JPH0652414A - Automaic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an automatic vending machine which accurately counts the number of merchandises thrown in a merchandise storage column. CONSTITUTION:The merchandise storage column is provided with optical sensors 22 and 21 in order from the throw-in side of the column. A throw-in quantity counted slave 26 adds one to a throw-in quantity in the case of detecting the passage of a merchandise from the optical sensor 22 to the optical sensor 21 or when the optical sensor 21 or 22 detects the stop of the merchandise. The throw-in counted slave 26 subtracts one from the throw-in quantity in the case of detecting the passage of the merchandise from the optical sensor 21 to the optical sensor 22.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic vending machine for storing a plurality of products in a product storage column provided in a storage room for sale.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional vending machines of this type, especially those selling canned beverages, have a plurality of product storage columns arranged in a storage chamber, and each product storage column has a plurality of storage ports at the upper end. It is configured such that canned beverages (commodities) of a book are thrown in and stored according to types, and the selected commodities are sold one by one from a carry-out mechanism at the lower end of the commodity storage column in response to a sales signal based on the customer's selection of a commodity. Therefore, when there are no more products in the product storage column, the product will be sold out and sales opportunities will be missed. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the number of products in the product storage column as accurately as possible.

Therefore, in the prior art, for example, the actual exploitation Sho 63-16
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3573 (G07F9 / 02), the remaining number of products in the product storage column is calculated backward from the number of sold products and displayed outside the vending machine.

[0004]

According to the configuration of the above publication, it is possible to manage the number of products sold and the number of remaining products. However, it is necessary to start counting after the product storage column is full. There are problems that must be addressed. Therefore, if the number of products put into the product storage column can be detected, it is necessary to supply the number of products currently in the product storage column based on the number of products sold and the number of products supplied, without filling the product storage column. It is possible to accurately grasp the number of products that cannot be sold and to achieve comprehensive sales management of vending machines.

In order to detect the product insertion into the product storage column, a detection means for detecting the product inserted into the product storage column from the insertion port may be provided. However, in reality, the product is inserted halfway, or after being inserted vertically, an insertion error such as being pulled back again occurs, thereby causing an error in the detection of the input product by the detection means, There was a problem that an error occurred in counting the number of inputs.

The present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic vending machine capable of accurately counting the number of products put into a product storage column. And

[0007]

The vending machine according to the present invention comprises:
A plurality of products are stored in a product storage column for sale, and the products are arranged in parallel in the product storage column from the inlet side of the product storage column, and the first and the first products for detecting the products in the product storage column are arranged. It is equipped with two product detection means and a product input number detection means for counting the number of product input into the product storage column based on the output of each product detection means. When the passage of the commodity from the commodity detecting means to the second commodity detecting means is detected, and when the second commodity detecting means or the first commodity detecting means detects the stop of the commodity, it is added to the input number, 1st from 2 product detection means
When the passage of the product to the product detecting means is detected, it is subtracted from the input number.

[0008]

According to the automatic vending machine of the present invention, when the product is inserted into the product storage column and the product normally enters the product storage column, the product is moved from the first product detection means to the second product detection means. Since it moves to the product detection means, the product input number detection means adds this to the input number. Further, when a large number of products are loaded and the products stop at the location of the second or first product detection means, this is also added, so that the total number of products loaded into the product storage column can be counted.

On the other hand, when a product is inserted from the insertion port and pulled back due to an insertion error, only the first product detection means does not add the product when it detects the product. Also,
When the first product detection means moves to the second product detection means and then is withdrawn, the product input number detection means adds once, but the second product detection means detects the first product. Since the subtraction is performed based on the movement of the goods to the means, the number of inputs becomes an accurate value even if there is such an input error.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an electric circuit diagram of a control device 2 of the vending machine 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the vending machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a side view of a storage room for goods in the vending machine 1. A plurality of product storage column rows 3 in which four storage columns are arranged in the front and rear are arranged side by side. FIG. 4 is a side view of the storage room in which the product G is fully stored. The vending machine 1
It sells canned beverage products G such as coffee and juice. A plurality of selection buttons 6 are provided on the upper part of the front door 4, and a coin insertion slot 7 and a return lever 8 are provided below the selection buttons 6. Two product outlets 9 are formed in the lower portion of the door 4.

The product storage column row 3 is partitioned in the storage chamber by partition plates 11 and 11 that are arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined interval, and each product storage column has an arc shape between the partition plates 11 and 11. The product storage paths 14 are respectively formed by attaching a plurality of linear rail members 13 (in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, one partition plate 11 is omitted). In the upper front of the product storage column row 3, each product storage path 1 is vertically
4 is provided with an input port 16 communicating with each other, and at the lower end of each product storage path 14 is provided a carry-out mechanism 17 for dropping the products G in the product storage path 14 one by one. A chute 18 is provided below the carry-out mechanism 17 of each product storage path 14 and is inclined downward toward the front product outlet 9. In the embodiment, in the full state, the frontmost row product storage passage 14 has 14 pieces, the product storage passage 14 behind it has 16 pieces, and the product storage passage 14 behind it has 14 pieces.
, And 25 products G can be stored in the product storage path 14 in the last row.

An optical sensor 22 as a first product detecting means and an optical sensor 21 as a second product detecting means are provided on the upper part of the product storage column respectively corresponding to the product storage passages 14. Each of the optical sensors 21 and 22 is composed of a light emitting element composed of a photodiode and a light receiving element composed of a phototransistor. The light emitting element is on the outer surface of one partition plate 11, and the light receiving element is on the other partition plate 11. It is attached to the outer surface at a position facing the light emitting element. Light from the light emitting elements of the optical sensors 21 and 22 crosses the inside of the product storage path 14 and enters a light receiving element facing the light receiving path, and the presence of the product G blocks light entering from the light emitting element to the light receiving element. Is configured. Further, in the embodiment, the optical sensor 22 is attached to the position of the product G1 on the most insertion side 16 side in FIG. 4, and the optical sensor 21 is attached to the position of the product G2 on the back side thereof.

Next, in FIG. 1, the control unit 2 is a main control unit 2 which is composed of a general-purpose microcomputer.
3 and an input number counting slave 26 connected to the main controller 23 by a communication line 24. The main control unit 23 includes a product selection device 30 including the plurality of selection buttons 6 described above, a coin mechanism 33, a carry-out mechanism 17, and a door switch 2 that detects opening / closing of the door 4.
7 and the display device 34 are connected. The display device 34 includes a sellable lamp (not shown) and a sold-out display lamp, which are arranged in each selection button 6. The input count / slave 26 is also configured by a general-purpose microcomputer. The input count / slave 26 includes the optical sensors 21 and 22 and a monitor lamp 29 in a store in which the vending machine 1 is installed. Are connected.

Next, the operation of the vending machine 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to the flow chart of the program of the input number counting slave 26 shown in FIG.
It should be noted that in the following description, the product storage path 14 at the end of FIG. 3 or 4 will be described, and the product G is not stored in the product storage path 14 when the power is turned on. First, when the power is turned on, the number-of-inputs count / slave 26 is activated by the main controller 23 from the effective optical sensor 2
The numbers 1 and 22 are read and set. Next, when the user or the route man opens the door 4 of the vending machine 1 to replenish the product G, the main control unit 23 detects the door opening based on the output of the door switch 27, and the communication line 24 Then, the number of inputs is notified to the slave 26 that the door is opened. When receiving the notification that the door 4 has been opened, the throw-in count slave 26 clears the throw-in counter serving as the product throw-in number detecting means which the function of the throw-in count slave 26 has.

Next, when the product G (can) is inserted from the insertion port 16, the product G passes through the optical sensor 22 and then rolls on the rail member 13 to cross the optical sensor 21 and the product storage path 14 is opened. Fall to the bottom. When the product G crosses the optical sensor 22, the optical sensor 22 detects the product G by blocking the light due to the cutoff of light, so that the input count counting slave 26 proceeds from step S1 to step S2. Next, when the product G crosses the optical sensor 21, the optical sensor 21 detects the product G in the same manner, and therefore the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3. In step S3, the input count / slave 26 is the optical sensor 2
It is determined whether or not the product G is stopped at the portion 1 and at this time the product G has passed the optical sensor 21, the process proceeds to step S5, and the count of the input number counter is 23.
Or not. Since the count is still 0 here, the process proceeds to step S6, and 1 is added to the count of the input number counter. Next, the input count / slave 2
6 determines whether or not the optical sensor 22 detects the product G in step S7. Here, since the product G has passed the optical sensor 21 and dropped downward, the process returns to step S1.

As described above, the product G is normally put in and 2
When the third product G is loaded into the product storage path 14, the product G passes through the optical sensors 22 and 21 in this order and stops at the position G3 in FIG. Then, at this point, the count of the input number counter / the input number counter of the slave 26 is 2
It becomes 3. Next, when the 24th product G is loaded, the product G stops at the position of the optical sensor 21, that is, the position of G2 in FIG. 4, so the loading number counting slave 26 proceeds from step S3 to step S6 and loads. Add 1 to the count (number of inputs) of the number counter. Then, when the 25th product G is loaded, the product G stops at the position of the optical sensor 22, that is, the position of G1 in FIG. To step S4, and then to step S6, 1 is added to the count of the input number counter. As a result, the input count counter of the slave 26 counts the input of 25 products G.

Here, although the product G is once inserted through the insertion port 16, the optical sensor 21 is passed when the optical sensor 22 is passed.
If an input error occurs that pulls back before reaching
The input number counting slave 26 proceeds from step S1 to step S2, and from step S2 to step S4. Next, since the product G is not stopped at the position of the optical sensor 22 in step S4, the process returns to step S1. Therefore, in such a case, the count of the input number counter is not added.

If a product mistake is made such that the product G is once inserted through the insertion slot 16 and is pulled back after passing through the optical sensors 22 and 21, the insertion number counting slave 26 checks the insertion number counter in step S6. Although 1 is added to the count, since the light sensor 22 is passed when it is pulled back, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8.
Subtract 1 from the count of the input counter. Therefore, even in such a case, the count of the input counter does not change as a result.

By the way, for example, a jig having a flat plate having the same size as the cross section of the product G attached to the tip of the bar is used, and when the product G is loaded, the jig is inserted into the product storage passage 14 through the loading port 16. When the optical sensor 22 is passed through the optical sensor 21 in this order, and then the flat plate is passed laterally over the optical sensor 22 and pulled back, the input number counting slave 26 returns from step S7 to step S1. 1 is added to the count of the counter even if the product G is not actually put.

Assuming that the fraud is performed once, for example, when the number of input counters reaches 23, 22 products G actually exist in the product storage path 14,
The uppermost product G is at the position G4 in FIG. Next, when the product G is loaded (23rd product), the product G is detected by the optical sensor 22.
4 and the position of G3 in FIG. 4 is reached, the throw-in count slave 26 proceeds from step S3 to step S5. At this time, the count of the throw-in counter is already 23, so the flow goes to step S1. Return, no addition is done. Therefore, at this point, the actual number (23) of the products G in the product storage path 14 and the count (23) of the number-of-inputs counter match, so that damage caused by such fraud can be prevented.

According to the present invention, even if there is a mistake in the product insertion or fraud, the product G in the product storage path 14 can be obtained.
It is possible to accurately count the number of inputs. Therefore, by displaying the number of inputs into the in-store monitor lamp 29 from the number of inputs counting slave 26, for example, it is possible to accurately perform the input management of the product G. When the loading of the product G is completed and the door 4 is closed, the main control unit 23 notifies the loading number counting slave 26 of the door closing, and the loading number counting slave 26 receives the notification and performs the main control. The number of inputs (25, for example) counted by the input counter is output to the section 23. The notification is given for each product storage path 14. Then, the main control unit 23 stores the number of inputs / the number of inputs output from the slave 26 in a memory (not shown).

After that, when the customer inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 8, the coin is selected by the coin mechanism 33, and the main control section 23 determines the amount to be inserted based on the coin selection signal sent from the coin mechanism 33. Is calculated, and a display signal indicating a product that can be purchased at this input amount is output to the display device 34 to turn on the salable lamp. Next, when the customer presses the selection button 6 and a selection signal is sent from the product selection device 30, the main control unit 23 drives the carry-out mechanism 17 of the product storage path 14 selected by the selection signal 6 to move to the bottom. Item G is sold by dropping it downward.

The main controller 23 calculates the number of products G remaining in the product storage path 14 by subtracting the number of products sold based on the sales from the number of products stored in the memory, and supplies the remaining number or supplies. The number of merchandise G to be displayed is externally displayed, for example, by blinking a sellable lamp provided inside the selection button 6. As a result, the remaining condition of the product G can be accurately grasped and the product G can be replenished efficiently and smoothly without filling the product storage path 14.

In the embodiment, the optical sensor is adopted as the product detecting means, but the invention is not limited to this, and the product G may be detected by a mechanical operation. Further, the various numerical values shown in the embodiments are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed according to the capacity and function of the vending machine 1, the size of the product G, and the like. Further, the mounting positions of the optical sensors 21 and 22 are not limited to those of the embodiment, but both the optical sensors are provided at the position of the uppermost product G1 and the position of the product G2 at the back, which can be placed in a full state as in the embodiment. If the units 22 and 21 are attached, the number of products G can be counted until the product storage path 14 is full.

[0025]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when a product is loaded into the product storage column, the product moves in the order of the first and second product detection means, or the loaded product is the first product. By stopping at 2 or the position of the first product detection unit, the product input number detection unit adds to the input number, and after the addition is performed, the second product detection unit to the first product detection unit. Even if an error occurs such that the product is pulled back to, the product input number detecting means subtracts from the input number, so that the product input number in the product storage column can be accurately counted. Thereby, it becomes possible to realize accurate sales management of the vending machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an electric circuit diagram of a control device for a vending machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a vending machine.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a product storage room in the vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a storage chamber in a state where a product is fully stored in a product storage column.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a program of an input number counting slave.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Vending Machine 2 Control Device 3 Product Storage Column Row 16 Input Port 21 Optical Sensor 22 Optical Sensor 23 Main Control Section 26 Input Count Count Slave

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A vending machine for storing and selling a plurality of products in a product storage column, wherein the products are arranged in the product storage column sequentially from the insertion port side of the product storage column. The first and second product detection means for detecting the number of products, and the product input number detection means for counting the number of products input into the product storage column based on the output of each product detection means. The input number detecting means is the first
When the passage of the commodity from the commodity detecting means to the second commodity detecting means is detected, and when the second commodity detecting means or the first commodity detecting means detects the stop of the commodity, it is added to the input number. However, when the passage of the product from the second product detecting means to the first product detecting means is detected, the vending machine is subtracted from the input number.