JP2021051608A - vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vending machine capable of delivering a commodity from a commodity delivery port smoothly even in the case of a lightweight commodity.SOLUTION: A vending machine includes a commodity delivering part 5 that receives a commodity fed out from a commodity storage rack and conveys the commodity toward a commodity delivery port, and a chute that guides the commodity conveyed by the commodity delivering part 5 to a commodity takeout port and is moved or vibrated when delivering the commodity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly to a vending machine including a product unloading unit for transporting a product and a chute for guiding a product transported by the product unloading unit.

Conventionally, there is known a vending machine including a product unloading unit for transporting a product and a chute for guiding the product transported by the product unloading unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine including a product unloading unit for transporting a product and a front shooter for guiding the product transported by the product unloading unit. The vending machine of Patent Document 1 includes a cabinet, a heat-insulating inner door, a product rack, a product carry-out unit, and a shooter body.

The heat-insulating inner door of Patent Document 1 is attached to a cabinet and is configured to open and close an opening on the front side of the cabinet. The heat-insulated inner door is formed with a product carry-out outlet for carrying out the product. The merchandise rack is located inside the cabinet and is configured to house the merchandise. The merchandise rack is configured to deliver merchandise downward. The shooter body is configured to receive merchandise sent from the merchandise rack. The product unloading unit is configured to transport the product received by the shooter body toward the product unloading outlet. The front shooter is configured to guide the product carried out from the product carry-out unit to the product carry-out port.

Japanese Patent No. 5401995

Here, although not described in Patent Document 1, in the vending machine, in order to maintain the temperature inside the product rack, a flap for closing the product carry-out port of the heat insulating inner door is conventionally attached to the heat insulating inner door. ing. Generally, the flap is configured to open the product carry-out port by being carried out from the product carry-out unit and pressed by the front shooter against the product guided to the product carry-out port.

However, in the vending machine of Patent Document 1, for example, when a lightweight product is carried out, the product is sandwiched between the flap and the front chute due to the inability to sufficiently press the flap. Therefore, the product may not be carried out from the product outlet. For this reason, it is desired that even lightweight products can be smoothly carried out from the product outlet.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is a vending machine capable of smoothly carrying out a product from a product carry-out port even for a lightweight product. Is to provide.

The vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a product outlet from which the product is taken out, an outer door arranged on the front side of the housing, a product outlet from which the product is carried out, and a product. Includes a flap that closes the carry-out port and opens the product carry-out exit when the product is carried out, an inner door that is placed behind the outer door, and a product delivery mechanism that sends out the stored goods, and is placed inside the housing. The product storage rack, the product unloading section that receives the products sent from the product storage rack and transports the products toward the product unloading port, and the product unloading section guides the products transported by the product unloading section to the product outlet. It is equipped with a chute that is moved or vibrated when the goods are carried out.

In the vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the product transported by the product carry-out unit is guided to the product carry-out port, and a chute that is moved or vibrated when the product is carried out is provided. As a result, when a lightweight product is carried out, even if the product is pinched between the flap and the chute due to the inability to sufficiently press the flap, the chute can be moved or vibrated. , You can move the goods sandwiched between the flap and the chute. In addition, when a large product is carried out, even if the product is caught between the flap and the chute due to the large size of the product, the flap and the chute can be moved by moving or vibrating the chute. You can move the products sandwiched between them. In the above case, by moving the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute, the state in which the product is sandwiched between the flap and the chute can be eliminated, so that the product is sandwiched between the flap and the chute. The product sandwiched between the products can be carried out from the product outlet. That is, the contact state between the chute and the product can be changed by moving or vibrating the chute to move the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute. As a result, the frictional resistance between the chute and the product can be reduced, so that the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute can be easily carried out from the product carry-out port. As a result, even lightweight products can be smoothly carried out from the product outlet. In addition, by moving or vibrating the chute, the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute can be moved, so the flap and the flap can be moved without making major structural changes to the door of the existing vending machine. You can move the product sandwiched between the chute and the chute. As a result, it is possible to suppress a significant structural change from the existing vending machine that involves a change in the door mold.

Further, in the vending machine according to the above one aspect, preferably, the chute is configured to move the product arranged between the flap and the chute by rotating or vibrating. With this configuration, the chute is rotated or vibrated to change the posture of the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute, or by giving vibration, the product is sandwiched between the flap and the chute. It can be made easier to remove from. As a result, the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute can be easily carried out from the product carry-out port.

In this case, preferably, the product unloading unit includes a unloading member that protrudes outward from the central portion in the vertical direction of the product unloading unit, moves in the transport direction together with the product unloading unit, and pushes the product toward the chute. Is configured to be rotated or vibrated by a unloading member that is moved with the movement of the product unloading portion. With this configuration, by using the carry-out member of the product carry-out portion as a drive source for rotating or vibrating the chute, as compared with the case where a dedicated drive source for rotating or vibrating the chute is separately provided. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and a complicated structure.

In a vending machine in which the chute is configured to be rotated or vibrated by a unloading member, preferably, the product unloading portion is configured to be driveable in the transport direction and in a direction opposite to the transport direction, and the chute is a product. The unloading member that moves with the drive of the unloading unit is configured to rotate the unloading member in a direction along the transport direction and in a direction opposite to the transport direction, at least in the direction along the transport direction. .. With this configuration, the posture of the product can be easily changed by using the state in which the product is pressed by the flap and rotating the end of the product on the shoot side by the chute in the direction along the transport direction. Can be done. As a result, the product can be carried out more smoothly from the product carry-out port.

In this case, it is preferable to further include a pressing member that presses and rotates the chute by abutting and rotating the unloading member when the unloading member moves in the transport direction. With this configuration, the chute can be rotated by the pressing member using a carry-out member such as a conveyor, so that the chute can be easily and repeatedly rotated.

In the vending machine provided with the pressing member, the pressing member is preferably provided on a rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction and the vertical direction, a pressing portion main body to which the rotating shaft is attached, and a pressing portion main body. The pressing member includes a contact portion that comes into contact with the carry-out member, and the pressing member main body presses the chute and shoots as the carry-out member comes into contact with the contact portion and the pressing portion main body rotates in one direction. Is configured to rotate. With this configuration, the contact portion and the pressing portion main body can convert the load generated in the contact portion when the contact portion and the carry-out member come into contact with each other to the rotation of the pressing portion main body. The chute can be pressed using a pressing member having a simple structure.

In a vending machine configured such that the chute is rotated or vibrated by a carry-out member, the chute is preferably rotated to a first chute portion rotatably attached to an inner door and a first chute portion. The first chute and the second chute, including the second chute that can be attached, are integrally rotated toward the inner door when the carry-out member moves in the direction opposite to the transport direction. Is configured to move the goods between the flap and the second chute section. With this configuration, when the second chute portion is rotated by the carry-out member that has moved in the direction opposite to the transport direction and comes into contact with the first chute portion, the rotation of the second chute portion is caused by the rotation of the first chute portion. The second shoot portion can also be rotated integrally with the first shoot portion without being restricted by the above. As a result, the first chute portion and the second chute portion can be easily and repeatedly rotated by a carry-out member such as a conveyor.

In a vending machine configured such that the chute is rotated or vibrated by a carry-out member, preferably, when the carry-out member moving in the transport direction comes into contact, the chute rotates in one direction along the transport direction. A vibrating member that vibrates the chute by returning to the original position after abutting on the chute is further provided. With this configuration, the chute can be vibrated by the vibrating member using the carry-out member, so that the chute can be easily vibrated repeatedly.

According to the present invention, as described above, even a lightweight product can be smoothly carried out from the product carry-out port.

It is an overall view which showed the vending machine according to 1st to 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the line 101-101 of FIG. It is a perspective view which showed the vicinity of the product carry-out port of the inner door of the vending machine by 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the product carry-out part of the vending machine according to 1st Embodiment in the state which omitted the receiving part. It is a side view which showed the chute attached to the inner door of the vending machine by 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which showed the pressing unit of the vending machine by 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which showed the pressing member of the vending machine by 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state before the carry-out member and the contact portion come into contact with each other in the pressing member of the vending machine according to 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state which the carry-out member and the contact portion were in contact with each other in the pressing member of the vending machine according to 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a product is sandwiched between a flap and a chute in the vending machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the posture of a product is changed by a chute between a flap and a chute in the vending machine according to the first embodiment. It is the perspective view which omitted the receiving part in the vicinity of the product carry-out port of the inner door of the vending machine according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which showed the product carry-out part and the vibrating member of the vending machine by 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state in which the carry-out member and the carry-out member contact portion were in contact with each other in the vibrating member of the vending machine according to the 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state after the carry-out member and the carry-out member contact portion came into contact with each other in the vibrating member of the vending machine according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which omitted the receiving part in the vicinity of the product carry-out port of the inner door of the vending machine according to the third embodiment. It is a side view which showed the product carry-out part and the chute of the vending machine by 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state before the carry-out member moving in the M1 direction, and the 2nd chute part come into contact with each other in the vending machine according to 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state in which the carry-out member moving in the M1 direction and the 2nd chute part were in contact with each other in the vending machine according to 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state in which the carry-out member moving in the M2 direction and the 2nd chute part were in contact with each other in the vending machine according to 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed the state after the carry-out member moving in the M2 direction, and the 2nd chute part came into contact with each other in the vending machine according to 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the vending machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The vending machine 100 is configured to sell beverages in containers, foods in boxes, foods in bags, and the like contained therein. That is, the vending machine 100 is configured to sell products P having different sizes, weights, outer shapes, and the like.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vending machine 100 includes a housing 1, an inner door 2, an outer door 3, a product storage rack 4, a product carry-out unit 5, and a chute 6. And a pressing unit 7 including a pressing member 70 and a mounting portion 71. The inner door 2 is an example of a "door" in the claims.

Here, of the horizontal directions, the direction from the inner door 2 to the outer door 3 is the X1 direction (front direction), the opposite direction of the X1 direction is the X2 direction (rear direction), and the X1 direction and the X2 direction are combined to form the X direction. And. Further, the upward direction is the Z1 direction, the downward direction is the Z2 direction, and the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction are combined to form the Z direction. Further, the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction is the Y direction, one of the Y directions is the Y1 direction, and the other direction of the Y direction is the Y2 direction. Further, the transport direction of the product P of the product unloading unit 5 is the M1 direction, and the opposite direction of the M1 direction (forward rotation) is the M2 direction (reverse rotation).

The housing 1 is configured to accommodate the components of the vending machine 100. Specifically, the housing 1 is formed with an internal space open in the X1 direction. In the internal space of the housing 1, a product storage rack 4, a product carry-out unit 5, a chute 6, a pressing unit 7, a refrigerating unit 8, and the like are housed. Here, in the internal space of the housing 1, the product storage rack 4, the product unloading unit 5, and the refrigerating unit 8 are arranged in this order in the vertical direction.

The inner door 2 is configured to cover a part of the opening provided on the X1 direction side of the housing 1. That is, the inner door 2 is arranged between the product storage rack 4 and the freezing unit 8 in order to prevent outside air from being introduced into the product storage rack 4 and to prevent cold air from escaping. Further, the inner door 2 is rotatably attached to the front side (X1 direction side) of the housing 1. The inner door 2 is arranged on the X2 direction side of the outer door 3.

Specifically, the inner door 2 includes a product carry-out port 21 and a flap 22. The product carry-out port 21 is a through hole for carrying out the product P. A plurality of (three) product delivery ports 21 are arranged in the Y direction. The flap 22 is configured to close the product carry-out port 21 and open the product carry-out port 21 when the product P is carried out. That is, the flap 22 closes the product carry-out port 21, makes it difficult for outside air to be introduced into the product storage rack 4, and prevents the cold air from escaping, thereby suppressing the temperature change in the product storage rack 4. It is configured in. Further, the flap 22 is configured to be opened by the weight of the product P. The flap 22 is rotatably attached to the edge of the product carry-out port 21. The flap 22 is attached to any of the plurality of product carry-out outlets 21.

The outer door 3 is configured to close the opening provided on the X1 direction side of the housing 1 together with the inner door 2. That is, the outer door 3 is arranged on the X1 direction side of the housing 1 in order to cover the opening provided on the front side (X1 direction side) of the housing 1 over the entire surface. Further, the outer door 3 is arranged on the X1 direction side with respect to the inner door 2. Further, the outer door 3 is rotatably attached to the X1 direction side of the housing 1.

The outer door 3 includes a product outlet 31. The product outlet 31 is a through hole for the purchaser to take out the product P. The product outlet 31 communicates with a plurality of product outlets 21 in the X direction.

The product storage rack 4 is configured to store the product P to be sold in the vending machine 100 and to be able to send out the stored product P. Here, in the vending machine 100, for example, in the product storage rack 4 arranged at the center in the Y direction, a boxed food and a bag-shaped food are stored as the product P. Further, in the vending machine 100, beverages are stored as product P in the product storage racks 4 arranged on the left and right in the Y direction. The arrangement position of the product storage rack 4 in which the boxed food and the bagged food are stored as the product P and the product storage rack 4 in which the beverage is stored as the product P is not limited to the above-mentioned arrangement position. .. Hereinafter, the product storage rack 4 arranged at the center in the Y direction will be described.

Specifically, the product storage rack 4 includes an internal space 41 and a product delivery mechanism 42. The product delivery mechanism 42 is housed in the internal space 41. The product delivery mechanism 42 has a shelf portion 42a and a conveyor portion 42b. The product P is placed on the shelf portion 42a. The shelf portion 42a is attached to the conveyor portion 42b. The conveyor portion 42b circulates in the Z direction. Here, when the product P is arranged at the lower end position by the conveyor portion 42b, the product P is delivered in the Z2 direction. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which one product delivery mechanism 42 is arranged for convenience of explanation, a plurality of product delivery mechanisms 42 may be arranged.

Such a product storage rack 4 is arranged on the inner side of the housing 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the product unloading unit 5 is configured to receive the product P sent out from the product storage rack 4 and transport the product P toward the product unloading outlet 21.

Specifically, the product unloading unit 5 includes a receiving unit 51, a conveyor unit 52, and a unloading member 53 (see FIG. 4). The receiving unit 51 is configured to receive the product P sent from the product sending mechanism 42. The receiving portion 51 is formed in the shape of a metal plate. The receiving portion 51 is inclined downward (Z2 direction side) toward the front direction (X1 direction) in order to guide the received product P toward the product carry-out port 21.

The conveyor unit 52 circulates a chain, a belt, and the like in the M1 direction by a drive source such as a motor. Further, the conveyor unit 52 circulates a chain, a belt, and the like in the M2 direction by a drive source such as a motor. That is, the product unloading unit 5 is configured to be driveable in the M1 direction and the M2 direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the unloading member 53 protrudes from the product unloading portion 5 from the central portion of the product unloading portion 5 in the Z direction toward the outside, moves in the M1 direction together with the conveyor portion 52, and moves the product P to the chute 6. It is configured to push towards you. Specifically, the carry-out member 53 is, for example, a plate-shaped member attached to the conveyor portion 52. A plurality (for example, four) of the carry-out members 53 are provided in the product carry-out portion 5. The shape of the carry-out member 53 is not limited to the plate shape, and may be a rod shape other than the plate shape. Further, the number of the carry-out members 53 is not limited to 4, and may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more.

The unloading member 53 is configured to be movable in the M1 direction and the M2 direction together with the conveyor portion 52. The carry-out member 53 moves the product P in the M1 direction or the M2 direction by moving in the M1 direction or the M2 direction.

(shoot)
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the chute 6 of the first embodiment guides the product P conveyed by the product carry-out unit 5 to the product take-out port 31 and is moved when the product P is carried out. It is configured in. Specifically, the chute 6 is configured to rotate to move the product P (see FIG. 10) disposed between the flap 22 and the chute 6. That is, the chute 6 rotates to change the angle, thereby moving the end portion of the product P arranged between the flap 22 and the chute 6 on the chute 6 side together, and the posture (angle) of the product P. Is configured to change.

Specifically, the chute 6 includes a rotation shaft 61. The rotation shaft 61 of the chute 6 is attached to the surface of the inner door 2 on the X2 direction side. The rotation axis 61 of the chute 6 has a rotation center axis R1 extending in the Y direction (direction orthogonal to the M1 direction and the Z direction). The chute 6 is rotatably attached around the rotation center axis R1 of the rotation shaft 61 of the chute 6. That is, the chute 6 is configured to rotate in the A direction. Here, of the A directions, the direction in which the chute 6 approaches the inner door 2 is the A1 direction, and the direction in which the chute 6 moves away from the inner door 2 is the A2 direction. The chute 6 is urged toward the A2 direction by an urging member (not shown).

Such a chute 6 is formed of a metal plate. The surface of the chute 6 on the A1 direction side is a guide surface 62 that guides the product P to the product outlet 31.

(Pressing member)
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressing member 70 is configured to rotate the chute 6 in the A1 direction by pressing the chute 6. That is, the pressing member 70 is configured to press the chute 6 against the urging member (not shown).

Specifically, the pressing member 70 includes a rotating shaft 72, a pressing portion main body 73, and a contact portion 74, and is attached to the mounting portion 71.

The attachment portion 71 is provided for attaching the pressing member 70 to the product carry-out portion 5. That is, the attachment portion 71 is attached to the cover 54 (see FIG. 4) of the product carry-out portion 5. As described above, in the pressing unit 7, the pressing member 70 is attached to the product carrying-out portion 5 via the attaching portion 71. The mounting portion 71 is formed of a metal plate. The mounting portion 71 is formed with a first opening 71a through which the pressing portion main body 73 is inserted and a second opening 71b through which the contact portion 74 is inserted.

The rotation axis 72 of the pressing member 70 has a rotation center axis R2 extending in the Y direction (directions orthogonal to the M1 direction and the Z direction). That is, the pressing portion main body 73 is configured to rotate in the B direction. Here, of the B directions, the direction in which the pressing portion main body 73 approaches the chute 6 is the B1 direction, and the direction in which the pressing portion main body 73 is separated from the chute 6 is the B2 direction. The pressing portion main body 73 is urged toward the B2 direction by an urging member (not shown).

The rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70 is rotatably attached to the attachment portion 71. Specifically, the rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70 is pivotally supported by the mounting portion 71. The rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70 is arranged at the central portion of the pressing portion main body 73 in the X direction. The rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70 is arranged at a position on the Z2 direction side of the conveyor portion 52.

The pressing portion main body 73 is formed of a metal plate. The pressing member 70 is rotatably attached to the rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70. The pressing portion main body 73 is configured to rotate around the rotation center axis R2 of the rotating shaft 72 of the pressing member 70. The pressing portion main body 73 has a pressing surface 73a. The pressing surface 73a has, for example, a shape along the surface of the chute 6 on the A2 direction side. The pressing surface 73a is not limited to the shape along the surface of the chute 6 on the A2 direction side, and may have another shape as long as it can come into contact with the surface of the chute 6 on the A2 direction side. The pressing portion main body 73 is arranged at a position where the pressing surface 73a abuts on the chute 6. The pressing portion main body 73 is arranged on the Z2 direction side of the conveyor portion 52.

The contact portion 74 has a first contact body 74a and a second contact body 74b. The first contact body 74a and the second contact body 74b each have a cylindrical shape. The first contact body 74a is arranged on one side (Y1 direction side) of the pressing portion main body 73 in the Y direction. The second contact body 74b is arranged on the other side (Y2 direction side) of the pressing portion main body 73 in the Y direction.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the contact portion 74 is provided on the pressing portion main body 73 and is configured to contact the carry-out member 53. Specifically, in the contact portion 74, the portion of the contact portion 74 on the Z1 direction side is arranged on the movement path of the carry-out member 53 that is moved by the conveyor portion 52. Further, the contact portion 74 is arranged on the pressing portion main body 73 on the X2 direction side with respect to the rotation shaft.

Here, in the X direction, the portion of the pressing portion main body 73 opposite to the chute 6 rotates in the Z2 direction, and the portion on the chute 6 side rotates in the Z1 direction, thereby causing the chute 6 to rotate. It is configured to press. Specifically, the pressing portion main body 73 is provided with a pressing surface 73a on the X1 direction side with respect to the rotation shaft. Further, the contact portion 74 is arranged on the pressing portion main body 73 on the X2 direction side with respect to the rotation shaft.

As a result, the pressing surface 73a rotates around the rotation shaft 72 as the contact portion 74 moves toward the Z2 direction, so that the pressing surface 73a rotates toward the Z1 direction. That is, the pressing surface 73a rotates along the B1 direction. At this time, the pressing surface 73a separates from the surface of the chute 6 on the A2 direction side and presses the chute 6. As a result, the chute 6 rotates in the A1 direction.

As described above, the pressing member 70 is configured to press and rotate the chute 6 when the carrying-out member 53 abuts and rotates when the carrying-out member 53 moves in the M1 direction. That is, the pressing member 70 is configured to rotate the chute 6 in conjunction with the movement of the carrying-out member 53 by the product carrying-out portion 5.

Specifically, in the pressing member 70, the carry-out member 53 abuts on the abutting portion 74 and the pressing portion main body 73 rotates in the B1 direction, so that the pressing portion main body 73 presses the chute 6 and rotates the chute 6. It is configured to move.

The chute 6 is configured to be rotated by a carry-out member 53 that is moved along with the movement of the conveyor portion 52. That is, the chute 6 is configured to be rotated in the direction along the M1 direction (A1 direction) by the carry-out member 53 that moves with the drive of the conveyor portion 52.

Specifically, in the chute 6, when the carry-out member 53 moves in the M1 direction, the carry-out member 53 comes into contact with the contact portion 74 to rotate the pressing portion main body 73, and the pressing portion main body 73 causes the chute 6 to move. It is configured to move the product P between the flap 22 and the chute 6 by pressing and rotating it toward the inner door 2.

As a result, the chute 6 is configured so that the product P arranged (sandwiched) between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be carried out by the pressing member 70. Here, the pressing member 70 is configured to rotate when any of the plurality of carrying-out members 53 abuts when the carrying-out member 53 moves. That is, every time the carry-out member 53 is located at the contact portion 74, the carry-out operation of the product P arranged (sandwiched) between the flap 22 and the chute 6 is performed.

(Shoot carry-out operation)
The carrying-out operation of the chute 6 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The unloading operation of the chute 6 is an operation for unloading the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6.

As shown in FIG. 10, the product P is carried out to the product delivery port 21 by the carry-out member 53. At this time, the product P may be sandwiched (arranged) between the flap 22 and the chute 6 due to the weight of the flap 22.

As shown in FIG. 11, the carry-out member 53 moves along the M1 direction even after the product P is carried out to the product carry-out outlet 21. Then, when the carry-out member 53 moves to the position where the contact portion 74 of the pressing member 70 is arranged, the carry-out member 53 presses the contact portion 74 toward the Z2 direction. At this time, the pressing portion main body 73 rotates in the B1 direction around the rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70, and presses the chute 6 with the pressing surface 73a. As a result, the chute 6 rotates in the A1 direction about the rotation shaft 61 of the chute 6 and rotates the chute 6 side of the product P to change the posture of the product P. As a result, the product P is released from being sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 and passes through the product carry-out port 21.

Then, when the carry-out member 53 passes through the position where the contact portion 74 of the pressing member 70 is arranged, the pressing portion main body 73 moves in the B2 direction around the rotation shaft 72 of the pressing member 70 due to the urging force of the urging member. It rotates to return to the state shown in FIG. Further, the chute 6 rotates in the A2 direction due to the urging force of the urging member as the pressing portion main body 73 rotates in the B2 direction, and returns to the state shown in FIG. In the vending machine 100, the above-mentioned unloading operation of the chute 6 is repeatedly performed when the unloading member 53 passes through the position where the contact portion 74 of the pressing member 70 is arranged.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 100 guides the product P transported by the product unloading unit 5 to the product unloading outlet 21, and also provides the chute 6 to be moved when the product P is unloaded. Provide. As a result, when the lightweight product P is carried out, even if the flap 22 cannot be sufficiently pressed and the product is sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6, the chute 6 is moved. The product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be moved. Further, when the large product P is carried out, even if the product is sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 due to the large size of the product P, the flap is moved by moving the chute 6. The product P sandwiched between the 22 and the chute 6 can be moved. In the above case, by moving the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6, the state in which the product P is sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be eliminated. The product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be carried out from the product carry-out port 21. That is, by moving the chute 6 to move the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6, the contact state between the chute 6 and the product P can be changed. As a result, the frictional resistance between the chute 6 and the product P can be reduced, so that the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be carried out from the product carry-out port 21. As a result, even a lightweight product P can be smoothly carried out from the product carry-out port 21. Further, by moving or vibrating the chute 6, the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be moved, so that the inner door of the existing vending machine is significantly changed in structure. The product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be moved without any need. As a result, it is possible to suppress a significant structural change from the existing vending machine that involves a change in the mold of the inner door.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the chute 6 is configured to move the product P arranged between the flap 22 and the chute 6 by rotating the chute 6. As a result, the chute 6 is rotated to change the posture of the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6, thereby eliminating the state in which the product P is sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6. be able to. As a result, the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 can be easily carried out from the product carry-out port 21.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the chute 6 is configured to be rotated by the carry-out member 53 that moves with the movement of the conveyor unit 52. As a result, by using the carry-out member 53 of the product carry-out portion 5 as a drive source for rotating the chute 6, as compared with the case where a dedicated drive source for rotating or vibrating the chute 6 is separately provided. It is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and a complicated structure.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the chute 6 is configured to be rotated in the direction along the M1 direction or the M2 direction by the carry-out member 53 that moves with the drive of the conveyor unit 52. .. As a result, the posture of the product can be easily changed by rotating the end portion of the product P on the chute 6 side by the chute 6 in the direction along the M1 direction by utilizing the state in which the product P is pressed by the flap 22. be able to. As a result, the product P can be carried out more smoothly from the product delivery port 21.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the carry-out member 53 moves in the M1 direction to the vending machine 100, the carry-out member 53 abuts and rotates, thereby pressing and rotating the chute 6. A pressing member 70 to be moved is provided. As a result, the chute 6 can be rotated by the pressing member 70 using the carry-out member 53 such as a conveyor, so that the chute 6 can be easily and repeatedly rotated.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the pressing member 70 is brought into contact with the abutting portion 74, and the pressing portion main body 73 rotates in the B1 direction, so that the pressing portion main body 73 shoots. 6 is pressed to rotate the chute 6. As a result, the contact portion 74 and the pressing portion main body 73 can convert the load generated in the contact portion 74 when the contact portion 74 and the carry-out member 53 come into contact with each other into the rotation of the pressing portion main body 73. Therefore, the chute 6 can be pressed by using the pressing member 70 having a simple structure.

[Second Embodiment]
The vending machine 200 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 12 to 15. In this second embodiment, the vending machine 200 including the vibrating member 270 that vibrates the chute 206, unlike the vending machine 100 of the first embodiment including the pressing member 70 that rotates the chute 6, will be described. In the figure, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vending machine 200 of the second embodiment includes a housing 1, an inner door 2, an outer door 3, a product storage rack 4, a product carry-out unit 5, and a chute 206. And a vibration unit 207 including a vibration member 270 and a mounting portion 271. The inner door 2 is an example of a "door" in the claims.

(shoot)
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the chute 206 is configured to guide the product P conveyed by the product carry-out unit 5 to the product take-out port 31. Specifically, the surface of the chute 206 on the A1 direction side is a guide surface 62 that guides the product P to the product outlet 31. The chute 206 is fixedly attached to the inner door 2. The chute 206 is not limited to the case where it is fixedly attached to the inner door 2, and may be attached to the inner door 2 so as to be movable or rotatable, for example.

Further, the chute 206 is configured to guide the product P conveyed by the product carry-out unit 5 to the product take-out port 31 and to vibrate when the product P is carried out. That is, the chute 206 is configured to move the product P arranged between the flap 22 and the chute 206 by being vibrated.

(Vibration member)
The vibrating member 270 of the second embodiment is configured to vibrate the chute 206 by abutting on the chute 206. That is, when the carry-out member 53 moving in the M1 or M2 direction comes into contact with the vibrating member 270, the vibrating member 270 rotates in the C2 direction along the M1 or M2 direction, passes through the carry-out member 53, and then returns to the original position. As a result, the chute 206 is configured to vibrate.

Specifically, the vibrating member 270 includes a rotating shaft 272, a lever portion 273, and an urging member 274.

The attachment portion 271 is provided for attaching the vibrating member 270 to the product carry-out portion 5. That is, the attachment portion 271 is attached to the cover 54 of the product carry-out portion 5. The mounting portion 271 is formed of a metal plate. The mounting portion 271 is formed with a first opening 271a and a second opening 271b through which a part of the lever portion 273 is inserted.

The rotation shaft 272 of the vibrating member 270 has a rotation center axis R2 extending in the Y direction (direction orthogonal to the M1 direction and the Z direction). That is, the lever portion 273 is configured to rotate in the C direction. Here, of the C directions, the direction in which the lever portion 273 approaches the chute 206 is the C1 direction, and the direction in which the lever portion 273 is away from the chute 206 is the C2 direction. The lever portion 273 is urged toward the C1 direction by the urging member 274.

The rotation shaft 272 of the vibrating member 270 is rotatably attached to the attachment portion 271. Specifically, the rotating shaft 272 of the vibrating member 270 is pivotally supported by the mounting portion 271. The rotation shaft 272 of the vibrating member 270 is arranged at a portion of the lever portion 273 on the X2 direction side. The rotation shaft 272 of the vibrating member 270 is arranged at a position on the Z2 direction side of the conveyor portion 52.

The lever portion 273 is formed of a metal plate. The lever portion 273 is arranged at a position on the Z2 direction side of the conveyor portion 52. The lever portion 273 is rotatably attached around the rotation center axis R2 of the rotation shaft 272. The lever portion 273 is configured to rotate around the rotation center axis R2 of the rotation shaft 272 of the vibrating member 270.

The lever portion 273 is configured to vibrate the chute 206 when the carry-out member 53 abuts and rotates in the C2 direction, is returned in the C1 direction by the urging member 274 and abuts on the chute 206. .. Specifically, the lever portion 273 has a chute contact portion 273a and a carry-out member contact portion 273b.

The chute contact portion 273a is a tip portion of the lever portion 273 on the X1 direction side. The chute contact portion 273a comes into contact with the chute 206 again when the carry-out member 53 rotates in the C2 direction and is returned in the C1 direction by the urging member 274 from the state of being in contact with the chute 206. The chute contact portion 273a is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the chute 206. The chute contact portion 273a is arranged at a position on the Z2 direction side of the conveyor portion 52. Specifically, the chute contact portion 273a is arranged at a position on the Z2 direction side of the chute 206. Further, the chute 206 preferably has a rounded shape.

The carry-out member contact portion 273b is an end portion of the lever portion 273 on the Z1 direction side. Further, the carry-out member contact portion 273b is a bent portion bent from the Z1 direction side to the Z2 direction side. The carry-out member contact portion 273b is provided on the lever portion 273 and is configured to come into contact with the carry-out member 53. Specifically, the carry-out member contact portion 273b is arranged on the movement path of the carry-out member 53 that is moved by the conveyor portion 52. Further, the carry-out member contact portion 273b is arranged on the X1 direction side with respect to the rotation shaft 272.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, in the lever portion 273, when the carry-out member 53 moves in the M1 direction, the carry-out member 53 comes into contact with the carry-out member contact portion 273b and rotates in the C2 direction. At this time, the chute contact portion 273a rotates in the C2 direction and separates from the chute 206. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, when the carry-out member 53 passes through the position where the carry-out member contact portion 273b is arranged, the lever portion 273 is subjected to the urging force of the urging member 274 to cause the rotation shaft 272 of the lever portion 273. It rotates in the C1 direction around the center and returns to the state of FIG. At this time, the chute contact portion 273a vibrates the chute 206 by abutting the chute 206 by utilizing the force of the urging force of the urging member 274.

By such an operation, the vending machine 200 carries out the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 206. Further, in the vending machine 200, the above-mentioned operation is performed every time the carry-out member 53 comes into contact with the carry-out member contact portion 273b. That is, in the vending machine 200, the unloading operation of the chute 206 is repeatedly performed when the unloading member 53 passes through the position where the unloading member contact portion 273b of the vibrating member 270 is arranged. The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 200 guides the product P transported by the product unloading unit 5 to the product unloading outlet 21, and the chute is moved or vibrated when the product P is unloaded. 206 is provided. As a result, even a lightweight product P can be smoothly carried out from the product carry-out port 21.

Further, in the second embodiment, as described above, when the carry-out member 53 moving in the M1 direction comes into contact with the vending machine 200, it rotates in the M1 direction and comes into contact with the chute 206, and then the original A vibrating member 270 that vibrates the chute 206 by returning to the position is provided. As a result, the chute 206 can be vibrated by the vibrating member 270 using the carry-out member 53, so that the chute 206 can be easily and repeatedly rotated. The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
The vending machine 300 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 16 to 21. In the third embodiment, unlike the vending machine 100 of the first embodiment in which the chute 6 is rotated by the pressing member 70, the vending machine 300 including the chute 306 that is rotated by two shafts will be described. In the figure, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vending machine 300 of the third embodiment includes a housing 1, an inner door 2, an outer door 3, a product storage rack 4, and a product carry-out. A portion 5 and a chute 306 are provided. The inner door 2 is an example of a "door" in the claims.

(shoot)
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the chute 306 is configured to guide the product P conveyed by the product carry-out unit 5 to the product take-out port 31. Specifically, the surface of the chute 306 on the A1 direction side is a guide surface 62 that guides the product P to the product outlet 31. The chute 306 is attached to the inner door 2.

Further, the chute 306 is configured to guide the product P conveyed by the product carry-out unit 5 to the product take-out port 31 and rotate the product P when the product P is carried out. That is, the chute 306 is configured to move the product P arranged between the flap 22 and the chute 306 by rotating.

Specifically, the shoot 306 includes a first shoot portion 361 and a second shoot portion 362. The first shoot portion 361 and the second shoot portion 362 of the third embodiment are integrally rotated toward the inner door 2 side when moving in the M2 direction, so that the flap 22 and the second shoot portion 362 are combined with each other. It is configured to move the product P between.

The first chute portion 361 has a first rotation shaft 361a extending in the Y direction, and is configured to be rotatable around the rotation center axis R3 of the first rotation shaft 361a. Specifically, the first rotation shaft 361a is rotatably attached to the inner door 2. The first chute portion 361 is attached to the first rotation shaft 361a. As a result, the first chute portion 361 is rotatably attached to the inner door 2 via the first rotation shaft 361a. The first rotation shaft 361a is arranged on the Z2 direction side with respect to the conveyor portion 52.

The second chute portion 362 has a second rotation shaft 362a extending in the Y direction, and is configured to be rotatable around the rotation center axis R4 of the second rotation shaft 362a. Specifically, the second rotation shaft 362a is rotatably attached to the first chute portion 361. The second chute portion 362 is attached to the second rotation shaft 362a. As a result, the second chute portion 362 is rotatably attached to the first chute portion 361 via the second rotation shaft 362a. The second rotation shaft 362a is arranged between the first rotation shaft 361a and the conveyor portion 52 in the Z direction.

The second chute portion 362 is configured to rotate by abutting on the carry-out member 53. Specifically, the tip portion of the second chute portion 362 on the conveyor portion 52 side (X2 direction side) (hereinafter referred to as the carry-out member contact portion 362b) is arranged on the movement path of the carry-out member 53 moved by the conveyor portion 52. Has been done.

The length of the second chute portion 362 in the tangential direction in the E direction has a length capable of suppressing a gap between the conveyor portion 52 of the product unloading portion 5 and the second chute portion 362. That is, the length of the second chute portion 362 in the tangential direction in the E direction has a length that allows the unloading member contact portion 362b of the second chute portion 362 to be arranged in the vicinity of the conveyor portion 52 of the product unloading portion 5. ing. Further, the length of the second shoot portion 362 in the tangential direction in the E direction has a length that allows the rotation of the second shoot portion 362 to be regulated by the first shoot portion 361. That is, the length of the second shoot portion 362 in the tangential direction in the E direction is larger than the length of the first shoot portion in the tangential direction in the D direction.

Here, in the first shoot portion 361 and the second shoot portion 362, when the carry-out member 53 moves in the M2 direction, the carry-out member 53 comes into contact with the second shoot portion 362 and rotates the second shoot portion 362. At the same time, the product P between the flap 22 and the second chute portion 362 is moved by rotating the first chute portion 361 integrally with the second chute portion 362 toward the inner door 2 side (X1 direction side). It is configured in.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the chute 306, the carry-out member 53 moves in the M1 direction, and the carry-out member 53 passes through the position where the carry-out member contact portion 362b of the second chute portion 362 is arranged. At that time, the carry-out member 53 comes into contact with the carry-out member contact portion 362b of the second chute portion 362, and the second chute portion 362 rotates in the E2 direction. At this time, the first chute portion 361 is not rotating.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, after the carry-out member 53 passes the position where the second chute portion 362 is arranged, the carry-out member 53 moves in the M2 direction. In the chute 306, when the carry-out member 53 moves in the M2 direction and the carry-out member 53 passes through the position where the second chute portion 362 is arranged, the carry-out member 53 touches the carry-out member contact portion 362b of the second chute portion 362. The second chute portion 362 abuts and rotates in the E1 direction. At this time, the rotation of the second shoot portion 362 is regulated at a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the first shoot portion 361. Then, the first chute portion 361 and the second chute portion 362 are pressed by the carry-out member 53 and integrally rotate in the D1 direction when the carry-out member 53 further moves in the M2 direction. In this way, the second chute portion 362 can be further rotated by the first rotation shaft 361a of the first chute portion 361 than the predetermined angle in contact with the first chute portion 361.

After that, the first chute portion 361 rotates in the D2 direction about the first rotation shaft 361a by the urging force of the urging member (not shown) and returns to the state of FIG. Further, similarly to the first chute portion 361, the second chute portion 362 is rotated in the E2 direction about the second rotation shaft 362a by the urging force of the urging member (not shown), and is rotated in the E2 direction in FIG. Return to the state.

By such an operation, the vending machine 300 carries out the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 306. Further, in the vending machine 300, the above-mentioned operation is performed every time the carry-out member 53 comes into contact with the second chute portion 362. That is, in the vending machine 300, the unloading operation of the chute 306 is repeatedly performed when the unloading member 53 passes through the position where the unloading member contact portion 362b of the second chute portion 362 is arranged. The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Effect of Third Embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the third embodiment, as described above, the vending machine 300 guides the product P transported by the product unloading unit 5 to the product unloading outlet 21, and the chute is moved or vibrated when the product P is unloaded. 306 is provided. As a result, even a lightweight product P can be smoothly carried out from the product carry-out port 21.

Further, in the third embodiment, as described above, the first chute portion 361 and the second chute portion 362 are integrally rotated toward the inner door 2 side when the carry-out member 53 moves in the M2 direction. As a result, the product P between the flap 22 and the second chute portion 362 is configured to move. As a result, when the second chute portion 362 is rotated by the carry-out member 53 that has moved in the M2 direction and comes into contact with the first chute portion 361, the rotation of the second chute portion 362 is restricted by the first chute portion 361. The second shoot portion 362 can also be rotated integrally with the first shoot portion 361 without having to. As a result, the unloading member 53 such as a conveyor can easily and repeatedly rotate the first chute portion 361 and the second chute portion 362. The other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Modification example]
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and are not considered to be restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiment, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

For example, in the first to third embodiments, the chute 6 (206, 306) has been shown to rotate or vibrate using the carry-out member 53 of the product carry-out unit 5 as a drive source, but the present invention is limited to this. I can't. In the present invention, the chute may rotate or vibrate with a motor, solenoid, or the like as a drive source.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the chute 6 (206, 306) rotates or vibrates to carry out the product P sandwiched between the flap 22 and the chute 6 (206, 306). Although an example is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the chute may slide and move to carry out the product sandwiched between the flap and the chute.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, a chute 6 (206, 306) arranged corresponding to the product storage rack 4 in which the boxed food and the bagged food are stored is rotated or vibrated. Although an example in which 6 (206, 306) is arranged is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the chute that is rotated or vibrated may be arranged on the chute that is arranged corresponding to the product storage rack in which the beverage is stored.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the product P is an example of a beverage and a food, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the product may be a doll, an electric appliance, or the like.

1 Housing 2 Inner door 3 Outer door 4 Product storage rack 5 Product carry-out part 6, 206, 306 Chute 21 Product carry-out outlet 22 Flap 31 Product take-out port 53 Carry-out member 70 Pressing member 72 Rotating shaft 73 Pressing part body 74 Contact Parts 100, 200, 300 Vending machine 270 Vibration member 361 1st chute 362 2nd chute M1 Transport direction M2 Reverse direction of transport P Product

Claims (8)

With the housing
An outer door arranged on the front side of the housing, including a product outlet from which the product is taken out, and
An inner door arranged behind the outer door, including a product carry-out port from which the product is carried out and a flap that closes the product carry-out outlet and opens the product carry-out outlet by carrying out the product.
A product storage rack arranged inside the housing, including a product delivery mechanism for delivering the stored products, and a product storage rack.
A product carry-out unit that receives the product sent out from the product storage rack and transports the product toward the product carry-out port.
A vending machine provided with a chute that guides the product conveyed by the product carry-out unit to the product take-out port and is moved or vibrated when the product is carried out. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the chute is configured to move the product arranged between the flap and the chute by rotating or vibrating. The product unloading unit includes a unloading member that projects outward from the central portion in the vertical direction of the product unloading unit, moves in the transport direction together with the product unloading unit, and pushes the product toward the chute.
The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the chute is configured to be rotated or vibrated by the unloading member that is moved with the movement of the product unloading unit. The product unloading unit is configured to be driveable in the transport direction and in directions opposite to the transport direction.
The chute was moved along the transport direction by the carry-out member, which is moved by driving the product carry-out portion, in a direction along the transport direction of the carry-out member and in a direction opposite to the transport direction, at least along the transport direction. The vending machine according to claim 3, which is configured to be rotated in a direction. The vending machine according to claim 4, further comprising a pressing member that presses and rotates the chute by abutting and rotating the carry-out member when the carry-out member moves in the transport direction. The pressing member is
A rotation shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction and the vertical direction,
The pressing unit body to which the rotating shaft is attached and
A contact portion provided on the pressing portion main body and in contact with the carry-out member is included.
In the pressing member, the carry-out member comes into contact with the contact portion and the pressing portion main body rotates in one direction, so that the pressing portion main body presses the chute and rotates the chute. The vending machine according to claim 5, which is configured. The shoot
A first chute portion that is rotatably attached to the inner door and
Including a second chute portion rotatably attached to the first chute portion
The flap and the first chute portion are integrally rotated toward the inner door side when the carry-out member moves in the direction opposite to the transport direction. 2. The vending machine according to claim 3, which is configured to move the product between the chute unit and the product. When the carry-out member moving in the transport direction comes into contact, it rotates in one direction along the transport direction, comes into contact with the chute, and then returns to the original position to vibrate the chute. The vending machine according to claim 3, further comprising members.

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