JP4900526B2 - Beverage sales apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a beverage vending device capable of efficiently selling a cup beverage without a cap when it does not provide a cap. <P>SOLUTION: The beverage vending device has: a cup dispensing mechanism 101 that dispenses a cup; beverage cooking mechanisms 1020, 1065 that cook beverage in a cup; a cap attaching mechanism 108 that attaches a cap to an open face of a cup; a cap detection part that detects presence/absence of a cap; and a cup conveying mechanism 110 that is capable of moving to a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, and an attachment position of the cap attaching mechanism. It includes a control part that switches the moving path of the cup conveying mechanism when selling a beverage from a first moving path from the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism to the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism and to the attachment position of the cap attaching mechanism to a second moving path from the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism to the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, based on a detection result from the cap detection part indicating absence of a cap. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention sells the cup transport mechanism on which the cup is placed from the payout position at which the cup is dispensed, through the cooking position for cooking the beverage in the cup, and the mounting position for attaching the cap to the opening surface of the cup. It is related with the drink sales apparatus and program which sell the drink with a cup with which the cap was mounted | worn by reaching a position.

  The beverage sales apparatus is provided with a cup transport mechanism for transporting a cup in the apparatus, and while the cup is transported by the cup transport mechanism, the beverage in the cup is cooked at the cooking position, and the cup is opened at the mounting position. There are some which sell beverages in cups with caps attached at sales positions. For example, in the case of a beverage sales apparatus that sells cup beverages with caps (for example, hot instant coffee), the cup transport mechanism moves from the standby position to the cup dispensing position to receive the cup, and then the cup transport mechanism moves to the raw material supply position. And then the powdered coffee, powdered cream, powdered sugar, etc. are received, then the cup transport mechanism moves to the beverage cooking position to receive hot water and stirring, and then the cup transport mechanism moves to the cap mounting position Then, the cap is attached to the cup, and finally the cup transport mechanism moves to the sales position to sell the cup beverage with the cap (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The cap mounting mechanism is, for example, a cap mounting portion that is above the cup placed on the cup transport mechanism and has a shutter that can be opened and closed in a direction parallel to the opening surface of the cup, and the cap mounting portion. And a cap housing portion provided on the upper side of the mounting portion. For each sale of beverage, one cap housed in the cap housing portion is cut out and held by a closed shutter. When the cup containing the beverage is transported to the cup transport mechanism and stops at the cap mounting position, the shutter opens, the cap is naturally dropped and placed on the opening surface of the cup, and then the cap mounting portion moves downward and the shutter. The cap is attached to the cup by performing a predetermined operation. After this mounting, the cap mounting part returns upward and the cup beverage with cap is transported to the sales position. Alternatively, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, the cap mounting portion is fixed, and the cup transport mechanism moves up and down to change the relative distance between the cap mounting portion and the cup.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-77058

  By the way, the cup transport mechanism of the beverage sales apparatus described above is fixed from the cup dispensing position to the cup beverage sales position via the cooking position (raw material supply position, beverage cooking position) and the cap mounting position. It was to move along the movement route.

  For this reason, for example, when the cap accommodated in the cap accommodating portion is sold out or when the cap mounting mechanism fails and the cap cannot be supplied, the fact that the cup beverage itself has been sold out is displayed and the sale must be stopped. There wasn't. Stopping sales of cup beverages because they cannot supply caps even though they can supply cup beverages will miss sales opportunities for these cup beverages, which may reduce sales of beverage sales equipment. There is.

  Alternatively, for example, the beverage sales apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 sells a cup beverage without operating the cap mounting mechanism by inputting that a user desires a cup beverage without a cap through a predetermined button. Is. Here, for example, if the mounting position of the cap is off the straight line connecting the cooking position and the sales position, the cup transport mechanism is unnecessarily complicated and fixed even when the cap is not mounted. Since the route must be moved, it takes time to sell. Beverage sales apparatuses that take a long time of sale may be avoided from users, which may lead to a decrease in sales of the beverage sales apparatus.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this subject, The place made into the objective is providing the drink sales apparatus and program which can sell a cup drink without a cap efficiently, even when it does not supply a cap. It is in.

  The invention for solving the above problems includes a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for cooking a beverage in the cup, a cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup, In a beverage sales apparatus comprising: a cap detection unit that detects presence / absence; and a cup transport mechanism that can move a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, and a mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, Based on the detection result of the cap detection unit indicating the absence of the cap, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism when selling the beverage, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, The dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism and the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism are moved from the first movement path that moves the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism. Controller switching to 2 travel path, consisting comprise.

  According to this beverage sales apparatus, when the absence of the cap is not detected, the control unit moves the first movement path to the cup transport mechanism. For example, if the absence of the cap is detected, the control unit The travel route can be switched to the second travel route. Thereby, even when the cap is not mounted, it is not necessary to stop selling the cup beverage itself, and the cup transport mechanism does not need to be stopped at least at the cap mounting position. Therefore, even when the cap is not supplied, a beverage sales apparatus capable of efficiently selling a cup beverage without a cap is provided.

  In the beverage sales apparatus, when the control unit switches the movement route of the cup transport mechanism when selling the beverage from the first movement route to the second movement route, It is preferable to perform a compensation process corresponding to the value of the cap.

  According to this beverage sales apparatus, since there is no cap, it is possible to reduce unfairness that the user may have.

  The invention for solving the above problems includes a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for cooking a beverage in the cup, a cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup, A computer that controls the sales operation of a beverage sales apparatus having a cup dispensing mechanism, a cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, and a cup transporting mechanism that can move the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism. When the beverage is sold, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism moves the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, and the mounting position of the cup mounting mechanism. To realize a function of switching from a movement path to a second movement path for moving the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism and the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism. Is a program.

  Even when the beverage sales apparatus does not supply a cap, a cup beverage without a cap can be sold efficiently.

It is a front view which shows the example of an external appearance structure of the cup type vending machine of this Embodiment. It is an in-flight schematic diagram of a cup type vending machine for explaining an example of composition of a selling mechanism of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the cup conveyance part of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the cap supply part of this Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the operation example of the cap supply part of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the main control part of this Embodiment, and a subordinate control part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the main control part at the time of the cup-type vending machine of this Embodiment selling a cup drink. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance path | route of the cup conveyance part in case the cup type vending machine of this Embodiment sells a cup drink with a cap, (b) is a cup type of this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance path | route of a cup conveyance part in case a vending machine sells a cup drink without a cap.

=== External configuration ===
A configuration example of a cup type vending machine (beverage sales apparatus) 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a front view showing an example of the external configuration of the cup type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment.

  The front door 2 is pivotally supported by a side end portion of the cup type vending machine 1 and opens and closes, and inputs sales mode selection information regarding a cap, which will be described later, and maintenance of the sales mechanism 100 (FIG. 2). Sometimes it is unlocked and opened, and when it is sold, it is locked and closed. The customer service panel 4 is a resin plate on which photographs, patterns, characters, and the like relating to a plurality of types of cup beverages are printed. The coin insertion slot 6 is a place where a user inserts coins, and the inserted coins are supplied to a coin identifying device inside the vending machine. The banknote insertion slot 8 is a place where a user inserts a banknote, and the inserted banknote is supplied to a banknote identification device inside the vending machine. The money amount display unit 10 displays an inserted coin amount, an inserted bill amount, and the like. The price label 12 is arranged on the customer service panel 4 in a one-to-one correspondence with photographs, patterns, characters, etc. of a plurality of types of cup beverages. The merchandise selection button 14 incorporates a sellable lamp and a sold-out lamp, and is arranged on the customer service panel 4 in a one-to-one correspondence with photographs, designs, characters, etc. of a plurality of types of cup beverages. The powder raw material increase button 16, the sugar increase button 18, the cream increase button 20, the powder raw material decrease button 22, the sugar decrease button 24, and the cream decrease button 26 are mixed ratios for one cup of beverage (for example, coffee, tea, etc.). When a change is desired, it is pressed before the product selection button 14 is pressed. The preference display unit 28 displays the degree of increase / decrease of the powder material, sugar, and cream based on a preset mixing ratio for one cup of beverage. The user presses the powder raw material increase button 16, the sugar increase button 18, the cream increase button 20, the powder raw material decrease button 22, the sugar decrease button 24, and the cream decrease button 26 as necessary, and then the sale ready lamp is turned on. When the product selection button 14 being pressed is pressed, the cup beverage corresponding to the product selection button 14 is cooked by the sales mechanism 100 inside the vending machine and sold from the product outlet 30. The return lever 36 is for returning the change obtained by reducing the purchase amount of the cup beverage from the input coin itself, the input coin or the inserted banknote to the return port 38. The selling lamp 40 is lit when the sales mechanism 100 is ready to cook and sell cup beverages. The sale stop lamp 42 is turned on when a sold-out lamp corresponding to all cup beverages is turned on or when the sales mechanism 100 is broken. The change-out lamp 44 is turned on when the total amount of change coins stored in the coin identification device becomes a predetermined amount or less.

=== Sales Organization ===
A configuration example of the sales mechanism 100 of the cup type vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the interior of the cup type vending machine 1 for explaining a configuration example of the sales mechanism 100 of the present embodiment. The upper side of the figure corresponds to a plan view of the interior of the machine, and the lower side of the figure corresponds to a front view of the interior of the machine.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sales mechanism 100 of the present embodiment includes a cup transport unit (cup transport mechanism) 110, a cup supply unit (cup dispensing mechanism) 101, a raw material supply unit (beverage cooking mechanism) 1020, and a beverage. A supply unit (beverage cooking mechanism) 1065 and a cap supply unit (cap mounting mechanism) 108 are provided. However, these configurations are examples of the sales mechanism 100 of the present embodiment. When the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment sells, for example, a syrup beverage or a regular coffee beverage, the syrup tank, for example, And a predetermined configuration such as a coffee brewer. In addition, cooking of the said drink cooking mechanism means all operation | movement which concerns on cooking of drinks, such as supply of a raw material, supply of hot water, stirring of a raw material and hot water, etc., for example.

  As will be described later, the cup transport unit 110 receives the cup received at the cup supply position (dispensing position) CUP, the raw material supply position (cooking position) M, CF, CR, SG, the beverage cooking position (cooking position) DH, and the cap. It has the function of transporting to supply position (mounting position) CP, sales position VS, etc.

  The cup supply unit 101 stores, for example, a plurality of paper cups stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction). When a sales instruction is received from a main control unit 201 (FIG. 6) described later, It has a function of dropping the cup from the provided opening (not shown).

  The raw material supply unit 1020 includes, for example, canisters 102, 103, 104, and 105 that supply powder mix (cocoa, tea, etc.), powder coffee, powder cream, powdered sugar, and the like. For example, the canister 102 has a function of containing a powder mix and discharging the powder mix for one cup of beverage according to a sales instruction from the main control unit 201 described later. Similarly, the canister 103 discharges powdered coffee, the canister 104 discharges powdered cream, and the canister 105 discharges powdered sugar.

  The beverage supply unit 1065 includes a hot water tank 106 that stores hot water and a stirring unit 107 that stirs the beverage in the cup, and in accordance with a sales instruction from the main control unit 201 to be described later, a cup containing powder raw materials One cup of hot water is supplied inside, and the powder raw material and hot water are stirred. In the present embodiment, the stirring unit 107 includes an impeller (not shown) that enters the cup, and the stirring operation is performed by the rotation of the impeller.

  As will be described later, the cap supply unit 108 includes a cap storage unit 1081 (FIG. 4) for storing the cap and a shutter 1082a (FIG. 4) that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction (X direction or Y direction). And a cap mounting part 1082 (FIG. 4) movable in the Z direction, and has a function of mounting a cap on the cup when receiving a sales instruction from the main control unit 201 described later.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the machine in the vicinity of the product outlet 30 in the cup type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, the cup supply unit 101 and the cap supply unit on the front side across the product outlet 30. 108 is disposed, and the ingredient supply unit 1020 and the beverage supply unit 1065 are disposed at positions facing these on the back side. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the cup supply part 101, the raw material supply part 1020, the drink supply part 1065, and the cap supply part 108 are arrange | positioned above the cup mounted in the cup conveyance part 110, for example, The cap mounting unit 1082 of the cap supply unit 108 is movable downward when the cap is mounted.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the cup transport unit 110 includes a standby position OR in the vicinity of the hot water tank 106, a cup supply position CUP directly below the cup supply unit 101, and a powder mix Powder mix supply position M directly below the discharge port of the canister 102, powder coffee supply position CF directly below the discharge port of the canister for powdered coffee 103, and powder cream supply position CR directly below the discharge port of the canister 104 for powdered cream The powder sugar canister 105 can be stopped at each position of the powder sugar supply position SG immediately below the discharge port, the beverage supply position DH, the cap supply position CP, and the sales position VS immediately below the stirring unit 107. Note that the front position RCP of the cap supply position CP and the front position RVS of the sales position VS in FIG.

<<< Cup Conveying Section >>>
A configuration example of the cup transport unit 110 in the sales mechanism 100 of the cup type vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the cup transport unit 110 of the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cup transport unit 110 according to the present embodiment transports the lowermost cup supplied by the cup supply unit 101 (FIG. 2) in the X direction and the Y direction.
The support frame 111 extending in the X direction includes two pulleys 121 and 122 that are pivotally supported at both ends, an endless belt 123 stretched between the two pulleys 121 and 122, and one pulley 121. And an X-direction motor 120 for driving (or 122). The endless belt 123 is configured to move in the X direction when the bidirectional rotational force of the X direction motor 120 is transmitted.
The support frame 113 extending in the Y direction has one end fixed to the upper surface of the endless belt 123 of the support frame 111, a roller 113 a that rolls on the support frame 111 in the moving direction of the endless belt 123, and a parallel to the support frame 111. A roller 113b that rolls on the subframe 112 in the moving direction of the endless belt 123. The support frame 113 further includes two pulleys 131 and 132 pivotally supported at both ends, an endless belt 133 stretched between the two pulleys 131 and 132, and one pulley 131 (or 132). And a Y-direction motor 130 for driving the motor. The endless belt 133 is configured to move in the Y direction when any one of the bidirectional rotational forces of the Y direction motor 130 is transmitted.

The cup holding portion 114 includes a roller 114c that is fixed to the endless belt 133 of the support frame 113 and rolls on the support frame 113 in the moving direction of the endless belt 133. The cup holding unit 114 further includes a mounting table 114b on which the lowermost cup falling from the cup supply unit 101 is mounted, and a gripping arm 114a that grips the cup.
With the above configuration, the cup placed on the cup holder 114 can move in the X direction and the Y direction in the cup type vending machine 1.

  Note that the X-direction motor 120 and the Y-direction motor 130 of the present embodiment are stepping motors that generate a number of pulse signals corresponding to the rotation amounts of the motors 120 and 130.

<<< Cap supply section >>>
A configuration example and an operation example of the cap supply unit 108 in the sales mechanism 100 of the cup type vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the cap supply unit 108 according to the present embodiment. 4 corresponds to a plan view of the cap supply unit 108, and the lower side of FIG. 4 corresponds to a front view of the cap supply unit 108. FIG. 5 is a front view showing an operation example of the cap supply unit 108 of the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cap supply unit 108 of the present embodiment mainly includes a cap housing unit 1081 that houses a cap and a shutter 1082a that can be opened and closed, and is movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). A cap mounting portion 1082.

  The cap housing portion 1081 according to the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to a plurality of rows so that, for example, a hexagonal column 1081a forms a circle, and each column 1081a is made of, for example, resin. A plurality of caps are stacked and accommodated.

  A drop ring 1081b for cutting out one cap from the plurality of caps is opposed to the bottom of one column 1081a among the plurality of columns 1081a. The cap housing portion 1081 is configured such that its cylindrical shape rotates (rotates) by transmission of a rotational force of a predetermined motor (not shown), and when the cap inside a certain column 1081a is sold out, the cap housing portion As a result, the column 1081a in the adjacent row faces directly above the drop ring 1081b.

  The sold-out cap in the column 1081a is detected by a pair of cap supply sensors (cap detection units) 1081c provided to face the inner peripheral surface of the drop ring 1081b. The pair of cap supply sensors 1081c constitute, for example, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit of an infrared sensor. For example, if the light receiving unit detects the transmission of infrared rays at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the column 1081a, this means that the uppermost cap at the predetermined height has been lowered by one stage due to sales. In the present embodiment, in the case of a cap with a drinking mouth, the light receiving unit detects infrared rays from the light emitting unit when the remaining number becomes, for example, one or two, and in the case of a flat cap, the remaining number is, for example, four The predetermined height is set so that the light-receiving unit detects the infrared rays from the light-emitting unit at this point.

  Note that the sold-out detection means is not limited to the above. For example, at a predetermined position on the inner wall of each column 1081a, a predetermined microswitch (not shown) is in an off state while the cap is in contact, but is in an on state when the cap is sold out and stops contacting. It may be provided as follows.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the drop ring 1081b is configured to execute a cap cutting operation by receiving the rotational force of the drop ring motor 1085 (FIG. 6).

  The cap mounting portion 1082 of this embodiment is mainly provided with a pair of shutters 1082a that are disposed directly below the drop ring 1081b and can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction (X direction or Y direction). The pair of shutters 1082a is configured such that the cap can pass in the up and down direction (Z direction) in the open state and can be held so that the cap does not fall downward in the closed state. The pair of shutters 1082a of the present embodiment is provided with a pair of side plates each having a semi-cylindrical shape surrounding the cup opening when the shutter plates are closed. The opening / closing operation of the pair of shutters 1082a is executed by transmission of rotational force in either direction of the shutter motor 1084 (FIG. 6).

  In addition, the cap mounting portion 1082 of the present embodiment is movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) by transmitting any one of the bidirectional rotational forces of the vertical motor 1083 (FIG. 6). As will be described later, as the cap mounting portion 1082 moves up and down, the shutter 1082a moves up and down in a range from just below the drop ring 1081b to just above the cup placed on the placement table 114b (FIG. 3).

  The drop ring motor 1085, the shutter motor 1084, and the up / down motor 1083 according to the present embodiment are stepping motors that generate a number of pulse signals corresponding to the rotation amounts of the motors 1085, 1084, and 1083. To do. If any of these motors 1085, 1084, 1083 is locked, for example, and the cap supply unit 108 fails, the main control unit 201 (FIG. 6), which will be described later, does not receive a predetermined pulse signal. Detect failure.

  An operation when the cap supply unit 108 having the above-described configuration attaches a cap to the cup placed on the placement table 114b will be described. For example, a case is considered in which one cup cut out by the drop ring 1081b is held by a pair of shutters 1082a in a closed state, and a cup is positioned immediately below the pair of shutters 1082a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the pair of shutters 1082a are in an open state, and one cap is naturally dropped. This cap passes through the openings of the pair of shutters 1082a, falls naturally, and rests on the upper part of the opening surface of the cup. Thereafter, the pair of shutters 1082a moves downward while maintaining an open state. The pair of shutters 1082a stops at a position where the opening and the uppermost surface of the cap are separated by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the pair of shutters 1082a are in a closed state, and the pair of side plates having a semicylindrical shape surround the outer periphery of the cap and the outer periphery of the opening surface of the cup. Become. As a result, the center of the cap substantially coincides with the center of the opening surface of the cup.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the pair of shutters 1082a in the closed state move downward until the shutter surface abuts on the top of the opening surface of the cap, and further move downward by a predetermined distance. Then attach the cap to the cup.

  Note that after the cap is attached to the cup, the pair of shutters 1082a execute an operation in the reverse order of the attaching operation, so that the cap supply unit 108 is ready for the next sale.

=== Main Control Unit and Sub Control Unit ===
A configuration example of the main control unit 201 and the sub control units 211, 213, 217, 218, and 219 that control the operation of the cup type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the main control unit 201 and the sub control units 211, 213, 217, 218, and 219 of the present embodiment.

  A main control unit (control unit, failure detection unit, cap detection unit) 201 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 203, a ROM 205, a RAM 207, a timer 209, and the like, and controls the sub-control units 211, 213, 217, 218, and 219. It is a microcomputer to control.

  As will be described later, the ROM 205 according to the present embodiment sells without a cap (and with refund) and does not have a cap (and does not refund) according to a sales instruction from the main control unit 201 based on a detection signal from the cap supply unit 108. It stores a predetermined program for operating the sales mechanism 100, the coin insertion mechanism 207, etc. in either the sales mode or the sales stop mode. The ROM 205 also stores a predetermined program that causes the sales mechanism 100 to perform operations without caps and normal sales (sales with caps).

  As will be described later, the RAM 207 of the present embodiment stores information on cap sold-out or failure based on a detection signal from the cap supply unit 108, or stores the above-described sales mode selection information input in advance by, for example, a route man. It is something to remember. The RAM 207 also stores information such as the transport speed of the cup transport unit 110 between the positions illustrated in FIG. 2, the stop time at each position, the cooking time of each beverage, and the like.

  The timer 209 of the present embodiment measures, for example, the stop time of the cup transport unit 110 at each position illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sales control unit 211 controls the sales mechanism 100, and based on the sales instruction from the main control unit 201 in response to the detection signal from the customer service control unit 217, the customer (user) However, the desired cup beverage can be cooked and taken out at the product outlet 30 (FIG. 1).

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control panel 215 includes a keyboard, a display, and the like on the front surface, is connected to the input / output control unit 206 with a wire, and is detachably disposed on the back surface of the front door 2 (FIG. 1). It is installed and operated when setting the sales mode, maintenance, etc., which will be described later. The input / output control unit 206 transmits input information from the control panel 215 to the main control unit 201.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the customer service control unit 204 detects, for example, which of the plurality of product selection buttons 14 is pressed, and transmits a detection signal at this time to the main control unit 201. It is what has.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the coin insertion mechanism 218 a is controlled by the coin processing control unit 218 to detect a change of change, receives an inserted coin from the coin insertion slot 6 (FIG. 1), and if necessary. It has a function of returning change from the return port 38 (FIG. 1). The banknote insertion mechanism 219a is controlled by the banknote processing control unit 219 to detect that the bill has run out, receives the inserted banknote from the banknote insertion slot 8 (FIG. 1), and removes the bill from the banknote insertion slot 8 as necessary. Has the function to return. The coin processing control unit 218 and the banknote processing control unit 219 execute processing operations each time coin insertion and banknote insertion are performed. However, as will be described later, when the coin processing control unit 218 sells without a cap, in accordance with a return instruction from the main control unit 201, a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount corresponding to one cap is received. The return process. In addition, you may enable it to sell a cup drink by providing the card reader (not shown) which inserts a prepaid card or a postpay card.

=== Sales of cup beverages ===
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cup beverage sales operation by the cup type vending machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the main control unit 201 when the cup vending machine 1 of the present embodiment sells a cup beverage. Fig.8 (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance path | route (movement path | route) of the cup conveyance part 110 in case the cup type vending machine 1 of this Embodiment sells a cup drink with a cap. FIG.8 (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance path | route of the cup conveyance part 110 in case the cup type vending machine 1 of this Embodiment sells a cup drink without a cap.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the main control unit 201 always determines whether or not a detection signal generated by pressing the product selection button 14 has been received (S100).
In step S100, prior to pressing the product selection button 14, a detection signal indicating that money equivalent to the price of the product corresponding to the product selection button 14 has been input by the customer is sent to the main control unit 201. However, the operation | movement received from the coin process control part 218 or the banknote process control part 219 shall be included.
If it is determined that the detection signal due to pressing of the product selection button 14 is not received (S100: NO), the main control unit 201 continues the above-described determination operation.
If it is determined that a detection signal is received by pressing the product selection button 14 (S100: YES), the main control unit 201 refers to the RAM 207, and the cap is sold out or malfunctions based on the detection signal from the cap supply unit 108. The presence or absence of information is determined (S101).

  In the present embodiment, for example, when the main control unit 201 receives a detection signal indicating that a cap has been sold out (or is almost sold out) in a certain column 1081a from, for example, the cap supply sensor 1081c (FIG. 6), the adjacent column 1081a is sequentially fed at a predetermined timing to replenish the cap. When the main control unit 201 of this embodiment receives this detection signal for all the columns 1081a, the main control unit 201 stores the cap sold-out information in the RAM 207. That is, in step S <b> 101, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the cap is sold out based on whether or not the cap sold-out information is stored in the RAM 207. Thus, when the cap is sold out at the previous sale, information to that effect is stored in the RAM 207, so that the next sale can be determined based on this information.

  The determination of whether or not the cap is sold out is not limited to this. For example, the determination may be made on the basis of a detection signal from the cap supply sensor 1081c at each sale.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 201 outputs a pulse signal generated by a stepping motor such as a drop ring motor 1085, a shutter motor 1084, and an up / down motor 1083 during operation of the cap supply unit 108 to a predetermined counter (not shown). Is counted. For example, when the main control unit 201 does not receive a predetermined frequency pulse signal generated when these stepping motors are rotating at a specified speed, the main control unit 201 stores information on the failure of the cap supply unit 108 in the RAM 207. Remember me. Here, it is assumed that the reference information regarding the predetermined frequency is stored in the RAM 207 in advance. At the time of the previous sale, for example, when the shutter motor 1084 or the up / down motor 1083 is locked and the pulse signal is not generated when the shutter 1082a is not in contact with the cup (for example, the state shown in FIG. 5A), or dropped. When the ring motor 1085 is locked and no pulse signal is generated, the main control unit 201 stores this failure information in the RAM 207 for determination at the next sale. That is, in step S <b> 101, the main control unit 201 determines whether there is a failure in the cap supply unit 108 based on whether failure information on the cap supply unit 108 is stored in the RAM 207.

  At the time of the previous sale, for example, when the shutter 1082a is in contact with the cup (for example, the state shown in FIG. 5B or FIG. 5C), the shutter motor 1084 or the vertical motor 1083 is locked and the pulse signal is output. When it is not emitted, the main control unit 201 detects this state by a predetermined means, and stops the next sale itself as will be described later. In addition, the determination of the presence or absence of a failure is not limited to this. For example, the stepping motors 1085, 1084, and 1083 described above may be rotated by a small amount each time sales are performed, and the determination may be made based on the result. Good.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, when there is a cap sold out or a failure of the cap supply unit 108 at the previous sale, and information indicating this is stored in the RAM 207 (S101: YES), the main control unit 201 Referring to the RAM 207, it is determined whether the above-described sales mode selection information is a sales mode of capless (and refundable) sales, capless (and nonrefundable) sales, or sales suspension ( S102).

  It is assumed that the sales mode information is input in advance through the control panel (setting unit) 215 and stored in the RAM 207 by, for example, rootman.

<<< Sale without cap (and refund) >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the sales mode stored in the RAM 207 is sales without a cap (and with refund) (S102: “refund without cap”), the main control unit 201 A sales instruction is sent to 211 indicating that the cup transport unit 110 takes a transport path that does not stop at the cap supply position CP (S103).

  As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in the sales example of hot instant coffee (with cream and sugar), the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path A from the standby position OR and stops at the cup supply position CUP. And then moves along path B and stops at the ground coffee supply position CF to receive ground coffee. Next, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path C and stops at the powder cream supply position CR to receive the powder cream, and then moves along the path D and stops at the powder sugar supply position SG to receive the powdered sugar. Next, the cup transport unit 110 on which the cup containing the powder raw material is placed moves along the path E, stops at the beverage cooking position DH, receives hot water supply and agitation processing, and reverses the path A halfway. Then, it passes through the front position RVS of the sales position and reaches the sales position VS (path H).

  The predetermined program stored in the ROM 205 is constructed such that the cup transport unit 110 takes such a transport path for transport without caps (transport path ABCDEH, second travel path). Further, the transport route ABCDEH is a case where “CS (with cream and sugar)” corresponding to the product selection button 14d (FIG. 6) is pressed. For example, when “B (black)” corresponding to the product selection button 14a (FIG. 6) is pressed, the cup transport unit 110 does not stop at the powdered cream supply position CR and the powdered sugar supply position SG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the main control unit 201 transmits a return instruction to the coin processing control unit 218 to return coins for a predetermined amount corresponding to one cap (S <b> 104).

<<< Sale without cap (and no return) >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the sales mode stored in the RAM 207 is sales without cap (and no refund) (S102: “no cap”), the main control unit 201 displays the sales control unit 211. On the other hand, a sales instruction is sent to the effect that the same sales operation as the above-described sales operation is performed except for no refund (S105).

<<< Discontinued >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the sales mode stored in the RAM 207 is a sales stop (S102: “Sales stop”), the control unit 201 controls the customer service control unit 217 to select a product. The sold-out lamp of the button 14 is turned on and the selling operation is stopped (S106).
Next, the main control unit 201 transmits a return instruction to the coin processing control unit 218 to return the entire amount of money that has been inserted (S107).

<<< Normal Sales >>>
Returning to step S101 described above, if the sold-out or failure information is not stored in the RAM 207 (S101: NO), the main control unit 201 supplies the cap to the sales control unit 211 as described below. A sales instruction is sent to the effect that the transport route to stop at the position CP is taken (S108).

  As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in the sales example of hot instant coffee (with cream and sugar), the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path A from the standby position OR and stops at the cup supply position CUP. And then moves along path B and stops at the ground coffee supply position CF to receive ground coffee. Next, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path C and stops at the powder cream supply position CR to receive the powder cream, and then moves along the path D and stops at the powder sugar supply position SG to receive the powdered sugar. Next, the cup transport unit 110 on which the cup containing the powder raw material is placed moves along the path E, stops at the beverage cooking position DH, receives hot water supply and agitation processing, and is positioned at the front position RCP of the cap supply position CP. Is passed at the cap supply position CP and is subjected to cap mounting processing (path F). The path F is partially pulled back, and then passes through the front position RVS of the sales position VS to reach the sales position VS (path) G).

  The predetermined program stored in the ROM 205 described above is constructed so that the cup transport unit 110 takes such a normal sales transport path (transport path ABCDEFG, first movement path). Further, the transport route ABCDEFG is a case where “CS (with cream and sugar)” corresponding to the product selection button 14d (FIG. 6) is pressed. For example, when “B (black)” corresponding to the product selection button 14a (FIG. 6) is pressed, the cup transport unit 110 does not stop at the powdered cream supply position CR and the powdered sugar supply position SG.

=== Efficient sales of cup beverages without caps ===
According to the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the sold-out cap or the failure of the cap supply unit 108 is detected, the cap-type vending machine 1 indicates that there is no cap according to the sales mode selection information preset by the rootman. It becomes possible to sell cup beverages. Compared with the cup type vending machine that stops the sale of the product itself when the cap is sold out or the cap supply unit 108 fails, the cup type automatic vending machine according to this embodiment is stopped. Since the vending machine 1 does not miss the sales opportunity of goods, it can suppress the decline in sales.

  Further, according to the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the above-described sold-out or failure is detected, the cup transport unit 110, for example, the transport path ABCDEH that does not pass through the lower part of the cap supply unit 108 (FIG. 8). Since (b)) is moved, the transport distance is shorter than that of the normal sales transport path ABCDEFG (FIG. 8A). The time required for one sale can be shortened by the amount of this distance being shortened, and the time for stopping at the cap supply position CP can also be shortened. Further, even if the shutter 1082a of the cap supply unit 108 breaks down and stops at a position where there is a possibility of interfering with the transport path of the cup in the next sale, if the cup moves on the transport path ABCDEH, this cup There is no worry that the shutter 1082a interferes with the conveyance of the image. Therefore, when there is no cap, the product can be sold more efficiently.

  Furthermore, according to the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, the cup beverage without a cap is sold according to the selection information of the sales mode set in advance by the route man, and in advance corresponding to one cap. This process is to return coins for a certain amount. Thereby, since there is no cap, the unfair feeling which a customer may have can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, the rootman can use the control panel 215 to sell either no cap (and refund), no cap (and no refund), or stop selling. Since such a sales mode can be set in advance, it is possible to easily switch the sales mode according to the customer's needs, the nature of the product, and the like.

  In the embodiment described above, there are three sales modes: capless (and refundable) sales, capless (and nonrefundable) sales, or sales suspension, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there may be two of sales or sales suspension without cap (and with refund), or two of sales without sales (with no refund) or sales suspension. Or you may fix beforehand to one mode of sale without a cap.

  In the above-described embodiment, there is a sales mode in which a cup beverage without a cap is sold and a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to one cap is returned (compensation processing). For example, if the cap price is less than the minimum amount of coins, the return process may not be performed. In the above-described embodiment, the return process is performed in money. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as described above, when the cup-type vending machine 1 includes a card reading device (not shown) for inserting a prepaid card or a postpaid card, monetary information corresponding to the return amount is given to this card. You may write to add. Alternatively, when the cup-type vending machine 1 further includes a card reading device (not shown) for inserting a point card for accumulating points that bring benefits to customers when selling cup beverages, You may write so that the point information equivalent to a return part may be added with respect to a point card.

  In the above-described embodiment, the condition for sales without caps is sold out caps or failure of the cap supply unit 108, but is not limited to this. For example, as in the cup-type vending machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-77058, the cap supply unit 108 is operated by inputting that a customer desires a cup beverage without a cap through a predetermined button. It is also possible to sell cup beverages without using them. In this case, the cup transport unit 110 moves on a transport path that does not pass through the cap supply position CP, thereby reducing the sales time.

=== Program ===
The program for causing the main control unit (computer) 201 to execute the function of switching between the transport path for mounting the cap and the transport path for not mounting the cap in step S101 described above corresponds to the program of the present invention. This program is stored in advance in, for example, the above-described ROM 205 (FIG. 6).

  This program may be recorded on a card or the like containing a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (including a flash ROM). For example, when a conventional cup-type vending machine is provided with a predetermined reading means such as a memory card together with a writable ROM that stores a program for executing only the above-described sales suspension, If the conventional program is updated by the program, the above-described functions can be realized by the cup type vending machine.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the transport path illustrated in FIG. 8, but is not limited to this. Any conveyance path may be used as long as it is a conveyance path from the cup supply position to the sales position via the product supply position and the cap supply position.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the cap supply unit 108 attaches the cap to the cup, the cap supply unit 108 moves downward toward the cup. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the cup transport unit 110 on which the cup is placed may move upward toward the cap supply unit 110. In short, any configuration may be used as long as the relative distance in the vertical direction (Z direction) between the cap supply unit 108 and the cup can be changed. Or the relative distance which the cap supply part 108 and a cup change is not limited to an up-down direction, For example, a horizontal direction (X direction or Y direction) may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the motors 120, 130, 1083, 1084, and 1085 are stepping motors. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined encoder is combined with a direct current motor to generate pulses from the encoder. A signal may be generated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cup type vending machine 14 Goods selection button 30 Goods outlet 38 Return opening 100 Sales mechanism 101 Cup supply part 108 Cap supply part 110 Cup conveyance part 120 X direction motor 130 Y direction motor 201 Main control part 215 Control panel 1020 Raw material supply Portion 1065 Beverage supply portion 1081 Cap housing portion 1081a Column 1081b Drop ring 1081c Cap supply sensor

Claims (3)

A cup payout mechanism for paying out the cup;
A beverage cooking mechanism for cooking beverages in the cup;
A cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup;
A cap detector for detecting the presence or absence of the cap;
A cup transport mechanism capable of moving a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, and a mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism;
In a beverage sales apparatus equipped with
Based on the detection result of the cap detection unit indicating the absence of the cap, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism when selling the beverage, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, A controller that switches from a first movement path that moves the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism to a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism and a second movement path that moves the cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism;
A beverage sales apparatus comprising: When the control unit switches the movement path of the cup transport mechanism when selling the beverage from the first movement path to the second movement path, a compensation process corresponding to the value of the cap is given to the user. The beverage sales apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for cooking a beverage in the cup, a cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup, a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, and the beverage cooking mechanism A computer that controls the selling operation of a beverage sales apparatus having a cooking position and a cup transport mechanism that can move the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism;
When the absence of the cap is detected, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism when selling the beverage is set to the payout position of the cup payout mechanism, the cooking position of the drink cooking mechanism, and the attachment position of the cap attachment mechanism. The program for implement | achieving the function to switch from the 1st movement path | route which moves to the 2nd movement path | route which moves the payment position of the said cup payment mechanism and the cooking position of the said beverage cooking mechanism.

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