JP2007026295A - Vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vending machine capable of reliably managing the total number of discharged merchandise, i.e., the total number of sales. <P>SOLUTION: The vending machine includes: two switching means for sensing the rotary operation of a handle and a component to be integrally operated with the handle, directly or indirectly detecting whether or not the prescribed part of the handle passes through mutually separated first and second positions in order during the rotation, and outputting the passage detection signals; and a processor for obtaining the total number of discharged merchandises when it is determined that the prescribed part passes through both the first and second positions in order, based on the passage detection signals outputted from the two switching means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine.

Conventionally, various merchandise management systems have been provided for vending machines that discharge merchandise using household power supplies or business power supplies. (For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2)
JP 56-47891 A Japanese Patent No. 2521554

On the other hand, in vending machines that do not use household power supplies or business power supplies, such as vending machines for capsule products, data such as the total number of sales is acquired internally by a mechanical or battery-operated liquid crystal display counter. The reality is that the mounting and patrol staff manually acquired the data. However, since the rotation of the handle and the gear connected to the handle is detected, there is a possibility that the product purchaser malfunctions when the handle is turned in small increments.
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vending machine capable of reliably managing the total number of products discharged, that is, the total sales number.

  The vending machine according to claim 1 is a drum in which a handle that can be rotated once by a predetermined angle after inserting a predetermined coin and a plurality of product holding holes formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. A power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational power of the handle to the drum to rotate the drum, and is provided below the drum, and the drum is rotated by the rotation of the handle once. A partition plate formed with a product discharge hole for discharging a product held in the product holding hole when one of the product holding holes is matched, and rotation of the handle or a part that operates integrally with the handle By detecting the movement, it is directly or indirectly detected whether or not a predetermined portion of the handle has passed through a first position and a second position that are separated from each other in the middle of rotation, and outputs a passage detection signal. When the predetermined portion passes through both the first position and the second position in order based on the switch means and the passage detection signal output from the two switch means, the total number of discharged products is determined. And a processing device to be obtained.

  The vending machine according to claim 2 is the vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the partition plate is located at a position where a product discharge hole to hold a discharged product next time is positioned when the product is discharged. The product discharge hole is provided with discharge product detection means for detecting whether or not the next discharge product is held and outputting a holding detection signal, and the processing device is output from the discharge product detection means. When it is determined that the next discharged product is not held based on the holding detection signal, the notification means is configured to notify the user.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vending machine according to the second aspect, the processing unit is configured such that the predetermined portion is located at the first position and the first position based on a passage detection signal output from the switch means. When it is assumed that it is between the second position, it is configured to invalidate detection by the discharged product detection means.

  The vending machine according to claim 4 is the vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the notifying unit prevents the next coin from being inserted when the next discharged product is not held. It is characterized by including blocking means.

  The vending machine according to claim 5 is the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification means is either the first position or the second position of the predetermined portion. In the case where only the passage of the position is continuously recognized a predetermined number of times, it is configured to include a failure notifying means for notifying the failure of the switch means corresponding to the other position.

  The vending machine according to claim 6 is the vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the processing device is configured to notify the other of the predetermined portion while the failure notification means is reporting the failure. When the passage of the position is recognized, the failure notification by the failure notification means is canceled.

  The vending machine according to claim 7 is the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification means is either the first position or the second position of the predetermined portion. Including a failure notification means for notifying the failure of the switch means corresponding to the one position when the passage of the position is recognized without interruption and the passage of the other position of the predetermined portion is recognized. It is configured.

According to the vending machine according to claims 1 to 7, for example, chattering due to gear backlash (chattering: a phenomenon in which a relay contact or a switch contact flutters immediately after switching, and a signal repeats ON / OFF. ), It is possible to accurately detect one rotation of the handle.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the notification is performed when there is no next discharged product, it is possible to prevent an action such as inserting coins without the next discharged product.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the insertion of coins is blocked when there is no next discharged product, it is possible to reliably prevent an action such as inserting a coin without the next discharged product. it can.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further prevent misdetection of the next discharged product while the drum is rotating.
According to the fifth and seventh aspects of the present invention, since the failure of the switch means is further notified, the maintenance is facilitated.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the switch means is restored, the failure notification is canceled, so that useless work can be omitted.

(overall structure)
The vending machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 accommodates, for example, a product A encapsulated in a capsule (hereinafter referred to as a capsule product A) in a box 2, and a coin slot 3 disposed on the front surface of the box 2. After a predetermined coin is inserted into the box 2, the person rotates the handle 4 to discharge the capsule product A in the box 2 from the product discharge port 5 disposed on the front surface of the box 2. In the vending machine 1 shown in the figure, the boxes 2 are stacked in two stages, a pedestal with casters is attached to the lower side of the lower box 2, and the top plate 10 is mounted on the upper box 2. Is attached.

(Configuration of Box 2)
As shown in FIG. 2, the box 2 includes a box body 6, a lid body 7 that closes the product filling opening 6 a on the front surface of the box body 6, and a front plate 8 that is disposed at the lower front surface of the box body 6. And an operation panel 8 a including a coin sorting unit 9 on the back surface and a top plate 10 covering the upper surface of the box body 6.

(Configuration of lid 7)
The lid body 7 is made of a transparent resin and is curved so as to protrude forward as shown in FIG. The lid body 7 is provided with a wall 11 protruding rearward at the peripheral edge. A long hole 12 extending in the width direction of the box 2 is formed at the center in the width direction of the upper end wall 11 a of the lid 7. A small hole 13 is formed in the upper end wall 11a of the lid 7 so as to sandwich the long hole 12 therebetween. Further, on the inner surface of the lid body 7, a holding plate 15 that is curved as in the lid body 7 is attached so as to be rotatable with respect to the base portion (lower end portion of the curved portion) of the lid body 7. . A pin 16 protrudes upward from the upper end edge of the pressing plate 15. Further, a handle 15 a is provided at the center immediately below the upper end edge of the presser plate 15 so as to protrude rearward. Then, the holding plate 15 is engaged with the lid body 7 by sandwiching a display body 17 such as a pop between the lid body 7 and fitting the pin 16 into the small hole 13 of the lid body 7. It has come to be. When the display body 17 is to be removed, the free end side of the pressing plate 15 is separated from the lid body 7 by holding the lid body 7 with one hand, placing the other hand on the handle 15a, and pulling the handle 15a. The display body 17 can be removed. A bent portion 14 extending downward is provided at the lower end of the curved portion of the lid body 7. In addition, protrusions 14 a are formed on the left and right of the lower edge of the bent portion 14.

Next, the attachment structure of the lid 7 will be described. Both side walls of the box body 6 on the side of the product filling opening 6a are formed of a transparent plate so that the capsule product A inside can be seen from an obliquely outward direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, “V” -shaped concave portions 18 a that open upward are formed on the inner surfaces of both side walls of the box body 6. The recess 18 a is used for positioning the lid body 7. That is, when attaching the lid body 7, the bent portion of the lid body 7 in a state of being tilted to the front front side (in the state where the inner surface of the lid body 7 faces upward) is dropped into the concave portion 18 a, and the front side portion of the bent portion is Positioning is good if it is brought into contact with the front wall of the recess 18a. In this state, when the lid body 7 is raised with the lower edge of the bent portion of the lid body 7 as the center, the rear portion of the bent portion of the lid body 7 comes into contact with the inner wall of the concave portion 18a. This position is the closing position of the lid body 7. Further, a long groove 18b extending in the width direction is formed on the upper surface of the operation panel 8a. The long groove 18b is a portion into which the bent portion of the lid body 7 is dropped, and is formed in a size and shape that allows the lid body 7 to rise and fall. A locking piece 18c is provided on the upper surface of the operation panel 8a at the center in the width direction. A locking piece 18c is provided on the upper surface of the operation panel 8a. The locking piece 18c is for preventing the lid body 7 in the closed state from moving up. That is, when the lid body 7 is erected, the lower end portion of the curved portion sinks below the locking piece 18c and prevents the lid body 7 in the closed state from moving up. In order to effectively prevent the upward movement of the lid body 7, the curved portion of the lid body 7 is formed so that the lower end portion of the bent portion of the lid body 7 is well latched by the locking piece 18 c. It is preferable to form the lower end portion with a different curvature from the other portions of the curved portion.
When the lid 7 is in the closed state, the protrusion 14a formed on the bent portion of the lid 7 sinks below the upper wall of the operation panel 8a. As a result, the lid 7 is locked to the operation panel 8a. In addition, when the lid body 7 is removed from the box main body 6, it is preferable to form a portion for placing a hand on the front surface of the lid body 7 so that the lid body 7 can be easily pulled down.

(Structure of lock 19)
As shown in FIG. 2, the box body 6 is provided with a lock 19 at a portion above the product filling opening 6 a. As shown in FIG. 5, the lock 19 is composed of a lock main body 19a and a key 19b. Of these, the lock main body 19a includes a cylinder portion 19c, a rotor portion 19d, and locking pieces 19e and 19f. The lock body 19a is detachably held on the mounting block 19g. The locking piece 19e and the locking piece 19f are not particularly limited, but are integrated in this embodiment.

Next, a method for attaching the lock main body 19a to the attachment block 19g will be described. When attaching the lock main body 19a to the mounting block 19g, the locking pieces 19e and 19f are removed in advance from the lock main body 19a. The lock main body 19a in this state is pushed into the recess 19h in front of the mounting block 19g. Then, a locking portion (not shown) on the outer periphery of the cylinder portion 19c hits the bottom of the recess portion 19b, and the lock main body 19a cannot be pushed any further. On the other hand, since a through hole that opens to the rear of the mounting block 19g is opened at the bottom of the recess 19h, when the lock main body 19a is in a state, a part of the cylinder portion 19c protrudes from the rear of the mounting block 19a. . Then, the nut 19j is screwed into the male screw portion 19i formed on the protruding portion. Finally, the locking pieces 19e and 19f are screwed to the rear end of the rotor portion 19d from the rear of the protruding portion.
As described above, the lock body 19a is attached to the attachment block 19g. In addition, when removing the lock main body 19a from the attachment block 19g, it becomes a reverse procedure to the case of attaching it.

Next, the mounting structure of the mounting block 19g will be described. The mounting block 19g is provided with claw pieces 19k, 19k on both sides. On the other hand, the box body 6 has a recess 19l into which the mounting block 19g can be fitted. And the holes 19m and 19n are formed in the bottom part of the recessed part 19l.
And in order to attach the attachment block 19g to which the lock main body 19a was attached to the box main body 6, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), the locking pieces 19e and 19f are tilted sideways in advance. Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the attachment block 19g is fitted into the recess 19l with the locking pieces 19e and 19f first. In this case, the tips of the locking pieces 19e, 19f and the one claw piece 19k pass through the hole 19m. On the other hand, the tip of the other claw piece 19k passes through the hole 19n. And the protrusion formed in the outer side of claw piece 19k, 19k is latched by the recessed part 19l back part by the elasticity of claw piece 19k, 19k.
The mounting block 19g is attached to the box body 6 as described above. When the mounting block 19g is removed from the box body 6, the mounting block 19g is pushed out from the inside of the box body 6 by hand with the locking pieces 19e and 19f lying sideways and removed.

Next, the locking structure of the lid body 7 by the lock 19 will be described. In a state where the locking pieces 19e and 19f of the lock body 19a are tilted sideways, the lid body 7 is not locked to the box body 6. On the other hand, when the locking pieces 19e and 19f are raised by the key 19b, the locking piece 19e enters the elongated hole 12 of the lid body 7. The other locking piece 19f enters a long hole (not shown) in the upper wall 6b of the box body 6. As a result, the lid body 7 is locked to the box body 6, and the mounting block 19 g is fixed to the box body 6.
In the case of the present embodiment, the lid 7 is directly locked by the locking piece 19e of the lock 19 to lock the lid 7 to the box body 6, but the lid 7 is fixed to the box 2. In the case where the movable member that can take the locking position and the unlocking position is provided, the lid 7 is indirectly locked to the box body 6 by locking the movable member to the locking position by the lock 19. It is good also as a structure to make. In the case of this embodiment, in order to lock the lid body 7 to the box body 6, the locking piece 19 f is inserted into a long hole (not shown) in the upper wall of the box body 6. However, the engaging piece 19e may be merely inserted into the long hole 12 of the lid body 7. Further, in order to allow the locking piece 19f to enter the long hole (not shown) of the upper wall 6b of the box body 6, the upper wall 6b has a double upper and lower structure, and is engaged with the long hole of the lower upper wall. The stop piece 19f may be inserted, or a locking member having a long hole formed on the lower side of the upper wall 6b may be provided.

(Configuration of operation panel 8a)
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 8a is formed in an inverted L shape when viewed from the front side. The operation panel 8a is detachably attached to the box body 6.

The figure shows a state in which the operation panel 8a is removed from the box body 6, and the front plate 8 of the box body 6 is provided with a notch 20 having the same shape as the operation panel 8a. Concave lines 23 are formed at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction on the wall surfaces on both sides of the operation panel 8a. On the other hand, on the wall surface defining the notch 20 in the box body 6, ridges 22 are formed inward in the width direction with appropriate intervals in the vertical direction. Then, when attaching the operation panel 8a to the box body 6, with the lid 7 removed from the box body 6, the operation panel 8a in a state of being lifted from the bottom of the notch 20 is fitted into the notch 20 from the front side, By sliding the operation panel 8a downward, the concave stripes 23 and the convex stripes 22 are fitted, and the operation panel 8a is attached to a predetermined position of the box body 6. On the other hand, when removing the operation panel 8a from the box body 6, the procedure is reversed from that for attaching the operation panel 8a. The operation panel 8a is provided with a connector (not shown) that can be connected to the connector 6c on the box body 6 side. When the operation panel 8a is attached to the box body 6, the connectors are automatically connected. Thus, the operation panel 8a side and the box body 6 side are electrically connected.
As described above, the operation panel 8a is formed separately from the box body 6, and the operation panel 8a can be detached from the box body 6, so that not only the maintenance of the operation panel 8a but also the box body 6 can be removed. Internal maintenance can be easily performed.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the left and right wall surfaces of the operation panel 8 a are provided with locking pieces 8 b that hold the operation panel 8 slightly lifted from the bottom of the notch 20. The locking piece 8b is in contact with a protrusion 8d urged by a spring 8c provided on one of the wall surfaces defining the notch 20, and the operation panel 8a is slightly lifted from the bottom of the notch 20. Retained. However, the holding force by this locking piece 8b is not so strong. That is, the urging force of the spring 8c of this locking piece is sufficient to support the weight of the operation panel 8a, but if the operation panel 8a is artificially pressed downward, the operation panel will resist the urging force. 8a moves down. This structure is used in order to prevent the operation panel 8a from moving down vigorously when the operation panel 8a is fitted into the box body 6, and the operation panel 8a is slightly opened from the bottom of the notch 20. This is because the coin collecting box 21 to be described later can be pulled out in this state.

Next, the fixing structure of the operation panel 8a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 7, and 8, the operation panel 8 a and a partition plate 25 to be described later have locking means 57 for locking the operation panel 8 a to the box body 6. Is provided. Since the two locking means 57 have the same structure, the structure will be described by taking the locking means 57 provided on the partition plate 25 as an example. As shown in FIG. 7, the locking means 57 is provided with a locking pin 57b that is operated by operating the operating portion 57a. When the operation panel 8a is attached to the box body 6, if the operation portion 57a of the locking means 57 is operated to protrude the locking pin 57b, the locking pin 57b is positioned above the operation panel 8a. become. The locking means 57 prevents the operation panel 8a from moving up. On the other hand, in the locking means 57 provided on the operation panel 8a, the locking pin 57b protruded by the operation of the operation portion 57a is fitted in a not-shown recess provided in the box body 6.
Note that the locking means 57 is not necessarily provided. If the lid body 7 is attached after the operation panel 8a is attached and the lid body 7 is fixed to the box body 6 by the rotation of the key 19b, the operation panel 8a is restricted from moving upward by the lid body 7, and the operation panel 8a. It is because it will be in the state which cannot be removed. However, by providing the locking means 57, the operation panel 8a can be more firmly fixed to the box body 6.

(Configuration of partition plate 25)
As shown in FIG. 4, a partition plate 25 that divides the box body 6 up and down is disposed in the box body 6. An upper part of the partition plate 25 is a product accommodation space 26. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a circular concave portion 27 is formed in the partition plate 25. One product discharge hole 28 is formed at the bottom of the recess 27. A discharged product holding member 34 is placed in the recess 27. Further, a next-generation product detection means 70 described later is provided at the bottom of the recess 27. A rectangular hole 43 for exposing the gear 44 is formed at the bottom of the recess 27.

(Configuration of discharged product holding member 34)
1. Overall As shown in FIG. 7, the discharged product holding member 34 includes a drum 35 and an adapter 37. Note that the drum 35 may not include the restriction plate 36.

2. Drum 35
The drum 35 is formed with a plurality of product holding holes 35a (four in the embodiment) at regular intervals in the circumferential direction for holding a product having a relatively large diameter (for example, a product sealed in a capsule). In addition, rack teeth 38 are formed on the periphery of the lower surface of the drum 35. When the drum 35 is placed in the recess 27, the rack teeth 38 and the gear 44 are engaged with each other. As shown in FIG. 4, the gear 44 is connected to the handle 4 via a shaft 45, gears 46 and 24, and a shaft 4a. Therefore, when the handle 4 rotates, the rotational power of the handle 4 is transmitted to the drum 35 through the shaft 4a, the gears 24 and 46, the shaft 45, the gear 44, and the rack teeth 38, and the drum 35 rotates. In this case, the angle at which the drum 35 rotates by one rotation of the handle 4 is 360 degrees / (the number of the product holding holes 35a), and each time the handle 4 rotates, the product holding hole 35a is in the product discharge hole 28. The products that match and are held in the product holding holes 35a are discharged one by one.

  Further, a concave portion 39 having the same function as the ratchet teeth is formed on the peripheral surface of the drum 35. On the other hand, a rectangular hole 29 is formed in a part of the peripheral wall defining the recess 27, and a ratchet piece 30 having the same function as the ratchet claw is disposed in the rectangular hole 29 so as to be able to appear and retract. . And this ratchet piece 30 is urged | biased by the spring which is not shown in figure, the recessed part 39 of the drum 35 engages with the ratchet piece 30, and reverse rotation of the drum 35 is prevented by this ratchet piece 30. Yes.

3. Restriction plate 36
The drum 35 includes a regulation plate 36. The restriction plate 36 is provided on the drum body. The restricting plate 36 is configured to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range around the axis of the drum 35. Holes 36a having the same shape as the product holding holes 35a are formed in the restriction plate 36 in the circumferential direction at the same number and pitch as the product holding holes 35a. The hole 36a of the restriction plate 36 functions to change the diameter of the product holding hole 35a in accordance with the amount of rotation of the restriction plate 36. In addition, a rib 36 b is provided at the center of the regulating plate 36 to guide the product above it to the outside in the radial direction of the drum 35. The ribs 36a are provided with four springs 36g for stirring the product above the drum 35, and projecting outward and obliquely upward.

  Next, the attachment structure of the restriction plate 36 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the drum 35 and the restriction plate 36 are assembled to each other by screws 40. That is, the drum body is formed with an insertion hole 35b into which the shaft of the male screw 40a is inserted and a counterbore hole 35c in which the nut 40b is seated. On the other hand, the shaft of the male screw 40a is inserted into the restricting plate 36, and an arc-shaped insertion hole 36d that allows the restricting plate 36 to rotate with respect to the drum body, the head and washer of the male screw 40a are seated, and An arcuate counterbore hole 36c that allows the restricting plate 36 to rotate with respect to the drum body is formed.

  Next, the product holding hole adjusting mechanism will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the drum body is provided with an insertion hole 35c into which the shaft 41a of the knob 41 is inserted and a nut 41b that is screwed into the lower end of the shaft 41a of the knob 41 facing downward. A counterbore 35e in which the energizing coil spring 42 is seated is formed. On the other hand, the shaft 41a of the knob 41 is inserted into the restricting plate 36, and an arc-shaped insertion hole 36e that allows the restricting plate 36 to rotate with respect to the drum body, and both ends of the arc-shaped insertion hole 36e. A counterbore hole 36f in which the hook 41c of the knob portion 41 is formed is formed.

Next, how to adjust the product holding hole 35a by the restriction plate 36 will be described. When the collar 41c of the knob 41 falls into one counterbore 36f, the product holding hole 35a of the drum 35 matches the hole 36a of the restricting plate 36, and the product with the maximum diameter can be passed. Further, when the hook 41c of the knob 41 falls into the other hole 36f, the product holding hole 35a of the drum 35 and the hole 36a of the regulating plate 36 are shifted, so that only a small product can be passed.
In order to move the position of the knob 41 from one hole 36f to the other hole 36f, the knob 41 is lifted against the urging force of the coil spring 42, and the hook 41c is once detached from the counterbore 36f. In this state, the restricting plate 36 is rotated in one direction relative to the drum body so that the knob 41 moves along the insertion hole 36e, and the collar 41c is dropped into the other counterbore 36f. .

4). Adapter 37
An adapter 37 can be attached to and detached from the drum 35. As shown in FIG. 7, the adapter 37 has the same number of product holding holes 37a having a diameter smaller than that of the product holding hole 35a and part of the outer side notched in the circumferential direction. It is formed at intervals. When the adapter 37 is attached to the drum 35, the spring 36g is bundled above the drum 35 in a state where the product holding hole 35a of the drum 35 and the hole 36a of the regulating plate 36 are matched. When the adapter 37 is inserted into the center hole 37c from the lower side and the hole 37c is fitted onto the rib 36b, the cylindrical portion 37b on the lower surface of the adapter 37 is dropped into the product holding hole 35a. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the product holding hole 37a of the adapter 37 and the edge thereof are just fitted into the product holding hole 35a. If this adapter 37 is used, it can be applied to a product having a smaller diameter than that using the regulating plate 36.

5. As shown in FIG. 7, a notch 31 is formed in the upper edge of the recess 27. The notch 31 is provided with a locking piece 32 so as to protrude freely, and a guide piece 33 for restricting the upward displacement of the locking piece 32 is provided above the movement area of the locking piece. Yes. The locking piece 32 restrains the drum 35 in the recess 27 as shown in FIG. 8 by projecting to the upper surface position of the drum 35 in a state where the drum 35 is placed in the recess 27. On the other hand, when the locking piece 32 is retracted from the upper surface position of the drum 35, the drum 35 is released from the restraint, and the drum 35 is taken out from the recess 27.

(Configuration of guide plate 47)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a guide plate 47 is provided inside the box body 6. The guide plate 47 is bent. The lower end of the guide plate 47 is attached to the partition plate 25 via a coil spring 49. On the other hand, a recessed portion 47a that opens inward is formed in the upright portion of the upper end of the guide plate 47, and this recessed portion 47a is engaged with protrusions 48 provided on the inner surfaces of both walls beside the product filling opening 6a. It has become so. By the engagement between the recess 47a and the protrusion 48, the guide plate 47 is held in an inclined state toward the partition plate 25 from the intermediate portion of the product filling opening 6a. Further, if the engagement between the recess 47a and the protrusion 48 is released, the guide plate 47 can be tilted to the front front side, and the product filling opening 6a can be expanded. This facilitates product filling and maintenance inside the box body 6.

(Product discharge mechanism)
FIG. 11 shows the internal structure of the product discharge port 5. The front plate 8 of the box body 6 is provided with a lid 5a for opening and closing the product discharge port 5. The lid 5a is attached to the front plate 8 so as to be rotatable about the shaft 5b. The lid 5a is configured to rotate inward of the box body 6. A discharge mechanism for the capsule product A is provided inside the lid 5a of the box body 6. The discharge mechanism includes a movable block 5c and a fixed block 5f, and the movable block 5c and the fixed block 5f constitute a discharge passage for the capsule product A.
Among these, the movable block 5c is comprised from the top plate 5c-1 and the side plates 5c-2 (only one is shown in figure) of the width direction both ends. The movable block 5c is operable in a direction approaching / separating from the lid 5a (front-rear direction of the box body 6), and a spring (not shown) in a direction approaching the lid 5a (front of the box body 6). Is energized by. The side plate 5c-2 of the movable block 5c is in contact with the widthwise both ends of the lower end of the lid 5a by the spring in the initial state. When the lid 5a is pushed into the box body 6, the pushing force is used. It is configured to move to the back side of the box body 6. The top plate 5c-1 of the movable block 5c is provided with a flapper 5c-3 that hangs down due to gravity in a normal state. The flapper 5c-3 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 5c-4 extending in the width direction of the box body 6. Regarding the rotation range of the flapper 5c-3, the rotation range of the flapper 5c-3 toward the front side of the box body 6 is a range that does not prevent the capsule product A from being discharged to the product discharge port 5. On the other hand, the rotation range of the flapper 5c-3 toward the back side of the box body 6 is not particularly limited. Further, the dimension of the flapper 5c-3 from the shaft 5c-4 to the free end thereof is determined by a predetermined portion of the fixed block 5f (see FIG. 11C) when the movable block 5c is pushed into the box body 6. In the form, it is in contact with the inclined surface) and has a size that prevents further rotation.
On the other hand, the fixed block 5 f arranged on the back side of the box body 6 has a function of receiving the capsule product A dropped from the product discharge hole 28 of the partition plate 25 with an inclined surface and guiding it to the product discharge port 5. Have.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the depth dimension from the lid 5a in the suspended state to the fixed block 5f is such that a plurality of capsule commodities A are accommodated. Moreover, the width dimension of the product outlet 5 is such that one capsule product A is accommodated.
In the discharge mechanism configured as described above, when the lid 5a is rotated inward after the two capsule products A are collected in the product discharge port 5, as shown in FIG. The movable block 5c moves to the back side of the box body 6 by the pushing force of the lid 5a, and the flapper 5c-3 comes into contact with a predetermined portion (inclined surface; locking portion) of the fixed block 5f. Accordingly, even when a child or the like pushes the lid 5a and inserts his / her hand through the product discharge port 5, further insertion can be prevented by the flapper 5c-3. At this time, when the capsule product A exists near the lid 5a, the capsule product A is pushed by the lid 5a by the rotation of the lid 5a and moves to the back side. In this case, when there is one capsule product A stored in the product discharge port 5, the capsule product A can be easily taken out with a hand that pushes the lid 5a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11C, when there are a plurality of capsule products A, depending on the number, one of the capsule products A in the foreground is scooped up by the back side of the lid 5a. Then, in this state, when the capsule product A on the back side is taken out and the lid 5a is closed, the capsule product A that has been scooped up first spills from the back side of the lid 5a, and then the lid 5a is pushed in and the capsule product A is pushed A can be easily taken out.

(Configuration of coin collecting box 21)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a coin collection box 21 is provided at the bottom of the box body 6 and behind the notch 20. The coin collecting box 21 can be pulled out from the box body 6 and removed. The coin collecting box 21 can be fixed to the box body 6 by a lock 21a. The coin collection box 21 is attached / detached while the operation panel 8a is held with the operation panel 8a slightly lifted from the bottom of the box body 6 or the operation panel 8a is completely removed from the box body 6.
The coin collecting box 21 attached to the box body 6 is completely closed when the operation panel 8a is attached, and is not visible from the front.

(Mounting structure of the top plate 10)
FIG. 1 shows a state where the top plate 10 is attached to the box body 6, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the top plate 10 is detached from the box body 6. In FIG. 2, the top plate 10 is shown upside down. On the lower surface of the top plate 10, a tongue piece (insertion portion) 53 is suspended downward, and a hole (locking hole) 54 is formed at the tip of the tongue piece. On the other hand, for example, a rectangular hole (insertion hole) 52 is formed in the upper wall 6b to which the top plate 10 is attached. Then, the top plate 10 is seated on the box body 6 by inserting the tongue 53 of the top plate 10 into the hole 52 of the upper wall 6b.
The box body 6 has a locking member 58 attached to the upper wall 6b. The locking member 58 can be inserted into and removed from the hole 54 of the tongue piece 53 inserted into the hole 52. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the locking member 58 includes a shaft portion 58a and an operation portion 58b. The locking member 58 is attached to the box body 6 so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the tongue piece 53 of the top plate 10. The operation direction in this case coincides with the axial direction of the shaft portion 53b. The locking member 58 is rotatable about the axis of the shaft portion 58a with the shaft portion 58a being inserted into the hole 54. Then, when the locking member 58 is rotated in one direction with the shaft portion 58a inserted into the hole 54, the operation portion 58a is locked to the locking portion 58c, and the locking member 58 is moved in the axial direction. It has been stopped. As a result, the locking member 58 is locked.
In the case of the mounting structure of the top plate 10 as described above, there are the following advantages. That is, in the present embodiment, the two boxes 2 are stacked, but by providing a tongue 53 similar to that on the top plate 10 on the lower surface of the upper box 2, it is as simple as attaching the top plate 10. Box 2 can be stacked. In addition to the box 2, by providing a tongue piece 53 similar to that on the top plate 10 on the lower surface of the display box, a display box (display case) can be easily mounted as in the case where the top plate 10 is attached. it can. The box 2 of the vending machine 1 is provided with the operation panel 8a, the display body 17, and the like, so that the inside is difficult to see, but if the display box is used, the products inside can be displayed. You can know 1 item.

(Connection structure of vending machine 1)
The vending machine 1 includes a connecting block 56 as shown in FIGS. The connecting block 56 has two holes (fitting portions) 56a. When the vending machines 1 are arranged and connected to each other, the holes 56a of the connection blocks 56 are fitted into the notches 50 of the box bodies 6 and the bosses (fitting portions) 51 of the box bodies 6 are fitted. After making it fit in, each top plate 10 is attached.
When the vending machine 1 is used alone, the notch 10a of the end plate 10 can be closed by fitting the block 55 having one hole 55a to the boss 51 of the box body 6.
When the blocks 55 and 56 are not used, the holes 55a and 56a are fitted into the boss 10b standing on the back surface of the top plate 10, or between the ribs 10c standing on the back surface of the top plate 10. Stored.
In addition, when connecting the adjacent vending machine 1 with the connection block 56, it is preferable to also connect a base part. In this case, for connecting the bases, a clip or the like capable of simultaneously holding the side walls of the bases is used.

(Internal circuit configuration)
As shown in FIG. 15, the vending machine 1 detects the discharged product and outputs the detection signal, and detects whether or not the inserted coin is full, and outputs the detection signal. Based on the detection signal output from the coin detection means 71 to output, the display means 74 for performing various displays such as the total number of discharged goods, the discharged product detection means 70 and the coin detection means 71, the coin insertion prevention means 72 is controlled. In addition, a processing device 73 that obtains the total number of discharges based on the detection signal output from the operation detection means 79 and displays it on the display means 74 and a reset means 75 are provided.

The motion detection means 79 is composed of two switch means 79a and 79b. The two switch means sense the rotational movement of the handle 4 or a component (for example, a gear 24) that operates integrally with the handle 4, whereby a predetermined part of the handle 4 is separated from each other in the first position and the second position. Whether or not the two positions have been sequentially passed is detected directly or indirectly, and the passage detection signal is output. “Direct” refers to the case where a portion provided on the handle 4 is detected, and “indirect” refers to the case where a predetermined portion of a component that operates integrally with the handle 4 is detected. Based on the passage detection signals output from the two switch means by the processing device 73, the predetermined portion of the handle 4 or a part (for example, the gear 24) that operates integrally with the handle 4 is moved to the first position and the second position. The total number of discharged products is obtained when it is assumed that both of the items have been passed in order. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a protrusion 4 b is provided on the back side of the handle 4, and two switch means (for example, leaf switches) 79 a and 79 b are provided on the operation panel 8 a in the circumferential direction of the handle 4. A predetermined distance is provided.
FIGS. 4A to 4D show the rotation process of the handle 4. The initial state is the position (A). From this state, when the handle 4 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the front side (FIG. 16 is viewed from the back side of the handle 4 and thus counterclockwise), the protrusion 4b of the handle 4 is viewed from the front side. When the timepiece reaches the 2 o'clock direction, the projection means 4b turns on the switch means 79a in the first position. Further, when the handle 4 is turned, both of the two switch means 79a and 79b are turned off. After that, when the protrusion 4b of the handle 4 reaches the direction of 10 o'clock of the watch as viewed from the front side, the switch means 79b in the second position. Is turned on, and then returns to the initial state. In this way, when the switch means 79a and 79b are sequentially turned on, the processing means 73 stores the count value of the total number of discharged discharges by one.
As described above, the reason why the two switch means 79a and 79b are provided is that there is a backlash between the gears that transmit the rotational power of the handle 4, so that the handle 4 can be rotated in the reverse direction. It has become. Therefore, if it is attempted to detect the rotation of the handle 4 with only one switch means, when the handle 4 is operated in the forward and reverse directions at the same position, the switch means is turned ON / OFF many times. That is, chattering occurs. As a result, one rotation operation of the handle 4 cannot be accurately detected. Therefore, as a contrivance not to treat the handle 4 as a rotation operation of the handle 4 even if the handle 4 is operated in the forward direction and the reverse direction at the same position, the projection is made based on the passage detection signals output from the two switch means 79a and 79b. When 4b passes through both the first position and the second position in order, the total number of discharged products is obtained.

The discharged product detection means 70 is constituted by, for example, a photo sensor or a push switch. The discharged product detection means 70 does not currently match the product discharge hole 28, but the product holding hole 35a that matches the product discharge hole 28 when the drum 35 rotates with the next rotation of the handle 4 is used. It is provided directly below. In other words, the partition plate 25 indicates whether or not the product discharge hole holds the next discharged product at a position where the product discharge hole 35a to hold the next discharged product when the product is discharged. Discharged product detection means 70 is provided for detecting and outputting the holding detection signal.
Hereinafter, the operation of the discharged product detection means 70 will be described with the product holding hole 35a at this position as the next product holding hole 35a.
If the product is held in the next product holding hole 35a, the next product holding hole 35a and the product will be used when the drum 35 is rotated 1/4 by one rotation operation (one rotation) of the next handle 4. The product is reliably discharged when it matches the discharge hole 28. On the other hand, if the product is not held in the next product holding hole 35a, the product will not be discharged when the drum 35 is rotated with the next rotation of the handle 4. In this case, in order to prevent this idling, the processing device 73 controls the coin insertion preventing means 72 to prevent coins from being inserted.
However, when the drum 35 is rotated from the initial position (FIG. 17A), the next product holding hole 35a is removed from above the discharged product detection means 70 (FIG. 17B). In this case, the discharged product detection means 70 outputs a “no product” holding detection signal, although the product is held in the next product holding hole 35a. Then, the processing device 73 may erroneously control the coin insertion preventing means 72 to prevent coins from being inserted.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processing device 73 determines that the protrusion 4b is between the first position and the second position based on the passage detection signals output from the two switch means 79a and 79b (first position). After the switch means 79a at the first position detects the passage of the protrusion 4b and until the switch means 79b at the second position detects the passage of the protrusion 4b), the detection by the discharged product detection means 70 is made invalid. It has become. That is, the discharged product detection means 70 does not go to detect the presence / absence of the next discharged product, or the processing device 73 ignores the detection result of the presence / absence of the next discharged product. ). As a result, the malfunction of the coin insertion preventing means 72 is eliminated.
On the other hand, the processing device 73 periodically (for example, 0. 0) by the discharged product detection means 70 while the projection 4b is determined to be in the first position from the second position based on the passage detection signal output from the switch means. Every 5 seconds), the presence / absence of the next discharged product is detected.

Moreover, this vending machine 1 is provided with a failure notification means as one of the notification means. When the processing device 73 continuously recognizes only one of the first position and the second position of the protrusion 4b for a predetermined number of times by the processing device 73, the failure notification means Notification of failure of the switch means corresponding to the position is performed. The “predetermined number” in this case is required to be set larger than the number of chattering that should normally occur. For example, the value is preferably 11 times or more.
In addition, the processing device 73 cancels the failure notification by the failure notification unit when the passage of the other position of the protrusion 4b is recognized while the failure notification unit performs the notification of the failure. Further, the failure notifying means is configured such that when either the first position or the second position of the protrusion 4b is recognized without interruption and the passage of the other position of the protrusion 4b is recognized, The failure of the switch means corresponding to the position of is notified. This failure notification means may notify the failure by voice, or may notify by displaying on the display means 74 described later.

The display means 74 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display means. When the display means 74 brings an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) 78 close to a predetermined location of the operation panel 8a, the reader 77 reads the ID of the RFID 78, and when the ID matches the vending machine 1, the processing device 73 displays the display means 73. In 74, the total number of discharged products is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds).
The display means 74 can display other than the total number of discharges. For example, a rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation of the handle 4 can be provided separately, and when the handle 4 is rotated, a predetermined moving image can be displayed, for example, today's fortune-telling can be displayed. In addition, when there is no next discharged product, it is possible to display “sold out” or the like.
Further, when displaying the total number of product discharges by bringing the RFID 78 closer, it is possible not only to bring the RFID 78 closer but also to turn on another switch. For example, a switch is provided at the product outlet 5 so that the lid 4a contacts and is turned on only when the lid 4a is rotated more than necessary (further than when the product is taken out). You can also keep it.

Note that several types of RFID having different attributes can be used as the RFID. For example, it is possible to use four types: an RFID exclusively for registration / display, an RFID for deleting ID / sales number, an RFID for deleting ID, and an RFID for deleting sales number. The dedicated RFID for registration / display is used to display ID registration and sales quantity values. The RFID for ID / sales quantity erasure is used to simultaneously erase the ID and the sales quantity value. The RFID for ID deletion is used to delete only the individual identification ID. The RFID for sales quantity erasure is used to erase only the sales quantity value (total number of discharged goods).
The RFID in this case is preferably a key holder so that it can be easily carried, and an individual identification ID is preferably written in the key holder. The ID number management is preferably performed by the vending machine vendor and issued to the customer. Furthermore, it is preferable that the IDs have a hierarchical structure as described below, and each ID has a predetermined attribute.

(ID hierarchy)
As shown in FIG. 18, the ID hierarchy is, for example, four levels (S-A-B-C-D). Then, for example, the RFID of S is managed by the distributor, and the RFID of A is managed by each sales base. The RFID of B is assigned and managed for each primary agency, the RFID of C is assigned and managed for each secondary agency, and D is assigned and managed for each person in charge. . This figure is an example of a hierarchical structure, and is not limited to this.

(ID management and operation method)
Each RFID is issued with one of the attributes described above.
The ID management method and operation method in this case are described as follows, for example, in the registration / display dedicated RFID.
That is, by managing ID, for example, the vending machine registered with the RFID of company A cannot use the RFID of company B to see the sales quantity value. The reverse is also true.
However, for example, the vendors to Company A and Company B can read the sales unit values of the vending machines registered by Company A and Company B, respectively. That is, it is preferable to set a higher right for the upper layer ID than for the lower layer ID. In other words, the upper hierarchy ID is configured to exhibit the functions of all lower hierarchy IDs belonging to the group and having the same attribute. In addition, an almighty ID can be set for each of S, A, B, C, and D. By using an almighty ID, for example, in the S layer, various management is possible by a common operation method all over the world.
The IDs of other attributes are managed and operated in the same manner.

  The reset means 75 is installed on the back side of the operation panel 8 a so that it cannot be operated from the outside of the box body 6. When this reset means 75 is operated, the PC (program counter) in the processing device 73 is initialized. First, the diagnostic processing program for each part is executed, and each part is initialized. For example, the coin insertion prevention state is canceled by the effect insertion prevention means 73. In this case, the total number of discharges counted so far and stored in the storage unit of the processing device 73 is held as it is.

  The coin detecting means 71 is constituted by, for example, a photo sensor. As shown in FIG. 19, the coin detection means 71 is provided in a coin introduction path for introducing coins to the coin collection box 21 attached to the operation panel 8 a. The coin detecting means 71 detects whether or not coins have accumulated in the coin introduction path. This coin detection means 71 outputs a signal indicating fullness to the processing device 73 when coins stay in the coin introduction path. Then, when the signal is input, the processing device 73 controls the coin insertion preventing means 72 to prevent the coin from being inserted.

  As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the coin insertion preventing means 72 includes a motor 80, a gear mechanism 81 that operates by the motor 80, and a protrusion that closes the coin passage 82 by operating by the gear mechanism 81. And a child 83a. The gear mechanism 81 includes gears 81a to 81j and rack teeth 81k. The motor power is transmitted to the rack member 83 through the gears 81a to 81j and the rack teeth 81k, and the protrusion 83a attached to the rack member 83 protrudes into the coin passage 82 to close the coin passage 82. This prevents coins from being inserted. On the other hand, when the reset means 75 is operated, the motor 80 rotates in the reverse direction, and the protrusion 83a retreats from the coin passage 82, so that coins can be reinserted. In FIG. 8A, reference numeral 84 denotes a clutch, and the gear 81i is pressed against the gear 81h by the urging force of the coil spring 85, whereby the gear 81i rotates integrally with the gear 81h. Has been. When an overload is applied to the gear 81i, the gear 81i moves away from the gear 81h against the biasing force of the coil spring 85, and the connection between the protrusion 83a side and the motor 80 side is released.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Further, the total number of discharged products and other product data are stored in the box 2 in the RFID semiconductor memory provided in the box 2, and the total number of discharged products and other product data stored in the semiconductor memory are stored by an external reader. You may be comprised so that merchandise management may be performed by reading. For example, it is possible to detect discharged products by the discharged product detection means and store the total number of discharged products obtained by the detection detection signal in the semiconductor memory. In this case, the result of counting by the processing apparatus may be stored in the semiconductor memory, but another counting means may be provided. Further, the sales time of the product may be stored as the product data.
In the above embodiment, the mounting box 47b is provided on the back side of the upright portion of the upper end of the guide plate 47 as shown in FIG. 4 so that the RFID can be retrofitted.

It is a perspective view of the state which piled up the vending machine concerning this invention in two steps. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vending machine according to the present invention. It is the perspective view which showed the state which opened the pressing plate attached to the cover body. It is a conceptual sectional view of a vending machine. It is a perspective view which shows the lock main body and key for locking a cover body to a box main body. It is a perspective view which shows the buffer means for preventing the operation panel from falling. It is the perspective view which decomposed | disassembled and showed the partition plate and the discharge | emission merchandise holding member. It is a perspective view which shows the mounting state of the drum of the state which attached the adapter. It is a figure which shows the assembly | attachment structure of a drum main body and a control board. It is a figure which shows the adjustment mechanism of a goods holding hole. It is a figure which shows the discharge mechanism of the goods in a goods discharge port. It is a figure which shows the attachment structure of a top plate. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the case where a box main body was put together and couple | bonded. It is the perspective view which showed the state which connected the box main body side by side. It is a block diagram which shows an internal circuit structure. It is a figure for demonstrating how to detect the handle | steering-wheel operation by two switch means. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the discharge | emission goods detection means. It is a figure for demonstrating the management and operation method of RFID. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the attachment position of a coin detection means. It is a figure which shows the structure of a coin insertion prevention means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vending machine 3 Coin slot 4 Handle 7 Lid 8a Operation panel 9 Coin sorting unit 34 Discharged product holding member 35 Drum 35a Product holding hole 70 Discharged product detection means 79 Operation detection means 79a, 79b Switch means

Claims (7)

A handle that can be rotated once by a predetermined angle after inserting a predetermined coin, a drum having a plurality of product holding holes formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and rotational power of the handle to the drum A power transmission mechanism that transmits the power to rotate the drum, and is provided below the drum, and when one of the product holding holes is matched by the rotation of the drum accompanying one rotation of the handle, A partition plate formed with a product discharge hole for discharging a product held in the product holding hole, and detecting a rotational operation of the handle or a part that operates integrally with the handle, so that a predetermined portion of the handle Two switch means for directly or indirectly detecting whether or not the first position and the second position separated from each other in the middle of rotation are sequentially output, and outputting the passage detection signal, and the two switches. And a processing device for obtaining the total number of discharged products when the predetermined portion sequentially passes both the first position and the second position based on a passage detection signal output from the H Vending machine characterized by The partition plate detects whether or not the product discharge hole holds the next discharged product at a position where the product discharge hole to hold the next discharged product when the product is discharged is detected. Discharged product detection means for outputting a holding detection signal is provided, and the processing device notifies when the next discharged product is not held based on the holding detection signal output from the discharged product detection means. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine is configured to cause notification. When the predetermined portion is located between the first position and the second position based on the passage detection signal output from the switch means, the processing device performs detection by the discharged product detection means. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the vending machine is configured to be invalidated. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the notifying means includes a coin insertion preventing means for preventing a next coin from being inserted when the next discharged product is not held. Machine. The informing means detects failure of the switch means corresponding to the other position when only passage of the predetermined portion of either the first position or the second position is continuously recognized a predetermined number of times. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vending machine is configured to include failure notification means for performing notification. The processing device cancels the failure notification by the failure notification unit when the passage of the other portion of the predetermined portion is recognized while the failure notification unit performs the failure notification. The vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the vending machine is configured. The notifying means, when the passage of either the first position or the second position of the predetermined portion is recognized without interruption, and the passage of the other position of the predetermined portion is recognized, The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising failure notifying means for notifying the failure of the switch means corresponding to the one position.

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