JP4929693B2 - Beverage sales apparatus and program - Google Patents

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, for example, in the maintenance of the beverage sales apparatus described above, when confirming the operation of mounting the cap on the cup by the cap mounting mechanism, for example, the route man causes the beverage sales apparatus to actually sell the cup beverage and operates the cap mounting mechanism. Were visually inspected, and the condition of the cap on the cup containing the beverage was examined. At this time, since it takes time to supply the raw material to the cup and consumes one cup of raw material, this test sale may be inefficient and costly.

  On the other hand, in the beverage sales apparatus described above, for example, when a test sales instruction is received through a predetermined input by Rootman, only the cap mounting mechanism performs the operation of cutting out the cap so that it can be visually observed that the cap naturally falls. There is something that is. In other words, since it is impossible to check the operation of attaching the cap to the cup, the actual mounting state, and the like, this test sale cannot be said to have sufficient accuracy.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a beverage sales apparatus and a program capable of efficiently performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of a cap on a cup at a reduced cost. Is to provide.

The invention for solving the above-described problems includes a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for cooking a beverage by supplying raw materials and diluent into the cup, and a cap attached to the opening surface of the cup. Cap selling mechanism, when selling the beverage, the standby position, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the raw material supply position and beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism , the sales position can be moved A beverage sales apparatus comprising a cup transport mechanism, and when performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set to the standby position and the cup dispensing dispensing position of the mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and as only the sales location, Bei control unit, to stop the cooking operation of the drink preparation mechanism It becomes Te.

  According to this beverage sales apparatus, in the test sales described above, the cup does not receive the cooking operation of the beverage cooking mechanism at the cooking position. That is, since no beverage is put in the cup, the cost can be reduced by this amount of beverage, and the time taken for the cup transport mechanism to stop at the cooking position can be shortened. In addition, in this test sale, since the cap is actually attached to the cup and sold, for example, compared with a conventional beverage sales apparatus in which the cap attachment mechanism alone performs an operation of supplying the cap to a position without the cup. The test accuracy is high.

The invention for solving the above problems includes a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for supplying a raw material and a diluent to the cup to cook a beverage, and a cap on the opening surface of the cup. When the beverage is sold, the cap mounting mechanism to be mounted and the standby position, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the raw material supply position and the beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and the sales position are moved. A beverage sales apparatus comprising a cup transport mechanism that is capable of performing a test sale for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism being the standby position, dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, wherein the drink preparation position of the drink preparation mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and as only the sales location, the beverage tone Control unit which only diluent sales material mechanism, consisting comprise.

  According to this beverage sales apparatus, since at least the raw material is not put into the cup in the above-described test sales, the cost can be reduced by the amount of the raw material, and the time required for the cup to receive the supply of the raw material can be shortened. . This raw material is diluted with a diluent and becomes the beverage. In addition, in this test sale, since the cap is actually attached to the cup and sold, for example, compared with a conventional beverage sales apparatus in which the cap attachment mechanism alone performs an operation of supplying the cap to a position without the cup. The test accuracy is high.

  Further, according to this beverage sales apparatus, since the cap is attached to the cup containing the diluted solution, for example, the rootman can achieve the sealing performance of the cap with respect to the cup by simply tilting the test sold cup with a hand. It can be confirmed under almost the same conditions as sales. This improves test accuracy and efficiency. Further, for example, when the cup and cap materials are different, and when one of the materials contains a metal, a difference occurs in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the cup and the cap. On the other hand, in actual sales, a diluting liquid having a temperature higher or lower than that of the atmosphere is generally supplied to the cup. For this reason, a temperature difference arises between a cup and a cap, and this may affect the mounting state of the cap. Therefore, for example, if a diluted solution having substantially the same temperature as that in actual sales is supplied to the cup, the test of the present invention is more accurate than the case of using an empty cup.

The invention for solving the above problems includes a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for supplying a raw material and a diluent to the cup to cook a beverage, and a cap on the opening surface of the cup. When the beverage is sold, the cap mounting mechanism to be mounted and the standby position, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the raw material supply position and the beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and the sales position are moved. In the case of performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, to a computer that controls the sales operation of the beverage sales apparatus provided with the cup transport mechanism, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set. the waiting position, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and a first function of only the sales location, the Is a program for realizing a second function, a to stop the cooking operation of the charge cooking mechanism.

The invention for solving the above problems includes a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for supplying a raw material and a diluent to the cup to cook a beverage, and a cap on the opening surface of the cup. When the beverage is sold, the cap mounting mechanism to be mounted and the standby position, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, the raw material supply position and the beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and the sales position are moved. In the case of performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, to a computer that controls the sales operation of the beverage sales apparatus provided with the cup transport mechanism, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set. the standby position, the dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, drink preparation position of the drink preparation mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and the sales A first function of the position only, a program for realizing a second function of the diluent alone selling material of the drink preparation system.

  The beverage sales apparatus can efficiently carry out test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup at a reduced cost.

=== 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. The front door 2 is unlocked when performing maintenance of the sales mechanism 100 (FIG. 2) such as test sales of a cap, which will be described later. It is opened and locked for normal sales. 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 accommodates, for example, a plurality of cups stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction), and is provided at the lower part when receiving a sales instruction from a main control unit 201 (FIG. 6) described later. It has a function of dropping a cup from an 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 (diluted solution) 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 described later, a powder raw material One cup of hot water is supplied into a cup containing, 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 of the cap inside the column 1081a is detected by a pair of cap supply sensors 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). In this embodiment, the drop ring 1081b is provided with a predetermined micro switch (not shown). For example, when the drop ring 1081b is rotated by a rotation amount necessary for cutting out the cap, the micro switch Is configured to be turned on from off.

  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) 201 according to the present embodiment is a microcomputer that includes a CPU 203, a ROM 205, a RAM 207, a timer 209, and the like, and performs overall control of the slave control units 211, 213, 217, 218, and 219.

  As will be described later, the ROM 205 of the present embodiment is a test in which the sales mechanism 100 attaches a cap to a cup without a beverage in response to a test sales instruction from the main control unit 201 based on a predetermined input by, for example, a route man. A predetermined program for operating in one of the test sales modes of sales or test sales in which a cap is attached to a cup containing hot water is stored. The ROM 205 also stores a predetermined program that causes the sales mechanism 100 to execute a normal sales operation.

  As will be described later, the RAM 207 of the present embodiment stores, for example, the above-described test sales mode selection information input by the rootman during maintenance. 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 cup desired by the customer is obtained. The beverage is cooked and can be 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 provided when the test sales mode is selected and maintained as described above. 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. 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.

=== Test sales operation of cap ===
With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the test selling operation of the cap by the cup type vending machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the main control unit 201 when the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment performs test sales of caps. 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. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a transport path of the cup transport unit 110 when the cup vending machine 1 of the present embodiment performs test sales in which a cap is attached to a cup without beverage. FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating a transport path of the cup transport unit 110 when the cup vending machine 1 of the present embodiment performs test sales in which a cap is attached to a cup containing hot water.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, in normal sales of hot instant coffee (with cream and sugar) in the present embodiment, for example, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path A from the standby position OR and moves to the cup. Stops at the supply position CUP to receive the cup, then moves along path B and stops at the powder coffee supply position CF to receive the coffee powder. 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).

  First, for example, the route man opens the front door 2 for maintenance of the cup-type vending machine 1, and through the control panel 215, a test sale in which a cap is attached to a cup without beverage, or a cap with a cup containing hot water. It is assumed that the user has selected to select one of the test sales wearing the item.

When the main control unit 201 receives the input information from the input / output control unit 213 (S100: YES), the main control unit 201 stores the information in the RAM 207 and initializes the state of the cap supply unit 108 to a standby state for the next sale ( In step S101, the cup transport unit 110 is returned to the standby position OR, and the state is initialized to the standby state (S102).
Next, the main control unit 201 moves the cup transport unit 110 to the cup supply position CUP and stops it (S103).
Next, the main control unit 201 transmits a sales instruction to the cup supply unit 101 to supply the cup to the cup transport unit 110 stopped at the cup supply position CUP, and transmits a sales instruction to the cap supply unit 108. Then, the drop ring motor 1085 in the cap supply unit 108 is started to cut out the cap (S104). Thereby, a cup is mounted on the mounting table 114b of the cup transport unit 110, and the cap supply unit 108 starts preparation for mounting the cap.

  As described above, in steps S101 and S102, the cup transport unit 110 stops at the standby position OR (FIGS. 8B and 8C), and in step S103, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path A (FIG. 8). (B) and FIG. 8 (c)), in step S104, the cup transport section 110 is stopped at the cup supply position CUP (FIG. 8 (b) and FIG. 8 (c)).

  Next, the main control unit 201 refers to the RAM 207, and the input information described above is a test sale (“empty”) in which a cap is attached to a cup without beverage, or a test in which a cap is attached to a cup containing hot water. It is determined which one of sales (“entering hot water”) is indicated (S105).

<<< Test sales for attaching caps to cups without beverages >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the above-described input information is a test sale in which a cap is attached to a cup with no beverage (S105: “empty”), the main control unit 201 displays the cup transport unit 110. Is moved to the cap supply position CP and stopped (S106). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path H.

Next, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the drop ring 1081b has finished cutting the cap (S107). For this determination, a detection signal from the aforementioned predetermined microswitch (not shown) provided in the drop ring 1081b is used. For example, if an ON detection signal is received, this means that the drop ring 1081b has been rotated by the amount of rotation necessary for cap extraction, so the main control unit 201 determines that the cap extraction has ended.
When it is determined that the cap has been cut out (S107: YES), the main control unit 201 transmits a sales instruction to the cap supply unit 108 and attaches the cap to the cup stopped at the cap supply position CP. Implement (S108). The cap attachment procedure is as illustrated in FIG.

  Next, the main control unit 201 moves the cup transport unit 110 to the sales position VS and stops it (S109). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path I.

<<< Test sales for attaching caps to cups with hot water >>>
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when it is determined that the above-described input information is a test sale in which a cap is attached to a cup containing hot water (S105: “entering hot water”), the main control unit 201 uses a cup transport unit. 110 is moved to the beverage cooking position DH and stopped (S110). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path J.

Next, the main control unit 201 transmits a test sales instruction to the beverage supply unit 1065 to supply one cup of hot water from the hot water tank 106 to the cup stopped at the beverage cooking position DH (S111). However, in this case, since it is not necessary to stir the inside of the cup, the stirring unit 107 is not operated.
Next, the main control unit 201 moves the cup transport unit 110 to the cap supply position CP and stops it (S112). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path F.

Next, the main control unit 201 transmits a sales instruction to the cap supply unit 108, and causes the cup stopped at the cap supply position CP to be attached (S108). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the clipping of the cap started in step S104 is completed in the middle of step S112 at the latest. The cap attachment procedure is as illustrated in FIG.
Next, the main control unit 201 moves the cup transport unit 110 to the sales position VS and stops it (S109). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the cup transport unit 110 moves along the path I.

  As described above, for example, the route man can visually check the operation of the cap supply unit 108 in step S108, or can manually check the mounting state of the cap on the cup transported to the product outlet 30 (FIG. 1) in step S109. .

=== Low cost, high efficiency and high accuracy testing ===
According to the cup type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, since at least the raw material is not put into the cup in the test sales operation of the cap, the cost can be reduced by the amount of the raw material, and the cup transport unit 110 is connected to the raw material supply position M. , CF, CR, SG time to stop, extra time to stop at the raw material supply position M, CF, CR, SG, etc. can be shortened. In addition, in this test sales operation, since the cap is actually attached to the cup and sold, for example, compared to a conventional cup type vending machine in which only the cap supply unit 108 performs an operation of cutting out the cap, High test accuracy.

  In particular, when selecting a mode in which a cap is fitted to a cup containing hot water, the rootman simply tilts the cup transported to the product outlet 30 with his hand, and the seal of the cap with respect to the cup is actually sold. It can be confirmed under substantially the same conditions. This improves test accuracy and efficiency. Also, for example, when the cup and cap materials are different, or when one of the materials contains metal, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the cup and cap is different, which may affect the cap mounting state. is there. Therefore, for example, the test under the same conditions as actual sales, such as attaching a relatively low-temperature cap to a cup that has become relatively hot due to hot water entering, is more accurate than using an empty cup. Will be expensive.

  From the above, according to the cup-type vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, test sales of caps for cups can be efficiently carried out at a reduced cost.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rootman selects either the test sale in which the cap is attached to the cup without beverage or the test sale in which the cap is attached to the cup containing hot water. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a test sales instruction is received by input from the route man, the cup type vending machine 1 may automatically perform only one of the above test sales operations.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transport path of the cup transport unit 110 in the case of test sales of caps has stopped at the minimum necessary positions such as the beverage cooking position DH and the cap supply position CP (FIG. 8 ( b) and FIG. 8 (c)), but not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the cup transport unit 110 may move along a normal sales route without selling at least raw materials. In this case, if the vehicle passes without stopping at a stop position (for example, CF, CR, SG) in normal sales, the sales time can be shortened compared with the case of normal sales.

=== Program ===
In steps S106, S107, S108, and S109 described above, the main control unit has a first function that sets the transport path of the cup transport unit 110 as the cup supply position CUP and the cap supply position CP, and a second function that stops the cooking operation. A program to be executed by the (computer) 201 corresponds to the program of the present invention.

  In addition, in steps S110, S111, S112, S108, and S109 described above, only the hot water and the first function that sets the transport path of the cup transport unit 110 to the cup supply position CUP, the beverage cooking position DH, and the cap supply position CP are sold. A program for causing the main control unit (computer) 201 to execute the second function corresponds to the program of the present invention.

  The above program is stored in advance in the ROM 205 (FIG. 6) described above, for example. 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 for storing a program for executing only the above-described normal sales, If the conventional program is updated by the program, the above-described test sales function 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 test sales of the cap according to the above-described embodiment, the cap is attached to the cup containing hot water. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any dilution liquid that is cheaper than the raw material and is close to actual sales, such as water, may be used. For example, in the case of water, since cold water is generally used in actual sales, it is preferable to use cold water in test sales as well. Thereby, the influence which the temperature difference produced between a cup and a cap may have on the mounting state of the cap can be brought closer to the case of actual sales.

  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.

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 performing test sales of a cap. (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 the vending machine implements test sale which attaches a cap to a cup without a drink, (c) is a cup type vending machine of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance path | route of a cup conveyance part in the case of implementing the test sale which attaches a cap to an incoming cup.

Explanation of symbols

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 110 Cup conveyance part 120 X direction motor 130 Y direction motor 201 Main control part 215 Control panel 1020 Raw material supply part 1065 Beverage supply unit 1081 Cap storage unit 1081a Column 1081b Drop ring 1081c Cap supply sensor 1082 Cap mounting unit 1082a Shutter 1083 Vertical motor 1084 Shutter motor 1085 Drop ring motor

Claims (4)

A cup payout mechanism for paying out the cup;
A beverage cooking mechanism for cooking a beverage by supplying raw materials and diluent into the cup;
A cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup;
A cup transport mechanism capable of moving a standby position, a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a raw material supply position and a beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, a mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and a sales position when selling the beverage ; ,
In a beverage sales apparatus equipped with
When performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set to the standby position, the discharging position of the cup discharging mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism , and the sales. A control unit for setting the position only and stopping the cooking operation of the beverage cooking mechanism,
A beverage sales apparatus comprising: A cup payout mechanism for paying out the cup;
A beverage cooking mechanism for cooking a beverage by supplying raw materials and diluent into the cup;
A cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup;
A cup transport mechanism capable of moving a standby position, a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a raw material supply position and a beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, a mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and a sales position when selling the beverage ; ,
In a beverage sales apparatus equipped with
When performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set to the standby position, the cup payout mechanism payout position, the beverage cooking mechanism drink cooking position, and the cap. A control unit that has only the mounting position of the mounting mechanism and the sales position , and the sales material of the beverage cooking mechanism is only diluted liquid;
A beverage sales apparatus comprising: Selling a cup, a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for supplying a raw material and a diluent into the cup to cook a beverage, a cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup, and the beverage A cup transport mechanism capable of moving a standby position, a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a raw material supply position and a beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, a mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and a sales position. To the computer that controls the sales operation of the sales device
When performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set to the standby position, the discharging position of the cup discharging mechanism, the mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism , and the sales. The program for implement | achieving the 1st function only made into a position, and the 2nd function which stops the cooking operation | movement of the said beverage cooking mechanism. Selling a cup, a cup dispensing mechanism for dispensing a cup, a beverage cooking mechanism for supplying a raw material and a diluent into the cup to cook a beverage, a cap mounting mechanism for mounting a cap on the opening surface of the cup, and the beverage A cup transport mechanism capable of moving a standby position, a dispensing position of the cup dispensing mechanism, a raw material supply position and a beverage cooking position of the beverage cooking mechanism, a mounting position of the cap mounting mechanism, and a sales position. To the computer that controls the sales operation of the sales device
When performing test sales for confirming the mounting state of the cap with respect to the cup, the movement path of the cup transport mechanism is set to the standby position, the cup payout mechanism payout position, the beverage cooking mechanism drink cooking position, and the cap. The program for implement | achieving the 1st function which makes only the mounting position of a mounting mechanism and the said sales position , and the 2nd function which uses only the dilution liquid as the sales material of the said drink cooking mechanism.

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