JP4050043B2 - vending machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vending machine that guides a product stored in one of a plurality of product columns provided in a warehouse to a product sales outlet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of vending machine includes a plurality of shelf boards provided at intervals in the vertical direction in the cabinet, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2000-82171 and 9-259342, and each shelf. A plurality of product columns arranged side by side on the plate, an elevator capable of vertical movement, and a product bucket capable of horizontal movement on the elevator are provided.
[0003]
Since the products stored in each product column can be visually recognized from the outside through the transparent plate of the main door, the purchaser selects the purchased product by directly viewing the products stored in each product column. When the product selection button is pressed by the purchaser, the elevator and the product bucket at the standby position move toward the target position based on the product sales command, and the product is carried out from the predetermined product column at the target position to the product bucket. The product in the product bucket is guided to the product sales outlet.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in a vending machine in which each product column includes a transport belt on which a plurality of products can be placed, and the product bucket includes a transport belt for receiving products from the product column, the transport belt and the product bucket of the predetermined product column The following problems may occur when the conveyor belt is moved in the same direction and the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket.
[0005]
That is, if the position of the product sent on the conveyor belt of the product bucket is close to the product column, the product in the product bucket will come into contact with the product column or other equipment when the product bucket is moved after the end of the feeding operation. It can cause problems such as scratches and falling from the product bucket. In other words, in a vending machine that feeds the first product on the conveyor belt of a predetermined product column onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the product is sent to a predetermined position on the conveyor belt of the product bucket regardless of the product size. It is necessary to devise such a method.
[0006]
Also, since the feeding distance when the first product on the conveyor belt of the product column is fed onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket varies depending on the product size, if the transport speed during the feeding operation is constant, the feeding operation starts and ends. The time until the time varies depending on the product size may occur. In other words, in a vending machine that sends the first product on the conveyor belt of a given product column onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the time for the operation of sending the product from the product column to the product bucket regardless of the product size It is necessary to devise such that they are equal.
[0007]
The present invention was created in view of the above circumstances, and a first object is to provide a vending machine capable of feeding a product to a predetermined position on a conveyor belt of a product bucket regardless of the product size. There is to do. A second object is to provide a vending machine capable of equalizing the time for the operation of sending the product from the product column to the product bucket regardless of the product size.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object, the first invention includes a plurality of shelf plates provided in the storage room at intervals in the vertical direction, and a conveyor belt on which a plurality of products can be placed. A plurality of product columns arranged side by side, an elevator capable of moving up and down, and a product bucket provided with a conveyor belt for receiving products from the product column and capable of moving in the left and right directions on the elevator After moving the elevator and the product bucket at the standby position toward the target position based on the product sales command, the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket at the target position are in the same direction. The product that has been moved to send the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, and the product sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket is guided to the product sales outlet. From the point of time when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor provided on the product column side of the product bucket, the outlet side sensor provided on the opposite side of the product column of the product bucket, and the inlet side sensor. From the time point when the product is detected by the outlet side sensor to the time point when the product is detected by the first sensor for measuring the first time until the time when the product is no longer detected by the inlet side sensor Second time measuring means for measuring the second time of the product, storage means for storing the second time for each product column, and sending the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket Sometimes, the second time corresponding to the predetermined product column is read from the storage means, and the inlet side sensor is based on the second time and the first time measured by the first time measuring means. Therefore a conveying time calculating means for calculating a time from a product is detected at which the product is moved to a predetermined position on the conveyor belt as the conveying time of the product by the conveyor belt of the commodity bucket, The transport time calculating means calculates the transport time by 1/2 of the sum of the first time and the second time, When the product on the transport belt of the predetermined product column is fed onto the transport belt of the product bucket, the transport belt of the predetermined product column and the transport belt of the product bucket are moved in the same direction, and the product is detected by the inlet side sensor. The conveyance belt of the commodity column is stopped at the time, and the conveyance belt of the commodity bucket is stopped when the conveyance time has elapsed from the time when the commodity is detected by the inlet side sensor.
[0009]
Also, a plurality of shelf plates provided in the storage room at intervals in the vertical direction, a plurality of product columns provided with a conveyor belt on which a plurality of products can be placed, and arranged in parallel on each shelf plate, and the vertical direction And a product bucket provided with a conveyor belt for receiving products from the product column and capable of moving in the left-right direction on the elevator, and in a standby position based on a product sales command After moving the elevator and the product bucket toward the target position, move the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket at the target position in the same direction to move the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column. A vending machine that sends products onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket and guides the products sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket to the product sales outlet. Each time the product is moved to a predetermined position on the transport belt from the time when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor, Transport time storage means for storing each product column; The outlet side sensor provided on the opposite side of the product column of the product bucket and the first time from when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor to when the product is no longer detected by the entrance side sensor First time measuring means, second time measuring means for measuring a second time from a time when the commodity is detected by the inlet side sensor to a time when the commodity is detected by the outlet side sensor, and the first time, A transport time calculating means for calculating a transport time of the product by the transport belt of the product bucket based on the second time; With The transport time storage means stores the transport time calculated by the transport time calculation means for each product column, When the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the transport time corresponding to the predetermined product column is read from the transport time storage means, and the transport belt and the product bucket of the predetermined product column are transported. The belt is moved in the same direction, and when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor, the transport belt of the product column is stopped, while when the transport time elapses from the time when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor, The feature is that the conveyor belt is stopped.
[0010]
According to these vending machines, after the conveyance belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyance belt of the product bucket are moved in the same direction, the product column conveyance belt is stopped when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor. The conveyor belt of the commodity bucket can be stopped when a predetermined conveyance time has elapsed since the commodity was detected by the inlet side sensor. In other words, by defining the time (conveyance time) from when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor until the product moves to a predetermined position on the transport belt, the product column is transferred to the product bucket regardless of the product size. The product to be fed can be stopped at a predetermined position on the conveyor belt of the product bucket.
[0011]
In order to achieve the second object, the second invention is provided with a plurality of shelf boards provided at intervals in the vertical direction in the storage room, and a conveyor belt on which a plurality of products can be placed. A plurality of product columns arranged side by side, an elevator capable of moving up and down, and a product bucket provided with a conveyor belt for receiving products from the product column and capable of moving in the left and right directions on the elevator After moving the elevator and the product bucket at the standby position toward the target position based on the product sales command, the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket at the target position are in the same direction. The product that has been moved to send the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, and the product sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket is guided to the product sales outlet. It is a vending machine, the entrance side sensor provided on the product column side of the product bucket, and the transport speed of both transport belts when the product on the product belt transport belt is sent to a predetermined position on the product belt transport belt. When the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is fed onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the conveyance speed / time storage means for storing each product column and the conveyance time common to each product column is provided. The conveyance speed and the common conveyance time corresponding to the predetermined product column are read from the conveyance speed / time storage means, and the conveyance belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyance belt of the product bucket are moved in the same direction at the conveyance speed, When the product column transport belt is stopped when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor, while the product bucket transport belt starts moving And so as to stop the conveyor belt of the product bucket where the transfer time has passed since, as its characterized in that.
[0012]
According to this vending machine, after the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket are moved in the same direction at a predetermined transport speed, the product column of the product column is detected when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor. While the conveyance belt is stopped, the conveyance belt of the product bucket can be stopped when a predetermined conveyance time has elapsed since the conveyance belt of the product bucket started to move. In other words, by defining the speed from the start of movement of the conveyor belt of the commodity bucket to the stoppage, the time for the operation of sending the commodity from the commodity column to the commodity bucket can be made equal regardless of the commodity size.
[0013]
The above object and other objects, structural features, and operational effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a front view of a vending machine main body showing an internal mechanism of the vending machine shown in FIG.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine main body 1 includes a heat-insulating chamber 2 having an open front surface, and includes a machine room (not shown) below the chamber 2. The shelf room 2 is provided with seven shelf boards 3 spaced in the vertical direction, and on each shelf board 3, three product columns 4 for storing products G are provided side by side in the left-right direction. Further, an elevator 5 having left and right dimensions substantially coincident with the shelf board 3 is provided on the front side of the product column 4, and an elevator moving mechanism 6 that moves the elevator 5 in the vertical direction on the left and right inner surfaces of the storage room 2 facing the elevator 5. Is provided. Furthermore, one product bucket 7 is provided on the elevator 5, and the bucket 5 is provided with a bucket moving mechanism 8 (see FIG. 4B) that moves the product bucket 7 in the left-right direction on the elevator 5. Yes.
[0016]
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, the main door 11 is provided in the front surface of the vending machine main body 1 so that opening and closing is possible. An opening 11a is formed on the front surface of the main door 11, and a transparent plate 12 made of glass, transparent resin, or the like is provided in the opening 11a. In addition, on the front surface of the main door 11, a display unit 13, a bill insertion slot 14, a product selection button 15, a lock 16 for the main door 11, a money insertion slot 17, a return lever 18, and a money return slot 19 and a merchandise sales opening 20 are provided.
[0017]
In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the front opening of the chamber | room 2 is covered so that opening and closing is possible by the inner door which has a transparent plate which consists of glass, transparent resin, etc. In addition, an evaporator, a heater, and a blower for product cooling or product warming are provided in the warehouse room 2, and a compressor, a condenser, and the like that constitute a refrigeration unit together with the evaporator are accommodated in the machine room. Yes.
[0018]
Incidentally, in the vending machine shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the above-mentioned shelf board 3, product column 4, elevator 5, elevator moving mechanism 6, product bucket 7 and bucket moving mechanism 8 are used to sell products in a predetermined product column 4. A merchandise sales mechanism for guiding G to the merchandise sales port 20 is configured.
[0019]
3 and 4 show partial details of the commodity delivery mechanism. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the commodity column shown in FIG. 2 and a sectional view taken along line a1-a1, and FIG. 4 is the commodity shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the enlarged front view of the bucket, the a2-a2 sectional view, the push-down lever, the connection arm, and the goods guard displaced from the standby position to the goods carrying-out position.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each commodity column 4 is attached to the shelf 3 via a slide rail or the like, and is attached to the left and right center of the column body 4a. A partition plate 4b provided freely, a pair of front and rear timing pulleys 4c disposed inside the column body 4a, an endless timing belt 4d wound around each pair of front and rear timing pulleys 4c, A product locking plate 4e provided on each timing belt 4d, a driven gear 4f provided on the outer end of the shaft of each front timing pulley 4c, and each timing belt 4d urged upward by a coil spring. The product guard 4g provided in the front upper part is provided.
[0021]
On the two timing belts 4d of each product column 4, a product G other than a paper pack beverage, a can beverage or a beverage is stored side by side in the front-rear direction. Each product column 4 does not have a power source for individually moving the two timing belts 4d, and each timing belt 4d receives a product G when a rotational force is transmitted from a product bucket 7 described later to a driven gear 4f. To move forward. In addition, each product column 4 can also place products having a size larger than the illustrated product across the two timing belts 4d by removing the partition plate 4b. Each product column 4 basically stores products of different types for each column, but two or more product columns 4 may store the same product.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the commodity bucket 7 includes a bucket body 7a, a plurality of rollers 7b provided on the bucket body 7a, and two drive units provided on the left and right sides of the bucket body 7a. 7c, a pair of front and rear timing pulleys 7d disposed on the bucket body 7a, and two endless timing belts 7e on the left and right wound around the pair of front and rear timing pulleys 7d. A guide bush 7f into which a guide rod 8c described later is inserted is provided on the bottom surface of the bucket body 7a.
[0023]
Each drive unit 7c includes a first motor M1 (see FIG. 5) and a gear mechanism (not shown) for operating the push-down lever 7c1, the connecting arm 7c2, and the product guard 7c3 at the same time, and the connecting arm 7c2. A second motor M2 (see FIG. 5) and a gear mechanism (not shown) for rotating the drive gear 7c4 provided on the inside are included. The one drive unit 7c has a third motor (see FIG. 5) and a gear mechanism (see FIG. 5) for rotating one of the pair of front and rear timing pulleys 7d to feed the product G forward to both timing belts 7e. (Not shown) is provided. Further, the rear inner surface (the inner surface on the product column side) of one drive unit 7c is provided with one of a projector and a light receiver that constitute an inlet side sensor 7c5 for detecting the position of the product G. The unit 7c is provided with the other of a projector and a light receiver. Furthermore, on the front inner surface (the inner surface opposite to the product column) of one drive unit 7c, one of a light projector and a light receiver constituting an outlet side sensor 7c6 for detecting the position of the product G is provided. The other drive unit 7c is provided with the other of a projector and a light receiver.
[0024]
4B, the bucket moving mechanism 8 includes a pair of left and right timing pulleys 8a provided in the elevator 5, an endless timing belt 8b wound around the pair of left and right timing pulleys 8a, and an elevator. 5 includes a guide rod 8c installed in the left-right direction, a motor (not shown) that transmits a rotational force to one timing pulley 8a, and a rotary encoder (not shown) that detects the rotation angle of the motor. Incidentally, the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder is used as a reference signal for generating the position data of each shelf board 3. In the commodity bucket 7, the bucket body 7a is fixed to a part of the timing belt 8b, the guide bush 7f on the bottom surface of the bucket body 7a is engaged with the guide rod 8c, and the roller 7b is brought into contact with the elevator 5 is doing. The bucket moving mechanism 8 may be a mechanism in which a motor-driven ball screw is provided in the elevator 5 and a nut that engages with the ball screw is connected to the commodity bucket 7.
[0025]
The elevator moving mechanism 6 is attached to two chained ends, one end of which is connected to the left and right ends of the elevator 5, two gears that are arranged on the top of the mechanism and wound around each chain, and the other end of each chain. A balance weight, a rod that connects two gears, a motor that transmits a rotational force to the rod, and a rotary encoder that detects the rotation angle of the motor (both not shown). Incidentally, the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder is used as a reference signal for generating the position data of each product column 4. In addition, as the elevator moving mechanism 6, a mechanism in which two endless chains are wound around a gear arranged vertically and the balance weight is eliminated may be employed.
[0026]
FIG. 5 is a control circuit diagram for controlling the motor group of the product bucket 7. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 21 denotes a control unit having a microcomputer configuration, 21a denotes a memory provided in the control unit 21, and 22 denotes control from the control unit 21. This is a drive unit that supplies predetermined power to each of the two first motors M1, the two second motors M2, and the one third motor M3 provided in the commodity bucket 7 based on the signal. The control unit 21 receives a signal from the inlet side sensor 7c5 provided in the commodity bucket 7 and a signal from the outlet side sensor 7c6. Note that the method of sending the product G from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7 realized by the control circuit shown in FIG.
[0027]
Hereinafter, the merchandise sales operation in the above-described vending machine will be described.
[0028]
When selling merchandise, the position data of each shelf 3 and the position data of each merchandise column 4 stored in the memory 21a based on the merchandise sales instruction sent when the merchandise selection button 15 is pushed by the purchaser. To the target position, that is, the position where the predetermined product column 4 storing the product G corresponding to the pressed product selection button 15 and the product bucket 7 face each other in an appropriate state, and the target position is set. Then, the elevator 5 and the product bucket 7 are moved from the standby position shown in FIG. 2 (see FIG. 7).
[0029]
Then, the first motor M1 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated to displace the push-down lever 7c1, the connecting arm 7c2, and the product guard 7c3 from the standby position to the product delivery position (see FIG. 8). As a result, the push-down lever 7c1 is lowered from the standby position to push down one of the product guards 4g of the product column 4 against the spring biasing force, so that the product guard 4g is in contact with the timing belt 4d of the product column 4 and the timing of the product bucket 7. It is inserted into the gap between the belts 7e. Further, the connecting arm 7c2 protrudes rearward from the standby position, and the drive gear 7c4 engages with the driven gear 4f of the product column 4. Further, the product guard 7c3 descends from the standby position, and the product guard 7c3 is inserted into the gap between the timing belt 4d of the product column 4 and the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7.
[0030]
After the elevator 5 and the product bucket 7 reach the target position and the preparation operation for product delivery is completed, the product is fed from the predetermined product column 4 to the product bucket 7 according to the program flow shown in FIG.
[0031]
First, it is determined whether or not the feeding operation of the product G stored in the product column 4 at the target position is the first (step S1 in FIG. 6). Immediately after the product G is stored in the empty product column 4 or immediately after the stored product G in the product column 4 is replaced with another product, it is determined that this is the first delivery, and the process proceeds to step S2. When the feeding operation is the second time or later, the process proceeds to step S11.
[0032]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the second motor M2 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated to rotate the drive gear 7c4, and this rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear 4f of the product column 4, One timing belt 4d is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing to feed the product G forward, and at the same time, the third motor M3 in the product bucket 7 is operated to turn both timing belts 7e counterclockwise in the drawing. The product G is fed forward by rotating in the direction (step S2 in FIG. 6). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the top product G on the timing belt 4 d of the product column 4 moves forward, and the top product G enters the timing belt 7 e of the product bucket 7.
[0033]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether a part of the product G enters the entrance position on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 and the entrance side sensor 7c5 is turned off (step S3 in FIG. 6). ).
[0034]
When the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned off in step S3, the operation of the timing belt 4d of the product column 4 is stopped and the timing is started (steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 6). At this point Product Since the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 continues to operate, the leading product G moves further together with the timing belt 7e.
[0035]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the product G completely enters the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 and the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned on (step S6 in FIG. 6).
[0036]
When the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned on in step S6, the time T1 from the start of time measurement is stored in the memory 21a (step S7 in FIG. 6). At this point Product Since the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 continues to operate, the leading product G moves further together with the timing belt 7e. In this program flow, since the time T1 is counted for each product G in steps S16 and S17 described later, the steps S6 and S7 are not necessarily required steps.
[0037]
Next, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the product G reaches the exit position on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 and the exit side sensor 7c6 is turned off (step S8 in FIG. 6).
[0038]
When the outlet side sensor 7c6 is turned off in step S8, the operation of the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 is stopped and the time T2 from the start of the time measurement is stored in the memory 21a (step S9 in FIG. 6). S10).
[0039]
This completes the operation of sending the first product from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7. After the first product feeding operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 12, the first motor M1 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated in the opposite direction to the push-down lever 7c1 and the connecting arm 7c2. The product guard 7c3 is returned from the product carry-out position to the standby position, and the product guard 4g of the product column 4 is returned to the standby position by the biasing force of the coil spring.
[0040]
Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the motor 6e of the elevator moving mechanism 6 is operated to return the elevator 5 to the standby position, and at the same time, the motor 8d of the bucket moving mechanism 8 is operated to bring the product bucket 7 into the standby position. Return.
[0041]
Then, the third motor in the product bucket 7 is operated to send the product G on the timing belt 7 e to the product sales outlet 20. Since the delivery of the product G on the timing belt 7e to the product sales port 20 can be detected by the outlet side sensor 7c6, it is determined whether or not the product carry-out operation is completed based on the presence or absence of this detection signal. The product sales operation of is terminated.
[0042]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that the feeding operation is the second time or later, the time T2 previously stored after step S11 is read from the memory 21a.
[0043]
Next, as in step S2, as shown in FIG. 9, the second motor M2 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated to rotate the drive gear 7c4, and this rotational force is driven by the product column 4. Transmission to the gear 4f, one timing belt 4d is rotated counterclockwise in the figure to feed the product G forward, and at the same time, the third motor M3 in the product bucket 7 is operated to drive both timing belts 7e. Is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing, and the product G is fed forward (step S12 in FIG. 6). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the top product G on the timing belt 4 d of the product column 4 moves forward, and the top product G enters the timing belt 7 e of the product bucket 7.
[0044]
Next, as in step S3, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether a part of the product G enters the entrance position on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 and the entrance side sensor 7c5 is turned off. (Step S13 in FIG. 6).
[0045]
When the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned off in step S13, the operation of the timing belt 4d of the product column 4 is stopped and the timing is started (steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 6). At this point Product Since the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 continues to operate, the leading product G moves further together with the timing belt 7e.
[0046]
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the product G completely enters the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 and the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned on (step S16 in FIG. 6).
[0047]
When the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned on in step S16, the time T1 from the start of timing is stored in the memory 21a, and a part of the product G is based on the time T1 and the previously read time T2. Is the transport time Ts corresponding to the product column 4 at the target position from when the product D enters the entrance position on the transport belt 7e of the product bucket 7 until the product D moves to the center position in the front-rear direction on the transport belt 7e. Calculation is made (step S18 in FIG. 6). At this point Product Since the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 continues to operate, the leading product G moves further together with the timing belt 7e. The transport time Ts is calculated from the time T1 and the time T2 by the equation Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2.
[0048]
Next, it is determined whether or not the time from the start of the time has reached the transport time Ts calculated in step S18 (step S19 in FIG. 6).
[0049]
When the conveyance time Ts has elapsed in step S19, the operation of the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 is stopped (step S20 in FIG. 6). As described above, since the transport time Ts is determined by the equation Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2, as shown in FIG. Product The product G on the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 stops when the center thereof reaches the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e.
[0050]
Since the time T1 is counted each time the product G is sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7, and the transport time Ts is determined by the formula Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2 each time, the square product G Is different from the case of entering the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 in an oblique direction (the direction in which the front surface of the product G is not perpendicular to the feeding direction) and the time T1 being in the proper direction (the direction in which the front surface of the product G is perpendicular to the feeding direction). Even in such a case, the product G in the oblique direction can be accurately stopped when the center thereof reaches the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7.
[0051]
Further, since the transport time Ts is determined by the equation Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2, the product G1 larger in size than the product G (see FIG. 15A) or smaller in size than the product G. Even when the product G (see FIG. 15B) is sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7, the product G1 and the product G2 are accurately located when the center of the product G1 and the product G2 come to the center SL on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7. Can be stopped.
[0052]
Incidentally, in the case of the product G1 having a size larger than the product G, the front end position of the next top product G1 in the product column 4 after the top product G1 in the product column 4 is sent to the product bucket 7 is the product. In such a case, the conveyor belt 4d of the product column 4 is moved forward by a predetermined time after step S4 and step S15, and the front end position of the product G1 is set to the above-mentioned position. A position adjustment operation for matching with the front end position of the product G is performed. In the case of the product G2 having a size smaller than the product G, the front end position of the next top product G2 in the product column 4 after the top product G2 in the product column 4 is fed into the product bucket 7 is the product. In such a case, after step S4 and step S15, the conveyor belt 4d of the product column 4 is moved backward for a predetermined time, and the front end position of the product G2 is set to the above-mentioned position. A position adjustment operation for matching with the front end position of the product G is performed.
[0053]
This completes the operation of sending the product from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7. After the product feeding operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 16, the first motor M1 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated in the direction opposite to the above to push down the lever 7c1, the connecting arm 7c2, and the product. The guard 7c3 is returned from the product carry-out position to the standby position, and the product guard 4g of the product column 4 is returned to the standby position by the biasing force of the coil spring.
[0054]
Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the motor 6e of the elevator moving mechanism 6 is operated to return the elevator 5 to the standby position, and at the same time, the motor 8d of the bucket moving mechanism 8 is operated to bring the product bucket 7 to the standby position. Return.
[0055]
Then, the third motor in the product bucket 7 is operated to send the product G on the timing belt 7 e to the product sales outlet 20. Since the delivery of the product G on the timing belt 7e to the product sales port 20 can be detected by the outlet side sensor 7c6, it is determined whether or not the product carry-out operation is completed based on the presence or absence of this detection signal. The product sales operation of is terminated.
[0056]
As described above, according to the vending machine described above, when the product G is detected by the inlet side sensor 7c5 after the transport belt 4d of the predetermined product column 4 and the transport belt 7e of the product bucket 7 are moved in the same direction. At the same time, the conveyor belt 4d of the product column 4 is stopped, while the conveyor belt 7e of the product bucket 7 is stopped when a predetermined transport time Ts has elapsed from when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor 7c5. When the center comes to the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7, it can be stopped accurately.
[0057]
Even when the rectangular product G enters the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 in an oblique direction (the front surface of the product G is not perpendicular to the feeding direction), the product bucket 7 is centered on the product G in the oblique direction. It can be stopped accurately when it comes to the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e.
[0058]
Further, even when a product G1 having a size larger than the product G or a product G2 having a smaller size than the product G is sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7, each product G1, G2 is centered on the product bucket 7 as in the product G. It can be stopped when it comes to the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e.
[0059]
That is, the products G, G1, and G2 sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7 are sent to the center SL in the front-rear direction on the transport belt 7e of the product bucket 7 regardless of the direction, size, or the like to be in a stable state. be able to. Therefore, when the product bucket 7 is moved after the feeding operation is finished, the products G, G1, and G2 in the product bucket 7 come into contact with the product column 4, the shelf board 3 and the like and are damaged or dropped from the product bucket 4. It is possible to prevent malfunctions such as
[0060]
In the program flow shown in FIG. 6, the conveyance time Ts is determined so that the center of each product G, G1, G2 is located at the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 by the feeding operation. However, the transport time Ts is set to Ts = {(T1 + T2) ± α so that the center of each product G, G1, G2 comes to a predetermined position slightly shifted back and forth from the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7. } / 2 (where α is a position correction value), it is possible to obtain the same effect as described above with the product being fed in a stable state. In particular, when handling a deformed product whose center does not coincide with the center of gravity, it is possible to achieve a more stable state by setting the transport time Ts so that the center of gravity is located at a predetermined position than the center.
[0061]
In the program flow shown in FIG. 6, the time T1 is counted each time the product G is sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7, and the transport time Ts is determined by the equation Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2 each time. However, as in the program flow shown in FIG. 18, after the time T2 is stored in the memory 21a at the first sending, the transport time Ts is set to Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2 based on the time T1 and the time T2. This calculation result is stored in the memory 21a as the transport time Ts corresponding to the product column 4 (steps SP10 and SP11). At the time of the second and subsequent sending, it is stored in advance. The transport time Ts is read from the memory 21a, and the time from when the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned off to start timing is the transport time. The operation of the timing belt 7e of the commodity bucket 7 was reached s may be stopped (step SP12~SP18).
[0062]
Further, in the program flow shown in FIG. 6, the time T1 is measured every time the product G is sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7, and the transport time Ts is determined by the equation Ts = (T1 + T2) / 2 each time. However, if the transport time Ts for each product collage 4 is previously determined and stored in the memory 21a so as to correspond to the product G that can be stored in each product column 4, the program flow shown in FIG. The program flow shown in steps SS1 to SS7 in FIG. 19 in which the time T1 and the time T2 are not counted and the transport time Ts is not calculated may be employed.
[0063]
In each program flow shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the time T1 is counted each time the product G is sent from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7 as in the program flow of FIG. 6, and the transport time Ts is set to Ts = Since it is not determined by the formula of (T1 + T2) / 2, when the rectangular product G enters the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 in an oblique direction (a direction in which the front surface of the product G is not perpendicular to the feeding direction). Although the product G cannot be stopped accurately when the center thereof reaches the center SL in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7, the product G is centered on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 in the front-rear direction. It is possible to stop at a position near the center SL.
[0064]
By the way, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, when performing the feeding operation | movement of the goods G, the goods G1 larger in size than the goods G, and the goods G3 smaller in size than the goods G, respectively, the conveyor belt of the goods column 4 is carried out. Since the feed distance when the top product on 4d is sent so that the center is located at a predetermined position on the conveyor belt 7e of the product bucket 7 is different depending on the product size, the feed operation is performed when the feed speed is constant. The time from the start to the end (conveyance time) varies depending on the product size.
[0065]
That is, the product G feed distance Lg, the product G1 feed distance Lg1, and the product G2 feed distance Lg2 when the center of the product is centered in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 by the feed operation are Lg1. Since the relationship of>Lg> Lg2 is established, when the feeding speed is constant, the conveyance time of each of the products G, G1, and G2 has a proportional relationship.
[0066]
Here, a specific example in the case where the conveyance times of the products G, G1, and G2 are made equal will be described using a program flow relating to product delivery shown in FIG.
[0067]
In the memory 21a of the control unit 21, the conveyance speed Vs of both the conveyance belts 4d and 7e when the leading product on the conveyance belt 4d of the commodity column 4 is sent to a predetermined position on the conveyance belt 7e of the commodity bucket 7 is stored for each commodity. Each column 4 is stored, and the conveyance time Tf common to each product column is stored. Incidentally, the transport speed Vs stored for each product column 4 is determined based on the product feed distance of each product column 4 and the transport time Tf common to all columns. Of course, the conveyance speed Vs may be determined in consideration of not only the product size but also the product weight.
[0068]
After the elevator 5 and the product bucket 7 reach the target position and the preparation operation for the product delivery is completed, the transport speed Vs corresponding to the product column 4 at the target position and the transport time Tf common to all the columns are read from the memory 21a. (Step ST1 in FIG. 23).
[0069]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the second motor M2 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated to rotate the drive gear 7c4, and this rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear 4f of the product column 4, One timing belt 4d is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing to feed the product G forward, and at the same time, the third motor M3 in the product bucket 7 is operated to turn both timing belts 7e counterclockwise in the drawing. The product G is rotated in the direction to feed the product G forward, and the timing is started (steps ST2 and ST3 in FIG. 23). At this time, the conveyance speed of the conveyance belt 4d of the commodity column 4 and the conveyance belt 7e of the commodity bucket 7 is the conveyance speed Vs read in step ST1, and as a result, as shown in FIG. The top top product G moves forward, and the top product G enters the timing belt 7 e of the product bucket 7.
[0070]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether a part of the product G enters the entrance position on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 and the entrance side sensor 7c5 is turned off (step ST4 in FIG. 23). ).
[0071]
When the inlet side sensor 7c5 is turned off in step ST4, the operation of the timing belt 4d of the product column 4 is stopped (step ST5 in FIG. 23). At this point Product Since the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 continues to operate, the leading product G moves further together with the timing belt 7e.
[0072]
Next, it is determined whether or not the time since the start of time has reached the transport time Tf read in step ST1 (step ST6 in FIG. 23).
[0073]
When the transport time Tf has elapsed in step ST6, the operation of the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 is stopped (step ST7 in FIG. 23). As a result, as shown in FIG. Product The product G on the timing belt 7e of the bucket 7 stops when the center thereof reaches a predetermined position on the timing belt 7e.
[0074]
This completes the operation of sending the product from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7. After the product feeding operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 16, the first motor M1 in one drive unit 7c of the product bucket 7 is operated in the direction opposite to the above to push down the lever 7c1, the connecting arm 7c2, and the product. The guard 7c3 is returned from the product carry-out position to the standby position, and the product guard 4g of the product column 4 is returned to the standby position by the biasing force of the coil spring.
[0075]
Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the motor 6e of the elevator moving mechanism 6 is operated to return the elevator 5 to the standby position, and at the same time, the motor 8d of the bucket moving mechanism 8 is operated to bring the product bucket 7 to the standby position. Return.
[0076]
Then, the third motor in the product bucket 7 is operated to send the product G on the timing belt 7 e to the product sales outlet 20. Since the delivery of the product G on the timing belt 7e to the product sales port 20 can be detected by the outlet side sensor 7c6, it is determined whether or not the product carry-out operation is completed based on the presence or absence of this detection signal. The product sales operation of is terminated.
[0077]
If such speed control is performed, the time for the product feeding operation from the product column 4 to the product bucket 7 can be made equal regardless of the product size, and therefore the time for the product feeding operation varies depending on the product size. No discomfort to the buyer.
[0078]
In addition, by adjusting the conveyance speed Vs and the conveyance time Tf, the center of the product may be centered in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e of the product bucket 7 by the feeding operation, or the center of the product may be the center of the product bucket 7. It is also possible to be at a predetermined position slightly shifted back and forth from the center in the front-rear direction on the timing belt 7e.
[0079]
In the above description, an example in which three product columns 4 are arranged in parallel on each of the seven shelf boards 3, but the number of the shelf boards 3 may be 8 or more, or 6 or less, The number of product columns 4 may be 4 or more or 2 or less.
[0080]
The pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the bucket moving mechanism 8 is used as a reference signal for generating shelf plate position data, and the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the elevator moving mechanism 6 is used for generating column position data. Although the signal used as the reference signal is exemplified, if a pulse motor is used as the motor of the bucket moving mechanism 8 and the motor of the elevator moving mechanism 6, the pulse signals output from the respective pulse motors are used for generating shelf position data and columns. It can also be used as a reference signal for generating position data.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the first invention, regardless of the product size, the product sent from the product column to the product bucket can be sent to a predetermined position on the transport belt of the product bucket to be in a stable state. Therefore, when the product bucket is moved after the feeding operation is finished, it is possible to prevent problems such as the product in the product bucket coming into contact with the product column, the shelf board, etc. and being damaged or falling from the product bucket.
[0082]
In addition, according to the second invention, the time for the operation of sending the product from the product column to the product bucket can be made equal regardless of the product size, and therefore the time for the product sending operation varies depending on the product size. There is no discomfort to the buyer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a vending machine main body showing an internal mechanism of the vending machine shown in FIG.
3 is an enlarged front view of the product column shown in FIG. 2 and a sectional view taken along line a1-a1.
4 is an enlarged front view of the product bucket shown in FIG. 2, a sectional view taken along line a2-a2, and a diagram showing a state where the push-down lever, the connecting arm, and the product guard are displaced from the standby position to the product carry-out position.
FIG. 5 is a control circuit diagram for controlling the motor group of the commodity bucket.
FIG. 6 is a program flow for sending products from a product column to a product bucket.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operations.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operations.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operation.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operations.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of merchandise sales operations.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operation
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a product sales operation.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operations.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operations.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of merchandise sales operations.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of product sales operations.
18 is a diagram showing a modification of the program flow shown in FIG.
19 is a diagram showing a modification of the program flow shown in FIG.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a product feeding distance.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a feeding distance of a product having a size larger than the product shown in FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the feeding distance of a product having a smaller size than the product shown in FIG.
FIG. 23 is a program flow relating to the sending of products when the transport times of the products shown in FIGS.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... Storage room, 3 ... Shelf board, 4 ... Product column, 4d ... Timing belt, G, G1, G2 ... Product, 5 ... Elevator, 6 ... Elevator moving mechanism, 7 ... Product bucket, 7c5 ... Entrance side sensor, 7c6 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Exit side sensor, 7e ... Timing belt, 8 ... Bucket moving mechanism, 20 ... Merchandise sales outlet, 21 ... Control part, 21a ... Memory.

Claims (3)

A plurality of shelf plates provided in the storage room at intervals in the vertical direction, a plurality of product columns provided in parallel on each shelf plate with a conveyor belt on which a plurality of products can be placed, and a vertical movement And an elevator in a standby position based on a product sales order, and a product bucket having a conveyor belt for receiving products from a product column and capable of moving in the left-right direction on the elevator. After the product bucket is moved toward the target position, the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket at the target position are moved in the same direction, and the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is moved to the product bucket. A vending machine that feeds the product sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket to the product sales outlet,
An inlet side sensor provided on the product column side of the product bucket;
An outlet sensor provided on the opposite side of the product column from the product column;
First time measuring means for measuring a first time from a time when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor to a time when the product is no longer detected by the entrance side sensor;
A second timing means for timing a second time from when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor to when the product is detected by the outlet side sensor;
Storage means for storing the second time for each product column;
When the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is fed onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the second time corresponding to the predetermined product column is read from the storage means, and the second time and the first time measuring means are read out. The time from when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor to the predetermined position on the transport belt from the time when the product is detected is calculated as the transport time of the product by the transport belt of the product bucket. Transporting time calculating means
The transport time calculating means calculates the transport time by 1/2 of the sum of the first time and the second time,
When the product on the transport belt of the predetermined product column is fed onto the transport belt of the product bucket, the transport belt of the predetermined product column and the transport belt of the product bucket are moved in the same direction, and the product is detected by the inlet side sensor. While stopping the conveyance belt of the product column at the time, the conveyance belt of the product bucket was stopped when the conveyance time passed from the time when the product was detected by the inlet side sensor.
Vending machine characterized by that. A plurality of shelf plates provided in the storage room at intervals in the vertical direction, a plurality of product columns provided in parallel on each shelf plate with a conveyor belt on which a plurality of products can be placed, and a vertical movement And an elevator in a standby position based on a product sales order, and a product bucket having a conveyor belt for receiving products from a product column and capable of moving in the left-right direction on the elevator. After the product bucket is moved toward the target position, the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket at the target position are moved in the same direction, and the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is moved to the product bucket. A vending machine that feeds the product sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket to the product sales outlet,
An inlet side sensor provided on the product column side of the product bucket;
A transport time storage means for storing, for each product column, a time from when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor until the product moves to a predetermined position on the transport belt as a product transport time by the transport belt of the product bucket; ,
An outlet sensor provided on the opposite side of the product column from the product column;
First time measuring means for measuring a first time from a time when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor to a time when the product is no longer detected by the entrance side sensor;
A second timing means for timing a second time from when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor to when the product is detected by the outlet side sensor;
A transport time calculating means for calculating the transport time of the product by the transport belt of the product bucket by 1/2 of the sum of the first time and the second time ;
The transport time storage means stores the transport time calculated by the transport time calculation means for each product column,
When the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the transport time corresponding to the predetermined product column is read from the transport time storage means, and the transport belt and the product bucket of the predetermined product column are transported. The belt is moved in the same direction, and when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor, the transport belt of the product column is stopped, while when the transport time elapses from the time when the product is detected by the entrance side sensor, The conveyor belt was stopped.
Vending machine characterized by that. A plurality of shelf plates provided in the storage room at intervals in the vertical direction, a plurality of product columns provided in parallel on each shelf plate with a conveyor belt on which a plurality of products can be placed, and a vertical movement And an elevator in a standby position based on a product sales order, and a product bucket having a conveyor belt for receiving products from a product column and capable of moving in the left-right direction on the elevator. After the product bucket is moved toward the target position, the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column and the conveyor belt of the product bucket at the target position are moved in the same direction, and the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is moved to the product bucket. A vending machine that feeds the product sent onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket to the product sales outlet,
An inlet side sensor provided on the product column side of the product bucket;
Stores the transport speed of both transport belts for each product column when the product on the transport belt of the product column is sent to a predetermined position on the transport belt of the product bucket, and stores the transport time common to each product column Speed and time storage means,
When the product on the conveyor belt of the predetermined product column is fed onto the conveyor belt of the product bucket, the transport speed corresponding to the predetermined product column and the common transport time are read from the transport speed / time storage means, The conveyor belt and the conveyor belt of the product bucket are moved in the same direction at the above-mentioned conveyance speed, and when the product is detected by the inlet side sensor, the conveyor belt of the product column is stopped, while the conveyor belt of the product bucket starts moving. The conveyance belt of the product bucket is stopped when the conveyance time has elapsed from the time when the
Vending machine characterized by that.

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