JP3121323B2 - Vending machine product storage device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product storage device of a vending machine for selling products such as cans, bottles, and PET bottles.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a vending machine product storage device of this kind, competition in sales development between companies has been fierce due to the introduction of a designated bidding system by purchasing companies and intensified competition among manufacturing companies. . In order to cope with such sales competition, each company is required to shorten the development period and develop high value-added products. There is an increasing demand for a manufacturing method that does not use a mold that requires the above.
In addition, the demand for vending machines for indoor installation has been increasing, and it has been required to reduce noise during product filling according to the conditions of the installation location, and bottles and PET bottles have various container shapes if molds are used from the manufacturing method. Since it can be easily processed, products are differentiated in accordance with customer requests, and the types of container shapes tend to increase. Also, technical development of a mechanism that can accommodate these new types of containers has been actively conducted.

As a conventional product storage device of a vending machine, there are those disclosed in JP-A-5-159155 (first structure) and JP-A-5-36581 (second structure).

[0004] Hereinafter, the above-described conventional product storage device of a vending machine will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 15 to 18 show a first structure of a conventional product storage device of a vending machine, and FIG. 19 shows a second structure of a conventional product storage device of a vending machine. is there.

15 to 18, reference numeral 1 denotes a vending machine main body, 2 denotes a vending machine door, 3 denotes a heat insulating partition wall,
Is a storage room, 5 is a product storage device provided in the storage room 4,
Reference numerals 6a and 6b denote left and right side plates which stand upright facing the product storage device 5, reference numeral 7 denotes a cylindrical product such as a can, bottle, plastic bottle, etc., and reference numeral 8 meanders between the left and right side plates 6a and 6b in the vertical direction. A product passage for stacking and storing the products 7, and 9 is a product passage 8
It is inclined downward toward the rear and is connected to the product passage 8. Reference numeral 10 denotes a product discharge mechanism connected to the lower end of the product path 8. Four systems are provided in the product storage device 5 in parallel with the product path 8 and the input port 9. Reference numeral 11 denotes a shoe provided below the product storage device 5, which is connected to a sales outlet 100 provided on the door-2. Reference numeral 12 denotes an evaporator for cooling products, and 13 denotes an in-compartment blower, which are disposed below the storage room 4.

[0007] Reference numeral 14 denotes a passage forming plate which is provided so as to form the product passage 8 and has a substantially constant interval, and which is opposed to the passage forming plate. Portion) 14a and a large arc portion (large curved portion) 14b
Are formed in a meandering cross-sectional shape in which a large number are alternately connected. Reference numeral 15 denotes a plurality of cylindrical sleeve-shaped locking pieces that are fixed to the passage forming plate 14 integrally formed by press working. Both ends of the locking pieces 15 have equal notches 16 at their ends, and the left and right side plates are provided. The distal end is pushed open through the mounting hole 17 of 6a, 6b and is locked to the left and right side plates 6a, 6b.

In FIG. 19, reference numeral 18 denotes a passage forming plate having a second structure according to the prior art, 19 denotes an engaging pin that engages with the upper end of the passage forming plate 18, and 20 denotes a support pin that supports the lower end of the passage forming plate 18. The left and right side plates 6a standing upright facing each other,
A large number of product passages 8 are arranged opposite to each other so as to form a product passage 8 between them. The engagement pin 19 and the support pin 20 are connected to the left and right side plates 6.
a, 6b are fixed through the mounting holes 17 provided in the same. 21
Is a passage forming plate 18 that extends vertically with a predetermined interval between left and right.
A plurality of long holes 22 formed in the whole are a plurality of beads projecting toward the inside of the product passage 8.

The operation of the merchandise storage device for a vending machine configured as described above will be described below.

When storing the product 7 in the product storage device 5,
The merchandise 7 is inserted through the insertion port 9, reaches the upper part of the merchandise passage 8, and then falls into the merchandise passage 8. Thereafter, the product 7 repeatedly collides with and separates from the passage forming plates 14 and 18, and the product passage 8
The direction changes along the meandering and moves downward while following the trajectory of the polygonal line. However, the speed decreases due to energy loss at the time of collision and friction with the passage forming plates 14 and 18, and the like.
Repeatedly, the robot falls while receiving the speed regulation that makes the speed almost constant. With regard to these speed restrictions, the greater the central angle of the large arc portion 14b of the passage forming plates 14 and 18, the more effective it becomes.

Further, the generation of the sound of collision of the product 7 with the passage forming plates 14 and 18 causes noise during the filling of the product.
To reduce the collision noise that causes such noise,
As shown in FIG. 19, the passage forming plate 18 has
1 is added, and in addition, the plate thickness is increased or a bead 22 is formed to secure strength.

Further, the product 7 collides with and contacts the passage forming plates 14 and 18 so that the outer circumferential circle of the product 7 attempts to follow the large arc portion of the passage forming plates 14 and 18. The posture is changed so as to be horizontal in the horizontal direction according to 14 and 18. Such posture control works more effectively as the contact time with the passage forming plates 14 and 18 during the fall of the product 7 becomes longer, so that a decrease in the drop speed leads to an increase in the contact time and works effectively. Become.

While passing through the product path 8 while repeatedly receiving the above-described attitude control, the product 7 drops to the product discharging mechanism 10 and stops. Thereafter, the sequentially put products 7 are stacked while meandering upward and stored in the product passage 8. The merchandise 7 stored in the merchandise storage device 5 is dropped onto the shoot 11 one by one and moved to the sales outlet 100 by the merchandise discharge mechanism 10 operated according to the sales command.

When the lowermost product 7 is discharged, the upper product 7 drops sequentially and moves downward in the product path 8. Further, the products 7 located below the product passage 8 receive the weight of the products 7 stacked on the upper side, so that the passage forming plates 14, 1
The frictional force between the product 8 and the product 7 is increased as compared with the product 7 located above. The large arc portion 14 of the passage forming plates 14 and 18
As the central angle of b increases, the lower part of the large arc portion 14b approaches horizontal, so that the frictional force increases as the product 7 is positioned below the large arc portion 14b.
Cause clogging.

An assembling method for such a configuration will be described. First, prior to assembly, the small arc portion 14a
Then, the large arc portion 14b is molded, and as shown in FIG. 19, as shown in FIG.

Next, in assembling, as shown in FIG. 20, one of the left and right side plates 6b is inserted by aligning the mounting holes 17 with the jig pins 24 erected on the base plate 23, and then forming a passage. The locking piece 15 of the plate 14 is inserted into the jig pin 24 and inserted up to the base of the jig pin 24. Then locking piece 1
5 and the other 6a of the left and right side plates is inserted, and a caulking jig 25 having a sharp tip and an oblique cut portion 26 at the base of the jig pin 24 are provided on both sides of the passage forming plate 14. At the same time, the notch 16 at the tip of the locking piece 15 is pushed and spread to fix the passage forming plate 14 to the left and right side plates 6a, 6b.

[0017]

However, in the conventional structure as described above, due to the intensification of sales competition between companies, it has been required to shorten the development and production lead time. The introduction of the loess method is required. In order to reduce the manufacturing lead time, a series of line production from material to assembly must be realized. However, in a large-sized press working machine that integrally molds a meandering complicated shape such as the passage forming plates 14 and 18, a setup change time due to a change in a production model occurs for a long time.
If introduced in the middle of line production, loss time increases, so pre-processing for production is required in advance, and there is a drawback that it becomes an obstacle to constructing a series of line production for manufacturing a product storage device of a vending machine. Further, in order to reduce the development lead time, a large number of long holes 21 and beads 22 are required in the passage forming plates 14 and 18 for noise reduction. Since it is necessary to repeat the test, there is a drawback that a part shape that requires press molding using a mold that requires a long production time is an obstacle to shortening the development lead time.

In addition, recently, there is a tendency to differentiate the design in order to establish a product image.
In the field of PET bottles, containers of new shapes and new materials are increasing rapidly. In the bottle container, it is difficult to control the attitude of the product 7 during the fall of the product 7 in the product path 8, for example, because the position of the center of gravity is offset or the shape of the product is almost conical. However, in the prior art, a method of controlling the posture by increasing the central angle of the large arc portion 14b of the passage forming plates 14 and 18 and reducing the speed of the product 7 is used. Some of them are very soft or have a large coefficient of friction. If the central angle is increased, the posture control force is increased, but the frictional force is further increased below the large arc portion 14b, and the PET bottle is clogged.

As a conventional technique for reducing noise, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, a large number of long holes 21 and beads 22 are formed in the passage forming plate 18, but the bead processing increases the rigidity of the contact portion with the product 7, and the conventional method. Since the passage forming plate generally uses a steel plate, there is a drawback that the collision sound of the product 7 is loud and high-frequency noise is generated.

As a conventional assembling method, as shown in FIG. 20, cylindrical sleeve-shaped locking pieces 15 are provided on both sides of the passage forming plate 14, and the right and left side plates 6a and 6b are formed by caulking. Although the engaging method is adopted, since the connecting portion between the cylindrical sleeve-shaped locking piece 15 and the passage forming plate 14 cannot be widened structurally, the strength is weak and the product 7 is deformed due to repeated collision. There is a disadvantage that the crimped portion is loosened.

The first object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. A first object of the present invention is to reduce pre-processing such as press molding in a production process and to reduce the production lead time and development lead time by automatic vending. Machine storage device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a product storage device for a vending machine which improves the control of the attitude of a product while the product is falling in a product path and prevents the product from being jammed. .

A third object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine product storage device capable of reducing a product collision sound, which is a cause of noise generation during product filling, and also reducing a high frequency range. It is in.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a product storage device for a vending machine which can secure and improve the strength of attaching the passage forming plate to the left and right side plates and can securely lock the passage forming plate together.

[0025]

In order to achieve this object, a vending machine product storage device according to the present invention stores products by stacking the products in a vertical meandering manner between left and right side plates that are opposed to each other and standing upright. Product passages are formed by opposed passage forming plates provided at substantially constant intervals, and the passage forming plates meander in which small curved portions and large curved portions alternate in the vertical direction in order to make the intervals substantially constant. The meandering cross-sectional shape is formed by bending the passage forming plate in an assembling stage, and the passage forming plate is configured to be engaged between the left and right side plates. Features.

Also, a product path for stacking and storing products meandering vertically between left and right side plates opposing each other is provided.
The passage forming plate is formed by opposed passage forming plates provided so as to have a substantially constant interval, and the passage forming plate has a meandering cross-sectional shape in which small curved portions and large curved portions alternate in the vertical direction in order to make the interval substantially constant. This meandering cross-sectional shape is formed by bending a passage forming plate formed by pre-processing the cross-sectional shape of the small curved portion at the assembling stage, and forming the passage forming plate between the left and right side plates. Is characterized in that it has a structure to engage with.

In addition to the above-described structure, a product passage for stacking and storing products meandering in the vertical direction between the left and right side plates opposing each other is formed in the vertical direction in order to make the interval between the opposed passage forming plates almost constant. A small curved portion and a large curved portion are formed of a passage forming plate having a meandering cross-sectional shape in which the passage forming plate alternately extends, and the passage forming plate expands and contracts due to collision of the product when the product falls in the product passage. It is characterized in that it is configured to be engaged between the left and right side plates so as to be deformed without performing.

According to the commodity storage device of the vending machine of the present invention, the passage forming plate for forming the commodity passage is bent to form a meandering cross-sectional shape, so that the meandering shape of the passage forming plate is integrally formed. Since pre-processing such as large-scale press processing is not required, there is no setup change time due to changes in production models, so a series of line production from material to assembly can be performed, reducing production lead time. Can be.

Further, the radius of curvature can be reduced by pre-processing the small curved portion, and the interval between the product passages is substantially constant, so that the radius of curvature of the large curved portion is also reduced, thereby reducing the meandering width. It is possible to reduce the depth dimension of the product storage device. Also, in the pre-processing of the small curved part, since integral molding is not necessary, it is possible to respond with production means suitable for line production such as constant pitch feed press processing,
The pre-processing of the small curved portion can be incorporated into the line production process.

Further, the passage forming plate has a structure in which the passage forming plate is engaged between the left and right side plates so as to be deformed without expanding and contracting due to collision of the product when the product falls in the product passage. As the passage forming plate is deformed by the collision without expanding and contracting, it acts as a cushion at the time of product collision,
Since a part of the kinetic energy of the product is absorbed by the deformation of the passage forming plate, the speed of the product can be reduced. Also, when the product collides with and contacts the passage forming plate, the outer circumferential circle of the product attempts to follow the large curved portion of the passage forming plate, and at the same time,
The passage forming plate is deformed so as to wrap the product without expanding and contracting, and the restoring action of the passage forming plate is also combined, so that the posture control force for changing the posture of the product so as to be horizontal in the horizontal direction is improved. Furthermore, since the passage forming plate is deformed without expanding and contracting following the falling of the product, the contact time between the product and the passage forming plate can be extended, and the contact time further increases due to the additional reduction in the product speed. It is possible to further improve the force of controlling the attitude of the product while the product is falling inside, and further prevent the product from standing.

Further, at the time of a product collision, the passage forming plate is deformed without expanding and contracting and acts as a cushion, so that a collision sound generated at the time of a product collision can be reduced.

Further, when the passage forming plate is made of a material having a smaller longitudinal elastic modulus than the conventional one, and the passage forming plate is made of a flexible aluminum, duralumin or reinforced resin, the conventional rigidity is obtained. The high frequency noise can be suppressed because the wavelength of the vibration generated in the passage forming plate at the time of a product collision becomes longer than that of the passage forming plate having a higher height.
Further, the passage forming plate does not require a large number of long holes or beads for noise reduction, and there is no need to repeat the trial production and test for determining the shape and the production period of the mold, so that the development space is eliminated. Time can be reduced.

When the passage forming plate is formed of a thin steel plate having a thickness of 0.4 mm or less, the passage forming plate is deformed by the collision of the product without expanding and contracting. And the kinetic energy of the product
Is absorbed by the deformation of the passage forming plate, so that the speed of the product can be reduced. Furthermore, the cross-section 2 such as bead processing
By using means that makes it easy for the passage forming plate to bend, such as minimizing the processing for increasing the next moment and increasing the rigidity, it is possible to prevent the passage forming plate from expanding and contracting due to the collision of the product when the product falls in the product passage. When deformed, the passage forming plate is deformed by the collision of the product without expanding and contracting, acts as a cushion at the time of the product collision, and a part of the kinetic energy of the product is absorbed by the deformation of the passage forming plate. Speed can be reduced.

Further, an engaging pin which is penetrated at both ends thereof and is fixed between the left and right side plates which are opposed to each other and a small curved portion of the passage forming plate so that the engaging pin penetrates and protrudes toward the back side of the product passage. In the structure in which the cut-and-raised portion is formed and the engaging pin penetrating the cut-and-raise is configured to pivotally attach the passage forming plate to the left and right side plates, the pivoted portion of the passage forming plate has a large curved portion due to a collision of a product. Is slightly rotated so as to follow the deformation of the passage forming plate, the concentration of bending stress on the support portion of the passage forming plate can be avoided as compared with the fixed support, and the passage forming plate can be prevented from being deformed or cracked due to repeated stress.

[0035] In addition to the above-described structure, a second engagement pin whose both ends penetrate and is axially fixed between the left and right side plates opposing each other and a back surface of the product passage through which the second engagement pin passes. A second cut-and-raised portion is provided in the vicinity of the small curved portion of the passage-forming plate so as to protrude in the direction, and a second engagement pin penetrating the second cut-and-raise allows the passage-forming plate to be attached to the left and right side plates. In the case of the structure equipped with the shaft, the lower part of the large curved portion is bent downward and closer to the horizontal than the conventional large arc portion due to the deformation of the passage forming plate, so that the friction between the product and the passage forming plate is reduced. The force increases and causes clogging of the product. However, the upper portion of the small curved portion, that is, the lower portion of the large curved portion is axially mounted with the engaging pin, thereby restricting the passage forming plate from falling too much and approaching horizontal. Therefore, product clogging can be prevented.

Further, a single heavy car in which the passage forming plate is pre-processed to have an omega cross section and both ends thereof are projected from both side ends of the passage forming plate.
A ring portion is provided, and both protruding portions of the single heavy curling portion are passed through the mounting holes provided on the left and right side plates to support the passage forming plate, and a portion of the passage forming plate is bent multiple times. The multi-curved part is formed by pre-working the multi-folded part into a curling shape and projecting both ends from both side ends of the passage forming plate.
A structure which supports the passage forming plate by penetrating both protruding portions of the ring portion and the multiple curling portion through the mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates, and a passage which passes through the mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates. With a structure in which the ends of both the protruding portions of the single heavy curling portion or the multiple curling portion of the forming plate are pushed out and the passage forming plate is locked to the left and right side plates, the left and right side plates are bridged. Since the curling is provided, there is no longer a weak portion such as a joint between the cylindrical sleeve-shaped locking piece and the passage forming plate on both sides of the conventional passage forming plate, and the passage is formed by repeated collision of the product. Plate deformation can be prevented. In addition, since the curling process can be performed continuously without cutting the material, it does not hinder line production.

[0037] Preferably, the strength of the support portion can be further improved by multiple processing of the curling portion. In addition, it is possible to prevent loosening of the crimped portion caused by insufficient strength of the joint portion, so that it can be securely locked.

Further, a reinforcing member in which the strength of a portion of the passage forming plate is increased by, for example, folding a portion of the passage forming plate in multiple layers or increasing the thickness of a portion of the material, and a passage forming plate. A projection in which the reinforcing portion of the plate protrudes from both ends of the passage forming plate, a structure in which the projection passes through the mounting hole provided in the left and right side plates to support the passage forming plate, and a structure provided on the left and right side plates In the structure where the tip of the projection of the passage forming plate penetrating through the mounting hole is bent to lock the passage forming plate on the left and right side plates, depending on the product type when the product falls while meandering in the product passage It often follows the same trajectory, and the plastic part of the passage forming plate is partially deformed by multiple folds or thickening the material of the passage forming plate at the same place where the product is repeatedly hit. Can prevent And thus.

Further, as in the case of the conventional support by the curling for supporting the passage forming plate through the mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates through the reinforcing portions, the cylindrical grooves on both sides of the conventional passage forming plate.
There is no longer a weak portion such as a joint between the tab-shaped locking piece and the passage forming plate, and the product can be prevented from being deformed due to repeated collision. In addition, multiple bending, cutting and rolling to reduce the thickness of the material can be performed continuously without cutting the material, and thus do not hinder line production.

In addition, since it is possible to prevent the crimped portion from being loosened due to the insufficient strength of the joint portion, it is possible to securely lock.

A reinforcing portion provided near the upper portion of the small curved portion of the passage forming plate, projections provided at both ends of the reinforcing portion,
Following the deformation of the passage-forming plate without expansion and contraction due to the collision of the product, it is provided on the left and right side plates that regulate the amount of deformation of the passage-forming plate by freely penetrating the protrusion that rotates from the small bend. With the fan-shaped hole, the reinforcement of the passage forming plate slightly rotates from the small curved portion so as to follow the deformation of the large curved portion due to the collision of the product. Concentration of bending stress on the part can be avoided, and deformation of the passage forming plate and cracks due to repeated stress can be prevented beforehand.
In addition, since the passage forming plate is deformed under the large curved portion without expanding and contracting due to the collision of the product, the lower portion of the large curved portion approaches the horizontal level by bending as compared to the conventional lower portion of the large arc portion, so that friction is reduced. Although the force increases and causes clogging of the product, the clogging of the product can be prevented since the lower part of the fan-shaped hole and the projection are provided to prevent the passage forming plate from falling too close to horizontal.

[0042]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a product storage device 5 of a vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the product storage device 5 of the vending machine according to the first embodiment.

1 and 2, reference numeral 27 denotes a product passage.
The commodities 7 are stacked and stored in a meandering manner between the left and right side plates 28a and 28b that are opposed to and upright. Reference numeral 29 denotes a passage forming plate which forms a product passage 27 between the adjacent passage forming plates 29, 29. Each of the passage forming plates 29 has a small curved portion (small arc portion) in the vertical direction in the shape after assembly.
29a and a large curved portion (large arc portion) 29b alternately form a meandering cross-sectional shape. Adjacent passage forming plates 29, 29
The small curved portion 29a and the large curved portion 29b that are alternately arranged in the vertical direction are arranged to face each other so that the interval between the product passages 27 is substantially constant. For the passage forming plate 29, a flat plate material is used without using a pre-process for forming a meandering cross-sectional shape in advance, and in addition, the material has a smaller modulus of longitudinal elasticity than a conventional steel plate, and has the same strength as a deflection. Use easy-to-use aluminum, duralumin, reinforced resin, etc., reduce the thickness of steel plates of conventional materials to 0.4 mm or less, or
For example, means for increasing the secondary moment of the cross-section and increasing the rigidity of the workpiece, for example, to minimize the processing for increasing the rigidity of the passage-forming plate 29 are provided. Reference numeral 30 denotes a protruding piece which is formed in a square shape having a chamfered portion 30a at an end thereof protruding from both side ends of the passage forming plate 29 and having good insertability, and having an appropriate interval so as to secure the supporting strength of the passage forming plate 29. Many are adjusted.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a mounting hole, which is provided on the left and right side plates 28a, 2a.
8b is provided along the meandering cross-sectional shape after the passage forming plate 29 is assembled in accordance with the arrangement interval of the protruding pieces 30.
Protruding piece 3 of passage forming plate 29 that is deflected for assembly
0 is passed through to support the passage forming plate 29 in a meandering cross-sectional shape. Numeral 32 is a spacing pin, both ends of which penetrate through an engagement hole 33 provided in the left and right side plates 28a, 28b, and a plurality of pins are appropriately arranged so that the distance between the left and right side plates 28a, 28b is not widened. 28a and 28b.

Incidentally, reference numeral 9 denotes a loading port, and 10 denotes a product discharging mechanism. The other configuration is basically the same as that of the conventional example, so that the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the merchandise storage device of the vending machine according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

First, the passage forming plate 29 is made of a material having a small longitudinal modulus of elasticity and having the same strength and being easily bent, or a material having a small thickness or a secondary cross section. The passage forming plate 29 is provided with a means for easily bending, for example, by minimizing the processing for increasing the rigidity and increasing the rigidity, and the meandering shape after the passage forming plate 29 is assembled to the left and right side plates 28a and 28b. By inserting the bent protruding piece 30 of the passage forming plate 29 into the mounting hole 31 arranged along the cross-sectional shape at the interval of the protruding pieces 30 of the passage forming plate 29, Even without using a pre-process of forming a meandering cross-sectional shape on the product passage 27,
Has a meandering cross-sectional shape in which the small curved portions 29a and the large curved portions 29b alternate in the vertical direction. In addition, the passage forming plate 29
Are arranged so that the small curved portion 29a and the large curved portion 29b face each other, and a plurality of interval holding pins 32 are appropriately arranged so that the interval between the left and right side plates 28a and 28b is not widened. , A meandering product passage 27 is formed.

Since the product storage device of the vending machine according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, it is unnecessary to perform a pre-processing such as a large-size pressing for integrally forming the passage forming plate 29. Therefore, the setup change loss time due to the change of the production model is eliminated, a series of line production from the material to the assembly can be constructed, and the production lead time can be shortened. Furthermore, when the thickness of the material of the passage forming plate 29 is reduced, the rationalization of the material can be achieved, and labor costs can be reduced by eliminating the pre-processing, so that an inexpensive vending machine can be provided.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a product storage device 5 of a vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the product storage device 5 of the vending machine according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, portions common to the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof is omitted.

3 and 4, reference numeral 34 denotes a passage forming plate 2;
In the small curved portion pre-processed to 9, the small curved portion forming a part of the meandering cross-sectional shape in the first embodiment is formed to have a small radius of curvature by using a pre-process such as a press process. Reference numeral 35 denotes a protruding piece provided to protrude from both side ends of the small bending portion 34. The protruding piece 35 is formed wider than the other protruding pieces 30. Reference numeral 36 denotes a mounting hole, which has a small curved shape along the cross-sectional shape of the protruding piece 35, and the left and right side plates 28 pass through the protruding piece 35 and support the passage forming plate 29.
a, 28b.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following point. That is, the passage forming plate 29
Only the small curved portion 34 is formed by pre-processing.
The large curved portion 29b is curved in the assembling stage as in the case of the first embodiment.

The operation of the commodity storage device 5 of the vending machine of the second embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

First, in the pre-processing for molding the small curved portion 34, since integral molding including the large curved portion 29b is not required,
Since the production can be performed by a production means suitable for line production such as press working of constant pitch feed, the processing can be performed without obstructing the line production of the product storage device 5.
4, the radius of curvature of the large curved portion 29b is also reduced to make the interval between the product passages 27 substantially constant, the meandering width is reduced, and the depth dimension of the product storage device 5 is reduced.

Since the product storage device of the vending machine according to the second embodiment is configured as described above, the small bending portion 34 and the large bending portion 29 are used to make the space between the product passages 27 substantially constant.
The radius of curvature b can be reduced, and the depth dimension of the product storage device 5 can be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a product storage device 5 of a vending machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a sectional operation view of a passage forming plate when a product collides with an upper portion of a large curved portion of a product storage device 5 of a vending machine according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional operation view of the passage forming plate when a product collides with the middle of the large curved portion of the product storage device 5 of the vending machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional operation view of the passage forming plate when a product collides with the lower part of the large curved portion of the product storage device 5 of the vending machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional operation view showing a posture change when a product collides with a large curved portion of the product storage device 5 of the vending machine of the third embodiment.

5 to 9, reference numeral 37 denotes a product passage.
The commodities 7 are stacked and stored while meandering in the vertical direction between the left and right side plates 38a and 38b that are opposed to stand upright. Reference numeral 39 denotes a passage forming plate which forms a product passage 37 between the adjacent passage forming plates 39, 39. Each of the passage forming plates 39 has a meandering cross-sectional shape in which small curved portions 39a and large curved portions 39b are alternately connected in the up-down direction in the assembled shape. Adjacent passage forming plates 39, 39 are small curved portions 3 that are alternately connected in the vertical direction so that the intervals between the product passages 37 are substantially constant.
9a and the large curved portion 39b are arranged to face each other. Further, as in the first embodiment, a flat plate material is used for the passage forming plate 39 without using a pre-process of forming a meandering cross-sectional shape in advance, and the longitudinal elastic coefficient of the material is smaller than that of a conventional steel plate.
Use aluminum, duralumin, reinforced resin, etc. that can easily bend while having the same strength, or reduce the thickness of the steel sheet to 0.4 mm or less, or use a secondary cross-sectional moment such as bead processing. Means for making the passage forming plate 39 easily bendable, such as minimizing the processing of increasing the rigidity. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the passage forming plate 39 assembled between the left and right side plates 38a, 38b and having a meandering cross-sectional shape collides with the product 7 when the product 7 falls in the product passage 37. To be deformed without expanding and contracting.

The small curved portion 39a of the passage forming plate 39 is engaged between the left and right side plates 38a, 38b by an engaging pin 40, and the large curved portion 39b of the passage forming plate 39 expands and contracts due to the collision of the product 7. Deform without doing.

Both ends of the engaging pin 40 pass through the engaging holes 80 of the left and right side plates 38a, 38b which stand upright to face each other, so that the large curved portion 39b is easily deformed without expanding and contracting. The shafts are fixed so as to provide a slight gap between the side plates 38 a and 38 b and both ends of the passage forming plate 39. 41
Each of the small curved portions 3 of the passage forming plate 39 is cut and raised so that the engaging pin 40 penetrates and projects in the direction of the rear surface of the product passage 37.
A pair of left and right side plates 38a is formed by a pair of right and left 9a, and an engagement pin 40 that penetrates the cut-and-raised portion 41.
38b.

The operation of the merchandise storage device of the vending machine according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

First, when the commodity 7 falls along the commodity passage 37 with FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the collision of the commodity 7 causes the passage forming plate 39 to change from the state shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. Product 7 deforms without expanding and contracting to the shape of a square
Acts as a cushion in the event of a collision,
A part of the kinetic energy is absorbed by the deformation of the passage forming plate 39, and the speed of the product 7 is reduced. Further, when the product 7 collides with the passage forming plate 39 in a state of being inclined as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, the passage forming plate 39 is deformed into a U-shape without expanding and contracting. The path forming plate 39 is deformed into a U-shape without expanding and contracting so as to enclose the product 7 in combination with the large curved portion 39b while contacting and along with the restoring action of the large curved portion 39b.
The product 7 moves to the deepest portion of the V-shape shown by the solid line in FIG. 9 while changing the posture so as to be horizontal in the horizontal direction. As a result, the posture control is performed so that the product 7 is horizontal in the horizontal direction. . Further, as shown in FIG. 6 to FIG.
Since the passage forming plate 39 is deformed without expanding and contracting following the falling of the product, the contact time between the product 7 and the passage forming plate 39 can be lengthened. Since the attitude control of the product 7 during the fall of the product in the passage 37 is further added, the product passage 3 of the product 7 is added.
Product clogging due to product standing in 7 is prevented.

Further, when the goods 7 collide, the passage forming plate 39
Is deformed without expanding and contracting, and acts as a cushion, so that the collision sound of the product 7 is reduced. In addition, as compared with the conventional rigid passage-forming plate, the passage-forming plate 39 when the product 7 collides.
Since the wavelength of the vibration generated in the filter becomes longer, high-frequency noise can be suppressed, and the passage forming plate 39 can be reduced in noise without using a number of long holes or beads used in the conventional example. Therefore, there is no need to repeat the trial production and test for determining the shape of the long hole or the bead, or the production period of the mold, thereby reducing the development lead time.

The small curved portion 39a of the passage forming plate 39 is engaged with the left and right side plates 38a, 38b via the engaging pins 40, and the large curved portion 39b is not engaged, so that the large curved portion 39b is not engaged. 39b can be utilized to the maximum extent, and the attitude control of the product 7 can be performed in a maximum range.
Posture becomes more stable.

Further, since the shaft attachment portion of the passage forming plate 39 slightly rotates so as to follow the deformation of the large curved portion 39b due to the collision of the product 7, the concentration of bending stress on the small curved portion 39a is smaller than that of the fixed support. This prevents the passage forming plate 39 from being deformed and the passage forming plate 39 from being cracked due to repeated bending stress.

Since the product storage device of the vending machine of the third embodiment is configured as described above, the passage forming plate 39 is deformed without expanding and contracting when the product 7 collides, and acts as a cushion. Since the speed of the product 7 decreases and the contact time between the product 7 and the passage forming plate 39 increases, the posture control can be added for a long time, and the product passage 37 of the product 7 can be applied.
Product clogging due to product standing inside can be prevented. Furthermore, the collision sound generated when the product 7 collides is reduced, and the wavelength of the generated vibration becomes longer, so that high-frequency noise can be suppressed, and the long holes and beads conventionally provided for noise reduction become unnecessary. And the development lead time can be reduced.

Further, by engaging the small curved portion 39a of the passage forming plate 39 with the engagement pin 40, the posture of the product 7 can be controlled within a maximum range, and the posture of the product 7 can be more stabilized. Can be done.

Further, since the shaft attachment portion of the passage forming plate 39 is slightly rotated, concentration of bending stress on the small curved portion 39a is avoided, and deformation of the passage forming plate 39 and deformation of the passage forming plate 39 due to repeated bending stress are prevented. Cracks can be prevented beforehand.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a product storage device 5 of a vending machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional operation view of a passage forming plate when a product collides with a lower portion of a large curved portion of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a fourth embodiment. This fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment except for the points described below.
Components similar to those of the third embodiment are configured in the same manner as those of the third embodiment.

In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, reference numeral 42 denotes a second engagement pin, the both ends of which are opposed to each other and the right and left side plates 3
The left and right side plates 38a, 38b penetrate through the engaging holes 81 of 8a, 38b so that the large curved portion 39b is easily deformed without expanding and contracting.
The shaft is fixed so as to provide a slight gap between 38b and both ends of the passage forming plate 39. Reference numeral 43 denotes a second cut-and-raised portion, and a pair of right and left portions is formed near the upper portion of the small curved portion 39a of the passage forming plate 39 so that the second engaging pin 42 penetrates and projects in the direction of the rear surface of the product passage 37. The vicinity of the upper side of the small curved portion 39a of the passage forming plate 39 is axially mounted by the second engaging pin 42 penetrating the cut-and-raised portion 43.

The operation of the commodity storage device of the vending machine according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above will now be described.
A description will be given in comparison with the embodiment.

In the third embodiment, when the product 7 falls down the product path 37 and collides below the large curved portion 39b,
Since the passage forming plate 39 is deformed without expanding and contracting to the shape of a V-shape shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, the lower piece of the V-shape flexes downward and approaches the horizontal, and the product 7 and the passage-forming plate 39 The frictional force between them increases, causing the product 7 to be clogged. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, in the third embodiment, it is necessary to adjust and determine the amount of deflection of the passage forming plate 39. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the vicinity of the upper side of the small curved portion 39a, that is, the lower side of the large curved portion 39b is axially attached with the second engagement pin 42, so that the lower side of the large curved portion 39b is shown as a solid line in FIG. , And prevents the lower piece of the U-shape from approaching horizontal, thereby suppressing an increase in the frictional force between the product 7 and the passage forming plate 39 which causes the product 7 to be clogged.

The product storage device of the vending machine according to the fourth embodiment is configured as described above, so that the small bending portion 39a
The second engagement pin 42 is used to axially attach the vicinity of the upper part of the product, that is, the lower part of the large curved portion 39b, to restrict the passage forming plate 39 from being excessively lowered due to bending and approaching the horizontal direction.
Clogging can be prevented.

FIGS. 12 (a), (b), (c), (d)
It is a figure showing each part of goods storage device 5 of a vending machine in a 5th embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is basically configured in the same manner as the first embodiment, but differs in the following points.

In FIG. 12 (a), reference numeral 44 denotes a single heavy curling portion. The small curved portion 45a of the passage forming plate 45 is pre-processed into a substantially omega (Ω) shape, and both end portions 44a are formed on both sides of the passage forming plate 45. It is formed so as to protrude from the end. FIG.
In (b) and (c), reference numeral 46 denotes a mounting hole,
The passage forming plate 45 is passed through the end 44a of the ring portion 44.
Are provided on the left and right side plates 47a, 47b.

In FIG. 12 (d), reference numeral 48 denotes a multiple curling portion. The small curving portion 45a of the passage forming plate 45 is folded multiple times (in this drawing, it is double-folded), and this multiple bending portion is shown. The portion is pre-processed in a curling shape, and both end portions 48a are formed to protrude from both side ends of the passage forming plate 45. Both ends 48a of the multiple curling section 48
Similarly to the single heavy curling portion 44, the left and right side plates 47a,
47b.

The end 44a of the single-curling portion 44
Has its tip pushed out to form a caulking portion 44b,
The passage forming plate 45 is locked to the left and right side plates 47a and 47b.

The operation of the merchandise storage device of the vending machine of the fifth embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

First, since the curling process is a production means suitable for line production because the material can be continuously processed without cutting the material, the process can be performed without obstructing the production of the product storage device. A single heavy curling portion 44 penetrating the left and right side plates 47a, 47b is provided on the passage forming plate 45. The passage forming plate 45 has cylindrical sleeve-like locking pieces on both sides of the conventional passage forming plate. Since there is no weak portion such as a joint portion between the product and the passage forming plate, and the single curling portion 44 is bridged between the left and right side plates 47a and 47b, the product 7 is resistant to deformation due to repeated collision of the product 7. As a result, the support strength of the passage forming plate 45 is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (d), by multiplexing the curling process, the supporting strength is further improved.

By providing the caulked portion 44b which has been subjected to caulking to push the tip of the single-weight curling portion 44 or the multiple curling portion 48, the slack of the caulked portion caused by insufficient supporting strength is prevented. The passage forming plate 45 is securely locked to the left and right side plates 47a and 47b.

Since the product storage device of the vending machine according to the fifth embodiment is constructed as described above, it is resistant to deformation due to repeated collision of the product 7 and the support strength of the passage forming plate 45 is improved. Of the passage forming plate 45 can be prevented, and the left and right side plates 47a, 47 of the passage forming plate 45 can be prevented.
The strength of attachment to b can be ensured and improved, and it can be securely locked together.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a reinforcing portion of the product storage device 5 of the vending machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is formed by multiple folding. FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a reinforcing portion in which the thickness of a material of a product storage device 5 of a vending machine is increased in another example of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, reference numeral 49 denotes a product passage, which stores the products 7 in a meandering manner between the left and right side plates 50a and 50b which are vertically opposed to each other. 51
Is a passage forming plate, which forms a product passage 49 when assembled to both side plates 50a, 50b, and has a meandering cross-sectional shape in which small curved portions 51a and large curved portions 51b are alternately connected in the vertical direction,
The small curved portions 51a and the large curved portions 51b that are alternately connected in the vertical direction are arranged to face each other so that the intervals between the product passages 49 are substantially constant. Also, for the passage forming plate 51, a plate material that does not use pre-processing for molding the small curved portion 51a in advance is used,
The means described in the second embodiment is applied so that the passage forming plate 51 is easily bent.
Is engaged between the left and right side plates 50a and 50b so that when the product 7 falls in the product path 49, the large curved portion 51b is deformed by the collision of the product 7 without expansion and contraction. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 52 a denotes a reinforcing portion, in which a part of the passage forming plate 51 is multiply folded (triple in FIG. 13) to increase the strength of a part of the passage forming plate 51, and a large portion which is repeatedly hit by the product 7 It is provided substantially at the center in the vertical direction of the curved portion 51b. Similarly, in FIG. 14, reference numeral 52b denotes a reinforcing portion, which is formed by increasing the thickness of the material so as to have the same strength at the same position as the reinforcing portion 52a in FIG. In addition, in order to increase the thickness of the material, a method of overlapping and joining the reinforcing plates may be used.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 53a denotes a first reinforcing and projecting portion which reinforces a portion of the passage forming plate 51 by folding it over multiple portions (in FIG. 13, triple). Projecting from both side edges of the first reinforcing and projecting portion 53
a are provided above the large curved portion 51b, that is, near the lower portion of the small curved portion 51a so that both end portions of the hole a pass through the mounting holes 54 provided in the left and right side plates 50a and 50b and support the passage forming plate 51. I have.

Similarly, in FIG. 14, reference numeral 53b denotes a first reinforcing and projecting portion which is made thicker and has the same strength as the first projecting portion 53a of FIG.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 55a denotes a projection which is obtained by folding the small curved portion 51a in multiple layers (3 in FIG. 13).
(Heavy) A part of the small curved portion 51a reinforced and molded to have a small radius of curvature by pre-processing is provided so as to protrude from both side ends. Similarly, in FIG. 14, reference numeral 55b denotes a protrusion, which is formed by increasing the thickness of the material so as to have the same strength at the same position as the protrusion 55a in FIG. 56 is a mounting hole,
The left and right side plates 50a and 50b are formed to have a small curved shape along the cross-sectional shape of the projection 55a and to penetrate the projection 55a to support the passage forming plate 51.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, reference numeral 57 denotes an engaging bent portion, and the first reinforcing / projecting portion 53a or the first reinforcing portion 53a of the passage forming plate 51 penetrating the mounting hole 54 provided in the left and right side plates 50a, 50b. 1 shows a state in which the distal ends of both end portions of the reinforcing and projecting portion 53b are bent, and the passage forming plate 51 is locked to the left and right side plates 50a, 50b.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 58a denotes a second reinforcing / projecting portion which folds and reinforces a part of the passage forming plate 51 in multiple layers (in FIG. 13, three folds). Protruding from both side ends of the second reinforcing and projecting portion 58
a pass through the fan-shaped hole 59, which is a hole serving as a locking means provided in the left and right side plates 50a, 50b.
1 is provided below the large curved portion 51b, that is, near the upper portion of the small curved portion 51a. FIG. 1
In 4, reference numeral 58 b denotes a second reinforcing and projecting portion, which is formed by increasing the thickness of the material so as to have the same strength at the same position as the second reinforcing and projecting portion 58 a in FIG. Fan-shaped hole 5
Reference numeral 9 designates the rotation starting point of the second reinforcing and projecting portion 58a that rotates following the small bending portion 51a, following the deformation of the large bending portion 51b without expansion and contraction due to the collision of the product 7, and To form a fan shape.

The sixth embodiment shown in FIG.
The operation of the embodiment and the merchandise storage device of another example of the vending machine shown in FIG. 14 will be described below.

First, since multiple bending, cutting and rolling to reduce the thickness of the material can be performed continuously without cutting the material, it can be processed without obstructing line production. Of the product 7 when the product 7 falls while meandering in the product path 49. Of the passage forming plate 51, which repeatedly hits the product 7 at substantially the same place, is reinforced in multiple layers, or the reinforcing portion 52a is reinforced by increasing the thickness of the material. By providing the portion 52b, partial plastic deformation of the passage forming plate 51 is prevented.

Further, the first reinforcing and projecting portions 53a and 53b are obtained by folding a part of the passage forming plate 51 in a multiplex manner (triple in FIG. 13) or by partially increasing the thickness of the material.
Are supported by the passage forming plate 51 through the mounting holes 54 provided in the left and right side plates 50a and 50b, similarly to the support by the curling in the fifth embodiment. There is no weak part such as a joint between the cylindrical sleeve-shaped locking pieces on both sides of the conventional passage forming plate 14 and the passage forming plate, and the first reinforcing member is provided between the left and right side plates 50a and 50b. Since the projections 53a and 53b are bridged, the product 7
Of the passage forming plate 51
Is improved.

Further, the first reinforcing and projecting portions 53a, 53a,
By the engagement bent 57 which bends both ends of 3b, like the support by the curling in the fifth embodiment,
Since it is possible to prevent the caulking portion from being loosened due to insufficient strength of the conventional joint portion between the passage forming plate and the locking piece, the passage forming plate 51 is securely locked to the left and right side plates 50a and 50b.

In addition, the commodity 7 falls down the commodity passage 49,
When the large curved portion 51b is deformed into a V-shape without expanding and contracting due to the collision of the product 7, the second reinforcing and projecting portions 58a, 58
b follows the deformation of the large curved portion 51b due to the collision of the product 7, and rotates slightly from the small curved portion 51a, so that the small curved portion 51a is smaller than the fixed support as in the first reinforcing and projecting portions 53a, 53b. Concentration of bending stress on the passage forming plate 51 can be avoided, and cracks due to deformation and repetitive stress of the passage forming plate 51 can be prevented. Further, since the passage forming plate 51 is deformed under the large curved portion 51b without expanding and contracting due to the collision of the product 7, the lower portion of the large curved portion 51b becomes closer to horizontal due to the bending than the conventional lower portion of the large arc-shaped portion. Therefore, the frictional force between the product 7 and the passage forming plate 51 increases, which causes clogging of the product. However, the lower end of the fan-shaped hole 59 and both ends of the second reinforcing and projecting portions 58a, 58b abut. Since the passage forming plate 51 is restricted from becoming too horizontal and approaching horizontal, an increase in the frictional force between the product 7 and the passage forming plate 51 which causes the product 7 to be clogged is suppressed.

Since the product storage device of the vending machine according to the sixth embodiment and another example is configured as described above, the product 7
By providing the reinforcing portion 52a reinforced by repeatedly folding and reinforced the portion subjected to repeated collision of the above, or the reinforcing portion 52b reinforced by increasing the thickness of the material, partial plastic deformation of the passage forming plate 51 can be prevented, It is possible to prevent the product 7 from being clogged by being caught in the deformed portion of the passage forming plate 51.

Further, since the product 7 is resistant to deformation due to repeated collisions and the support strength of the passage forming plate 51 is improved, the engagement bent 57 can be prevented from being loosened, and the passage forming plate 51 can be attached to the left and right side plates 50a, 50b. As a result, the mounting strength can be secured and improved, and it can be securely locked together.

In addition, since the passage forming plate 51 slightly rotates from the small bending portion 51a as a starting point, the small bending portion 5
Concentration of bending stress on 1a can be avoided, and deformation of the passage forming plate 51 and cracks due to repeated stress can be prevented. Further, a portion above the small bending portion 51a, that is, the large bending portion 51
b, the fan-shaped hole 59 and the second reinforcing and projecting portions 58a, 5b
Since the both ends of 8b are in contact with each other, the passage forming plate 51 is prevented from falling too low and approaching horizontal, so that the product 7 can be prevented from being clogged.

The arrangement of the folded end face of the fold portion of the reinforcing portion and the reinforcing and projecting portion of the passage forming plate 51 is set such that the bent end face facing the inside of the product passage 49 is provided on the lower side. By providing the bent end face facing the outside of 49 on the upper side, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to prevent the product 7 from being caught on the bent end face when dropped and clogging the product.

Further, by increasing the thickness of the reinforcing portion and the reinforcing and projecting portion of the passage forming plate 51 to the outside of the product passage 49, no step is formed in the product passage 49, so that the product 7 falls. An effect is obtained in that it is possible to prevent the product from being caught by the step and sometimes clogged.

Further, when the multiple folded portions are joined by spot welding or the like, the opening of the bent portion can be prevented, and the effect that the strength is further improved can be obtained.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the passage forming plate for forming the product passage is bent and formed into a meandering cross-sectional shape at the time of assembly, the meandering shape of the passage forming plate is formed. The need for pre-processing such as large-size press working for integrated molding is eliminated, eliminating setup change loss time due to changes in production models, enabling a series of line processing from material to assembly, reducing production lead time. can do.

In particular, the passage forming plate is made of a material having a smaller longitudinal elastic modulus than the conventional material, or the material thickness of the material is made thinner, or the secondary moment of the cross section such as bead processing is increased and the rigidity is increased. By making the passage forming plate easy to bend, such as minimizing the processing of heightening, by engaging the left and right side plates at the assembly stage to bend the passage forming plate to form a meandering cross-sectional shape Since there is no need for pre-processing such as large-scale press working to integrally mold the passage forming plate, there is no setup change time due to changes in production models, so a series of line production from material to assembly can be performed. Lead time can be reduced.

Further, even if the cross-sectional shape of the small curved portion of the passage forming plate is formed by pre-processing, since integral molding is unnecessary,
The production means suitable for line production, such as press working with constant pitch feed, can be used, and the radius of curvature of the small curved portion can be reduced, so that the meandering width can be reduced and the depth dimension of the product storage device can be reduced.

Further, since the passage forming plate provided with the means for making it easy to bend is engaged between the left and right side plates so that the passage forming plate is deformed by the collision of the product without expansion and contraction, Acts as a cushion at the time of product collision, the kinetic energy of the product is absorbed, the speed is reduced, and the passage forming plate is deformed without expanding and contracting so as to wrap the product, and the posture control force that makes the product horizontal is improved, Further, since the passage forming plate is deformed following the falling of the product, the contact time between the product and the passage forming plate is lengthened, the posture control force is further improved, and the standing of the product can be prevented.

Since the passage forming plate acts as a cushion at the time of a product collision, the product collision sound can be reduced. In addition, since the wavelength of vibration generated at the time of a product collision becomes longer than that of a conventional rigid passage-forming plate, high-frequency noise can be suppressed. Further, many long holes and beads for reducing noise are not required, and the development lead time can be reduced.

Further, by engaging and supporting the small curved portion of the passage forming plate with the left and right side plates, the deformation of the large curved portion due to the collision of the product can be maximized, and the posture control force can be further improved.

Further, since the passage forming plate is axially attached to the left and right side plates by the engagement pins that penetrate the cut and raised portions of the small curved portion of the passage forming plate protruding in the direction of the back surface of the product passage, the large curved portion is deformed. , The passage forming plate slightly rotates to avoid concentration of bending stress on the small curved portion, and it is possible to prevent the passage forming plate from being deformed or cracked due to repeated stress.

Further, since the engagement pin penetrates the cut-and-raised portion near the upper side of the small curved portion of the passage forming plate, and the passage forming plate is axially attached to the left and right side plates, the passage forming plate is too low to approach horizontal. As a result, the increase in the frictional force between the product and the passage forming plate which causes the product to be clogged is suppressed, and the product can be prevented from being clogged.

Further, a single heavy curving machine in which a substantially omega-shaped section is pre-machined on the passage forming plate by using a curling machine which can be continuously machined and does not hinder the production of the line, and both ends of which are projected. Since the passage forming plate is supported by the left and right side plates at the ring portion or the multiple curling portion, the strength is weak as in the joint portion between the cylindrical sleeve-shaped locking piece and the passage forming plate on both sides of the conventional passage forming plate. Since there are no parts, deformation due to repeated collision of the product can be prevented.

Further, the front end of the single or multiple curling portion is pushed out to lock the passage forming plate on the left and right side plates, so that the strength of the conventional joint between the passage forming plate and the locking piece is improved. It is possible to prevent the crimped portion from being loosened due to the shortage, and to reliably lock the passage forming plate and the left and right side plates.

Further, a part of the passage forming plate may be folded multiple times using a multiple bending process which can be processed continuously and does not hinder the production of the line, a cutting process or a rolling process for reducing the thickness of the material, or the thickness of the material. By increasing the thickness and providing the reinforcing portion with increased strength, it is possible to prevent partial plastic deformation of the passage forming plate due to repeated collision of the product.

Further, the structure in which the reinforcing portion of the passage forming plate is supported by protrusions protruding from both side ends is the same as that of the above-mentioned support by the curling, and is formed by cylindrical sleeves on both sides of the conventional passage forming plate. There is no weak part such as a joint between the locking piece and the passage forming plate, and deformation due to repeated collision of the product can be prevented.

Further, since the tip of the projection of the passage forming plate is bent and the passage forming plate is locked to the left and right side plates, the slack of the swaged portion caused by insufficient strength of the conventional joint between the passage forming plate and the locking piece. Can be prevented, and the passage forming plate and the left and right side plates can be securely locked.

Further, in the vicinity of the upper side of the small curved portion of the passage forming plate, a protrusion that follows the deformation of the passage forming plate and rotates around the small curved portion as a starting point is freely penetrated, and the deformation below the passage forming plate is performed. By providing the fan-shaped holes for regulating the amount, the passage forming plate slightly rotates from the small curved portion as a starting point, so that concentration of bending stress can be avoided, and deformation of the passage forming plate and cracks due to repeated stress can be prevented. In addition, since the passage forming plate is deformed below the large curved portion due to the collision of the product, the lower portion of the large curved portion becomes closer to horizontal due to the bending than the conventional lower portion of the large arc portion, and the gap between the product and the passage forming plate is reduced. The frictional force increases and causes clogging of the product.However, the lower part of the fan-shaped hole and the projection abut, and the passage forming plate is lowered too much, thereby restricting the passage from approaching horizontally, thereby suppressing the increase in the frictional force. Product clogging can be prevented.

Further, by reducing the thickness of the material of the passage forming plate as a means of making it easier to bend, the material cost of the passage forming plate can be drastically reduced, and a large-sized mold for integrally molding becomes unnecessary. , Mold amortization cost can be reduced, and development lead time and manufacturing lead time can be reduced.
It is possible to reduce costs mainly in terms of labor costs in each process and to manufacture an inexpensive product storage device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a product storage device of the vending machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional operation view of a passage forming plate when a product collides with an upper portion of a large curved portion of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional operation view of a passage forming plate when a product collides with a middle portion of a large curved portion of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional operation view of a passage forming plate when a product collides with a lower portion of a large curved portion of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional operation view showing a posture change when a product collides with a large curved portion of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional operation view of a passage forming plate when a product collides with a lower portion of a large curved portion of a product storage device of a vending machine according to a fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 12 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are views showing respective parts of a fifth embodiment of a product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reinforced portion formed by multiple folding in a sixth embodiment of the product storage device of a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a reinforcing portion in which the thickness of a material of a product storage device of a vending machine according to another example of the sixth embodiment is increased.

FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional vending machine having a first structure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective perspective view of a product storage device of a conventional vending machine having a first structure.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a conventional product storage device of a vending machine having a first structure.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional product storage device of a vending machine having a first structure.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional product storage device of a vending machine having a second structure.

FIG. 20 is an assembly method of a conventional product storage device of a vending machine having a first structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 27, 37, 49 Commodity passages 28a, 38a, 47a, 50a Side plates 28b, 38b, 47b, 50b Side plates 29, 39, 45, 51 Passage forming plates 29a, 34, 39a, 51a Small bending portions 29b, 39b, 51b Large bending Part 32 Spacing holding pin 40 Engagement pin 41 Cut-and-raise 42 Second engaging pin 43 Second cut-and-raise 44 Single heavy curling part 46 Mounting hole 48 Multiple curling part 52a Reinforcement part 52b Reinforcement part 53a First Reinforcement and projection 53b First reinforcement and projection 54 Mounting hole 55a Projection 55b Projection 56 Mounting hole 57 Engagement bending 58a Second reinforcement and projection 58b Second reinforcement and projection 59 Fan-shaped hole

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hideaki Domoto 4-5-2-5 Takaidahondori, Higashi-Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Matsushita Refrigerator Co., Ltd. (72) Shinsaburo Fujita 4-5-2-5 Takaida-hondori, Higashi-Osaka-shi, Osaka No. Matsushita Refrigerating Machinery Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Wataru Iwase 4-5-2-5 Takaida Hondori, Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture No. 72 Matsushita Refrigerating Machinery Co., Ltd. (72) Hidekazu Nakano 4-4-2 Takaida Motodori, Higashi Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture No. 5 Matsushita Refrigeration Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-159155 (JP, A) JP-A-3-75991 (JP, A) JP-A-4-595 (JP, A) JP-A-9 -311980 (JP, A) Fully open Showa 60-112885 (JP, U) Fully open Showa 56-92285 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07F 11/00- 11/72 B23K 1/00 B32B 15/08

Claims (22)

(57) [Claims] 1. A product passage for vertically stacking and storing products meandering between left and right side plates opposing each other and formed by opposing elastic passage forming plates provided at a substantially constant interval. The passage forming plate has a meandering cross-sectional shape in which small curved portions and large curved portions alternate alternately in the vertical direction in order to make the interval substantially constant. A product storage device for a vending machine, characterized in that a plate is formed by flexing and the passage forming plate is engaged between the left and right side plates. 2. A product passage for vertically stacking and storing products meandering between left and right side plates opposed to each other and standing up and down is formed by opposed passage forming plates provided at substantially constant intervals. The passage forming plate has a meandering cross-sectional shape in which small curved portions and large curved portions alternate alternately in the vertical direction in order to make the interval substantially constant, and the meandering cross-sectional shape is a cross-section of the small curved portion. A vending machine characterized by having a structure in which a passage forming plate formed by pre-processing a shape is bent in an assembling stage and the passage forming plate is engaged between the left and right side plates. Product storage device. 3. A merchandise passage for vertically stacking and storing merchandise between left and right side plates opposed to each other and upright, and a small curved portion in the up and down direction in order to make a distance between opposed passage forming plates substantially constant. A large-curved portion is formed of a resilient passage forming plate having a meandering cross-sectional shape that is alternately continuous, and the passage forming plate expands and contracts due to collision of a product when the product falls in the product passage. It is structured to engage between the left and right side plates so as to deform without trouble, and the meandering cross-sectional shape is formed by bending the passage forming plate at the assembly stage, and the passage forming plate is sandwiched between the left and right side plates. A merchandise storage device for a vending machine, wherein the merchandise storage device has an engaging structure. 4. A meandering cross-sectional shape is formed by bending a passage-forming plate formed by pre-processing the cross-sectional shape of a small curved portion at an assembling stage, and connecting the passage-forming plate between left and right side plates. 4. The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the product storage device has a structure in which the product storage device is engaged. 5. A structure in which a small curved portion of the passage forming plate is engaged between the left and right side plates, and a large curved portion of the passage forming plate is deformed by a collision of a product without expansion and contraction. A vending machine product storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The merchandise storage device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the passage forming plate is formed of a material having a small longitudinal elasticity coefficient. 7. The merchandise storage device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said passage forming plate is formed of a flexible aluminum or duralumin. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the passage forming plate is made of a reinforced resin which is easily bent.
Item 6. The product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of items 6. 9. The merchandise storage device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said passage forming plate is formed of a thin steel plate having a plate thickness of 0.4 mm or less. 10. A plurality of projections are provided at both ends of the passage forming plate, and a plurality of projections are provided at positions corresponding to the meandering cross-sectional shape of the passage forming plate on the left and right side plates. The passage forming plate is attached to the left and right side plates by being inserted into a mounting hole.
Item 10. The product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of items 9. 11. An engaging pin whose both ends penetrate and is axially fixed between the left and right side plates opposing each other and the passage forming plate so that the engaging pin penetrates and protrudes in the direction of the rear surface of the product passage. The cut-and-raised portion is provided in the small curved portion, and the engaging pin penetrating the cut-and-raised portion is configured to axially attach the passage forming plate to the left and right side plates. A vending machine product storage device according to any one of the above. 12. A second engaging pin whose both ends penetrate and is axially fixed between the left and right side plates opposing each other, and the second engaging pin penetrates and projects in the direction of the rear surface of the product passage. A second cut-and-raised portion is provided in the vicinity of the small curved portion of the passage-forming plate so that the second engaging pin penetrates the second cut-and-raise and moves the passage-forming plate to the left and right. The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the product storage device is configured to be attached to the side plate. 13. A single heavy curling portion is formed on the passage forming plate in a pre-processed shape substantially omega in cross section, and both ends are projected from both side ends of the passage forming plate. The product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a portion is formed to penetrate through mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates to support the passage forming plate. 14. A structure in which both ends of the protruding portions of the single-weight curling portion penetrating through mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates are pushed open, and the passage forming plate is locked to the left and right side plates. The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 13, wherein: 15. A multiple curling portion wherein a part of the passage forming plate is bent in a multiplex manner, and the fold-folded portion is pre-processed into a curling shape, and both ends are projected from both side ends of the passage forming plate. 10. A structure for supporting the passage forming plate by passing both projecting portions of the multiple curling portion through mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates. Item storage device for a vending machine according to item 1. 16. A structure in which the front ends of both protruding portions of the multiple curling portion penetrating through mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates are expanded to lock the passage forming plate to the left and right side plates. The product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The automatic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the passage forming plate is folded in a multiplex manner to form a reinforcing portion in which the strength of the part of the passage forming plate is increased. Vending machine product storage device. 18. The reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein a reinforcing plate is formed by overlapping a reinforcing plate on a part of the passage forming plate and joining the reinforcing plate to increase the strength of a part of the passage forming plate. Product storage device of the vending machine described. 19. The reinforcing member according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the passage forming plate is provided with a reinforcing portion in which the thickness of a material is increased to enhance the strength of a portion of the passage forming plate. Vending machine product storage device. 20. A structure having projections protruding from both side ends of the passage forming plate, wherein the reinforcements pass through mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates to support the passage forming plate. 18. A structure according to claim 17, wherein:
20. A product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of 19 to 19. 21. The structure according to claim 20, wherein a tip of said projection portion passing through a mounting hole provided in said left and right side plates is bent to lock said passage forming plate to said left and right side plates. Product storage device of the vending machine described. 22. A reinforcing portion provided near an upper portion of the small curved portion of the passage forming plate, and projections provided at both ends of the reinforcing portion, the passage forming plate being deformed without expanding and contracting due to collision of the product. And a fan-shaped hole provided in the left and right side plates that regulates the amount of deformation of the passage forming plate by passing through the protrusion that rotates from the small bending portion as a starting point. A product storage device for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 21.