KR100250766B1 - Automatic vending machine and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: Provided are a chocolate ball vending machine discharging the articles according to chosen purchasing amount by a key operation and the control method, which can return inserted coins when selling is discontinued and promote goods selling. CONSTITUTION: The machine comprises a coin insert and return part generating a coin sensing signal when coins are inserted or returning the inserted coins if there is an input of coin return signal, a purchasing amount selective part having a plurality of selective keys and converting the key operations into proper key signals, a control part sensing amount of the inserted coins and generating a motor operation signal for discharging the articles corresponding to the selected amount based on the key signal, a switching device performing switching action on a fixed level of operation voltage input from the outside according to the goods discharge control signal of the control part, and a motor operated by the operation voltage permitted from the switching device for rotating a coil shaped removing device connected to the rotation axis and discharging a stored article to the outside.

Description

Vending machine and its control method

The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, it is possible to sell a large amount of solid products, such as chocolate balls, in a single operation according to the input amount and the purchase amount selected by the user, and to detect the load of the product and The present invention relates to a vending machine and a control method for stopping the sale of goods when the load is insufficient.

In general, a chocolate ball vending machine that sells chocolate balls is provided with a chocolate ball case (1) of a transparent container for storing chocolate balls on the top, a coin inlet (2) and a coin inlet for introducing coins, as shown in FIG. The main body 5 is provided with a lever member 3 which is rotatable in either direction on the left or the right side and a chocolate ball outlet 4 for chocolate ball ejection only when the coin is inserted into (2). Is done.

And, the operation of the chocolate ball vending machine made as described above is as follows.

First, when a user inserts a coin (for example, 100 won) into the coin inlet 2, the locking device omitted in the drawing connected to the lever member 3 is released to enable the rotation of the lever member 3. Afterwards, when the user rotates the lever member 3 to the right or left by a predetermined angle (for example, about 180 °), it is installed inside the chocolate ball case 1 so as to interlock with the lever member 3. The omitted transfer member discharges the chocolate ball through the chocolate ball outlet 4, and then stores the coin put into the coin inlet 2 into a storage box not shown in the interior, and the user is ejected to the chocolate ball outlet 4. By taking out a chocolate ball, you buy a chocolate ball.

However, the chocolate ball vending machine made as described above is intended to purchase a large amount of chocolate balls because the chocolate ball vending machine was to put only one coin at a time into the coin inlet 2 and then operate the lever member 3 to eject the chocolate ball. At this time, there is a problem in that the inconvenience of using the coin input hole (2) and then repeat the process of operating the lever member (3) several times.

In addition, the above-described chocolate ball vending machine does not recognize in advance that there is no chocolate ball in the chocolate ball case 1, and when the coin is inserted into the coin inlet 2 and the lever member 3 is operated, only the coin is inserted. There is a problem in that the user is injured by storing the chocolate ball inside the main body 5 and not discharging the chocolate balls.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, when the user inputs money and selects the purchase amount through key operation, the total amount of the corresponding product is discharged at one time according to the selected purchase amount, and the product load detection The present invention relates to a vending machine for stopping the sale of goods and returning the input money when there is insufficient load of goods detected through the means, and a control method thereof.

Vending machine according to the present invention for achieving the above object, when money is input from the outside generates a corresponding money detection signal, when the money return signal is input from the outside money input to return the corresponding amount to the outside / Return unit, and a plurality of selection keys for selecting the purchase amount of the product, the purchase amount selection unit for converting the user's key operation into a corresponding key signal, the amount of money input in accordance with the money detection signal, A controller for generating a product ejection control signal for ejecting a product corresponding to a purchase amount selected by the user according to the key signal, and a product ejection unit for ejecting a corresponding product according to the product ejection control signal of the controller Characterized in that made.

In the control method of the vending machine according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a purchase amount selection step of the user inputs money through the cash inlet, and selects the purchase amount of the product by operating the selection key of the purchase amount selection unit, the purchase amount selection A product release control step of controlling a product discharge unit so that a product corresponding to the purchase amount selected in the step is discharged to the outside; and a difference between the amount of money input by the user and an amount corresponding to the purchase amount of the product selected by the user Then, it is characterized by consisting of the change step to discharge the change corresponding to the difference to the outside.

1 is an external perspective view of a conventional chocolate ball vending machine.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a chocolate ball vending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a view for explaining the structure and operation state of the chocolate ball loading detection unit shown in FIG.

Figure 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of selling chocolate balls in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

1, 51: chocolate ball case 2: coin entrance

3, 62: lever member 4, 56: chocolate ball outlet

5: body 10: coin mechanism

20: purchase amount selection unit 30: control unit

40: relay 50: chocolate ball outlet

52: motor 53: gearbox

54 shaft member 55 transfer member

60: chocolate ball capacity detection unit 61: lever housing

63: Push Button 64: Micro Switch

70: display unit

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a chocolate ball vending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chocolate ball vending machine according to the present invention is a coin mechanism 10, the purchase amount selection unit 20, the control unit 30, the relay 40, the chocolate ball discharging unit 50, the chocolate ball loading detection unit 60 and the display unit 70.

In FIG. 2, when the user inputs a coin through the coin inlet, the coin mechanism 10 detects whether the coin is inferior and the type of the coin, and generates a coin detection signal corresponding thereto. 20 is provided with a plurality of keys for selecting the purchase amount of the chocolate ball, the user generates a key signal corresponding to the operation of the corresponding key in accordance with the desired purchase amount of the chocolate ball.

Then, the control unit 30 detects the amount of money input by the user by the coin detection signal applied from the coin mechanism 10, and then the chocolate ball corresponding to the purchase amount selected by the user according to the key signal applied from the purchase amount selection unit 20. Generates a chocolate ball discharging control signal for discharging, and the relay 40 has a DC voltage of a predetermined level (for example, 24 volts [V]) applied from the outside according to the chocolate ball discharging control signal of the controller 30. (Vcc2) is applied to the chocolate ball discharging unit 50.

In addition, the chocolate ball discharging unit 50, as can be seen in reference to the same figure, the chocolate ball case 51 for storing the chocolate ball, and a motor 52 for generating a rotational force by receiving a DC voltage (Vcc2) from the relay 40 , The shaft member 54 for transmitting the rotational force of the motor 52 reduced by the gearbox 53 and the gearbox 53 for reducing the rotational force generated by the motor 52 according to a predetermined completion ratio, and the shaft member. It consists of a coil-shaped transfer member 55 that rotates according to the rotational force transmitted through the 54 to discharge the chocolate ball stored in the chocolate ball case 51 to the outside through the chocolate ball outlet 56.

Then, the chocolate ball loading detection unit 60 is a DC voltage of a predetermined level (for example, 5 volts [V]) input to one side from the outside while the amount of the chocolate balls stored in the chocolate ball case 51 is maintained above a certain amount ( When Vcc1) is applied to the control unit 60, and the loading amount of the chocolate balls stored in the chocolate ball case 51 is reduced to less than a certain amount, the DC voltage Vcc1 applied to the control unit 60 is cut off, so that the control unit 60 It is a device that can detect the lack of chocolate balls.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the chocolate ball loading detection unit 60 is hinged to the lever housing 61, and a part thereof is inside the chocolate ball case 51 through the opening 51-a. When the lever member 62 inserted and the push button 63 provided on one side are installed to contact the lever member 62 and the push button 63 is pressed by the lever member 62, the DC voltage ( Vcc1) is made up of a micro switch 64 adapted to apply to the control unit 60.

The operation of the vending machine of the present invention made as described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

In the initial state, in a state in which the chocolate ball in the chocolate ball case 51 maintains a certain amount or more, the push button of the micro switch 64 installed in the downward direction by the weight of the chocolate ball stored in the chocolate ball case 51 ( When the push button 63 is pressed, the micro switch 64 applies the DC voltage Vcc1 input to one side to the controller 70.

If the chocolate ball in the chocolate ball case 51 is less than a certain amount, i.e., less than or equal to the height at which the lever member 62 is installed, the chocolate ball does not push the lever member 62 downward. The push button 63 cannot be pressed, and the micro switch 64 in which the push state of the push button 63 is released cuts off the DC voltage Vcc1 applied to the controller 70.

Here, the control unit 30 detects the loading amount of the chocolate balls stored in the chocolate ball case 51 according to whether the DC voltage Vcc1 is applied from the micro switch 64 of the chocolate ball loading detection unit 60 (step 80). When the amount of the chocolate balls is higher than a certain amount, that is, when the DC voltage Vcc1 is input from the micro switch 64 of the chocolate balls loading detection unit 60 (step 90), a predetermined display signal is displayed to indicate that the chocolate balls can be sold. Is generated and applied to the display unit 70 (step 100).

As a result, the display unit 70 displays that the chocolate ball can be sold by a letter or numeric signal according to the display signal.

At this time, when the user inputs a coin (for example, one coin of 500 won unit) through the coin inlet, not shown, the inserted coin is guided into the coin mechanism 10, and the coin mechanism 10 is inserted into the coin. Detecting whether there is a defect and the type and number, and generates a coin detection signal corresponding to the defect and apply to the control unit 30 (step 110).

When the user manipulates the corresponding key of the purchase amount selection unit 20 according to the desired purchase amount of the chocolate ball, the corresponding key signal is applied from the purchase amount selection unit 20 to the control unit 30 (step 120). 30 detects the amount of money input by the user according to the coin detection signal, and then a predetermined time corresponding to the purchase amount of the chocolate ball selected by the user according to the key signal applied from the purchase amount selector 20 (for example, 15 A chocolate ball ejection control signal for ejecting the chocolate ball is generated and applied to the relay 40 (step 130).

Thus, the chocolate ball discharge unit receives a DC voltage Vcc2 of a predetermined level (for example, 24 volts [V]) inputted from the outside to one side according to the chocolate ball discharge control signal applied from the control unit 30. Applied to the motor 52 of 50, the motor 52 generates a rotational force by the DC voltage (Vcc2) applied from the relay 40.

At this time, the rotational force generated by the motor 52 is decelerated in the gear box 53 and then rotates the coil-shaped transfer member 55 coupled to one end of the shaft member 54, the chocolate ball case 51 The loaded chocolate balls are loaded on the conveying member 55 and are discharged to the chocolate balls outlet 56.

Subsequently, when a predetermined time (for example, about 15 seconds) corresponding to the purchase amount of the chocolate ball selected by the user has elapsed and the input of the chocolate ball discharging control signal is stopped from the controller 30, the relay 40 switches the chocolate ball discharging unit. As the transfer member 55 stops the generation of the rotational force of the motor 52 which cuts off the DC voltage Vcc2 applied to the motor 52 of the 50 and the input of the DC voltage Vcc2 is stopped. The ball is stopped and the chocolate ball is stopped.

Then, the control unit 30 calculates the difference between the amount of money input by the user at step 110 and the corresponding amount of the purchase amount selected by the user at step 120 to calculate change (step 140), and the step ( In operation 140, it is determined whether there is a change to be returned (step 150), and a change control signal for returning a coin corresponding to the calculated amount of change is generated and applied to the coin mechanism 10 ( Step 160).

As a result, the coin mechanism 10 outputs the corresponding coin to the outside through the coin return port (not shown) according to the change change return signal.

On the other hand, if the loading of the chocolate ball in the step 90 is less than a certain amount, that is, when the input of the DC voltage (Vcc1) from the micro switch 64 of the chocolate ball loading detection unit 60 is stopped, indicating that the chocolate ball is impossible to sell. A predetermined display signal is generated and applied to the display unit 70 (step 170), and the control operation for selling the chocolate balls ends.

Accordingly, the display unit 70 displays that it is impossible to sell chocolate balls in the form of letters or numbers according to the display signal, and thereafter, even if the user inputs coins through the coin inlet, not shown, from the coin machine 10. It is returned to the outside through the coin return port, not shown.

As described above, in the present invention, when a user inputs coins and selects a purchase amount by operating a key of the purchase amount selector 20, the controller 30 controls the relay 40 for a time corresponding to the selected purchase amount. While driving the motor 52 of the chocolate ball discharging unit 50 to allow the chocolate ball stored in the chocolate ball case 51 to be discharged out temporarily through the chocolate ball discharging opening by the transfer member 53 connected to the motor 52. When the chocolate ball loading amount of the chocolate ball case 51 detected by the chocolate ball loading detection unit 60 decreases to a predetermined amount or less, the display unit 70 is controlled to indicate that the chocolate ball is not available for sale, and all operations for selling chocolate balls are performed. By stopping and returning coins that have been put in thereafter, the user can purchase the chocolate balls corresponding to the desired purchase amount in one operation. Display and at the same time stop the sale and return the coins committed to be able to prevent your disadvantage.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention as described above has been described as an example of the chocolate ball vending machine that is only to put coins, the person skilled in the art is to put the coins, including bills, the present invention, candy or It will be readily appreciated that all kinds of vending machines that sell products such as sweets such as tasty peanuts or toys packed in capsule form can be easily applied.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when a user inputs money and selects a purchase amount, the corresponding product is discharged, and according to the purchase amount selected by the user, one key operation of the corresponding product can be purchased, and the loading amount of the product. If the predetermined amount decreases below, the selling operation of the product is stopped and the coin is returned, thereby improving the reliability of use and promoting the sale of the product.

Claims (7)

When money is input from the outside, a corresponding money detection signal is generated, and when a money return signal is input from the outside, a money input / return part that returns the corresponding amount to the outside, and a plurality of items for selecting a purchase amount of a product A selection key is provided, and a purchase amount selection unit for converting a user's key operation into a corresponding key signal, and an amount input according to the money detection signal, and an amount corresponding to the purchase amount selected by the user according to the key signal. A control unit for generating a motor driving signal for driving the motor for a predetermined time for discharging the goods of the product, and a switching operation for performing a switching operation on a drive voltage of a predetermined level input from the outside according to the product discharging control signal of the controller Means and a coil shape driven by a drive voltage applied from said switching means and connected to a rotating shaft thereof Vending machine, characterized in that by rotating the carrying member consisting of a motor for tuchul the goods loaded on the product to an external case. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a product load detection unit configured to detect a load of the product stored in the product discharge unit and apply a corresponding detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit detects a signal applied from the product load detection unit; When the load of the goods is sensed, the load of the goods decreases below a certain amount, and the operation of the vending machine for selling the goods is stopped, and a return control signal for returning the money input from the outside is generated to generate the money. Vending machine, characterized in that applied to the input / return unit. According to claim 2, The product load detection unit is provided with a push button on one side, the micro switch for applying or blocking a voltage of a predetermined level input from the outside according to the pressed or released state of the push button to the control unit; And a lever unit installed at a predetermined position inside the product discharge unit and configured to press the push button of the micro switch when the product is pressed by the product stored in the product discharge unit. 3. The vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a display unit for displaying a sellable state or an impossible state of the product according to a control signal applied from the control unit. A purchase amount selection step in which a user inputs money through a cash inlet, and selects a purchase amount of a product by operating a selection key of the purchase amount selection unit; and a predetermined time during which a quantity of goods corresponding to the purchase amount selected in the purchase amount selection step may be discharged The product dispensing step for driving the motor connected to the rotary shaft of the conveying member and the difference between the amount of money input by the user and the amount corresponding to the purchase amount of the product selected by the user, and then A control method for a vending machine comprising a change change return step of discharging change change to the outside. The method according to claim 5, wherein before the purchase amount selection step, the load amount of the goods stored in the product dispensing unit is sensed, and if the detected load amount of the goods is less than a predetermined amount, all operations for discharging the goods are stopped. A control method of a vending machine, characterized by further performing a product load detection step of returning the money input through the cash inlet to the outside. The control method of claim 6, wherein the product loading detection step further includes an operation of indicating that the sale of the product is impossible through the display unit when the detected load amount of the product is less than a predetermined amount.

Images