JP4457908B2 - Vending machine product storage device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a product storage device of a vending machine that sells products in cans, bottle products, or PET containers.

  Conventionally, this kind of vending machine product storage device has a plurality of serpentine-type product passages in the front-rear direction inside the main body, and products such as cans, bottles, or PET containers are placed horizontally in the product passage. In such a state, the products are stored in a column, and these products are sold based on a sales command by a product carry-out device provided at the lower end of the product passage (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 8 shows a conventional product storage device of a vending machine described in Patent Document 1. In FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the product passage 1 that stores the product in the vertical direction with the side of the product horizontal, the two side plates 2 a and 2 b that face the left and right that form the product passage 1, and the side plates 2 a and 2 b A product carry-out device 3 for delivering products one by one to the lower end of the product passage 1 to be formed, a product input port 4 for putting products into the upper end of the product passage 1 formed between the side plates 2a, 2b, a product side plate 2a, 2b, the width of the product passage 1 between the side plate 2a and the width adjustment plate 5 provided so that the horizontal movement of the product passage 1 can be adjusted. An input port width adjusting member 6 provided so that the lateral width can be adjusted and fixed depending on the size, and a pin 7 having a passage width adjusting plate 5 penetrated through a hole at the upper end of the passage width adjusting plate 5 between the side plates 2a and 2b so as to be horizontally movable. And two upper and lower pivotable rings whose upper ends are pivotally supported by the passage width adjusting plate 5 8a, 8b, a link connecting plate 9 that is vertically movable along the outer surface of the side plate 2b that is pivotally connected at the lower and upper and lower ends of the links 8a, 8b, and the link connecting plate 9 is moved up and down on the outer surface of the side plate 2b. The cover 10 is provided so that it can be stored and held, and the passage width adjusting plate 5 is made thin without the link connecting plate 9 between the side plate 2b and the passage width adjusting plate 5.

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

  First, when storing a large product such as a 500 ml PET container, the input port width adjusting member 6 is operated to move the product passage 1 to the side plate 2b side so as to increase the lateral width of the product passage 1. The interlocked passage width adjusting plate 5 is also guided by the pin 7 and moves horizontally to the side plate 2b side. At this time, the links 8a and 8b whose upper ends are pivotally supported at two upper and lower portions of the passage width adjusting plate 5 are rotated in the vertical direction, and the lower ends and upper and lower ends of the links 8a and 8b are pivotally coupled. The passage width adjusting plate 5 can move smoothly because the connecting plate 9 moves downward along the outer surfaces of the cover 10 and the side plate 2b.

Further, when storing a small product such as a 350 ml can container, the input port width adjusting member 6 is operated to move to the side plate 2 a side so as to reduce the lateral width of the product passage 1. The interlocked passage width adjusting plate 5 is also guided by the pin 7 and moves horizontally to the side plate 2a side. At this time, the links 8a and 8b whose upper ends are pivotally supported at two upper and lower portions of the passage width adjusting plate 5 are rotated in a horizontal direction, and the lower ends and upper and lower ends of the links 8a and 8b are pivotally coupled. The passage width adjusting plate 5 can move smoothly because the connecting plate 9 moves upward along the outer surfaces of the cover 10 and the side plate 2b.
JP-A-8-87666

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, a product having a large total length such as a 500 ml PET container is loaded into the product passage 1 after being loaded from the product loading port 4 and then discharged one by one by the product unloading device 3. However, the passage width adjusting plate 5 does not spread because the side plate 2b is immediately behind. The 350 ml can container is also shorter in length than the 500 ml PET container, but since the product is cylindrical, a large force is not applied in the direction of the passage width adjusting plate 5 and the passage width adjusting plate 5 does not spread. However, the barrel-shaped can container is shorter than the can container with a total length of 350 ml, and the barrel diameter is greatly swelled at the center, and the fixing position is rough because the inlet width adjusting member 6 corresponds to various containers. After the products are stacked in the product passage 1 in the horizontal direction of the product passage 1 and discharged one by one by the product delivery device 3, the direction of the passage width adjusting plate 5 The link connecting plate 9 is positioned above the movable range at the set position of the passage width adjusting plate 5 of a product having a small overall length and has a small overall length, and the passage width adjusting plate 5 is widened by its own weight. Since the strength of the passage width adjustment plate 5 is weak and easy to bend because the passage width adjustment plate 5 is thinly formed, the passage width adjustment plate 5 spreads to the side plate 2b side and stands by the introduction of some products after paying out. It had the problem of end.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and is a product of a vending machine configured not to stand up and cause clogging even when a barrel-shaped can container is accommodated as well as a general can and PET container. An object is to provide a storage device.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the product storage device of the vending machine according to the present invention lays down products such as cans and plastic bottles in a vertical manner and stores them in a meander-shaped product passage. And a side width plate opposite to each other, and a passage width adjusting plate that can change the width of the product passage according to the size of the product between the side plates, and a single product delivery device is provided at the lower end of the product passage. In the product storage device of the vending machine, at least the product contains a 500 ml PET bottle, a 350 ml can container, and a barrel container whose height is lower than that of the 350 ml can container and whose center is inflated. It is provided with a passage width adjusting plate having a parallel link mechanism capable of changing the left and right width of the product passage, and the side plates face each other at an interval of 210 mm or more and 240 mm or less, and the passage width adjusting plate is When it is possible to adjust the width between 45% and 56% of the gap between the side plates, and when storing the barrel-shaped container, when it is stacked up to the maximum in the lateral width direction between the side plate and the passage width adjustment plate, Each container is stacked at the center of the bulging body diameter and is not stacked at the inclined portions at both ends, and the parallel link mechanism is connected to the passage width adjustment plate on the opposite side of the product passage of the passage width adjustment plate. A link connecting plate provided movably up and down; a link plate extending between substantially upper and lower ends of the link connecting plate and the side plate; and a pivot bearing portion of the link plate with the side plate is the side plate. A substantially semicircular cut-out portion provided on the rotary holding plate that covers the cut-out portion substantially closely, and the adjustment position of the passage width adjusting plate is widened by reducing the clearance of the rotary portion. To alleviate

  As a result, the passage width adjustment plate can be set at a narrow passage width where no large force is generated, and even a passage where large products can be sold is shorter than a 350 ml can container like a barrel-shaped can container. Even if you sell products with a barrel diameter that is greatly inflated at the center, the passage width adjustment plate will not spread, and the product will not stand up and clog.

The merchandise storage device of the vending machine of the present invention has a shape that is shorter than a can container having a total length of 350 ml and a barrel diameter that is greatly inflated at the center, like a barrel-shaped can container, even in a passage where large items can be sold. Even if the product is sold, the passage width adjustment plate does not spread, and the product does not stand up or clog.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, products such as cans and plastic bottles are laid down and stored in a meander-shaped product passage in the vertical direction, and opposed side plates formed on the left and right sides of the product passage, and between the side plates In a product storage device of a vending machine having a passage width adjusting plate that can change the left and right width of the product passage according to the size of the product, and having a single product delivery device at the lower end of the product passage, at least the product Is a parallel link that can change the width of the product passage so that it can accommodate a 500 ml PET bottle, a 350 ml can container, and a barrel shaped container whose height is lower than that of the 350 ml can container and the center of the barrel is inflated. A passage width adjusting plate having a mechanism is provided. The side plates face each other at an interval of 210 mm to 240 mm, and the passage width adjusting plate is adjusted to a width of 45% to 56% of the side plate interval. When it is possible to store the barrel-shaped container, when it is stacked in a staggered manner in the lateral width direction between the side plate and the passage width adjusting plate at the maximum, it is piled up at the center of the barrel-shaped inflated barrel portion, The parallel link mechanism includes a link connecting plate provided on the passage width adjusting plate so as to be movable up and down on the opposite side of the product passage of the passage width adjusting plate, and the link connecting portion. A pivot plate between the upper and lower ends of the plate and a link plate provided between the side plates, and a pivot bearing portion of the link plate with the side plate includes a substantially semicircular cutout portion provided on the side plate and the cutout portion. It is composed of a rotation holding plate that covers the notch portion substantially closely, and reduces the spread of the adjustment position of the passage width adjustment plate by reducing the clearance of the rotation portion, in the direction of the passage width adjustment plate Narrow passageway where no large force is generated Even if you sell a product that has a shape that is shorter than a can container with a total length of 350 ml, such as a barrel-shaped can container, and a barrel diameter that is greatly expanded at the center, even in a passage that can sell large products, The passage width adjustment plate does not widen, and the product does not stand up or clog.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the parallel link mechanism is a link connecting plate that is vertically movable on the passage width adjustment plate on the opposite side of the product passage of the passage width adjustment plate. A link plate extending between the upper and lower ends of the link connecting plate and the side plate, and a vertical movement holding plate that covers and holds the link connecting plate so as to be vertically movable, and the link connecting plate moves up and down. At least one of the vertical movement holding plates is sometimes provided with a convex shape continuous in the vertical direction so as to be partially in close contact with the vertical movement holding plate. Unloading can be performed more reliably.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the conventional example or the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a perspective view of a product storage device of a vending machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a perspective exploded view of a passage width adjusting plate according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the passage width adjusting plate according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the main part of the parallel link mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of a main part when the barrel-shaped container is stored in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rotation holding plate having a projection shape of the attachment portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotation holding plate having an attachment portion cut-and-raised shape according to the first embodiment.

  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the product storage device 11 includes a plurality of serpentine-type product passages 1 that meander in the vertical direction between the side plates 2 a and 2 b in the front-rear direction. A product carry-out device 3 and a passage regulating plate 12 are provided at the lower end of each product passage 1 with the product passage 1 interposed therebetween.

  The merchandise passage 1 has a merchandise insertion port 4 for placing merchandise at the upper end, a passage width adjusting plate 5 disposed between the side plates 2a and 2b and capable of adjusting the horizontal width between the side plates 2a and the merchandise. A hole at the upper end of the passage width adjusting plate 5 between the side plate 2a and 2b, and an inlet width adjusting member 6 which is connected to the passage width adjusting plate 5 on the inlet 4 so that the lateral width can be adjusted and fixed according to the size of the product. A pin 7 through which the passage width adjusting plate 5 is penetrated so as to be horizontally movable is provided.

  The passage width adjusting plate 5 includes a link connecting plate 9 provided with a U-shaped bend having two through holes 13 on the upper and lower ends of the opposite side of the product passage 1 on the opposite surface of the product passage 1, and the link connection. The plate 9 has a vertically moving holding plate 15 that covers and holds the inside of the square hole 14 provided with two upper and lower U-shaped bends in the vertical direction so as to be movable up and down. The holding plate 15 has a cross section with a convex shape in the center on the opposite side of the passage width adjusting plate 5 in parallel with the passage width adjusting plate 5, and a substantially parallel center of the convex shape on the side of the passage width adjusting plate 5. 9 is formed in a substantially V-bent shape so that the tip is convex so as to be in close contact with each other between the passage width adjusting plates 5, provided in the same cross section over the substantially entire vertical length of the passage width adjusting plate 5, and the concave portion is adjusted in the passage width. It is provided in close contact with the plate 5.

  Further, the passage width adjusting plate 5 is erected by link plates 16a and 16b at two upper and lower positions so as to form a parallel link mechanism with the side plate 2b, and one end of each of the link plates 16a and 16b is substantially T-shaped. Between the two upper and lower U-shaped bends of the link connecting plate 9, both substantially T-shaped protruding portions of the link plates 16a and 16b are rotatably provided in the two through holes 13. The other end also has a substantially T-shape, and a substantially semicircular cutout portion 19 and a substantially L-bend provided at the tip of a substantially L-bend portion 18 formed substantially vertically on the left and right of the opening hole 17 provided in the side plate 2b. In the rotation holding plate 20 provided so as to be in close contact with the tip of the portion 18 substantially vertically, both projecting portions in which the substantially T-shaped cross-sections of the link plates 16a and 16b are substantially circular are provided rotatably. Both end surfaces between the both-end shaft support portions of the link plates 16a and 16b are configured to operate while being substantially in close contact with the substantially L-bending portion 18 provided on the side plate 2b.

  The rotation holding plate 20 is inserted between the side plate 2b and the cut-and-raised portion 21 substantially parallel to the side plate 2b on both sides of the substantially L bent portion 18 provided on the side plate 2b, and below the opening hole 17 of the side plate 2b. Fastened with the provided hole 22.

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

  First, when storing a large product such as a 500 ml PET container, the input port width adjusting member 6 is operated to move and adjust the width of the product passage 1 to the side plate 2b side to adjust the input port width. The passage width adjusting plate 5 interlocked with the member 6 is also guided by the pin 7 and moves horizontally to the side plate 2b side. At this time, the link plates 16a and 16b whose lower ends are pivotally supported in the substantially semicircular cutout portion 19 and the rotation holding plate 20 of the side plate 2b are rotated in the vertical direction at the same time. The link connecting plate 9 that is pivotally connected to the upper end and the two upper and lower portions moves upward along the passage width adjusting plate 5 and the vertical movement holding plate 15 so that the passage width adjusting plate 5 moves smoothly.

  When a small product such as a 350 ml can container is stored, the input port width adjusting member 6 is operated and moved to the side plate 2a side so as to reduce the lateral width of the product passage 1, and is adjusted and fixed. The passage width adjusting plate 5 interlocked with the member 6 is also guided by the pin 7 and moves horizontally to the side plate 2a side. At this time, the link plates 16a and 16b whose lower ends are pivotally supported in the substantially semicircular cutout portion 19 of the side plate 2b and the rotation holding plate 20 rotate in the horizontal direction, and the link plates 16a and 16b The link connecting plate 9 that is pivotally connected to the upper end and the two upper and lower portions moves downward along the passage width adjusting plate 5 and the vertical movement holding plate 15 so that the passage width adjusting plate 5 moves smoothly.

  And when storing the barrel-shaped container whose overall length is shorter than the can container of 350 ml and the body diameter is greatly swelled at the center, the inlet port width adjusting member 6 is further disposed on the side plate than the 350 ml can container. Move and adjust the width of the product passage 1 to the 2a side to make it smaller. The adjustment fixing position at this time is a large inflated body diameter portion at the center of each barrel-shaped container when the barrel-shaped containers are stacked in a staggered manner in the lateral width direction between the side plate 2a and the passage width adjustment plate 5. Make sure that they are piled up and not stacked at the taper at both ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the barrel-shaped container is stored and sold, the barrel-shaped container is positioned in the lateral width direction between the side plate 2a and the passage width adjustment plate 5 at the adjustment and fixing position of the inlet width adjusting member 6. When stacking in a zigzag, the passage width adjustment plate is provided even at the time of product delivery because it is always stacked at the center of the barrel-shaped container that swells at the center, and is not stacked at the taper at both ends. No large force is generated in the direction 5, and the passage width adjusting plate 5 does not spread even in a passage where a large product can be sold, so that the product does not stand up and become clogged.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a substantially L-bending portion 18 in which a turning portion formed by the side plate 2b, the link plates 16a and 16b, and the turning holding plate 20 is formed substantially vertically on the left and right of the opening hole 17 provided in the side plate 2b. A substantially T-shaped protrusion of the link plates 16a and 16b in the rotation holding plate 20 provided so as to be in close contact with the tip of the substantially semicircular cutout portion 19 and the substantially L bent portion 18 provided at the tip of the link plate 16a. By providing the pivotable portion, the clearance of the pivotable portion can be reduced, and by reducing the expansion of the adjustment position of the passage width adjusting plate, the product does not stand up and become clogged.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the substantially T-shaped projecting portions of the links 16a and 16b of the rotating portion formed by the side plate 2b, the link plates 16a and 16b, and the rotation holding plate 20 is substantially circular. As a result, the clearance of the rotating portion can be further reduced and the rotation becomes smooth, so that the adjustment position of the passage width adjusting plate 5 can be reduced and the operation can be performed smoothly.

  In addition, by making the cross-sectional shape of the substantially T-shaped projecting portions of the links 16a and 16b of the rotating portion formed by the side plate 2b, the link plates 16a and 16b, and the rotation holding plate 20 into a polygon, the rotation is performed. Since the clearance of the portion can be further reduced and the rotation is smooth, the spread of the adjustment position of the passage width adjusting plate 5 can be reduced and the operation can also be performed smoothly.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the side plates 2b are configured such that both end surfaces between the both end pivot support portions of the link plates 16a and 16b operate while being substantially in close contact with the substantially L bent portion 18 provided on the side plate 2b. Since the backlash of the rotating portions of the link plates 16a and 16b in the thrust direction can be reduced, the passage width adjusting plate 5 can be operated smoothly.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation holding plate 20 is inserted between the side plate 2b and the cut and raised portion 21 substantially parallel to the side plates 2b on both sides of the substantially L bent portion 18 provided on the side plate 2b. By tightening with the hole 22 provided below the opening hole 17, it is possible to reduce the shakiness of the rotating part in the radial direction and to simplify the configuration, thereby reducing the adjustment position of the passage width adjusting plate 5. In addition, the rotation holding plate 20 can be easily attached.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rotation holding plate 20 is provided with the cut-and-raised portion 21 and the side plate that are substantially parallel to the side plates 2b on both sides of the substantially L-bending portion 18 provided on the side plate 2b. 2b, and the protrusion or notch provided on the rotation holding plate 20 is fitted into the hole 22 provided below the opening hole 17 of the side plate 2b and fixed from the passage side of the side plate 2b. Since the rattling of the rotating portion in the radial direction can be reduced and the configuration is simple, the spread of the adjustment position of the passage width adjusting plate 5 can be reduced, and the attaching operation of the rotating holding plate 20 can be facilitated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the vertical movement holding plate 15 has a cross section with a convex shape at the center substantially parallel to the passage width adjustment plate 5 on the opposite side of the passage width adjustment plate 5 and a substantially parallel center of the convex shape. The link connecting plate 9 is formed on the side of the passage width adjusting plate 5 so as to have a substantially V-bend so that the tip is convex so as to be in close contact with each other between the passage width adjusting plates 5. By providing the same cross section and providing the recess in close contact with the passage width adjusting plate 5, the strength of the passage width adjusting plate 5 can be increased and the backlash of the link connecting plate 9 during the up and down operation can be reduced. The spread of the adjustment position of the adjustment plate 5 can be reduced, and the operation can be performed smoothly.

  In this embodiment, when a small product such as a barrel-shaped container is stored, the link connecting plate 9 that moves up and down between the passage width adjusting plate 5 and the vertical movement holding plate 15 is positioned below the movable range. As a result, the setting position of the passage width adjusting plate 5 does not expand due to the weight of the link plate.

  As described above, the product storage device of the vending machine according to the present invention does not cause the product to stand up or become clogged even in a passage where a large product can be sold. The present invention can be applied to a device with a carry-out passage.

The perspective view of the goods storage apparatus of the vending machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention A perspective view and a perspective exploded view of a passage width adjusting plate in the first embodiment Sectional drawing of the principal part of the passage width adjusting plate in the first embodiment The principal part perspective exploded view of the parallel link mechanism part in Embodiment 1 The principal part front view at the time of the barrel-shaped container accommodation in Embodiment 1 The perspective view of the rotation holding | maintenance board of the attachment part protrusion shape in Embodiment 1 The perspective view of the rotation holding plate of the attachment part cut-and-raised shape in Embodiment 1 Front view of main parts of a conventional vending machine product storage device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Product passage 2a, 2b Side plate 3 Product carry-out apparatus 4 Product insertion port 5 Passage width adjustment plate 6 Input port width adjustment member 7 Pin 9 Link connection plate 11 Product storage device 12 Passage restriction plate 13 Through hole 14 Square hole 15 Vertical movement holding Plates 16a and 16b Link plate 17 Open hole 18 Substantially L-bent portion 19 Substantially semicircular cutout portion 20 Rotating holding plate 21 Substantially parallel raised portion 22 Hole

Claims (2)

Products such as cans and plastic bottles are laid down and stored in a meander-shaped product passage, and the product passages are formed according to the size of the product between the side plates opposed to each other formed on the left and right sides of the product passage. In the product storage device of the vending machine having a passage width adjusting plate capable of changing the left and right width of the product passage and having a single product delivery device at the lower end of the product passage, at least the product is a 500 ml PET bottle and 350 ml And a passage width adjusting plate having a parallel link mechanism capable of changing the left and right width of the product passage so as to be able to accommodate a can container and a barrel-shaped container whose height is smaller than that of a 350 ml can container and whose center is inflated. The side plates face each other at intervals of 210 mm or more and 240 mm or less, and the passage width adjusting plate can be adjusted to a width of 45% or more and 56% or less of the interval of the side plates. When storing containers, when they are stacked up to a maximum in the width direction between the side plate and the passage width adjusting plate, they are piled up at the center of the barrel of each barrel-shaped container, and stacked at the inclined portions at both ends. The parallel link mechanism includes a link connecting plate provided on the passage width adjusting plate on the opposite side of the product passage of the passage width adjusting plate, and a substantially upper and lower end of the link connecting plate. A link plate laid between the side plates, and a pivot bearing portion of the link plate with the side plate covers the substantially semicircular notch portion provided on the side plate and the notch portion substantially closely. A product storage device for a vending machine comprising a rotation holding plate and reducing the adjustment position of the passage width adjustment plate by reducing the clearance of the rotation portion . The parallel link mechanism is provided between a link connecting plate provided on the passage width adjusting plate so as to be vertically movable on the opposite side of the product passage of the passage width adjusting plate, and between the upper and lower ends of the link connecting plate and the side plate. A link plate, and a vertical movement holding plate that covers and holds the link connecting plate so as to be movable up and down, and at least one of the link connecting plate and the vertical movement holding plate is substantially in close contact with each other during the vertical operation. The vending machine product storage device according to claim 1 , wherein a convex shape continuous in the vertical direction is provided on one side.

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