JP2018081361A - vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vending machine expected to draw fuller interest and attention of a person to the function of releasing perfume as compared with the prior art.SOLUTION: A vending machine 100 comprises a front panel 10 and a perfume releasing unit 30 provided so as to protrude from the front panel 10. The perfume releasing unit 30 includes a housing 40 and a releasing device 50. The releasing device 50 has a main body part 53 disposed inside the housing 40, a perfume releasing button 51 and a perfume releasing part 52 arranged outside the housing 40. A perfume releasing port 52H is formed in the perfume releasing part 52, and pressing the perfume releasing button 51 releases perfume-containing gas from the perfume releasing port 52H of the perfume releasing part 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly to a vending machine capable of releasing a gas containing a fragrance.

  Vending machines can provide a variety of goods such as food, beverages, magazines, newspapers and tobacco. As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 below, vending machines are known that have not only a function of providing a product but also a function of releasing a gas containing a fragrance.

  The vending machines disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-257216), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-320628) and Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent No. 5623641) are vending machines. The sensor which detects having approached is released, and the gas containing a fragrance | flavor is discharge | released from a vending machine according to the detection result of a sensor.

  The vending machines disclosed in Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-275275) and Patent Document 5 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 03-078382) generate coffee from coffee beans inside the vending machine. The gas containing the fragrance generated at the time is released from the vending machine.

JP 2008-257216 A JP-A-10-320628 Japanese Patent No. 5623641 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-275275 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 03-078382

  Although the vending machines disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 to 5 have a function of being able to release a gas containing a fragrance, a person for the function of the vending machine capable of releasing a gas containing a fragrance. There is room for improvement in terms of attracting interest and interest.

  For example, in the vending machines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the sensor detects the approach of a person, a gas containing a fragrance is released. It is not easy for a person traveling outside the detection range of the sensor to recognize that a scent can be provided from a vending machine. In addition, the vending machines disclosed in these documents have a configuration in which a person is provided with a scent when his / her presence is detected by a sensor, not from his / her own will. Regardless of your intention, in some cases, a person may receive a scent provided against her intention.

  In the vending machines disclosed in Patent Documents 4 and 5, the purchase of the product has already been completed, and the scent is provided to the user (product purchaser) who is waiting for the completion of the product or the actual provision of the product. Is. This scent is inevitably provided to the user who has completed the purchase of the product as the product is provided. In order to receive the provision of a scent, it is essential for a person to purchase a product. It is not easy to let people who are not willing to purchase a product or those who have not purchased a product have the interest and interest in the function of a vending machine capable of providing a scent. In addition, the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 4 and 5 are also configurations in which the user receives provision of a scent not only from his will but with the purchase of a product. Regardless of one's intention, in some cases, the user may receive a fragrance against his intention.

  Furthermore, the vending machines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 are provided with a perfume discharge part (discharge port) for releasing a gas containing a perfume, but the perfume discharge part disclosed in these documents. Does not exhibit an appearance that can sufficiently attract the interest and interest of a person with respect to the function of a vending machine that can release a gas containing a fragrance when viewed from a distance, for example. From this point of view, the vending machines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 have a function of releasing a gas containing a fragrance, but they can release a gas containing a fragrance. There is room for improvement in attracting people's interest and interest in the functions of the machine.

  The present invention has a function capable of releasing a gas containing a fragrance, and can be expected to sufficiently attract people's interest and interest in the function of releasing a gas containing a fragrance. To provide a simple vending machine.

  A vending machine according to the present invention is provided so as to protrude from the front panel, a product outlet provided in the front panel, a plurality of product selection buttons provided in the front panel, and the front panel. A fragrance release unit, the fragrance release unit including a housing, a main body portion disposed inside the housing, a fragrance release button and a fragrance discharge portion disposed outside the housing. A discharge port is formed in the perfume discharge part, and the gas containing the perfume from the discharge port of the perfume discharge part is formed by pressing the perfume release button. Released.

  Preferably, in the vending machine, the casing has a front portion on which the fragrance release button is arranged, and the fragrance discharge portion, and is directed upward from the upper end of the front portion toward the front panel. And the fragrance discharge portion attached to the upper surface portion diffuses upward as the gas discharged from the discharge port moves away from the discharge port. The gas is released in a diagonally upward direction.

  Preferably, in the vending machine, the plurality of product selection buttons are arranged in a horizontal direction, and the fragrance release unit includes a position where the plurality of product selection buttons are arranged, the product outlet, It is provided between.

  Preferably, the vending machine further includes an advertisement display unit provided on the front panel and capable of displaying an advertisement, and the fragrance release unit is provided on a side of the advertisement display unit.

  Preferably, in the vending machine, the gas containing the fragrance is released from the fragrance discharge portion by pressing any one of the plurality of product selection buttons.

  According to said structure, the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit is provided so that it may protrude from the front panel of a vending machine, Furthermore, the button for fragrance | flavor discharge | release and the fragrance | flavor discharge | release are carried out on the outer side of the housing | casing which comprises the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit. For example, even when viewed from a distance, a person can easily recognize the presence of a fragrance discharge unit and can be interested in the function of a vending machine that can release a gas containing fragrance. And can be expected to attract enough interest.

1 is a perspective view showing a vending machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30 with which the vending machine 100 in Embodiment 1 is equipped. It is a front view which shows the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30 with which the vending machine 100 in Embodiment 1 is equipped. It is arrow sectional drawing along the IV-IV line in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30 with which the vending machine 100 in Embodiment 1 is equipped is operate | moving. It is sectional drawing which shows the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30A with which the vending machine in Embodiment 2 is equipped. It is sectional drawing which shows the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30B with which the vending machine in Embodiment 3 is equipped.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
(Vending machine 100)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vending machine 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 100 includes a front panel 10 and a side panel 20, and has a large box shape as a whole.

  The vending machine 100 includes a plurality of devices that perform various functions such as a cooling function, a heating function, a heat retaining function, a communication function, and the like, and various products stored therein (typically beverages and foods). ) Can be provided upon request from the user. The vending machine 100 may not have these functions, and the sales target of the vending machine 100 may be magazines, newspapers, cigarettes, and the like.

  In this embodiment, on the front panel 10 of the vending machine 100, a product sample display unit 11, a locking unit 12, a deposit amount display unit 13, a money insertion unit 14, a return lever 15, a bill insertion unit 16, a money return unit. 17, an advertisement display unit 18, a product outlet 19, and a fragrance release unit 30 are provided.

  The product sample display unit 11 is provided with a plurality of product samples 11A, a plurality of price display units 11B, and a plurality of product selection buttons 11C, all of which are arranged in the horizontal direction. . Each of the plurality of product selection buttons 11C is configured by a mechanical push button in the present embodiment, but may be configured by a liquid crystal display device capable of touch operation. The product sample 11A and / or the charge display unit 11B may also be realized by a liquid crystal display device.

  The front panel 10 can be opened and closed like a door, and the end of the front panel 10 opposite to the side where the locking part 12 is located is pivotally supported. The money insertion part 14 and the return lever 15 are disposed below the locking part 12 in the front panel 10. The deposit amount display unit 13 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the return lever 15 in the horizontal direction, and the bill insertion unit 16 is disposed below the deposit amount display unit 13 in the front panel 10.

  The money return unit 17 is disposed far below the money input unit 14 in the front panel 10. The product outlet 19 has a shape extending in a long shape in the horizontal direction, and is disposed adjacent to the money return unit 17 in the horizontal direction. The width dimension of the product sample display portion 11 in the horizontal direction is substantially the same as the width dimension of the product outlet 19 in the same direction. The advertisement display unit 18 and the fragrance release unit 30 are provided between the product sample display unit 11 (a position where a plurality of product selection buttons 11C are arranged) and the product take-out port 19.

  The advertisement display unit 18 can arrange a print medium such as an advertisement inside, and the surface of the advertisement display unit 18 is covered with a transparent acrylic sheet. The advertisement arranged in the advertisement display unit 18 is displayed to the user via an acrylic sheet or the like. The advertisement display unit 18 may be realized by a liquid crystal display device.

  The fragrance release unit 30 is provided on the side of the advertisement display unit 18. In this Embodiment, the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30 is arrange | positioned between the advertisement display part 18 and the banknote insertion part 16 (or money insertion part 14 etc.).

(Fragrance release unit 30)
2 and 3 are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, showing the fragrance release unit 30. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. The perfume discharge unit 30 has a function capable of releasing a gas containing a perfume, and is provided so as to protrude from the front panel 10 of the vending machine 100 toward the front side (the side where the user stands). It has been. Specifically, the fragrance release unit 30 includes a housing 40 and a release device 50.

(Discharge device 50)
Referring mainly to FIG. 4, the discharge device 50 includes a fragrance release button 51, a wiring member 51C, a fragrance discharge portion 52, a main body portion 53, and a wiring member 53C. The fragrance release button 51 is electrically connected to the main body 53 via the wiring member 51C, and a signal indicating that the fragrance release button 51 is pressed is transmitted to the main body 53 via the wiring member 51C.

  The fragrance release part 52 has a cap shape and is provided at the end of the main body part 53. A discharge port 52H is formed in the fragrance discharge portion 52. The main body 53 is supplied with power through the wiring member 53C. The main body 53 may be supplied with power from the power supply unit of the vending machine 100 or may be directly supplied with power from an external commercial power source.

  Although not shown in detail, the main body 53 incorporates a compressor, a cartridge, and the like. When the fragrance | flavor discharge | release button 51 is pressed, the fragrance | flavor contained in a cartridge is discharge | released from the discharge port 52H of the fragrance | flavor discharge | release part 52 with the gas (for example, compressed air) discharge | released from the compressor. As the cartridge, a cartridge filled with any kind of fragrance can be used.

  As the fragrance filled in the cartridge, those having a relationship with the products arranged in the product sample display section 11 (for example, tea or coffee) may be used. As the fragrance filled in the cartridge, a fragrance having a relationship with a place where the vending machine 100 is installed (for example, a specific plant, a flower scent, etc.) may be used.

  The front panel 10 has an opening 10H having a substantially rectangular shape. A bracket 10A having a frame shape is disposed inside the opening 10H, and a housing 40 is disposed inside the bracket 10A. That is, the discharge device 50 is attached to the front panel 10 via the housing 40 and the bracket 10A. The main body 53 of the discharge device 50 is disposed inside the housing 40, and the fragrance discharging button 51 and the fragrance discharging portion 52 are disposed outside the housing 40.

(Case 40)
With reference mainly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 40 of the present embodiment has a front surface portion 41, an upper surface portion 42, side surface portions 43 and 44, a bottom surface portion 45, and a top surface portion 46. The front portion 41, the upper surface portion 42, the side surface portions 43 and 44, the bottom surface portion 45, and the top surface portion 46 all have a flat plate shape, and a hollow space is formed inside these.

  The front part 41 is a part of the housing 40 that is located farthest from the front panel 10 of the vending machine 100 (in other words, a part that is located on the most front side (side where the user stands)). The front part 41 is substantially parallel to the surface 10S (FIG. 4) of the front panel 10. The front portion 41 is formed with a through hole 41H (FIG. 4). The fragrance | flavor discharge | release button 51 of the discharge | release apparatus 50 is arrange | positioned on the surface of the front part 41, and the wiring member 51C is penetrated inside the through-hole 41H.

  The upper surface part 42 has a shape that is inclined so as to go upward as it approaches the front panel 10 from the upper end 41E of the front part 41. The upper end 41 </ b> E of the front part 41 is a part common to the lower end of the upper surface part 42. A through hole 42 </ b> H (FIG. 4) is formed in the upper surface portion 42. The fragrance | flavor discharge | release part 52 of the discharge | release apparatus 50 is arrange | positioned on the surface of the upper surface part 42, and the main-body part 53 of the discharge | release apparatus 50 is penetrated inside the through-hole 42H.

  The side surface portion 43 extends from one side portion of the front portion 41 and one side portion of the upper surface portion 42 toward the front panel 10. The side surface portion 44 extends from the other side portion of the front portion 41 and the other side portion of the upper surface portion 42 toward the front panel 10. The side surface parts 43 and 44 are substantially parallel to the direction of gravity and are substantially perpendicular to the surface 10S of the front panel 10.

  The bottom surface portion 45 extends from the lower end 41 </ b> F of the front surface portion 41 toward the front panel 10. The bottom surface portion 45 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and is also substantially perpendicular to the surface 10S of the front panel 10. The top surface portion 46 extends from the upper end 42E of the upper surface portion 42 toward the front panel 10. The top surface portion 46 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity and is also substantially perpendicular to the surface 10S of the front panel 10.

  The casing 40 having the above configuration is provided so as to protrude from the front surface 10S of the front panel 10 toward the front side (the side where the user stands). In the present embodiment, both the front part 41 and the upper surface part 42 are located closer to the front side (position where the user stands) than the position of the surface 10S of the front panel 10.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the fragrance release part 52 attached to the upper surface part 42 is a gas in a diagonally upward direction so that the gas released from the release port 52H diffuses upward as it moves away from the release port 52H. 60 is released. The gas 60 contains the fragrance (fine particles) contained in the cartridge, and can be provided to a person who presses the fragrance release button 51.

(Function and effect)
As described at the beginning, in the vending machines disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the sensor detects the approach of a person, a gas containing a fragrance is released. It is not easy for a person traveling outside the detection range of the sensor to recognize that a scent can be provided from a vending machine. In addition, because people receive scents when their presence is detected by sensors, not from their own will, regardless of their intentions, in some cases, people may be scented against their intentions. There is a possibility of receiving the offer.

  On the other hand, in the vending machine 100 of the present embodiment, the gas containing the fragrance is released by pressing the fragrance release button 51. The scent is provided to the person who has pushed his / her arms or fingers and positively pressed the fragrance release button 51 with his / her will, so the person receives the scent regardless of his / her will. There is almost no possibility, and there is almost no possibility that a person will be provided with a scent against his will.

  In addition, in the vending machines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it is recognized that a person who passes outside the detection range of the sensor can receive scent from the vending machine. It's not easy. On the other hand, according to the vending machine 100 of the present embodiment, the fragrance release unit 30 is provided so as to protrude from the front panel 10 of the vending machine 100, and further, the fragrance release unit 30 is configured. The fragrance | flavor discharge | release button 51 and the fragrance | flavor discharge | release part 52 are arrange | positioned on the outer side of the housing | casing 40 which is. Such a protruding shape of the perfume discharge unit 30 makes the presence of the perfume discharge unit 30 conspicuous. For example, even when viewed from a distance, a person can easily recognize the presence of the fragrance discharge unit 30 and sufficiently attracts the person's interest and interest in the function of the vending machine 100 that can release the gas containing the fragrance. I can expect that.

  As described at the beginning, in the vending machines disclosed in Patent Documents 4 and 5 above, users who have already completed the purchase of the product and are waiting for the completion of the product or the actual provision of the product (product purchaser) ). In order to receive the provision of a scent, it is essential for a person to purchase a product. On the other hand, according to the vending machine 100 of the present embodiment, even for a person who has not purchased a product or a person who does not have an intention to purchase a product, By pressing the button 51, a person can receive a scent. Moreover, the protrusion shape of the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30 makes presence of the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30 conspicuous. Even a person who does not have an intention to purchase a product is likely to notice the presence of the fragrance release unit 30. Therefore, it can be expected that the interest and interest in the function of the vending machine 100 capable of providing a scent can be given to those who do not have the intention to purchase the product and those who have not purchased the product.

  The fragrance filled in the cartridge of the fragrance release unit 30 has a relationship with the place where the vending machine 100 is installed (for example, the plant, flower scent, or the famous place where the vending machine 100 is installed) Food aroma etc.) can be used. In such a case, the owner of the vending machine 100 or the manager of the place where the vending machine 100 is installed not only desires to purchase more products from the vending machine 100. The idea is that as many people as possible should enjoy the scent emitted from the fragrance release unit 30. As described above, the vending machine 100 according to the present embodiment purchases not only a person who has an intention to purchase a product but also an interest in the function of the vending machine 100 that can provide a scent. It can be expected to be held by those who have no intention or who have not purchased goods, and therefore can be expected to contribute to the development of tourism, for example.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the fragrance release portion 52 attached to the upper surface portion 42 is inclined upward so that the gas released from the discharge port 52H diffuses upward as it moves away from the discharge port 52H. The gas 60 is released. When a person extends his / her arm or finger and presses the fragrance release button 51, the position of the nose is located near the discharge port 52H, and the person bends his waist, for example, so much. You can receive the scent without.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the fragrance release unit 30 is provided between the product sample display section 11 (a position where a plurality of product selection buttons 11C are arranged) and the product outlet 19. For example, when the position of the nose is brought close to the discharge port 52H, the product sample display unit 11 easily matches the height of the line of sight. It is easy for human eyes to reach the detailed design of the product sample 11 </ b> A displayed in the product sample display unit 11. Further, when a person extends his / her hand to the product take-out port 19 to take out the product from the product take-out port 19, the position of the nose is located near the discharge port 52H, and the person drifts around the discharge port 52H. Can receive scent.

  In the present embodiment, a fragrance release unit 30 is provided on the right side of the advertisement display unit 18. When a person extends his / her right arm or his / her right hand finger and presses the fragrance release button 51, the advertisement display unit 18 is easily visible. Human eyes can easily reach the detailed design of the advertisement displayed in the advertisement display unit 18.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a fragrance release unit 30A provided in the vending machine in the second embodiment. The fragrance release unit 30 in the first embodiment is different from the fragrance release unit 30A in the second embodiment in the configuration of the casing.

  Specifically, the casing 40 constituting the fragrance release unit 30 </ b> A does not include the front surface portion 41 (see FIG. 4) but includes the upper surface portion 47. The upper surface portion 47 has a shape inclined so as to gradually approach the front panel 10 from the lower end 47F toward the upper end 47E. The lower end 47 </ b> F of the upper surface part 47 is a part common to the tip of the bottom surface part 45. An upper end 47 </ b> E of the upper surface portion 47 is a part common to the tip of the top surface portion 46.

  Through holes 47M and 47N are formed in the upper surface portion 47. The fragrance release button 51 and the fragrance release portion 52 of the release device 50 are arranged on the surface of the upper surface portion 47, the wiring member 51C is inserted inside the through hole 47N, and the main body portion of the release device 50 is inside the through hole 47M. 53 is inserted. Even with such a protruding shape of the fragrance release unit 30A, the presence of the fragrance release unit 30A can be made conspicuous. Moreover, the fragrance | flavor discharge | release part 52 attached to the upper surface part 47 discharge | releases the gas 60 in the diagonally upward direction so that the gas discharge | released from the discharge port 52H may diffuse upwards as it leaves | separates from the discharge port 52H. Can do.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fragrance release unit 30B provided in the vending machine in the third embodiment. The fragrance release unit 30 in the first embodiment is different from the fragrance release unit 30B in the second embodiment in the configuration of the housing.

  Specifically, the casing 40 constituting the fragrance release unit 30 </ b> B does not include the upper surface portion 42 (see FIG. 4) but includes the front portion 48. The front part 48 has a lower end 48F and an upper end 48E. A lower end 48 </ b> F of the front part 48 is a part common to the tip of the bottom part 45. The upper end 48E of the front part 48 is a part common to the tip of the top surface part 46. Even if it is such a protruding shape of the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30B, presence of the fragrance | flavor discharge | release unit 30B can be made conspicuous.

[Other embodiments]
In addition to the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, the gas containing the fragrance is released from the fragrance release portion 52 (discharge port 52H) by pressing any one of the plurality of product selection buttons 11C. You may comprise. According to this configuration, it is possible to actively provide a scent to a user (product purchaser) who has already completed the purchase of the product and is waiting for the completion of the product or the actual provision of the product.

  Although the embodiment has been described above, the above disclosure is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention can be used in vending machines that provide various products such as foods, beverages, magazines, newspapers and cigarettes.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Front panel, 10A bracket, 10H opening, 10S surface, 11 goods sample display part, 11A goods sample, 11B charge display part, 11C goods selection button, 12 locking part, 13 deposit amount display part, 14 money insertion part, 15 Return lever, 16 bill insertion part, 17 money return part, 18 advertisement display part, 19 product outlet, 20 side panel, 30, 30A, 30B perfume discharge unit, 40 housing, 41, 48 front part, 41E, 42E, 47E, 48E Upper end, 41F, 47F, 48F Lower end, 41H, 42H, 47M, 47N Through hole, 42, 47 Top surface part, 43, 44 Side surface part, 45 Bottom surface part, 46 Top surface part, 50 Release device, 51 For fragrance release Button, 51C, 53C Wiring member, 52 Fragrance release part, 52H Release port, 53 Body part, 60 Gas, 1 0 vending machine.

Claims (5)

A front panel;
A product outlet provided in the front panel;
A plurality of product selection buttons provided on the front panel;
A fragrance release unit provided so as to protrude from the front panel,
The perfume discharge unit is
A housing,
A discharge device having a main body portion disposed inside the housing, and a fragrance release button and a fragrance discharge portion disposed outside the housing;
In the perfume discharge part, a discharge port is formed,
When the fragrance release button is pressed, a gas containing the fragrance is released from the discharge port of the fragrance discharge section.
vending machine. The housing is
A front portion on which the fragrance release button is disposed;
The perfume discharge part is disposed, and includes an upper surface part having a shape inclined upward toward the front panel from the upper end of the front part,
The perfume discharge part attached to the upper surface part discharges the gas in an obliquely upward direction so that the gas discharged from the discharge port diffuses upward as it moves away from the discharge port.
The vending machine according to claim 1. The plurality of product selection buttons are arranged along the horizontal direction,
The perfume discharge unit is provided between a position where a plurality of the product selection buttons are arranged and the product outlet.
The vending machine according to claim 1 or 2. An advertisement display unit provided on the front panel and capable of displaying an advertisement;
The fragrance release unit is provided on a side of the advertisement display unit.
The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the product selection button of any one of a plurality is pressed, the gas containing the fragrance is released from the fragrance release portion.
The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images