for reducing the opening area of a clearance between the first guide boards and the second guide boards is formed so as to be attachable/detachable while the visibility of the merchandise storage path L through the clearance is secured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a product storage device, and more particularly to an improvement in a product storage device applied to a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages, bottled beverages, and plastic bottled beverages.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 16, a product storage device 100 of a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages, bottled beverages, and plastic bottled beverages has a pair of side plates that are erected on the left and right sides. By installing a plurality of arc-shaped segments 103 between 101 and 102, a plurality of product storage passages defined in a meandering manner along the vertical direction are provided. In addition, the product storage device 100 is provided with a product input tray 104 on the upper side of each product storage passage, and cuts out and transports the product stored in the lowermost stage on the lower side of each product storage passage. A product carry-out mechanism 105 is provided for this purpose (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the product storage device 100 having such a configuration, when a product is replenished, the product is loaded into the product loading tray 104 from the front in a lateral orientation (inverted posture). As a result, the product gradually rolls backward according to the inclination of the product input tray 104 and falls while rolling along the segment 103 along the segment 103 from the rear end of the product input tray 104. Are stacked and stored in a row on the product carry-out mechanism 105. When selling a product, the product carry-out mechanism 105 is driven based on the sales command to drop the product stored in the lowest level downward. As a result, the product is paid out to the product outlet of the vending machine.

JP 2002-122818 A

  However, in the conventional product storage device 100, the product does not roll in a desired posture in the product storage passage depending on how the product is inserted, and as a result, there is a possibility that the product is clogged in the product storage passage. When such a product jam occurs, since the periphery of the product storage passage is completely covered, a hand or the like cannot be easily inserted, and as a result, it is difficult to release the product jam.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a product storage device that can be easily released even when a product jam occurs in a product storage passage.

  In order to achieve the above object, a product storage device according to claim 1 of the present invention extends in the vertical direction between a pair of side plates, and sequentially stores input products in a lateral orientation. In the product storage device in which the product storage passage is defined, at least one of the pair of side plates is formed with a slit at a portion facing the product storage passage, and the visibility of the product storage passage through the slit is ensured. On the other hand, a cover member for reducing the opening area of the slit is detachably provided.

  Further, the product storage device according to claim 2 of the present invention is a product storage device including a product storage passage that extends along the vertical direction and sequentially stores the introduced products in a horizontal orientation. The commodity storage passage includes a first passage forming member in which a plurality of segments are provided between a pair of left and right first long plate-like members extending in the vertical direction, and extending in the vertical direction. The second passage forming member formed by laying a plurality of segments between the pair of left and right second long plate-like bodies is arranged in a pair of front and rear in a manner that the segments face each other. A cover member that reduces the opening area of the gap while ensuring the visibility of the product storage passage through the gap between the first long plate-like body and the second long plate-like body. It is provided as possible.

  According to the commodity storage device of the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the pair of side plates is formed with a slit at a portion facing the commodity storage passage, and the visibility of the commodity storage passage through the cover member is determined. Since the opening area of the slit is reduced and secured in a manner that secures the product, it is possible to easily confirm when product clogging occurs in the product storage passage, and by removing the cover member, etc. Can be inserted to achieve a desired product posture. Therefore, there is an effect that it can be easily released even when a product jam occurs. In addition, since the cover member is provided in such a manner as to reduce the opening area of the slit, it is possible to prevent the product passing through the product storage passage from getting stuck in the slit and to prevent the product from being jammed due to the slit. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the commodity storage device of the second aspect of the present invention, the first passage is formed by a plurality of segments constructed between the pair of left and right first long plates extending in the vertical direction. A member and a second passage forming member in which a plurality of segments are installed between a pair of left and right second long plate-like members extending in the vertical direction are arranged in a manner in which the segments face each other. The product storage passage is defined by being arranged in a pair, and the visibility of the product storage passage through the gap between the first long plate-like body and the second long plate-like body is ensured for the cover member. However, since it is detachably provided in a manner that reduces the opening area of the gap, it is possible to easily check when a product is clogged in the product storage passage and to insert a hand or the like by removing the cover member To make the product attitude as desiredTherefore, there is an effect that it can be easily released even when a product jam occurs. In addition, since the cover member is provided in such a manner as to reduce the opening area of the gap, it is possible to prevent the product passing through the product storage passage from getting stuck in the gap and to prevent the occurrence of product clogging caused by the gap. There is an effect that can be.

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

  1 to 3 show the configuration of a vending machine to which the product storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. The vending machine is for selling products such as canned beverages and beverages containing plastic bottles, and includes a main body cabinet 1.

  The main body cabinet 1 is formed as a rectangular heat insulating casing having an open front surface. Inside the main body cabinet 1, a plurality of independent commodity containers 2a, 2b, 2c are arranged side by side. These merchandise containers 2a, 2b, and 2c are for accommodating merchandise such as canned drinks and plastic bottled drinks while being maintained at a desired temperature. Each of the product storage boxes 2a, 2b, 2c is provided with a product storage device 20 for storing the introduced product at the upper part thereof, while at the lower part partitioned by the carry-out shooter 4 A heat exchanger (not shown) is provided, and the beverage can and the plastic bottle stored in the product storage device 20 are maintained at a desired cooling temperature or heating temperature by driving the heat exchanger. Is possible.

  The vending machine is provided with a door 5 at one side edge of the main body cabinet 1. The door body 5 is used to open and close the front opening of the main body cabinet 1, and includes an inner door 5a, an inner door 5b, and an outer door 5c. The inner door 5a has a size sufficient to cover the front surfaces of the product containers 2a, 2b, 2c provided in the main body cabinet 1. In the illustrated example, the inner door 5a is divided into upper and lower parts so that each can be opened and closed individually.

  The middle door 5b is disposed on the front side of the inner door 5a. The inner door 5b has a plurality of product sample stages 6 (in the example shown in the figure) along the vertical direction, in which samples of sales products (hereinafter also referred to as product samples) S are placed in a row in the upper part on the front side. In this case, they are arranged in three stages. The middle door 5b is provided with an electric lighting plate 7 at the lower part on the front side.

  The outer door 5 c has a size sufficient to cover the front opening of the main body cabinet 1. The outer door 5 c is provided with a display window 8, a product selection button 9, a coin insertion slot 10, a bill insertion slot 11, an integrated display 12, a coin return slot 13, and a merchandise outlet 14 on the front side. On the other hand, a coin processor 15, a coin collection box 16, and a banknote processor 17 are provided on the rear surface side of the outer door 5c.

  The display window 8 is a window for allowing the user to visually recognize the product sample S (product sample stage 6) and the lighting plate 7 arranged on the inner door 5b. The product selection button 9 is a push button switch for the user to select a purchased product, and is prepared for each product sample S visually recognized through the display window 8. The coin slot 10 is an opening through which a user inserts coins. The coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 10 are identified by the coin processor 15 and then stored in the coin collection box 16. The bill insertion slot 11 is an opening for a user to insert a bill. The banknote inserted through the banknote insertion slot 11 is identified in the banknote processing machine 17 by its denomination. The bill insertion slot 11 has a function for returning bills that could not be identified by the bill processor 17. The integrated display 12 is for displaying various information to the user, such as the amount of money input, whether or not it is being sold, and whether or not there is change. The coin return port 13 is an opening for returning to the user a coin that could not be identified by the coin processor 15 or a coin to be changed. The product outlet 14 is an opening for the user to receive the product paid out from the product storage device 20.

  FIG. 4 shows the product storage apparatus. In FIG. 4, the product storage device 20 has a three-part structure in which six rows of product storage passages are defined in the front and rear, and includes a front stage unit 21, a middle stage unit 22, and a rear stage unit 23.

  The front-stage unit 21 is disposed at the foremost side, and includes a first front-side passage forming member 211, a first central passage-forming member 212, and a first rear-side passage forming member 213. The first front-side passage forming member 211 includes a pair of first front guide plates 211 a and a plurality of first segments 40. Each first front guide plate 211a is a long plate formed by processing a plate-like member such as a steel plate. These first front guide plates 211a are arranged in a manner facing left and right by being attached to the front end of a horizontal support member 18 having upper ends extending in the front-rear direction via fastening means such as screws. It is.

  The first segment 40 is obtained by processing a plate member such as a single steel plate, and has a curved shape with a concave front side. A flapper 30 is attached to the first segment 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the flapper 30 is attached so as to be swingable in the vertical direction around a horizontally provided shaft portion, and is biased by a spring 90 so as to protrude toward the front side of the first segment 40. It is.

  6 to 8 show the configuration of the first segment, respectively. FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from the front side, FIG. 7 is a perspective view seen from the back side, and FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view at the time of seeing from the side. In these drawings, the flapper 30 is obtained by processing a single plate-like body, and has a contact portion 31 and support portions 32 and 33.

  Although the details will be described later, the contact portion 31 is a portion that comes into contact with a product carried into the product storage passage, and has a substantially rectangular contact surface. A bead is formed on the contact surface so as to intersect with the product, and the strength of the flapper 30 can be reinforced, and the rolling friction of the product and the noise when the product passes can be reduced.

  The support portions 32 and 33 are portions extending from the contact portion 31 and have a curved shape with a convex upper surface so that the product is not clogged even when the flapper 30 swings. Further, the support portions 32 and 33 are divided into two forks toward the root direction of the flapper 30 by cutting out both side portions and the center portion, and by bending the rear edges of the support portions 32 and 33 into a cylindrical shape, A first shaft portion 321 and a second shaft portion 331 are formed.

  The first shaft portion 321 extends from the support portion 32 on the right side (left side in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the flapper 30 to the outside to reach the substantially right edge (left side edge in FIG. 8) of the flapper 30. 30 extends inward from the right support 32. The length of the portion extending outside the first shaft portion 321 is formed to be longer than the length of the portion extending inside the first shaft portion 321.

  The second shaft portion 331 extends outward from the support portion 33 on the left side (right side in FIG. 8) of the flapper 30 to reach the substantially left side edge (right side edge in FIG. 8) of the flapper 30, and on the left side of the flapper 30. It extends inward from the support portion 33. Further, a retaining portion 332 extending further leftward (rightward in FIG. 8) is formed at the shaft end portion of the second shaft portion 331. As shown in FIG. 7, the retaining portion 332 can prevent the flapper 30 from falling off by being bent after the flapper 30 is attached to the first segment 40.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the first segment 40 is viewed from the front side, the position that is the lower right side (the position that is the lower left side when viewed from the back side as in FIGS. 7 and 8), Two openings, a right opening 41 and a left opening 42 are formed. These openings 41 and 42 define the swing range of the flapper 30. When the upper edges of the openings 41 and 42 and the upper surface of the flapper 30 come into contact with each other, the flapper 30 is in a slightly lowered position. (Refer to FIG. 5) When the lower edges of the openings 41 and 42 are in contact with the lower surface of the flapper 30, the flapper 30 is largely in a forward-downward posture. When there is no product on the flapper 30, the upper edges of the openings 41 and 42 and the upper surface of the flapper 30 come into contact with each other, and the flapper 30 stands by in a slightly lowered position.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a first support portion 411 and a second support for supporting the flapper 30 are provided at both side edges of the right side opening 41 (the left side opening in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the first segment 40. A portion 412 is formed by cutting and raising the first segment 40 to the back side. Further, a third support portion for supporting the flapper 30 is provided on the left side edge (the right side edge in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the left side opening 42 (the right side opening in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the first segment 40. 421 is cut and raised from the first segment 40 to the back side. Mounting holes 411a, 412a, and 421a are formed in these support portions 411, 412, and 421 so as to have the same axis.

  The spring 90 urges the flapper 30 in a direction in which the flapper 30 protrudes to the front side of the first segment 40 and urges the flapper 30 leftward (rightward in FIG. 8). The spring 90 has a spiral shape, and has a segment arm portion 91 and a flapper arm portion 92. The segment arm portion 91 is a portion extending rightward (leftward in FIG. 6) from the right end (leftward in FIG. 8) of the spring 90 and is locked to the first segment 40. The flapper arm portion 92 is a portion extending rightward (leftward in FIG. 8) from the left end (rightward in FIG. 8) of the spring 90, and is locked to the flapper 30.

  Here, a procedure for attaching the flapper 30 to the first segment 40 will be described. First, after inserting the spring 90 into the inner side of the second shaft portion 331 of the flapper 30, the support portion 32 of the flapper 30 is received from the right opening 41 formed in the first segment 40, and the first shaft portion of the flapper 30 is received. The outer portion of 321 is inserted into the mounting hole 411 a formed in the first support portion 411 of the first segment 40. Thereafter, after the support portion 33 of the flapper 30 is received from the left side opening 42 formed in the first segment 40, the spring 90 is compressed so that the inner side portion of the first shaft portion 321 of the flapper 30 is the second portion of the first segment 40. The outer portion of the second shaft portion 331 of the flapper 30 is inserted into the attachment hole 421 a formed in the third support portion 421 of the first segment 40 while being inserted through the attachment hole 412 a formed in the support portion 412.

  Then, the spring 90 is disposed so that the segment arm portion 91 is engaged with the back surface of the first segment 40 and the flapper arm portion 92 is engaged with the back surface of the flapper 30, and then the compression of the spring 90 is released. The inner part of the one shaft part 321 is also inserted. Then, the spring 90 urges the flapper 30 in a direction protruding from the front side of the first segment 40 and urges the flapper 30 leftward (rightward in FIGS. 7 and 8). Accordingly, the left support 33 (the right support in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the flapper 30 always comes into contact with the third support 421 of the first segment 40. For this reason, the flapper 30 does not easily fall off from the first segment 40. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, when the retaining portion 332 is bent, the flapper 30 and the retaining portion 332 are not moved even if the flapper 30 is moved to the right (leftward in FIG. 7) against the biasing force of the spring 90. The flapper 30 does not fall off from the first segment 40 due to contact.

  The first front-side passage forming member 211 is configured by installing a plurality of first segments 40 having such a configuration downward from an intermediate height position between the first front guide plates 211a. More specifically, the plurality of first segments 40 are configured so that the front of the first segment 40 is the rear, and the intermediate height of the first front guide plate 211a along the longitudinal direction of the first front guide plate 211a. A first front-side passage forming member 211 is configured by connecting between the first front guide plates 211a continuously downward from the position.

  The first central passage forming member 212 includes a pair of first central guide plates 212a, a plurality of first segments 40, and a plurality of second segments 50. The first central guide plate 212a is a long one formed by processing a plate-like member such as a steel plate, for example, and has substantially the same length as the first front guide plate 211a. These first central guide plates 212a are arranged in a manner facing left and right by attaching their upper ends to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the first central guide plate 212a is disposed at a position spaced apart from the first front guide plate 211a constituting the first front passage forming member 211 by a predetermined distance. More specifically, the products are arranged at positions separated by a distance that allows the products to be stacked and stored along the vertical direction while securing a size that allows the products to pass in a horizontal posture. Therefore, the gap generated between the rear edge portion of the first front guide plate 211a and the front edge portion of the first central guide plate 212a is made smaller than the maximum width (maximum diameter) of the product.

  The plurality of first segments 40 are the same as the first segments 40 constituting the first front passage forming member 211. Similar to the first segment 40, the plurality of second segments 50 are obtained by processing a plate-like member such as a single steel plate, and have a curved shape with a concave front side. A flapper 30 is attached to the second segment 50. As shown in FIG. 9, the flapper 30 is attached so as to be swingable in the vertical direction around a horizontally provided shaft portion, and is biased by a spring 90 so as to protrude toward the front side of the second segment 50. It is.

  10 to 12 show the configuration of the second segment, respectively. FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the front side, FIG. 11 is a perspective view seen from the back side, and FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view at the time of seeing from the side. In these drawings, the flapper 30 has the same shape as that attached to the first segment 40, and is shared by the first segment 40 and the second segment 50. Further, the spring 90 interposed between the second segment 50 and the flapper 30 has the same shape as the spring 90 interposed between the first segment 40 and the flapper 30 and is shared. Therefore, about the flapper 30 and the spring 90, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the second segment 50 is viewed from the front side, the position that is the lower left side (the position that is the lower right side when viewed from the back side as in FIGS. 11 and 12), Two openings, a right opening 51 and a left opening 52, are formed. These openings 51 and 52 delimit the swinging range of the flapper 30. When the upper edges of the openings 51 and 52 and the upper surface of the flapper 30 come into contact with each other, the flapper 30 is in a slightly lowered position. (See FIG. 9) When the lower edges of the openings 51 and 52 and the lower surface of the flapper 30 come into contact with each other, the flapper 30 is largely in a front-down position.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a first support portion 511 and a second support for supporting the flapper 30 are provided on both side edges of the right opening 51 (the left opening in FIGS. 11 and 12) of the second segment 50. A portion 512 is formed by cutting and raising the second segment 50 to the back side. Further, a third support portion 521 for supporting the flapper 30 is provided on the left edge (the right edge in FIGS. 11 and 12) of the left opening 52 (the right opening in FIGS. 11 and 12) of the second segment 50. Is cut and raised from the second segment 50 to the back side. Mounting holes 511a, 512a, and 521a are formed in these support portions 511, 512, and 521 so as to have the same axis.

  Here, a procedure for attaching the flapper 30 to the second segment 50 will be described. First, after inserting the spring 90 into the inner side of the second shaft portion 331 of the flapper 30, the support portion 32 of the flapper 30 is received from the right opening 51 formed in the second segment 50, and the first shaft portion of the flapper 30 is received. The outer portion of 321 is inserted into a mounting hole 511 a formed in the first support portion 511 of the second segment 50. After that, after the support portion 33 of the flapper 30 is received from the left opening 52 formed in the second segment 50, the spring 90 is compressed, and the inner portion of the first shaft portion 321 of the flapper 30 is moved to the second segment 50. The outer portion of the second shaft portion 331 of the flapper 30 is inserted into the attachment hole 521 a formed in the third support portion 521 of the second segment 50 while being inserted through the attachment hole 512 a formed in the support portion 512.

  Then, the spring 90 is disposed so that the segment arm portion 91 is engaged with the back surface of the second segment 50 and the flapper arm portion 92 is engaged with the back surface of the flapper 30, and then the compression of the spring 90 is released, The inner part of the one shaft part 321 is also inserted. Then, the spring 90 urges the flapper 30 in a direction in which the flapper 30 protrudes to the front side of the second segment 50 and urges the flapper 30 leftward (rightward in FIGS. 11 and 12). Accordingly, the left support 33 (the right support in FIGS. 11 and 12) of the flapper 30 always comes into contact with the third support 521 of the second segment 50. For this reason, the flapper 30 does not easily fall off from the second segment 50. After that, as shown in FIG. 11, when the retaining portion 332 is bent, the flapper 30 and the retaining portion 332 are not moved even when the flapper 30 is moved to the right (leftward in FIG. 11) against the urging force of the spring 90. The flapper 30 does not come off from the second segment 50 due to contact.

  The plurality of first segments 40 and the plurality of second segments 50 are respectively erected downward from the intermediate height position between the first center guide plates 212a to constitute the first center passage forming member 212. More specifically, the plurality of second segments 50 is slightly inferior to the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 constituting the first front side passage forming member 211 in a mode in which the front surface of the second segment 50 is the front. The first central guide plate 212a is erected from the lower height position to the lower side. On the other hand, the plurality of first segments 40 is higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the second segment 50 in a mode in which the front surface of the first segment 40 is rearward, that is, in a mode in which the back surface of the second segment 50 is opposed. In addition, the first front passage forming member 211 is provided between the first central guide plates 212a continuously from the height position slightly higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 to the lower side.

  As a result, the first segment 40 installed between the first front passage forming member 211 and the first central passage forming member 212, that is, the first front guide plate 211a, and the first segment installed on the first central guide plate 212a. Between the two segments 50, a meander-shaped product storage passage L is defined. In other words, the product storage passage L is defined by a front and rear pair of the first front passage formation member 211 and the first central passage formation member 212 that are opposed to each other with the segments 40 and 50 facing each other. It is a thing.

  The first rear side passage forming member 213 includes a pair of first rear guide plates 213a and a plurality of second segments 50. The first rear guide plate 213a is a long one formed by processing a plate member such as a steel plate, for example, and has substantially the same length as the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a. is doing. These first rear guide plates 213a are arranged in such a manner as to be opposed to the left and right by their upper ends being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the first rear guide plate 213a is disposed at a position spaced apart from the first central guide plate 212a constituting the first central passage forming member 212 by a predetermined distance. More specifically, the products are arranged at positions separated by a distance that allows the products to be stacked and stored along the vertical direction while securing a size that allows the products to pass in a horizontal posture. Therefore, the gap generated between the rear edge portion of the first central guide plate 212a and the front edge portion of the first rear guide plate 213a is made smaller than the maximum width of the product.

  The plurality of second segments 50 are the same as the second segments 50 constituting the first central passage forming member 212. The first rear passage forming member 213 is configured by laying the plurality of second segments 50 downward from positions slightly higher than the intermediate height position between the first rear guide plates 213a. More specifically, the plurality of second segments 50 is slightly inferior to the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 constituting the first central passage forming member 212 in a mode in which the front surface of the second segment 50 is the front. The first rear guide plate 213a is constructed between the first rear guide plates 213a in a downward direction from a high height position.

  As a result, the first segment 40 laid between the first central passage forming member 212 and the first rear passage forming member 213, that is, the first central guide plate 212a, and the first rear guide plate 213a. Between the second segments 50, a meander-shaped product storage passage L is defined. In other words, the product storage passage L is defined by a pair of front and rear disposed in a manner in which the first central passage formation member 212 and the first rear passage formation member 213 face each other with the segments 40 and 50 facing each other. It has been done.

  The middle stage unit 22 is disposed in a manner adjacent to the rear side of the front stage unit 21, and includes a second front side passage forming member 221, a second central passage forming member 222, and a second rear side passage forming member 223. Configured. The second front passage forming member 221 includes a pair of second front guide plates 221a and a plurality of first segments 40.

  Each of the second front guide plates 221a is a long plate formed by processing a plate member such as a steel plate, for example, and has a longer length in the longitudinal direction than the guide plates 211a, 212a, and 213a constituting the front stage unit 21. It's short. These second front guide plates 221a are arranged in such a manner as to be opposed to the left and right by their upper ends being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the second front guide plate 221a is disposed in a state where the front edge portion is in contact with the rear edge portion of the first rear guide plate 213a constituting the front stage unit 21.

  The plurality of first segments 40 are the same as the first segments 40 constituting the front stage unit 21. The plurality of first segments 40 are respectively erected downward from a height position slightly higher than the intermediate height position between the second front guide plates 221a, whereby the second front side passage forming member 221 is configured. More specifically, the plurality of first segments 40 is a mode in which the front surface of the first segment 40 is rearward, and is slightly smaller than the upper limit arrangement position of the second segment 50 constituting the first rear passage forming member 213. The second front guide plate 221a is erected from the higher position to the lower side.

  The second central passage forming member 222 includes a pair of second central guide plates 222a, a plurality of first segments 40, and a plurality of second segments 50. The second central guide plate 222a is a long plate formed by processing a plate member such as a steel plate, for example, and has substantially the same length as the second front guide plate 221a. These second central guide plates 222a are arranged in such a manner that their upper ends are opposed to the left and right by being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the second central guide plate 222a is disposed at a position separated from the second front guide plate 221a constituting the second front side passage forming member 221 by a predetermined distance. More specifically, the products are arranged at positions separated by a distance that allows the products to be stacked and stored along the vertical direction while securing a size that allows the products to pass in a horizontal posture. Therefore, the gap generated between the rear edge portion of the second front guide plate 221a and the front edge portion of the second central guide plate 222a is made smaller than the maximum width of the product.

  The plurality of first segments 40 are the same as the first segments 40 constituting the front stage unit 21 and the second front side passage forming member 221. The plurality of second segments 50 are the same as the second segments 50 constituting the front stage unit 21. The plurality of first segments 40 and the plurality of second segments 50 are respectively laid downward from a position higher than the intermediate height position between the second center guide plates 222a, thereby forming the second center passage forming member 222. The More specifically, the plurality of second segments 50 is slightly inferior to the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 constituting the second front side passage forming member 221 in a mode in which the front surface of the second segment 50 is the front. The second central guide plate 222a extends from the lower height position to the lower side. On the other hand, the plurality of first segments 40 is higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the second segment 50 in a mode in which the front surface of the first segment 40 is rearward, that is, in a mode in which the back surface of the second segment 50 is opposed. In addition, the second front guide passage member 221 is installed between the second central guide plates 222a continuously downward from a height position slightly higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40.

  As a result, the first segment 40 installed between the second front passage forming member 221 and the second central passage forming member 222, that is, the second front guide plate 221a, and the second center guide plate 222a Between the two segments 50, a meander-shaped product storage passage L is defined. In other words, the product storage passage L is defined by the front and rear pairs of the second front passage formation member 221 and the second central passage formation member 222 that face each other with the segments 40 and 50 facing each other. It is a thing.

  The second rear side passage forming member 223 includes a pair of second rear guide plates 223 a and a plurality of second segments 50. Each of the second rear guide plates 223a has a long shape formed by processing a plate-like member such as a steel plate, for example, and has substantially the same length as the second front guide plate 221a and the second central guide plate 222a. is doing. These second rear guide plates 223a are arranged in such a manner that their respective upper ends are opposed to the left and right by being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the second rear guide plate 223a is disposed at a position separated from the second central guide plate 222a constituting the second central passage forming member 222 by a predetermined distance on the rear side. More specifically, the products are arranged at positions separated by a distance that allows the products to be stacked and stored along the vertical direction while securing a size that allows the products to pass in a horizontal posture. Therefore, the gap generated between the rear edge portion of the second central guide plate 222a and the front edge portion of the second rear guide plate 223a is made smaller than the maximum width of the product.

  The plurality of second segments 50 are the same as the second segments 50 constituting the second central passage forming member 222. The second rear passage forming member 223 is configured by laying the plurality of second segments 50 downward from a height position higher than the intermediate height position between the second rear guide plates 223a. More specifically, the plurality of second segments 50 are higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 constituting the second central passage forming member 222 in a mode in which the front surface of the second segment 50 is the front. The second rear guide plate 223a extends from the vertical position to the lower side.

  As a result, the first segment 40 is installed between the second central passage forming member 222 and the second rear passage forming member 223, that is, the second central guide plate 222a and the second rear guide plate 223a. Between the second segments 50, a meander-shaped product storage passage L is defined. In other words, the product storage passage L is defined by a pair of front and rear portions in which the second central passage formation member 222 and the second rear passage formation member 223 face each other with the segments 40 and 50 facing each other. It has been done.

  The rear stage unit 23 is arranged in a manner adjacent to the rear side of the middle stage unit 22 and includes a third front side passage forming member 231, a third central passage forming member 232, and a third rear side passage forming member 233. Configured. The third front passage forming member 231 has a pair of third front guide plates 231a and a plurality of first segments 40.

  Each of the third front guide plates 231a is a long plate formed by processing a plate member such as a steel plate, for example, and has a longer length in the longitudinal direction than the guide plates 221a, 222a, and 223a constituting the middle unit 22. It is short. These third front guide plates 231a are arranged in such a manner as to be opposed to the left and right by their upper ends being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the third front guide plate 231a is disposed in a state where the front edge portion is in contact with the rear edge portion of the second rear guide plate 223a constituting the middle stage unit 22.

  The plurality of first segments 40 are the same as the first segments 40 constituting the front unit 21 and the middle unit 22. The third front side passage forming member 231 is configured by laying the plurality of first segments 40 downward from a height position higher than the intermediate height position between the third front guide plates 231a. More specifically, the plurality of first segments 40 are in a mode in which the front surface of the first segment 40 is the rear, and slightly higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the second segment 50 that constitutes the second rear passage forming member 223. The second front guide plate 231a is extended from the higher position to the lower side.

  The third central passage forming member 232 includes a pair of third central guide plates 232a, a plurality of first segments 40, and a plurality of second segments 50. The third central guide plate 232a is a long one formed by processing a plate-like member such as a steel plate, for example, and has substantially the same length as the third front guide plate 231a. The upper ends of the third central guide plates 232a are arranged in a manner facing left and right by being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the third central guide plate 232a is disposed at a position spaced apart from the third front guide plate 231a constituting the third front side passage forming member 231 by a predetermined distance. More specifically, the products are arranged at positions separated by a distance that allows the products to be stacked and stored along the vertical direction while securing a size that allows the products to pass in a horizontal posture. Therefore, the gap generated between the rear edge portion of the third front guide plate 231a and the front edge portion of the third central guide plate 232a is made smaller than the maximum width of the product.

  The plurality of first segments 40 are the same as the first segments 40 constituting the front stage unit 21, the middle stage unit 22, and the third front side passage forming member 231. The plurality of second segments 50 are the same as the second segments 50 constituting the front unit 21 and the middle unit 22. The plurality of first segments 40 and the plurality of second segments 50 are respectively erected downward from a position higher than the intermediate height position between the third center guide plates 232a, thereby forming a third center passage forming member 232. The More specifically, the plurality of second segments 50 are slightly inferior to the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 constituting the third front side passage forming member 231 in a mode in which the front surface of the second segment 50 is the front. The second central guide plate 232a extends from the lower height position to the lower side. On the other hand, the plurality of first segments 40 is higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the second segment 50 in a mode in which the front surface of the first segment 40 is rearward, that is, in a mode in which the back surface of the second segment 50 is opposed. In addition, the third front guide passage forming member 231 is constructed between the third central guide plates 232a continuously downward from a height position slightly higher than the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40.

  As a result, the first segment 40 erected between the third front passage forming member 231 and the third central passage forming member 232, that is, the third front guide plate 231a, and the third central guide plate 232a Between the two segments 50, a meander-shaped product storage passage L is defined. In other words, the product storage passage L is defined by the front and rear pairs of the third front passage formation member 231 and the third central passage formation member 232 that face each other with the segments 40 and 50 facing each other. It is a thing.

  The third rear-side passage forming member 233 includes a pair of third rear guide plates 233a and a plurality of second segments 50. The third rear guide plate 233a is a long plate formed by processing a plate-like member such as a steel plate, for example, and has substantially the same length as the third front guide plate 231a and the third central guide plate 232a. is doing. These third rear guide plates 233a are arranged in such a manner as to be opposed to the left and right by their upper ends being attached to the horizontal support member 18 via fastening means such as screws. More specifically, the third rear guide plate 233a is disposed at a position spaced apart from the third central guide plate 232a constituting the third central passage forming member 232 by a predetermined distance. More specifically, the products are arranged at positions separated by a distance that allows the products to be stacked and stored along the vertical direction while securing a size that allows the products to pass in a horizontal posture. Therefore, the gap generated between the rear edge portion of the third central guide plate 232a and the front edge portion of the third rear guide plate 233a is made smaller than the maximum width of the product.

  The plurality of second segments 50 are the same as the second segments 50 constituting the third central passage forming member 232. The third rear passage forming member 233 is configured by laying the plurality of second segments 50 downward from a height position higher than the intermediate height position between the third rear guide plates 233a. More specifically, the plurality of second segments 50 is slightly inferior to the upper limit arrangement position of the first segment 40 constituting the third central passage forming member 232 in a mode in which the front surface of the second segment 50 is the front. It is constructed between the third rear guide plates 233a continuously from the lower height position.

  As a result, the first segment 40 is installed between the third central passage forming member 232 and the third rear passage forming member 233, that is, the third central guide plate 232a, and the third rear guide plate 233a. Between the second segments 50, a meander-shaped product storage passage L is defined. In other words, the product storage passage L is defined by the third central passage formation member 232 and the third rear passage formation member 233 arranged in a pair in the front-rear direction with the segments 40 and 50 facing each other. It has been done.

  In the product storage device 20 as described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the product is placed on each upper side of the product storage passage L defined by the front unit 21, the middle unit 22, and the rear unit 23. While a product tray 60 is provided, a product carry-out mechanism 70 is provided at each lower side of the product storage passage L.

  The product insertion tray 60 is a plate-like member disposed so as to be gradually lowered from the front toward the rear. The merchandise carry-out mechanism 70 controls the sale of merchandise, and is attached to the lower outlet of the merchandise storage passage L. Specifically, it is disposed between the first central guide plates 212 a of the front unit 21, between the second central guide plates 222 a of the middle unit 22, and between the third central guide plates 232 a of the rear unit 23. In addition, the code | symbol H in FIG. 4 is a reinforcement member.

  On the other hand, a cover member 80 (see FIG. 13) is detachably disposed on each of the front stage unit 21, the middle stage unit 22 and the rear stage unit 23 constituting the product storage device 20. Below, arrangement | positioning of the cover member 80 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing the former unit constituting the product storage device. In the following, the cover member 80 disposed in the front unit 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 13, but the middle unit 22 and the rear unit 23 constituting the product storage device 20 are also covered in the same manner as the front unit 21. A member 80 is provided.

  The cover member 80 is formed by processing, for example, a steel plate, and as shown in FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. 14, the long extension portion 81, the upper engagement portion 82, and the lower engagement portion 83. It is configured with.

  In FIG. 14, the long extending portion 81 is a long plate-like body extending along the vertical direction, and the product storage passage L side is the front surface and the outer side is the back surface. The long extending portion 81 is formed by being bent in such a manner that the cross section is U-shaped, and both side portions extend outward. Further, the width of the long extension portion 81 (length m in FIG. 14) is set so that a gap (the first front guide plate 211a of the first front guide plate 211a) is generated between the first front passage formation member 211 and the first central passage formation member 212. A gap formed between the rear edge portion and the front edge portion of the first central guide plate 212a) and a gap formed between the first central passage forming member 212 and the first rear passage forming member 213 (first central guide). Smaller than each of the gaps formed between the rear edge of the plate 212a and the front edge of the first rear guide plate 213a.

  The upper engaging portion 82 is formed by appropriately bending a plate-like body, and a portion protruding toward the product storage passage L is fitted to the back side of the long extending portion 81, and is not shown in the drawing. It is attached to the upper end portion of the long extending portion 81 through means. Both side portions of the upper engaging portion 82 are formed such that one extends forward and the other extends rearward. Further, the width of the upper engaging portion 82 (corresponding to the length n in FIG. 14) is a gap (first front guide plate 211a) generated between the first front passage forming member 211 and the first central passage forming member 212. A gap formed between the rear edge of the first central guide plate 212a and the gap between the first central passage forming member 212 and the first rear passage forming member 213 (first center). It is larger than each of the gaps formed between the rear edge portion of the guide plate 212a and the front edge portion of the first rear guide plate 213a.

  The lower engagement portion 83 is formed by appropriately bending a plate-like body, similarly to the upper engagement portion 82, and the portion protruding toward the product storage passage L is the back side of the long extension portion 81. Is attached to a predetermined portion in a lower region of the long extending portion 81 through fastening means (not shown). Both side portions of the lower engagement portion 83 are formed such that one extends forward and the other extends rearward. Further, the width of the lower engagement portion 83 (length n in FIG. 14) is the same as the width of the upper engagement portion 82, and the first front passage formation member 211 and the first central passage formation member 212. (A gap formed between the rear edge of the first front guide plate 211a and the front edge of the first central guide plate 212a), and the first central passage forming member 212 and the first rear passage. It is larger than each of the gaps formed between the forming member 213 (gap formed between the rear edge portion of the first central guide plate 212a and the front edge portion of the first rear guide plate 213a).

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is attached to the front unit. FIG. 15 shows a state where the cover member 80 is attached to the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a of the front unit 20. In FIG. 15, the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a are provided with an upper support portion 91 and a lower support portion 94, respectively.

  The upper support portion 91 supports the side edge portion of the upper engagement portion 82 of the cover member 80. The upper support 91 is formed by cutting and raising predetermined portions of the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a. Reference numeral 92 in FIG. 15 is a notch, and reference numeral 93 is a protrusion for preventing the upper engaging portion 82 from coming off.

  The lower support portion 94 supports the side edge portion of the lower engagement portion 83 of the cover member 80. The distance between the formation portion of the lower support portion 94 and the formation portion of the upper support portion 91 corresponds to the separation distance between the upper engagement portion 82 and the lower engagement portion 83. Further, the lower support portion 94 is formed by cutting and raising predetermined portions of the first guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a. Reference numeral 95 in FIG. 15 is a notch.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 15, by sliding the cover member 80 downward, the side edge portion of the upper engagement portion 82 enters the upper support portion 91, and the lower edge of the side edge portion is At the same time, the side edge portion of the lower engagement portion 83 enters the lower support portion 94, and the lower edge of the side edge portion is supported by the lower support portion 94. Thus, the cover member 80 is disposed on the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a (see FIG. 13). At that time, the protrusion 93 restricts the upward movement of the upper engagement portion 82, and prevents the cover member 80 from being easily removed.

  In addition, when the cover member 80 disposed on the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a is slid upward, more specifically, the cover member 80 is released while the restriction by the protrusion 93 is released. The cover member 80 can be detached from the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a. That is, the cover member 80 is detachably disposed. Here, the case where the cover member 80 is disposed on the first front guide plate 211a and the first central guide plate 212a of the front stage unit 20 has been described, but the first central guide plate 212a and the first rear guide plate 213a are described. The same applies to the case where the cover member 80 is provided. Further, the same operation is performed when the cover member 80 is disposed in the middle unit 22 and the rear unit 23.

  In such a product storage device 20, when a product is replenished, the product is put into the product putting tray 60 from the front in a horizontal posture (inverted posture). Then, the product gradually rolls rearward according to the inclination of the product input tray 60, falls from the rear end of the product input tray 60, and enters the product storage path L. When the product is put into the product storage passage L, the flapper 30 biased by the spring 90 comes into contact with the product. The flapper 30 with which the product abuts can be swung in a direction close to the guide plate disposed against the urging force of the spring 90 to reduce the drop impact of the product. After the product has passed, the flapper 30 returns to the position where the flapper 30 protrudes toward the product storage passage L again by the elastic restoring force of the spring 90. As a result of a plurality of products being sequentially put into the product loading tray 60, the products are sequentially stacked and stored in the product storage passage L so as to overlap the product carry-out mechanism 70.

  At that time, a gap is formed between the passage forming members that define the product storage passage L, and the width of the long extending portion 81 of the cover member 80 is smaller than the gap, so that the stored product is stored. Can be visually recognized from the outside. That is, the cover member 80 reduces the opening area of the gap while ensuring visibility.

  As described above, the cover member 80 is detachably disposed while ensuring visibility, so that the inside of the product storage passage L can be visually confirmed, and in addition, when a product or the like is clogged, It is possible to remove the cover member 80 and insert a hand or the like to obtain a desired product posture. Further, when the cover member 80 is provided, the opening area of the gap is reduced, so that it is possible to prevent the product passing through the product storage passage L from getting stuck in the gap.

  On the other hand, when a product is sold, that is, when a charge is put into the vending machine and the desired product selection button 9 is pressed, the product carry-out mechanism 70 for storing the designated product is driven based on the sales command. The products stored in the lowermost stage are discharged one by one to the product outlet 14 via the product take-out shooter 4.

  As described above, according to the product storage device 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 80 is detachable while ensuring the visibility of the product storage passage L through the gap between the passage formation members. Since it is provided, it is possible to easily confirm the case where product clogging occurs in the product storage passage L, and by removing the cover member 80, a hand or the like can be inserted to make the product posture desired. Can do. Therefore, it can be easily released even when a product jam occurs. In addition, since the cover member 80 is provided in such a manner as to reduce the opening area of the gap, it is possible to prevent the product passing through the product storage passage L from getting stuck in the gap, and to generate a product jam caused by the gap. Can be prevented.

  In addition, according to the product storage device 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the front-side passage forming members 211, 211, 231 and the central passage-forming members 212, 222 in the front stage unit 21, the middle stage unit 22, and the rear stage unit 23, respectively. , 232 and a pair of front and rear are arranged in such a manner that the segments 40 and 50 face each other to define a product storage passage L, and the central passage formation members 212, 222, 232 and the rear passage formation members 213, 223, 233 and a pair of front and rear are arranged in a manner in which the segments 40 and 50 face each other to define the product storage passage L, and thus a plurality of product storage passages are defined between the pair of side plates. It can be configured by assembling for each passage forming member using a simple mounting tool without requiring a large device, etc. That. Moreover, a gap can be provided in the part facing the product storage passage L, and the material cost of the part can be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced without complicating the assembly work.

  Furthermore, according to the product storage device 20, since the flapper 30 is attached to the segments 40 and 50 with the spring 90 interposed, the drop impact of the product carried into the product storage passage L is reduced, and the product is damaged. Can be avoided.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made. For example, the cover member may be formed of a transparent resin material such as an acrylic resin, or may be a so-called mesh shape.

  Moreover, although the said product storage apparatus 20 was formed with the some channel | path formation member, in this invention, a product storage channel | path is formed between a pair of side plates, and at least one product of this pair of side plates. A slit may be formed at a portion facing the storage passage. Even with such a product storage device, it is possible to quickly confirm the occurrence of product clogging by detachably providing a cover member that reduces the opening area of the slit while ensuring the visibility of the product storage passage through the slit. The cover member can be removed to achieve a desired product posture.

  As described above, the product storage device according to the present invention is useful for vending machines that sell various products such as canned beverages, bottled beverages, and plastic bottled beverages.

It is the front view which showed the vending machine to which the goods storage apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention was applied. It is the perspective view which showed the state which opened the outer door in the vending machine shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the state which opened the door body in the vending machine shown in FIG. It is the sectional side view which showed the goods storage apparatus. It is the side view which showed the 1st segment which comprises the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view at the time of seeing the 1st segment shown in Drawing 5 from the front side. It is a perspective view at the time of seeing the 1st segment shown in Drawing 5 from the back side. It is a disassembled perspective view at the time of seeing the 1st segment shown in FIG. 5 from the back side. It is the side view which showed the 2nd segment which comprises the goods storage apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view at the time of seeing the 2nd segment shown in FIG. 9 from the front side. It is a perspective view at the time of seeing the 2nd segment shown in FIG. 9 from the back side. It is a disassembled perspective view at the time of seeing the 2nd segment shown in FIG. 9 from the back side. It is the side view which showed the front | former stage unit which comprises a goods storage apparatus. It is the perspective view which showed the cover member. It is the perspective view which showed the state which attaches a cover member. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of the conventional goods storage apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

20 commodity storage device 21 front stage unit 211 first front passage forming member 211a first front guide plate 212 first central passage forming member 212a first central guide plate 213 first rear side passage forming member 213a first rear guide plate 22 middle stage unit 221 2nd front side passage formation member 221a 2nd front guide plate 222 2nd center passage formation member 222a 2nd center guide plate 223 2nd back side passage formation member 223a 2nd back guide plate 23 back stage unit 231 3rd front side passage formation member 231a Third front guide plate 232 Third central passage forming member 232a Third central guide plate 233 Third rear side passage forming member 233a Third rear guide plate 30 flapper 40 first segment 50 second segment 60 product input tray 70 product Unloading mechanism 80 Cover member 81 Long extension part 82 Upper side engagement 83 lower engaging portion 91 upper support 92 notch 93 protruding part 94 the lower support portion 95 notch L product storage passage

Claims (2)

In the product storage device in which a product storage passage is defined which extends along the vertical direction between the pair of side plates and sequentially stores the input products in a lateral orientation.
At least one of the pair of side plates is formed with a slit at a portion facing the product storage passage,
A product storage device, wherein a cover member for reducing the opening area of the slit is provided detachably while ensuring the visibility of the product storage passage through the slit. In the product storage device provided with a product storage passage that extends along the vertical direction and sequentially stores the input products in a horizontal orientation,
The commodity storage passage includes a first passage forming member in which a plurality of segments are provided between a pair of left and right first long plate-like members extending in the vertical direction, and extending in the vertical direction. The second passage forming member formed by laying a plurality of segments between the pair of left and right second long plate-like bodies is arranged in a pair of front and rear in a manner that the segments face each other. Being
A cover member for reducing the opening area of the gap is provided in a detachable manner while ensuring the visibility of the merchandise storage passage through the gap between the first elongated plate-like body and the second elongated plate-like body. A product storage device.

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