JP3736508B2 - Vending machine product unloading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a merchandise unloading device of a vending machine for sequentially pushing out box-type sales merchandise such as cigarettes stacked in a merchandise storage path from a lowest order product to a merchandise unloading path as required.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the product delivery device as described above, in order to store and sell a plurality of types of sales products (for example, cigarettes) having different length dimensions in one column of the product storage passage, An attachment that regulates the width of the product storage passage was prepared, and the attachment prepared in the product storage passage was mounted prior to filling with another type of sale product.
[0003]
However, if you forget to attach the attachment, the attitude of the sales product will collapse in the product storage passage, or even if you attach the attachment, if there are fewer sales products in the column, when removing the lowest product, The next sale product moves forward with the lowest product, and its front end hits the column wall. On the other hand, since the rear end of the next sale product falls on the product placement table below as the lowest product is pushed out, the next sale product becomes a bridge state bridging between the column wall and the product placement table. Sexuality is impaired.
[0004]
In order to avoid the occurrence of such a bridging phenomenon, there is a vending machine configured to use a reciprocating pusher to push out the lowest product when moving forward and to correct the attitude of the next sold product when moving backward. For example, it is disclosed in JP-A-55-85993 and JP-B-6-32120.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the vending machine disclosed in the former Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-85993 has a configuration in which the pusher is driven in two directions, the vertical direction with respect to the product mounting table and the horizontal direction along the product mounting table. The structure is complicated and requires strict dimensional accuracy, and requires precise assembly, which inevitably increases the manufacturing cost. In the latter configuration described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-32120, a large number of members are dispersedly arranged along the product mounting table, and the reciprocating motion of the pusher and these numerous members are linked to perform the required operation of the pusher. Therefore, the structure is more complicated than the former, and the same problem cannot be avoided.
[0006]
Therefore, the object of the present invention is not only to store and carry out a plurality of types of products in one column, but also to easily correct even if the attitude of the sold products collapses in the product storage passage. The object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine product carrying device with a simple structure.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, the product unloading device of the vending machine for sequentially pushing out the sales products stacked in the product storage passage from the lowest order product to the product unloading passage, A vertical portion disposed substantially vertically along a lower portion of the commodity storage passage, and connected to the vertical portion at a proximal end, and substantially from the vertical portion so as to be positioned below the lowest commodity. A horizontal portion extending horizontally, a guide portion formed in the vertical portion and the horizontal portion so as to extend in a substantially arc shape between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, a sales standby position guided by the guide portion, and A reciprocating motion between the product carry-out positions in a circular arc shape, and a slide arm having a pusher protruding upward from the horizontal portion at the tip, and engaging the slide arm between the sales standby position and the product carry-out position A drive unit that reciprocates in an arc shape, and a space for accommodating the pusher at the tip of the slide arm when the slide arm is at the sales standby position is opened at a connecting portion of the horizontal part and the vertical part. When the slide arm moves toward the product delivery position and the pusher exits the space, the slide arm is such that a portion at the coupling site is outside the opening. It is a feature.
[0008]
Moreover, in this product carry-out device, it is preferable that a tooth-like portion driven by the driving portion is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the slide arm that reciprocates in an arc shape.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts. Further, as will be understood from the following description, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
[0010]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a merchandise carry-out device of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a part of a vending machine in which the merchandise carry-out device in a sales standby state is incorporated. Show. As can be seen from these drawings, the housing of the product carry-out apparatus generally indicated by reference numeral 3 is configured in an L shape or a lateral T shape as a whole by engaging or fitting the left and right case portions 4, 5. Has been. Each case part 4, 5 is fitted into a recess 1 d formed at the lower end of the wall surface of the commodity storage column 1 of the vending machine and extends substantially vertically, and the vertical parts 4 a, 5 a It is comprised from the horizontal parts 4b and 5b which provide the stand which extends substantially horizontally and mounts the sales goods 2. FIG. The case portions 4 and 5 are preferably integrally formed with an appropriate resin (for example, ABS resin).
[0011]
Further, as can be seen from FIG. 7, locking claws 5c and 5d are formed on the upper and lower end surfaces of the vertical portions 4a and 5a (not shown in FIG. 1), and these locking claws 5c and 5d are The entire housing is assembled to the product storage column 1 by engaging with corresponding locking holes 1e and 1f formed in the upper and lower wall surfaces defining the recess 1d. The locking claw 5d is elastically deformed so as to be easily detachable from the lower wall so that the product carrying-out device 3 can be easily attached to and detached from the recess 1d, and the amount of protrusion is adjusted from the product storage passage 1a side. It is made possible.
[0012]
In addition, a space or an opening 11 is formed in the case portions 4 and 5 near the connection portion between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, and will be described later when the pusher 10 to be described later moves forward from the sales standby position to the product unloading position. A part of the sliding arm 8 that protrudes from the opening 11 (see FIGS. 8 to 11) receives the rear end portion of the next sale product 2b that falls and receives the next sale product 2b. The posture can be controlled by preventing the head from being inverted.
[0013]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the case parts 4 and 5 are configured to allow a part of the slide arm 8 to escape so as not to be interfered by the vertical part when the slide arm 8 is reciprocated as will be described later. Notches 19 and 20 are formed. Thereby, the dimension of the depth of the case parts 4 and 5 which is the longitudinal direction of the horizontal parts 4b and 5b is reduced. Although not denoted by reference numerals, for the same purpose, the vertical portions 4a and 5a are also provided with cutout portions to allow a part of the motor 6 (FIG. 1) constituting the drive portion of the slide arm 8 to escape.
[0014]
Further, when the stored product 2 is sold out, the sold-out detection arm 16 protruding from the horizontal portion 5b is released from the contact of the product 2 and protrudes toward the product storage passage 1a, and the switch 17 detects the sold-out of the product 2. Is. This switch 17, a switch 15, a motor 6, a gear train 7 (which together with the motor 6 constitute a drive unit of the slide arm 8) and the like are mounted on a substrate 9, and the substrate 9 is a vertical portion 5 a of the case unit 5. It is fixed by appropriate means. Although not shown, the right end of the sold-out detection arm 16 extends to the right in the horizontal portion 5b in FIG. The sold-out detection arm 16 swings every time the pusher 10 reciprocates, whereby the switch 17 which is a microswitch is also turned on / off. However, in this embodiment, the electric circuit (not shown) is designed to ignore the change in the state of the switch 17 during the operation of the motor 7 that drives the slide arm 8, and during the inoperative period of the motor 6. Only when there is a change in the state of the switch 17, it can be determined as “sold out”.
[0015]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the slide arm 8 formed in an arc shape reciprocates the pusher 10 for pushing out a product connected to the tip of the slide arm 8 on the horizontal portions 4 b and 5 b. Similarly, the slide arm guide groove (guide portion) 18 and the slide arm rail (guide portion) 18a formed in an arc shape on the inner surfaces of the vertical portions 4a and 5a and the horizontal portions 4b and 5b of the case portions 4 and 5, respectively. It is designed to reciprocate under guidance. The portions of the slide arm guide groove 18 and the slide arm rail 18a in the horizontal portions 4b and 5b are curved upward from substantially the center to the tip of the horizontal portion to allow the pusher 10 to move upward. A tooth-like portion 8a (see particularly FIG. 5) is formed on the outer peripheral portion (radially outer circumferential surface) of the slide arm 8, and this tooth-like portion 8a transmits the driving force of the motor 6 at a reduced speed. It meshes with the gear 7a of the gear train 7.
[0016]
Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 to 6, pins 8 b for engaging with the pusher 10 are provided from the left and right side surfaces near the tip of the slide arm 8. The pusher 10 includes a block-shaped pressing plate 10A that can come into contact with a product for sale, and left and right arm portions 10B that support the pressing plate 10A at the upper end and have a protruding portion 10b at the lower end. The pin 8b provided on the slide arm 8 is inserted into a curved long hole 10a provided on the arm portion 10B of the pusher 10, and the slide arm 8 is reciprocated so that the pusher 10 performs a desired motion. Accordingly, it is designed to be slidable in the long hole 10a.
[0017]
Further, a projecting portion 8 c that engages with the slide arm guide groove 18 and slides in the slide arm guide groove 18 is formed on the side surface of the slide arm 8. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slide arm 8 and the pusher 10 are integrally formed of resin (for example, polyacetal resin).
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the pusher 10 interlocked with the slide arm 8 is guided by a pusher guide groove 12 formed on the inner surface of the case portions 4 and 5, so that the horizontal portion It is designed to reciprocate on 4b and 5b. The size and shape of the pusher guide groove 12 and the elongated hole 10a are also set so that the protruding height from the horizontal portion gradually increases as the pusher 10 advances from the approximate center of the horizontal portions 4b and 5b to the tip portion. And when approaching the final stage of goods carrying out, most of the pusher 10 is set so that it may protrude ahead rather than the front-end | tip part of the horizontal parts 4b and 5b (refer FIGS. 8-11). As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the lowest-order product 2a is paid out to the product carry-out passage 1b, the next sale product 2b is lifted or supported by the pusher 10 and below the front end surface of the same sale product b. The edge is raised by a height h higher than the sales product having a constant height H, the space S of the opening 1c in front of the pusher 10 is expanded, and thus the lowest-order product 2a is surely paid out, This is to stabilize the posture when the next sale product 2b is dropped. The majority of the pusher guide groove 12 is the same as the slide arm guide groove 18, but the pusher guide groove 12 formed near the vertical portion branches off from the slide arm guide groove 18. It passes below.
[0019]
Further, the pusher 10 is provided with a pin 10c on a protruding portion 10b on the arm portion 10B. As shown particularly well in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pin 10 c includes protrusions 14 a formed at the front and rear ends of a box-shaped slide piece 14 that is reciprocally mounted in the horizontal portion 5 b, and the pusher 10. The both ends of the operation stroke are engaged with each other. That is, the slide piece 14 having the inclined step portion 14b operates when the pin 10c provided on the pusher 10 comes to the front end position and the rear end position of the slide piece 14, and the switch 15 (abutting on the inclined step portion 1b). For example, the position of the pusher 10 is detected by turning on / off a micro switch.
[0020]
The position detection information can be used to control the direction of rotation of the motor 6 to either forward or reverse to control the operation direction of the pusher 10. In the illustrated example, when the pusher 10 comes to the front ends of the horizontal portions 4b and 5b (the product delivery position in FIG. 6), the arm of the switch 15 gets over the inclined step portion 14b and is turned on, and the pusher 10 is turned on. It is designed so that the arm of the switch 15 is returned and turned OFF when it reaches the rear end of 4b and 5b (sales standby position in FIG. 5).
[0021]
Next, a front arm 13 of a resin molded product is swingably provided on the front side of the horizontal portions 4b and 5b. Although detailed illustration and description are omitted, the front arm 13 is formed so that its rear end is pivotally supported by a relatively front portion of the horizontal portion 4 b and swings up and down according to the position of the pusher 10. It is provided to control the attitude of the lowest-order product 2a, hold the product 2a, or promote payout. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the standby state, the front arm 13 abuts on the lower end of the lowermost product 2a and cooperates with the horizontal portions 4b and 5b so as to keep the posture of the product horizontal. And hold. As understood from FIGS. 8 to 10, the front arm 13 swings to the lower position when the pusher 10 moves forward and pushes the lowest product 2 a when pushing out the product. When the pusher 10 returns to the sales standby position again, it finally returns to a substantially horizontal state.
[0022]
Therefore, as in the past, when the number of stacked products is reduced and the product load applied to the bottom product is small from above, if the vending machine is shaken by mischief or the like, the posture of the bottom product becomes unstable. As a result, the product may fall from the opening, or the product posture may be disturbed and the product may become clogged at the time of sale. The bottom product 2a is in contact with the lower end of the lower product 2a and keeps the posture of the product horizontal, so that the lowest product 2a can be held stably and reliably regardless of the number of products 2 stored.
[0023]
In this way, the front arm 13 assists the dropping operation by retracting to a position where it does not interfere with the lowest-order product 2a that is unloaded and dropped in a series of product payout processes, while the pusher 10 is in the transition to the sales standby state. When it is going to move backward (when shifting from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the state shown in FIG. 7), the front arm 13 pivots upward to be in a substantially horizontal state and reliably holds the next sale product 2b that falls. It is like that.
[0024]
In addition, in order to assist the above-described product dropping operation, the length of the substantially horizontal front arm 13 protruding from the horizontal portions 4b and 5b is more than half of the horizontal length of the product 2 (length in the depth direction). It is set slightly shorter. This is because the fulcrum (front arm 13 tip) when the product 2 is pushed forward by the pusher 10 and is dropped is formed slightly in front, so that the posture can be quickly broken and rotated so that it can be quickly dropped. It is intended to do.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 10 and as described above, at the moment when the lowest product 2a falls into the product carry-out passage 1b, the pusher 10 supports the next sale product 2b and lifts its front end, A space S below the front end of the next sale product 2b can be expanded. When the lowest product 2a falls, the front arm 13 has already been pivoted to a position where it does not interfere with the fall, so the product 2a pivots counterclockwise in FIG. 10 and falls. At that time, the expansion space S described above becomes a space that facilitates the rotation of the product 2a, so that the rear end portion of the product 2a is not caught by the front end portion of the next sale product 2b, and the smooth product. Can be carried out.
[0026]
In addition, a main drive mechanism (motor 6, gear train 7, toothed portion 8 a of the slide arm 8) for operating the pusher 10 is provided in the vertical portions 4 a and 5 a of the case portions 4 and 5, and the substrate 9 is also vertical. Since it was provided in the parts 4a and 5a, the space can be used effectively, and the depth dimension of the vending machine can be reduced. In particular, by providing the slide arm 8 that operates in an arc shape inside the vertical portions 4a and 5a and the horizontal portions 4b and 5b of the case portions 4 and 5, a large operation stroke can be secured in a narrow space, and the device can be made compact. Has contributed to
[0027]
Further, since the tooth-like portion 8a that meshes with the gear train 7 that transmits the driving force of the motor 6 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the belt-like slide arm 8, the slide arm 8 can be operated reliably, and various gears With this combination, a predetermined driving force can be ensured even in a narrow space. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide the main drive mechanism in the horizontal portions 4b and 5b of the case portions 4 and 5, the horizontal portions 4b and 5b can be made thinner, and the number of goods stored can be increased. For example, when the product carry-out device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention is arranged in the product storage column under substantially the same conditions as the conventional technology, it has been confirmed that the number of products can be increased by about 100 in the entire vending machine.
[0028]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, it will be described how the product carry-out apparatus of the present invention is suitably adapted to carry out sales products of various sizes. FIG. 12 shows a case of a short sales product (the dimension in the depth direction is small). FIG. 12A shows a state in which the next sales product 2B is bridged just before the sales product 2A is delivered to the product delivery passage 1b by the forward movement of the pusher 10. (B) has shown the state which correct | amends the attitude | position of the next sale goods 2B bridge | crosslinked in the process in which the pusher 10 moves backward from (a) of FIG. FIGS. 13A and 13B show a case of a long sale product, and it may be considered that all items including the product carry-out device are the same except that the length of the sale product is different.
[0029]
In the case of a long sale product, when the pusher 10 moves backward, the rear end of the next sale product 2B ′ comes into contact with the portion of the slide arm 8 exposed on the horizontal portions 4a and 4b from the opening 11 (FIG. 1). Then, the posture of the next sale product 2B ′ is reliably corrected in cooperation with the operation in which the pusher 10 is brought into contact with and slides on the lower surface of the next sale product 2B ′. If it is assumed that a part of the slide arm 8 is not exposed from the opening 11, in other words, if the posture of the sales product is to be corrected only by the pusher 10, the rear end of the next sales product 2B ′ is horizontal and vertical. Since the second sales product 2B ′ is forcibly lifted by the backward movement of the pusher 10, the rear end of the next sales product 2B ′ is aligned with the pusher 10 and the vertical portion 4a. The product for sale may be damaged by being sandwiched between 5a and 5a, or in the worst case, it may cause a failure of the product carry-out device. However, as in the embodiment of the present invention, a part of the slide arm 8 is a horizontal portion. When it is on the upper side, the rear end of the next sale product 2B ′ gradually rides on this portion by the retracting pusher 10, so that the rear end of the sale product is not caught on the above-mentioned corner. .
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the product unloading device of the vending machine for sequentially extruding the sales products stacked in the product storage passage from the lowest order product to the product unloading passage is A vertical portion disposed substantially vertically along a lower portion of the product storage passage, and connected to the vertical portion at a proximal end, and substantially from the vertical portion so as to be positioned below the lowest-order product A horizontal portion extending horizontally, a guide portion formed in the vertical portion and the horizontal portion so as to extend substantially in an arc shape between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, a sales standby position and a commodity guided by the guide portion A reciprocating movement between the carry-out positions in an arc shape, and a slide arm having a pusher protruding upward from the horizontal portion at the tip, and an arc shape between the sales standby position and the product carry-out position by engaging with the slide arm Going to A space for accommodating the pusher at the tip of the slide arm when the slide arm is at the sales standby position, at the connecting portion of the horizontal portion and the vertical portion. When the slide arm moves toward the product delivery position and the pusher exits the space, the slide arm is characterized in that a portion at the coupling site is outside the opening. Therefore, not only the posture of the product for sale is corrected only by the backward movement of the pusher to the sales stand-by position, but also the sale is made to the arc-shaped slide arm part that protrudes on the horizontal part at the connecting part of the horizontal part and the vertical part. Since the attitude of the sales product is also corrected by pushing up the rear end of the product with a pusher, if you sell multiple types of products in one column But, it is also disturbed the posture of the goods sold in the product storage passage to fix easily and reliably.
[0031]
In addition, as described in claim 2, when a tooth-like portion driven by the drive portion is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the slide arm that reciprocates in an arc shape, the outer portion of the opening comes out at the coupling site. Since the portion of the slide arm always has a constant shape and size, the effect of stabilizing the attitude of the product for sale by the pusher and the portion of the slide arm can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a commodity carry-out device of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a product carry-out device in a sales standby state.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 in a state where the pusher has advanced to the center position of the horizontal portion of the case portion.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 in a product payout state.
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the product carry-out device showing the position of the slide piece (switch OFF state) in the sales standby state.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the product carry-out device showing the position of the slide piece in the product delivery state (switch ON state).
FIG. 7 is a side view showing, in partial cross section, a sales standby state of the product carry-out device of the present invention disposed in the product storage passage.
8 is a side view similar to FIG. 7, showing a state where the pusher has advanced to the center position of the horizontal portion of the case portion.
9 is a side view similar to FIG. 7 showing a state where the pusher further advances and the lowest product is held by the front arm. FIG.
10 is a side view similar to FIG. 7 showing a state where the pusher advances to the tip of the horizontal portion of the case portion and the lowest product is paid out. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a side view similar to FIG. 7 showing a state in which the next sale product is dropped immediately after the lowest-order product is paid out.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams for explaining an attitude correction process in the product carry-out device according to the present invention when the length of the sales product is short.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining a posture correction process in the product carry-out device according to the present invention when the length of the sales product is long. FIGS.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Product storage column 1a Product storage passage 1b Product delivery passage 2 Sales product 2a Bottom product 2A Bottom product 2b Next sale product 2B Next sale product 3 Product delivery device 4, 5 Case part 4a, 5a Vertical part 4b, 5b Horizontal part 6 Motor (drive unit)
7 Gear train (drive unit)
8 Slide arm 8a Tooth part 10 Pusher 11 Opening (space)
12 Pusher guide groove (guide section)
18 Guide groove for slide arm (guide part)
18a Slide arm rail (guide)

Claims (2)

In the product unloading device of the vending machine for sequentially pushing out the sales products stacked in the product storage passage from the lowest product to the product unloading passage,
A vertical portion disposed substantially vertically along a lower portion of the commodity storage passage;
A horizontal portion connected to the vertical portion at a proximal end and extending substantially horizontally from the vertical portion so as to be positioned below the lowest-order product;
A guide portion formed in the vertical portion and the horizontal portion so as to extend in a substantially arc shape between the vertical portion and the horizontal portion;
A slide arm that is guided by the guide portion and reciprocates between the sales standby position and the product carry-out position in an arc shape and has a pusher protruding upward from the horizontal portion at a tip portion;
A drive unit that engages with the slide arm and reciprocates in a circular arc shape between the sales standby position and the product unloading position;
A space for accommodating the pusher at the tip of the slide arm when the slide arm is at the sales standby position is opened at the connecting portion of the horizontal portion and the vertical portion, and the slide arm is located at the commodity delivery position. When the pusher is moved out of the space and the slide arm is moved out of the space, a portion of the slide arm is located outside the opening.
A vending machine product unloading device. The product carrying-out device of the vending machine according to claim 1, wherein a tooth-like portion driven by the driving portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of the slide arm that reciprocates in an arc shape.

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