KR20060018024A - Apparatus and method for removing to caught of goods in a manless vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for eliminating product jams in an unmanned vending machine, comprising: a plurality of shelves formed in a multi-layer in a goods display frame and loading various kinds of goods for each floor, and freely spaced apart on the plurality of shelves A plurality of dividers detachably attached to each other, a push-board that moves forward and backward along a transport slot formed in a longitudinal direction on one side of each divider, and a product delivery stand installed at an inner side of the product display frame and connected to a product outlet; In the front of the merchandise display frame, while maintaining a predetermined distance from the plurality of shelves vertically moving up and down and a transport conveyor is installed at the bottom to transfer the goods falling from the shelf to the goods delivery side horizontally Elevator baskets, and a variety of displays on the plurality of shelves An unmanned vending machine having an operation panel capable of inputting information on a product to be purchased from among the goods, the product passing detection sensor installed at a predetermined portion of the elevator basket and sensing whether the product transfer to the product delivery path is normally performed; And determining whether the product is jammed based on the signal from the product passing detection sensor, and if the product is jammed, adjusts the current position of the elevator basket and controls the forward and reverse driving of the transfer conveyor to remove the product jam. It is provided with a control unit.

Description

Apparatus and method for removing to caught of goods in a manless vending machine}

1 is an external view of a conventional unmanned vending machine,

2 is a left side view of the merchandise display frame for explaining the driving of the elevator basket shown in FIG.

3 is a front view of the merchandise display frame for explaining the driving of the elevator basket shown in FIG.

4 is a view showing an example of the installation of goods delivery stand and automatic door of the unmanned vending machine shown in FIG.

Figure 5 is a main detail of the elevator basket and the peripheral configuration shown in Figure 1,

6 is a block diagram of a product jam removal device in the automatic vending machine of the present invention,

7 is a main view for explaining the installation position of the product passing detection sensor shown in FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the coupling between the bracket and the elevator basket, the product passing detection sensor of FIG.

9 is a view illustrating an installation example of the display unit of FIG. 6;

10 is a flowchart for explaining a product jam removing method in an unmanned vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

11 is a view employed in the description of FIG. 10;

12 to 14 are modified examples of FIG. 10.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

10: shelf 12: divider

14: push board 16: elevator basket

18: coin slot 20: banknote slot

22: operation panel 24: currency outlet

26: product outlet 38: automatic door

44: conveying conveyor 46: currency input detection unit

48: money discharge drive unit 50: automatic door drive unit

52: elevator basket motor drive unit

54: elevator basket motor

56: transfer conveyor motor drive unit

58: transfer conveyor motor 60: product passing detection sensor

62: display driver 64: display unit

66: controller 68: memory

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for removing a product jam in an unmanned vending machine, and more particularly, to automatically remove a jam during product transfer in an unmanned vending machine displaying a variety of goods of an unspecified type. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for eliminating jams in an unmanned vending machine.

Currently, unmanned vending machines have been developed and used as a means for selling various drinks, foodstuffs, daily necessities, etc. unattended. Such an unmanned automatic vending machine can be automatically extracted without artificial manipulation if the buyer inputs a currency corresponding to the price of the product to be purchased and selects a desired product without a separate seller.

These unmanned vending machines are classified according to the type of goods and the similarity of their appearance so that each unmanned vending machine can be loaded and sold with a single type and similar appearance. In order to extract, the number of items to be extracted must be operated.

These conventional unmanned vending machines are required to manufacture a separate vending machine for each product of a single type and similar appearance, so if you want to sell a variety of products to buy all kinds of vending machines that are classified by product and manufactured independently of each other You have to install it. Then, huge costs and management are required for the construction of an unmanned store using an autonomous vending machine.

In addition, when a buyer wants to purchase several kinds of products, not only do they have to visit a plurality of vending machines for the sale of each product for a long time, but also a single number of products are extracted according to the buyer's one-time operation. Therefore, in order to extract a plurality of products, there is a problem that a repeat product extraction operation of a buyer must be made.

Therefore, the present applicant has developed an unmanned vending machine which freely loads various kinds of irregularly shaped products into a single unmanned vending machine, selectively extracts the loaded products by types, and transfers them to the product outlet.

The unmanned vending machine developed by the present applicant, as shown in Figure 1, is formed in a multi-layer in the merchandise display frame and a plurality of shelves 10 for loading various kinds of goods for each layer; A plurality of dividers 12 detachably attached to the plurality of shelves 10 while having a free distance from each other; A pusher plate 14 which is moved back and forth along a feeding slot formed in a longitudinal direction on one side of each divider 12; An elevator basket 16 which vertically moves up and down while maintaining a predetermined distance from the plurality of shelves 10 at the front of the product display frame; A coin inlet 18 into which coins are inserted; A bill inlet 20 into which bills are inserted; An operation panel 22 capable of inputting information on a product to be purchased among a plurality of products displayed on the plurality of shelves 10; A coin outlet 24 through which change is discharged; A product discharge opening 26 through which a product is discharged; And a transparent window 28 made of a resin material or tempered glass covering the front opening of the frame on which the plurality of shelves 10 are installed.

On the front of the plurality of shelves 10, a sticker or a card printed with a product name or a product code uniquely assigned to the loading position of the goods which are partitioned by the respective dividers 12 and loaded in a line is detachable. Possibly attached.

The operation panel 22 includes a product code input unit 22a having ten-keys for inputting a product code, a cancel button and a confirmation button; And a screen display unit 22b for displaying information on the total amount of coins or money, the amount of the selected commodity and the change.

As shown in FIG. 2, the LM rail 30 is vertically installed along the left side of the merchandise display frame, and an elevator basket motor (not shown) is fixedly installed on the lower left side of the merchandise display frame. In the vicinity of the LM rail 30, a timing belt 32 is vertically provided by a pulley (not shown). The left end of the elevator basket 16 is provided with an LM guide (not shown) that rises and falls along the LM rail 30.

And, as shown in Figure 3, one end of the belt 34, which flexes flexibly as the elevator basket 16 rises and falls, is fixed to the right side of the elevator basket 16, and the other end of the belt 34 Is fixedly installed on the inner right side surface of the merchandise display frame.

In addition, a product delivery stand 36 of a predetermined size is formed on the inner right side surface of the product display frame, and the product delivery stand 36 is opened and closed by an automatic door 38. The automatic door 38 is for protecting unneeded cold air and preventing theft, and is opened by the time any goods are delivered to the goods delivery stand 36. The lower end of the product delivery stand 36 (part where the product is in contact with) is discharged through the automatic door 38 through which the product which has been horizontally transported by the transport conveyor (not shown) of the elevator basket 16 is opened. It is inclined downward inward so as to go well).

And, the bottom of the elevator basket 16, as shown in Figure 5, the transfer conveyor motor (not shown) and the driving pulley (not shown) connected to the shaft of the transfer conveyor motor protected by the inclined plate (16a); A driven pulley installed at a position opposite to the position at which the driving pulley is installed; And an annular transfer conveyor 44 which is provided at both ends of the drive pulley and the driven pulley so that the drive pulley and the driven pulley rotate forward and reverse by the drive pulley and the driven pulley. In addition, brackets are installed at the left and right sides of the elevator basket 16, respectively, in which a sensor for detecting a product extraction (that is, the product falls to the transport conveyor 44 of the elevator basket 16) is provided. Is installed. For example, the light emitting element 40 is installed in the bracket on the left side, and the light receiving element 42 is installed in the bracket on the right side.

Since the conventional unmanned vending machine configured as described above displays various kinds of goods of an unspecified type, when a buyer inputs a code of one (or two or more) items to purchase after inputting coins or money, the initial position ( For example, the elevator basket 16 on the lowermost floor rises to the floor between the shelf on which the product is loaded and the shelf directly below, and the pushing plate 14 of the divider 12 pushes the product forwards a predetermined value. As a result, the product falls onto the bottom of the elevator basket 16, that is, on the transfer conveyor 44. Then, as the automatic door 38 is opened and the transfer conveyor 44 is driven forward, the goods move horizontally along the transfer conveyor 44 to be transferred to the goods delivery stand 36 side and the goods delivery stand. It moves to the goods discharge port 26 side through the 36 and the automatic door 38. As shown in FIG.

However, when goods are taken in the middle due to an unspecified obstacle or goods fall into the elevator basket 16 due to an unspecified obstacle during the transfer of goods from the elevator basket 16 which is in charge of the transfer of goods, some of the goods fall off from the beginning. If it is protruded to the outside of the basket 16 and the transfer is not properly, the product intended by the buyer does not go to the goods delivery stand (36). As a result, not only does the buyer not be able to purchase the desired product in a timely manner, but also a problem arises in that the person in charge needs to call and request an action.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the object of the present invention in the unmanned automatic vending machine to quickly remove the product jam state if the goods are not properly transported due to unspecified obstacles during the goods transfer An object of the present invention is to provide a product jam removing device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for removing a product jam in an unmanned vending machine that quickly removes a product jam state when the product is caught and not transferred properly due to an unspecified obstacle during product transfer.

In order to achieve the above object, a product jam removing device in an unmanned vending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of shelves formed in a multilayer in a goods display frame and loading various kinds of goods for each layer. A plurality of dividers that are detachable while having a mutually free separation distance on a plurality of shelves, a push-board that moves forward and backward along a conveying slot formed in a longitudinal direction on one side of each divider, and installed on an inner side of the merchandise display frame And a product delivery stand connected to a product outlet and vertically moving up and down while maintaining a predetermined distance from the plurality of shelves at the front of the product display frame, and a conveying conveyor is installed at the bottom to drop the product from the shelf. Elevator basket for horizontally transporting the goods to the delivery side, and the In an unmanned vending machine equipped with an operation panel capable of inputting information on a product to be purchased among a plurality of products displayed on a plurality of shelves,

A product passage detection sensor installed at a predetermined portion of the elevator basket and sensing whether the product transfer to the product delivery road is normally performed; And determining whether the product is jammed based on the signal from the product passing detection sensor, and if the product is jammed, adjusts the current position of the elevator basket and controls the forward and reverse driving of the transfer conveyor to remove the product jam. It characterized in that it comprises a control unit.

In addition, a product jam removing method in an unmanned vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of shelves are formed in a multi-layer in the merchandise display frame and loads various kinds of goods for each floor, mutually free on the plurality of shelves A plurality of dividers detachable having a separation distance, a push-board that moves forward and backward along a conveying slot formed in a longitudinal direction on one side of each divider, and a product installed at an inner side of the product display frame and connected to a product outlet; Delivery stand, while moving up and down vertically while maintaining a predetermined distance from the plurality of shelves at the front of the product display frame and a transport conveyor is installed at the bottom to horizontally drop the goods falling from the shelves to the goods delivery stand An elevator basket to be transported and displayed on the plurality of shelves. In the operating unit of the available input information about the product to be purchased from the product in the unattended vending machines comprising,

A first step of sensing whether the goods transfer to the goods delivery road is normally performed; And determining whether the product is jammed based on the sensing result signal in the first process, and if it is determined that the product is jammed, by adjusting the current position of the elevator basket and controlling the forward and reverse driving of the transfer conveyor. And a second process of removing.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described with respect to the product jam removal apparatus and method in an unmanned vending machine according to the present invention.

6 is a block diagram of a product jam removal device in an unmanned vending machine of the present invention, the same components as those of the conventional unmanned vending machine are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The apparatus of FIG. 6 includes an elevator basket 16, a coin inlet 18, a banknote inlet 20, an operation panel 22, a coin outlet 24, a product outlet 26, a transfer conveyor 44, Currency input detection unit 46, currency output drive unit 48, automatic door drive unit 50, elevator basket motor drive unit 52, elevator basket motor 54, transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56, transfer conveyor motor 58 ), A product passing detection sensor 60, a display driver 62, a display 64, and a controller 66 incorporating a memory 68.

Here, the money input detecting unit 46 counts coins and bills respectively inputted through the coin inlet 18 or the bank inlet 20, and detects the total amount of money inputted therein, and the money dispensing driving unit 48 is configured to detect the coin. Under the control of the control unit 66, a drive for discharging the change remaining after the purchase of the product to the money outlet 24 is performed, and the automatic door driving unit 50 controls the automatic door under the control of the control unit 66. A drive to open or close 38 is performed.

The elevator basket motor driving unit 52 drives the elevator basket motor 54 fixedly installed on the lower side of the product display frame of the unmanned vending machine to which the present invention is applied, thereby raising and lowering the elevator basket 16 vertically. The transfer conveyor motor driver 56 is installed at the bottom of the elevator basket 16 as shown in FIG. 7, and forward and backward drives the transfer conveyor motor 58 protected by the inclined plate 16a to horizontally move the transfer conveyor 44. Drive reverse rotation. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 31 denotes an LM guide protruding to the left side of the elevator basket 16 and vertically moving up or down along the LM rail 30, and 43 is an axis of the transfer conveyor motor 58. Drive is pulley connected to the, 45 is a driven pulley, 63 is a product to be conveyed to the automatic door 38 side by the transfer conveyor (44).

The transfer conveyor motor driver 56 drives the transfer conveyor motor 58 to horizontally rotate the transfer conveyor 44 horizontally.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the product passing detection sensor 60 is installed at the bottom of the bracket 61 having a translator shape installed at one side (ie, the right side) of the elevator basket 16. It is installed to face the transfer conveyor 44 side. The product passing detection sensor 60 includes a non-contact sensor that is modularized together with a transmitter for providing a predetermined source and a receiver for receiving a reflection source transmitted and reflected by the transmitter. The non-contact sensor is composed of any one of a photo sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like. The bracket 61 is installed at one side of the elevator basket 16 in the same manner as the welded joint, and the height is increased even if the product passing detection sensor 60 is installed at the bottom of the bracket 61. The height of the product 63 placed on (44) can pass through without touching the bracket 61 or the product passing detection sensor 60.

And, as shown in Figure 9, the display unit 64 is installed on the upper portion of the operation panel 22 installed on the right side of the main body of the unmanned vending machine, the guide message for informing the goods jam by the display driver 62 Display. In the above description, the display portion 64 is provided on the upper portion of the operation panel 22. However, if necessary, the display portion 64 may be provided on the body of the elevator basket 16, or may be provided at a position other than that.

The memory 68 stores price data for each product sold by the unmanned vending machine, and guide display data for guiding the order and payment processing of the product. The memory 68 stores separately the product jam removing program in the control unit 66 and the guide message data for guiding the product jam state when the product jam state occurs.

The controller 66 generally controls operations such as product extraction, transfer, and settlement, which are performed in the autonomous vending machine.

The controller 66 initializes the elevator basket 16, the transfer conveyor 44, and the automatic door 38 when it is determined that the product is jammed based on the signal from the product passage detection sensor 60. In the initialization state, and the conveying conveyor 44 is driven in a reverse rotation for a predetermined number of times (for example, about four times), and then the elevator basket 16 is vertically moved to the position where the goods delivery stand 36 is installed. In addition, after the automatic door 38 is opened, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven to rotate a predetermined number of times (for example, about two times). Here, the control unit 66 drives the elevator basket 16 of the goods delivery stand 36 while driving the transfer conveyor 44 by a predetermined number of reverse rotations when driving the transfer conveyor 44 by a predetermined number of times. In addition to the vertical movement to the position, the automatic door 38 may be opened.

Alternatively, the control unit 66 converts the elevator basket 16, the transfer conveyor 44, and the automatic door 38 to an initialization state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and the transfer conveyor 44 in the initialization state. ), The counter basket 16 is moved vertically to the position where the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, and the automatic door 38 is opened. The transfer conveyor 44 is driven forward by a predetermined number of times (for example, about two times), and again driven by the transfer conveyor 44 by a predetermined number of times (for example, about four times). May be driven for a predetermined number of times (for example, about two times) in the forward rotation. Here, the control unit 66 drives the elevator basket 16 to the goods delivery stand 36 while driving the transfer conveyor 44 a predetermined number of times in reverse rotation when the transfer conveyor 44 is first rotated in the predetermined number of times. The automatic door 38 may be opened as well as vertically moved to the position of.

Alternatively, the controller 66 switches the elevator basket 16, the transfer conveyor 44, and the automatic door 38 to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and then the elevator basket 16 is moved to the initial state. After moving the conveying conveyor 44 a predetermined number of times (for example, about four times) in a reverse rotation after vertically moving to the position where the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, after opening the automatic door 38, the conveying conveyor It is also possible to drive 44 at a predetermined number of times (for example, about two times) in the forward rotation. The control unit 66 moves the elevator basket 16 vertically to the position of the goods delivery stand 36 when the elevator basket 16 moves vertically to the location of the goods delivery stand 36. The automatic conveyor 38 may be opened while driving the transfer conveyor 44 a predetermined number of times.

Alternatively, if it is determined that the goods jammed state, the control unit 66 switches the elevator basket 16, the transfer conveyor 44, and the automatic door 38 to an initial state, and then moves the elevator basket 16. After vertically moving to the uppermost floor of the multi-layer shelf 10, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven in a reverse rotation for a predetermined number of times (for example, about four times), the automatic door 38 is opened, and the elevator basket ( 16 may be moved vertically to the position where the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, and then the transfer conveyor 44 may be driven forward by a predetermined number of times (for example, about two times). Here, the control unit 66 drives the transfer conveyor 44 a predetermined number of times in reverse rotation when the transfer conveyor 44 drives the predetermined number of times in reverse rotation, and opens the automatic door 38 while opening the automatic basket 38. 16) may be moved vertically to the position of the goods delivery stand 36.

The initialization state means that the elevator basket 16 is located on a lower floor (hereinafter referred to as a home position) than the floors formed by the plurality of shelves 10, and the driving of the transport conveyor 44 is stopped. In this case, the automatic door 38 is closed.

Next, the product jam removal method in the unmanned vending machine of the present invention will be described.

Prior to the description of the embodiments below, the number of shelves 10 installed in the autonomous vending machine is a total of seven, the total number of floors formed by the shelves 10 is seven, and the goods delivery stand 36 is three. It is formed on the side of the merchandise display frame corresponding to the height of the floor, the elevator basket 16 in the initial state is in the home position, the transfer conveyor 44 is the drive stop in the initial state, the automatic door (38) Explain that a) is closed.

Since the product extraction operation is performed before the product transfer operation, the product extraction operation will be described first.

After the purchaser checks a product to be purchased from a plurality of products displayed on a plurality of shelves 10, the buyer operates the product code input unit 22a on the operation panel 22 to key in the code of the corresponding product. Accordingly, the control unit 66 displays the price corresponding to the product code on the screen display unit 22b on the operation panel 22, and the coin input unit 46 in the coin inlet 18 or banknote inlet 20 Information on the total amount of coins or bills put into the control unit 66 is sent to the control unit 66, and the control unit 66 determines whether payment is possible and changes occur based on the input total amount information. When change occurs, the control unit 66 displays the amount of change on the screen display unit 22b on the operation panel 22. Thereafter, the purchaser presses the confirmation button on the product code input section 22a to determine the purchase intention.

In this way, for example, when the payment for the purchase of a product on the fifth floor is completed, the control unit 66 moves the elevator basket motor driving unit 52 to raise the elevator basket 16 in the home position to the fourth floor. A predetermined drive control signal is sent to.

Accordingly, the elevator basket motor driver 52 drives the elevator basket motor 54 to vertically raise the elevator basket 16 to the fourth floor. When the elevator basket 16 is located on the fourth floor, the pushing plates 14 at the end of the products lined up are moved in a predetermined direction in all directions, so that the first product is placed in the elevator basket 16. Will be dropped. The fall of the corresponding product is detected by the product extraction detection sensors 40 and 42 attached to the brackets on the left and right sides of the elevator basket 16, and the detection signal is sent to the controller 66.

As described above, product extraction is completed.

The operation of eliminating the goods jamming state occurring during the goods transfer and the goods transfer will now be described.

(First embodiment)

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, when a product to be purchased falls into the elevator basket 16 from the shelf, the controller 66 controls the elevator basket motor driving unit 52 to drive the elevator basket motor 54. After the elevator basket 16 is lowered to the third floor, the height of which the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, the transfer conveyor motor driver 56 is controlled to rotate the transfer conveyor motor 58 forward. The forwarding conveyor 44 rotates forward by the forward rotation of the transport conveyor motor 58, and the goods 63 are transferred to the goods delivery stand 36 with the automatic door 38 as shown in FIG. S10). Of course, after the product 63 falls on the elevator basket 16, the control unit 66 controls the automatic door driver 50 to open the automatic door 38. In this case, the transfer conveyor 44 is rotated for a time sufficient to transfer the goods 63 to the automatic door 38 side, and then stopped by the control of the control unit 66.

While the goods 63 are transferred to the goods delivery stand 36, the goods passing detection sensor 60 installed on the right side of the elevator basket 16 sends a predetermined source to the conveying conveyor 44 and reflects them back. The reflection source will be received. Here, the source and the reflection source have the same properties.

Then, the product passing detection sensor 60 transmits a signal based on whether the reflection source is received to the control unit 66, and the control unit 66 is a transition state of the signal provided from the product passing detection sensor 60. As a result, it is determined whether the current product 63 is normally transferred to the automatic door 38 side or where the product 63 is caught.

For example, when the product passing detection sensor 60 receives the reflection source, it processes internally as "0 (zero)", and when the source does not properly receive the reflection because it hits the product 63, it does not receive the reflection source internally. In the case where the signal is processed as "1", if a signal variation occurs as (0, 1, 0), the controller 66 determines that the product 63 is normally transferred to the automatic door 38 side. On the contrary, when the product passing detection sensor 60 receives the reflection source, it is processed internally as "1 (zero)", and when the source does not receive the reflection source because it hits the product 63 and does not receive the reflection source internally, In the case of processing 0 ", if the signal variation occurs like (1,0,1), the control part 66 judges that the goods 63 were normally conveyed to the automatic door 38 side.

However, the signal from the product pass detection sensor 60 continues to be zero after 1 or 0, or there is a signal transition from 0 to 1, or 0 after 1 to 0. If it continues in the state of the control unit 66 determines that the product 63 is caught somewhere.

In this way, in the detection of the product jam state in the control unit 66, when the signal from the product passage detection sensor 60 is (0,1,0) or (1,0,1), the product 63 is It is judged that it is normally conveyed to the automatic door 38 side ("No" in step S12) so that the product jam removal operation is not performed. Thereby, the goods 63 are sent to the goods discharge opening 26 through the open automatic door 38 (step S24).

However, in the detection of the product jam state in the control unit 66, if the signal variation from the product passing detection sensor 60 is abnormal, the control unit 66 determines that the product jam state ("Yes" in step S12) The display driver 62 is controlled based on the product jam removal program, and the display driver 62 displays a product jam guide message as illustrated in FIG. 11 on the display 64 (step S14).

Then, the controller 66 enters the initialization state based on the product jam removal program (step S16). Upon entering the initialization state, the automatic door 38 is closed, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven off, and the elevator basket 16 is in the home position.

In the initialization state, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to reversely rotate the transfer conveyor motor 58 at a predetermined rotation speed. Thereby, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven a predetermined number of times in the reverse direction (step S18). The number of reverse rotations of the transfer conveyor 44 is such that the product 63 placed on the transfer conveyor 44 can move and take its place.

After the reverse rotation drive of the transfer conveyor 44, the control unit 66 controls the elevator basket motor drive unit 52 to operate the elevator basket motor 54 to move the elevator basket 16 to the goods delivery stand 36. The automatic door driving unit 50 is controlled while being vertically raised to the third floor, which is the height, to open the automatic door 38 (step S20). In this case, the operations of steps S18 and S20 are sequentially performed separately, but the elevator basket 16 is vertically raised and the automatic door 38 is opened while the transfer conveyor 18 is driven backward. do.

When the elevator basket 16 is stopped at the height of the third floor, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to operate the transfer conveyor motor 58 to rotate the transfer conveyor 44 in the forward direction. It drives (step S22). Since the goods jam has already been removed by the step S18, the goods 63 which are normally horizontally transported on the transfer conveyor 44 are sent to the goods discharge port 26 through the open automatic door 12 (step S24). ).

(Second embodiment)

The second embodiment is almost similar to the operation of the above-described first embodiment except that the reverse driving and the forward driving of the transport conveyor 44 are performed again at the ends. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the first embodiment described above in the second embodiment will be briefly described.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, when the product to be purchased falls from the shelf into the elevator basket 16, the elevator basket 16 is vertically lowered to the third floor where the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, At the height, the goods 63 on the transport conveyor 44 (see FIG. 7) are transported by the transport conveyor 44 to the goods delivery stand 36 with the automatic door 38 (step S30).

While the goods 63 are transferred to the goods delivery stand 36, the goods passing detection sensor 60 sends a signal according to whether the goods have passed to the controller 66, and the controller 66 transmits the signal to the input signal. On the basis of this, it is determined whether the product 63 is caught somewhere.

If the controller 66 determines that the product is jammed ("Yes" in step S32), the controller 66 controls the display driver 62 based on the product jam removal program to guide the product jam on the display unit 64. The message is displayed (step S34).

Then, the controller 66 enters the initialization state based on the product jam removal program (step S36).

In the initialization state, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to reversely rotate the transfer conveyor motor 58 at a predetermined rotation speed. Thereby, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven a predetermined number of times in the reverse direction (step S38).

After the reverse rotation drive of the transfer conveyor 44, the control unit 66 controls the elevator basket motor drive unit 52 to operate the elevator basket motor 54 to move the elevator basket 16 to the goods delivery stand 36. The automatic door driving unit 50 is controlled while being vertically raised to the third floor, which is the height, to open the automatic door 38 (step S40). In this case, the operations of steps S38 and S40 are sequentially performed separately. However, the elevator basket 16 is vertically raised and the automatic door 38 is opened while the transfer conveyor 18 is driven backward. do.

When the elevator basket 16 is stopped at the height of the third floor, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to operate the transfer conveyor motor 58 to rotate the transfer conveyor 44 in the forward direction. It drives (step S42). The rotational drive of the transfer conveyor 44 in the forward direction rotates the transfer conveyor 44 about two turns. Of course, you may rotate about one round.

Then, the control unit 66 again controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to drive the transfer conveyor motor 58 in the reverse direction to rotate the transfer conveyor 44 in a predetermined number of times (for example, about four times) in the reverse direction ( Step S44). Then, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to operate the transfer conveyor motor 58 to rotate and drive the transfer conveyor 44 in the forward direction (step S46). Since the goods jam has already been removed by the step S38, the goods 63 which are normally horizontally transported on the transfer conveyor 44 are sent to the goods discharge port 26 through the open automatic door 12 (step S48). ). Of course, there is a high possibility that the product jam is already removed before the step S44 is performed. However, the above-described steps S44 and S46 are repeatedly performed in case it is not known.

(Third Embodiment)

The third embodiment is almost similar to the operation of the first embodiment described above, except that the difference is different from the operation after the initialization state. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the first embodiment described above in the third embodiment will be briefly described.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the product to be purchased falls from the shelf into the elevator basket 16, the elevator basket 16 vertically descends to the third floor where the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, At height, the goods 63 on the conveying conveyor 44 are conveyed by the conveying conveyor 44 to the goods delivery stand 36 with the automatic door 38 (step S50).

While the goods 63 are transferred to the goods delivery stand 36, the goods passing detection sensor 60 sends a signal according to whether the goods have passed to the controller 66, and the controller 66 transmits the signal to the input signal. On the basis of this, it is determined whether the product 63 is caught somewhere.

If the control unit 66 determines that the product is jammed ("Yes" in step S52), the control unit 66 controls the display driver 62 based on the product jam removal program to guide the product jam on the display unit 64. The message is displayed (step S54).

Then, the controller 66 enters the initialization state based on the product jam removing program (step S56).

In the initialization state, the control unit 66 controls the elevator basket motor driving unit 52 to operate the elevator basket motor 54 to vertically raise the elevator basket 16 to the third floor, which is the height of the goods delivery stand 36. (Step S58).

When the elevator basket 16 is stopped at the height of the third floor, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to reversely rotate the transfer conveyor motor 58 at a predetermined rotation speed. As a result, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven a predetermined number of times in the reverse direction. At the same time, the control unit 66 controls the automatic door driver 50 to open the automatic door 38 (step S60). The number of reverse rotations of the transfer conveyor 44 is such that the product 63 placed on the transfer conveyor 44 can move and take its place.

Thereafter, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to operate the transfer conveyor motor 58 to rotate and drive the transfer conveyor 44 in the forward direction (step S62). Since the goods jam has already been removed by the step S60, the goods 63 which are normally horizontally transported on the transfer conveyor 44 are sent to the goods discharge port 26 through the open automatic door 12 (step S64). ). In the third embodiment described above, the transfer conveyor reverse driving and the transfer conveyor regular driving are performed only once, but may be repeatedly performed twice.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 14, when a product to be purchased falls into the elevator basket 16 from the shelf, the control unit 66 controls the elevator basket motor driving unit 52 to control the elevator basket motor 54. After driving, the elevator basket 16 is lowered to the third floor, the height of which the goods delivery stand 36 is installed, and then the transfer conveyor motor driver 56 is controlled to rotate the transfer conveyor motor 58 forward. The forwarding conveyor 44 rotates forward by the forward rotation of the transport conveyor motor 58, and the goods 63 are transferred to the goods delivery stand 36 with the automatic door 38 as shown in FIG. S70). Of course, after the product 63 falls on the elevator basket 16, the control unit 66 controls the automatic door driver 50 to open the automatic door 38. In this case, the transfer conveyor 44 is rotated for a time sufficient to transfer the goods 63 to the automatic door 38 side, and then stopped by the control of the control unit 66.

While the goods 63 are transferred to the goods delivery stand 36, the goods passing detection sensor 60 installed on the right side of the elevator basket 16 sends a predetermined source to the conveying conveyor 44 and reflects them back. The reflection source will be received. Here, the source and the reflection source have the same properties.

Then, the product passing detection sensor 60 transmits a signal based on whether the reflection source is received to the control unit 66, and the control unit 66 is a transition state of the signal provided from the product passing detection sensor 60. As a result, it is determined whether the current product 63 is normally transferred to the automatic door 38 side or where the product 63 is caught. The product jam state detection by the controller 66 based on the signal of the product passage detection sensor 60 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

In this way, in the detection of the product jam state in the control unit 66, when the signal from the product passage detection sensor 60 is (0,1,0) or (1,0,1), the product 63 is It is judged that it is normally conveyed to the automatic door 38 side ("No" in step S72) so that the product jam removing operation is not performed. Thereby, the goods 63 are sent to the goods discharge opening 26 through the open automatic door 38 (step S86).

However, in the detection of the product jam state in the control unit 66, if the signal variation from the product passing detection sensor 60 is abnormal, the control unit 66 determines that the product jam state ("Yes" in step S72) The display driver 62 is controlled based on the product jam removal program, and the display driver 62 displays the product jam guide message as illustrated in FIG. 11 on the display 64 (step S74).

Then, the controller 66 enters the initialization state based on the product jam removal program (step S76). Upon entering the initialization state, the automatic door 38 is closed, the transfer conveyor 44 is driven off, and the elevator basket 16 is in the home position.

After entering the initialization state, the controller 66 controls the elevator basket motor driver 52 to operate the elevator basket motor 54 to vertically raise the elevator basket 16 to the top floor (7th floor) (step S78).

When the elevator basket 16 is located on the top floor and stopped, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to operate the transfer conveyor motor 58 to rotate the transfer conveyor 44 in a predetermined number of times. In addition to driving, the automatic door driver 50 is controlled to open the automatic door 38 (step S80). The number of reverse rotations of the transfer conveyor 44 is such that the product 63 placed on the transfer conveyor 44 can move and take its place. In time, the reverse rotation drive time of the transfer conveyor 44 is about 8 seconds or more.

Subsequently, the control unit 66 controls the elevator basket motor drive unit 52 to operate the elevator basket motor 54 to vertically lower the elevator basket 16 to the third floor, which is the height of the goods delivery stand 36 (step). S82). Here, step S80 and step S82 are sequentially performed separately, but the operation of vertically lowering the elevator basket 16 to the third floor while driving the transfer conveyor 44 in reverse rotation may be performed together.

When the elevator basket 16 is stopped at the height of the third floor, the control unit 66 controls the transfer conveyor motor drive unit 56 to operate the transfer conveyor motor 58 to rotate the transfer conveyor 44 in the forward direction. It drives (step S84). Since the jam has already been removed by the step S80, the goods 63 which are normally horizontally transported on the transfer conveyor 44 are sent to the goods discharge port 26 through the opened automatic door 12 (step S86). ).

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified and modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, the technical idea to which such modifications and variations are also applied to the claims Must see For example, in the fourth embodiment described above, after the initialization state, the elevator basket 16 is raised to the top floor and then lowered to the third floor, which is the height at which the goods delivery stand 36 is installed. After the initialization state, the elevator basket ( 16) may be raised to the floor directly below the uppermost floor and lowered to the home position, and then raised to the third floor, the height at which the goods delivery stand 36 is installed. Alternatively, unlike the above example, after the initialization state, the elevator basket 16 may be raised to the fourth or fifth floor and then lowered to the third floor. After the initialization state, the elevator basket 16 may be raised to the fourth or fifth floor. It may raise to the 3rd floor which is the height in which the goods delivery stand 36 was provided after raising to 1st or 2nd floor. On the other hand, a device capable of applying vibration to the conveying conveyor 44 may be added to remove the jam.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when the goods to be purchased by the customer are transported away from the elevator basket and the goods are caught in the middle due to unspecified reasons, the goods are jammed based on the signal of the sensor. By quickly grasping and automatically eliminating product jams, the product is delivered to the buyer quickly and accurately in any situation, and the product reliability of the unmanned vending machine is improved.

Claims (25)

A plurality of shelves formed in a multi-layer in the product display frame and for loading various kinds of goods in each layer, A plurality of dividers detachable with free separation distance on the plurality of shelves, Length on one side of each divider A pushing plate which is moved forward and backward along a transport slot formed in a direction, a product delivery stand installed at an inner side of the product display frame and connected to a product outlet, and a predetermined distance from the plurality of shelves in front of the product display frame. An elevator basket that moves up and down vertically while being vertically maintained and a conveyor is installed at the bottom to horizontally transfer the goods dropped from the shelves to the goods delivery side, and purchases among a plurality of goods displayed on the plurality of shelves. Obtain an operation panel that allows you to enter information about the product you want to In an unattended vending machines, A product passage detection sensor installed at a predetermined portion of the elevator basket and sensing whether the product transfer to the product delivery road is normally performed; And Determining whether or not there is a product jam based on the signal from the product passing detection sensor, and if it is determined that the product is jammed, by adjusting the current position of the elevator basket and controlling the forward and reverse operation of the transfer conveyor to remove the product jam state Apparatus for removing the jam in the unmanned vending machine, characterized in that it comprises a control unit. The method of claim 1, The product passing detection sensor is installed on the bottom of the bracket of a predetermined shape installed on one side of the elevator basket, the product jam removing apparatus, characterized in that is installed opposite to the conveying conveyor side. The method of claim 2, The product passing detection sensor is a product in an unmanned vending machine, characterized in that consisting of a non-contact sensor modularized together with a transmitting unit for providing a predetermined source and a receiving unit for receiving a reflection source transmitted and reflected from the transmitter. Jam clearer. The method of claim 1, The controller is configured to switch the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initialization state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and to drive the transfer conveyor by a predetermined number of reverse rotations in the initialization state, and then move the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed. After moving vertically, the transfer conveyor is driven to rotate a predetermined number of times, characterized in that the product jam removal device in an unmanned vending machine. The method of claim 1, The controller is configured to switch the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initialization state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and to drive the transfer conveyor by a predetermined number of reverse rotations in the initialization state, and then move the elevator basket to a position where the goods delivery stand is installed. After moving vertically, the conveyance conveyor is driven forward by a predetermined number of times, and the conveyance conveyor is driven by a predetermined number of times of reverse rotation again, and the product is jammed in an unmanned vending machine, which is further driven by a predetermined number of times of forward rotation. Removal device. The method of claim 1, The control unit, when determined as the product jam state, the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor is switched to the initial state, and then vertically moving the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery platform is installed and then driven the transfer conveyor by a predetermined number of reverse rotation Afterwards, the product jam removal device in an unmanned vending machine, characterized in that for driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times. The method of claim 1, The control unit, when determined as the product jam state, and converts the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to the initial state, and then vertically moving the elevator basket to the uppermost floor of the shelf installed in a multi-layer and drive the transfer conveyor reverse rotation a predetermined number of times And when the reverse rotation driving of the transfer conveyor is completed, vertically moving the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed, and then moving the transfer conveyor a predetermined number of times. The method of claim 1, The controller is configured to switch the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initialization state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and vertically move the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed while driving the transfer conveyor a predetermined number of times in the initialization state. After moving, the transfer conveyor is driven in a predetermined number of times the forward rotation drive, characterized in that the product jam removal device in an unmanned vending machine. The method of claim 1, The controller is configured to switch the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initialization state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and vertically move the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed while driving the transfer conveyor a predetermined number of times in the initialization state. After moving, the conveyance conveyor is driven forward by a predetermined number of times, the conveyance conveyor is rotated by a predetermined number of times, and the conveyance conveyor is rotated by a predetermined number of times. Device. The method of claim 1, The control unit switches the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initialization state when it is determined that the goods are jammed, and vertically reciprocates between floors lower than the top floor and higher than the initialized floor of the shelf in which the elevator basket is installed in multiple layers. After the transfer conveyor is driven by a predetermined number of reverse rotations, and when the reverse rotation drive of the transfer conveyor is completed, the elevator basket is vertically moved to a position where the goods delivery stand is installed, and then the transfer conveyor is rotated a predetermined number of times. Apparatus for removing product jam in an unmanned vending machine characterized in that. The method of claim 1, When the control unit determines that the product jams, the control unit switches the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initialization state, and vertically moves the elevator basket to a floor lower than a top floor of a shelf installed in multiple layers and higher than a floor of the initialization state. The transfer conveyor is driven by a predetermined number of reverse rotations, and when the reverse rotation driving of the transfer conveyor is completed, the elevator basket is vertically moved to the position of the goods delivery zone, and the transfer conveyor is driven by a predetermined number of forward rotations. Device jam removal device in the vending machine. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein The initialization state is the elevator basket is located on a lower floor than the floor formed by the plurality of shelves, the product jam removal apparatus in the automatic vending machine, characterized in that the drive of the transfer conveyor is stopped. The method of claim 1, Apparatus for removing a product jam in an unmanned vending machine, characterized in that it further comprises a display unit for displaying the product jam state under the control of the control unit. A plurality of shelves formed in a multi-layer in the product display frame and for loading various kinds of goods in each layer, A plurality of dividers detachable with free separation distance on the plurality of shelves, Length on one side of each divider A pushing plate which is moved forward and backward along a transport slot formed in a direction, a product delivery stand installed at an inner side of the product display frame and connected to a product outlet, and a predetermined distance from the plurality of shelves in front of the product display frame. An elevator basket that moves up and down vertically while being vertically maintained and a conveyor is installed at the bottom to horizontally transfer the goods dropped from the shelves to the goods delivery side, and purchases among a plurality of goods displayed on the plurality of shelves. Obtain an operation panel that allows you to enter information about the product you want to In an unattended vending machines, A first step of sensing whether the goods transfer to the goods delivery road is normally performed; And It is determined whether the product is jammed based on the sensing result signal in the first process, and if it is determined that the product is jammed, the current position of the elevator basket is adjusted and the forward and reverse driving of the transfer conveyor is controlled to remove the product jam. How to remove the jam in the unmanned vending machine, characterized in that it comprises a second process. The method of claim 14, The first step is to remove the jam in the unmanned vending machine, characterized in that the non-contact sensor is installed on the bottom of the bracket of a predetermined shape fixed to one side of the elevator basket installed opposite to the transfer conveyor side. Way. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times in the initial state; A third step of vertically moving the elevator basket to a position where the goods delivery stand is installed after completion of the second step; And a fourth step of driving the conveying conveyor forward by a predetermined number of times after completion of the third step. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of driving the conveyance conveyor by a predetermined number of times in the initialization state; A third step of vertically moving the elevator basket to a position where the goods delivery stand is installed after completion of the second step; A fourth step of driving the transfer conveyor for a predetermined number of times again after completion of the third step; A fifth step of driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the fourth step; And a sixth step of driving the conveying conveyor forwards by a predetermined number of times after the fifth step is completed. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of vertically moving the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed after the first step is completed; A third step of driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the second step; And a fourth step of driving the conveying conveyor forward by a predetermined number of times after completion of the third step. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of vertically moving the elevator basket to the uppermost floor of the shelf installed in multiple layers after completion of the first step; A third step of driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the second step; A fourth step of vertically moving the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed after completion of the third step; And a fifth step of driving the transfer conveyor for a predetermined number of times after the fourth step is completed. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of vertically moving the elevator basket to a position where the goods delivery stand is installed while driving the transfer conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the first step; And a third step of driving the conveying conveyor forwards a predetermined number of times after completion of the second step. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of vertically moving the elevator basket to a position where the goods delivery stand is installed while driving the transfer conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the first step; A third step of driving the transfer conveyor a predetermined number of times after completion of the second step; A fourth step of driving the conveying conveyor again a predetermined number of times after completion of the third step; And a fifth step of driving the conveying conveyor forward by a predetermined number of times after completion of the fourth step. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; A second step of vertically reciprocating between the floors of the elevator basket lower than the top floor of the shelf installed in multiple layers and higher than the floor of the initialized state after completion of the first step; A third step of driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the second step; A fourth step of vertically moving the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed after completion of the third step; And a fifth step of driving the transfer conveyor for a predetermined number of times after the fourth step is completed. The method of claim 14, The second process includes: a first step of switching the elevator basket and the transfer conveyor to an initial state when it is determined that the goods are jammed; After the completion of the first step, a second step of vertically moving the elevator basket to a lower floor than the uppermost floor of the shelf installed in multiple layers and higher than the initial floor; A third step of driving the conveying conveyor a predetermined number of times after the completion of the second step; A fourth step of vertically moving the elevator basket to the position where the goods delivery stand is installed after completion of the third step; And a fifth step of driving the transfer conveyor for a predetermined number of times after the fourth step is completed. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, The initialization state is the elevator basket is located on a lower floor than the floor formed by the plurality of shelves, the drive jam removal method in the automatic vending machine, characterized in that the drive of the transfer conveyor is stopped. The method of claim 14, The product jam removing method of an unmanned vending machine, characterized in that it further comprises the step of displaying the product jam state.

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