JP2015165384A - vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vending machine capable of ensuring adequate visibility of a display part which displays information on a sales product without increasing the power consumption for illumination, and in an inexpensive configuration.SOLUTION: A vending machine 1 includes: a product sample display compartment 7 for displaying product samples S of sales products, which is formed inside a transparent front panel 7a; a plurality of sample racks 8 which are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction in the product sample display compartment 7 and which are for arranging the product samples S; display parts 9 which are disposed on a front end side of each of the sample racks 8, corresponding to the product samples S, and which display information on the sales products. The vending machine 1 also includes an illumination device 11 which is disposed at a prescribed position, in each of the sample racks 8, below each of the display part 9 and between a front end part 8b of the sample rack 8 and the front panel 7a to illuminate each of the product samples S below and each of the display parts 9.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine having a product sample display room, and more particularly to a vending machine equipped with a lighting device in the product sample display room.

  A general vending machine has a product sample display room for displaying product samples of products for sale, and includes an illumination device that illuminates the product sample display room. In addition, a sample stand for placing product samples is provided in the product sample display room, and a display unit for displaying the sales price of the sale product is provided on the sample stand.

  As this type of vending machine, a vending machine described in Patent Document 1 is known. The vending machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a fluorescent lamp for illuminating a product sample as an illumination device in the product sample display room. In addition, this vending machine has a display unit including a light emitting diode and a liquid crystal display member provided on a sample table corresponding to a product sample in a product sample display room. And this display part is arrange | positioned in the narrow space between a sample stand and the transparent front panel which consists of an acrylic board etc. which covers the front surface of a goods sample display room.

JP 2011-186959 A

  Here, since the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 uses a self-luminous display unit having a light emitting diode or the like as a light source, the display content of the display unit is visually recognized even in a dark place or at night. be able to.

  However, some display units of vending machines are not self-luminous, such as plates that do not have a light source, such as plates on which information such as sales prices are simply printed. In addition, the display unit is usually arranged in a narrow space between the front panel of the product sample display room and the sample table.

Therefore, in a vending machine that employs a display unit that is not self-luminous, the illumination device composed of the fluorescent lamp for product sample illumination of the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 is also used as the illumination device for the display unit. Even if it is applied, it may be difficult to sufficiently illuminate the display unit disposed between the front panel and the sample table. For this reason, in the dark place or at night, the visibility of the display content may be reduced.
In addition to the illumination device for product sample illumination, it may be possible to provide an illumination device that illuminates a display unit that is not self-luminous. However, the manufacturing cost increases and the power consumption for illumination increases. For this reason, the device about arrangement | positioning etc. of the illuminating device of a vending machine is calculated | required.

  Therefore, in view of such a situation, the present invention can sufficiently ensure the visibility of a display unit that displays information about sales products without increasing the power consumption for illumination and with an inexpensive configuration. The purpose is to provide vending machines.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the vending machine has a product sample display room formed on the inside of the transparent front panel for displaying product samples of products for sale, and the product sample display room has a vertical direction. A plurality of sample tables provided at intervals to dispose the product samples, and a display unit disposed on the front end side of each sample table corresponding to the product samples and displaying information on the sales products. It is a vending machine, and is arranged below the display unit in each sample table and at a predetermined position between the front end of the sample table and the front panel, and the product sample and the display unit below. It is set as the structure containing the illuminating device which illuminates.

According to the present invention, the display unit is arranged on the front end side of each sample stage corresponding to the product sample, and the lighting device is below the display unit in each sample stage, from the front end of the sample stage to the front surface. It is arranged at a predetermined position (for example, the lower part of the front end of the sample table) up to the panel, and illuminates the lower product sample and the display unit. Accordingly, since the lighting device can be positioned above the display unit arranged in a narrow space between each sample table and the front panel, the product samples on the lower sample table are Each display part can be reliably illuminated.
Thereby, for example, even when a display unit that is not self-luminous is adopted, the display unit can be reliably illuminated, so that the visibility of the display content is reduced even in a dark place or at night. There is no. Further, the product sample and the display unit can be illuminated at the same time, and it is not necessary to provide an illumination device for illuminating the display unit separately from the illumination device for illuminating the product sample.

  In this way, it is possible to provide a vending machine capable of sufficiently ensuring the visibility of a display unit that displays information related to sales products with a low-cost configuration without increasing the power consumption for illumination. it can.

It is a schematic front view of the vending machine in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the product sample was arrange | positioned on one sample stand with which the display part in embodiment same as the above was attached. It is the partial top view of the sample stand seen from the A arrow direction shown in FIG. It is the partial front view of the sample stand seen from the B arrow direction shown in FIG. It is the side view of the sample stand seen from the C arrow direction shown in FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view containing the sample stand of DD arrow shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement position of the illuminating device in embodiment same as the above, and is the fragmentary sectional view of the EE arrow shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the operating state of the display part in embodiment same as the above. It is a figure which shows another operation state of the display part in embodiment same as the above. It is a side view for demonstrating the principal part containing the sample stand in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating the principal part containing the sample stand shown in FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating the arrangement position of the illuminating device in 2nd Embodiment. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the illuminating device in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the modification of the illuminating device in 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a vending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
This vending machine 1 sells beverages in containers such as canned beverages and beverages in plastic bottles as products. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the vending machine 1, the some goods storage column which each accommodates several goods of the same kind is arrange | positioned. Each product storage column is arranged in a plurality of storage rooms divided into independent heat insulating spaces in the vending machine 1, and the cooling / heating machine provided in the vending machine 1 stores the product in each storage room. It is comprised so that cooling or heating can be performed. Each product storage column is provided with a product unloader for carrying out the stored products one by one.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface (a customer service surface) of the vending machine 1, a money insertion slot 2 (a banknote insertion slot 2 a and a coin insertion slot 2 b) into which money is inserted by a user, and the amount of money inserted, etc. A digital display 3 for displaying the item, a return lever 4 for input money, a product outlet 5 for a user to take out the product carried out by the product take-out machine, and a coin return port 6 for returning change etc. Is provided. In addition, a product sample display room 7 for displaying a product sample S corresponding to each sales product stored in the plurality of product storage columns is provided in the upper front portion of the vending machine 1.

  The merchandise sample display room 7 is formed inside a transparent front panel 7a attached to an opening at the upper part of the front surface (customer service surface) of the vending machine 1. In the product sample display room 7, a plurality of sample stands 8 for arranging product samples S provided at intervals in the vertical direction are provided. Each sample stage 8 is arranged, for example, spaced apart from the front panel 7a by the same distance. Therefore, each display unit 9 which is attached to each sample table 8 and will be described later is also arranged at the same distance from the front panel 7a.

In the present embodiment, the sample stands 8 are provided in a plurality of stages (here, three stages) at intervals in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the upper, middle, and lower sample bases 8 are referred to as the uppermost sample base 81, the middle sample base 82, and the lowermost sample base 83, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of product samples S are arranged on one sample base 8. 3 is a partial top view of the sample stage 8 as seen from the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a partial front view of the sample stage 8 as seen from the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line DD shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line EE shown in FIG. .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, each sample table 8 includes a placement portion 8 a that extends in the left-right direction and on which a plurality of product samples S are placed, and a front panel side of the placement portion 8 a. It has a front end 8b (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that is connected to the end and faces the front panel 7a, and side walls 8c and 8c that close the openings at both the left and right ends. Is formed. In addition, sample table support members 7c1 and 7c1 (see FIGS. 2 to 5) that support both ends in the width direction of the sample table 8 are provided on the front panel of the rear panel 7c (see FIG. 5) that partitions the product sample display room 7. It is attached so as to protrude to the 7a side. Each sample stage support member 7 c 1 enters the inside of the side wall 8 c of the sample stage 8 and supports the sample stage 8. As described above, the sample table 8 is attached to an appropriate position of the back panel 7c via the sample table support members 7c1 and 7c1.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.6 and FIG.7, each sample stand 8 is formed so that it may incline so that it may approach the front panel 7a, so that the front-end part 8b goes below.

A display unit 9 that displays information (sales price, temperature state, etc.) related to the sales product is attached to the front end 8b of each sample base 8 so as to correspond to the product sample S. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 9 is attached to the front end upper portion 8 b 1 of each sample table 8.
In this way, a display unit 9 is configured which is arranged corresponding to the product sample S on the front end side of each sample table 8 and displays information relating to the sales product. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the front end upper part 8b1 includes a corner peripheral edge 8d connecting the mounting part 8a and the front end part 8b, and the surface of the upper area 8e in the entire area of the front end part 8b. An area that contains.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the display unit 9 is inclined so as to approach the front panel 7a as it goes downward. Specifically, a display unit (display device) 90 having a plurality of display units 9 is attached to the front end upper part 8b1 (surface of the upper region 8e) of each sample base 8, as shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 1, a plurality of product selection buttons 10 for the user to select a purchased product are arranged on the surface (on the customer service side) of the transparent front panel 7a.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the product selection button 10 is provided on the front panel 7 a corresponding to each display unit 9 in front of the front end portion 8 b (for example, a front end lower portion 8 b 2 described later) of the sample base 8. ing. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the product selection button 10 is fixed to the front panel 7a via a mounting bracket 10a attached to a position corresponding to the illumination device 11 on the back surface of the front panel 7a. The mounting bracket 10 a has a U-shaped cross section and is formed by extending in the left-right direction of the sample table 8.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, twelve product samples S are placed side by side along the extending direction on each sample base 8. The display unit 90 includes four display units 9 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, and the three display units 90 are arranged on the front end upper part 8 b 1 of each sample table 8 along the extending direction. Removably attached. That is, a total of nine display units 90 (36 display units 9) are attached to the vending machine 1 having the sample stage 8 in three stages.
In addition, twelve product selection buttons 10 are arranged on the surface of the transparent front panel 7a so that each is located at the front end lower portion 8b2 of each sample table 8. That is, a total of 36 product selection buttons 10 are arranged on the vending machine 1 (front panel 7a thereof).
The mounting structure, display format, and display content of the display unit 90 (display unit 9) to the sample table 8 will be described in detail later.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, an illumination device 11 for illuminating the product sample S and the display unit 9 is provided in the product sample display room 7. In addition, since the case 12 mentioned later is light-transmitting and transparent, the illuminating device 11 can be seen in FIG.4 and FIG.5.

The illuminating device 11 is disposed below the display unit 9 in each sample table 8 and at a predetermined position between the front end 8b of the sample table 8 and the front panel 7a, and the product sample S and the display unit 9 below are displayed. It is configured to illuminate.
For example, the illumination device 11 is disposed at a predetermined position between the front end lower portion 8b2 of the sample table 8 and the front panel 7a. The front end lower portion 8b2 refers to a region including the surface of the lower region 8f in the entire region of the front end portion 8b and the lower end of the front end portion 8b (for example, the front end portion of a bent steel plate) 8g. That is, “between the front end lower part 8b2 of the sample stage 8 and the front panel 7a” means between the surface of the lower region 8f of the sample stage 8 and the front panel 7a or around the lower end of the front end part 8b of the sample stage 8. (Tip part) Between 8g and the front panel 7a.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination device 11 is attached to the front end lower portion 8 b 2 of the sample table 8, specifically, the surface of the lower region 8 f of the sample table 8. Note that the illumination device 11 is not limited to the surface of the lower region 8f of the sample table 8 but may be attached to the vicinity of the lower end (front end) 8g of the front end portion 8b of the sample table 8 although illustration is omitted. In this way, each sample stage 8 is positioned below the display unit 9 and between the front end 8b of the sample stage 8 and the front panel 7a, and illuminates the product sample S and the display unit 9 below. The device 11 can be configured.

  Specifically, the illumination device 11 is provided on each of the uppermost sample stage 81 and the middle stage sample stage 82. Since there is no illumination object below the lowermost sample stage 83, the illumination device 11 is not provided. That is, the illuminating device 11 is below the display unit 9 in the sample tables (81, 82) other than the lowest stage among the sample tables 8, and from the front end 8b of the sample table (81, 82) to the front panel 7a. It is arrange | positioned in the predetermined position between each, and it is comprised so that the lower product sample S and the display part 9 may be illuminated. Note that the illumination device 11 may also be provided on the lowermost sample stage 83.

  More specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each lighting device 11 includes a substrate 11 a extending in the left-right direction in parallel with the sample table 8, and each display spaced apart from the substrate 11 a. And a plurality of light source portions 11b attached corresponding to the portions 9, respectively. For example, an LED element is used for the light source unit 11b.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting device 11 is provided integrally with the display unit 9 below the display unit 9 as shown in FIGS. A specific configuration of the integral arrangement of the illumination device 11 and the display unit 9 will be described in detail later.

  In addition, an illumination device that illuminates the product sample S and the display unit 9 of the uppermost sample stage 81 is disposed above the display unit 9 of the uppermost stage sample stage 81 among the sample stages 8. The illumination device for the uppermost sample stage 81 includes the substrate 11a and the light source unit 11b, and is attached to the ceiling 7b of the product sample display room 7, for example, as shown in FIG. . That is, the illumination device for the uppermost sample stage 81 is different from the illumination device 11 only in the mounting position, and is composed of the same unit as the illumination device 11. Similarly to the illumination device 11 arranged for the middle stage and the lower stage, the illumination device attached to the ceiling part 7b can also illuminate the display unit 9 and the product sample S of the uppermost sample stage 81. It is arranged at a position corresponding to a predetermined position between the front end 8b and the front panel 7a.

  In the present embodiment, the illumination device 11 and the illumination device for the uppermost sample stage 81 are arranged with the optical axis X directed toward the center of the front surface of the lower display unit 9 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Has been. Each light source part 11b is arrange | positioned on the vertical line which passes along the center part of the display part 9, for example, and the optical axis X is comprised so that it may go to the perpendicular downward direction.

  Next, a structure for attaching the display unit 90 (display unit 9) to the sample table 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

In the present embodiment, the vending machine 1 includes a light transmissive transparent case 12 that is attached to the front end portion 8 b of the sample table 8 and accommodates the display unit 9 and the illumination device 11 therein.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the case 12 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin, and is provided at the front end portion 8 (specifically, the surface of the upper region 8 e and the surface of the lower region 8 f) of the sample base 8. A case body portion 12a having a substantially U-shaped cross section extending along the wall, and a partition wall 12b projecting from the back surface (sample table 8 side) of the case body portion 12a and extending in the extending direction of the case body portion 12a. For example, it is formed by injection molding. The inside of the case 12 is divided into an upper part and a lower part by a partition wall 12 b into a housing part 12 c of the display unit 90 and a housing part 12 d of the lighting device 11. The upper wall portion 12e and the lower wall portion 12f formed by bending the case main body portion 12a are configured to engage with the front end portion 8b (specifically, the corner peripheral edge 8d and the lower end 8g) of the sample base 8. The case 12 is formed, for example, for each display unit 90 including a plurality (four in FIGS. 2 to 4) of display units 9.
With such a structure, the illumination device 11 is provided integrally with the display unit 9 by the case 12.

  In the present embodiment, the case 12 has a lens function that guides the light from the illumination device 11 to the lower product sample S and the display unit 9. Specifically, the lower wall portion 12f (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the case 12 is formed in an appropriate shape so as to have the lens function. Thereby, the product sample S and the display unit 9 can be effectively illuminated.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the case 12 has a peripheral portion 12 g corresponding to the peripheral portion of each display portion 9 on the front surface of the case, except for the upper edge portion 12 g 1 of the peripheral portion 12 g. This portion has a convex recess 12h. The convex recess 12h is appropriately formed in a pattern by, for example, graining or embossing.
In FIGS. 2 to 4, the convex and concave portions 12 h are shown in black for simplification of the drawing. Further, in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 8 and 9 to be described later, the convex recess 12h is omitted for simplification of the drawing.

In the present embodiment, the vending machine 1 further includes a reflection unit 13 that is arranged corresponding to each display unit 9 and reflects light from above to the front surface of the display unit 9 corresponding to the arrangement location. Yes.
Specifically, the reflection unit 13 includes a first reflection unit 13 a provided in the case 12 and a second reflection unit 13 b provided in the mounting bracket 10 a of the product selection button 10.
The first reflecting portion 13a is provided so as to protrude from the surface (the customer service side) of the case main body 12a and extend in the extending direction of the case main body 12a, and a part of the light from above is displayed in the case 12 It is formed integrally with the case main body 12a so as to be able to reflect toward the portion 9. That is, the first reflecting portion 13 a is made of the same synthetic resin as the case 12. For example, the first reflecting portion 13a is provided so as to project toward the normal direction of the surface of the case main body portion 12a disposed at an inclination, and thereby reflects light from above toward the display portion 9 side. The projecting direction is not limited to the normal direction, and may be any direction as long as light from above can be reflected on the display unit 9. Processing (coating, plating, reflecting material (glossy metal foil) to make the upper surface (display side / light arrival direction) side of the first reflecting portion 13a a mirror surface, similar to the surface of the second reflecting portion 13b described later May be applied). That is, the first reflecting portion 13a is formed integrally with the case main body portion 12a so that a part of light from above can be reflected toward the display portion 9 in the case 12, and the upper surface thereof is mirror-finished. Processing may be performed.
The second reflecting portion 13b is configured using an upper wall 10a1 of the mounting bracket 10a having a U-shaped cross section. The surface of the second reflecting portion 13b (upper wall 10a1) is mirror-finished. As shown in FIG. 7, the second reflecting portion 13b (upper wall 10a1) is inclined so as to be away from the ceiling portion 7b toward the display portion 9 side. Thereby, the light from above is reflected to the display unit 9 side.

Next, the display format and display contents of the display unit 90 (display unit 9) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
8 and 9 are enlarged views of the F part in FIG. 1 and show examples of the operating state of the display part 9, respectively.

  Each display unit 9 displays information (sales price, temperature state, etc.) related to the corresponding sales product, and displays a price display area 9a for displaying the price of the corresponding sales product, and the cold / hot state of the corresponding product. And a state display area 9b.

  In the present embodiment, each display unit 9 is made of electronic paper capable of color display, for example. This electronic paper is a display device that can be driven with low power consumption. It can hold a display once displayed without consuming energy, and the display content can be rewritten. It is. Electronic paper, on the other hand, is not self-luminous, as is the case with reflective liquid crystal display members (LCD) that use external light as a light source and plates with information such as sales prices printed on it. Requires external lighting.

  As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the price display area 9 a is set at the center of each display unit 9, and the status display areas 9 b are respectively set up and down across the price display area 9 a.

  In the price display area 9a, as shown in FIG. 8, the sales price (for example, ¥ 120) of the corresponding sales product is displayed in black, and the background is displayed in white. When the corresponding sales price change (rewrite) operation is performed by the operator, the changed sales price (for example, ¥ 130) is displayed on the price display section 9a as shown in FIG.

The state display area 9b displays, for example, whether the corresponding sales product is a warm beverage or a cold beverage so that the user can identify it. For example, the upper state display area 9b is preset as an area for displaying that it is a hot beverage, and the lower state display area 9b is preset as an area for displaying that it is a cold beverage.
In the upper state display area 9b, when the corresponding sale item is a warm beverage, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, “warm” is displayed in white and the background is a warm color (for example, Displayed in red). On the other hand, the lower state display area 9b is displayed in white. Then, when the corresponding sales product is changed to a cold beverage by the operator and a display content changing operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper state display area 9b is displayed in white as a whole, and the lower state is displayed. In the display area 9 b, “clawed” is displayed in white, and the background is displayed in a cool color (for example, blue).
8 and 9, the characters displayed in the status display area 9b are shown in black, but are actually displayed in white and the background is displayed in the corresponding color. The division of the display area of each display unit 9 is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate. Further, in the price display area 9a, not only the sales price but also information such as the sales record number and the remaining number of the corresponding sales product may be displayed. For example, the sales management efficiency can be improved by displaying the number of sales records, the number of remaining sales, and the like at the time of an operator's change operation of sales products.

  Next, the illumination operation of the product sample S and the display unit 9 of the vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS.

  Each light source unit 11b of the illuminating device 11 provided on the ceiling unit 7b and the uppermost and middle sample stands 81 and 82 has, for example, an optical axis X (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) as a lower display unit. Light is emitted toward the center of the front surface of 9. A part of the light from each light source unit 11 b goes directly to the front surface of the product sample S and the display unit 9. Moreover, the remaining light from each light source part 11b is reflected by the back surface of the front panel 7a, the 1st reflection part 13a, and the 2nd reflection part 13b, for example, and goes to the product sample S and the front surface of the display part 9. Thus, the light from above is reflected toward the product sample S and the display unit 9 by the back surface of the front panel 7a, the first reflection unit 13a, and the second reflection unit 13b. The product sample S and the display unit 9 below each light source unit 11b are illuminated by the reflected light and the direct light from the light source unit 11b.

According to the vending machine 1 according to this embodiment, the display unit 9 is arranged corresponding to the product sample S on the front end side of each sample table 8, and the illumination device 11 is displayed on each sample table 8. Is disposed at a predetermined position (for example, the front end lower portion 8b2 of the sample table 8) between the front end 8b of the sample table 8 and the front panel 7a, and illuminates the product sample S and the display unit 9 below. . Thereby, since the illuminating device 11 can be located above the display part 9 arrange | positioned in the narrow space between each sample stand 8 and the front panel 7a, respectively these lower illuminating devices 11 are used as a sample below. The product sample S of the base 8 and the display unit 9 can be reliably illuminated.
Thus, for example, even when a display unit (electronic paper) 9 that is not self-luminous is employed, the display unit 9 can be reliably illuminated. Visibility does not decrease. Further, the product sample S and the display unit 9 can be illuminated at the same time, and it is not necessary to provide an illumination device for illuminating the display unit separately from the illumination device for illuminating the product sample. .
In this way, it is possible to provide a vending machine capable of sufficiently ensuring the visibility of a display unit that displays information related to sales products with a low-cost configuration without increasing the power consumption for illumination. it can.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the illuminating device 11 employ | adopted LED as the light source part 11b, and was set as the structure which provided this illuminating device 11 integrally with this display part 9 under the display part 9. FIG. Thereby, the electrical wiring to the display unit 9 and the lighting device 11 can be integrated, and the assembling property can be improved and the size can be reduced. In addition, compared with a conventional vending machine that employs a fluorescent lamp as a lighting device, it is possible to secure a sufficient space in the product sample room 7, and the degree of freedom in layout in the product sample display room 7 is increased. Can be used effectively.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the illuminating device 11 (light source part 11b) was set as the structure which arrange | positions the optical axis X toward the center part of the front surface of the display part 9 below. Thereby, the display unit 9 arranged in an inclined manner can be effectively illuminated.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the illumination device 11 is configured to be disposed between the product selection button 10 and the sample table 8. Thereby, since the direct light which goes to the front panel 7a from the illuminating device 11 is blocked | interrupted by the goods selection button 10, the user who sees the goods sample S etc. does not feel glare.

  In this embodiment, it is set as the structure provided with the light transmissive case 12 attached to the front-end part 8b of the sample stand 8, and accommodating the display part 9 and the illuminating device 11 inside. Thereby, the display part 9 and the illuminating device 11 can be arrange | positioned easily and integrally. In addition, the surface of the display unit 9 can be protected by the case 12, and the visibility of the display unit 9 can be ensured without blocking light from above. The lighting device 11 may not be provided integrally with the display unit 9.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case 12 has a convex recess 12h in a portion other than the upper edge portion 12g1 of the peripheral portion 12g in the peripheral portion 12g corresponding to the peripheral portion of each display portion 9 on the front surface of the case. It was. Thereby, the distinction between the adjacent display parts 9 can be clarified, and the visibility of the display parts 9 adjacent to each other can be improved. If the convex recess 12h is also formed on the upper edge portion 12g1, there is a possibility that a shadow is formed on the display portion 9. However, in the present embodiment, the convex recess 12h is not formed on the upper edge portion 12g1, and thus visibility is improved. Will not be reduced. The case 12 may not be formed with the convex recess 12h.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 9 is made of electronic paper. Thereby, compared with the conventional vending machine which employ | adopted the light emitting diode and the liquid crystal display member (LCD) as a display part, power consumption can be reduced. In addition, the display contents can be changed without fail by simply rewriting the data, which improves the operator's operability compared to the case where a plate or the like on which the selling price is simply printed is used as the display unit. Can be made.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 9 is inclined so as to approach the front panel 7a as it goes downward (in other words, inclined backward). Thereby, the light from the illuminating device 11 can be received efficiently, and visibility can be improved efficiently.

In this embodiment, it was set as the structure provided with the reflection part 13 arrange | positioned corresponding to each display part 9, and reflecting the light from the upper part on the front surface of the display part 9 corresponding to this arrangement | positioning location. Thereby, the light from the light source part 11b can be reflected not only by the front panel 7a but also by the reflection part (first reflection part 13a, second reflection part 13b) 13 to the display part 9 side, thereby improving visibility. .
For example, when changing the angle of the display unit 9 with respect to the front panel 7a, such as changing the tilt angle of the display unit 9 or arranging the display unit 9 in parallel with the front panel 7a, light from above is displayed. What is necessary is just to determine suitably the angle with respect to the front surface of the display part 9 of the reflection part 13 so that reflection to the part 9 is possible.

In the present embodiment, the reflecting portion 13 includes a first reflecting portion 13a and a second reflecting portion 13b, and the first reflecting portion 13a is formed integrally with the case 12 to provide the second reflecting portion. About the part 13b, it was set as the structure using the attachment metal fitting 10a of the goods selection button 10. FIG. Thereby, the reflection part 13 can be provided at low cost.
In addition, although the reflection part 13 shall be provided with the 1st reflection part 13a provided in the case 12, and the 2nd reflection part 13b provided in the goods selection button 10, it is not restricted to this, either one or only one Good. Moreover, the reflection part 13 does not need to be provided.

By the way, as in the present embodiment, the display unit 9 is tilted backward as described above to efficiently receive the light from the upper light source unit 11b, thereby improving the visibility of the display content of the display unit 9. It can be improved to a certain level. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the front portion of the case body 12a located in front of the display unit 9 is arranged in parallel to the display unit 9 so as to look up the sky, the ceiling, etc. For example, the reflection position of the external light that passes through the front panel 7a and is reflected by the front portion of the case main body 12a faces the front panel 7a. May overlap the user's eye position. In this case, from the user's perspective, the sky, the ceiling, the background, etc. are reflected on the front part of the case main body 12a, and the display of the display unit 9 may be overlapped with the background, etc. There is a risk that. On the other hand, since the display unit 9 is not self-luminous, in order to efficiently receive the light from the light source unit 11b, it is preferable that the display unit 9 be inclined in the backward direction.
Therefore, in the following second embodiment, an example including a configuration for further improving the visibility of the display unit 9 in a state where the display unit 9 is arranged to be inclined rearward will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a main part including the sample stage 8 in the second embodiment, and is a side view seen from the same direction as FIG. FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a main part including the sample stage 8 shown in FIG. 10, and is a partial cross-sectional view shown at the same cross-sectional position as FIG. FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the arrangement position of the illumination device 11 in the second embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view shown at the same cross-sectional position as FIG. In the second embodiment, the shape of the sample base 8 and the mounting structure of the illumination device 11 and the display unit 9 are different from those in the first embodiment. The same elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions will be described.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the sample stage 8 has the same shape as the first embodiment with respect to the left and right ends including the side walls 8 c and 8 c and the mounting portion 8 a. Although formed, the shape of the front end 8b is different from that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the front end 8b of the sample stage 8 shown in the first embodiment is a rear panel with the front panel side end of the mounting portion 8a at an acute angle as shown in the dotted circle in FIG. It is formed by being bent toward the 7c side. In other words, when viewed from the front panel 7a side, the sample base 8 is mostly open in front and formed in a generally gate shape.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the illuminating device 11 and the display part 9 are each arrange | positioned separately. Specifically, the illumination device 11 is disposed on the front end side of each sample table 8 via a support member 14 attached to each sample table 8, and the display unit 9 is provided on the front end of the sample table 8 via the support member 14. Arranged on the side. In the first embodiment, the illumination device 11 and the display unit 9 are directly attached to the front end 8b of the sample table 8 and arranged on the front end side of the sample table 8, but in the second embodiment, the support member 14 is provided. Is disposed on the front end side of the sample stage 8.
In the second embodiment, instead of the case 12, an illumination cover 12A for the illumination device 11 and a protective case 12B for the display unit 9, which will be described later, are provided.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the support member 14 has a substantially Z-shaped cross section, extends in the left-right width direction of the sample table 8, and is formed by sheet metal working or the like, It is attached to the front end side of each sample table 8. Although not shown, the support member 14 is attached to the left and right ends including the side walls 8c, 8c of the sample table 8 so as to be positioned on the front end side of the sample table 8, for example.

Specifically, the illumination device 11 is disposed in a light-transmitting illumination cover 12A that is attached to the lower portion of the support member 14 and protrudes downward, with the light source portion 11b facing downward. Further, the display unit 9 is disposed in a protective case 12B attached to the upper part of the support member 14 so as to be inclined rearward in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
In this way, the display unit 9 arranged corresponding to the product sample S on the front end side of each sample table 8 to display information on the sales product, and below each display unit 9 in each sample table 8, 8 is arranged at a predetermined position between the front end portion 8b and the front panel 7a, and an illumination device 11 that illuminates the lower product sample S and the display unit 9 is configured.

  Specifically, the lighting cover 12A is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin, has a U-shaped cross section with a uniform thickness, and is formed by extending in the left-right direction of the support member 14. Further, on the inner surface of the illumination cover 12A, ribs 12A1 for receiving the substrate 11a of the illumination device 11 are provided at a plurality of locations.

  Specifically, the protective case 12B includes a light-transmissive front cover 15, a light-transmissive upper cover 16, a receiving portion 17, a support plate 18, and side covers 19, 19. Has been. The front cover 15, the upper cover 16, the receiving portion 17, and the support plate 18 are extended along the extending direction of the support member 14. As shown in FIG. 11, the protective case 12 </ b> B is configured to have a substantially inverted triangular cross-sectional shape.

The front cover 15 is disposed so as to be inclined (in other words, inclined forward) so as to approach the front panel as it goes upward in front of the display unit 9. In the first embodiment, the front surface portion of the case main body 12a positioned in front of the display unit 9 is configured to be substantially parallel to the display unit 9, but in the second embodiment, the case main body. The front cover 15 corresponding to the front surface portion of the portion 12a is inclined in the forward direction as described above, and is inclined so as to be away from the display portion 9 as it goes upward.
Specifically, the front cover 15 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin, and is formed by cutting a flat plate having a smooth surface into appropriate dimensions according to the height of the support member 14 and the width in the left-right direction. The Each long side portion of the front cover 15 is inserted and held in groove portions (16b, 17b) described later formed in the upper cover 16 and the lower end receiving portion 17.

The upper cover 16 is arranged to extend obliquely upward from the upper side of the display unit 9 toward the front panel 7a side.
Specifically, the upper cover 16 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin, and extends in the left-right direction of the support member 14 and is formed, for example, by injection molding. One long side portion of the upper cover 16 is appropriately fixed to the upper portion of the support member 14, whereby the protective case 12 </ b> B is fixed to the upper portion of the support member 14. Further, the upper long side portion of the support plate 18 is inserted into the groove portion 16 a formed on one long side portion side (support member 14 side) of the upper cover 16. The upper long side part of the front cover 15 is inserted into the groove part 16b formed on the other long side part side (front panel 7a side) of the upper cover 16. The long side portion above the display portion 9 is inserted into the groove portion 16c formed between the groove portion 16a and the groove portion 16b of the upper cover 16 and on the support member 14 side.

The receiving portion 17 is a member that receives a long side portion below the front cover 15 and the display portion 9, is appropriately formed of a material, and is attached to a long side portion below the support plate 19. A long side portion below the display portion 9 is inserted into the groove portion 17a formed on the support member 14 side of the receiving portion 17, and a front cover is provided on the groove portion 17b formed on the front panel 7a side of the receiving portion 17. The long side part below is inserted.
The support plate 18 serves as a support substrate for the protective case 12B, and is appropriately formed of a material.
As shown in FIG. 10, each side cover 19 is a member that serves as a lid that covers both sides of the protective case 12B.

  Next, the lighting operation of the product sample S and the display unit 9 of the vending machine 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

Each light source unit 11b of the illuminating device 11 provided on the ceiling unit 7b, the uppermost stage and the middle stage sample bases 81 and 82 has, for example, an optical axis X (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 12) as a lower display unit. Light is emitted toward the center of the front surface of 9.
A part of the light from each light source part 11 b goes directly to the product sample S and the upper cover 16. A part of the light transmitted through the upper cover 16 toward the upper cover 16 is directly directed to the front surface of the display unit 9, and most of the remaining light is reflected by the back surface of the front cover 15. Head to the front. Moreover, the remaining light from each light source part 11b is reflected by the back surface of the front panel 7a and the 2nd reflection part 13b, for example, and goes to the product sample S and the front surface of the display part 9. Thus, the light from above (the light source unit 11b) is reflected toward the product sample S and the display unit 9 by the back surface of the front panel 7a, the second reflection unit 13b, and the back surface of the front cover 15. The product sample S and the display unit 9 below each light source unit 11b are illuminated by the reflected light and the direct light from the light source unit 11b.

  Next, the operation of the front cover 15 of the vending machine 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the vending machine 1 is installed outdoors. As shown in FIG. 12, the height of the user's eyes (line of sight) of the vending machine 1 is, for example, the display section of the upper sample stage 81. An example will be described in which the user is viewing the display unit 9 of the upper sample stage 81 that is substantially coincident with the arrangement height of the central part 9.

  As shown in FIG. 12, incident light L1 such as sunlight enters the front panel 7a obliquely from above. A part or all of the light transmitted through the front panel 7 a in the incident light L <b> 1 is reflected by the front cover 15. Here, since the front cover 15 is disposed to be inclined in the forward direction, the reflection position of the light (reflected light L2) reflected by the front cover 15 is located below the position of the user's eyes. That is, for example, when the front cover 15 is arranged in parallel with the display unit 9 and looking up at the sky (tilted backward), the reflected light reflected by the front cover 15 is shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. As indicated by the bold arrow (L3), there is a possibility of facing the user's eyes. In this embodiment, the front cover 15 is inclined in the forward direction, so that the reflection position of the user is changed. It is shifted from the eye position.

  According to the vending machine 1 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the visibility of the display unit that displays information about the sold product is reduced without increasing the power consumption for illumination and with an inexpensive configuration. A vending machine that can be secured sufficiently can be provided.

Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, the structure which further has the light-transmitting front cover 15 arrange | positioned so that it may approach the front panel 7a so that it may approach the front panel 7a so that it may go ahead in front of the display part 9. It was. Thereby, the reflection position of the light (reflected light L2) reflected by the front cover 15 can be shifted from the general user's eye position of the vending machine 1. Accordingly, since the background or the like does not appear on the front cover 15 from the user's perspective, the user can clearly see the display on the display unit 9 through the front cover 15.
In this manner, the visibility of the display unit 9 can be further improved in a state where the display unit 9 is disposed to be inclined rearward.
In order to make the parts common, the front cover 15 of each of the upper, middle, and lower sample bases 8 is configured to be inclined forward as described above, but is not limited thereto. Since the height of most users' eyes from the ground is substantially the same as the arrangement height of the upper sample stage 8, the phenomenon that the background is reflected on the front cover 15 is higher than the front cover 15 in the middle or lower stage. Is likely to occur in the front cover 15. Therefore, at least only the upper front cover 15 may be inclined forward.

Further, in the configuration in which the front cover 15 is inclined in the forward direction as described above, when the user looks at the middle or lower display unit 9 obliquely from above (looks down), the middle or lower upper cover 16 becomes an obstacle. There is a possibility that the visibility of the display unit 9 may be lowered. In order to solve this problem, the second embodiment further includes a light transmissive upper cover 16 that is arranged to extend obliquely upward from above the display unit 9 toward the front panel 7a. Accordingly, when the user views the middle or lower display unit 9 from obliquely above, the display unit 9 can easily enter the user's line of sight, so that the visibility of the middle and lower display units 9 can be improved. .
In order to share parts, the upper cover 16 of each of the upper, middle, and lower sample bases 8 is inclined as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the visibility is reduced. Only the lower upper cover 16 having a high possibility may be inclined as described above.

In the second embodiment, the illumination cover 11c is formed to have a U-shaped cross section with a uniform thickness. Thereby, since the light transmission distance of the illumination cover 11c can be made uniform in all directions, for example, a linear light-dark difference (shadow) reflected on the back panel 7c or the like due to non-uniformity of the light transmission distance or the like. Can be prevented.
In the second embodiment, the illumination cover 11c is not limited to the U shape, and may be formed in an appropriate shape. Further, the illumination cover 11c may be formed in an appropriate shape so that light is effectively guided to the display unit 9, and the lens function of the illumination cover 11c may be provided.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement state of the illumination device 11 in the vending machine 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a partial view around the product selection button 10 in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element same as 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different part is demonstrated.
In 3rd Embodiment, the illuminating device 11 is set as the structure attached to the back side of the goods selection button 10 and the display part 9 below. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the lighting device 11 is configured to be attached to the lower wall 10 a 2 of the mounting bracket 10 a of the product selection button 10. In this case, the light source part 11b is good to arrange | position the optical axis X toward the center part of the front surface of the lower display part 9, for example. That is, the optical axis X may be inclined so as to approach the sample table 8 as it goes downward, and may be directed toward the center of the display unit 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the upper wall 10 a 2 is inclined so as to approach the ceiling portion 7 b as it goes toward the display unit 9. Thereby, the optical axis X can be inclined so that it may approach the sample stand 8 side easily. Further, the optical axis X may be directed to a region other than the central portion of the display unit 9.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 which is a partial view around the product selection button 10 in FIG. 7, the lighting device 11 is attached to the lower wall 10a2 of the mounting bracket 10a and the upper wall 10a1 of the mounting bracket 10a. In addition, an illumination device including the same substrate 11a and light source unit 11b as the illumination device 11 may be attached. Although not shown, the illumination device 11 may be attached to the front end lower portion 8b2 of the sample base 8 and attached to the lower wall 10a2 of the attachment fitting 10a. As described above, when the illumination device 11 is provided on both the sample stage 8 and the lower wall 10a2, the illumination device 11 including the substrate 11a and the light source unit 11b may be further provided on the upper wall 10a1.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restrict | limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible based on the technical idea of this invention.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the light source unit 11 b is arranged with the optical axis X facing the center of the front surface of the display unit 9. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the optical axis X is displayed on the display unit 9. You may arrange | position so that it may go to area | regions other than the center part. That is, the light source unit 11b may be disposed with the optical axis X facing the front surface of the lower display unit 9.

  In the first embodiment, the front cover 15 and the upper cover 16 of the second embodiment may be applied. Specifically, the front portion of the case body 12a is inclined so as to approach the front panel as it goes upward, and the upper wall 12e is further extended obliquely upward toward the front panel 7a. In this case, the front portion of the case body 12a corresponds to the “front cover” according to the present invention, and the upper wall portion 12e corresponds to the “upper cover” according to the present invention.

  In each embodiment, the display unit 9 is configured to be inclined (inclined backward) so as to be closer to the front panel 7a as it goes downward. However, the display unit 9 is not limited thereto, and is parallel to the front panel 7a. It may be configured. Even in this case, since the light from the light source unit 11b is reflected by the front panel 7a and the like and travels toward the display unit 9, the display unit 9 can be illuminated.

  Moreover, in each embodiment, although the display part 9 shall consist of electronic paper, it is not restricted to this, For example, reflective liquid crystal display members (LCD) which use external light as a light source, information, such as sales price May be simply a printed plate. The vending machine 1 according to the present invention is suitable when the display unit 9 is a non-self-luminous display medium such as electronic paper, a reflective liquid crystal display member, and a simple plate. The display unit 9 is not limited to the self-luminous type, but may be a self-luminous type such as a transmissive liquid crystal display member having a backlight. Even in this case, the visibility can be further improved.

  Moreover, in each embodiment, although the number of the display parts 9 which comprise one display unit 90 was four pieces, it is not restricted to this, It can determine suitably. Further, the number of product samples S placed on one sample table is twelve, but is not limited to this, and can be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of stages of the sample stage 8 is not limited to three but can be determined as appropriate. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, one illumination device 11 is provided for one display unit 9. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and one illumination device 11 is provided for a plurality of display units 9. May be.

  The illumination device 11 is below the display unit 9 in each sample table 8 such as the front end lower part 8b2 of the sample table 8 and the back side of the product selection button 10, and between the front end 8b of the sample table 8 and the front panel 7a. What is necessary is just the structure which is arrange | positioned in the predetermined position and illuminates the lower product sample S and the display part 9.

1 .... Vending machine 7 .... Sample display room 7a ... Front panel 8 .... Sample stand 8b ... Front end 8b2 ...・ Lower front end 9 ・ ・ ・ ・ Display (electronic paper)
10 ... Product selection button 11 ... Illumination device 12 ... Case 12g ... Peripheral portion 12g1 ... Upper edge 12h ... Convex recess 13 ...・ Reflecting part 14 ... support member 15 ... front cover 16 ... upper cover S ... product sample

Claims (15)

A product sample display room is formed on the inside of the transparent front panel for displaying product samples of products for sale, and a plurality of the product samples are arranged in the product sample display room at intervals in the vertical direction. A vending machine comprising: a sample table for displaying; and a display unit arranged on the front end side of each sample table corresponding to the product sample and displaying information on the sales product,
In each of the sample stands, the illumination device is disposed below the display unit and at a predetermined position between the front end of the sample stand and the front panel, and illuminates the product sample and the display unit below. ,vending machine.   The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is attached to a lower part of a front end of the sample table.   The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the lighting device is provided integrally with the display unit below the display unit.   The vending machine according to claim 3, further comprising a light transmissive case that is attached to a front end portion of the sample table and accommodates the display unit and the illumination device therein.   The vending machine according to claim 4, wherein the case has a lens function that guides light from the lighting device to the product sample and the display unit below.   The vending machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the case has a convex concave portion in a portion other than the upper edge portion of the peripheral portion of the peripheral portion corresponding to the peripheral portion of the display portion on the front surface of the case. Provided on the front panel in correspondence with each display unit in front of the sample table, provided with a product selection button for the user to select a purchased product,
2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is attached to a rear surface side of the product selection button and below the display unit.   The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is disposed on a front end side of each sample table via a support member attached to each sample table.   The vending machine according to claim 8, wherein the display unit is disposed on a front end side of the sample table via the support member.   The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display unit is inclined so as to approach the front panel as it goes downward.   The vending machine according to claim 10, further comprising a light-transmitting front cover disposed so as to be closer to the front panel toward the front in front of the display unit.   The vending machine according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a light-transmitting upper cover arranged to extend obliquely upward from above the display unit toward the front panel side.   The reflective part which is arrange | positioned corresponding to each said display part and reflects the light from upper direction on the front surface of the said display part corresponding to this arrangement | positioning location is further provided. Vending machine.   The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the illumination device is arranged with an optical axis facing a front surface of the display unit below.   The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is made of electronic paper.