JP2024047824A - Item supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] In addition to selling by weight, there is a demand for a device that can be easily operated for selling by cup, and a system suitable for selling by cup or by spoonful, etc., and the object is to provide an item supplying device suitable for multi-stage fixed amount selling such as selling by cup. [Solution] The object is to provide an item supplying device that is suitable for selling by cup or spoonful, etc., in which an item discharge section, a joint section that allows an item storage container to be connected to the item discharge section, and a discharge port, the item discharge section has a temporary storage section that receives items from the item storage container, and a spill prevention member, the temporary storage section is capable of storing a specified volume of items by opening only in one direction, and is rotatable, the spill prevention member makes it impossible for the temporary storage section to receive further items exceeding the specified volume while rotating, and prevents items from spilling from the discharge port during rotation, thereby solving the problem. [Selected drawing] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an item supplying device, and in particular to an item supplying device suitable for multi-stage fixed amount sales.

In recent years, attention has been focused on bulk sales, where goods are bundled together for bulk purchase and sold to businesses at retail. When conducting bulk sales, goods supply devices are used that allow customers to purchase only the amount they desire. These devices are so-called bulk dispensers, such as cereal dispensers, nut dispensers, candy dispensers, and snack dispensers (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

“Dry Food Dispenser 5Lt | IDM Dispenser 5 Free Standing - D50-ret”, [online], [Retrieved September 17, 2022], Internet, <URL: https://qecdistribution.com.au/dry-food-dispenser-5lt-idm-dispenser-5-free-standing-d50-ret/>

Some product supply devices are also configured as product sales devices suitable for a sales format in which the products released from the bulk dispenser are stored in paper containers (tares) prepared by the store, pricing labels issued after weighing are affixed to the containers, and payment is made at the cash register.

Figure 10 shows such an item sales device, in which any desired amount of item can be taken out of multiple storage sections (cylinders) by operating the supply operation section of the storage section that corresponds to the desired type of item, and the item is sold by weight (measured sale).

As a method of purchasing the desired amount, in addition to so-called weight sales, which allow customers to purchase any amount in 1-gram increments, sales by cup or spoon, such as 1 cup, 2 cups, 1 spoon, or 2 spoons, are also envisioned. For example, if customers could select increments such as 30g, 60g, or 90g, it might be easier to understand the desired amount than by grams. In this situation, there is a demand not only for sales by weight, but also for devices that allow easy operation of cup sales and systems that are suitable for sales by cup or by spoon.

The present invention was made in consideration of the former of these demands, i.e., the demand for a device that is easy to operate, and aims to provide an item supplying device that is suitable for multi-stage fixed-amount sales such as by the cup.

The article supplying device of the present invention has at least the following configuration.
This is an item supplying device that has an item discharge section, a joint section that enables an item storage container to be connected to the item discharge section, and a discharge outlet, wherein the item discharge section has a temporary storage section that receives items from the item storage container and a spill prevention member, wherein the temporary storage section is capable of storing a specified volume of items by opening in only one direction and is rotatable, and the spill prevention member prevents the temporary storage section from accepting further items beyond the specified capacity while rotating, and prevents items from spilling from the discharge outlet during rotation.

The present invention provides an item supply device suitable for multi-stage fixed-amount sales.

1 is a left perspective view showing the external appearance of an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention assembled together with a weighing device; FIG. 2 is a left perspective view showing an exploded view of the article supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right perspective view showing the external appearance of the weighing device with some parts removed. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a spill prevention member and a temporary storage section of an article supplying device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the temporary storage section rotates. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration and a hardware configuration of a weighing device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a weighing device and an information processing device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation input screen at the time of setting in the information processing device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a customer display screen in the information processing device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing pricing labels output from an information processing device. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional goods vending device.

An example of an embodiment of an article supplying device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings below have been created for explanatory purposes, and for ease of understanding, components not necessary for the explanation may not be shown intentionally. In addition, for the purpose of explanation, components may be shown intentionally large or small, and the drawings are not drawn to an exact scale. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts with the same function, and duplicate explanations in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

<Item supply device and weighing device>
(Configuration of the article supply device)
Fig. 1 is a left perspective view showing the exterior of an article supplying device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention assembled together with a weighing device 6. Fig. 2 is a left perspective view showing the article supplying device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention disassembled. Fig. 3 is a right perspective view showing the exterior of the weighing device 6 with some parts removed.

The goods supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 is used with an goods storage container 5 attached. Here, the goods storage container 5 is literally a container for storing goods, but it does not require the work of transferring purchased goods to the goods storage container 5 in order to stock them, and it is also a distribution container that is wholesaled as is, so it can also be considered as a goods storage distribution container. In other words, the seller simply attaches the distribution container (commuting container) for the bulk goods that he or she has purchased to the goods supply device 1 as is.

As a specific structure, the item supply device 1 is composed of an item discharge section 2, a joint section 3, and a support section 4, as shown in FIG. 2. The item discharge section 2 has the function of discharging items inserted from the item storage container 5 out of the item supply device 1, and is roughly cylindrical in shape to allow the items to pass through the temporary storage section 22 described below. The joint section 3 has the function of connecting the item discharge section 2 and the item storage container 5. The support section 4 is a means for supporting and standing the item supply device 1, and is connected to the weighing device 6 described below. Note that the item storage container 5 is not a component of the item supply device 1 itself.

The article discharge section 2 is manufactured by resin molding, etc., and includes a discharge operation section 21 for an operator to rotate, a temporary storage section 22 that rotates inside the body of the article discharge section 2 in conjunction with the rotation operation of the discharge operation section 21 and is open only in one direction to accommodate a specified volume of articles, and a discharge port 23 for transferring articles from the article supply device 1 to the weighing device 6. In this embodiment, the temporary storage section 22 is set to accommodate a volume equivalent to 30 g of coffee beans when fully worn out. In addition, at least a part of the main body and temporary storage section of the article discharge section 2 has a skeleton structure made of transparent resin, and the rotation operation of the temporary storage section 22 can be seen, creating a visually entertaining effect. Since it is difficult to express transparent parts in drawings, a photograph is also shown in FIG. 2. The inner surface of the part of the main body of the item discharger 2 that houses the temporary storage section 22 is shaped like an arc along the outer edge of the temporary storage section 22, so it can be seen from the photograph that the spill prevention member 24, which will be described later, is also curved along an arc.

The rotation associated with the operation of the release operation unit 21 is, for example, unidirectional due to a ratchet mechanism. While a pawl/gear type, running facer type, or other type can be used, any mechanism other than a ratchet can be used as long as it can achieve unidirectional rotation. In this embodiment, the ratchet pawls are arranged every 60 degrees. This is set to improve the clicking feeling during operation, but they may also be set at finer angular intervals. This makes it possible to reduce play between the pawls.

The upper part of the article discharge section 2 is configured as a connection section 26 that supports the joint section 3, and a bracket 25 is provided on the underside of the connection section 26 to support a spill prevention member 24 that contacts the temporary storage section 22 on an arc along the outer periphery of both sides. The length of the spill prevention member 24 in the front-to-back (depth) direction when viewed from the front is longer than the length of the front-to-back opening of the temporary storage section 22 to prevent the articles from spilling out. The vertical length of the spill prevention member 24 only needs to be equal to or greater than the length of the opening of the temporary storage section 22 in the rotational direction. In FIG. 2, it is configured to reach the lower opening of the main body of the article discharge section 2. With such a configuration, the articles can be dropped reliably. Even if the vertical length is about 1/4 of the photograph in FIG. 2, the function of preventing spillage of the articles is fulfilled. However, if the spill prevention member 24 is not present at the position where the articles reach the lower half of the discharge side, the articles will reach the gap between the outer surface of the temporary storage section 22 and the inner surface of the main body of the article discharge section 2 that contacts it due to rubbing or the like at that position, and frequent cleaning work will be required. Setting it longer than the length of the opening in the rotation direction of the temporary storage section 22, or setting it to the lower discharge port, contributes to reducing the maintenance processing burden. The spill prevention member 24 is formed of a silicone member, does not scratch the articles, and has excellent anti-fouling properties. However, the spill prevention member 24 may be formed of a material having similar elasticity and softness, such as an elastomer resin. Furthermore, the surface of the spill prevention member 24 is roughened. The reason for this is to make it difficult for articles such as coffee beans to stick to the surface. The stiffness determined by the thickness of the spill prevention member 24 is required to have a certain degree of strength to prevent items from spilling out, i.e., to push back items so that they cannot pass by the side of the temporary storage section 22, but if it is too strong, it will hinder the rotation operation. Therefore, it is desirable to set the thickness (thinness) to a moderate level that gives a rebound force (elasticity) similar to that of a so-called Noren curtain, although it is not as strong as pushing against it. However, even if it is set thick, the spill prevention function is fulfilled, so a thick embodiment is not excluded. Note that the shape of the bracket 25 is arc-shaped at the points facing the disk-shaped parts at the front and rear ends of the temporary storage section 22 in Figure 2, which contributes to smooth rotation of the temporary storage section 22.

Figure 2 shows the goods supply device 1 disassembled, but in reality, it can be removed from the support part 4 with each component part (21-26) assembled to the main body of the goods discharge part 2 and with the joint part 3 also connected, that is, with these parts integrated. Specifically, it can be easily removed by moving the goods discharge part 2 slightly upward and then pulling it horizontally forward. After removing it from the support part 4, by turning it upside down, the empty storage container 5 can be removed and replaced with a storage container 5 filled with goods smoothly without spilling any goods.

The support section 4 supports the main body of the article supply device 1, which is integrated with the article discharge section 2 and the article storage container 5 connected via the joint section 3. The support section 4 is composed of a support frame 41, support legs 42, and a base 43. The support frame 41 holds the edge of the connection section 26, which is the upper part of the article discharge section 2, and the support legs 42 form the support structure for the entire device. The support legs 42 are manufactured by aluminum extrusion molding and engage with the engagement section 67 (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) of the weighing device 6, which will be described later. The base 43 is integral with the support legs 42 and is placed on the upper surface of the weighing device 6 to form the support structure for the support legs 42. The base 43 also penetrates vertically and guides the articles discharged from the discharge port 23 of the article discharge section 2 to the opening of the hopper mechanism 61 of the weighing device 6.

(Configuration of the measuring device)
3 is a right perspective view showing the appearance of the weighing device 6 with some parts removed. The weighing device 6 includes a hopper mechanism 61 that is fitted from above the main body, a release member 62 that is attached below the main body, and an engagement portion 67 into which the support leg 42 of the article supply device 1 is inserted. The release member 62 has a release-side opening for releasing articles into a purchasing container. The hopper mechanism 61 and the release member 62 are made into skeletons, similar to the article release portion 2.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the item supplying device 1 is placed on the weighing device 6 via the support part 4. Specifically, the edge of the base 43 of the support part 4 is placed on the upper surface of the housing of the weighing device 6, and the support legs 42 are engaged with the engagement parts 67 of the weighing device 6, so that the item supplying device 1 is supported. In this state, the size of the support legs 42 is set so that the base 43 covers the opening of the hopper mechanism 61 of the weighing device 6, but the opening of the base 43 and the opening of the hopper mechanism 61 are spaced apart.

The front panel of the weighing device 6 is provided with multiple display sections, including a count number/weight display section 63 (corresponding to the sales mode classification described below), a unit price display section 64, and an amount display section 65. These display sections are composed of independent 7-segment displays, but may also be composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. In addition to the display sections, the front panel of the weighing device 6 is provided with an item discharge operation section 66 that is linked to open the discharge outlet of the hopper mechanism 61.

The weighing device 6 is weight-balanced so that its center of gravity is located in the rear half of the housing. Therefore, when the item supply device 1 is attached, the weighing device 6 can be stably placed on a shelf with only about 2/3 of the housing. Although not shown in Figure 1, the weighing device will be placed on an existing normal shelf with the front part of the weighing device protruding. The release member 62 of the weighing device 6 is designed to protrude forward from the shelf, and the customer places their own container under the release member 62, and the items are stored in it.

(Operation procedure of the article supply device)
The operation procedure of the article supplying device 1 will be described. The operation procedure of the weighing device 6 will be described in the section "System composed of weighing device and information processing device" described later. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship with the spill prevention member 24 when the temporary storage section 22 of the article supplying device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention rotates. Since the ratchet pawls are arranged at 60 degree intervals, the state goes through six stages (a) to (f). Note that since the lower side of the main body of the article discharge section 2 is drawn without being present, the spill prevention member 24 hangs down almost vertically, but in reality, as shown in the photograph of FIG. 2, the spill prevention member 24 is arranged in an arc shape. As the ratchet mechanism, in addition to the pawl gear, an existing technology in which a click ball is accommodated in a ball hole of a rotating body and the ball is moved and urged in a protruding direction by a compression coil spring accommodated in the back of the ball hole, or a simpler spring structure, etc., can be appropriately adopted.

In the goods supply device 1, when the discharge operation part 21 of the goods discharge part 2 is rotated clockwise, which is the direction in which rotation is permitted, the goods that flow down from the goods storage container 5 move sequentially to the opening of the temporary storage part 22 while transitioning, for example, from state (f) to state (a). Then, the temporary storage part 22 is filled during rotation. At this time, the spill prevention member 24 blocks the goods that overflow from the opening, and the temporary storage part 22 is filled with a predetermined amount (volume/mass) of goods. When the discharge operation part 21 is further rotated, it goes from state (b) to state (c), and the opening of the temporary storage part 22 faces the opening of the hopper mechanism 61. During this time, the action of the spill prevention member 24 causes the goods to fall into the hopper mechanism 61 without overflowing from the opening of the hopper mechanism 61. When the discharge operation unit 21 is further rotated, the opening of the temporary storage unit 22 faces directly toward the opening of the hopper mechanism 61 (d), and all of the items in the temporary storage unit 22 move into the hopper mechanism 61.

In this way, the opening of the temporary storage section 22 is located at the joint section 3 located below the item storage container 5 when it is in the upper position (a), and is located on the opening side of the hopper mechanism 61 when it is in the lower position (d). The opening of the joint section 3 is set to be the same as the opening of the temporary storage section 22 or to be narrower. The opening of the hopper mechanism 61 is set to be the same as the opening of the temporary storage section 22 or to be wider. While the temporary storage section 22 is rotating, the spill prevention member 24 is in contact or sliding contact with the opening of the temporary storage section 22, so that the opening of the joint section 3 and the opening of the hopper mechanism 61 are never in communication with each other.

This will be explained with reference to an enlarged view of state (f) arranged above state (f). As shown in the figure, coffee beans C as an article are stuck between the temporary storage section 22 and the spill prevention member 24. Given the strength (weakness) of the stiffness of the temporary storage section 22 selected from the operational feeling, such a situation sometimes occurs, but if the state (f) is changed to state (a), the coffee beans C fall into the inside of the temporary storage section 22, so there is no practical problem. In addition, if the roughly cylindrical main body of the article release section 2 is colored, it will not be visible from the outside, so there will be no problem in appearance. On the other hand, in the case of a sales style in which the customer operates it by himself, there are cases in which the rotational movement of the temporary storage section 22 is visually enjoyable, and the internal movement is made visible with a skeleton structure member, thereby improving the appeal. In that case, if the stiffness of the spill prevention member 24 is increased to a degree that does not make the release operation part 21 inoperable or difficult to operate, the occurrence of a situation in which the coffee beans C become stuck can be reduced.

A pair of spill prevention members 24 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the temporary storage section 22. The spill prevention member 24 on the right side as viewed from the front serves to prevent spills and overflows in the initial stage of the input of the goods (state (a) to state (b) in FIG. 4), and serves to prevent the goods from rubbing against each other in the later stage until the goods are discharged (state (c) to state (d) in FIG. 4). The spill prevention member 24 on the left side as viewed from the front functions to block the opening of the temporary storage section 22, which is not filled with goods because it is in the return stage, by its own elastic force. In other words, during the rotation operation between state (e) and state (f), not shown, it bends inward so as to block the opening of the temporary storage section 22. This is achieved by the thickness, elasticity, and material of the spill prevention member 24. By arranging the spill prevention member 24 on the left side, the upper and lower openings of the main body of the goods discharge section 2 are never connected. In this way, the spill prevention member 24 on the left side also functions effectively. However, if the ratchet pawl spacing is set smaller, items will not fall out during reverse rotation, so placing the spill prevention members 24 on both the left and right sides is not necessarily required depending on the settings of the rotation mechanism (ratchet mechanism).

<System Composed of a Weighing Device and an Information Processing Device>
(System and Hardware Configuration)
5 shows a system 100 suitable for using the article supply device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention together with a weighing device 6, where FIG. 5(a) shows the system configuration and FIG. 5(b) shows the hardware configuration of the weighing device 6. The information processing device 7 is a console (operating table) in a store and has a printer function unit that issues a checkout label on which information for selling the article provided to the customer is printed. However, the other configuration is merely the same as the system configuration normally provided in a general-purpose PC, such as a CPU, a memory device (ROM and RAM) connected to the CPU by a bus, a storage device, a display means, a communication means, and an operation input means. Therefore, the hardware configuration is not illustrated and will be described using a functional block diagram to be described later. In other words, it is also possible to configure the information processing device 7 as a general-purpose PC or a tablet by providing an external printer function.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), in this system 100, multiple weighing devices 6 are connected to an information processing device 7 through a network. In the figure, one information processing device 7 is shown, but it is also possible to configure it with multiple devices. Here, the network is an in-store LAN, and is connected by wire or wirelessly. Although not shown in the figure, a store controller, POS, and clerk terminals (transaction status management devices: monitoring terminals, mobile terminals, etc.) may also be connected, and master-related processing may be configured to be realized by SaaS (Software as a Service).

Figure 5(b) is a hardware configuration diagram of the weighing device 6. As shown in the figure, the weighing device 6 is equipped with storage devices such as a control unit (CPU), RAM, and ROM. The control unit (CPU) controls each component of the weighing device 6 in an integrated manner. The control unit executes a control program, for example, to cause a computer to realize each function of the weighing device 6. The ROM stores the control program and the like. When connected to the information processing device 7 or when the power is turned on, the RAM stores identifier information and unit weight information, which will be described later. The control unit is connected to a display unit consisting of the count number/weight display unit 63, unit price display unit 64, amount display unit 65, etc., via an interface circuit, as well as a communication unit and a weight detection unit.

The communication unit is realized by one or more communication means that realizes a connection with the information processing device 7. For example, the interconnection with the information processing device 7 is realized by a wired or wireless LAN. Note that when the communication unit is realized by a wired LAN, the power supply for the weighing device 6 may be secured by POE (Power over Ethernet) power supply from the information processing device 7 that connects to an external power source. However, this does not prevent the weighing device 6 from being directly connected to an external power source or being powered by an internal battery.

The weight detection unit weighs the items supplied from the item supply device 1 to the weighing device 6, for example, by a weight detection method using a load cell. A hopper mechanism 61 is removably attached to this weight detection unit, and this allows the weight detection unit to weigh the items placed into the hopper mechanism 61. In detail, this weight detection unit is composed of a detector and an AD converter (neither shown).

The weight detection unit is realized by a load cell, and the AD converter converts the analog signal input from the load cell into a digital signal. In converting to a digital signal, a range in which the weight value can be appropriately acquired is set, and the zero point and the maximum weighing value are recorded. The value converted into digital data is displayed as weight (measured value) on the count number/weight display unit 63.

(Function block configuration)
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a system 100 composed of a weighing device 6 and an information processing device 7. As shown in Fig. 6, the weighing device 6 includes, as its functions, a weighing control means 601, an identifier information storage unit 602, a unit weight storage unit 603, a calculation means 604, an output means 605, and a display control means 606.

The weighing control means 601 is a control means that detects the weight of the items fed from the item supply device 1 to the weighing device 6 using a weight detection unit and determines whether the weight has stabilized. After the weighing control means 601 detects the weight of the items in the weighing device 6 and determines that the weight has stabilized, a calculation means 604 (described below) calculates a value.

The identifier information storage unit 602 stores an identifier that can identify the weighing device 6. This identifier is assigned as unique information for each weighing device 6, and a specific weighing device 6 is uniquely identified from among multiple weighing devices 6 by this identifier. The identifier is an identifier assigned by the information processing device 7 when each weighing device 6 sends a transmission request signal to the information processing device 7 when it is connected to the information processing device 7 for the first time, or when it is reconnected at the start of the system 100, and is stored in the storage means of each of the multiple weighing devices 6. This is convenient from the viewpoint of operation in stores where the items handled are frequently reviewed. However, in stores where reviews are not so frequent, it may be possible to set the identifier using a DIP switch or the like provided on the weighing device 6. Note that the weighing device 6 may be configured to store a product code instead of or in addition to the identifier. If the product code is stored instead of the identifier, the product code becomes the identifier.

The unit weight storage unit 603 stores the unit weight of the handled goods supplied from the goods supply device 1. The unit weight is the weight corresponding to the capacity of the temporary storage unit 22 of the goods supply device 1 for one time, and when the goods supply device 1 is connected to the information processing device 7 for the first time, or when the power is turned on and reconnected, a transmission request signal is sent to the information processing device 7, and the information stored in the information processing device 7 is taken over and stored.

The calculation means 604 obtains a calculated value by dividing the weight value that the weighing control means 601 has determined to be a stable weight by the unit weight stored in the unit weight storage unit 603. However, in this embodiment, the result of the division is not calculated to the decimal point, but is instead obtained as a natural number by rounding down. The reason for this will be described later.

The output means 605 outputs the calculated value and identifier information obtained by the calculation means 604 to the information processing device 7. The display control means 606 displays the information obtained from the weighing control means 601, the calculation means 604, etc. on the count number/weight display unit 63, the unit price display unit 64, and the amount display unit 65. The unit price of the item may be stored in a memory unit separately provided in the weighing device 6 and displayed, or may be obtained from the information processing device 7 and displayed. The amount (selling price) is calculated based on the unit price and the calculated value obtained by the calculation means 604.

As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing device 7 includes, as its functions, an item information storage unit 71, a setting information storage unit 72, a specific processing unit 73, an extraction processing unit 74, a display control unit 76, an information processing unit 77, a communication processing unit 78, and an issuance processing unit 79. As another example, a selection processing unit 75 may be provided instead of the specific processing unit 73. This will be described later.

The item information storage unit 71 is a storage unit that stores basic information about the item to be weighed, such as the name and unit price of the item. Data items stored in the item information storage unit 71 include, for example, item identification information, item name, sales mode classification, unit price, and unit weight. The information stored in the item information storage unit 71 may be obtained from a management device installed in the store, or may be obtained as SaaS (Software as a Service) from a cloud server or the like located outside the store.

The sales mode classification is a classification for determining whether the sales mode is a multi-stage fixed amount sales such as by the cup, or a sale by weight (measured sales). The setting information storage unit 72 stores setting information that associates identifier information that can identify the weighing device 6 with item identification information of the item provided by the weighing device 6. By referring to the setting information storage unit 72, the item provided to the customer by a specific weighing device 6 can be identified.

When the identification processing unit 73 receives the identifier and the calculated value from the weighing device 6, it refers to the setting information storage unit 72 based on the identifier and the calculated value to identify the item identification information associated with the identifier and the calculated value (for example, corresponding to an item such as "three cups of coffee beans").
As mentioned above, the calculated value obtained by dividing the weight value by the unit weight is given as a natural number, but it may also be configured to be given as a real number with decimal points, which is rounded by the identification processing unit 73 before being used to identify the item identification information.

The extraction processing unit 74 executes a process of extracting information necessary for executing a predetermined process from each storage unit. For example, the extraction processing unit 74 refers to the item information storage unit 71 to extract item information related to the name, unit price, etc. of the item for the item identified by the identification processing unit 73.

The selection processing unit 75 shown as a dotted block is an alternative means and another example of the identification processing unit 73. When the selection processing unit 75 receives an identifier and a calculated value from the weighing device 6, the selection processing unit 75 refers to the setting information storage unit 72 based on the identifier to identify item identification information (e.g., "coffee beans") associated with the identifier. Then, based on the item identification information and the calculated value, the selection processing unit 75 selects a sales code (e.g., corresponding to an item such as "3 cups of coffee beans").
The calculated value obtained by dividing the weight value by the unit weight is given as a natural number, but it may also be configured so that the selection processing unit 75 rounds the calculated value as a real number including decimal points before selecting a sales code.

The display control unit 76 displays various information on the display screen of the information processing device 7. The displayed information includes information extracted from the item information storage unit 71 by the extraction processing unit 74 and information related to the selling price of the item. In addition, the display control unit 76 appropriately processes and edits this information, and displays on the display screen preset buttons configured as selectable information, a touch button for accepting completion of item registration, a touch button for accepting a request for issuance of a settlement label, and the like.

The information processing unit 77 generates print information related to the content to be printed on the settlement label. The print information generated at this time includes at least information related to the sales price of the item, as well as settlement information necessary for the settlement of the item, such as information such as the name of the item stored in the item information storage unit 71, and information related to the weighing result of the item by the weighing device 6. The print information generated by the information processing unit 77 is sent to the issuance processing unit 79. The print information, or the settlement information contained in the print information, can be coded into a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code. Note that if the information processing device 7 is equipped with a selection processing unit 75, the selected sales code can be used as is.

The communication processing unit 78 transmits and receives data to and from the issuance processing unit 79 and the weighing device 6 according to a predetermined communication protocol. The information processing device 7 can receive an identifier and a calculated value from the weighing device 6 and transmit print information to the issuance processing unit 79 using the communication processing unit 78. The communication processing unit 78 may also transmit and receive data to and from a higher-level device or the like via a wired or wireless LAN or the like. It may also transmit and receive data to and from an external server via a network such as the Internet.

The printing processing unit 79 drives a printer (not shown) to print the printing information generated by the information processing unit 77 on a specified medium and print a settlement label.

In addition to these functional units, the information processing device 7 also includes configuration files related to the layout of the GUI displayed on the display screen.

(Operation procedure and processing contents)
The operation procedure and processing contents of the present system 100 will be described. First, the operation and processing contents of the weighing device 6 will be described. As described above, when the discharge operation unit 21 of the article supplying device 1 is rotated once, the articles stored in the temporary storage unit 22, i.e., one cup's worth of articles, are moved into the hopper mechanism 61 of the weighing device 6. In the embodiment, 30 g of coffee beans are stored per cup. Since the coffee beans flow into the hopper mechanism 61, the weight value detected by the weight detection unit is unstable. After waiting for the weight value to stabilize, a calculated value is obtained by dividing the detected weight value by the unit weight. In the embodiment, the unit weight is set to 30 g, so one rotation operation is performed, and after a while, the calculated value "1" is obtained.

The volume of the temporary storage section 22 is set so that even if there is variation in the amount of coffee beans stored in the discharge operation section 21 of the product supply device 1, the variation will be in the range of more than 30 g. This is based on the design concept of not causing any loss to the customer, but of course, this does not exclude situations where variation occurs in a way that covers 30 g due to a different design concept.

When the release operation unit 21 is rotated once, an amount of coffee beans equal to or greater than 30 g is measured, so that the division described above involves rounding down to obtain the natural number "1". In settings where there is variation around 30 g, rounding is performed. After this, as the release operation unit 21 is rotated once and then once again, the calculated value increases each time to "2", "3", and so on. Each value is temporarily stored and displayed on the count number/weight display unit 63. Naturally, the count number is displayed here. However, this does not prevent the weight from being displayed as well.

When the item release operation part 66 (lever) of the weighing device 6 is pressed down, the items in the hopper mechanism 61 move downward and are released into the purchasing container (cup). When all the items in the hopper mechanism 61 have moved, the lever returns to the starting point, and it is determined that the mass detected by the weighing device 6 has become zero (under a specified threshold setting), data is transmitted from the weighing device 6 to the information processing device 7. The data content is the identifier information and the count number (calculated value), but this does not prevent the weight value from being transmitted at the same time. It may also be configured to transmit the amount at the same time, or even to transmit the weight value and the amount together.

The above is the normal processing of the weighing device 6 at the time of sale. In addition to this, the weighing device 6 also executes other processes, such as setting the sales mode category (sold by cup, sold by weight, etc.) as an initial setting, and, for example, a process of requesting the transmission of identifier and unit weight information executed when the system 100 is started.

Categories of sales mode classification include, for example, cup sales mode, weight sales mode, spoonful sales mode, and volume sales mode. For the setting process, when the power is turned on, the weighing device 6 acquires the sales mode classification and identifier from the information processing device 7 as setting information. In this case, the identifier of the weighing device 6 that sent the request to set the sales mode classification is checked against the PLU (Price Look Up) product number information stored and managed in the product information storage unit 71, specific processing unit 73, or selection processing unit 75 of the information processing device 7, and if the sales mode classification is correct, the setting information is returned, and if it is incorrect, error information is returned, and the result is also displayed on the weighing device 6.

Next, the operation and processing contents of the information processing device 7 will be described. Figure 7 shows a PLU setting screen that is displayed on the display of the information processing device 7 when the store clerk operates it. An example is shown in which one cup of coffee beans is assigned as an item with a PLU of 1003. That is, in A, selling by cup is specified as whether it is sold by cup or by weight, in B, 30 g is set as the weight per cup, and in C, 200 yen is set as the unit price. A menu for changing and setting the number of cups can be called up from an operation button (not shown), and a PLU setting for two cups or three cups can also be set.

Figure 8 shows the display screen shown to a customer when they make a purchase. In the sales corner, the weighing device 6 and the information processing device 7 are placed close enough together that they are both within view. When a sensor detects that a customer is approaching the sales corner, as shown in Figure 8(a), a guidance screen appears on the display of the information processing device 7, urging the customer to start operating the goods supply device 1, such as by saying, "Pull the lever and place the goods in the container."

After that, on the weighing device 6 side, the item supply device 1 inputs items into the hopper mechanism 61, and the hopper mechanism 61 outputs items to the purchasing container. When it is determined that the mass detected by the weighing device 6 has become zero, as described above, the weighing device 6 transmits the identifier information and count number (calculated value) information to the information processing device 7. By receiving the identifier and calculated value data from the weighing device 6, the information processing device 7 searches and acquires the pre-linked product (item) information, and identifies the item (PLU) by associating it with the calculated value. For example, it identifies the PLU that corresponds to "three cups of coffee beans."

When the sales unit PLU is specified, the display control unit 76 generates and displays information for the preset buttons to be displayed on the display screen of the information processing device 7 (specifically, a console installed in the store), and the information processing unit 77 generates print information related to the contents to be printed on the payment label. FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which a guide screen such as "Please select a product" is displayed together with a preset button corresponding to "3 cups of coffee beans". Note that, due to the relationship with the measuring capacity of the hopper mechanism 61, the number of cups for this product is set to a maximum of "3", and three types of preset buttons for 1 cup, 2 cups, and 3 cups of coffee beans are prepared. In this case, if a customer wants to purchase 4 cups of coffee beans, in addition to the preset button for 3 cups, a preset button for the fraction, i.e., 1 cup, may be displayed side by side on the display surface. On the other hand, it is also possible to configure it so that a preset button for 4 cups is prepared. In addition, it is possible to have the weighing device 6 display a non-numeric value such as "End" on the count number/weight display unit 63, or to output an instruction (not limited to a message, but also an icon or audio guide) to encourage the customer to lower the input lever and move the product to the cup. Furthermore, the rotating lever can be locked to prevent a fourth cup from being purchased in succession.

When a customer operates a preset button, a checkout label as shown in FIG. 9 is printed. As shown in the figure, the printed information includes at least information related to the sales price of the item, as well as checkout information necessary for checking out the item, such as information on the item's name stored in the item information storage unit 71, information related to the weighing results of the item by the weighing device 6, etc. The customer uses this checkout label to carry out checkout processing at a POS (Point of Sale) register or the like.

(Regarding abnormality processing)
The article supply device 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is premised on supplying a fixed amount of articles in one operation, but there may be cases where the article retention section is not full (the appropriate amount) due to a problem with the rotation operation of the discharge operation section 21 (e.g., turning it too fast) or due to the lack of articles. In order to deal with such a situation, the weighing device 6 displays a count when it is 30g or 60g (the appropriate amount), and displays a different display (not an error display, for example, a "shortage" display) at other times, so that the operator can visually recognize that more needs to be supplied. If the customer continues the supply operation and exceeds the appropriate amount, it can be treated as proper processing. Although an amount larger than the fixed amount will be provided to the customer, this is a consideration to prevent loss to the customer, and is treated as a service to the customer.

Unlike the above, if the weight stabilizes when the amount is not appropriate, an error is displayed regardless of the operation of the discharge operation unit 21, the data transmission count is set to "0" or the like, and a notification is sent to the information processing device 7. This allows the customer to recognize the supply abnormality, and even if the customer does not notice, the error information is sent to the information processing device 7, so that the information can be further transmitted to a store clerk terminal (not shown), allowing for early response by the store clerk.

It is also possible to have the abnormality response handled solely by the information processing device 7. In that case, the information processing device 7 acquires the "sales weight" instead of or in addition to the calculated value from the weighing device 6. The information processing device 7 determines whether the sales weight is appropriate for the calculated value (for example, whether a shortage is within an acceptable range), and if it is determined to be appropriate, displays a preset button, and if it is determined to be inappropriate, issues an error alert.

(In cases where sales by weight are handled)
So far, the system has been described as a so-called "fixed weight" sales system, which is a system of the weighing device 6 and the information processing device 7 combined with the goods supplying device 1 suitable for multi-stage fixed-weight sales such as selling by the cup, but as already mentioned, this system can also sell by weight, which is the original function of the weighing device 6, so-called "unfixed weight". In other words, it is possible to build a system that uses both "fixed weight" and "unfixed weight". This is explained below.

Instead of or in addition to the goods supply device 1 that supplies goods in a fixed amount in multiple stages, a goods supply device 1a (not shown) that can supply goods in any amount (amount that can be set in no step) is incorporated into this system. In this case, the sales mode classification is set to "sale by weight". For the setting process, when the power is turned on, the weighing device 6 can obtain the sales mode classification and the identifier as setting information from the information processing device 7 side. In this case, the number of the weighing device 6 that sent the request to set the sales mode classification (a number unique to the weighing device 6, not an identifier) is compared with the PLU product number information stored and managed in the goods information storage unit 71, the specific processing unit 73, or the selection processing unit 75 of the information processing device 7, and if the sales mode classification is correct, the setting information is returned, and if it is incorrect, error information is returned, and the result is also displayed on the weighing device 6. Note that, in the process at the time of sale, the information sent from the weighing device 6 is the identifier and weight information.

In addition, the information processing device 7 can also change the item supply device 1 and the weighing device 6 together to accommodate "spoonful" sales. Fixed-quantity sales can be achieved by installing a subtraction-processing type weighing device that calculates the weight scooped up by the spoon from the total weight placed on the weighing device and determines the selling price from the unit price. In the case of the subtraction method, after the item is moved to a scooping container or the like, the data required for fixed-quantity sales is transmitted by operating the completion (transmit) button once the weight has stabilized. In this way, it is possible to respond by transmitting multiple count information. By using multiple sales methods such as cup sales, weighing, and spoonful sales in combination, it is possible to respond to various types of items, increasing the possibility of development on the sales floor.
In order to simplify the cup selling operation, it is also possible to change both the goods supply device 1 and the weighing device 6. The goods supply device 1 is configured so that the customer can rotate it to create the fun of cup selling, but instead of the operated discharge operation unit 21, an actuator may be arranged inside and driven and controlled so that the rotation is performed the commanded number of rotations. For example, the goods supply device can be configured as a device that includes a purchase quantity input means for inputting the purchase quantity (such as 30, 60, 90 g) by number or selecting it with a selection button, a drive means for rotating the temporary storage section in a certain direction and at a predetermined speed (including a mode of making it fast and slow at start and end) the number of times input by the purchase quantity input means, and a control means for controlling so that the opening of the temporary storage section is located at a predetermined position after the input number of rotations. The purchase quantity input means may be provided in the goods supply device itself, or may be provided on the weighing device side and send a command signal to the goods supply device. If it is installed on the weighing device, it is possible to operate everything from setting the initial purchase quantity to the goods release operation part (lever) without moving one's hand much. After operating the weighing device, the customer can enjoy watching the automatic rotation of the temporary storage member inside the goods release part, the inside of which is visualized by a skeleton structure. In the relationship between the weighing device and the information processing device, the sales code is specified by inheriting the set purchase quantity value and identifier.

<Additional Notes>
In this way, by using the item supply device of the present invention, a more advanced system for weighing sales can be realized. Below, we will also show an invention of a system that can be conceived from the perspective of a combination of a weighing device and an information processing device.

(Appendix 1)
A system including an information processing device and a plurality of weighing devices,
The metering device is
A weighing means for measuring the mass of an article;
A storage means for storing the identifier and the unit weight;
a calculation means for calculating a value obtained by dividing the mass measured by the measuring means by the unit weight stored in the storage means;
an output means for outputting the identifier and the value calculated by the calculation means;
The information processing device includes:
an input means for inputting the identifier output by the output means and the calculated value;
and a specification unit that specifies the item to be sold based on the identifier input by the input unit and the calculated value.

(Appendix 2)
A system including an information processing device and a plurality of weighing devices,
The metering device is
A weighing means for measuring the mass of an article;
A storage means for storing the identifier and the unit weight;
a calculation means for calculating a value obtained by dividing the mass measured by the measuring means by the unit weight stored in the storage means;
an output means for outputting the identifier and the value calculated by the calculation means;
The information processing device includes:
an input means for inputting the identifier output by the output means and the calculated value;
and a selection means for identifying an item to be sold from the identifier inputted by the input means, and selecting a sales code from the item and the calculated value.

<Overview of the embodiment>
[Technical field]
The present invention relates to an article supplying device, and more particularly to an article supplying device suitable for multi-stage fixed quantity sales.
[Background Art]
In recent years, bulk sales, which provide retailers with bulk purchases of goods bundled together for sale to businesses, have been attracting attention. In bulk sales, goods supply devices are used that allow customers to purchase only the amount they desire. These devices are so-called bulk dispensers, such as cereal dispensers, nut dispensers, candy dispensers, and snack dispensers (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).
[Prior Art Literature]
[Non-Patent Literature]
[Non-Patent Document 1] "Dry Food Dispenser 5Lt | IDM Dispenser 5 Free Standing - D50-ret", [online], [searched on September 17, 2022], Internet, <URL: https://qecdistribution.com.au/dry-food-dispenser-5lt-idm-dispenser-5-free-standing-d50-ret/>
In addition, some item supply devices are configured as item sales devices suitable for a sales format in which items released from a bulk dispenser are stored in paper containers (tares) prepared by the store, pricing labels issued after weighing are attached to the containers, and the items are paid for at the cash register.
Figure 10 shows such an item sales device, in which any desired amount of item can be taken out of a number of storage sections (tubes) by operating the supply operation section of the storage section corresponding to the desired type of item, and sold by weight (measurement).
Summary of the Invention
[Problem to be solved by the invention]
As a method for purchasing the desired amount, in addition to so-called weight sales, which allow purchases in any amount in 1g increments, sales in units of 1 cup, 2 cups, 1 spoon, or 2 spoons by cup or spoon are also envisioned. For example, if you can select increments such as 30g, 60g, or 90g, it may be easier to understand the desired amount than by grams. In this situation, there is a demand not only for weight sales, but also for devices that can be easily operated for cup sales and systems suitable for cup sales and spoon sales.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the former of these demands, i.e., the demand for a device that is easy to operate, and its objective is to provide an item supplying device that is suitable for multi-stage, fixed-amount sales, such as by the cup.
[Means for solving the problems]
(1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is an item supplying device 1 comprising an item discharge section 2, a joint section 3 that enables an item storage container 5 to be connected to the item discharge section 2, and a discharge outlet 23, wherein the item discharge section 2 has a temporary storage section 22 that receives items from the item storage container 5 and a spill prevention member 24, wherein the temporary storage section 22 is capable of containing a specified volume of items by being opened in only one direction and is rotatable, and the spill prevention member 24 prevents the temporary storage section 22 from accepting further items beyond the specified capacity while it is rotating, and prevents items from spilling from the discharge outlet 23 during rotation.

The above configuration prevents items from accidentally spilling out, providing an item supply device suitable for multi-stage fixed-amount sales.

(2) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the item supply device 1 described in (1), the temporary storage section 22 rotates in only one direction, and the spill prevention members 24 are arranged in pairs on both the left and right sides of the temporary storage section 22 in the circumferential direction of rotation by hanging down from the joint section 3 side, one of which performs a spill prevention function during forward rotation, and the other of which prevents spillage during reverse rotation.

The above configuration makes it more reliable to prevent items from accidentally falling off.

(3) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the item supply device 1 described in (1), the spill prevention member 24 has a length equal to the height of the temporary storage section 22.

With the above configuration, spill prevention members are positioned over the entire range from the position where the temporary storage section 22 receives the items to the position where it releases the items, so that it is more reliable to prevent items from accidentally spilling out.

(4) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the item supply device 1 described in (1), the spill prevention member 24 is made of a silicone material and has a roughened surface.

The above configuration effectively prevents items from sticking to the spill prevention member 24.

(5) One aspect of this embodiment is that in the article supply device 1 described in (1), the spill prevention member 24 is in the shape of a blind connected to both the left and right ends of a bracket 25 provided on the underside of the joint section 3, and the bracket 25 has an arc-shaped underside to accommodate the rotating temporary storage section 22, and is provided with holes through which articles can pass.

The above configuration allows the temporary storage section 22 to rotate smoothly.

The above describes in detail the item supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Item supply device 2 Item discharge section 21 Discharge operation section 22 Temporary storage section 23 Discharge port 24 Spill prevention member 25 Bracket 26 Connection section 3 Joint section 4 Support section 41 Support frame 42 Support leg 43 Base 5 Item storage container 6 Weighing device 61 Hopper mechanism 62 Discharge member 63 Count number/weight display section 64 Unit price display section 65 Amount display section 66 Item discharge operation section 67 Engagement section 601 Weighing control means 602 Identifier information storage section 603 Unit weight storage section 604 Calculation means 605 Output means 606 Display control means 7 Information processing device 71 Item information storage section 72 Setting information storage section 73 Identification processing section 74 Extraction processing section 75 Selection processing section 76 Display control section 77 Information processing section 78 Communication processing section 79 Issuance processing unit 100 System

Claims (5)

An article supplying device including an article discharge section, a joint section that enables an article storage container to be connected to the article discharge section, and a discharge port,
The article discharge section has a temporary storage section that receives articles from an article storage container and a spill prevention member,
The temporary storage section is capable of storing a specified volume of articles by being opened in only one direction and is rotatable;
An article supplying device characterized in that the spill prevention member prevents the temporary storage section from receiving further articles exceeding a specified capacity while the temporary storage section is rotating, and prevents articles from spilling out of the discharge outlet during rotation. The temporary storage unit rotates in only one direction,
The item supply device described in claim 1, characterized in that the spill prevention members are arranged in pairs on both the left and right sides of the temporary storage section in the rotational circumferential direction by hanging down from the joint portion, one performing a spill prevention function during forward rotation and the other preventing spillage during reverse rotation. The article supplying device according to claim 1 , wherein the spill prevention member has a length equal to a height of the temporary storage section. 2. The article supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the spill prevention member is made of a silicone material and has a roughened surface. The spill prevention member is formed in a blind shape and is connected to both left and right ends of a bracket provided on the lower surface of the joint portion,
The article supplying device according to claim 1 , wherein the bracket has an arc-shaped lower surface to accommodate the rotating temporary storage section, and is provided with a hole through which the article can pass.

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