JP4027078B2

JP4027078B2 - vending machine

Info

Publication number: JP4027078B2
Application number: JP2001337859A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 義啓田淵; 賢一松山
Original assignee: Glory Ltd
Current assignee: Glory Ltd
Priority date: 2001-11-02
Filing date: 2001-11-02
Publication date: 2007-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-02
Also published as: JP2003141619A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、商品を上下方向に積層収納し最下位の商品から順に払い出す縦積み商品コラムを備えた自動販売機に係り、特に、商品補充時における商品の前倒れを防止する部材を備えた自動販売機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
縦積みの商品コラムに箱型にパッケージした商品を収納し販売する自動販売機には、通常、商品販売待機時および販売時の商品の前倒れや飛び出しを防止するよう、例えば、商品コラムの前面略中央に上下方向のガイドロッドが設けられている。このガイドロッドは、商品補充時には商品コラム側面付近まで移動させて、商品コラム前面を開放し、商品補充を行えるようにしたものである。
【０００３】
しかし、こうした商品前倒れ防止のためのガイドロッドを商品コラムの前面に設けるだけでは、商品コラムが縦に大きくて、積載収納される商品数が多い場合、商品補充のためガイドロッドを商品コラム側面付近まで移動させた時に、商品コラム内に商品がある程度の数残存していると、その残存している積層状態の商品が、ガイドロッドが側方に移動するとバランスを崩して前方に倒れてくることがあり、また、補充商品を積み重ねていく時にバランスを崩して前方に倒れてくることがある。
【０００４】
そこで、例えば特開平１０−３０７９５９号公報記載のように、ガイドロッドとは別に、商品コラムの仕切板の所定位置に、商品コラムの前面に突出し、また、商品コラムの前面から退避可能に、商品の前端に当接する倒れ防止部品を設けたり、実開平６−２４８８号公報記載のように、商品飛出し防止部材としてのガイドロッドの所定位置に、ガイドロッドを側方へ移動させたときにも商品コラム前面に一部突出して商品の落下を防止するよう商品落下防止部を設けることが提案されている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、このような方法では、商品補充の際にガイドロッドを退避位置へ移動させたときに、倒れ防止部材や商品落下防止部が設けられている位置での商品の前倒れは防止することができるが、倒れ防止部材や商品落下防止部は商品コラム前面の一部に位置するだけで、それら倒れ防止部材や商品落下防止部から外れた位置では、ガイドロッドが退避位置へ移動したときに商品の前面を支持するものが何も無く、そうした位置からの商品の前倒れを防止することができなかった。
【０００６】
本発明はそうした問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、縦積み商品コラムへの商品補充時の商品の前倒れを確実に防止することができ、且つ、商品の補充を容易に行える自動販売機を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、所定個数の商品を上下方向に積層収納する商品コラムを備え、該商品コラムは左右側面が仕切板により形成されるとともに、前面が開放され、前記仕切板に沿って商品が整列状態で積層収納され、該商品コラム内の最下位の商品から順に払い出される自動販売機を、商品コラムの商品収納部前面に、上下方向に略連続して並ぶ配置で複数のガイド部材が設けられ、商品コラムの商品収納部前面の上下方向に間隔をおいた複数箇所に、各ガイド部材をそれぞれ個別に商品の前倒れを防止する倒れ防止位置と商品の補充を許容する退避位置とに変換可能なように支持する支持部材が設けられ、各支持部材が、商品コラムの商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し一側に偏位した位置に、各ガイド部材を下端を支点として揺動可能に支持する摺鉢状の支持穴を備えていて、該支持穴で各ガイド部材の下端部を支持し、支持部材同士の間にガイド部材のうちの少なくとも一部のガイド部材が架設され、支持部材の間に架設されるガイド部材を上方側および下方側から支持する両支持部材のうちの上方側の支持部材は、該ガイド部材の上端部を左右移動自在に支持する支持部を有するとともに、該ガイド部材の上端部を商品コラムの商品収納部前面の左右方向中心側へ付勢する付勢手段を備えているようにするものであり、また、商品コラムの商品収納部前面に、上下方向に略連続して並ぶ配置で複数のガイド部材が設けられ、商品コラムの商品収納部前面の上下方向に間隔をおいた複数箇所に、各ガイド部材をそれぞれ個別に商品の前倒れを防止する倒れ防止位置と商品の補充を許容する退避位置とに変換可能なように支持する支持部材が設けられ、各支持部材が、商品コラムの商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し一側に偏位した位置で各ガイド部材の下端部を支持し、支持部材同士の間にガイド部材のうちの少なくとも一部のガイド部材が架設され、支持部材の間に架設されるガイド部材は、直棒状で下略半分がバネ部を構成するとともに上端および下端にフック部を備え、支持部材の間に架設されるガイド部材を上方側および下方側から支持する両支持部材のうち、上方側の支持部材は、架設されるガイド部材の上端のフック部を引っかける係止部を備え、下方側の支持部材は、架設されるガイド部材の下端のフック部を引っかける係止部を備えているようにするものである。
【０００８】
このように、自動販売機の商品コラムの商品収納部前面に、それぞれ個別に商品の前倒れを防止する倒れ防止位置と商品の補充を許容する退避位置とに変換可能とした複数のガイド部材を、上下方向に略連続して並ぶ配置で設けることにより、商品販売待機時および販売時には、各ガイド部材をそれぞれ倒れ防止位置とし、商品コラムに積層収納された商品のほとんどを前面から支持して前倒れを防止するようにできるとともに、商品の補充作業時には、複数のガイド部材が同時に退避位置にならないよう、下方のガイド部材から順にガイド部材を一つずつ退避位置へ移動させ、各ガイド部材の位置で商品補充量が前倒れする高さに達する前にガイド部材を倒れ防止位置へ戻すようにして、補充時の商品の前倒れを防止できる。
【０００９】
各ガイド部材は、商品コラムの商品収納部前面の所定位置に支持部材を設け、該支持部材により、倒れ防止位置と退避位置とに変換可能なように支持することができる。そして、支持部材を商品コラムの前面の上下方向に間隔をおいた複数箇所に設けることにより、それら支持部材の間にガイド部材を架設するようにでき、また、ガイド部材のうちの最上部のガイド部材は、商品コラム上面の天井板と該天井板に最も近い位置に設けられた支持部材との間に架設することができる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
【００１１】
（第１の実施の形態）
図１は本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機の扉開放時の正面図であり、図２は商品コラムの正面図、図３は第１の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）、図４は第２の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）、図５は第２の支持部材およびその近傍の斜視図である。
【００１２】
この実施の形態の自動販売機は、図１に示すように、販売機本体１の内部に、商品を上下方向に積層収納する複数の商品コラム２を横一列に備えるとともに、各商品コラム２の下方に払出機構３を備えたもので、各商品コラム２内に箱状にパッケージした商品を積層収納し、払出機構３により最下位のものから順に払い出して販売する。
【００１３】
各商品コラム２は、左右側面が仕切板４により形成されるとともに、上面が天井板５で塞がれ、後面が背板６により塞がれ、前面が商品コラム２内に商品を補充するよう開放され、下方に払出機構３が配置されている。これら仕切板４と、天井板５と、背板６と、払出機構３の上面とで区画される各商品コラム２内部の空間が商品収納部を構成する。図１は扉体７を開放した状態を示す。
【００１４】
各商品コラム２の一側（図１において左側）の仕切板４には、図２に示すように、後述の第１の支持部材１０Ａを取り付けた時に、払出機構３上面との間に商品ｓ１個分の高さ寸法よりやや大きめの間隔が開く位置と、商品コラム２の商品収納部の上下方向略中間の位置の２箇所の、商品コラム２の前面に臨むよう、商品コラム２前面に沿って取付板９Ａ、９Ｂが突設され、それらの取付板９Ａ、９Ｂに差し込むことにより第１および第２の支持部材１０Ａ、１０Ｂが取り付けられている。
【００１５】
第１の支持部材１０Ａは、下側の取付板９Ａに取り付けられ、払出機構３上面から商品の高さ寸法よりやや大きめの間隔を開けて商品コラム２の商品収納部前面に位置する。また、第２の支持部材１０Ｂは、上側の取付板９Ｂに取り付けられ、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の上下方向略中間に位置する。
【００１６】
そして、各商品コラム２の前面には、第１の支持部材１０Ａと、該第１の支持部材１０Ａの上方に所定の間隔をおいて設けられた第２の支持部材１０Ｂとの間に、上下方向に第１のガイドロッド１１Ａ（ガイド部材）が架設され、天井板５と、第２の支持部材１０Ｂとの間に、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａに略連続して上下方向に第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂが架設されている。
【００１７】
第１のガイドロッド１１Ａは、直棒状の部材で、下端部が商品コラム２の左右方向の中心に対し一側（図２において左側）に偏位した位置で第１の支持部材１０Ａにより支持され、上端部が商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心付近と該中心に対し一側（図２において左側）に偏位した位置との間を移動可能なように第２の支持部材１０Ｂにより支持されている。
【００１８】
また、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂは、上端部が２箇所においてＬ字状および逆Ｌ字状に折り曲げられクランク状とされた棒状の部材で、そのクランク状の上端部先端が商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し一側（図２において左側）に偏位した位置で天井板５に支持され、下端部が商品コラム２の左右方向の中心に対し一側（図２において左側）に偏位した位置で第２の支持部材１０Ｂに支持されている。
【００１９】
第１の支持部材１０Ａは、図３に示すように、後部に上方に開口した摺鉢状の支持穴１２Ａを備えており、この支持穴１２Ａに第１のガイドロッド１１Ａの下端部が嵌まり込むことで、第１のガイドロッド１１の下端部が支持される。
【００２０】
第２の支持部材１０Ｂは、図４に示すように、後部に摺鉢状の支持穴１２Ｂを備えており、この支持穴１２Ｂに第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの下端部が嵌まり込むことで、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの下端部が支持される。また、第２の支持部材１０Ｂの前面側下部には、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａの上端部を左右移動自在に支持する支持部１３が設けられ、さらに、第２の支持部材１０Ｂの前部には、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａの上端部を商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心側へ付勢する付勢手段としてのバネ部材１４が配置されている。
【００２１】
第１の支持部材１０Ａおよび第２の支持部材１０Ｂの支持穴１２Ａ、１２Ｂは、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し一側（図２において左側）に偏位した位置に設けられている。
【００２２】
また、天井板５には、クランク状に折り曲げられた第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの先端が嵌まり込んで回動可能に支持される支持孔１５が設けられるとともに、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの直棒部上端を商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に向け付勢するバネ部材１６が設けられている。第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂは、クランク状の上端部先端が天井板５の支持孔１５に回動可能に支持され、直棒部上端がバネ部材１６により商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に向け付勢される。
【００２３】
第１のガイドロッド１１Ａは、下端部が第１の支持部材１０Ａの支持穴１２Ａに支持され、上端部が第２の支持部材１０Ｂの支持部１３に左右方向に移動可能に支持されてバネ部材１４により商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央に向けて付勢され、販売待機時および販売時には、バネ部材１４の付勢力により、上端部が商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央付近まで移動して、該第１のガイドロッド１１Ａが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持され、商品の補充作業時には、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａの上端部を商品収納部前面の左右方向一側（図２において左側）へスライド移動させることにより、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａを下端を支点として揺動させ、商品収納部前面を開放して商品ｓの補充を許容する退避位置へと変換可能である。
【００２４】
また、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂは、下端部が第２の支持部材１０Ｂの支持穴１２Ｂに支持され、クランク状の上端部先端が天井板５の支持孔１５に回動可能に支持されて、直棒部上端がバネ部材１６により商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に向け付勢され、販売待機時および販売時には、バネ部材１６の付勢力により、直棒部上端が商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央付近まで移動して、該第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持され、商品の補充作業時には、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの直棒部上方部分を商品収納部前面の左右方向一側（図２において左側）へクランク移動させることにより、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂを下端を支点として揺動させ、商品収納部前面を開放して商品ｓの補充を許容する退避位置へと変換可能である。
【００２５】
第１の支持部材１０Ａの取付位置は、払出機構３上面との間に商品ｓの高さ寸法よりやや大きめの間隔が開く位置である。第１の支持部材１０Ａはこの位置で第２の支持部材１０Ｂとの間に第１のガイドロッド１１Ａを支持するともに、それ自体が商品ｓの飛び出しを防止する。
【００２６】
また、第２の支持部材１０Ｂの取付位置は、商品コラム２の商品収納部内に積み重ねた商品ｓが前方へ倒れ易くなる高さ位置であり、図示の例では商品収納部上下方向略中間の位置である。なお、後述のように、商品ｓが前倒れを起こしやすい複数の位置に前記構成の第２の支持部材１０Ｂは設ける場合もある。第２の支持部材１０Ｂはこうした位置で天井板５との間に第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂを支持するとともに、それ自体が補充作業時および販売待機時ならびに販売時の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する。
【００２７】
この自動販売機に商品を補充する時は、まず、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａの上端部を手で押し、あるいは補充する商品ｓで押して、図２において左側へスライド移動させ、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａを商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の下方部分を開放する退避位置に保持し、商品コラム２の商品収納部に前面側から、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａを避けるように傾けつつ商品ｓを装入し、水平に戻して上下に積み重ねる。
【００２８】
そして、第２の支持部材１０Ｂの取付位置付近まで商品ｓを装填すると、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａから手を離し、あるいは手に持った商品ｓを第１のガイドロッド１１Ａから離すことにより、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａの上端部を、第２の支持部材１０Ｂに設けられているバネ部材１４の作用によって商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央付近まで戻し、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａを、該第１のガイドロッド１１Ａが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持させる。これで商品コラム２の商品収納部の第２の支持部材１０Ｂより下方の部分での商品補充が終了する。
【００２９】
こうして第２の支持部材１０Ｂより下方での商品補充が終了すると、さらに商品コラム２の商品収納部の第２の支持部材１０Ｂより上方の部分に商品ｓを補充するため、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの上部を手で押し、あるいは補充する商品で押して、第２図において左側へスライド移動させ、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂを、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の上方部分を開放する退避位置に保持し、商品コラム２の商品収納部に前面側から，第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂを避けるように傾けつつ商品ｓを装入し、水平に戻して上下に積み重ねる。この時、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａは倒れ防止位置にあるため、商品収納部の第２の支持部材１０Ｂより下方の部分に収納されている商品が、前倒れを起こすのを防止することができる。
【００３０】
そして、商品コラム２の天井板５付近まで商品ｓを補充し、その商品コラム２の商品補充が終了すると、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂから手を離し、あるいは手に持った商品ｓを第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂから離すことにより、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの直棒部上方部分を、天井板５に設けられているバネ部材１６の作用によって商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央付近まで戻し、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂを、該第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持させる。これでその商品コラム２の商品収納部への商品補充作業が全て終了する。
【００３１】
第１のガイドロッド１１Ａおよび第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂは、それぞれバネ部材１４、１６によって倒れ防止位置方向へ付勢されているため、商品補充作業後には自動的に退避位置から倒れ防止位置へと戻る。そのため、戻し忘れが生じない。
【００３２】
なお、この実施の形態は、商品コラム２の収納部前面に、個別に商品の前倒れを防止する倒れ防止位置と商品の補充を許容する退避位置とに変換可能なガイド部材として、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａと第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂの二つを上下方向に略連続した配置で設けたもので、それら二つのガイドロッド１１Ａ、１１Ｂを支持するため、第１の支持部材１０Ａと第２の支持部材１０Ｂの二つを設け、第２の支持部材１０Ｂは、商品が前倒れを起こしやすい商品収納部上下方向略中間の位置に設け、第１のガイドロッド１１Ａは第１の支持部材１０Ａと第２の支持部材１０Ｂの間に架設し、第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂは第２の支持部材１０Ｂと商品コラム２の天井板５の間に架設しているが、商品コラム２の縦寸法や商品の種類等によっては、三つ以上に分割した配置で上下に略連続してガイド部材を設け、それら三つ以上のガイド部材をそれぞれ個別に倒れ防止位置と退避位置とに変換可能としてもよく、その場合、商品が前倒れを起こしやすい複数の位置にそれぞれ前記第２の支持部材１０Ｂを設け、それら複数箇所の第２の支持部材１０Ｂの間に前記構成の第１のガイドロッド１１Ａを架設するとよい。
【００３３】
（第２の実施の形態）
図６は本発明の第２の実施の形態の自動販売機の扉開放時の正面図であり、図７は商品コラムの正面図、図８は第１の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）、図９は第２の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）、図１０は第１のガイドロッドの正面図である。
【００３４】
この実施の形態の自動販売機は、図６に示すように、第１の実施の形態と同様、販売機本体１の内部に、商品を上下方向に積層収納する複数の商品コラム２を横一列に備えるとともに、各商品コラム２の下方に払出機構３を備えたもので、各商品コラム２内に箱状にパッケージした商品を積層収納し、払出機構３により最下位のものから順に払い出して販売する。
【００３５】
そして、やはり各商品コラム２は、左右側面が仕切板４により形成されるとともに、上面が天井板５で塞がれ、後面が背板６により塞がれ、前面が商品コラム２内に商品を補充するよう開放され、下方に払出機構３が配置され、これら仕切板４と、天井板５と、背板６と、払出機構３の上面とで区画される各商品コラム２内部の空間が商品収納部を構成する。図６は扉体７を開放した状態を示す。
【００３６】
また、やはり各商品コラム２の一側（図６において左側）の仕切板４には、図７に示すように、後述の第１の支持部材２０Ａを取り付けた時に払出機構３上面との間に商品ｓ１個分の高さ寸法よりやや大きめの間隔が開く位置と、商品コラム２の商品収納部の上下方向略中間の位置の２箇所に、商品コラム２の前面に臨むよう、商品コラム２前面に沿って取付板９Ａ、９Ｂが突設され、それらの取付板９Ａ、９Ｂに差し込むことにより第１および第２の支持部材２０Ａ、２０Ｂが取り付けられている。
【００３７】
第１の支持部材２０Ａは、下側の取付板９Ａに取り付けられ、払出機構３上面から商品の高さ寸法よりやや大きめの間隔を開けて商品コラム２の商品収納部前面に位置する。また、第２の支持部材２０Ｂは、上側の取付板９Ｂに取り付けられ、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の上下方向略中間に位置する。
【００３８】
そして、各商品コラム２の前面には、第１の支持部材２０Ａと、該第１の支持部材２０Ａの上方に所定の間隔をおいて設けられた第２の支持部材２０Ｂとの間に、上下方向に第１のガイドロッド２１Ａ（ガイド部材）が架設され、天井板５と、第２の支持部材２０Ｂとの間に、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａに略連続して上下方向に第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂが架設されている。
【００３９】
第１のガイドロッド２１Ａは、直棒状で下略半分がバネ部２２を構成し、そのバネ部２２の下端に形成されたフック部２３を、商品コラム２の左右方向の中心に対し一側（図７において左側）にやや偏位した位置で第１の支持部材２０Ａに引っかけることにより下端で支持され、上端に形成したフック部２４を商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し同一側（図７において左側）にやや偏位した位置で第２の支持部材２０Ｂに引っかけることにより支持されている。
【００４０】
また、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂは、第１の実施の形態の第２のガイドロッド１１Ｂと同様、上端部が２箇所においてＬ字状および逆Ｌ字状に折り曲げられクランク状とされた棒状の部材で、そのクランク状の上端部先端が商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し一側（図７において左側）に偏位した位置で天井板５に支持され、下端部が商品コラム２の左右方向の中心に対し一側（図７において左側）に偏位した位置で第２の支持部材２０Ｂに支持されている。
【００４１】
第１の支持部材２０Ａは、図８に示すように、後面側上部に第１のガイドロッド２１Ａ下端のフック部２３を引っかける係止部２５を備えており、この係止部２５に第１のガイドロッド２０Ａ下端のフック部２３を引っかけることで第１のガイドロッド２０Ａの下端部が支持される。
【００４２】
第２の支持部材２０Ｂは、図９に示すように、後部に摺鉢状の支持穴１２を備えており、この支持穴１２に第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの下端部が嵌まり込むことで、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの下端部が支持される。また、第２の支持部材２０Ｂの前面側下部には、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａ上端のフック部２４を引っかける係止部２６を備えており、この係止部２６に第１のガイドロッド２０Ａ上端のフック部２４を引っかけることで第１のガイドロッド２０Ａの上端部が支持される。
【００４３】
第２の支持部材２０Ｂの支持穴１２は、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に対し一側（図７において左側）に偏位した位置に設けられている。
【００４４】
また、天井板５には、クランク状に折り曲げられた第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの先端が嵌まり込んで回動可能に支持される支持孔１５が設けられるとともに、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの直棒部上端を商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に向け付勢するバネ部材１６が設けられている。第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂは、クランク状の上端部先端が天井板５の支持孔１５に回動可能に支持され、直棒部上端がバネ部材１６により商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に向け付勢される。
【００４５】
第１のガイドロッド２１Ａは、下端のフック部２３が第１の支持部材２０Ａの係止部２５に支持され、上端のフック部２４が第２の支持部材２０Ｂの係止部２６に支持され、販売待機時および販売時には、直棒状の上部とバネ部２２とが商品コラム２の左右方向の中心に対し一側（図７において左側）にやや偏位した位置で上下に一直線をなして、該第１のガイドロッド２１Ａが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持され、商品の補充作業時には、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａのバネ部２２を押して商品収納部前面の左右方向一側（図７において左側）へ撓ませることにより、商品収納部前面を開放して商品ｓの補充を許容する退避位置へと変換可能である。
【００４６】
また、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂは、下端部が第２の支持部材２０Ｂの支持穴１２に支持され、クランク状の上端部先端が天井板５の支持孔１５に回動可能に支持されて、直棒部上端がバネ部材１６により商品収納部前面の左右方向中心に向け付勢され、販売待機時および販売時には、バネ部材１６の付勢力により、直棒部上端が商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央付近まで移動して、該第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持され、商品の補充作業時には、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの直棒部上方部分を商品収納部前面の左右方向一側（図７において左側）へクランク移動させることにより、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂを下端を支点として揺動させ、商品収納部前面を開放して商品ｓの補充を許容する退避位置へと変換可能である。
【００４７】
第１の支持部材２０Ａの取付位置は、払出機構３上面との間に商品ｓの高さ寸法よりやや大きめの間隔が開く位置である。第１の支持部材２０Ａはこの位置で第２の支持部材２０Ｂとの間に第１のガイドロッド２１Ａを支持するともに、それ自体が商品ｓの飛び出しを防止する。
【００４８】
また、第２の支持部材２０Ｂの取付位置は、商品コラム２の商品収納部内に積み重ねた商品ｓが前方へ倒れ易くなる高さ位置であり、図示の例では商品収納部上下方向略中間の位置である。なお、後述のように、商品ｓが前倒れを起こしやすい複数の位置に前記構成の第２の支持部材２０Ｂは設ける場合もある。第２の支持部材２０Ｂはこうした位置で天井板５との間に第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂを支持するとともに、それ自体が補充作業時および販売待機時ならびに販売時の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する。
【００４９】
この自動販売機に商品を補充する時は、まず、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａのバネ部２２を手で押し、あるいは補充する商品ｓで押して、バネ部２２を撓ませ、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａを図７において左側へ押し広げて、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の下方部分を開放する退避位置に保持し、商品コラム２の商品収納部に前面側から、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａを避けるように傾けつつ商品ｓを装入し、水平に戻して上下に積み重ねる。
【００５０】
そして、第２の支持部材２０Ｂの取付位置付近まで商品ｓを装填すると、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａから手を離し、あるいは手に持った商品ｓを第１のガイドロッド２１Ａから離すことにより、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａを、バネ部２２の張力によって商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央よりやや偏位した位置まで戻し、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａを、該第１のガイドロッド２１Ａが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持させる。これで商品コラム２の商品収納部の第２の支持部材２０Ｂより下方の部分での商品補充が終了する。
【００５１】
こうして第２の支持部材２０Ｂより下方での商品補充が終了すると、さらに商品コラム２の商品収納部の第２の支持部材２０Ｂより上方の部分に商品ｓを補充するため、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの上部を手で押し、あるいは補充する商品で押して、第７図において左側へスライド移動させ、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂを、商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の上方部分を開放する退避位置に保持し、商品コラム２の商品収納部に前面側から，第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂを避けるように傾けつつ商品ｓを装入し、水平に戻して上下に積み重ねる。この時、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａは倒れ防止位置にあるため、商品収納部の第２の支持部材２０Ｂより下方の部分に収納されている商品が、前倒れを起こすのを防止することができる。
【００５２】
そして、商品コラム２の天井板５付近まで商品ｓを補充し、その商品コラム２の商品補充が終了すると、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂから手を離し、あるいは手に持った商品ｓを第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂから離すことにより、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの直棒部上方部分を、天井板５に設けられているバネ部材１６の作用によって商品コラム２の商品収納部前面の左右方向中央付近まで戻し、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂを、該第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂが面する部分の商品ｓの前倒れや飛び出しを防止する倒れ防止位置に保持させる。これでその商品コラム２の商品収納部への商品補充作業が全て終了する。
【００５３】
第１のガイドロッド２１Ａはそれ自身のバネ部２２の張力によって倒れ防止位置を保持し、また、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂはバネ部材１６によって倒れ防止位置方向へ付勢されているため、商品補充作業後には自動的に退避位置から倒れ防止位置へと戻る。そのため、戻し忘れが生じない。
【００５４】
なお、この第２の実施の形態では、第１のガイドロッド２１Ａのみをバネ部２２を備えたものとしているが、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂもまたバネ部１６を備えたものとしてもよい。その場合、第２の支持部材２０Ｂの後面側に、支持穴１２の代わりに、第１の支持部材２０Ａの係止部２６と同様の支持部を設けて、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの上端のフック部を引っかけ、天井部５に支持孔１５の代わりに、第２のガイドロッド２１Ｂの上下端を引っかけることができる係止部を設ければよく、そうすることでガイド部材支持部の構成がより簡単になる。
【００５５】
また、この第２の実施の形態でも、第１の実施の形態と同様、商品コラム２の上下寸法や商品の種類等によっては、三つ以上に分割した配置で上下に略連続してガイド部材を設け、それら三つ以上のガイド部材をそれぞれ個別に倒れ防止位置と退避位置とに変換可能としてもよく、その場合、商品が前倒れを起こしやすい複数の位置にそれぞれ前記第２の支持部材２０Ｂを設け、それら複数箇所の第２の支持部材２０Ｂの間に前記構成のバネ部材２２を備えた第１のガイドロッド２１Ａを架設するとよい。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明によれば、自動販売機の商品コラムの商品収納部前面に、それぞれ個別に商品の前倒れを防止する倒れ防止位置と商品の補充を許容する退避位置とに変換可能とした複数のガイド部材を、上下方向に略連続して並ぶ配置で設けることにより、商品販売待機時および販売時に商品の前倒れを防止するようにできるとともに、商品の補充作業時にガイド部材を一つずつ退避位置へ移動させ、他のガイド部材は倒れ防止位置に保持しつつ商品を補充するようにでき、補充時の商品の前倒れを防止できる。
【００５７】
そして、各ガイド部材は、商品コラムの商品収納部前面の所定位置に支持部材を設けて、該支持部材により倒れ防止位置と退避位置とに変換可能なように支持するようにでき、また、支持部材を商品コラムの前面の上下方向に間隔をおいた複数箇所に設け、それら支持部材の間にガイド部材を架設するようにでき、最上部のガイド部材は、商品コラム上面の天井板と該天井板に最も近い位置に設けられた支持部材との間に架設するようにでき、そうすることで、容易且つ簡単な構成でガイド部材を支持でき、縦積み商品コラムへの商品補充時に商品の前倒れを確実に防止しつつ、商品を容易に補充できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機の扉開放時の正面図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機の商品コラムの正面図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機における第１の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）である。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機における第２の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機における第２の支持部材およびその近傍の斜視図である。
【図６】本発明の第２の実施の形態の自動販売機の扉開放時の正面図である。
【図７】本発明の第２の実施の形態の自動販売機の商品コラムの正面図である。
【図８】本発明の第１の実施の形態の自動販売機における第１の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）である。
【図９】本発明の第２の実施の形態の自動販売機における第２の支持部材およびその近傍の正面図（ａ）および側面視断面図（ｂ）である。
【図１０】本発明の第２の実施の形態の自動販売機における第１のガイドロッドの正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１販売機本体
２商品コラム
３払出機構
４仕切板
５天井板
９Ａ、９Ｂ取付板
１０Ａ、２０Ａ第１の支持部材
１０Ｂ、２０Ｂ第２の支持部材
１１Ａ、２１Ａ第１のガイドロッド
１１Ｂ、２１Ｂ第２のガイドロッド
１４、１６バネ部材
２２バネ部
ｓ商品[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vending machine including a vertically stacked product column in which products are stacked and stored in the vertical direction and paid out in order from the lowest product, and in particular, includes a member that prevents the product from falling forward during product replenishment. Related to vending machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For vending machines that store and sell box-packaged products in vertically stacked product columns, the front of the product column, for example, is usually used to prevent the products from falling forward or popping out during product sales standby and sales. A vertical guide rod is provided at the approximate center. This guide rod is moved to the vicinity of the side of the product column when the product is replenished, and the front of the product column is opened so that the product can be replenished.
[0003]
However, if a product rod is installed on the front side of the product column to prevent the product from falling forward, the product rod will be placed on the side of the product column to replenish the product if the product column is large and the number of products to be stored is large. If a certain number of products remain in the product column when moved to the vicinity, the remaining stacked product will lose its balance and fall forward when the guide rod moves to the side. In addition, when adding supplementary products, the balance may be lost and the product may fall forward.
[0004]
Therefore, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-307959, the product column protrudes from the front of the product column at a predetermined position on the partition plate of the product column and can be retracted from the front of the product column. Even when a tipping prevention part that contacts the front end of the guide rod is provided, or when the guide rod is moved sideways to a predetermined position of the guide rod as a product pop-out prevention member as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-2488. It has been proposed to provide a product drop prevention part so as to partially protrude from the front of the product column and prevent the product from falling.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a method, when the guide rod is moved to the retracted position when replenishing the product, it is possible to prevent the product from falling forward at the position where the fall prevention member or the product fall prevention unit is provided. However, the fall prevention member and the product fall prevention part are only located at a part of the front of the product column, and when the guide rod moves to the retracted position at a position away from the fall prevention member or the product fall prevention part, There was nothing to support the front of the product, and it was not possible to prevent the product from falling forward from such a position.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is possible to reliably prevent a product from falling forward when a product is replenished to a vertically stacked product column, and to provide a vending machine that can easily replenish the product. The purpose is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention includes a product column for stacking and storing a predetermined number of products in the vertical direction, and the product column is formed with partition plates on the left and right sides, the front surface is opened, and the products are aligned along the partition plates. A plurality of guide members are provided in an arrangement in which the vending machines that are stacked and stored in order and are paid out in order from the lowest product in the product column are arranged substantially continuously in the vertical direction on the front of the product storage part of the product column, Each guide member can be converted into a fall prevention position that prevents the product from falling forward and a retreat position that allows the product to be replenished individually at a plurality of positions spaced in the vertical direction on the front of the product storage section of the product column. Support members are provided to support each guide member so that each support member is swingable with the lower end as a fulcrum at a position shifted to one side with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage section of the product column. You Sliding bowl-shaped supporting hole The A support member that supports the lower end of each guide member by the support hole, and at least a part of the guide member is installed between the support members, and the guide member is installed between the support members. The upper support member of both the support members supported from the upper side and the lower side has a support portion that supports the upper end portion of the guide member so as to be movable left and right, and the upper end portion of the guide member is supported by the commodity column. A biasing means for biasing the front side of the product storage unit toward the center side in the left-right direction is provided, and a plurality of arrangements are arranged substantially continuously in the vertical direction on the front side of the product storage unit of the product column. A guide member is provided, and the guide member is retracted at a plurality of positions spaced in the vertical direction on the front of the product storage section of the product column to prevent the product from falling forward and to allow replenishment of the product. In position Support members are provided so as to be replaceable, and each support member supports and supports the lower end of each guide member at a position displaced to one side with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage section of the product column. At least a part of the guide member is installed between the members, and the guide member installed between the support members is a straight bar shape, and the lower half constitutes a spring portion and is hooked at the upper end and the lower end. Of the two support members that support the guide member installed between the support members from above and below, the upper support member is hooked to hook the hook portion at the upper end of the installed guide member. The support member on the lower side is provided with a locking portion that hooks the hook portion at the lower end of the installed guide member.
[0008]
In this way, on the front of the product storage section of the product column of the vending machine, there are a plurality of guide members that can be converted into a fall prevention position that prevents the product from falling forward and a retreat position that allows replenishment of the product. By placing them in an arrangement that is arranged almost continuously in the vertical direction, each guide member is placed in a position to prevent collapse during product standby and sales, and most of the products stacked and stored in the product column are supported from the front. The guide members can be moved one by one from the lower guide member one by one to the retreat position so that the plurality of guide members are not at the retreat position at the same time during the product replenishment operation. Thus, before the product replenishment amount reaches the height at which the product falls forward, the guide member is returned to the fall prevention position, so that the product can be prevented from falling forward during replenishment.
[0009]
Each guide member is provided with a support member at a predetermined position on the front surface of the product storage portion of the product column, and can be supported by the support member so as to be convertible between a fall prevention position and a retracted position. Then, by providing support members at a plurality of positions spaced in the vertical direction on the front surface of the product column, a guide member can be installed between the support members, and the uppermost guide among the guide members can be provided. The member can be installed between the ceiling plate on the upper surface of the commodity column and a support member provided at a position closest to the ceiling plate.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
(First embodiment)
1 is a front view of the vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the door is opened, FIG. 2 is a front view of the commodity column, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the first support member and its vicinity ( FIG. 4A is a front view of the second supporting member and its vicinity, FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the second supporting member and its vicinity, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second supporting member and its vicinity. FIG.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine according to this embodiment includes a plurality of product columns 2 for storing and stacking products in a vertical direction inside a vending machine main body 1. The product is provided with a payout mechanism 3 below, and the products packaged in a box shape are stacked and stored in each product column 2, and the payout mechanism 3 pays out and sells them in order from the lowest one.
[0013]
Each product column 2 is formed with partition plates 4 on the left and right side surfaces, the upper surface is closed with a ceiling plate 5, the rear surface is closed with a back plate 6, and the front surface is replenished with products in the product column 2. The payout mechanism 3 is opened and disposed below. The space inside each product column 2 defined by the partition plate 4, the ceiling plate 5, the back plate 6, and the upper surface of the payout mechanism 3 constitutes a product storage unit. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the door body 7 is opened.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 2, the partition plate 4 on one side (left side in FIG. 1) of each product column 2 has a product s1 between the upper surface of the payout mechanism 3 when a first support member 10A described later is attached. Along the front of the product column 2 so as to face the front of the product column 2 at a position where a space slightly larger than the height of the product is opened and at a position approximately in the middle of the product storage section of the product column 2 in the vertical direction. The mounting plates 9A and 9B are projected, and the first and second support members 10A and 10B are mounted by being inserted into the mounting plates 9A and 9B.
[0015]
The first support member 10 A is attached to the lower attachment plate 9 A, and is positioned in front of the product storage portion of the product column 2 with a space slightly larger than the product height dimension from the upper surface of the dispensing mechanism 3. The second support member 10 B is attached to the upper attachment plate 9 B, and is positioned approximately in the middle in the vertical direction on the front surface of the product storage portion of the product column 2.
[0016]
On the front surface of each product column 2, there is an upper and lower portion between the first support member 10 A and a second support member 10 B provided at a predetermined interval above the first support member 10 A. A first guide rod 11A (guide member) is installed in the direction, and a second guide is provided between the ceiling plate 5 and the second support member 10B in a vertical direction substantially continuously with the first guide rod 11A. A rod 11B is installed.
[0017]
The first guide rod 11A is a straight rod-like member, and is supported by the first support member 10A at a position where the lower end portion is displaced to one side (left side in FIG. 2) with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the product column 2. The second support member 10B so that the upper end portion can move between the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2 and a position displaced to one side (left side in FIG. 2) with respect to the center. Is supported by
[0018]
The second guide rod 11B is a rod-like member whose upper end is bent into two L-shapes and inverted L-shapes at two locations to form a crank shape, and the tip of the crank-shaped upper end portion is the product of the product column 2. It is supported by the ceiling plate 5 at a position displaced to one side (left side in FIG. 2) with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the storage unit, and the lower end is one side (left side in FIG. 2) with respect to the left-right center of the product column 2 ) Is supported by the second support member 10 B at a position deviated to).
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first support member 10A is provided with a mortar-shaped support hole 12A opened upward in the rear portion, and the lower end portion of the first guide rod 11A is fitted into the support hole 12A. As a result, the lower end of the first guide rod 11 is supported.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 4, the second support member 10 B includes a scallop-shaped support hole 12 B at the rear, and the lower end of the second guide rod 11 B is fitted into the support hole 12 B. The lower end portion of the second guide rod 11B is supported. Further, a support portion 13 that supports the upper end portion of the first guide rod 11A so as to be movable left and right is provided at the lower portion on the front surface side of the second support member 10B, and further on the front portion of the second support member 10B. A spring member 14 is disposed as a biasing means for biasing the upper end portion of the first guide rod 11A toward the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2.
[0021]
The support holes 12A and 12B of the first support member 10A and the second support member 10B are provided at positions shifted to one side (left side in FIG. 2) with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2. It has been.
[0022]
Further, the ceiling plate 5 is provided with a support hole 15 in which the tip of the second guide rod 11B bent into a crank shape is fitted and supported so as to be rotatable, and the ceiling plate 5 is directly connected to the second guide rod 11B. A spring member 16 is provided to urge the upper end of the rod portion toward the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2. The second guide rod 11B has a crank-shaped upper end that is pivotally supported by the support hole 15 of the ceiling plate 5 and a straight member that has an upper end directed toward the center in the left-right direction on the front surface of the product storage unit. Be forced.
[0023]
The first guide rod 11A has a lower end portion supported by the support hole 12A of the first support member 10A, and an upper end portion supported by the support portion 13 of the second support member 10B so as to be movable in the left-right direction. 14 is biased toward the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage section of the product column 2, and the upper end of the front of the product storage section of the product column 2 is biased by the biasing force of the spring member 14 at the time of sale standby and during sales. It moves to the vicinity of the center and is held at a fall-preventing position that prevents the product s from falling forward or jumping out at the part facing the first guide rod 11A. When replenishing the product, the upper end of the first guide rod 11A The first guide rod 11A is swung with the lower end as a fulcrum, and the front of the product storage unit is opened by sliding the unit to the left and right side of the front of the product storage unit (left side in FIG. 2). It can be converted into a retracted position for allowing the replenishment of goods s.
[0024]
The second guide rod 11B has a lower end supported by the support hole 12B of the second support member 10B and a crank-shaped upper end tip rotatably supported by the support hole 15 of the ceiling plate 5, The upper end of the straight bar portion is urged toward the left and right center of the front surface of the product storage unit by the spring member 16, and the upper end of the straight bar unit is urged by the spring member 16 at the time of sale standby and at the time of sale. It moves to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the front surface, and is held at a position that prevents the product s from falling forward or jumping out at the portion facing the second guide rod 11B. The upper part of the straight rod portion of the rod 11B is crank-moved to one side in the left-right direction (left side in FIG. 2) of the front surface of the product storage portion, thereby swinging the second guide rod 11B with the lower end as a fulcrum. Open to be converted into a retracted position for allowing the replenishment of products s.
[0025]
The mounting position of the first support member 10 A is a position where an interval slightly larger than the height dimension of the product s is opened between the upper surface of the payout mechanism 3. The first support member 10A supports the first guide rod 11A between the first support member 10A and the second support member 10B at this position, and prevents the commodity s from popping out by itself.
[0026]
Further, the mounting position of the second support member 10B is a height position at which the products s stacked in the product storage portion of the product column 2 are easy to fall forward, and in the illustrated example, a position approximately in the middle of the product storage portion in the vertical direction. It is. As will be described later, the second support member 10B having the above-described configuration may be provided at a plurality of positions at which the product s is likely to fall forward. The second support member 10B supports the second guide rod 11B between itself and the ceiling plate 5 at such a position, and itself causes the product s to fall forward or jump out at the time of replenishment work, standby for sale, and sale. To prevent.
[0027]
When replenishing products to the vending machine, first, the upper end portion of the first guide rod 11A is pushed by hand or pushed by the replenished product s and slid to the left in FIG. 11A is held in a retracted position where the lower part of the front of the product storage section of the product column 2 is opened, and the product s is mounted on the product storage section of the product column 2 from the front side while being inclined so as to avoid the first guide rod 11A. And put it back horizontally and stack it up and down.
[0028]
When the product s is loaded up to the vicinity of the mounting position of the second support member 10B, the first guide rod 11A is released, or the product s held in the hand is released from the first guide rod 11A. The upper end of one guide rod 11A is returned to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2 by the action of the spring member 14 provided on the second support member 10B, and the first guide rod 11A is The product s in the portion facing the first guide rod 11A is held at a fall prevention position that prevents the product s from falling forward or jumping out. This completes the product replenishment at the portion of the product storage section of the product column 2 below the second support member 10B.
[0029]
When the replenishment of the product below the second support member 10B is completed in this way, the product s is replenished to a portion above the second support member 10B of the product storage portion of the product column 2, and therefore the second guide rod 11B. The upper part of the product column 2 is pushed by hand or by a product to be replenished, and is slid to the left in FIG. 2, and the second guide rod 11B is held in a retracted position where the upper part of the product storage part front of the product column 2 is opened. Then, the product s is inserted into the product storage portion of the product column 2 from the front side while being inclined so as to avoid the second guide rod 11B, and returned to the horizontal and stacked up and down. At this time, since the first guide rod 11A is in the fall-preventing position, it is possible to prevent the product stored in the portion below the second support member 10B of the product storage unit from falling forward. .
[0030]
Then, the product s is replenished to the vicinity of the ceiling plate 5 of the product column 2, and when the product replenishment of the product column 2 is finished, the hand is released from the second guide rod 11B or the product s held in the hand is stored in the second column. By separating from the guide rod 11B, the upper portion of the straight rod portion of the second guide rod 11B is moved to the center in the left-right direction on the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2 by the action of the spring member 16 provided on the ceiling plate 5. Returning, the second guide rod 11B is held at a fall prevention position that prevents the product s at the portion facing the second guide rod 11B from falling forward or jumping out. This completes all the product replenishment operations for the product storage section of the product column 2.
[0031]
Since the first guide rod 11A and the second guide rod 11B are urged toward the fall prevention position by the spring members 14 and 16, respectively, after the product replenishment operation, they automatically move from the retracted position to the fall prevention position. Return. Therefore, forgetting to return does not occur.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the front of the storage section of the product column 2 is a guide member that can be converted into a fall-preventing position for preventing the product from falling forward and a retracting position for allowing the product to be replenished. The guide rod 11A and the second guide rod 11B are provided in a substantially continuous arrangement in the vertical direction. In order to support the two guide rods 11A and 11B, the first support member 10A and the second guide rod 11B Two support members 10B are provided, the second support member 10B is provided at a position approximately in the middle of the product storage portion in the vertical direction where the product is likely to fall forward, and the first guide rod 11A is connected to the first support member 10A. The second guide rod 11B is installed between the second support member 10B and the second support member 10B and the ceiling plate 5 of the product column 2. Depending on the type of The guide member may be provided substantially continuously in the vertical direction in an arrangement divided into three or more, and the three or more guide members may be individually converted into a fall prevention position and a retracted position, The second support members 10B may be provided at a plurality of positions where the forward tilting is likely to occur, and the first guide rod 11A having the above-described configuration may be installed between the plurality of second support members 10B.
[0033]
(Second Embodiment)
6 is a front view of the vending machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the door is opened, FIG. 7 is a front view of the commodity column, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the first support member and the vicinity thereof. a) and a side sectional view (b), FIG. 9 is a front view (a) and a side sectional view (b) of the second supporting member and its vicinity, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the first guide rod. .
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 6, the vending machine according to this embodiment has a plurality of product columns 2 arranged horizontally in a vertical direction in the vending machine main body 1, as in the first embodiment. In addition, each product column 2 is provided with a payout mechanism 3, and the products packaged in a box shape are stacked and stored in each product column 2, and the payout mechanism 3 pays out in order from the lowest one. To do.
[0035]
Each product column 2 is also formed with partition plates 4 on the left and right side surfaces, the upper surface is closed with a ceiling plate 5, the rear surface is closed with a back plate 6, and the front is placed in the product column 2. The dispensing mechanism 3 is opened below to be replenished, and the space inside each product column 2 defined by the partition plate 4, the ceiling plate 5, the back plate 6, and the upper surface of the dispensing mechanism 3 is a product. The storage part is configured. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the door body 7 is opened.
[0036]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the partition plate 4 on one side of each product column 2 (left side in FIG. 6) is provided between the upper surface of the dispensing mechanism 3 when a first support member 20A described later is attached. The front of the product column 2 so that it faces the front of the product column 2 at two positions: a position where the gap slightly larger than the height of the product s is opened and a position approximately in the middle of the product storage section of the product column 2 in the vertical direction. Attaching plates 9A and 9B project along the first and second supporting members 20A and 20B by being inserted into the attaching plates 9A and 9B.
[0037]
The first support member 20 A is attached to the lower mounting plate 9 A, and is positioned in front of the product storage portion of the product column 2 with a gap slightly larger than the height of the product from the upper surface of the dispensing mechanism 3. The second support member 20 B is attached to the upper attachment plate 9 B, and is positioned approximately in the vertical direction on the front surface of the product storage portion of the product column 2.
[0038]
On the front surface of each product column 2, there is an upper and lower portion between the first support member 20 A and the second support member 20 B provided at a predetermined interval above the first support member 20 A. A first guide rod 21A (guide member) is installed in the direction, and a second guide is provided between the ceiling plate 5 and the second support member 20B in a vertical direction substantially continuously with the first guide rod 21A. A rod 21B is installed.
[0039]
The first guide rod 21 A has a straight rod shape, and the lower half of the first guide rod 21 A constitutes the spring portion 22, and the hook portion 23 formed at the lower end of the spring portion 22 is positioned on one side with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the product column 2 ( The hook part 24 formed on the upper end is hooked to the first support member 20A at a position slightly deviated to the left in FIG. It is supported by being hooked on the second support member 20B at a position slightly deviated to the side (left side in FIG. 7).
[0040]
Further, the second guide rod 21B has a rod-like shape in which the upper end of the second guide rod 21B is bent into an L shape and an inverted L shape at two locations in the same manner as the second guide rod 11B of the first embodiment. The top end of the crank-shaped upper end of the member is supported by the ceiling plate 5 at a position that is displaced to one side (left side in FIG. 7) with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2, and the lower end is the product. The column 2 is supported by the second support member 20B at a position displaced to one side (left side in FIG. 7) with respect to the center of the column 2 in the left-right direction.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 8, the first support member 20 A includes a locking portion 25 that hooks the hook portion 23 at the lower end of the first guide rod 21 A at the upper portion on the rear surface side. The lower end portion of the first guide rod 20A is supported by hooking the hook portion 23 at the lower end of the guide rod 20A.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 9, the second support member 20 B includes a scallop-shaped support hole 12 at the rear, and the lower end of the second guide rod 21 B is fitted into the support hole 12. The lower end portion of the second guide rod 21B is supported. In addition, a lower portion on the front side of the second support member 20B is provided with a locking portion 26 that hooks the hook portion 24 at the upper end of the first guide rod 21A, and the upper end of the first guide rod 20A is attached to the locking portion 26. By hooking the hook portion 24, the upper end portion of the first guide rod 20A is supported.
[0043]
The support hole 12 of the second support member 20 B is provided at a position displaced to one side (left side in FIG. 7) with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2.
[0044]
Further, the ceiling plate 5 is provided with a support hole 15 in which the tip of the second guide rod 21B bent into a crank shape is fitted and supported so as to be rotatable, and the ceiling plate 5 is directly connected to the second guide rod 21B. A spring member 16 is provided to urge the upper end of the rod portion toward the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2. The second guide rod 21B has a crank-shaped upper end tip rotatably supported by the support hole 15 of the ceiling plate 5, and a straight rod portion upper end is directed by the spring member 16 toward the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage unit. Be forced.
[0045]
The first guide rod 21A has a lower end hook portion 23 supported by the locking portion 25 of the first support member 20A, and an upper end hook portion 24 supported by the locking portion 26 of the second support member 20B. At the time of waiting for sale and at the time of sale, the straight bar-shaped upper portion and the spring portion 22 are vertically aligned at a position slightly deviated to one side (left side in FIG. 7) with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the product column 2. The portion of the product s facing the first guide rod 21A is held at a fall-preventing position that prevents the product s from falling forward or jumping out, and when the product is replenished, the spring portion 22 of the first guide rod 21A is pushed to push the front of the product storage unit. Can be converted into a retracted position that allows the product s to be replenished by opening the front surface of the product storage unit.
[0046]
The second guide rod 21B has a lower end supported by the support hole 12 of the second support member 20B and a crank-shaped upper end tip that is rotatably supported by the support hole 15 of the ceiling plate 5. The upper end of the straight bar portion is urged by the spring member 16 toward the center in the left-right direction of the front surface of the product storage unit. It moves to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction on the front surface, and is held at a position that prevents the product s from falling forward or jumping out at the part facing the second guide rod 21B. The upper part of the straight rod portion of the rod 21B is crank-moved to one side in the left-right direction (left side in FIG. 7) of the front surface of the product storage portion, thereby swinging the second guide rod 21B with the lower end as a fulcrum. The It can be converted into a retracted position for allowing the replenishment of items s and release.
[0047]
The mounting position of the first support member 20 A is a position where a gap slightly larger than the height dimension of the product s is opened between the upper surface of the dispensing mechanism 3. The first support member 20A supports the first guide rod 21A between the first support member 20A and the second support member 20B at this position, and prevents the product s from jumping out.
[0048]
Further, the mounting position of the second support member 20B is a height position at which the products s stacked in the product storage portion of the product column 2 are likely to fall forward, and in the illustrated example, a position approximately in the middle of the product storage portion in the vertical direction. It is. As will be described later, the second support member 20B having the above-described configuration may be provided at a plurality of positions at which the product s is likely to fall forward. The second support member 20B supports the second guide rod 21B between the ceiling plate 5 and the second support member 20B at such a position. To prevent.
[0049]
When replenishing a product to the vending machine, first, the spring portion 22 of the first guide rod 21A is pushed by hand or pushed by the product s to be replenished to bend the spring portion 22 and the first guide rod 21A. 7 is extended to the left side and is held in a retracted position where the lower part of the front of the product storage section of the product column 2 is opened, and the first guide rod 21A is avoided from the front side of the product storage section of the product column 2 in FIG. The product s is charged while tilting, and returned to the horizontal and stacked up and down.
[0050]
When the product s is loaded to the vicinity of the mounting position of the second support member 20B, the first guide rod 21A is released, or the product s held in the hand is released from the first guide rod 21A. 1 guide rod 21A is returned to a position slightly deviated from the center in the left-right direction on the front surface of the product storage section of the product column 2 by the tension of the spring portion 22, and the first guide rod 21A is returned to the first guide rod 21A. The product s at the facing portion is held at a fall prevention position that prevents the product s from falling forward or jumping out. This completes the product replenishment in the portion of the product storage section of the product column 2 below the second support member 20B.
[0051]
When the replenishment of the product below the second support member 20B is thus completed, the product s is replenished to a portion above the second support member 20B of the product storage portion of the product column 2, and therefore the second guide rod 21B. The upper part of the product column 2 is pushed by hand or by a product to be replenished, and is slid to the left in FIG. 7, and the second guide rod 21B is held in a retracted position where the upper part of the product storage part front of the product column 2 is opened. Then, the product s is inserted into the product storage portion of the product column 2 from the front side while being inclined so as to avoid the second guide rod 21B, and returned to the horizontal and stacked up and down. At this time, since the first guide rod 21A is in the fall prevention position, it is possible to prevent the product stored in the portion below the second support member 20B of the product storage unit from falling forward. .
[0052]
Then, the product s is replenished to the vicinity of the ceiling plate 5 of the product column 2, and when the product replenishment of the product column 2 is finished, the hand is released from the second guide rod 21B or the product s held in the hand is stored in the second column. By separating from the guide rod 21B, the upper portion of the straight rod portion of the second guide rod 21B is moved to the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction on the front of the product storage portion of the product column 2 by the action of the spring member 16 provided on the ceiling plate 5. The second guide rod 21B is returned and held at the fall-preventing position that prevents the product s at the portion facing the second guide rod 21B from falling forward or jumping out. This completes all the product replenishment operations for the product storage section of the product column 2.
[0053]
The first guide rod 21A holds the fall prevention position by the tension of its own spring portion 22, and the second guide rod 21B is urged toward the fall prevention position by the spring member 16, so that the product is replenished. After the work, it automatically returns from the retracted position to the fall prevention position. Therefore, forgetting to return does not occur.
[0054]
In the second embodiment, only the first guide rod 21A is provided with the spring portion 22, but the second guide rod 21B may also be provided with the spring portion 16. In that case, instead of the support hole 12, a support portion similar to the locking portion 26 of the first support member 20A is provided on the rear surface side of the second support member 20B, and the upper end of the second guide rod 21B is provided. Instead of the support hole 15 in the ceiling portion 5, a hook portion that can hook the upper and lower ends of the second guide rod 21 B may be provided on the ceiling portion 5, and the configuration of the guide member support portion can be thereby achieved. It becomes easier.
[0055]
Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, depending on the vertical dimension of the product column 2, the type of product, etc., the guide member is substantially continuously up and down in an arrangement divided into three or more. And the three or more guide members may be individually converted into a fall prevention position and a retracted position, and in this case, the second support member 20B is provided at a plurality of positions where the product is likely to fall forward. The first guide rod 21A provided with the spring member 22 having the above-described configuration may be installed between the plurality of second support members 20B.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, on the front side of the product storage section of the product column of the vending machine, a fall prevention position for preventing the product from falling forward and a retreat position for allowing the product to be replenished, respectively. By providing a plurality of guide members that can be converted into vertical and vertical arrangements, it is possible to prevent the product from falling forward during product sales standby and sales, and during product replenishment work The guide members can be moved one by one to the retracted position, and the other guide members can be replenished with the product while being held at the fall-preventing position, so that the product can be prevented from falling forward during replenishment.
[0057]
Each guide member is provided with a support member at a predetermined position on the front surface of the product storage section of the product column so that it can be supported by the support member so that it can be converted into a fall prevention position and a retracted position. The members can be provided at a plurality of positions spaced in the vertical direction on the front surface of the product column, and a guide member can be installed between the support members. The uppermost guide member includes the ceiling plate on the top surface of the product column and the ceiling. The guide member can be supported between the support member provided at the position closest to the plate, and the guide member can be supported with an easy and simple structure. The product can be easily replenished while reliably preventing the fall.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a door is opened.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a product column of the vending machine according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view (a) and a side sectional view (b) of the first support member and the vicinity thereof in the vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view (a) and a side sectional view (b) of a second support member and the vicinity thereof in the vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second support member and the vicinity thereof in the vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the vending machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention when the door is opened.
FIG. 7 is a front view of a product column of a vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view (a) and a side sectional view (b) of the first support member and the vicinity thereof in the vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view (a) and a side sectional view (b) of a second support member and the vicinity thereof in a vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a front view of a first guide rod in a vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Vending machine
2 Product column
3 payout mechanism
4 partition plates
5 Ceiling board
9A, 9B Mounting plate
10A, 20A first support member
10B, 20B second support member
11A, 21A First guide rod
11B, 21B Second guide rod
14, 16 Spring member
22 Spring part
s product

Claims

A product column for stacking and storing a predetermined number of products in the vertical direction is provided. The product column is formed with partition plates on the left and right sides, the front surface is opened, and the products are stacked and stored along the partition plates in an aligned state. , A vending machine that is paid out in order from the lowest product in the product column,
A plurality of guide members are provided on the front of the product storage portion of the product column in an arrangement that is arranged substantially continuously in the vertical direction,
Each guide member can be converted into a fall prevention position that prevents the product from falling forward and a retreat position that allows the product to be replenished individually at a plurality of locations spaced in the vertical direction on the front of the product storage section of the product column. A support member is provided to support,
A mortar-shaped support hole that supports each guide member so as to be swingable with a lower end as a fulcrum at a position where each of the support members is displaced to one side with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column. And supporting the lower end of each guide member in the support hole,
At least a part of the guide member is installed between the support members,
Of the support members that support the guide member installed between the support members from the upper side and the lower side, the upper support member includes a support portion that supports the upper end portion of the guide member so as to be movable in the left-right direction. A vending machine comprising: an urging means for urging the upper end portion of the guide member toward the center in the left-right direction of the front surface of the product storage portion of the product column.

A product column for stacking and storing a predetermined number of products in the vertical direction is provided. The product column is formed with partition plates on the left and right sides, the front surface is opened, and the products are stacked and stored along the partition plates in an aligned state. , A vending machine that is paid out in order from the lowest product in the product column,
A plurality of guide members are provided on the front of the product storage portion of the product column in an arrangement that is arranged substantially continuously in the vertical direction,
Each guide member can be converted into a fall prevention position that prevents the product from falling forward and a retreat position that allows the product to be replenished individually at a plurality of locations spaced in the vertical direction on the front of the product storage section of the product column. A support member is provided to support,
Each support member supports the lower end of each guide member at a position displaced to one side with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the front of the product storage portion of the product column;
At least a part of the guide member is installed between the support members,
The guide member laid between the support members is a straight bar, the lower half of the guide member constitutes a spring part, and has hook parts at the upper and lower ends,
Of the two support members that support the guide member installed between the support members from the upper side and the lower side, the upper support member includes an engaging portion that hooks the hook portion at the upper end of the installed guide member. The vending machine is characterized in that the support member on the lower side is provided with a locking portion for hooking the hook portion at the lower end of the installed guide member.

The product column includes a ceiling plate on an upper surface, and the uppermost guide member of the guide members is bridged between the ceiling plate and the support member provided at a position closest to the ceiling plate. The vending machine according to claim 1 or 2.