JPS63296192A - Vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a vending machine that accepts money and sells products, and in particular, a vending machine that accepts product gift certificates and can exchange them for finger and foot products. It is something.

[Conventional technology]

With the rise in product prices and the diversification of products sold, conventional vending machines that only accept coins have become inconvenient as they have to prepare a large number of coins. Many devices are being incorporated into vending machines (for example, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 51-65895).

This banknote validator uses optical or magnetic sensors to detect the dimensions, thickness, material, and optical or magnetic print patterns of circulating banknotes, and distinguish between genuine banknotes and counterfeit banknotes. , is configured so that it does not accept anything other than banknotes.

On the other hand, coin identification machines are used to identify circulating coins, and in rare cases, certain people who are prohibited from holding coins (e.g., bus crew) operate vending machines in specific areas (e.g., crew rest areas). Vending machines configured to accept substitute coins (tokens) and dispense products have also been put into practical use, but vending machines that can be used by the general public and are configured to accept items other than circulating currency are not in practical use. has not been standardized.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

By the way, some products, such as gift certificates for cigarettes and beer, are issued that cannot be fraudulently exchanged for cash, but are allowed to be exchanged for other products, and are given as gifts at the end of the Bon Festival. As is well known. These product gift certificates generally guarantee redemption by indicating the quantity (not the amount) for a product with a fixed or standard price, so if you accept these gift certificates, you will not be able to redeem the product by the quantity indicated on the face of the certificate. It would be very convenient for consumers if there were vending machines that could be exchanged for other products, and it would be extremely convenient for consumers if there were vending machines that could be exchanged for certain products. Distribution problems will no longer arise.

In view of the above-mentioned points, the present invention provides a vending machine that accepts money and sells products, accepts a product gift certificate designated to be exchanged for a plurality of products, and provides a vending machine that accepts money and sells products. To provide a vending machine which allows the delivery of products only when there are more than the specified number of products, thereby preventing the cashing out of the insufficient number of products due to running out of products while carrying out the specified number of products, or the stoppage of operation when the products are not redeemed. The purpose is to

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention includes a discrimination section that discriminates the authenticity of a product gift certificate to be inserted, reads product information and face value information recorded in the product gift certificate, and sends out the product information, and Remaining amount detection means for detecting whether or not there is a remaining amount of the product corresponding to the face value information or more than the number corresponding to the face value information, and a carry-out permitting means for permitting the carry-out of the product based on the detection of the remaining amount by the means. It is characterized by having the following.

(Function) In the present invention, the remaining amount detection means detects whether or not there is a remaining amount of the product exceeding the number specified by the face value information of the gift certificate, and only when it is detected that there is a remaining amount, the carry-out permission means Since the number of gift certificates specified in the gift certificate is allowed to be taken out, the product will not run out while the number specified in the gift certificate is being taken out, and it is possible to prevent redemption or operation stoppage due to the product being out of stock while being taken out.

〔Example〕

In the present invention, recording of product information includes not only the characters of the product name but also optically or magnetically encoded or patterned information, and face value information refers to information that is displayed on the face of the ticket or recorded optically or magnetically. Magnetically encoded or patterned quantity information and the issue date of the relevant voucher (merchandise gift voucher) or equivalent so-called purge,
version). A feature of the present invention is that this face value information is used to pay out products under payout conditions commensurate with the face value information.

In other words, for example, the majority of beer gift certificates are currently exchanged for two large bottles, but apart from things like cold storage fees, the only things that make sense are the exchange of one for two bottles.
After the 0th price increase, which is limited to the period from the date of issue of the beer ticket (8) to the time of the next price increase, the above exchange will not work unless the amount corresponding to the price increase is attached.For this reason, In order to enable a vending machine to accept a valuable ticket such as a beer gift certificate, it is necessary to refer to the above-mentioned validity information.

The idea of setting payout conditions by referring to this validity information is: (a) Return any ticket other than the current version (tickets issued after the latest price increase).

(b) Retroactive payments will be accepted up to the specified purge, and an additional fee set for each purge will be collected.

For items other than the current purge f'1, the number of bottles corresponding to the equivalent amount (in the case of two, one) is paid out, and the remaining equivalent amount is paid out as change.

etc. are possible. Each method has its pros and cons, but
The way to be kind to customers is method (b).

Method (b) is easy to design, but if the reason for return is not displayed, trouble with the customer is likely to occur. The problem with the e-ba method is that it has some of the characteristics of a cash voucher, and that the amount of change held is reduced. In addition to these methods, there are other ways to substitute cheaper products other than the specified product (one large bottle plus one medium bottle, etc.), but in any case, the face value including validity information can be considered. The common feature is that the products are paid out under the payout conditions according to the information.

Now, as mentioned above, a negotiable note with a marking corresponding to at least predetermined product information and face value information has the great advantage that, unlike banknotes, the area of interest for identification can be set to match the machine. Therefore, the authenticity and acceptability of this bill can be determined using an existing bill validator. From this point of view, the present invention states that the banknotes should be inserted through the same insertion slot as the banknote insertion slot and be verified by the same recognition section as the banknote validator. Here, the same insertion slots refer to insertion slots that can be considered to be essentially the same, and the same identification section means that the parts that are the main body for authenticating banknotes and securities are the same. , thus, structurally, the conventional vending machine requires almost no modification.
By adding a discrimination algorithm, it becomes possible to pay out products using valuable coupons.

In addition, when using coins, in a vending machine that requires the vending machine to sell every last bottle, it takes some engineering effort to detect the amount of remaining product. In other words, if we take a beer ticket in exchange for two large bottles as an example, if there is only one beer left, the ticket must be returned as it cannot be dispensed, but instead of purchasing only one beer by inserting money. We need to be able to do things.

In addition, since many of these types of vouchers can be exchanged for multiple products, in order to take out multiple products using a single voucher, it is necessary to collect the products each time. It is also necessary to take measures to enable the next product to be dispensed after detecting this.This is to prevent multiple products from becoming jammed at the outlet.
This is necessary, for example, to prevent breakage and other accidents associated with dropping a beer bottle onto the previous one.

Preferred embodiments that achieve the objects of the present invention and satisfy the various demands described above will be described below with reference to the drawings. Although a beer gift certificate is used as an example, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to other products.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a beer vending machine to which the present invention can be applied. 1 is a main body of a vending machine, a display section 2 is provided on the door of the vending machine, and canned beer 21-24. Samples such as large bottle beer 6.26 are displayed, and below each sample there are corresponding product selection buttons 3. ......, 3
is provided. This product selection button 3 has a display lamp at the bottom that informs the customer that the product can be sold if the input amount matches or exceeds the set price of the product and a predetermined amount of change is paid out. ing. If the product is out of stock, this indicator lamp will not light up or the
"Urikire" is displayed. 4 is an out-of-change display lamp, 5 is a coin slot, and 6 is a return lever for returning the inserted coins. Reference numeral 7 denotes an expense section that displays information such as the amount of money put in, the amount of change paid out, and so on. 8 is a banknote insertion slot. If you operate the return lever 6 after inserting coins, the coins will be returned to the return slot 9.
Then, the banknotes are returned from the banknote insertion slot. In return, the change will also be returned from the narrow exit 9. Reference numerals 10 and 11 denote product take-out ports, which are structured so that products can be easily taken out according to the product storage instructions and delivery format of the vending machine body 1. In this example, the product outlet lO is exclusively for products corresponding to product samples 21-Sae on the display section 2, and the product outlet 11 is also for products corresponding to product samples 5-5.
It is exclusively for products corresponding to No. 26. - The coins inserted through the coin slot 5 are checked for authenticity by a known coin sorting mechanism, and counterfeit coins are inserted into the return slot 9, while labor charges are inserted into the zero bill slot 8, which is led to a change tube according to denomination. The banknotes are also verified for authenticity by a known banknote validating machine, and counterfeit bills are returned to the insertion slot, while genuine bills are temporarily held in preparation for cancellation or other purposes. Although there are various types of these coin sorting or bill validating mechanisms in addition to those described above, the type is not particularly limited when implementing the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a beer ticket as an example of the valuable ticket (merchandise gift ticket) according to the present invention.The current beer ticket includes (a) product name (e.g. large beer bottle) (goods), number of tickets exchanged (e.g. : 2 bottles) e → Manufacturer salt (some are common)) Publication date (
(e) Issuing tax verification stamp (e) Information such as the vendor of the ticket is printed on the front and back sides.

Since the printing position of this information varies depending on the manufacturer, FIG. 2 shows a beer ticket in which a part of the ticket 12 is provided with a magnetic information recording band 12a so that it can be easily accepted by a vending machine. Unlike banknotes, the printing format of beer tickets can be easily changed, so by standardizing only the recording format and position of magnetic information, it is possible to create gift certificate surfaces that are unique to each manufacturer's cans. .

Therefore, at least product information corresponding to the product name and face value information related to the number of exchanged products and the date of issue are recorded on the magnetic information recording band.

Manufacturer information, common ticket information, code information for forgery identification, etc. are added as necessary.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, which is a third banknote/value note discrimination section. This discrimination unit discriminates the authenticity and denomination of ordinary circulating banknotes, and may be a known type equipped with an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor.If the discrimination unit 31 discriminates the inserted piece as a banknote, Then, a signal corresponding to the denomination (for example, 1,000 yen) is sent to the first calculation control section n. When the discrimination section 31 discriminates the inserted piece as a beer ticket, it sends a signal related to the product name, the number of exchanged tickets, and the date of issue to the second arithmetic and control section. The first arithmetic control section and the following are known ones (the set price set in the product price setting section, the product remaining amount detection or storage section Okara's product remaining amount signal, and the change dispensing mechanism Akara's). Referring to the change presence signal, etc., if the input amount is more than the set price of any product and change is required, a sales permission signal is issued to the sales control section 37 after confirming that change can be paid out.

The sales control section 37 lights up the product selection button (3 in Figure 1) corresponding to this sales permission signal and waits for the customer to select the desired product.When the customer presses the desired product selection button, the sales destination control section Sends a signal to the arithmetic controller indicating whether a price has been selected. The arithmetic control section calculates the necessary amount of change from the input amount and the selected price, and when it is necessary to pay out the change, pays out the change via the change dispensing mechanism.At the same time, the sales control section 3
The first calculation control unit n dispenses the products under the control of 7.
In addition to the above, a coin sorting signal is also given from between the coin sorting sections, so that products can be purchased with coins.

The above is an explanation of the operating mode of a known cash vending machine, mainly using the first arithmetic and control unit. However, for valuable coupons (product gift certificates), the second arithmetic and control unit mainly operates. Function.

The arithmetic control section of the sentry 2, in addition to signals from the banknote/value note discrimination section 31, also operates a product remaining amount detection or storage section, a product removal confirmation switch 39, a product price setting section off, and an additional money setting section 4.
Receives input signal from 1.

There is a quantitative detection switch for detecting the remaining amount of the product or in the storage section.

It operates based on the detection signal of the chip 42.
An embodiment of this and a product removal confirmation switch is shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a mechanism for discharging products (bottles) stored in the vending machine. Bottles and products for sale are placed on a plurality of product shelves provided at equal intervals on the outer ring of the endless chain 51. A microswitch 54 corresponds to the quantitative detection switch 42 shown in FIG. The group is
This is an actuator that operates the micro switch and the tip by coming into contact with the second bin from the bottom. Also,
57 is a microswitch operated by the roller shooter, which corresponds to the product removal confirmation switch in FIG. 3. When the sales signal is transmitted to the carrying out mechanism section configured in this way, the driving section of the endless chain 51 (
(not shown) is activated, and the product shelf 52 moves according to the endless chain 51. As the product shelf 52 moves, the bin &' located at the lowest position becomes unlatched, falls onto the roller shooter 5, is guided to the product outlet 11, and hits the outlet frame 11a. Stand still next to each other. This bottle &
'' is indicated by a broken line in the figure. At this time, the roller shooter is lowered by the weight of the bottle 53'' and operates the microswitch 57. This microswitch 57 is a switch to prevent continuous sales, and as shown in the figure, the product outlet 1
The bottle 53' was not taken out from 1 and the microswipe was removed.

When the switch 57 is operating, no new sales can be made. When the customer takes out the bottle, the roller shooter returns to its normal position, and when the microswitch 57 returns, the next selling operation becomes possible.

In addition, the bottle S, which has been sold several times and is at the bottom
When there is only one product, the micro sui and chishi become inoperable, and it is thus possible to detect that two products are missing.

By the way, when a beer ticket with a value in exchange for two large bottles is inserted, if the beer ticket has a value in exchange for two large bottles and the quantitative detection switch 42 in FIG. Since exact replacement is not possible,
If the product remaining amount detection or storage unit sends a product sold-out signal to the second arithmetic and control unit, the second arithmetic and control unit will return the inserted beer ticket to the discrimination unit 31.
will issue a command. However, if a banknote or coin is inserted, the micro sui, the bottle, and therefore, even if the quantity detection switch 42 in FIG. It is desirable to be able to do so.

For this purpose, a microswitch 9 may be additionally provided for the bottom bottle, but if cost is an issue, a soft counter may be used. The detection/recording unit 35 detects that the quantitative detection switch 42 is switched from operation to inoperation (from bottle present to bottle absent) and stores this, and also erases the signal 35b to detect a new beer from now on. 6. Prohibits dispensing of products with tickets 6 Then, when the last one is sold with money, the above memory is reset based on the signal from the sales control section g and the signal 35m is also extinguished. In this way, the vending machine can sell the product to the last one.

Especially when it is not desirable or undesirable to increase the number of quantitative detection switches, such as beer bottles, which are bulky and need to be cooled (because it is desirable to sell every last bottle). (Three switches are required when three exchange tickets are allowed to be accepted), the above-mentioned soft counter method is preferable.

Now, returning to FIG. 3 again, the contents of the product information setting section 41 and the additional money setting section 41 will be explained. The product information setting unit 4() sets a product code signal such as a large beer bottle or a medium beer bottle when only a common beer ticket (one that can be exchanged for beer from multiple manufacturers) is used as a beer ticket. If you set this as product information and target common beer coupons and manufacturer-specific beer coupons (tickets that can only be exchanged for beer from a specific manufacturer), you can additionally specify "common" and "maker salt". The code signal corresponding to 1 is set as product information.The additional money setting section sets the additional money for each purge in the form of a table. N2 is an indian yen.

Purge, n3 is set as an additional yen, and purge, n4 is set as 0 yen.

As mentioned above, when the banknote/valuable note discriminating unit 31 detects insertion of a beer ticket, it sends product information and slope value information to the second arithmetic and control unit. The second arithmetic control unit 4 compares the received product information with the product information set in the product information setting unit 40 and determines whether the ticket can be handled by the vending machine (i.e., a beer ticket). Determine whether or not it is appropriate to remove the product by inserting the product. If the inserted beer ticket is from another manufacturer that cannot be accepted by the vending machine, a return signal is sent to the arithmetic control section or discrimination section 31 to return the inserted ticket to the customer. If the inserted ticket is for a common slot or for a product from a manufacturer handled by the vending machine, then it is checked whether there are as many tickets as the face value of the product (in this case, large beer bottles).

This is the above-mentioned product remaining amount detection or storage part okara signal 3.
5b. If there is a required number of products, the table in the additional money setting section 41 is checked based on the face value information to determine whether additional money is required and the amount. When the current purge value is 4 and a beer ticket of purge value 2 is inserted, the additional money in the previous example is ω yen, so this is sent to the display control unit 42 and shown in FIG. “
When the customer inserts additional money ω yen from the coin slot, based on the signal from the first arithmetic and control unit, the second arithmetic and control unit operates a predetermined amount. After confirming that the additional money has been paid, a sales permission signal is sent to the sales control unit 37.This lights up the product purchase button, and when the customer presses this button, a large beer bottle is delivered to the product outlet. When the customer takes out this beer bottle, the product removal confirmation switch is activated, and the second arithmetic and control unit sends a sales permission signal to the sales control unit 37 again.Thus, the customer asks for a second beer. be able to.

If the beer ticket allows exchange for three or more bottles of beer, a corresponding counter or counting area is provided in the second arithmetic and control unit, and a counter or a counting area corresponding to the exchange is provided in the second arithmetic control unit so that the ticket cannot be sold or taken out from the sales control unit 37. This may be counted down using the accompanying signal.

The above-mentioned control of the second arithmetic control unit can be performed using a microcombi. FIG. 5 is an example of a general flowchart in that case.

In carrying out the present invention, the first and second arithmetic control sections 33, sales control section 37, and the like can be replaced by one microcombination. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the invention. These are listed below.

(b) When using a banknote and securities discrimination section that uses pattern recognition technology for multiple denominations, it is possible to distinguish even securities that do not have a specific recording band as shown in Figure 2. It is possible.

(b) Since this type of ticket is subject to issuance tax, used tickets are required to be invalidated.

If this is done by the vending machine itself, after the product has been removed because it has been determined to be a valuable ticket and has been temporarily held, either part of the ticket is cut off or the sickle part is cut into bunches. In this case, it is necessary to take measures to prevent banknotes from being invalidated by mistake, such as changing the temporary holding position or creating a separate storage section.

The RL security department can display services such as a request for additional money, a large display, the expiration of a period of time and other reasons for return, or the number of books remaining.

) If a bill with the current purge setting that does not require additional coins is inserted, or if additional coins are inserted, the electromagnet for rejecting coins will be de-energized to prevent extra coins from being inserted. Measures can be taken such as:

(e) In the explanation from the underworld side, only the case of price increase was shown, but
In the event of a price reduction, the difference can be refunded in the form of change.

(f) If a ticket with the version setting before the latest price increase is inserted, but the additional money is not inserted within the specified time,
Alternatively, if the predetermined amount is not reached, the ticket and the additional money deposited up to that point can be automatically returned. This has been put into practical use in the mode of automatic refund even if you order a vending machine.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As stated above (according to the present invention), by allowing the removal of products only when there is a remaining amount of products equal to or greater than the number specified in the product gift certificate, it is possible to properly exchange products for gift certificates from vending machines. This makes it possible to further expand the functions of the vending machine and make it convenient for key personnel.
Beer gift certificates are often sold out, so
The advent of such vending machines has brought benefits not only to acupuncturists but also to liquor stores, and has greatly contributed to the industry.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure M1 is a front view of an example of a vending machine to which the present invention is applied, Figure 2 is a plan view of a beer ticket as an example of non-value-added items, Figure 3 is a professional circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a sketch of a part of a vending machine, and FIG. 5 is an example of a general 70 chart when the present invention is implemented using a microcombi. 8...Banknote insertion slot, 31...Banknote/value note discrimination section,
32.33... Arithmetic control section, A... Product remaining amount detection or storage section, 40... Product information setting section, 41... Additional money setting section. f71 Kukuzu 20

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) In a vending machine that accepts money and sells products, a verification unit that distinguishes the authenticity of inserted product gift certificates, reads product information and face value information recorded on the product gift certificates, and sends them out. , a remaining amount detection means for detecting whether or not there is a remaining amount of products corresponding to the face value information or more of the products that match the product information, and permitting the removal of the products based on the detection of the remaining amount by the means. A vending machine characterized by being equipped with an export permission means.