JP4049690B2

JP4049690B2 - Vending machine product storage device and product storage column

Info

Publication number: JP4049690B2
Application number: JP2003072183A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 光太郎西尾; 和仁小林; 武當麻
Original assignee: Kubota Corp
Current assignee: Kubota Corp
Priority date: 2002-06-27
Filing date: 2003-03-17
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-17
Also published as: JP2004086854A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、商品収納庫内に支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成し、商品収納通路内に水平状態で上部に積み上げ収納された商品を商品払出指令毎に一つずつ払い出す払出機構を商品通路の下部に設けてある自動販売機の商品収納装置と、それに用いられる商品収納コラム、つまり、商品収納庫内に吊下げ支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成してある自動販売機の商品収納コラムの改良に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、図４０に示すように、左右の側板２間に配設される全てのガイド板の各々が、商品長さに応じて通路幅を変更する幅調整板の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１外の商品収納通路部分Ｗ２に対応する幅に構成された可動ガイド板５０と、幅調整板の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１に対応する幅に構成された固定ガイド板５１とを並設して構成されているとともに、可動ガイド板５０の上端部にカール形成された筒部５０Ａと、固定ガイド板５１の上端部にカール形成された筒部５１Ａとに亘って挿通された第１筒軸５２を、左右の側板２に形成されている取付け孔５５に亘って貫通状態で架設し、更に、固定ガイド板５１の下端部にカール加工された筒部５１Ｂに挿通された第２筒軸５３を、左右の側板２に形成されている取付け孔５６に亘って貫通状態で架設したのち、各筒軸５２，５３の両突出端部５２ａ，５３ａの各々を、側板２の外側面に沿って抜止め状態に放射状に折り曲げ加工していた。
【０００３】
また、第１筒軸５２のうち、可動ガイド板５０の上端筒部５０Ａに切欠き形成された凹部５０ａに臨む軸部分には、可動ガイド板５０を商品収納通路側に突出付勢する捻じりコイルバネ５４を、それの両端部５４ａ，５４ｂを可動ガイド板５０に形成した係止片５０ｂと上方側に隣接する他の第２筒軸５３とに当て付けた状態で装着するとともに、第２筒軸５３のうち、幅調整板の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１外に位置する部分を、商品との接触に伴う可動ガイド板５０の通路外方側への最大揺動位置を当接により規制するストッパーに構成していた。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、可動ガイド板５０、固定ガイド板５１、第１筒軸５２、第２筒軸５３といった多数の部品が必要で、しかも、可動ガイド板５０の上端部５０Ａ及び固定ガイド板５１の上下両端部５１Ａ，５１Ｂをそれぞれ筒状にカール加工する必要があるため、構造の複雑化と部品コストの高騰化を招来していた。
【０００５】
しかも、左右の側板２に可動ガイド板５０及び固定ガイド板５１を組み立てる場合、従来では、可動ガイド板５０、固定ガイド板５１、第１筒軸５２、第２筒軸５３といった多数の部品を自立させるための多数のガイドピンを上下姿勢で植設してある組立て治具を準備し、この組立て治具の上面に、各ガイドピンに対応する箇所に取付け孔が形成されている一方の側板２を載置し、可動ガイド板５０、固定ガイド板５１、第１筒軸５２、第２筒軸５３といった多数の部品を各ガイドピンに組付けたのち、多数の取付け孔５５が形成されている他方の側板２を装着し、各筒軸５２，５３の両突出端部５２ａ，５３ａをプレス治具で曲げ加工することになる。
【０００６】
そのため、組立工数が多くなるばかりでなく、大きな特殊な組立て治具及びプレス治具が必要で、しかも、商品収納コラムの種類に応じて組立て治具及びプレス治具の構成も異なるため、治具費用及び段取りの負担が大きくなり、製造コストの高騰化と組立作業能率の低下を招来する大きな要因になっていた。
【０００７】
本発明は、上述の実状に鑑みて為されたものであって、第１の主たる課題は、左右の側板間に亘って架設されるガイド板や商品投入姿勢矯正板等の部材の取付け構造の合理的な改造をもって、特殊な組立て治具及びプレス治具を用いることなく能率良く容易に組立てることができるとともに、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを図ることのできる自動販売機の商品収納装置を提供する点にあり、第２の主たる課題は、ガイド板の取付け構造の合理的な改造をもって、特殊な組立て治具及びプレス治具を用いることなく能率良く容易に組立てることができるとともに、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを図ることのできる自動販売機の商品収納コラムを提供する点にある。
更に、第３の主たる課題は、可動ガイド板の組立て作業の能率化、容易化を図りつつ、可動ガイド板の揺動復帰性能を高めることのできる自動販売機の商品収納コラムを提供する点にあり、第４の主たる課題は、可動ガイド板の組立て作業の能率化、容易化を図りつつ、最前列に位置する商品収納通路の上部での商品投入姿勢の矯正構造を製造コスト面、構造の簡素化面で有利に構成することのできる自動販売機の商品収納装置を提供する点にある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の請求項１による特徴構成は、商品収納庫内に支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成し、商品収納通路内に水平状態で積み上げ収納された商品を商品払出指令毎に一つずつ払い出す払出機構を商品収納通路の下部に設けてある自動販売機の商品収納装置であって、
左右の側板間に亘って取付けられる部材の左右両側部には、前記側板に設けられた取付け孔の周縁の一部を弾性変形させながら通路側から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け孔の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する係止凹部を備えた差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、前記弾性変形させられる取付け孔の周縁の一部が、弾性復帰時に所定差し込み位置にある前記係止凹部の抜出し移動を阻止する押え部に構成されている点にある。
【０００９】
上記特徴構成によれば、左右の側板間に亘って、商品収納通路を形成するガイド板や投入された商品の投入姿勢を矯正する投入姿勢矯正板等の部材を組み立てる場合、部材の左右両側部の各々に設けた差込み連結手段を、両側板の取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み操作するだけで済み、しかも、差込み連結手段が所定位置に差し込まれたときには取付け孔の周縁に係合して、部材と側板とが左右方向での相対移動を阻止した状態で固定連結されるから、各部材が両側板の対向間隔を設定間隔に維持するための骨格部材として機能する。
【００１０】
従って、左右の側板を吊下げ支持したまま各部材を組付けることが可能であるから、従来のように商品収納装置の種類に応じた数の組立て治具及びプレス治具を準備する必要がなく、しかも、部品点数及び組立工数の削減を図ることができるとともに、カール加工等の複雑な加工数も少なくなり、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを図りながら能率良く容易に組み立てることができる。
【００１１】
本発明の請求項２による特徴構成は、商品収納庫内に支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成するとともに、前記ガイド板を、左右の側板に固定される固定ガイド板と上端側の横軸芯周りで揺動自在な可動ガイド板から構成してある自動販売機の商品収納コラムであって、
前記固定ガイド板の左右両側部には、前記側板に形成された取付け孔の周縁の一部を弾性変形させながら通路側から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定差し込み位置で取付け孔の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する係止凹部を備えた差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、前記弾性変形させられる取付け孔の周縁の一部が、弾性復帰時に所定差し込み位置にある前記係止凹部の抜出し移動を阻止する押え部に構成されている点にある。
【００１２】
また、自動販売機の商品収納装置において、前記左右の側板に設けられた取付け孔の周縁に、部材の差込み時にたわみ変形を起こし、差込み後に元に復帰して部材を抜止め保持する変形部が形成されていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、取付け孔の周縁に形成された変形部が、部材の差込み操作に連れてたわみ変形し、差込み連結手段が所定位置に差し込まれたとき元に復帰して、部材を所定差込み位置に抜止め保持することができるから、部材を抜止め保持するための特別な弾性片を別途設ける必要がなく、製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化を促進することができる。
【００１３】
本発明の請求項３による特徴構成は、商品収納庫内に支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成するとともに、前記ガイド板を、左右の側板に固定される固定ガイド板と上端側の横軸芯周りで揺動自在な可動ガイド板から構成してある自動販売機の商品収納コラムであって、
前記可動ガイド板を揺動自在に枢支する取付け基材の左右両側部には、前記側板に形成された取付け孔の周縁の一部を弾性変形させながら通路側から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定差し込み位置で取付け孔の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する係止凹部を備えた差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、前記弾性変形させられる取付け孔の周縁の一部が、弾性復帰時に所定差し込み位置にある前記係止凹部の抜出し移動を阻止する押え部に構成されている点にある。
【００１４】
また、本発明では、商品収納庫内に吊下げ支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成してある自動販売機の商品収納コラムおいて、
前記ガイド板の左右両側部及び／又はガイド板を組付けてある取付け基材の左右両側部の各々に、側板に形成された取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け孔の周縁に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段が設けられていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、左右の側板間に多数のガイド板を組み立てる場合、ガイド板の左右両側部及び／又はガイド板を組付けてある取付け基材の左右両側部の各々に設けた差込み連結手段を、吊下げ支持された両側板の取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み操作するだけで済み、しかも、差込み連結手段が所定位置に差し込まれたときには取付け孔の周縁に係合して、ガイド板と側板及び／又は取付け基材と側板とが左右方向での相対移動を阻止した状態で固定連結されるから、各ガイド板及び／又は取付け基材が両側板の対向間隔を設定間隔に維持するための骨格部材として機能する。
【００１５】
従って、左右の側板を吊下げ支持したまま各ガイド板及び／又は取付け基材を組付けることができるから、従来のように商品収納コラムの種類に応じた数の組立て治具及びプレス治具を準備する必要がなく、しかも、部品点数及び組立工数の削減を図ることができるとともに、カール加工等の複雑な加工数も少なくなり、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを図りながら能率良く容易に組み立てることができる。
【００１６】
本発明の請求項４による特徴構成は、商品収納庫内に支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成するとともに、前記商品収納通路の上部に対して商品投入口から投入された商品を移入案内する商品導入ガイドを設けてある自動販売機の商品収納コラムであって、
前記商品導入ガイドの傾斜底板の左右両側部には、前記側板に形成された取付け孔の周縁の一部を弾性変形させながら通路側から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定差し込み位置で取付け孔の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する係止凹部を備えた差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、前記弾性変形させられる取付け孔の周縁の一部が、弾性復帰時に所定差し込み位置にある前記係止凹部の抜出し移動を阻止する押え部に構成されている点にある。
【００１７】
また、本発明の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、前記ガイド板が、上端側の横軸芯周りで揺動自在で、かつ、商品長さに応じて通路幅を変更する幅調整板の通路幅変更操作領域外の商品収納通路部分内に突出付勢された可動ガイド板と、上下両端部が左右の側板に直接又は間接的に固定連結された固定ガイド板とから構成されているとともに、前記取付け基材には、可動ガイド板を揺動自在に枢支する枢支手段と、これに枢支された可動ガイド板に突出側への弾性付勢力を付与した状態で弾性付勢体を取付ける取付け手段とが設けられていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、左右の側板間に可動ガイド板を組付ける場合、取付け基材に設けた枢支手段により、可動ガイド板を横軸芯周りで揺動自在に組付けることができるばかりでなく、取付け基材に設けた保持手段により、枢支された可動ガイド板に突出側への弾性付勢力を付与した状態で弾性付勢体を予め組付けることができるので、左右の側板に対しては、可動ガイド板と弾性付勢体とを事前に組付けてある取付け基材を左右方向から差し込み操作するだけで済む。
【００１８】
従って、取付け基材に可動ガイド板と弾性付勢体とを予め組付けることによって組立作業性を高めることができるから、構造の簡素化と製造コストの低廉化とを図りつつ組立作業能率の向上を促進することができる。
【００１９】
本発明の請求項５による自動販売機の商品収納コラムの特徴構成は、前記固定ガイド板の上端側の左右両側部には前記差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、前記固定ガイド板の下端部には、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板の上端部に形成されている被係合部と係合して、少なくとも両者の前後方向での相対移動を阻止する係合部が形成され、更に、最上段に位置する固定ガイド板の上端部に対して脱着自在に外套されるカバーには、外套状態で左右の側板に形成された取付け孔に左右方向から脱着自在に係合する係止突起が形成されている点にある。
【００２０】
また、本発明の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、前記固定ガイド板の上端側の左右両側部に差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、固定ガイド板の下端部には、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板の上端部に形成されている被係合部と係合して、少なくとも両者の前後方向での相対移動を阻止する係合部が形成されていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、側板間に上下方向に沿って固定ガイド板を組付ける場合、各固定ガイド板の上端側の左右両側部に設けられた差込み連結手段を、吊下げ支持された両側板の取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み操作することにより、差込み連結手段が取付け孔の周縁に係合してガイド板の上端部と側板とが左右方向での相対移動を阻止した状態で固定連結される。
【００２１】
また、各固定ガイド板の下端部に形成された係合部を、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板の上端部に形成されている被係合部と係合することにより、各固定ガイド板の下端部を、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板の上端部に設けられている差込み連結手段を利用して側板に固定連結することができる。
【００２２】
従って、各固定ガイド板の下端部を側板に直接取付ける場合に比較して、両者の前後方向での相対移動を阻止する係合部と被係合部とを設けるだけで済むから、構造の簡素化と部品点数の削減による製造コストの低廉化を促進することができる。
【００２３】
本発明の請求項６による自動販売機の商品収納コラムの特徴構成は、前記取付け基材の左右両側部に、左右の側板の内側面に接触する端面が形成されている点にある。
【００２４】
また、本発明の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、前記商品収納通路の下部側に突出付勢される売切れ感知板を組付けてある板状の第２取付け基材の左右両側部には、側板に形成された取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み自在な架設用の掛止部が形成されていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、左右の側板間に売切れ感知板を組付ける場合、この売切れ感知板を組付けてある第２取付け基材の左右両側部に形成された掛止部を、側板に形成された取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み操作するだけで済むから、例えば、従来のように、売切れ感知板の上端部に筒部をカール形成し、この筒部に挿通された筒軸を左右の側板に形成された取付け孔に貫通させたのち、筒軸の突出端部を抜止め加工する場合に比して、構造の簡素化と部品点数の削減による製造コストの低廉化を促進することができる。
【００２５】
本発明の請求項７による自動販売機の商品収納コラムの特徴構成は、前記取付け基材が上下方向に幅のある板状に形成され、前記商品収納通路に臨む内側面が、商品を下方に移動案内するガイド面に構成されている点にある。
【００２６】
本発明の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、前記差込み連結手段が、側板に形成された取付け孔の周縁の一部を弾性変形させながら通路幅方向から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定差し込み位置で取付け孔の周縁の一部に係合する抜止め用の係止凹部を備えた掛止部から構成されていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、ガイド板及び／又は取付け基材を左右の側板間に架設する際、ガイド板及び／又は取付け基材の両端部に形成された掛止部の各々を、側板に形成された取付け孔に対してそれの周縁の一部を弾性変形させながら通路幅方向から差し込み操作すると、所定差し込み位置に到達した時点で掛止部の係止凹部が取付け孔の周縁の一部に係合し、左右の側板に対してガイド板及び／又は取付け基材が通路幅方向での相対移動を規制した状態で固定連結される。
【００２７】
従って、左右の側板の取付け孔に対してガイド板及び／又は取付け基材の両掛止部を差し込むだけの簡単な操作をもって、ガイド板及び／又は取付け基材を側板に架設することができるから、構造の簡素化と製造コストの低廉化とを図りながら、組立作業能率の向上を促進することができる。
【００２８】
本発明の請求項８による自動販売機の商品収納コラムの特徴構成は、前記取付け基材の差込み連結手段は、前記係止凹部を備えた第１掛止部と、前記取付け孔の下方に形成された第２取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み自在な第２掛止部から構成されている点にある。
【００２９】
また、本発明の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、前記被係合部が、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板の上端部の左右両側部に形成された係止孔であり、前記係合部が、固定ガイド板の下端縁の左右両側部から下方に突出形成された係止突片であって、各係止突片が、商品収納通路側から係止孔を通して他の固定ガイド板の背面側に挿入係合させるように構成されていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、固定ガイド板の下端部と下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板の上端部とを係合連結する際、固定ガイド板の下端縁の左右両側部から下方に突出形成された係止突片を、商品収納通路側から係止孔を通して他の固定ガイド板の背面側に挿入係合操作させるだけの簡単な操作により、両者の前後方向での相対移動を阻止した状態で左右の側板に間接的に固定することができる。
【００３０】
従って、構造の簡素化と製造コストの低廉化とを図りながら、組立作業能率の向上を促進することができる。
【００３１】
本発明の請求項９による自動販売機の商品収納コラムの特徴構成は、前記商品収納通路の下部側に突出付勢される売切れ感知板を組付けてある板状の第２取付け基材の左右両側部には、前記側板に形成された取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み自在な架設用の掛止部と、左右の側板の内側面に接触する端面が形成されている点にある。
【００３２】
また、本発明の自動販売機の商品収納コラムでは、前記第２取付け基材の下端部に、売切れ感知板の上端部に折り曲げ形成されたフック状の係止部を揺動自在に支持する筒部と、売切れ感知板の係止部に対して上下逆向き姿勢で嵌合装着した第２取付け基材の筒部をそれの筒軸芯周りで正規の姿勢に戻し回転操作したとき、係止部が周方向から係入する係止孔とが形成されているとともに、正規姿勢にある第２取付け基材に対して上方から外套装着自在で、かつ、その外套装着時に売切れ感知板を商品収納通路側に突出付勢する板バネが設けられていてもよい。
上記構成によれば、側板間に売切れ感知板を組付ける場合、売切れ感知板のフック状係止部と、第２取付け基材の下端部に形成された筒部とを、第２取付け基材を上下逆向き姿勢にした状態で嵌合装着し、この状態で第２取付け基材の筒部をそれの筒軸芯周りで正規の姿勢に戻し回転操作すると、フック状係止部が第２取付け基材に形成された係止孔に係入して、第２取付け基材と売切れ感知板とが係合連結される。
【００３３】
そして、この正規姿勢にある第２取付け基材に対して上方から板バネを外套装着することにより、売切れ感知板を商品収納通路側に突出付勢することができるばかりでなく、第２取付け基材に対する売切れ感知板の抜出しを阻止することができる。
【００３４】
従って、部品点数を削減することができるばかりでなく、カール加工等の複雑な加工数も少なくなり、しかも、左右の側板間に架設される第２取付け基材に売切れ感知板と板バネとを予め組付けることによって組立作業性を高めことができるから、構造の簡素化と製造コストの低廉化とを図りつつ組立作業の能率化を促進することができる。
【００３５】
本発明の請求項１０による特徴構成は、商品収納庫内に吊下げ支持される左右の側板間に、多数の湾曲状のガイド板を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向させた状態で上下方向に配設して、蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成するとともに、ガイド板の少なくとも一部が、上端側の横軸芯周りで揺動自在で、かつ、商品長さに応じて通路幅を変更する幅調整板の通路幅変更操作領域外の商品収納通路部分内に突出付勢された可動ガイド板から構成されている商品収納コラムであって、
前記可動ガイド板を揺動自在に枢支する取付け基材の左右両側部に、左右の側板に設けられた取付け孔に対して差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け基材の左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、取付け基材には、可動ガイド板を突出付勢する捻りコイルバネのコイル部を外嵌状態で保持するコイル保持部が設けられている。
【００３６】
上記特徴構成によれば、左右の側板間に亘って可動ガイド板を組み立てる場合、可動ガイド板を揺動自在に枢支する取付け基材の左右両側部の各々に設けた差込み連結手段を、両側板の取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み操作するだけで済み、しかも、差込み連結手段が所定位置に差し込まれたときには、側板に対して取付け基材が左右方向での相対移動を阻止した状態で保持されるから、各取付け基材が両側板の対向間隔を設定間隔に維持するための骨格部材として機能する。
【００３７】
しかも、可動ガイド板が商品と接触して捻りコイルバネの弾性復元力に抗して揺動したとき、その揺動に連れて捻りコイルバネのコイル部が縮径しても、縮径されたコイル部が挾持密着されるのは、固定側の取付け基材に設けられたコイル保持部となるから、例えば、取付け基材に揺動自在に支承される可動ガイド板側の筒軸部に捻りコイルバネのコイル部を外嵌装着してある場合のように、捻りコイルバネの支持反力の一部が筒軸部に作用することがなく、可動ガイド板の復帰揺動がスムーズになる。
【００３８】
従って、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを図りながら可動ガイド板を能率良く容易に組み立てることができるとともに、可動ガイド板の揺動復帰性能を高めることができる。
【００３９】
本発明の請求項１１による自動販売機の商品収納コラムの特徴構成は、前記取付け基材の下端部に、可動ガイド板の上端部に折り曲げ形成された筒軸部の左右両側部分を揺動自在に内嵌状態で支承する軸受け筒部が折り曲げ形成されているとともに、一方の軸受け筒部がコイル保持部に構成されている点にある。
【００４０】
上記特徴構成によれば、取付け基材の下端部に折り曲げ形成された軸受け筒部に対して、可動ガイド板の上端部に折り曲げ形成された筒軸部の左右両側部分を揺動軸芯方向から挿入支持させるだけで済むから、部品点数及び組立工数の削減を図ることができるとともに、カール加工等の複雑な加工数も少なくなり、しかも、一方の軸受け筒部をコイル保持部に兼用構成することによっても加工工程数の削減を図ることができるから、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを促進しながら能率良く容易に組み立てることができる。
【００４１】
本発明の請求項１２による特徴構成は、商品収納庫内に、左右の側板間に蛇行状の商品収納通路を形成する多数の湾曲状のガイド板を上下方向に配設してなる商品収納コラムが、前後方向で複数列形成されているとともに、ガイド板の少なくとも一部が、上端側の横軸芯周りで揺動自在で、かつ、商品長さに応じて通路幅を変更する幅調整板の通路幅変更操作領域外の商品収納通路部分内に突出付勢された可動ガイド板から構成されている自動販売機の商品収納装置であって、
前記可動ガイド板を揺動自在に枢支する取付け基材の左右両側部に、左右の側板に設けられた取付け孔に対して差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け基材の左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段が設けられているとともに、最前列に位置する商品収納通路の最上部位置には、可動ガイド板の少なくとも上側部が商品投入口に対面する状態で取付け基材が側板に取付けられている点にある。
【００４２】
上記特徴構成によれば、左右の側板間に亘って可動ガイド板を組み立てる場合、可動ガイド板を揺動自在に枢支する取付け基材の左右両側部の各々に設けた差込み連結手段を、両側板の取付け孔に対して左右方向から差し込み操作するだけで済み、しかも、差込み連結手段が所定位置に差し込まれたときには、側板に対して取付け基材が左右方向での相対移動を阻止した状態で連結されるから、各取付け基材が両側板の対向間隔を設定間隔に維持するための骨格部材として機能する。
【００４３】
しかも、最前列に位置する商品収納通路に対する商品の補給作業を考察すると、一般に、商品投入口から手を差し入れながら商品収納通路の最上部側に商品を略直接的に投入する形態が採られるため、商品収納通路の最上部に移入した商品の投入姿勢を矯正する必要はあるものの、二列目以降の商品収納コラムに対する商品投入ガイド構造のように、商品投入口から商品収納通路の上部位置に滑降案内される投入商品の姿勢を矯正する機能は不要であることを知見した。
そして、この知見に基づいて、可動ガイド板の少なくとも上側部が商品投入口に対面する状態で取付け基材を側板に取付けることにより、商品収納通路側に突出付勢されている可動ガイド板を利用して、投入商品の姿勢を矯正することができるから、構造の複雑な投入姿勢矯正板を削減することができる。
【００４４】
従って、部品コスト及び製造コストの低廉化と構造の簡素化とを図りながら可動ガイド板を能率良く容易に組み立てることができるとともに、最前列に位置する商品収納通路の上部での商品の投入姿勢矯正構造を製造コスト面、構造の簡素化面で有利に構成することができる。
【００４５】
【発明の実施の形態】
〔第１実施形態〕
図１に示す自動販売機の商品収納装置では、断熱壁で囲繞されるキャビネットの商品収納庫内に、飲料缶や飲料瓶、ペットボトル等の複数の商品Ｇを下方に払い出し可能な状態でほぼ上下方向に沿って水平姿勢で積重ね収納するための商品収納通路Ｓを備えた商品収納コラムを前後方向で二列形成してある商品収納コラムユニットＵの三つが、前後方向から吊下げ状態で脱着可能に組付けられているとともに、各商品収納コラムの商品収納通路Ｓの上部には、商品Ｇを投入する商品投入口１が前方に向って開口され、各商品収納通路Ｓの下部には、商品払出指令信号（販売指令信号）に基づいて最下端から二番目に位置する商品Ｇを受止めながら最下端に位置する商品Ｇを一つずつ払い出す商品払出機構Ａが設けられている。
【００４６】
また、前記各商品収納コラムの商品収納通路Ｓのうち、前から二列目以降に位置する商品収納通路Ｓの上部と商品投入口１とを斜めに接続するための傾斜導入通路Ｓ１を形成する商品導入ガイド４が設けられているとともに、各商品導入ガイド４は、奥側ほど少し下方に位置する傾斜姿勢に構成されていて、商品投入口１から投入された商品Ｇは、両側板２間に亘って架設される部材の一例である商品導入ガイド４の傾斜底板４Ａ上を転動しながら商品収納通路Ｓの上部に移入し、商品収納通路Ｓ内を蛇行しながら商品払出機構Ａ側へ搬送される。
【００４７】
前記各商品収納コラムの商品収納通路Ｓ内には、図２、図３に示すように、これの通路幅Ｗを収納される商品Ｇの長さに応じて変更するべく、商品収納通路Ｓの上端近くから下端部にまで及ぶ長さを有する板金製の幅調整板５が配置されているとともに、前記幅調整板５を通路幅方向に平行又は略平行姿勢のまま移動案内するリンク機構Ｂが、各商品収納通路Ｓに臨む一方の側板２と幅調整板５との上下二箇所に亘って枢支連結された二本の金属棒製の揺動リンク６と、幅調整板５の背面に沿う姿勢で揺動リンク６の先端部に亘って枢支連結された板金製の縦リンク７とから構成されている。
【００４８】
前記各揺動リンク６の幅調整板５側の第１揺動軸芯Ｘ１が、通路幅Ｗを広げる側に幅調整板５を移動操作したとき、側板２側の第２揺動軸芯Ｘ２を中心として各揺動リンク６が下向きに揺動し、かつ、通路幅Ｗを狭める側に幅調整板５を移動操作したとき、側板２側の第２揺動軸芯Ｘ２を中心として各揺動リンク６が上向きに揺動する位置に設けられている。
換言すれば、前記各揺動リンク６の幅調整板５側の第１揺動軸芯Ｘ１が、通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１内では側板２側の第２揺動軸芯Ｘ２よりも常に下方に位置するように構成されている。
【００４９】
また、図１に示すように、二列目の商品収納コラム内に配設される幅調整板５の上部には、商品導入ガイド４の左右一対のガイド側板４Ｂのうち、幅調整板５と同じ側に位置する可動ガイド側板４Ｂが上下方向及び通路幅方向に一体的に移動操作可能な状態で固定連結されている。
【００５０】
図１に示すように、三列目以降の商品収納コラム内に配設される各幅調整板５の上部には、商品導入ガイド４の左右一対のガイド側板４Ｂのうち、幅調整板５と同じ側に位置する可動ガイド側板４Ｂが、上下方向に相対移動可能な弾性挾持状態で嵌合保持されていて、幅調整板５と可動ガイド側板４Ｂとを一体的に通路幅方向に移動操作できるように構成されている。
【００５１】
最前列の商品収納コラム内に配設される幅調整板５の上部には、図１に示すように、これを上下方向及び通路幅方向に移動操作するための円形の指掛け操作孔８が形成されているとともに、二列目の商品収納コラム内に配設される可動ガイド側板４Ｂには、これと幅調整板５とを上下方向及び通路幅方向に移動操作するための円形の指掛け操作孔９が形成され、更に、各指掛け操作孔８、９の周縁がバーリング加工によって折り曲げ形成されている。
【００５２】
前記各商品収納通路Ｓは、図１〜図４に示すように、収納予定商品Ｇの最大長さよりも若干大きな間隔で固定連結された左右一対の側板２間に亘って、上下方向に沿って配設される多数の湾曲状（円弧状）のガイド板１０，１１を前後方向に間隔をおいて対向する状態で取付けることにより区画形成されているとともに、前後方向で対向するガイド板１０，１１同士の高さを互いに半ピッチずつ位置齟齬させることにより、各商品収納通路Ｓが商品補充時の落下衝撃を緩和可能な蛇行状に構成されている。
【００５３】
前記ガイド板１０，１１のうち、商品収納通路Ｓの後方側に位置するガイド板１０は、図３、図４に示すように、上端側の横軸芯Ｘ周りで前後方向に揺動自在で、かつ、幅調整板５の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１外の商品収納通路部分Ｗ２内に弾性付勢手段の一例である弾性付勢体１４の弾性力で突出付勢された可動ガイド板から構成されているとともに、商品収納通路Ｓの前方側に位置するガイド板１１は、両側板２間に亘って架設される部材の一例で、商品収納通路Ｓの通路幅Ｗに略相当する長さを有し、かつ、図４に示すよう、それの上下両端部が側板２に直接的又は間接的に固定された固定ガイド板から構成されている。
【００５４】
更に、各商品収納通路Ｓの下部側で、かつ、商品払出機構Ａの上方近傍箇所には、図１、図２、図１８に示すように、商品収納通路Ｓ内の商品Ｇの存否を検出するべく、幅調整板５の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１外の商品収納通路部分Ｗ２内に板バネ３６の弾性力で突出付勢された板金製の売切れ感知板（売切れフラッパー）２３がそれの上端側の横軸芯周りで揺動自在に設けられているとともに、二列目以降の各商品収納通路Ｓの入口部には、傾斜導入通路Ｓ１に沿って転動する商品Ｇと当接して、商品Ｇの投入姿勢を矯正する投入姿勢矯正板２２が、商品Ｇとの当接に連れて商品Ｇの通過を許容する位置にまで横軸芯周りで逃げ揺動自在に設けられている。
【００５５】
次に、前記可動ガイド板１０の支持構造について詳述すると、図３〜図７に示すように、左右の側板２間に亘って架設される上下方向に幅のある板状の取付け基材（両側板２間に亘って架設される部材の一例である）１２に、可動ガイド板１０を揺動自在に枢支する枢支手段１３と、これに枢支された可動ガイド板１０に突出側への弾性付勢力を付与した状態で弾性付勢体の一例である捻じりコイルバネ１４を取付ける取付け手段１５とを設けるとともに、前記取付け基材１２の商品収納通路Ｓ側に臨む内側面のうち、幅調整板５の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１に対応する部分が、商品収納通路Ｓに投入された商品Ｇを下方に移動案内するガイド面１２ａに構成されている。
【００５６】
前記枢支手段１３は、図５〜図７に示すように、可動ガイド板１０の左右両側縁に折り曲げ形成された側縁フランジ部１０Ａの上端近くに貫通形成された横軸芯Ｘに沿う枢支孔１３Ａと、両枢支孔１３Ａに対して通路幅Ｗ方向から抜き差し自在に貫通支持される丸棒状の枢支軸１３Ｂと、これの両端部を通路幅Ｗ方向から抜き差し自在に貫通支持するべく、取付け基材１２のうち、枢支軸１３Ｂの両端部に対応する部位にＶ字状に打ち出し形成された軸受け部１３Ｃとから構成されている。
【００５７】
前記両軸受け部１３Ｃの通路幅Ｗ方向での外側面間寸法Ｌ１が、可動ガイド板１０の両側縁フランジ部１０Ａの内側面間寸法Ｌ２よりも若干小に構成されていて、両軸受け部１３Ｃの外側面をもって、可動ガイド板１０の通路幅Ｗ方向での相対移動を阻止する位置決め面に構成されている。
【００５８】
前記取付け基材１２のうち、両軸受け部１３Ｃ間に位置する左右の二ケ所には、図５〜図７に示すように、通路幅Ｗ方向の一側方から差し込み操作される支軸１３Ｂを横軸芯Ｘ上に沿って移動案内する差し込みガイド１６が打出し形成されているとともに、各差し込みガイド１６が、支軸１３Ｂの差込方向下手側ほど横軸芯Ｘ側に近接位置する傾斜姿勢で切り起こし形成された上下一対のガイド片１６ａ，１６ｂから構成され、更に、上方側のガイド片１６ａが、下方側のガイド片１６ｂよりも支軸１３Ｂの差込方向下手側に偏位する状態で配設されている。
【００５９】
前記取付け基材１２には、図５〜図７に示すように、両軸受け部１３Ｃに対して通路幅Ｗ方向の一側方から枢支軸１３Ｂが所定装着位置にまで差し込まれたとき、この枢支軸１３Ｂの先端に通路幅Ｗ方向から当接する当り部１７がＶ字状に打ち出し形成されているとともに、所定装着位置に差し込まれた枢支軸１３Ｂの抜出し移動を、取付け基材１２が架設される一方の側板2 で阻止するように構成されている。
【００６０】
前記取付け手段１５について詳述すると、図５〜図７に示すように、取付け基材１２のうち、両差し込みガイド１６の隣接間における通路幅方向中央位置に、捻じりコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａが横軸芯Ｘに沿う姿勢で脱着自在に入込み装着される横長矩形状の装着孔１５ａが貫通形成され、この装着孔１５ａの周縁には、装着孔１５ａ内に入込み装着された捻じりコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａに対して通路幅方向から係合することにより、捻じりコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａを差し込み操作される枢支軸１３Ｂに外套可能な姿勢で仮止め保持する一対の仮止め係止片１５ｂが形成されているとともに、捻じりコイルバネ１４の両端部１４ｂ，１４ｃが、商品収納通路Ｓとは反対側に位置する可動ガイド板１０の背面と取付け基材１２の外側面とに当て付けられている。
【００６１】
前記取付け基材１２は、図４、図７〜図９に示すように、それの上下両側辺に沿って商品収納通路Ｓとは反対の外側面側にフランジ部１２Ａ，１２Ｂが折り曲げ形成されているとともに、枢支手段１３の形成領域よりも少し上方に偏位した部位を折り曲げ中心として、それよりも下側基材部が鉛直姿勢にある状態で上側フランジ部１２Ａを含む上側基材部が商品収納通路Ｓ側に突出位置するように、通路幅Ｗ方向視において略くの字状に屈曲形成されている。
【００６２】
前記取付け基材１２の下側基材部における商品収納通路Ｓ側の角部１２ｂが、商品Ｇとの接触に伴う可動ガイド板１０の通路外方側への最大揺動位置を当接により規制するためのストッパー部に構成されている。
【００６３】
前記取付け基材１２の上側基材部の左右両端部には、図６〜図９に示すように、側板２に形成されたＶ字状の第１取付け孔１８に対して左右方向（通路幅方向）から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき第１取付け孔１８の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃが設けられている。
【００６４】
この差込み連結手段Ｃについて詳述すると、取付け基材１２の端部に、側板２の第１取付け孔１８のＶ字底部に対して通路幅方向から差し込み可能な大きさの第１掛止部１９が一体形成され、この第１掛止部１９には、これの差し込み操作に連れて第１取付け孔１８の周縁の一部、つまり、Ｖ字状に囲まれた上側縁部分２ａを通過可能な状態にまで通路幅Ｗ方向に弾性たわみ変形させるカム面１９ａと、所定差し込み位置で第１取付け孔１８の周縁の一部、つまり、第１取付け孔１８の最下端に相当する下側縁部分２ｂに係合する抜止め用の係止凹部１９ｂとが形成されている。
【００６５】
更に、前記側板２の上側縁部分２ａは、図８、図９に示すように、所定差し込み位置にある取付け基材１２の上方への抜出し移動を阻止する弾性押え部に兼用構成されているとともに、取付け基材１２の下側基材部の左右両端部には、側板２に形成された変形矩形状の第２取付け孔２０に対して左右方向（通路幅方向）から差し込み自在な断面Ｌ字状の第２掛止部２１が一体形成され、更に、取付け基材１２の左右両端部における第１掛止部１９と第２掛止部２１との間には、側板２の内側面に接触する端面が形成されている。
【００６６】
前記第１取付け孔１８の周縁の一部である上側縁部分２ａが、部材の一例である取付け基材１２の差込み時に弾性たわみ変形を起こし、差込み後に元に復帰して取付け基材１２を抜止め保持する変形部に構成されている。
【００６７】
前記第２取付け孔２０の周縁には、図４、図８に示すように、それに差し込まれたＬ字状の第２掛止部２１の下側先端と上端側背面が当接する当り部２０ａ，２０ｂが形成されていて、この二点での当接により、側板２の第２取付け孔２０と取付け基材１２の第２掛止部２１との間でのガタ付きを抑制するように構成されている。
【００６８】
そして、左右の両側板２の第１取付け孔１８及び第２取付け孔２０に対して、取付け基材１２の第１掛止部１９及び第２掛止部２１を通路幅方向から差し込むだけの簡単な操作をもって、取付け基材１２を両側板２に架設することができるから、構造の簡素化と製造コストの低廉化とを図りながら、組立作業能率の向上を促進することができる。
【００６９】
また、図１、図２、図２４に示すように、商品収納庫内に配設される前後複数列の商品収納コラムの商品収納通路Ｓのうち、最前列に位置する商品収納通路Ｓの最上部位置には、可動ガイド板１０の少なくとも上側部が商品投入口１に前後方向で対面する状態で取付け基材１２が、差込み連結手段Ｃを介して左右の側板２に取付けられている。
【００７０】
一般に、商品投入口１から手を差し入れながら商品収納通路Ｓの最上部側に商品Ｇを略直接的に投入する形態が採られるため、商品収納通路Ｓの最上部に移入した商品Ｇの投入姿勢を矯正する必要はあるものの、二列目以降の商品収納コラムに対する商品投入ガイド構造のように、商品投入口１から商品収納通路Ｓの上部位置に亘る傾斜導入通路Ｓ１に沿って滑降案内される投入商品Ｇの姿勢を矯正する機能は不要であることを知見し、この知見に基づいて、上述の如く、可動ガイド板１０の少なくとも上側部が商品投入口１に対面する状態で取付け基材１２を取付けることにより、商品収納通路Ｓ側に突出付勢されている可動ガイド板１０を利用して、投入商品Ｇの姿勢を矯正することができるから、構造の複雑な投入姿勢矯正板２２を削減して、最前列に位置する商品収納通路Ｓの上部での商品Ｇの投入姿勢矯正構造を製造コスト面、構造の簡素化面で有利に構成することができる。
【００７１】
次に、前記固定ガイド板１１の支持構造について詳述すると、図１０〜図１５に示すように、各固定ガイド板１１の上端側の左右両側部には、側板２に形成されたＶ字状の第３取付け孔２５に対して左右方向（通路幅方向）から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき第３取付け孔２５の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃが設けられているとともに、固定ガイド板１１の下端部には、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板１１の上端部に形成されている被係合部２６と係合して、少なくとも両者１１，１１の前後方向での相対移動を阻止する係合部２７が形成されている。
【００７２】
前記差込み連結手段Ｃについて詳述すると、図１１、図１４に示すように、固定ガイド板１１の左右両側部に、側板２の第３取付け孔２５のＶ字底部に対して通路幅方向から差し込み可能な大きさの第３掛止部２８が一体形成され、この第３掛止部２８には、これの差し込み操作に連れて第３取付け孔２５の周縁の一部、つまり、Ｖ字状に囲まれた上側縁部分２ｃを通過可能な状態にまで通路幅Ｗ方向に弾性たわみ変形させるカム面２８ａと、所定差し込み位置で第３取付け孔２５の周縁の一部、つまり、第３取付け孔２５の最下端に相当する下側縁部分２ｄに係合する抜止め用の係止凹部２８ｂとが形成されている。
【００７３】
また、図１２〜図１４に示すように、前記固定ガイド板１１の上端部と第３掛止部２８の上端部とに亘って、商品収納通路Ｓ側に向って突出する上側フランジ部１１Ａが折り曲げ形成されているとともに、左右の側板２の第３取付け孔２５に対して固定ガイド板１１の両第３掛止部２８を所定差し込み位置にまで差し込み操作したとき、各側板２の上側縁部分２ｃの下端と上側フランジ部１１Ａの上面とが当接又は近接位置して、所定差し込み位置にある固定ガイド板１１の上方への抜出し移動を阻止するように構成されている。
【００７４】
前記第３取付け孔２５の周縁の一部である上側縁部分２ｃが、部材の一例である固定ガイド板１１の各第３掛止部２８の差込み時に弾性たわみ変形を起こし、差込み後に元に復帰して固定ガイド板１１の各第３掛止部２８を抜止め保持する変形部（弾性押え部）に構成されている。
【００７５】
前記被係合部２６が、図１１、図１４に示すように、下方に隣接する他の固定ガイド板１１の上端側の左右両側部で、かつ、差込み連結手段Ｃの係止凹部２８ｂを形成する状態で切欠き形成された左右方向の外方にも開口する左右一対の横長矩形状の係止孔から構成されているとともに、前記係合部２７が、固定ガイド板１１の下端縁の左右両側部から下方に突出形成された左右一対の係止突片から構成され、更に、前記固定ガイド板１１の下端側で、かつ、係止突片２７の付け根部よりも少し上方に偏位した部位を折曲げ中心として、下端側部分が商品収納通路Ｓとは反対側に突出するようにくの字状に折り曲げ形成されている。
【００７６】
そして、図１１、図１２に示すように、上段側の固定ガイド板１１の両係止突片２７を、商品収納通路Ｓ側から下段側の固定ガイド板１１の両係止孔２６を通してそれの背面側に挿入係合させることにより、上段側の固定ガイド板１１の下端部と下段側の固定ガイド板１１の上端部との前後方向及び左右方向での相対移動を阻止するように構成されている。
【００７７】
また、前記固定ガイド板１１の係止突片２７には、図１２、図１４に示すように、上下方向に沿って商品収納通路Ｓとは反対側に突出する補強リブ２７ａが膨出形成されているとともに、これに相対向する下段側の固定ガイド板１１の上側フランジ部１１Ａには、係止突片２７の補強リブ２７ａが前後方向から係入する位置決め用の凹部１１ａが切欠き形成されている。
【００７８】
前記商品収納通路Ｓの前方側に沿って配設される固定ガイド板１１のうち、最上段に位置する固定ガイド板１１の上側フランジ部１１Ａには、図１５〜図１７に示すように、この上側フランジ部１１Ａの周囲を覆うＵの字状のカバー部２９Ａと、それの一端側から固定ガイド板１１の背面側に沿って下方に延出される取付け板部２９Ｂとからなるカバー２９が脱着自在に外套されているとともに、前記カバー部２９Ａの他端側の左右両側部には、固定ガイド板１１の係止孔２６に係入する係止片２９ａが一体形成され、更に、前記取付け板部２９Ｂの左右両側部には、左右の側板２に形成された第４取付け孔３０に対して左右方向から脱着自在に係合することにより、カバー２９の抜け出しを防止するとともに、最上段の固定ガイド板１１が第３掛止部２８と側板２の第３取付け孔２５との係合箇所を支点として回動することを阻止する廻り止め用の係止突起２９ｂが一体形成されている。
【００７９】
次に、前記売切れ感知板２３の支持構造について詳述すると、図１８〜図２２に示すように、左右の側板２間に亘って架設される上下方向に幅のある板状の第２取付け基材３５の下端部に、売切れ感知板２３の上端縁の左右二個所に折り曲げ形成されたフック状の係止部２３Ａを左右方向に沿う横軸芯まわりで揺動自在に掛止め支持する筒部３５Ａがカール形成され、この筒部３５Ａの付け根部で、かつ、売切れ感知板２３の両フック状係止部２３Ａに対応する部位には、売切れ感知板２３の両フック状係止部２３Ａに対して上下逆向き姿勢で嵌合装着した第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａをそれの筒軸芯周りで正規の姿勢に戻し回転操作したとき、両フック状係止部２３Ａが周方向から係入するスリット状の係止孔３５Ｂが形成されている。
【００８０】
前記係止孔３５Ｂは、図２３に示すように、二つの商品払出機構Ａが背中合わせ状態で配設されている商品収納コラムに対応できるように、図１９、図２０に示す如く、左右中央側に形成される広幅の係止孔３５Ｂを共用する状態で、第２取付け基材３５の長手方向（左右方向）の三ヶ所に形成されていて、売切れ感知板２３が第２取付け基材３５の右側に取付けられるタイプと左側に取付けられるタイプとに使い分けできるように構成されている。
【００８１】
前記売切れ感知板２３の上端縁で、かつ、両フック状係止部２３Ａの隣接間に位置する二ヶ所には、図１８、図２０に示すように、売切れ感知板２３の両係止部２３Ａに対して上下逆向き姿勢で嵌合装着した第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａの抜け落ちを阻止し、かつ、上下逆向き姿勢で嵌合装着した第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａを筒軸芯周りで正規の姿勢に戻し回転操作するとき、筒部３５Ａの筒軸芯周りでの回転を案内する抜止めガイド片２３Ｂが一体形成されている。
【００８２】
そのため、売切れ感知板２３の両係止部２３Ａに対して、上下逆向き姿勢にある第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａを嵌合装着する場合には、売切れ感知板２３の両係止部２３Ａに対して第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａを筒軸芯方向から挿入する。（図２１（イ）参照）
【００８３】
また、図１８〜図２０に示すように、正規姿勢にある第２取付け基材３５に対して上方から外套装着自在で、かつ、その外套装着時に売切れ感知板２３を商品収納通路Ｓ側に突出付勢する板バネ３６が設けられているとともに、この板バネ３６には、第２取付け基材３５の左右二個所に商品収納通路Ｓ側に向って打出し形成された係止突起３５ａに選択的に係合する外れ止め用の係止孔３６ａが形成されている。
【００８４】
前記第２取付け基材３５の取付け板部３５Ｃの左右両側部には、図２２に示すように、左右の側板２に形成された縦長矩形状の第５取付け孔３７に対して左右方向から差し込み自在な第１掛止突起３９Ａが一体形成されているとともに、第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａの左右両側部には、左右の側板２に形成された円形状の第６取付け孔３８に対して左右方向から差し込み自在な第２掛止突起３９Ｂが一体形成されていて、この第１掛止突起３９Ａと第２掛止突起３９Ｂとから架設用の掛止部３９が構成され、更に、前記第２取付け基材３５の左右両端部における第１掛止突起３９Ａと第２掛止突起３９Ｂとの間には、側板２の内側面に接触する端面が形成されている。
【００８５】
そして、左右の側板２間に売切れ感知板２３を組付ける場合、図２１の（イ）に示すように、売切れ感知板２３の両フック状係止部２３Ａと、第２取付け基材３５の下端部に形成された筒部３５Ａとを、第２取付け基材３５を上下逆向き姿勢にした反転状態で筒軸芯方向から嵌合装着し、この反転状態にある第２取付け基材３５の筒部３５Ａをそれの筒軸芯周りで正規の姿勢に戻し回転操作すると、図２１の（ロ）に示すように、両フック状係止部２３Ａが第２取付け基材３５に形成された係止孔３５Ｂに周方向から係入して、第２取付け基材３５と売切れ感知板２３とが係合連結される。
【００８６】
次に、図２１の（ロ）、（ハ）に示すように、この正規姿勢にある第２取付け基材３５に対して上方から板バネ３６を外套装着することにより、売切れ感知板２３を商品収納通路Ｓ側に突出付勢することができるばかりでなく、第２取付け基材３５に対する売切れ感知板２３の抜出しを阻止することができる。
【００８７】
従って、部品点数を削減することができるばかりでなく、カール加工等の複雑な加工数も少なくなり、しかも、左右の側板２間に架設される第２取付け基材３５に売切れ感知板２３と板バネ３６とを予め組付けることによって組立作業性を高めことができるから、構造の簡素化と製造コストの低廉化とを図りつつ組立作業の能率化を促進することができる。
【００８８】
前記売切れ感知板２３は、商品収納通路Ｓ内に投入された商品Ｇとの接当により、板バネ３６の弾性付勢力に抗して商品収納通路Ｓの前後幅を広げる側に退避揺動し、商品Ｇが無くなると、板バネ３６の弾性付勢力で商品収納通路Ｓ内に突出揺動し、これの突出揺動に連動して商品払出機構Ａに設けられた売切れセンサが検知作動し、それの検知信号に基づいて売切れ表示ランプを点灯させるように構成されている。
【００８９】
前記商品導入ガイド４の傾斜底板４Ａの支持構造について詳述すると、図２４〜図３０に示すように、各傾斜底板４Ａの基端部にカール形成された筒部４ａの左右両側部には、側板２に形成されたＶ字状の第７取付け孔４１に対して左右方向（通路幅方向）から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき第７取付け孔４１の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃが設けられているとともに、各傾斜底板４Ａの左右両側縁に沿って下方に折り曲げ形成されたフランジ部４ｂの先端側に偏位した部位には、側板２に形成された矩形状の第８取付け孔４２に対して左右方向（通路幅方向）から差し込み自在で、かつ、差込み状態での前後方向への相対移動によって左右方向での抜け出しを阻止するＬ字状の係止突起４３が切りお越し形成されている。
【００９０】
前記差込み連結手段Ｃについて詳述すると、図２６、図２７に示すように、傾斜底板４Ａの基端筒部４ａの左右両側部に、第７取付け孔４１の下部に形成された矩形状のＶ字底部４１ａに対して左右方向から差し込み可能な第４掛止部４４が一体形成され、この第４掛止部４４には、これの差し込み操作に連れて第７取付け孔４１のＶ字底部４１ａの周縁の一部、つまり、Ｖ字状に囲まれた上側縁部分２ｅを通過可能な状態にまで通路幅Ｗ方向に弾性たわみ変形させる押圧端面４４ａと、所定差し込み位置で第７取付け孔４１の周縁の一部、つまり、第７取付け孔４１のＶ字底部４１ａの前側縁に相当する側縁部分２ｆに係合する抜止め用の係止凹部４４ｂが形成されている。
【００９１】
また、図２７に示すように、左右の側板２の第７取付け孔４１に対して傾斜底板４Ａの両第４掛止部４４を所定差し込み位置にまで差し込み操作したとき、各側板２の上側縁部分２ｅの下端と第４掛止部４４の上面とが当接又は近接位置して、所定差し込み位置にある傾斜底板４Ａの両第４掛止部４４の上方への抜出し移動を阻止するように構成されている。
【００９２】
前記第７取付け孔４１の周縁の一部である上側縁部分２ｅが、部材の一例である傾斜底板４Ａの各第４掛止部４４の差込み時に弾性たわみ変形を起こし、差込み後に元に復帰して傾斜底板４Ａの各第４掛止部４４を抜止め保持する変形部（弾性押え部）に構成されている。
【００９３】
前記第８取付け孔４２は、図２８、図２９に示すように、正規の装着姿勢にある傾斜底板４Ａの上面に対して傾斜していて、それの一つの角部４２ａに係止突起４３が係合するように構成されている。
そのため、第８取付け孔４２の幅を、係止突起４３の抜き差しを容易に行い得るだけの余裕のある幅に構成しながらも、傾斜底板４Ａが側板２に装着された状態では、第８取付け孔４２の角部４２ａと係止突起４３との係合によって上下方向でのガタッキを抑制することができる。
【００９４】
そして、商品導入ガイド４の傾斜底板４Ａを左右の側板２間に亘って装着する場合には、図３０（イ）に示すように、傾斜底板４Ａを正規装着姿勢よりも少し前端側を持ち上げた傾斜姿勢にして、傾斜底板４Ａの両係止突起４３を側板２の第８取付け孔４２に対して左右方向から差し込んだのち、図３０（ロ）に示すように、傾斜底板４Ａを前方に押し込み、傾斜底板４Ａの両係止突起４３を第８取付け孔４２の角部４２ａに係合させる。
【００９５】
次に、図３０（ハ）に示すように、両係止突起４３と第８取付け孔４２の角部４２ａとの係合個所を揺動支点として、傾斜底板４Ａを正規装着姿勢にまで押し下げ、その状態で傾斜底板４Ａの両第４掛止部４４を、左右の側板２の第７取付け孔４１に対して左右方向から所定差し込み位置にまで差し込み操作し、両第４掛止部４４の係止凹部４４ｂを、第７取付け孔４１の周縁の側縁部分２ｆに係合させる。
【００９６】
前記商品導入ガイド４の傾斜底板４Ａは、図２４に示すように、商品投入口１から投入された商品Ｇを最前列の商品収納コラムの上部を通して二列目の商品収納コラムにまで滑降供給可能な長さの第１傾斜底板４Ａと、商品投入口１から投入された商品Ｇを最前列及び二列目の商品収納コラムの上部を通して三列目の商品収納コラムにまで滑降供給可能な長さの第２傾斜底板４Ａとの二種類から構成されていて、第１傾斜底板４Ａ及び第２傾斜底板４Ａを、庫内に形成される前後方向でのコラム総数に基づいた組み合わせで各商品収納コラムユニットＵの上部に装着されているとともに、庫内に複数の商品収納コラムユニットＵが前後方向から組み付けられたとき、前後で隣接する両傾斜底板４Ａの滑降ガイド面４ｃ同士、換言すれば、前後で隣接する両傾斜底板４Ａの傾斜導入通路部分同士が連続又は略連続するように構成されている。
【００９７】
例えば、図２４に示すように、商品収納庫内に、商品収納コラムを前後方向で二列形成してある商品収納コラムユニットＵの三つが前後方向から組付けられている商品収納装置の場合では、最前列の商品収納コラムユニットＵの上部に、長尺側の四つの第２傾斜底板４Ａと短尺側の一つの第１傾斜底板４Ａとを装着し、中央列の商品収納コラムユニットＵの上部には、長尺側の二つの第２傾斜底板４Ａと短尺側の一つの第１傾斜底板４Ａとを装着し、更に、最後列の商品収納コラムユニットＵの上部には、短尺側の一つの第１傾斜底板４Ａを装着する。
【００９８】
そして、この三つの商品収納コラムユニットＵを商品収納庫内に前後方向から組み付けた状態では、最上段に位置する一つの短尺側の第１傾斜底板４Ａと二つの長尺側の第２傾斜底板４Ａとが一直線状に連続又は略連続して、商品投入口１から投入された商品Ｇを最前列〜五列目までの商品収納コラムの上部を通して最後列の商品収納コラムにまで滑降供給する一つの傾斜導入通路Ｓ１を形成するとともに、上から二段目においては、長尺側の二つの第２傾斜底板４Ａ同士が一直線状に連続又は略連続して、商品投入口１から投入された商品Ｇを最前列〜四列目までの商品収納コラムの上部を通して五列目の商品収納コラムにまで滑降供給する一つの傾斜導入通路Ｓ１を形成し、更に、上から三段目においては、一つの短尺側の第１傾斜底板４Ａと一つの長尺側の第２傾斜底板４Ａとが一直線状に連続又は略連続して、商品投入口１から投入された商品Ｇを最前列〜三列目までの商品収納コラムの上部を通して四列目の商品収納コラムにまで滑降供給する一つの傾斜導入通路Ｓ１を形成する。
【００９９】
尚、第１傾斜底板４Ａ及び第２傾斜底板４Ａの支持構造は、係止突起４３から第４掛止部４４までの距離、及び、側板２に形成される第８取付け孔４２の傾きが異なるだけで、それ以外の具体的構造は実質的に略同一である。
【０１００】
次に、前記投入姿勢矯正板２２の支持構造について詳述すると、図３１〜図３３に示すように、左右の側板２間に亘って架設される円筒状にカール形成された枢支筒軸（両側板２間に亘って架設される部材の一例である）４５のうち、幅調整板５の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１外の商品収納通路部分Ｗ２に対応する軸部分には、投入姿勢矯正板２２の左右両側縁の長手方向中央位置に折曲げ形成された取付け片２２ａがシーソー揺動自在に取付けられているとともに、枢支筒軸４５の左右両側部には、側板２に形成された逆Ｖ字状の第９取付け孔４６に対して左右方向（通路幅方向）から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき第９取付け孔４６の周縁の一部に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃが設けられている。
【０１０１】
前記差込み連結手段Ｃについて詳述すると、図３２、図３３に示すように、枢支筒軸４５の左右両側部に、第９取付け孔４６の上部に形成された矩形状の逆Ｖ字頂部４６ａに対して左右方向から差し込み可能な第５掛止部４５Ａが一体形成され、この第５掛止部４５Ａには、これの差し込み操作に連れて第９取付け孔４６の逆Ｖ字頂部４６ａの周縁の一部、つまり、逆Ｖ字状に囲まれた下側縁部分２ｇを通過可能な状態にまで通路幅Ｗ方向に弾性たわみ変形させる押圧端面４５ａと、所定差し込み位置で第９取付け孔４６の周縁の一部、つまり、第９取付け孔４６の逆Ｖ字頂部４６ａの前後側縁に相当する側縁部分２ｈに係合する一対の抜止め用の係止凹部４５ｂが形成されている。
【０１０２】
また、図３３に示すように、左右の側板２の第９取付け孔４６に対して枢支筒軸４５の両第５掛止部４５Ａを所定差し込み位置にまで差し込み操作したとき、各側板２の下側縁部分２ｇの上端と第５掛止部４５Ａの下面とが当接又は近接位置して、所定差し込み位置にある枢支筒軸４５の両第５掛止部４５Ａの下方への抜出し移動を阻止するように構成されている。
【０１０３】
前記第９取付け孔４６の周縁の一部である下側縁部分２ｇが、部材の一例である枢支筒軸４５の各第５掛止部４５Ａの差込み時に弾性たわみ変形を起こし、差込み後に元に復帰して枢支筒軸４５の各第５掛止部４５Ａを抜止め保持する変形部（弾性押え部）に構成されている。
【０１０４】
また、図３１に示すように、前記投入姿勢矯正板２２のうち、枢支筒軸４５よりも前方側が、商品導入ガイド４の傾斜底板４Ａに沿って滑降案内されてくる商品Ｇと当接可能な姿勢矯正板部２２Ａに構成され、枢支筒軸４５よりも後方側が、姿勢矯正板部２２Ａを押し上げて通過してきた商品Ｇを商品収納通路Ｓの入口部内に落下案内する落下ガイド板部２２Ｂに構成されている。
【０１０５】
前記姿勢矯正板部２２Ａは、落下ガイド板部２２Ｂよりも大なる重量に構成されていて、姿勢矯正板部２２Ａが傾斜導入通路Ｓ１側に突出付勢されているとともに、その姿勢矯正板部２２Ａの最大突出位置が、最上部に位置する可動ガイド板１０の上端部との当接により規制されるように構成されている。
【０１０６】
前記枢支筒軸４５は、幅調整板５の上端部に貫通されていて、幅調整板５を通路幅Ｗ方向に沿って移動案内するガイド杆に兼用構成されている。
【０１０７】
〔第２実施形態〕
図３４〜図３６は可動ガイド板１０の支持構造の別実施形態を示し、左右の側板２間に亘って架設される上下方向に幅のある板状の取付け基材（両側板２間に亘って架設される部材の一例である）１２に、可動ガイド板１０を揺動自在に枢支する枢支手段１３と、弾性付勢体の一例である捻じりコイルバネ１４を可動ガイド板１０に突出側への弾性付勢力を付与した状態で取付ける取付け手段１５とを設けるとともに、取付け基材１２の商品収納通路Ｓ側に臨む内側面が、商品収納通路Ｓに投入された商品Ｇを下方に移動案内するガイド面１２ａに構成され、更に、左右の側板２に設けられた取付け孔４７，４８に対して差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け基材１２の左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃが設けられている。
【０１０８】
前記枢支手段１３を構成するに、可動ガイド板１０の上端部の左右両側部分をカール状に折り曲げ加工して、揺動軸芯Ｘを軸芯とする略円筒状の左右一対の筒軸部１３Ｄを形成するとともに、取付け基材１２の下端側の左右両側部を略Ｕの字状に折り曲げ加工して、可動ガイド板１０の両筒軸部１３Ｄを揺動軸芯Ｘ周りで揺動自在に支承する軸受け部１３Ｅを形成し、更に、取付け基材１２の下端側の中間板部１２ｃには、左右の軸受け部１３Ｅに受止められた可動ガイド板１０の両筒軸部１３Ｄの上方への抜け出し移動を当接により阻止する抜止め係止片１３Ｆが打ち出し形成されている。
【０１０９】
前記取付け手段１５について詳述すると、取付け基材１２の揺動軸芯Ｘ方向中央側に位置する可動ガイド板１０の一方の筒軸部１３Ｄに、捻じりコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａが揺動軸芯Ｘに沿う姿勢で外装されているとともに、捻じりコイルバネ１４の両端部１４ｂ，１４ｃが、商品収納通路Ｓとは反対側に位置する可動ガイド板１０の背面と取付け基材１２の外側面とに当て付けられている。
【０１１０】
前記差込み連結手段Ｃについて詳述すると、取付け基材１２の上端部に略円筒状に折り曲げ形成された筒状補強部１２Ｄの左右両端部に、側板２の第１０取付け孔４７に対して通路幅方向から差し込み可能な大きさの第５掛止部３１が一体的に突出形成されているとともに、取付け基材１２の上下中間部に折り曲げ形成されたＵ字状補強部１２Ｅの左右両端部には、側板２の第１１取付け孔４８に対して通路幅方向から差し込み可能な大きさの第６掛止部３２が一体的に突出形成され、更に、第５掛止部３１及び第６掛止部３２が所定位置に差し込まれたとき、取付け基材１２の左右両端面１２ｅが側板２の内側面に接触又は近接して、取付け基材１２の左右方向での相対移動を阻止するように構成されている。
尚、その他の構成は、第１実施形態で説明した構成と同一であるから、同一の構成箇所には、第１実施形態と同一の番号を付記してそれの説明は省略する。
【０１１１】
〔第３実施形態〕
図３７〜図３９は可動ガイド板１０の支持構造の別実施形態を示し、左右の側板２間に亘って架設される上下方向に幅のある板状の取付け基材（両側板２間に亘って架設される部材の一例である）１２に、可動ガイド板１０を揺動自在に枢支する枢支手段１３と、弾性付勢体の一例である捻じりコイルバネ１４を可動ガイド板１０に突出側への弾性付勢力を付与した状態で取付ける取付け手段１５とを設けるとともに、取付け基材１２の商品収納通路Ｓ側に臨む内側面が、商品収納通路Ｓに投入された商品Ｇを下方に移動案内するガイド面１２ａに構成され、更に、左右の側板２に設けられた取付け孔４７，４８に対して差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け基材１２の左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃが設けられている。
【０１１２】
前記枢支手段１３を構成するに、可動ガイド板１０の上端部の左右中間部分をカール状に折り曲げ加工して、揺動軸芯Ｘを軸芯とする略円筒状の左右一対の筒軸部１３Ｇを形成するとともに、取付け基材１２の下端側の左右両側部をカール状に折り曲げ加工して、可動ガイド板１０の筒軸部１３Ｇの左右両端部を揺動軸芯Ｘ周りで揺動自在に内嵌支承する略円筒状の軸受け筒部１３Ｈを形成し、更に、取付け基材１２の下端側の中間板部１２ｄには、可動ガイド板１０に形成された矩形状の貫通孔１０ａに係入することにより、取付け基材１２の両軸受け筒部１３Ｈに嵌合保持された可動ガイド板１０の揺動軸芯Ｘ方向への相対移動を当接により阻止する係止片１３Ｊが打ち出し形成されている。
【０１１３】
前記取付け手段１５について詳述すると、取付け基材１２の両軸受け筒部１３Ｈのうち、揺動軸芯Ｘ方向の中央側に位置する軸受け筒部１３Ｈに、可動ガイド板１０を商品収納通路Ｓ側に突出付勢する捻じりコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａが揺動軸芯Ｘに沿う姿勢で外装されているとともに、捻じりコイルバネ１４の両端部１４ｂ，１４ｃが、商品収納通路Ｓとは反対側に位置する可動ガイド板１０の背面と取付け基材１２の外側面とに当て付けられている。
【０１１４】
つまり、前記取付け基材１２の両軸受け筒部１３Ｈのうち、揺動軸芯Ｘ方向の中央側に位置する軸受け筒部１３Ｈが、可動ガイド板１０を商品収納通路Ｓ側に突出付勢する捻りコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａを外嵌状態で保持するコイル保持部４９に兼用構成されている。
【０１１５】
そして、可動ガイド板１０が商品Ｇと接触して捻りコイルバネ１４の弾性復元力に抗して揺動したとき、その揺動に連れて捻りコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａが縮径しても、縮径されたコイル部１４ａが挾持密着されるのは、固定側の取付け基材１２に設けられたコイル保持部４９となるから、例えば、第２実施形態に示すように、取付け基材１２に揺動自在に支承される可動ガイド板１０側の筒軸部１３Ｄに捻りコイルバネ１４のコイル部１４ａを外嵌装着してある場合のように、捻りコイルバネ１４の支持反力の一部が筒軸部１３Ｄに作用することがなく、可動ガイド板１０の復帰揺動がスムーズになり、可動ガイド板の揺動復帰性能を高めることができる。
【０１１６】
前記差込み連結手段Ｃについて詳述すると、取付け基材１２の上端部に略円筒状に折り曲げ形成された筒状補強部１２Ｄの左右両端部に、側板２の第１０取付け孔４７に対して通路幅方向から差し込み可能な大きさの第７掛止部３３が一体的に突出形成されているとともに、取付け基材１２の上下中間部にクランク状に折り曲げ形成された補強部１２Ｆの左右両端部には、側板２の第１１取付け孔４８に対して通路幅方向から差し込み可能な大きさの第８掛止部３４が一体的に突出形成され、更に、第７掛止部３３及び第８掛止部３４が所定位置に差し込まれたとき、取付け基材１２の左右両端面１２ｅが側板２の内側面に接触又は近接して、取付け基材１２の左右方向での相対移動を阻止するように構成されている。尚、その他の構成は、第１実施形態で説明した構成と同一であるから、同一の構成箇所には、第１実施形態と同一の番号を付記してそれの説明は省略する。
【０１１７】
〔その他の実施形態〕
（１）上述の第１実施形態では、前記ガイド板１０，１１のうち、商品収納通路Ｓの後方側に位置するガイド板１０を、上端側の横軸芯Ｘ周りで前後方向に揺動自在で、かつ、幅調整板５の通路幅変更操作領域Ｗ１外の商品収納通路部分Ｗ２内に弾性付勢体１４の弾性力で突出付勢された可動ガイド板から構成したが、商品収納通路Ｓの後方側に配設される一部のガイド板１０を可動ガイド板に構成してもよく、また、商品収納通路Ｓの前方側に配設される固定ガイド板１１の全て又は一部を可動ガイド板１０に構成してもよい。
更に、商品収納通路Ｓの後方側に位置する可動ガイド板１０の一部又は全部を固定ガイド板１１から構成してもよい。
【０１１８】
要するに、上述の第１実施形態では、前記ガイド板１１の左右両側部及びガイド板１０を組付けてある取付け基材１２の左右両側部の各々に、側板２に形成された取付け孔２５，１８に対して左右方向から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け孔２５，１８の周縁に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃを設けたが、ガイド板１１の左右両側部又はガイド板１０を組付けてある取付け基材１２の左右両側部の各々にのみ、側板２に形成された取付け孔２５又は１８に対して左右方向から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け孔２５又は１８の周縁に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止する差込み連結手段Ｃを設けてもよい。
【０１１９】
（２）上述の第１実施形態では、前記枢支手段１３を、可動ガイド板１０の側縁フランジ部１０Ａに貫通形成された枢支孔１３Ａと、取付け基材１２に打ち出し形成された軸受け部１３Ｃと、これらに亘って貫通支持される枢支軸１３Ｂととから構成したが、前記可動ガイド板１０に枢支軸１３Ｂを固着又は一体形成して実施してもよい。
要するに、前記枢支手段１３としては、可動ガイド板１０を揺動自在に枢支することのできるものであれば、如何なる構造に構成してもよい。
【０１２０】
（３）上述の第１実施形態では、前記可動ガイド板１０を商品収納通路Ｓ内に突出付勢する弾性付勢体１４を捻じりコイルバネから構成したが、板バネ等の他の弾性付勢体を用いて実施してもよく、また、これに伴って、前記枢支手段１３に枢支された可動ガイド板１０に対して突出側への弾性付勢力を付与した状態で弾性付勢体１４を取付け基材１２に取付ける取付け手段１５の構造も種々変更可能である。
【０１２１】
（４）前記固定ガイド板１１の左右両側部又は可動ガイド板１０を組付けてある取付け基材１２の左右両側部の各々に設けられる差込み連結手段Ｃの構造も種々変更可能で、側板２に形成された取付け孔１８，２５に対して左右方向から差し込み自在で、かつ、所定位置に差し込まれたとき取付け孔１８，２５の周縁に係合して左右方向での相対移動を阻止することのできるものであれば、如何なる構造に構成してもよい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本願発明の第１実施形態を示す自動販売機の商品収納装置の断面側面図
【図２】商品収納コラムユニットの拡大断面側面図
【図３】商品収納コラムの要部の拡大正面図
【図４】商品収納コラムの要部の拡大側面図
【図５】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付ける前の一部切欠き正面図
【図６】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付けたときの正面図
【図７】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付ける前の斜視図
【図８】側板に取付け基材を取付ける前の要部の斜視図
【図９】側板に取付け基材を取付けたときの要部の断面正面図
【図１０】商品収納コラムの要部の拡大正面図
【図１１】固定ガイド板の取付け部の拡大断面正面図
【図１２】図１１のＸＩＩ−ＸＩＩ線拡大断面図
【図１３】図１１のＸＩＩＩ−ＸＩＩＩ線拡大断面図
【図１４】側板に固定ガイド板を取付ける前の要部の斜視図
【図１５】最上段の固定ガイド板とカバーとの取付け部を示す要部の拡大断面正面図
【図１６】図１５のＸＶＩ−ＸＶＩ線断面図
【図１７】最上段の固定ガイド板とカバーとの取付け部を示す要部の分解斜視図
【図１８】売切れ感知板の取付け構造を示す拡大側面図
【図１９】売切れ感知板の取付け構造を示す拡大正面図
【図２０】売切れ感知板の取付け構造を示す分解斜視図
【図２１】（イ）〜（ハ）は第２取付け基材に売切れ感知板及び板バネを取付けるときの手順を示す要部の断面側面図
【図２２】（イ）は第２取付け基材を側板に取付ける前の要部の斜視図
（ロ）は第２取付け基材を側板に取付けたときの要部の断面図
【図２３】商品収納コラムユニットの下部の拡大断面側面図
【図２４】商品収納装置の上部側の断面側面図
【図２５】商品導入ガイドの傾斜底板の平面図
【図２６】側板と傾斜底板の基端部との取付け構造を示す装着前の要部の拡大斜視図
【図２７】側板と傾斜底板の基端部との取付け構造を示す装着後の要部の拡大断面側面図
【図２８】側板と傾斜底板の先端部との取付け構造を示す装着前の要部の拡大斜視図
【図２９】側板と傾斜底板の先端部との取付け構造を示す装着後の要部の拡大側面図
【図３０】（イ）〜（ハ）は傾斜底板の装着手順を示す側面図
【図３１】投入姿勢矯正板の取付け構造を示す要部の拡大断面側面図
【図３２】投入姿勢矯正板の枢支筒軸と側板との取付け構造を示す装着前の要部の拡大斜視図
【図３３】投入姿勢矯正板の枢支筒軸と側板との取付け構造を示す装着後の要部の拡大断面側面図
【図３４】本願発明の第２実施形態を示す商品収納コラムの要部の拡大正面図
【図３５】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付ける前の拡大分解斜視図
【図３６】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付けたときの拡大側面図
【図３７】本願発明の第３実施形態を示す商品収納コラムの要部の拡大正面図
【図３８】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付ける前の拡大分解斜視図
【図３９】取付け基材に可動ガイド板を組付けたときの拡大側面図
【図４０】従来の自動販売機の商品収納コラムの要部を示す分解斜視図
【符号の説明】
Ｃ差込み連結手段
Ｇ商品
Ｓ商品収納通路
Ｗ通路幅
Ｗ１通路幅変更操作領域
Ｗ２商品収納通路部分
２側板
２ａ上側縁部分（変形部）
２ｃ上側縁部分（変形部）
２ｅ上側縁部分（変形部）
２ｇ下側縁部分（変形部）
４Ａ傾斜底板（部材）
５幅調整板
１０ガイド板（可動ガイド板）
１１ガイド板（固定ガイド板、部材）
１２取付け基材（部材）
１３枢支手段
１３Ｇ筒軸部
１３Ｈ軸受け筒部
１４弾性付勢手段（捻じりコイルバネ）
１４ａコイル部
１５取付け手段
１８取付け孔（第１取付け孔）
１９掛止部（第１掛止部）
１９ａカム面
１９ｂ係止凹部
２０取付け孔（第２取付け孔）
２１掛止部（第２掛止部）
２３売切れ感知板
２３Ａフック状係止部
２５取付け孔（第３取付け孔）
２６被係合部（掛止孔）
２７係合部（係止突起）
２８掛止部（第３掛止部）
２８ａカム面
２８ｂ係止凹部
３０取付け孔（第４取付け孔）
３１掛止部（第５掛止部）
３２掛止部（第６掛止部）
３３掛止部（第７掛止部）
３４掛止部（第８掛止部）
３５第２取付け基材
３５Ａ筒部
３５Ｂ係止孔
３６板バネ
３７取付け孔（第５取付け孔）
３８取付け孔（第６取付け孔）
３９掛止部
４１取付け孔（第７取付け孔）
４２取付け孔（第８取付け孔）
４４掛止部（第４掛止部）
４５枢支筒軸（部材）
４６取付け孔（第９取付け孔）
４７取付け孔（第１０取付け孔）
４８取付け孔（第１１取付け孔）
４９コイル保持部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a meandering product by arranging a number of curved guide plates in the vertical direction between the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, with the front and back facing each other with a space therebetween. A product storage device for a vending machine having a storage passage formed in the lower portion of the product passage, wherein a delivery mechanism is formed at the lower portion of the product passage for forming a storage passage and delivering the product stacked and stored in the upper part in the product storage passage one by one for each product delivery command. And a product storage column used therefor, that is, in a state where a large number of curved guide plates are opposed to each other with a space in the front-rear direction between left and right side plates suspended and supported in the product storage The present invention relates to an improvement in a product storage column of a vending machine which is arranged to form a serpentine product storage passage.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the conventional product storage column of the vending machine, as shown in FIG. 40, each of all the guide plates disposed between the left and right side plates 2 changes the width of the passage according to the product length. The movable guide plate 50 having a width corresponding to the commodity storage passage portion W2 outside the passage width changing operation area W1 and the fixed guide plate 51 having a width corresponding to the passage width changing operation area W1 of the width adjusting plate. And a cylindrical portion 50A curled at the upper end of the movable guide plate 50 and a cylindrical portion 51A curled at the upper end of the fixed guide plate 51. The first cylinder shaft 52 was installed in a penetrating manner across the mounting holes 55 formed in the left and right side plates 2, and further inserted into a cylinder portion 51 B curled at the lower end of the fixed guide plate 51. The second cylinder shaft 53 is formed on the left and right side plates 2. After being installed in a penetrating manner across the mounting holes 56, the projecting end portions 52a and 53a of the cylindrical shafts 52 and 53 are radially bent along the outer surface of the side plate 2 in a retaining state. It was.
[0003]
Further, in the first cylinder shaft 52, a twist that projects and urges the movable guide plate 50 toward the product storage passage is formed on a shaft portion facing the recess 50 a formed in the upper end cylindrical portion 50 A of the movable guide plate 50. The coil spring 54 is mounted in a state in which both end portions 54a and 54b of the coil spring 54 are abutted against an engaging piece 50b formed on the movable guide plate 50 and another second cylinder shaft 53 adjacent to the upper side. A stopper that restricts the maximum swinging position of the movable guide plate 50 to the outer side of the passage due to contact with a portion of the shaft 53 that is located outside the passage width changing operation region W1 of the width adjusting plate by contact. Was configured.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional product storage column of the vending machine requires a large number of parts such as the movable guide plate 50, the fixed guide plate 51, the first tube shaft 52, and the second tube shaft 53, and the upper end portion 50A of the moveable guide plate 50. In addition, the upper and lower end portions 51A and 51B of the fixed guide plate 51 need to be curled into a cylindrical shape, resulting in a complicated structure and an increased part cost.
[0005]
In addition, when the movable guide plate 50 and the fixed guide plate 51 are assembled to the left and right side plates 2, conventionally, a large number of parts such as the movable guide plate 50, the fixed guide plate 51, the first tube shaft 52, and the second tube shaft 53 are self-supporting. An assembly jig in which a large number of guide pins are implanted in a vertical position is prepared, and one side plate 2 in which mounting holes are formed at positions corresponding to the guide pins on the upper surface of the assembly jig , And a large number of mounting holes 55 are formed after assembling a large number of parts such as the movable guide plate 50, the fixed guide plate 51, the first tube shaft 52, and the second tube shaft 53 to each guide pin. The other side plate 2 is mounted, and both protruding end portions 52a and 53a of the cylindrical shafts 52 and 53 are bent with a pressing jig.
[0006]
Therefore, not only the assembly man-hour is increased, but also a large special assembly jig and press jig are required, and the configuration of the assembly jig and press jig differs depending on the type of the product storage column. Expenses and set-up burdens have increased, and this has been a major factor in causing an increase in manufacturing costs and a decrease in assembly work efficiency.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and the first main problem is that of a structure for mounting a member such as a guide plate or a product loading posture correction plate installed between the left and right side plates. Automatic sales that can be efficiently and easily assembled without using special assembly jigs and press jigs with reasonable modifications, and can reduce the cost of parts and manufacturing and simplify the structure. The second main problem is to efficiently and easily assemble without using special assembly jigs and press jigs by rational modification of the guide plate mounting structure. The object is to provide a commodity storage column for a vending machine capable of reducing the cost of parts and manufacturing and simplifying the structure.
Furthermore, a third main problem is to provide a commodity storage column of a vending machine capable of improving the swinging return performance of the movable guide plate while improving the efficiency and ease of the assembly work of the movable guide plate. The fourth main problem is that the structure for correcting the product insertion posture at the upper part of the product storage passage located in the front row is improved in terms of manufacturing cost and structure while improving the efficiency and ease of the assembly work of the movable guide plate. The object is to provide a product storage device for a vending machine that can be advantageously configured in terms of simplification.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
 According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction between the left and right side plates supported in the commodity storage with the front and rear facing each other with a space in the front-rear direction. To form a serpentine-shaped product storage passage and horizontally in the product storage passageLoaded in stateA payout mechanism that pays out the stored products one by one for each product payout commandProduct storage passageVending machine product storage device provided at the bottom of the
 A member that is mounted between the left and right side platesThe left and right sides of theMounting holes on the side plateFrom the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the periphery ofPeripheral edge of the mounting hole when it can be inserted and inserted into the specified positionPart ofEngage to prevent left and right relative movementWith locking recessPlug-in connection meansA part of the periphery of the mounting hole which is provided and is elastically deformed is configured as a presser part that prevents the movement of the locking recess located at a predetermined insertion position when returning to elasticity.In the point.
[0009]
According to the above characteristic configuration, when assembling a member such as a guide plate that forms a product storage passage or a loading posture correction plate that corrects the loading posture of a loaded product across the left and right side plates, both left and right side portions of the member It is only necessary to insert the insertion connecting means provided in each of the two side plates into the mounting holes on both sides from the left and right directions, and when the insertion connecting means is inserted into a predetermined position, it engages with the periphery of the mounting holes. Since the member and the side plate are fixedly connected in a state in which relative movement in the left-right direction is prevented, each member functions as a skeleton member for maintaining the facing interval between the side plates at a set interval.
[0010]
Therefore, it is possible to assemble each member while suspending and supporting the left and right side plates, so there is no need to prepare as many assembly jigs and press jigs as the type of the product storage device as in the past. In addition, the number of parts and assembly man-hours can be reduced, and the number of complicated processes such as curl processing can be reduced, making it easy and efficient while reducing the parts and manufacturing costs and simplifying the structure. Can be assembled.
[0011]
 Claim 2 of the present inventionFeatures byThe configuration isBetween the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a serpentine product storage passage. In addition, the guide plate is a commodity storage column of a vending machine configured with a fixed guide plate fixed to the left and right side plates and a movable guide plate swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side,
 The left and right sides of the fixed guide plate can be inserted from the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the periphery of the mounting hole formed in the side plate, and can be inserted into a part of the periphery of the mounting hole at a predetermined insertion position. An insertion connecting means having a locking recess for engaging and preventing relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole to be elastically deformed is at a predetermined insertion position at the time of elastic return. It is comprised in the pressing part which prevents the extraction movement of a certain said locking recessed part.In the point.
[0012]
 Further, in the product storage device of the vending machine, there is a deforming portion that causes deflection deformation at the periphery of the mounting hole provided in the left and right side plates when the member is inserted, and returns to the original state after the insertion and retains the member. It may be formed.
 The above configurationAccording to the above, the deformed portion formed on the periphery of the mounting hole is deformed by bending as the member is inserted, and when the insertion connecting means is inserted into the predetermined position, the deformed portion is returned to the original position to bring the member into the predetermined insertion position. Since it can be retained, it is not necessary to separately provide a special elastic piece for retaining the member, and it is possible to promote a reduction in manufacturing cost and simplification of the structure.
[0013]
 The characteristic configuration according to claim 3 of the present invention is provided in the product storage.supportBetween the left and right side plates, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a meandering product storage passageIn addition, the guide plate is composed of a fixed guide plate fixed to the left and right side plates and a movable guide plate swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side.A product storage column of a vending machine,
 The left and right sides of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate areMounting holes formed in the side plateFrom the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the periphery ofPluggable and predeterminedAt the insertion positionPerimeter of mounting holePart ofEngage to prevent left and right relative movementA holding portion provided with an insertion connecting means having a locking recess, and a part of a peripheral edge of the mounting hole to be elastically deformed prevents the movement of the locking recess at a predetermined insertion position at the time of elastic recovery. Is configured toIn the point.
[0014]
 Further, in the present invention, between the left and right side plates suspended and supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction in a state of facing each other in the front-rear direction, In the product storage column of the vending machine that forms a serpentine product storage passage,
 The right and left side portions of the guide plate and / or the left and right side portions of the mounting base material on which the guide plate is assembled can be inserted from the left and right directions into mounting holes formed in the side plate, and at a predetermined position. An insertion coupling means may be provided that engages with the periphery of the mounting hole when inserted to prevent relative movement in the left-right direction.
 The above configurationAccording to the present invention, when assembling a large number of guide plates between the left and right side plates, the insertion connecting means provided on each of the left and right side portions of the guide plate and / or the left and right side portions of the mounting base material on which the guide plates are assembled, It is only necessary to insert from the left and right sides into the mounting holes of the both side plates supported by the suspension, and when the insertion connecting means is inserted into a predetermined position, it engages with the peripheral edge of the mounting holes, and the guide plate and the side plate. And / or because the mounting base and the side plate are fixedly connected in a state in which relative movement in the left-right direction is prevented, each guide plate and / or the mounting base is for maintaining the facing interval between the side plates at a set interval. Functions as a skeleton member.
[0015]
Accordingly, each guide plate and / or mounting base material can be assembled while the left and right side plates are suspended and supported, so that the number of assembly jigs and press jigs corresponding to the type of the product storage column can be reduced as in the prior art. There is no need to prepare, and the number of parts and assembly man-hours can be reduced, and the number of complicated processes such as curling is reduced, reducing the parts and manufacturing costs and simplifying the structure. It can be assembled efficiently and easily.
[0016]
 Claim 4 of the present inventionFeatures byThe configuration isBetween the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a serpentine product storage passage. And a product storage column of a vending machine provided with a product introduction guide that guides the introduction of the product introduced from the product input port to the upper part of the product storage passage,
 The left and right sides of the inclined bottom plate of the product introduction guide can be inserted from the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole formed in the side plate, and the peripheral edge of the mounting hole at a predetermined insertion position. Insertion coupling means provided with a locking recess that engages partly and prevents relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole that is elastically deformed is predetermined at the time of elastic recovery. It is comprised in the presser part which prevents the extraction movement of the said latching recessed part in an insertion position.In the point.
[0017]
 In the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to the present invention, the guide plate is swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side, and the passage of the width adjusting plate that changes the passage width according to the product length It is composed of a movable guide plate protruding and urged into the product storage passage portion outside the width change operation area, and a fixed guide plate whose upper and lower ends are fixedly connected directly or indirectly to the left and right side plates, The mounting base is provided with a pivoting means for pivotably supporting the movable guide plate, and an elastic biasing body in a state where an elastic biasing force to the protruding side is applied to the movable guide plate pivotally supported by the movable guide plate. Attachment means for attachment may be provided.
 The above configurationAccording to the present invention, when the movable guide plate is assembled between the left and right side plates, the movable guide plate can be assembled so as to be swingable around the horizontal axis by the pivotal support means provided on the mounting base. Since the elastic biasing body can be assembled in advance in a state where the elastic biasing force to the protruding side is applied to the pivotable movable guide plate by the holding means provided on the mounting base, for the left and right side plates It is only necessary to insert the mounting base material in which the movable guide plate and the elastic biasing body are assembled in advance from the left and right directions.
[0018]
Therefore, the assembly workability can be improved by pre-assembling the movable guide plate and the elastic biasing body on the mounting base material, so that the assembly work efficiency is improved while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost. Can be promoted.
[0019]
 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the product storage column of the vending machine has a characteristic configuration in the left and right side portions on the upper end side of the fixed guide plate.SaidPlug-in connection means are provided,SaidEngagement with the lower end portion of the fixed guide plate engages with an engaged portion formed at the upper end portion of another fixed guide plate adjacent to the lower side to prevent relative movement in at least the front and rear direction of both Part formedFurthermore, the cover that is detachably attached to the upper end portion of the fixed guide plate positioned at the uppermost stage is detachably engaged with the attachment holes formed in the left and right side plates in the outer cover state from the left and right directions. Locking protrusion is formedIn the point.
[0020]
 Further, in the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to the present invention, insertion connecting means are provided on the left and right side portions on the upper end side of the fixed guide plate, and the lower end portion of the fixed guide plate is adjacent to the lower side. An engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion formed on the upper end portion of the fixed guide plate and prevents relative movement in at least the front-rear direction may be formed.
 The above configurationAccording to the present invention, when the fixed guide plates are assembled along the vertical direction between the side plates, the insertion connecting means provided on the left and right side portions on the upper end side of each fixed guide plate are attached to the mounting holes of the both side plates supported by suspension. With respect to the left and right direction, the insertion connecting means engages with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole, and the upper end portion of the guide plate and the side plate are fixedly connected in a state in which relative movement in the left and right direction is prevented.
[0021]
Further, by engaging the engaging portion formed at the lower end portion of each fixed guide plate with the engaged portion formed at the upper end portion of another fixed guide plate adjacent below, each fixed guide plate Can be fixedly connected to the side plate using an insertion connecting means provided at the upper end of another fixed guide plate adjacent to the lower side.
[0022]
Accordingly, as compared with the case where the lower end portion of each fixed guide plate is directly attached to the side plate, it is only necessary to provide an engaging portion and an engaged portion that prevent the relative movement of both of them in the front-rear direction. And cost reduction by reducing the number of parts can be promoted.
[0023]
 The characteristic constitution of the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to claim 6 of the present invention is as follows:End surfaces that contact the inner side surfaces of the left and right side plates are formed on the left and right side portions of the mounting base.In the point.
[0024]
 Further, in the product storage column of the vending machine of the present invention, on the left and right sides of the plate-like second mounting base material, which is assembled with a sold-out detection plate protruding and urged toward the lower side of the product storage passage, A suspending portion for erection that can be inserted from the left and right direction with respect to the mounting hole formed in the side plate may be formed.
 The above configurationAccording to the present invention, when the sold-out detection plate is assembled between the left and right side plates, the hooks formed on the left and right side portions of the second mounting base on which the sold-out detection plate is assembled are mounted on the side plates. Since it only needs to be inserted from the left and right direction into the hole, for example, as in the prior art, a cylindrical portion is curled at the upper end of the sold-out detection plate, and the cylindrical shaft inserted through this cylindrical portion is used as the left and right side plates. After penetrating through the formed mounting hole, it is possible to promote a reduction in manufacturing cost by simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts as compared with the case where the protruding end portion of the cylindrical shaft is cut off.
[0025]
 The characteristic constitution of the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to claim 7 of the present invention is as follows:The mounting base is formed in a plate shape having a width in the vertical direction, and an inner surface facing the product storage passage is configured as a guide surface for moving and guiding the product downward.In the point.
[0026]
 In the commodity storage column of the vending machine of the present invention, the insertion connecting means can be inserted from the width direction of the passage while elastically deforming a part of the periphery of the attachment hole formed in the side plate, and is attached at a predetermined insertion position. You may be comprised from the latching | locking part provided with the latching recessed part for retaining which engages with a part of periphery of a hole.
 The above configurationAccording to the present invention, when the guide plate and / or the mounting base material is installed between the left and right side plates, each of the hook portions formed at both ends of the guide plate and / or the mounting base material is attached to the side plate. When the insertion operation is performed from the passage width direction while elastically deforming a part of the periphery of the hole with respect to the hole, when the predetermined insertion position is reached, the locking recess of the latching part engages with a part of the periphery of the mounting hole. The guide plate and / or the mounting base material are fixedly connected to the left and right side plates in a state where relative movement in the passage width direction is restricted.
[0027]
Therefore, the guide plate and / or the mounting base material can be installed on the side plate with a simple operation of inserting both the latching portions of the guide plate and / or the mounting base material into the mounting holes of the left and right side plates. Therefore, it is possible to promote the improvement of the assembly work efficiency while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0028]
 The characteristic constitution of the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to claim 8 of the present invention is as follows:The attachment base insertion connecting means includes a first latching portion having the locking recess and a second latching mechanism that can be inserted from the left and right directions into a second mounting hole formed below the mounting hole. Consists of partsIn the point.
[0029]
 Further, in the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to the present invention, the engaged portion is a locking hole formed on both right and left sides of the upper end portion of another fixed guide plate adjacent to the lower side, and the engagement Is a locking projection that protrudes downward from the left and right sides of the lower edge of the fixed guide plate, and each locking projection is connected to the other fixed guide plate through the locking hole from the product storage passage side. It may be configured to be inserted and engaged with the back side.
 The above configurationAccording to the above, when engaging and connecting the lower end portion of the fixed guide plate and the upper end portion of the other fixed guide plate adjacent to the lower side, the locking formed to protrude downward from the left and right side portions of the lower end edge of the fixed guide plate The left and right side plates are prevented from moving relative to each other in the front-rear direction by a simple operation of inserting the projecting piece into the back side of the other fixed guide plate through the locking hole from the product storage passage side. Can be fixed indirectly.
[0030]
Therefore, it is possible to promote the improvement of the assembly work efficiency while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0031]
 The characteristic constitution of the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to claim 9 of the present invention is as follows:The left and right sides of the plate-like second mounting base member, which is assembled with a sold-out detection plate that is projected and urged to the lower side of the product storage passage, are viewed from the left and right directions with respect to the mounting holes formed in the side plate. A hooking part for installation that can be freely inserted and an end face that contacts the inner side surfaces of the left and right side plates are formed.In the point.
[0032]
 Further, in the commodity storage column of the vending machine according to the present invention, a cylinder for swingably supporting a hook-shaped locking portion formed at the upper end of the sold-out detection plate at the lower end of the second mounting base. When the cylinder part of the second mounting base member fitted and mounted in the upside down posture with respect to the lock part of the sold-out detection plate is returned to the normal posture around the cylinder axis, and is locked A locking hole is formed in which the portion engages from the circumferential direction, and the outer cover can be mounted on the second mounting base material in a normal posture from above, and the sold-out detection plate is stored when the outer cover is mounted. A leaf spring that protrudes and urges toward the passage may be provided.
 The above configurationWhen the sold-out detection plate is assembled between the side plates, the hook-shaped locking portion of the sold-out detection plate and the cylindrical portion formed at the lower end of the second mounting base are When the fitting portion is fitted and mounted in the reverse orientation, and the cylindrical portion of the second attachment base is rotated back to the normal posture around its cylindrical axis in this state, the hook-shaped locking portion is moved to the second attachment base. The second attachment base material and the sold-out sensing plate are engaged and connected with each other by engaging with a locking hole formed in the material.
[0033]
Then, by attaching a leaf spring to the second mounting base material in the normal posture from above, the sold-out sensing plate can be projected and urged toward the product storage passage side, and the second mounting base can be urged. It is possible to prevent the sold-out detection plate from being pulled out from the material.
[0034]
Therefore, not only the number of parts can be reduced, but also the number of complicated processes such as curling is reduced, and the sold-out detection plate and the leaf spring are attached to the second mounting base material laid between the left and right side plates. Since assembly workability can be improved by assembling in advance, the efficiency of the assembly work can be promoted while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0035]
The characteristic configuration according to claim 10 of the present invention is such that a large number of curved guide plates are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction between the left and right side plates suspended and supported in the product storage. And a meandering product storage passage is formed, and at least a part of the guide plate is swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side, and the passage width is changed according to the product length. A product storage column composed of a movable guide plate protruding and biased into a product storage passage portion outside the passage width change operation area of the width adjustment plate,
The left and right sides of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate can be inserted into the mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates, and the mounting base of the mounting base when inserted into a predetermined position. Insertion coupling means for preventing relative movement in the left-right direction are provided, and a coil holding portion for holding the coil portion of the torsion coil spring that projects and urges the movable guide plate in an externally fitted state is provided on the mounting base. It has been.
[0036]
According to the above characteristic configuration, when the movable guide plate is assembled between the left and right side plates, the insertion connecting means provided on each of the left and right side portions of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate is provided on both sides. It is only necessary to insert from the left and right direction into the mounting hole of the plate, and when the insertion connecting means is inserted into a predetermined position, the mounting base material is prevented from moving relative to the side plate in the left and right direction. Since it is hold | maintained, each attachment base material functions as a frame | skeleton member for maintaining the opposing space | interval of a both-sides board to a setting space | interval.
[0037]
In addition, when the movable guide plate comes into contact with the product and swings against the elastic restoring force of the torsion coil spring, even if the coil portion of the torsion coil spring contracts with the swing, the reduced coil portion Is held in close contact with the coil holding portion provided on the fixed mounting base material.For example, the torsion coil spring is attached to the cylindrical shaft portion on the movable guide plate side that is swingably supported on the mounting base material. Unlike the case where the coil part is externally fitted, a part of the support reaction force of the torsion coil spring does not act on the cylindrical shaft part, and the return swing of the movable guide plate becomes smooth.
[0038]
Therefore, the movable guide plate can be assembled efficiently and easily while reducing the component cost and the manufacturing cost and simplifying the structure, and the swing return performance of the movable guide plate can be improved.
[0039]
The product storage column of the vending machine according to claim 11 of the present invention is characterized in that the left and right side portions of the cylindrical shaft portion formed by bending the upper end portion of the movable guide plate at the lower end portion of the mounting base are swingable. The bearing tube portion that is supported in an internally fitted state is formed by bending, and one of the bearing tube portions is configured as a coil holding portion.
[0040]
According to the above characteristic configuration, the left and right side portions of the cylindrical shaft portion bent at the upper end portion of the movable guide plate from the bearing cylindrical portion bent at the lower end portion of the mounting base member from the swing axis direction. Since it only needs to be inserted and supported, the number of parts and assembly man-hours can be reduced, the number of complicated processes such as curling is reduced, and one bearing cylinder part is also used as a coil holding part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of processing steps, and it is possible to efficiently and easily assemble while promoting reduction in parts cost and manufacturing cost and simplification of the structure.
[0041]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product storage column in which a plurality of curved guide plates forming a meandering product storage passage between the left and right side plates are arranged in the vertical direction in the product storage. However, the width adjustment plate is formed in a plurality of rows in the front-rear direction, and at least a part of the guide plate can swing around the horizontal axis on the upper end side, and the passage width is changed according to the product length. A product storage device of a vending machine composed of a movable guide plate protruding and urged into a product storage passage portion outside the passage width change operation area,
The left and right sides of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate can be inserted into the mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates, and the mounting base of the mounting base when inserted into a predetermined position. Insertion connecting means for preventing relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and at the uppermost position of the product storage passage located in the front row, at least the upper side portion of the movable guide plate faces the product input port. The mounting base is attached to the side plate.
[0042]
According to the above characteristic configuration, when the movable guide plate is assembled between the left and right side plates, the insertion connecting means provided on each of the left and right side portions of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate is provided on both sides. It is only necessary to insert from the left and right direction into the mounting hole of the plate, and when the insertion connecting means is inserted into a predetermined position, the mounting base material is prevented from moving relative to the side plate in the left and right direction. Since it is connected, each attachment base material functions as a skeleton member for maintaining the facing interval between the side plates at a set interval.
[0043]
In addition, considering the product replenishment work for the product storage passages located in the front row, generally, a form is adopted in which the product is introduced almost directly into the uppermost side of the product storage passage while inserting a hand from the product insertion port. Although it is necessary to correct the loading posture of the product transferred to the uppermost part of the product storage passage, it is located from the product input port to the upper position of the product storage passage as in the product insertion guide structure for the second and subsequent product storage columns. It was found that the function of correcting the attitude of the input product guided downhill is unnecessary.
Based on this knowledge, the movable guide plate is used that is projected and urged toward the product storage passage by attaching the mounting base to the side plate with at least the upper part of the movable guide plate facing the product inlet. Thus, since the posture of the input product can be corrected, it is possible to reduce the input posture correction plate having a complicated structure.
[0044]
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and easily assemble the movable guide plate while reducing the parts cost and manufacturing cost and simplifying the structure, and correct the product loading posture at the top of the product storage passage located in the front row. The structure can be advantageously configured in terms of manufacturing cost and simplification of the structure.
[0045]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
In the product storage device of the vending machine shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of products G such as beverage cans, beverage bottles, and plastic bottles can be dispensed downward in a product storage of a cabinet surrounded by a heat insulating wall. Three of the product storage column units U, in which two product storage columns having product storage passages S for stacking and storing in a horizontal position along the vertical direction are formed in the front-rear direction, are detached from the front-rear direction in a suspended state. As well as being assembled, a product insertion port 1 for introducing a product G is opened forward at the top of the product storage passage S of each product storage column, and at the bottom of each product storage passage S, A product delivery mechanism A is provided for delivering the products G positioned at the bottom end one by one while receiving the products G positioned second from the bottom end based on the product delivery command signal (sales command signal).
[0046]
Further, among the product storage passages S of each of the product storage columns, an inclined introduction passage S1 is formed for connecting the upper portion of the product storage passage S located in the second and subsequent rows from the front and the product insertion port 1 obliquely. Product introduction guides 4 are provided, and each product introduction guide 4 is configured in an inclined posture that is located slightly downward toward the back side, and the product G introduced from the product introduction port 1 is disposed between both side plates 2. The product introduction guide 4 is an example of a member that extends over the inclined bottom plate 4A of the product introduction guide 4 and moves to the upper part of the product storage passage S while rolling and moves to the product delivery mechanism A side while meandering the product storage passage S. Be transported.
[0047]
In the product storage passage S of each product storage column, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the passage width W of the product storage passage S is changed in accordance with the length of the product G to be stored. A sheet metal width adjusting plate 5 having a length extending from near the upper end to the lower end is disposed, and a link mechanism B that moves and guides the width adjusting plate 5 while maintaining a parallel or substantially parallel posture in the passage width direction. In addition, two swinging links 6 made of metal bars that are pivotally connected to the upper and lower portions of one side plate 2 and the width adjusting plate 5 facing each product storage passage S, and the back of the width adjusting plate 5 It is comprised from the sheet metal vertical link 7 pivotally connected over the front-end | tip part of the rocking | fluctuation link 6 with the attitude | position which follows.
[0048]
When the first swing axis X1 on the width adjustment plate 5 side of each swing link 6 is operated to move the width adjustment plate 5 to the side that widens the passage width W, the second swing axis X2 on the side plate 2 side. , Each swing link 6 swings downward, and when the width adjusting plate 5 is moved to the side narrowing the passage width W, each swing link 6 swings about the second swing axis X2 on the side plate 2 side. The moving link 6 is provided at a position where it swings upward.
In other words, the first swing axis X1 on the width adjustment plate 5 side of each swing link 6 is always lower than the second swing axis X2 on the side plate 2 side in the passage width changing operation region W1. Configured to be located.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 1, the width adjustment plate 5 of the pair of left and right guide side plates 4 B of the product introduction guide 4 is arranged on the upper portion of the width adjustment plate 5 disposed in the second row of product storage columns. The movable guide side plates 4B located on the same side are fixedly connected so as to be integrally movable in the vertical direction and the passage width direction.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 1, the width adjustment plate 5 of the pair of left and right guide side plates 4B of the product introduction guide 4 is arranged on the upper part of each width adjustment plate 5 disposed in the third and subsequent product storage columns. The movable guide side plate 4B located on the same side is fitted and held in an elastically held state that can be relatively moved in the vertical direction, and the width adjusting plate 5 and the movable guide side plate 4B can be integrally moved in the passage width direction. It is configured as follows.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 1, a circular finger-hanging operation hole 8 is formed in the upper part of the width adjusting plate 5 disposed in the foremost product storage column to move it up and down and in the passage width direction. In addition, the movable guide side plate 4B disposed in the second row of product storage columns has a circular finger-hanging operation hole for moving the plate and the width adjusting plate 5 in the vertical direction and the passage width direction. 9 is formed, and the periphery of each finger-hanging operation hole 8, 9 is bent by burring.
[0052]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, each of the product storage passages S extends along the vertical direction between a pair of left and right side plates 2 fixedly connected at a slightly larger interval than the maximum length of the product G to be stored. A plurality of curved (circular arc-shaped) guide plates 10 and 11 that are arranged are partitioned and attached in a state of facing each other at intervals in the front-rear direction, and the guide plates 10, 11 facing each other in the front-rear direction. Each product storage passage S is formed in a meandering shape that can reduce the drop impact when the product is replenished by positioning the heights of each other by a half pitch.
[0053]
Of the guide plates 10 and 11, the guide plate 10 located on the rear side of the commodity storage passage S is swingable in the front-rear direction around the horizontal axis X on the upper end side, as shown in FIGS. And a movable guide plate that is urged and projected by the elastic force of an elastic urging body 14 that is an example of an elastic urging means in the product storage passage portion W2 outside the passage width changing operation area W1 of the width adjusting plate 5. In addition, the guide plate 11 positioned on the front side of the product storage passage S is an example of a member constructed between the side plates 2 and has a length substantially corresponding to the passage width W of the product storage passage S. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper and lower end portions thereof are constituted by a fixed guide plate fixed directly or indirectly to the side plate 2.
[0054]
Further, the presence / absence of the product G in the product storage passage S is detected on the lower side of each product storage passage S and in the vicinity of the upper portion of the product delivery mechanism A as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the sold-out detection plate (sold-out flapper) 23 made of sheet metal, which is projected and biased by the elastic force of the leaf spring 36 into the product storage passage portion W2 outside the passage width changing operation area W1 of the width adjusting plate 5, is the upper end thereof. Is provided so as to be swingable around the horizontal axis on the side, and at the entrance of each product storage passage S in the second and subsequent rows, is in contact with the product G rolling along the inclined introduction passage S1, An insertion posture correction plate 22 for correcting the insertion posture of the product G is provided so as to be able to escape and swing around the horizontal axis to a position where the product G is allowed to pass along with the contact with the product G.
[0055]
Next, the support structure of the movable guide plate 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, as shown in FIGS. 12) (which is an example of a member installed between both side plates 2), a pivot support means 13 for pivotably supporting the movable guide plate 10 and a projecting side of the movable guide plate 10 pivotally supported by the pivot support means 13. An attaching means 15 for attaching a torsion coil spring 14 which is an example of an elastic urging body in a state where an elastic urging force is applied to the inner surface of the attachment base 12 facing the product storage passage S side, A portion corresponding to the passage width changing operation area W1 of the width adjusting plate 5 is configured as a guide surface 12a for moving and guiding the product G put into the product storage passage S downward.
[0056]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the pivot support means 13 is pivoted along a horizontal axis X that penetrates near the upper end of the side edge flange portion 10 A that is bent at the left and right side edges of the movable guide plate 10. The support hole 13A, a round bar-like pivot shaft 13B that is supported so as to be inserted into and removed from the passage width W direction with respect to both pivot support holes 13A, and both end portions thereof are supported so as to be inserted and removed from the passage width W direction. Accordingly, the mounting base 12 is composed of a bearing portion 13C that is formed in a V shape in a portion corresponding to both ends of the pivot shaft 13B.
[0057]
The dimension L1 between the outer surfaces in the passage width W direction of both the bearings 13C is configured to be slightly smaller than the dimension L2 between the inner side surfaces of the flanges 10A on both sides of the movable guide plate 10, and The outer side surface is a positioning surface that prevents relative movement of the movable guide plate 10 in the passage width W direction.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, support shafts 13 B that are inserted and operated from one side in the passage width W direction are disposed at the two left and right positions of the mounting base 12 between the bearing portions 13 C. Insertion guides 16 for moving and guiding along the horizontal axis X are formed so that each insertion guide 16 is positioned closer to the horizontal axis X toward the lower side of the support shaft 13B in the insertion direction. And a pair of upper and lower guide pieces 16a and 16b formed by cutting and raising, and the upper guide piece 16a is displaced to the lower side in the insertion direction of the support shaft 13B from the lower guide piece 16b. It is arranged by.
[0059]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, when the pivot shaft 13B is inserted into the mounting base 12 from one side of the passage width W direction to the predetermined mounting position with respect to both bearing portions 13C, A contact portion 17 abutting on the tip of the pivot shaft 13B from the direction of the passage width W is formed in a V shape, and the mounting base 12 moves the extraction movement of the pivot shaft 13B inserted into a predetermined mounting position. One side plate 2 to be installed is configured to block.
[0060]
The attachment means 15 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the coil portion 14 a of the torsion coil spring 14 is located at the center position in the passage width direction between the adjacent insertion guides 16 in the attachment base 12. A horizontally long mounting hole 15a that is detachably inserted and mounted in a posture along the horizontal axis X is formed through the periphery of the mounting hole 15a, and a torsion coil spring 14 that is inserted and mounted in the mounting hole 15a. A pair of temporary locking engagement pieces that temporarily hold the coil portion 14a of the torsion coil spring 14 on the pivot shaft 13B that is inserted and operated by engaging with the coil portion 14a from the passage width direction. 15b is formed, and both end portions 14b and 14c of the torsion coil spring 14 are mounted on the back surface of the movable guide plate 10 located on the opposite side of the product storage passage S and the mounting base. It is abutted against the outer surface 12.
[0061]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, the attachment base 12 has flange portions 12 A and 12 B formed on the outer surface side opposite to the product storage passage S along the upper and lower sides thereof. And the upper base material portion including the upper flange portion 12A in a state where the lower base material portion is in a vertical posture with the portion displaced slightly above the formation region of the pivot support means 13 as the center of bending. It is bent and formed in a generally U shape when viewed in the direction of the passage width W so as to protrude toward the product storage passage S side.
[0062]
The corner portion 12b on the product storage passage S side in the lower base portion of the mounting base 12 regulates the maximum swing position of the movable guide plate 10 to the outside of the passage due to contact with the product G by contact. It is comprised in the stopper part for doing.
[0063]
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the left and right ends of the upper base portion of the mounting base 12 are laterally (passage width) with respect to the V-shaped first mounting holes 18 formed in the side plate 2. An insertion connecting means C is provided which can be inserted from the direction) and engages with a part of the periphery of the first mounting hole 18 to prevent relative movement in the left-right direction when inserted in a predetermined position.
[0064]
The insertion connecting means C will be described in detail. The first latching portion 19 having a size that can be inserted into the V-shaped bottom portion of the first mounting hole 18 of the side plate 2 into the end portion of the mounting base 12 from the passage width direction. Is integrally formed, and the first hooking portion 19 can pass through a part of the peripheral edge of the first mounting hole 18, that is, the upper edge portion 2 a surrounded by a V-shape as it is inserted. The cam surface 19a that is elastically deformed in the direction of the passage width W to the state, and a part of the peripheral edge of the first mounting hole 18 at the predetermined insertion position, that is, the lower edge portion 2b corresponding to the lowermost end of the first mounting hole 18 And a retaining recess 19b for retaining the retaining member.
[0065]
 Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper edge portion 2 a of the side plate 2 is also used as an elastic pressing portion that prevents the upward movement of the mounting base 12 at the predetermined insertion position. The left and right ends of the lower base portion of the mounting base 12 are L-shaped cross sections that can be inserted into the deformed rectangular second mounting holes 20 formed in the side plate 2 from the left and right directions (passage width direction). Shaped second latching part 21Further, an end surface that is in contact with the inner surface of the side plate 2 is formed between the first hooking portion 19 and the second hooking portion 21 at both left and right end portions of the mounting base 12..
[0066]
The upper edge portion 2a, which is a part of the peripheral edge of the first mounting hole 18, causes elastic bending deformation when the mounting base material 12 as an example of the member is inserted, returns to the original state after the insertion, and pulls out the mounting base material 12. It is comprised in the deformation | transformation part which stops and hold | maintains.
[0067]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the peripheral edge of the second mounting hole 20 is a contact portion 20 a, in which the lower tip of the L-shaped second latching portion 21 inserted into the second attachment hole 20 abuts the upper end side rear surface. 20b is formed, and it is configured to suppress rattling between the second mounting hole 20 of the side plate 2 and the second hooking portion 21 of the mounting base 12 by the contact at these two points. ing.
[0068]
Then, the first hooking portion 19 and the second hooking portion 21 of the mounting base 12 are simply inserted from the passage width direction into the first mounting hole 18 and the second mounting hole 20 of the left and right side plates 2. Since the mounting base 12 can be installed on the both side plates 2 with a simple operation, the assembly efficiency can be improved while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0069]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 24, among the product storage passages S of the front and rear rows of product storage columns disposed in the product storage case, the uppermost of the product storage passages S located in the frontmost row. At the upper position, the attachment base 12 is attached to the left and right side plates 2 via the insertion connecting means C in a state where at least the upper part of the movable guide plate 10 faces the product insertion port 1 in the front-rear direction.
[0070]
In general, since the product G is introduced almost directly into the uppermost part of the product storage passage S while inserting a hand from the product introduction port 1, the introduction posture of the product G transferred to the uppermost part of the product storage passage S is adopted. However, it is guided down along the inclined introduction passage S1 extending from the product introduction port 1 to the upper position of the product storage passage S as in the product introduction guide structure for the second and subsequent product storage columns. Based on this knowledge, it is found that the function of correcting the posture of the input product G is unnecessary, and as described above, the mounting base 12 with at least the upper portion of the movable guide plate 10 facing the product input port 1. Since the posture of the input product G can be corrected by using the movable guide plate 10 that is urged and biased toward the product storage passage S, the input posture correction plate 22 having a complicated structure can be removed. , It is possible to advantageously configure turned posture correction structure of the product G on top of the product storage passage S is located in the front row manufacturing cost, in simplified surfaces of the structure.
[0071]
Next, the support structure of the fixed guide plate 11 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, the left and right side portions on the upper end side of each fixed guide plate 11 are V-shaped formed on the side plate 2. The third mounting hole 25 can be inserted from the left and right direction (passage width direction), and when it is inserted into a predetermined position, it engages with a part of the peripheral edge of the third mounting hole 25 and is relative to the left and right direction. Insertion connecting means C for preventing movement is provided, and the lower end portion of the fixed guide plate 11 is engaged with the engaged portion 26 formed at the upper end portion of another fixed guide plate 11 adjacent to the lower side. In addition, an engagement portion 27 that prevents relative movement of at least the both 11 and 11 in the front-rear direction is formed.
[0072]
The insertion connecting means C will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the insertion guide means C is inserted into the left and right side portions of the fixed guide plate 11 from the V-shaped bottom portion of the third mounting hole 25 of the side plate 2 from the passage width direction. A third latching portion 28 of a possible size is integrally formed, and in this third latching portion 28, a part of the periphery of the third mounting hole 25, that is, in a V shape as the insertion operation is performed. A cam surface 28a that elastically bends and deforms in the direction of the passage width W until it can pass through the enclosed upper edge portion 2c, and a part of the periphery of the third mounting hole 25 at the predetermined insertion position, that is, the third mounting hole 25. A retaining recess 28b for retaining is formed that engages with the lower edge portion 2d corresponding to the lowermost end of the first end.
[0073]
Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, 11 A of upper side flange parts which protrude toward the goods storage channel | path S side over the upper end part of the said fixed guide board 11 and the upper end part of the 3rd latching part 28 are provided. When the third latching portions 28 of the fixed guide plate 11 are inserted into the third insertion holes 25 of the left and right side plates 2 to the predetermined insertion position, the upper edge portions of the side plates 2 are bent. The lower end of 2c and the upper surface of the upper flange portion 11A are in contact with or close to each other, and are configured to prevent the upward movement of the fixed guide plate 11 at a predetermined insertion position.
[0074]
The upper edge portion 2c, which is a part of the peripheral edge of the third mounting hole 25, undergoes an elastic deflection deformation when the third latching portions 28 of the fixed guide plate 11 as an example of the member are inserted, and returns to the original state after the insertion. Thus, each of the third latching portions 28 of the fixed guide plate 11 is configured to be a deforming portion (elastic pressing portion) that holds and holds the third latching portion 28.
[0075]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the engaged portion 26 forms left and right side portions on the upper end side of another fixed guide plate 11 adjacent to the lower side, and a locking recess 28 b of the insertion connecting means C. And a pair of left and right horizontally-long rectangular locking holes that are also opened outwardly in the left-right direction, and the engaging portion 27 is located on the left and right sides of the lower end edge of the fixed guide plate 11. It is composed of a pair of left and right locking projections projecting downward from both sides, and is further offset on the lower end side of the fixed guide plate 11 and slightly above the base of the locking projection 27 With the part as the center of bending, the lower end portion is bent and formed in a dogleg shape so as to protrude to the opposite side of the product storage passage S.
[0076]
Then, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the locking protrusions 27 of the upper fixed guide plate 11 are passed through the locking holes 26 of the lower fixed guide plate 11 from the product storage passage S side. By being inserted and engaged with the back side, the relative movement in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction between the lower end portion of the upper fixed guide plate 11 and the upper end portion of the lower fixed guide plate 11 is prevented. Yes.
[0077]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a reinforcing rib 27 a that protrudes on the opposite side of the product storage passage S along the vertical direction is bulged and formed on the locking protrusion 27 of the fixed guide plate 11. In addition, a positioning recess 11a into which the reinforcing rib 27a of the locking protrusion 27 is engaged in the front-rear direction is cut out in the upper flange portion 11A of the lower fixed guide plate 11 opposite to this. ing.
[0078]
Among the fixed guide plates 11 arranged along the front side of the commodity storage passage S, the upper flange portion 11A of the fixed guide plate 11 located at the uppermost stage has this as shown in FIGS. A cover 29 comprising a U-shaped cover portion 29A covering the periphery of the upper flange portion 11A and a mounting plate portion 29B extending downward from one end side along the back side of the fixed guide plate 11 is detachable. The cover portion 29A is integrally formed with locking pieces 29a that engage with the locking holes 26 of the fixed guide plate 11 at both left and right side portions on the other end side of the cover portion 29A. The left and right sides of 29B are detachably engaged with the fourth mounting holes 30 formed in the left and right side plates 2 from the left and right directions to prevent the cover 29 from slipping out and the uppermost fixed guide. Board 11 3 locking projections 29b for detent which prevents rotating the engaging portion as a fulcrum of the third mounting hole 25 of the retaining portion 28 and the side plate 2 are integrally formed.
[0079]
Next, the support structure of the sold-out detection plate 23 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 22, a plate-like second mounting base having a width in the vertical direction is provided between the left and right side plates 2. A cylindrical portion for hooking and supporting a hook-like locking portion 23A bent at two places on the left and right of the upper edge of the sold-out detection plate 23 at the lower end portion of the material 35 so as to be swingable around a horizontal axis along the left-right direction. 35A is curled, and is located at the base portion of the cylinder portion 35A and corresponding to both hook-shaped locking portions 23A of the sold-out detection plate 23 with respect to both hook-shaped locking portions 23A of the sold-out detection plate 23. When the cylindrical portion 35A of the second mounting base material 35 fitted and mounted in the upside down orientation is rotated back to the normal posture around its cylindrical axis, both hook-like locking portions 23A are engaged from the circumferential direction. A slit-like locking hole 35B is formed.
[0080]
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the locking hole 35 B is formed on the left and right center sides so as to correspond to a product storage column in which two product delivery mechanisms A are arranged back to back as shown in FIG. 23. Are formed at three locations in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction) of the second mounting base material 35, and the sold-out detection plate 23 is formed on the second mounting base material 35. It is configured so that it can be used separately for the type mounted on the right side and the type mounted on the left side.
[0081]
As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the two engaging portions 23 A of the sold-out detecting plate 23 are provided at two positions located at the upper edge of the sold-out detecting plate 23 and between the adjacent hook-shaped engaging portions 23 A. The cylindrical portion 35A of the second mounting base material 35 that is fitted and mounted in an upside down orientation while preventing the cylindrical portion 35A of the second mounting base material 35 that is fitted and mounted in an upside down orientation from the vertical direction. A retaining guide piece 23B that guides the rotation of the cylinder portion 35A around the cylinder axis is integrally formed when the rotation is returned to the normal posture around the cylinder axis.
[0082]
Therefore, when fitting and mounting the cylindrical portion 35A of the second mounting base material 35 in the upside down orientation with respect to the both locking portions 23A of the sold-out detection plate 23, both locking portions of the sold-out detection plate 23 The cylindrical portion 35A of the second mounting base 35 is inserted into 23A from the cylindrical axis direction. (See Figure 21 (a))
[0083]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the outer cover can be mounted on the second mounting base 35 in the normal posture from above, and the sold-out detection plate 23 protrudes toward the product storage passage S when the cover is mounted. A biasing leaf spring 36 is provided, and the leaf spring 36 is selected as a locking projection 35a formed by being struck toward the product storage passage S at two right and left portions of the second mounting base 35. A locking hole 36a for preventing from coming off is formed.
[0084]
 As shown in FIG. 22, the left and right sides of the mounting plate portion 35C of the second mounting base 35 are inserted from the left and right directions into the fifth rectangular mounting holes 37 formed in the left and right side plates 2, respectively. A free first latching protrusion 39A is integrally formed, and circular left and right side plates 2 of the cylindrical portion 35A of the second attachment base 35 are provided with circular sixth attachment holes 38 formed in the left and right side plates 2, respectively. On the other hand, a second latching protrusion 39B that can be inserted from the left and right direction is integrally formed, and the first latching protrusion 39A and the second latching protrusion 39B constitute a latching portion 39 for installation.Further, an end surface that contacts the inner surface of the side plate 2 is formed between the first and second latching protrusions 39A and 39B at the left and right end portions of the second mounting base 35..
[0085]
When the sold-out detection plate 23 is assembled between the left and right side plates 2, as shown in FIG. 21A, both hook-shaped locking portions 23 A of the sold-out detection plate 23 and the lower end of the second attachment base 35 are used. The cylinder part 35A formed in the part is fitted and mounted from the cylinder axis direction in an inverted state in which the second mounting base material 35 is in the upside down orientation, and the cylinder of the second mounting base material 35 in this inverted state When the portion 35A is rotated back to the normal posture around its cylindrical axis, as shown in FIG. 21 (B), both hook-shaped locking portions 23A are formed on the second mounting base 35. The second mounting base material 35 and the sold-out detection plate 23 are engaged and connected to the hole 35B from the circumferential direction.
[0086]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, a plate spring 36 is externally attached to the second mounting base 35 in the normal posture so that the sold-out detection plate 23 is a product. In addition to being able to project and urge toward the storage passage S side, it is possible to prevent the sold-out detection plate 23 from being pulled out from the second mounting base 35.
[0087]
Therefore, not only the number of parts can be reduced, but also the number of complicated processes such as curl processing is reduced, and the sold-out detection plate 23 and the plate are attached to the second mounting base material 35 installed between the left and right side plates 2. By assembling the spring 36 in advance, the assembling workability can be improved, so that the efficiency of the assembling work can be promoted while simplifying the structure and reducing the manufacturing cost.
[0088]
The sold-out sensing plate 23 swings back and forth to widen the front and rear width of the product storage passage S against the elastic urging force of the leaf spring 36 by contact with the product G introduced into the product storage passage S. When the product G disappears, the elastic force of the leaf spring 36 projects and swings into the product storage passage S, and the sold-out sensor provided in the product delivery mechanism A detects and operates in conjunction with the projecting swing. Based on the detection signal, the sold-out display lamp is lit.
[0089]
The supporting structure of the inclined bottom plate 4A of the commodity introduction guide 4 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 24 to 30, on the left and right side portions of the cylindrical portion 4a curled at the base end portion of each inclined bottom plate 4A, It can be inserted into the V-shaped seventh mounting hole 41 formed in the side plate 2 from the left and right direction (passage width direction), and when it is inserted into a predetermined position, a part of the periphery of the seventh mounting hole 41 An insertion connecting means C that engages and prevents relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and is displaced to the front end side of the flange portion 4b that is bent downward along the left and right side edges of each inclined bottom plate 4A. Can be inserted into the rectangular eighth mounting hole 42 formed in the side plate 2 from the left-right direction (passage width direction) and in the left-right direction by relative movement in the front-rear direction in the inserted state. L-shaped to prevent the escape of The locking projection 43 of are coming form cutting.
[0090]
The insertion connecting means C will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, a rectangular V formed in the lower part of the seventh mounting hole 41 on both the left and right sides of the base end cylinder part 4a of the inclined bottom plate 4A. A fourth hooking portion 44 that can be inserted into the character bottom portion 41a from the left-right direction is integrally formed. The fourth hooking portion 44 has a V-shaped bottom portion 41a of the seventh mounting hole 41 in accordance with the insertion operation. A pressing end face 44a that elastically bends and deforms in the passage width W direction until it can pass through a part of the peripheral edge, that is, the upper edge portion 2e surrounded by the V-shape, and the seventh mounting hole 41 at a predetermined insertion position. A retaining recess 44b for retaining is formed that engages with a part of the peripheral edge, that is, the side edge portion 2f corresponding to the front edge of the V-shaped bottom 41a of the seventh mounting hole 41.
[0091]
Further, as shown in FIG. 27, when both the fourth latching portions 44 of the inclined bottom plate 4A are inserted into the seventh mounting holes 41 of the left and right side plates 2 to a predetermined insertion position, the upper edge of each side plate 2 The lower end of the portion 2e and the upper surface of the fourth hooking portion 44 are in contact with or close to each other so as to prevent the upward movement of both the fourth hooking portions 44 of the inclined bottom plate 4A at the predetermined insertion position. It is configured.
[0092]
The upper edge portion 2e, which is a part of the peripheral edge of the seventh mounting hole 41, undergoes an elastic deflection deformation when the fourth latching portions 44 of the inclined bottom plate 4A, which is an example of the member, are inserted, and returns to the original state after the insertion. Thus, each of the fourth latching portions 44 of the inclined bottom plate 4A is configured to be a deforming portion (elastic pressing portion) that holds and holds.
[0093]
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the eighth mounting hole 42 is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the inclined bottom plate 4A in the normal mounting posture, and a locking projection 43 is formed at one corner 42a thereof. It is configured to engage.
Therefore, in the state where the inclined bottom plate 4A is mounted on the side plate 2 while the width of the eighth mounting hole 42 is configured to have a margin that allows the locking projection 43 to be easily inserted and removed, The engagement between the corner portion 42a of the hole 42 and the locking projection 43 can suppress backlash in the vertical direction.
[0094]
When the inclined bottom plate 4A of the product introduction guide 4 is mounted across the left and right side plates 2, the front end side of the inclined bottom plate 4A is lifted slightly from the normal mounting posture as shown in FIG. After inclining posture and inserting both locking projections 43 of the inclined bottom plate 4A into the eighth mounting hole 42 of the side plate 2 from the left and right directions, the inclined bottom plate 4A is pushed forward as shown in FIG. The both locking projections 43 of the inclined bottom plate 4A are engaged with the corner portions 42a of the eighth mounting hole 42.
[0095]
Next, as shown in FIG. 30 (c), the inclined bottom plate 4A is pushed down to the normal mounting posture with the engagement portion between the both locking projections 43 and the corner portion 42a of the eighth mounting hole 42 as a swing fulcrum. In this state, both the fourth latching portions 44 of the inclined bottom plate 4A are inserted into the seventh mounting holes 41 of the left and right side plates 2 from the left and right directions to a predetermined insertion position, and the engagement of the both fourth latching portions 44 is performed. The stop recess 44 b is engaged with the side edge portion 2 f at the periphery of the seventh attachment hole 41.
[0096]
As shown in FIG. 24, the inclined bottom plate 4A of the product introduction guide 4 can slide the product G introduced from the product introduction port 1 down to the second product storage column through the top of the front product storage column. The length of the first inclined bottom plate 4A having a sufficient length and the length of the product G introduced from the product inlet 1 through the top of the front and second product storage columns to the third product storage column. The second inclined bottom plate 4A and the first inclined bottom plate 4A and the second inclined bottom plate 4A are combined with each other according to the total number of columns in the front-rear direction formed in the warehouse. When a plurality of product storage column units U are assembled from the front-rear direction and mounted in the upper part of the unit U, the down-sliding guide surfaces 4c of the two inclined bottom plates 4A adjacent in the front-rear direction, in other words, the front-rear direction Inclined inlet passage portion of the adjacent two inclined bottom plate 4A is configured to be continuous or nearly continuous.
[0097]
For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the case of a product storage device in which three product storage column units U in which two product storage columns are formed in the front-rear direction are assembled in the product storage case from the front-rear direction. The upper part of the product storage column unit U in the foremost row is equipped with four second inclined bottom plates 4A on the long side and one first inclined bottom plate 4A on the short side, and the upper part of the product storage column unit U in the central row Are mounted with two second inclined bottom plates 4A on the long side and one first inclined bottom plate 4A on the short side, and further, one short side plate is placed on the upper part of the last row of product storage column units U. The first inclined bottom plate 4A is attached.
[0098]
And in the state which assembled | attached these three goods storage column units U in the goods storage from the front-back direction, 1 A 1st slant bottom board 4A and two long slant 2nd slant bottom boards located in the uppermost stage are located. 4A is continuously or substantially continuously in a straight line, and the product G introduced from the product introduction port 1 is slid down to the last product storage column through the upper part of the product storage columns from the first row to the fifth row. In the second stage from the top, the two second inclined bottom plates 4A on the long side are continuously or substantially continuously in a straight line, and the product introduced from the product inlet 1 One inclined introduction passage S1 is formed for feeding G down to the fifth row of product storage columns through the top of the product storage columns from the front row to the fourth row. First slant bottom plate on the short side A and the second inclined bottom plate 4A on the long side are continuously or substantially continuously in a straight line, and the product G introduced from the product introduction port 1 is passed through the upper part of the product storage column from the front row to the third row. One slant introduction passage S1 is formed to slide down to the fourth row of product storage columns.
[0099]
The support structure for the first inclined bottom plate 4A and the second inclined bottom plate 4A is different in the distance from the locking projection 43 to the fourth hooking portion 44 and the inclination of the eighth mounting hole 42 formed in the side plate 2. However, the other specific structures are substantially the same.
[0100]
Next, the support structure of the charging posture correction plate 22 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, a pivotal cylindrical shaft curled and formed in a cylindrical shape extending between the left and right side plates 2. 45) (which is an example of a member laid between both side plates 2), the insertion position correction plate is provided on the shaft portion corresponding to the product storage passage portion W2 outside the passage width changing operation area W1 of the width adjustment plate 5. An attachment piece 22a bent at the center position in the longitudinal direction of the left and right side edges of the left and right sides 22 is attached so as to be able to swing the seesaw. It can be inserted into the V-shaped ninth mounting hole 46 from the left-right direction (passage width direction), and when it is inserted into a predetermined position, it engages with a part of the periphery of the ninth mounting hole 46 in the left-right direction Insertion connecting means C for preventing relative movement at There.
[0101]
The insertion connecting means C will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, rectangular inverted V-shaped top portions 46a formed at the upper portions of the ninth mounting holes 46 on the left and right side portions of the pivot tube 45. A fifth hooking portion 45A that can be inserted from the left-right direction is formed integrally with the fifth hooking portion 45A, and the periphery of the inverted V-shaped top portion 46a of the ninth mounting hole 46 is inserted into the fifth hooking portion 45A. Of the ninth mounting hole 46 at a predetermined insertion position, and a pressing end face 45a that elastically bends and deforms in the passage width W direction until it can pass through the lower edge portion 2g surrounded by an inverted V shape. A pair of retaining recesses 45b for retaining are formed that engage with part of the peripheral edge, that is, the side edge portion 2h corresponding to the front and rear side edges of the inverted V-shaped top 46a of the ninth attachment hole 46.
[0102]
Further, as shown in FIG. 33, when the fifth latching portions 45A of the pivot tube shaft 45 are inserted into the ninth mounting holes 46 of the left and right side plates 2 to the predetermined insertion position, The upper end of the lower edge portion 2g and the lower surface of the fifth hooking portion 45A are in contact with or close to each other, and the fifth hooking portions 45A of the pivotal cylinder shaft 45 at the predetermined insertion position are pulled out downward. Is configured to prevent.
[0103]
The lower edge portion 2g, which is a part of the peripheral edge of the ninth mounting hole 46, undergoes an elastic deflection deformation when the fifth latching portions 45A of the pivotal cylinder shaft 45, which is an example of the member, is inserted, and the original after the insertion. It is comprised in the deformation | transformation part (elastic press part) which resets to and hold | maintains each 5th latching part 45A of the pivot cylinder shaft 45 in a retaining manner.
[0104]
Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the front side of the throwing posture correction plate 22 with respect to the pivotal support shaft 45 can come into contact with the product G guided down along the inclined bottom plate 4 A of the product introduction guide 4. Drop guide plate portion 22B configured to be a posture correction plate portion 22A, the rear side of the pivotal support shaft 45 pushes the posture correction plate portion 22A and passes it through the inlet portion of the product storage passage S. It is configured.
[0105]
The posture correction plate portion 22A is configured to have a weight larger than that of the drop guide plate portion 22B, and the posture correction plate portion 22A is projected and biased toward the inclined introduction passage S1, and the posture correction plate portion 22A. The maximum projecting position is regulated by contact with the upper end of the movable guide plate 10 located at the uppermost position.
[0106]
The pivot cylinder shaft 45 is penetrated through the upper end portion of the width adjusting plate 5 and is also used as a guide rod for moving and guiding the width adjusting plate 5 along the passage width W direction.
[0107]
[Second Embodiment]
34 to 36 show another embodiment of the support structure for the movable guide plate 10, and a plate-shaped mounting base material (between the two side plates 2) having a width in the up and down direction that is installed between the left and right side plates 2. 12) (which is an example of a member erected), and a pivot support means 13 for pivotably supporting the movable guide plate 10 and a torsion coil spring 14 which is an example of an elastic urging member project into the movable guide plate 10. Mounting means 15 for mounting in a state where an elastic urging force is applied to the side, and the inner surface facing the product storage passage S side of the mounting base 12 moves the product G put into the product storage passage S downward. The guide surface 12a is configured to be guided, and can be inserted into the mounting holes 47 and 48 provided in the left and right side plates 2, and when the mounting base 12 is inserted into a predetermined position, Plug-in connection means to prevent movement It is provided.
[0108]
To constitute the pivot means 13, a pair of left and right cylindrical shaft portions having a substantially cylindrical shape with the swing axis X as an axis is formed by bending the left and right sides of the upper end of the movable guide plate 10 into a curl shape. 13D is formed, and both left and right side portions on the lower end side of the mounting base 12 are bent into a substantially U shape so that both the cylindrical shaft portions 13D of the movable guide plate 10 can swing around the swing axis X. And the intermediate plate 12c on the lower end side of the mounting base 12 is positioned above the two cylindrical shafts 13D of the movable guide plate 10 received by the left and right bearings 13E. A retaining locking piece 13F is formed by striking to prevent the unmoving movement.
[0109]
The attachment means 15 will be described in detail. The coil portion 14a of the torsion coil spring 14 is oscillated on one cylindrical shaft portion 13D of the movable guide plate 10 located on the center side of the attachment base 12 in the oscillating axis X direction. The outer end of the torsion coil spring 14 is arranged on the opposite side of the commodity storage passage S and the outer surface of the mounting base 12 and the outer surface of the mounting base 12. It has been applied to.
[0110]
The insertion connecting means C will be described in detail. The passage width with respect to the tenth mounting hole 47 of the side plate 2 is formed at the left and right ends of the cylindrical reinforcing portion 12D formed by bending the upper end portion of the mounting base 12 into a substantially cylindrical shape. A fifth hooking portion 31 of a size that can be inserted from the direction is formed so as to protrude integrally, and at both left and right ends of the U-shaped reinforcing portion 12E that is bent at the upper and lower intermediate portions of the mounting base 12 A sixth latching portion 32 of a size that can be inserted into the eleventh mounting hole 48 of the side plate 2 from the passage width direction is integrally projected and formed, and further, a fifth latching portion 31 and a sixth latching portion are formed. When 32 is inserted into a predetermined position, the left and right end surfaces 12e of the mounting base 12 are in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side plate 2 to prevent relative movement of the mounting base 12 in the left-right direction. ing.
In addition, since the other structure is the same as the structure demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, the same number is attached to the same structure location as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0111]
[Third Embodiment]
37 to 39 show another embodiment of the support structure for the movable guide plate 10, and a plate-shaped mounting base material having a vertical width extending between the left and right side plates 2 (between the side plates 2). 12) (which is an example of a member erected), and a pivot support means 13 for pivotably supporting the movable guide plate 10 and a torsion coil spring 14 which is an example of an elastic urging member project into the movable guide plate 10. Mounting means 15 for mounting in a state where an elastic urging force is applied to the side, and the inner surface facing the product storage passage S side of the mounting base 12 moves the product G put into the product storage passage S downward. The guide surface 12a is configured to be guided, and can be inserted into the mounting holes 47 and 48 provided in the left and right side plates 2, and when the mounting base 12 is inserted into a predetermined position, Plug-in connection means to prevent movement It is provided.
[0112]
In order to constitute the pivot support means 13, a pair of left and right cylindrical shaft portions having a substantially cylindrical shape with the swing axis X as an axis is formed by bending the left and right intermediate portions of the upper end of the movable guide plate 10 into a curl shape. 13G is formed, and both left and right side portions on the lower end side of the mounting base 12 are bent into a curl shape so that the left and right end portions of the cylindrical shaft portion 13G of the movable guide plate 10 can swing around the swing axis X. A substantially cylindrical bearing tube portion 13 H that is internally fitted and supported is formed, and the intermediate plate portion 12 d on the lower end side of the mounting base 12 is engaged with a rectangular through hole 10 a formed in the movable guide plate 10. As a result, a locking piece 13J is formed by punching to prevent relative movement in the swing axis X direction of the movable guide plate 10 fitted and held on both bearing tube portions 13H of the mounting base 12 by contact. ing.
[0113]
The mounting means 15 will be described in detail. The movable guide plate 10 is placed on the side of the product storage passage S on the bearing tube portion 13H located on the center side in the swing axis X direction of both the bearing tube portions 13H of the mounting substrate 12. The coil portion 14a of the torsion coil spring 14 that projects and urges to the outer side is externally mounted along the swing axis X, and both end portions 14b and 14c of the torsion coil spring 14 are on the opposite side of the product storage passage S. It is applied to the back surface of the movable guide plate 10 positioned and the outer surface of the mounting base 12.
[0114]
That is, among the two bearing tube portions 13H of the mounting base 12, the bearing tube portion 13H located on the center side in the swing axis X direction protrudes and biases the movable guide plate 10 toward the product storage passage S side. The coil holding part 49 is also configured to hold the coil part 14a of the coil spring 14 in an externally fitted state.
[0115]
When the movable guide plate 10 contacts the product G and swings against the elastic restoring force of the torsion coil spring 14, even if the coil portion 14a of the torsion coil spring 14 is reduced in diameter due to the swing, the contraction is reduced. Since the coil portion 14a having a diameter is clamped and brought into close contact with the coil holding portion 49 provided on the mounting base 12 on the fixed side, for example, as shown in the second embodiment, the mounting base 12 is rocked. As in the case where the coil portion 14a of the torsion coil spring 14 is externally attached to the cylindrical shaft portion 13D on the movable guide plate 10 side that is movably supported, a part of the support reaction force of the torsion coil spring 14 is the cylindrical shaft portion. It does not act on 13D, the return swing of the movable guide plate 10 becomes smooth, and the swing return performance of the movable guide plate can be enhanced.
[0116]
The insertion connecting means C will be described in detail. The passage width with respect to the tenth mounting hole 47 of the side plate 2 is formed at the left and right ends of the cylindrical reinforcing portion 12D formed by bending the upper end portion of the mounting base 12 into a substantially cylindrical shape. Seventh latching portions 33 of a size that can be inserted from the direction are formed so as to be integrally projected, and the left and right ends of the reinforcing portion 12F that is bent in a crank shape at the upper and lower intermediate portions of the mounting base 12 In addition, an eighth latching portion 34 of a size that can be inserted into the eleventh mounting hole 48 of the side plate 2 from the passage width direction is integrally projected, and further, a seventh latching portion 33 and an eighth latching portion are formed. When 34 is inserted into a predetermined position, the left and right end faces 12e of the mounting base 12 are in contact with or close to the inner surface of the side plate 2 to prevent relative movement of the mounting base 12 in the left-right direction. ing. In addition, since the other structure is the same as the structure demonstrated in 1st Embodiment, the same number is attached to the same structure location as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0117]
[Other Embodiments]
(1) In the first embodiment described above, of the guide plates 10 and 11, the guide plate 10 located on the rear side of the product storage passage S can be swung back and forth around the horizontal axis X on the upper end side. In addition, although it is constituted by a movable guide plate that is projected and urged by the elastic force of the elastic urging body 14 in the product storage passage portion W2 outside the passage width changing operation area W1 of the width adjusting plate 5, the product storage passage S A part of the guide plate 10 disposed on the rear side of the product may be configured as a movable guide plate, and all or a part of the fixed guide plate 11 disposed on the front side of the product storage passage S is movable. The guide plate 10 may be configured.
Furthermore, a part or all of the movable guide plate 10 located on the rear side of the product storage passage S may be configured from the fixed guide plate 11.
[0118]
In short, in the first embodiment described above, the mounting holes 25 and 18 formed in the side plate 2 in the left and right side portions of the guide plate 11 and the left and right side portions of the mounting base 12 to which the guide plate 10 is assembled. The insertion connecting means C is provided that can be inserted from the left and right directions and engages with the peripheral edges of the mounting holes 25 and 18 to prevent relative movement in the left and right directions when inserted into a predetermined position. Only the left and right sides of the plate 11 or both the left and right sides of the mounting base 12 to which the guide plate 10 is assembled can be inserted into the mounting holes 25 or 18 formed in the side plate 2 from the left and right directions, and Further, an insertion connecting means C that engages with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole 25 or 18 to prevent relative movement in the left-right direction when inserted into a predetermined position may be provided.
[0119]
(2) In the above-described first embodiment, the pivot means 13 includes the pivot hole 13 A formed through the side edge flange portion 10 A of the movable guide plate 10, and the bearing section formed by punching the mounting base 12. 13C and the pivot shaft 13B penetrating and supported over these, the pivot shaft 13B may be fixed to or integrally formed with the movable guide plate 10.
In short, the pivot support means 13 may have any structure as long as the movable guide plate 10 can be pivotally supported.
[0120]
(3) In the first embodiment described above, the elastic biasing body 14 that projects and biases the movable guide plate 10 into the product storage passage S is formed by twisting a coil spring, but other elastic biasing such as a leaf spring is used. The elastic biasing body may be implemented in a state in which an elastic biasing force to the projecting side is applied to the movable guide plate 10 pivotally supported by the pivotal support means 13. The structure of the attachment means 15 for attaching 14 to the attachment substrate 12 can be variously changed.
[0121]
(4) The structure of the insertion connecting means C provided on each of the left and right sides of the fixed guide plate 11 or the left and right sides of the mounting base 12 to which the movable guide plate 10 is assembled can be variously changed. It can be inserted into the formed mounting holes 18 and 25 from the left and right directions, and when inserted into a predetermined position, it engages with the peripheral edges of the mounting holes 18 and 25 to prevent relative movement in the left and right directions. As long as it is possible, it may be configured in any structure.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a product storage device of a vending machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a product storage column unit.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the product storage column.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the main part of the product storage column.
FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway front view of the mounting base before the movable guide plate is assembled.
FIG. 6 is a front view when the movable guide plate is assembled to the mounting base material.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view before the movable guide plate is assembled to the mounting base.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the main part before the mounting substrate is attached to the side plate.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view of the main part when an attachment base material is attached to a side plate.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the product storage column.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view of a fixed guide plate mounting portion.
12 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.
13 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a main part before a fixed guide plate is attached to a side plate.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view of the main part showing a mounting portion between the uppermost fixed guide plate and the cover;
16 is a sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG.
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the main part showing a mounting portion between the uppermost fixed guide plate and the cover.
FIG. 18 is an enlarged side view showing a mounting structure of a sold-out detection plate.
FIG. 19 is an enlarged front view showing a mounting structure of a sold-out detection plate.
FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure of a sold-out detection plate.
FIGS. 21A to 21C are cross-sectional side views of main parts showing a procedure for attaching a sold-out sensing plate and a leaf spring to the second mounting base material.
FIG. 22 (a) is a perspective view of the main part before the second attachment base is attached to the side plate.
(B) is a cross-sectional view of the main part when the second mounting base is mounted on the side plate.
FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the lower part of the product storage column unit.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the upper side of the product storage device.
FIG. 25 is a plan view of the inclined bottom plate of the product introduction guide.
FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part before mounting, showing the mounting structure between the side plate and the base end of the inclined bottom plate.
FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the main part after mounting showing the mounting structure between the side plate and the base end of the inclined bottom plate.
FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part before mounting, showing the mounting structure between the side plate and the tip of the inclined bottom plate.
FIG. 29 is an enlarged side view of the main part after mounting, showing the mounting structure between the side plate and the tip of the inclined bottom plate.
30 (a) to (c) are side views showing the installation procedure of the inclined bottom plate.
FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the main part showing the mounting structure of the loading posture correction plate.
FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part before mounting showing the mounting structure of the pivoting cylinder shaft and the side plate of the loading posture correction plate.
FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the main part after mounting showing the mounting structure of the pivoting cylinder shaft and the side plate of the loading posture correction plate.
FIG. 34 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the product storage column showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is an enlarged exploded perspective view before the movable guide plate is assembled to the mounting substrate.
FIG. 36 is an enlarged side view when the movable guide plate is assembled to the mounting base material.
FIG. 37 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the product storage column showing the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is an enlarged exploded perspective view before the movable guide plate is assembled to the mounting substrate.
FIG. 39 is an enlarged side view when the movable guide plate is assembled to the mounting base material.
FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a product storage column of a conventional vending machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
C plug connection means
G product
S product storage passage
W Passage width
W1 passage width change operation area
W2 product storage passage
2 Side plate
2a Upper edge part (deformation part)
2c Upper edge part (deformation part)
2e Upper edge part (deformed part)
2g Lower edge part (deformed part)
4A Inclined bottom plate (member)
5 Width adjustment plate
10 Guide plate (movable guide plate)
11 Guide plate (fixed guide plate, member)
12 Mounting base material (member)
13 pivoting means
13G Tube shaft
13H Bearing cylinder
14 Elastic biasing means (torsion coil spring)
14a Coil part
15 Mounting means
18 Mounting hole (first mounting hole)
19 Hook (first hook)
19a Cam surface
19b Locking recess
20 Mounting hole (second mounting hole)
21 Hook (second hook)
23 Sold Out Detection Board
23A hook-shaped locking part
25 Mounting hole (3rd mounting hole)
26 Part to be engaged (holding hole)
27 Engagement part (locking protrusion)
28 Hook (third hook)
28a Cam surface
28b Locking recess
30 mounting hole (fourth mounting hole)
31 Hook (5th hook)
32 Hook (6th hook)
33 Hook (7th hook)
34 Hook (8th hook)
35 Second mounting substrate
35A tube
35B Locking hole
36 leaf spring
37 Mounting hole (5th mounting hole)
38 Mounting hole (6th mounting hole)
39 Hook
41 Mounting hole (Seventh mounting hole)
42 Mounting hole (8th mounting hole)
44 Hook (fourth hook)
45 Pivoting cylinder shaft (member)
46 Mounting hole (9th mounting hole)
47 Mounting hole (10th mounting hole)
48 Mounting hole (11th mounting hole)
49 Coil holder

Claims

Between the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a serpentine product storage passage. and, a product storage device for an automatic vending machine which is provided with a dispensing mechanism which dispenses one by one housed goods raised stacked in a horizontal state in the product storage passage for each article dispensing command at the bottom of the product storage passage,
The left and right sides of the member mounted between the left and right side plates can be inserted from the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the periphery of the mounting hole provided in the side plate, and inserted into a predetermined position. A plug connecting means provided with a locking recess for engaging a part of the periphery of the mounting hole to prevent relative movement in the left-right direction, and a part of the periphery of the mounting hole to be elastically deformed However, the product storage device of the vending machine is configured with a presser portion that prevents the movement of the locking recess at the predetermined insertion position when returning to elasticity .

Between the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a serpentine product storage passage. In addition, the guide plate is a commodity storage column of a vending machine configured with a fixed guide plate fixed to the left and right side plates and a movable guide plate swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side,
The left and right sides of the fixed guide plate can be inserted from the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole formed in the side plate, and can be inserted into a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole at a predetermined insertion position. An insertion connecting means having a locking recess for engaging and preventing relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole to be elastically deformed is at a predetermined insertion position at the time of elastic return. A product storage column of a vending machine configured as a presser portion that prevents the withdrawal movement of the locking recess .

Between the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a serpentine product storage passage. In addition, the guide plate is a commodity storage column of a vending machine configured with a fixed guide plate fixed to the left and right side plates and a movable guide plate swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side ,
The left and right sides of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate can be inserted from the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the periphery of the mounting hole formed in the side plate, and a predetermined amount. An insertion connecting means having a locking recess for engaging with a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole at the insertion position to prevent relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and the peripheral edge of the mounting hole to be elastically deformed is provided. A product storage column of a vending machine, a part of which is configured as a presser portion that prevents the movement of the locking recess at a predetermined insertion position when returning to elasticity .

Between the left and right side plates supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with a space in the front-rear direction to form a serpentine product storage passage. And a product storage column of a vending machine provided with a product introduction guide that guides the introduction of the product introduced from the product input port to the upper part of the product storage passage,
The left and right sides of the inclined bottom plate of the product introduction guide can be inserted from the passage side while elastically deforming a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole formed in the side plate, and at the predetermined insertion position, the peripheral edge of the mounting hole. Insertion coupling means provided with a locking recess for engaging a part and preventing relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and a part of the peripheral edge of the mounting hole to be elastically deformed is predetermined at the time of elastic recovery. A product storage column of a vending machine configured with a presser portion that prevents the movement of the locking recess at the insertion position .

With the right and left side portions of the upper side it is provided with the bayonet connection means of the fixed guide plate, the the lower end of the fixed guide plate is formed at the upper end portion of the other of the fixed guide plate adjacent downward An engagement portion is formed that engages with the engaged portion at least, and prevents relative movement in at least the front-rear direction, and is further detachable from the upper end portion of the fixed guide plate positioned at the uppermost stage. 3. The product storage column of a vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the cover is formed with a locking projection that is detachably engaged in a mounting hole formed in the left and right side plates in the outer cover state from the left and right directions .

4. The commodity storage column of a vending machine according to claim 3, wherein end surfaces contacting the inner side surfaces of the left and right side plates are formed on the left and right sides of the mounting base .

The vending machine according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the mounting base is formed in a plate shape having a width in the vertical direction, and an inner surface facing the product storage passage is configured as a guide surface for moving and guiding the product downward. Product storage column of the machine.

The attachment base insertion connecting means includes a first latching portion having the locking recess and a second latching mechanism that can be inserted from the left and right directions into a second mounting hole formed below the mounting hole. The product storage column of the vending machine according to claim 3, 6 or 7 , wherein the product storage column is constituted by a portion .

The left and right sides of the plate-like second mounting base member, which is assembled with a sold-out detection plate that is projected and urged to the lower side of the product storage passage, are viewed from the left and right directions with respect to the mounting holes formed in the side plate. The product storage column of the vending machine according to any one of claims 2 to 8 , wherein a hooking portion for installation that can be inserted freely and an end surface that contacts the inner side surfaces of the left and right side plates are formed .

Between the left and right side plates that are suspended and supported in the product storage, a large number of curved guide plates are arranged in the vertical direction with an interval in the front-rear direction, and a meandering product storage passage And at least part of the guide plate is swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side, and outside the passage width changing operation area of the width adjusting plate that changes the passage width according to the product length. A product storage column of a vending machine composed of a movable guide plate protruding and urged into a product storage passage portion,
The left and right sides of the mounting base that pivotably supports the movable guide plate can be inserted into mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates, and when the mounting base is inserted into a predetermined position, Insertion connecting means for preventing relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and a coil holding portion for holding the coil portion of the torsion coil spring that protrudes and biases the movable guide plate in an externally fitted state is provided on the mounting base. Product storage column for vending machines.

At the lower end portion of the mounting base material, a bearing tube portion that is bent and supported on the left and right side portions of the tube shaft portion that is bent and formed at the upper end portion of the movable guide plate is fitted in a swingable manner. The product storage column of a vending machine according to claim 10, wherein one of the bearing tube portions is configured as a coil holding portion.

A product storage column in which a number of curved guide plates that form a meandering product storage passage between the left and right side plates is arranged in the vertical direction is formed in a plurality of rows in the front-rear direction in the product storage. In addition, at least a part of the guide plate is swingable around the horizontal axis on the upper end side, and the product storage passage outside the passage width changing operation area of the width adjusting plate that changes the passage width according to the product length. A product storage device for a vending machine composed of a movable guide plate protruding and urged into a part,
The left and right sides of the mounting base that pivotally supports the movable guide plate can be inserted into the mounting holes provided in the left and right side plates, and the mounting base of the mounting base when inserted into a predetermined position. Insertion connecting means for preventing relative movement in the left-right direction is provided, and at the uppermost position of the product storage passage located in the front row, at least the upper side portion of the movable guide plate faces the product input port. A vending machine product storage device in which the mounting base is attached to the side plate.