WO2017047457A1

WO2017047457A1 - Selection switch and selection unit for automatic vending machines

Info

Publication number: WO2017047457A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/076221
Authority: WO
Inventors: 泰敏小畑; 清大森; 秀一藤條; 悠今井; 義幸福士; 良平高山; 貴志枝光
Original assignee: ミネベア株式会社
Priority date: 2015-09-14
Filing date: 2016-09-07
Publication date: 2017-03-23
Also published as: CN108027998A; CN108027998B; JP6614884B2; JP2017058778A

Abstract

This selection switch (SW1, SW2) is provided with: a first substrate (111, 211); a capacitive sensor having a sensor electrode (SE); first light sources (IL1, IL2, IL3, IL4) and light guide parts (LG1, LG2, LG3, LG4) that diffuse the light from the first light sources. The sensor electrode and the first light sources are provided on the first substrate.

Description

Selection switch and selection unit for vending machines

The present invention relates to a selection switch and a selection unit for a vending machine, and more particularly to a selection switch including a proximity sensor and a selection unit for a vending machine.

Many vending machines currently in use include an exhibition section for displaying product samples, a transparent cover for covering the exhibition section, and a product selection push button provided through the transparent cover. After the user inserts the price, the user touches the push button corresponding to the desired product sample with his / her finger to select the product.

Patent Document 1 discloses a product selection device that uses a capacitance sensor instead of a push button, and Patent Document 2 discloses a switch unit including a capacitive proximity switch and an LED. The LED provided in the switch unit of Patent Document 2 includes an information display LED that irradiates a plate on which characters such as “sold out” and “in preparation” are printed, and an illumination LED that irradiates a product sample. .

JP 2008-108190 A JP2013-137602A

The product selection device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot display information such as “sold out” and “on sale” with high visibility because it does not have a light source. Moreover, since the switch unit of Patent Document 2 has LEDs for displaying information, there is a problem that the switch unit becomes thick.

Also, since the electrostatic switch reacts in a non-contact manner, there is a problem that it is not clear to the user whether or not the switch has been activated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a compact selection switch and product selection unit that can display information necessary for a user in a highly visible state and solve the above problems. To do.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a selection switch that allows a user to easily perceive that the switch has been activated.

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A first substrate;
A capacitance sensor having a sensor electrode;
A first light source;
A light guide part for diffusing light from the first light source;
A selection switch is provided in which the sensor electrode and the first light source are provided on a first substrate.

The selection switch according to the first aspect may further include a light-transmitting display plate that displays information about a target to be selected, and the display plate is on the opposite side of the first substrate with the light guide portion interposed therebetween. It may be provided.

In the selection switch of the first aspect, the light guide portion may be a plate material made of a semi-transmissive material.

In the selection switch of the first aspect, the light guide unit may be a light guide plate having an incident surface on which light is incident and an output surface that emits light incident from the incident surface, and the first light source is the light guide. You may arrange | position facing the said entrance plane of an optical plate.

In the selection switch of the first aspect, the first light source may be arranged to face the side surface of the plate member.

In the selection switch according to the first aspect, the light guide unit includes a plate formed of a semi-transmissive material, and has a light incident surface on which light is incident and a light emitting surface that emits light incident from the incident surface. A light plate may be included.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
A selection switch of the first aspect;
A selection unit comprising a sample illumination unit provided on the opposite side of the surface of the first substrate on which the first light source is provided,
The sample illumination unit is provided with a selection unit having a second substrate on which a second light source for illuminating a product sample provided in a vending machine and a sensor circuit of the capacitance sensor are provided.

In the selection unit of the second aspect, the second light source may be provided on both surfaces of the second substrate.

In the selection unit according to the second aspect, the sample illuminating unit may further include a light distribution member that adjusts the light distribution of the light emitted from the second light source toward the product sample.

In the selection unit according to the second aspect, the sample illuminating unit includes an incident surface on which light from a second light source is incident and an emission surface that emits light incident from the incident surface and illuminates the product sample. May be further provided.

In the selection unit according to the second aspect, the product sample may be supported by an end portion of the light guide plate of the sample illumination unit that is opposite to the end portion having the incident surface.

In the selection unit according to the second aspect, the sample illumination unit emits part of the light incident from the first side surface while facing the first side surface and the first side surface on which the light from the second light source is incident. A first light guide plate having a second side surface and a first front surface that emits the other part of the light incident from the first side surface; an incident surface on which light from the second side surface of the first light guide plate is incident; and the incident surface A second light guide plate having a second front surface that emits light incident on the light source, and a deflection surface that extends with an inclination to the incident surface and deflects light incident from the incident surface toward the second front surface May further be included.

In the selection unit according to the second aspect, an opening may be formed in the first substrate, and the sample illuminating unit has an incident surface on which light from the second light source is incident and light incident from the incident surface. A light guide plate having an exit surface for illuminating the product sample and emitting light from the first substrate so that light from a facing surface facing the entrance surface of the light guide plate passes through the opening. May be provided on the opposite side of the light guide plate from the second light source.

According to a third aspect of the invention,
Vending machine selection unit,
A plurality of switches each having a capacitance sensor having a sensor electrode and a sensor circuit;
A long first substrate extending in a first direction, wherein the first substrate is provided with sensor electrodes of the plurality of capacitance sensors along the first direction;
A long second substrate extending in a first direction, wherein a second substrate on which sensor circuits of the plurality of capacitance sensors are installed,
The first substrate is attached with a light-transmitting display plate that displays information about products sold in the vending machine,
A selection unit is provided in which the second substrate is provided perpendicular to the first substrate.

In the selection unit of the third aspect, a plurality of light sources may be formed on both surfaces of the second substrate along the first direction.

The selection unit of the third aspect may further include a light distribution member provided on an optical path of light emitted from the plurality of light sources.

In the selection unit of the third aspect, the surface of the second substrate may be white or a mirror surface.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention,
A switch display;
A capacitance sensor provided inside the switch display unit so that an electric field is also formed outside the switch display unit;
A light source that is provided inside the switch display unit and illuminates the switch display unit;
There is provided a selection switch including a controller that turns on the light source in accordance with a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor.

The selection switch and the product selection unit of the present invention can display information with high visibility to the user and are compact.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine including a product selection switch, a product selection device, and a product selection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the product selection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the product selection switch included in the product selection unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the product sample and the product selection system of the first embodiment in the display unit of the vending machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product selection unit. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a product selection system of a modified example and a product sample in the display section of the vending machine. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the sample illumination unit according to the modification. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the product selection system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a product selection switch included in the product selection unit of the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the light guide plate. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the light guide plate. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the commodity sample lighting device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a product sample lighting device according to a modification. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a product selection system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the commodity sample lighting device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a product selection system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the commodity sample lighting device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the product selection system of the eighth embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the vending machine VM in which the product selection unit (selection unit) 10 of the present embodiment is used will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine VM mainly has a rectangular parallelepiped casing B, a coin insertion slot CI, an exhibition section D, a product outlet IO, and a change return slot CR provided on the front surface of the casing B. .

The exhibition section D has upper, middle, and lower three shelves, and a plurality of product samples S are installed on each stage. Two product selection units 10 are arranged side by side on the lower side of each stage.

Next, the product selection unit 10 of this embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, one product selection unit 10 of this embodiment includes a product selection unit 11 in which a plurality of product selection switches (selection switches) SW1 are formed, and a sample in which a plurality of sample illumination light sources SL are formed. It mainly has the illumination part 12. In the following description, in the product selection unit 10, the side where the product selection unit 11 is located (the side facing the user) is called the front side (of the product selection unit 10), and the side where the sample illumination unit 12 is located ( It is called the rear side of the product selection unit 10).

The product selection unit 11 is a long member in which six product selection switches SW1 are connected in a horizontal row, and is a long circuit board corresponding to the length of six product selection switches SW1 (first board). 1 substrate) 111, a frame 112 having substantially the same dimensions as the substrate 111, and six rectangular display plates (display plates) 113. The frame 112 is superimposed on the front surface of the substrate 111. Both the substrate 111 and the frame 112 are white. The six display plates 113 are attached to the front surface of the frame 112 (the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the substrate 111) side by side in the longitudinal direction of the frame 112.

As shown in FIG. 3, in a region A1 corresponding to one product selection switch SW1 on one surface (front surface) of the substrate 111, a segment display SEG, information display light sources (first light sources) IL1 to IL4, and an operation display A light source FL and a sensor electrode SE are arranged. On one surface of the substrate 111, a plurality of, for example, six regions A1 having the above structure are arranged in the longitudinal direction.

A rectangular segment display SEG is disposed in the approximate center of the area A1. The longitudinal direction of the segment indicator SEG is equal to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 111. The segment display unit SEG displays an arbitrary number (commodity price) in seven segments in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit MC described later.

A pair of information display light sources IL1 and IL2 are arranged on both sides of the segment display SEG in the longitudinal direction with the vicinity of the upper end of the segment display SEG interposed therebetween. The information display light sources IL1 and IL2 are both white LEDs, and are side-emitting LEDs that are installed so that their optical axes extend parallel to the surface of the substrate 111 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 111. That is, the information display light sources IL1 and IL2 are mounted on the substrate 111 so as to emit light toward the segment display SEG.

A pair of information display light sources IL3 and IL4 are arranged on both sides of the segment display SEG in the longitudinal direction with the vicinity of the lower end of the segment display SEG interposed therebetween. The information display light source IL3 is a red LED, and is a top-emitting LED disposed so that its optical axis is orthogonal to the surface of the substrate 111. The information display light source IL4 is a blue LED, and is a top-emitting LED disposed on the substrate 111 such that its optical axis is orthogonal to the surface of the substrate 111. That is, the information display light sources IL3 and IL4 are mounted on the substrate 111 so as to irradiate light from the substrate 111 toward the frame 112 described later (from the rear to the front).

The information display light sources IL1 to IL4 are respectively connected to an information display light source drive unit LD1 described later (FIG. 5), and are turned on and off according to instructions from the information display light source drive unit LD1.

A sensor electrode SE is formed as a circuit pattern below the segment display SEG. The sensor electrode SE is connected to a sensor circuit SC described later, and constitutes an electrostatic sensor (capacitance sensor) together with the sensor circuit SC.

Between the segment display SEG and the sensor electrode SE on the substrate 111, an operation display light source FL is disposed. The light source FL for operation display is a white LED as an example, and is a top-emitting LED arranged so that the optical axis is orthogonal to the surface of the substrate 111. That is, the light source FL for operation display is mounted on the substrate 111 so as to irradiate light from the substrate 111 toward the frame 112 described later (from rear to front).

The operation display light source FL is connected to the main control unit MC (FIG. 5), and is turned on and off according to the instruction of the main control unit MC.

As shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular opening RA1, a circular hole CA, and four light guides LG1 to LG4 are provided in a region A2 of the frame 112 corresponding to one product selection switch SW1. In the frame 112, six regions A2 having the above structure are juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction.

The rectangular opening RA1 is formed at a substantially central portion of the region A2 so that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the longitudinal direction of the frame 112, and penetrates the frame 112 in the front-rear direction (thickness direction). When the frame 112 is overlaid on the substrate 111, the segment indicator SEG on the substrate 111 is accommodated in the rectangular opening RA1.

A pair of light guides LG1 and LG2 are embedded on both sides of the frame 112 in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular opening RA1 with the vicinity of the upper end of the rectangular opening RA1 interposed therebetween. Each of the light guides LG <b> 1 and LG <b> 2 is a rectangular plate whose longitudinal direction matches the longitudinal direction of the frame 112, and the thickness is substantially equal to the thickness of the frame 112. Each of the light guides LG1 and LG2 is made of semi-transparent acrylic, and has a milky white color because an additive is mixed to adjust the light diffusivity and transmittance. Note that in this specification, a material that partially transmits light is referred to as a semi-transmissive material.

When the frame 112 is superimposed on the substrate 111, the information display light source IL1 of the substrate 111 is a recess provided along the short side of the short side of the light guide LG1 that is opposite to the rectangular opening RA1. It is accommodated (not shown) and arranged to face this short side. Similarly, the information display light source IL2 of the substrate 111 is accommodated in a recess (not shown) provided along the short side of the light guide part LG2 on the side opposite to the rectangular opening RA1. It is arranged to face the short side.

A pair of light guides LG3 and LG4 are embedded on both sides of the frame 112 in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular opening RA1 with the vicinity of the lower end of the rectangular opening RA1 interposed therebetween. The light guides LG3 and LG4 are each a rectangular plate whose longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the frame 112, and the thickness is substantially equal to the thickness of the frame 112. Each of the light guides LG3 and LG4 is made of semi-transparent acrylic and has a milky white color because an additive is mixed to adjust the light diffusivity and transmittance.

When the frame 112 is overlaid on the substrate 111, the light guides LG3 and LG4 are disposed so as to cover the information display light sources IL3 and IL4 of the substrate 111, respectively.

A circular hole CA that penetrates the frame 112 in the front-rear direction (thickness direction) is formed below the central portion of the frame 112 in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular opening RA1. When the frame 112 is overlaid on the substrate 111, the operation display light source FL on the substrate 111 is accommodated in the circular hole CA.

The display plate 113 is a rectangular light-transmitting thin plate, and includes a substantially central rectangular transmission part TP and a printing part PR surrounding the transmission part TP. In the printing part PR, information related to products sold by the vending machine VM, for example, “sold out” and “sold” to indicate the stock status of the product, “HOT” and “ The characters “COLD”, “TOUCH” for indicating the position of the electrostatic sensor to the user, and the like are printed.

The display plate 113 is attached to the front surface of the frame 112 with an adhesive tape or the like so as to cover substantially the entire area A2. At this time, the transmission part TP of the display plate 113 is disposed so as to cover the segment display part SEG disposed in the rectangular opening RA1 of the frame 112. The characters “sold out”, “sold”, “HOT”, and “COLD” printed on the printing part PR of the display plate 113 cover the light guides LG1, LG2, LG3, LG4 of the frame 112, respectively. The letters “TOUCH” are arranged so as to overlap the sensor electrode SE of the substrate 111 in the front-rear direction. Explicitly or implicitly indicate that the sensor electrode SE is present in the portion located in front of the sensor electrode SE of the capacitance sensor, such as a portion where the character “TOUCH” is arranged on the display plate 113. This portion is referred to as a “switch display portion” in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sample illumination unit 12 includes a substrate 121, a main control unit MC installed on the substrate 121, an information display light source drive unit LD1, a sample illumination light source drive unit LD2, a sensor circuit SC, and a plurality of sensor circuits SC. The sample illumination light source SL is mainly included.

The substrate 121 is a long circuit board, and the surface thereof is white. The substrate 121 is arranged perpendicular to the substrate 111 in a state where the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the longitudinal direction of the substrate 111 of the product selection unit 11. The board | substrate 111 and the board | substrate 121 are mutually connected by the lead wire not shown.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the sample illumination light source SL is a top-emitting LED, and is arranged on both sides of the substrate 121 in a row along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 121. More specifically, six sample illumination light sources SL are juxtaposed on the same line in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 121, slightly behind the central portion of the upper surface of the substrate 121 in the front-rear direction, and on the lower surface of the substrate 121. Six are arranged on the same line in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 121 slightly forward from the central portion in the front-rear direction. That is, the sample illumination light source SL disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 121 is disposed on the rear side of the sample illumination light source SL disposed on the lower surface of the substrate 121.

The interval in the longitudinal direction between the sample illumination light sources SL arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate 121 is set to be equal to the interval between the product samples S arranged in the display section D of the vending machine VM. That is, when the product selection unit 10 is arranged below the row of product samples S in one stage (for example, the first stage from the top in FIG. 1), each of the sample illumination light sources SL formed on the upper surface of the substrate 121 is Each of the sample illumination light sources SL arranged immediately below each of the product samples S at that stage and formed on the lower surface of the substrate 121 is one stage below that stage (for example, the second stage from the top in FIG. 1). It is set so that it may be arranged right above each of the product samples S.

A main controller MC, an information display light source driver LD1, a sample illumination light source driver LD2, and a sensor circuit SC are installed on the substrate 121 at a position different from the position where the sample illumination light source SL is disposed. Yes.

As shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit MC includes a vending machine main body side control unit 900 included in the vending machine VM, a sensor circuit SC on the substrate 121, an information display light source driving unit LD1, and a sample illumination light source driving unit LD2. Mainly connected. The sensor circuit SC is connected to a plurality of sensor electrodes SE formed on the substrate 111 of the product selection unit 11 to form a plurality of electrostatic sensors. The information display light source driver LD1 is connected to a plurality of information display light sources IL1, IL2, IL3, and IL4 provided on the substrate 111, respectively. The sample illumination light source drive unit LD2 is connected to each of a plurality of sample illumination light sources SL provided on the substrate 121.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the product selection unit 10 is disposed between a row of product samples S arranged in a certain stage and a row of product samples S arranged in a lower stage. is there. As shown in FIG. 4, the product selection unit 11 of the product selection unit 10 is arranged behind the inner surface of the transparent cover D <b> 1 of the exhibition unit D with a gap between the inner surface and the sample selection unit 10. The part 12 is disposed between the upper product sample S and the lower product sample S so that both surfaces (upper surface and lower surface) thereof are horizontal. The product selection unit 11 may be arranged in contact with the inner surface of the cover D1 of the exhibition unit D.

A light distribution member 122 is disposed between the sample illumination light source SL formed on the upper surface of the substrate 121 of the sample illumination unit 12 and the product sample S disposed above the substrate 121. The light distribution member 122 is attached to the rear surface D2 of the display unit D of the vending machine VM via a holder (not shown). The light distribution member 122 is also a part of the sample illumination unit 12.

The light distribution member 122 is an optical element that has a function of distributing light emitted upward from the light source SL for sample illumination to distribute the emitted light upward (distributing light toward the product sample S). In the present embodiment, the optical member has a shape corresponding to a part of the Fresnel lens.

Similarly, the light distribution member 123 is also disposed between the sample illumination light source SL formed on the lower surface of the substrate 121 of the sample illumination unit 12 and the product sample S disposed below the substrate 121. The light distribution member 123 is attached to the rear surface D2 of the display unit D of the vending machine VM via a holder (not shown). The light distribution member 123 is also a part of the sample illumination unit 12.

The light distribution member 123 is an optical element having a function of distributing light emitted downward from the light source SL for sample illumination to distribute the emitted light downward (distributing light toward the product sample S). In the present embodiment, the optical member has a shape corresponding to a part of the Fresnel lens.

Next, the operation of the product selection unit of this embodiment will be described.

In a state where no coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot CI of the vending machine VM, the commodity selection unit 10 is in a standby state under the control of the main controller MC. In the standby state, the segment display SEG displays the price of the product for 7 segments.

In the standby state, one of the information display light sources IL1 and IL2 of the product selection unit 11 is turned on and the other is turned off. For example, when the information display light source IL1 is lit, the light of the information display light source IL1 enters the light guide LG1 embedded in the frame 112 from the side surface (incident surface) and is diffused by the light guide LG1. Then, the light is emitted from the front surface (emission surface) of the light guide LG1, and the character “sold out” of the printing part PR of the display plate 3 is irradiated from the rear. When the information display light source IL2 is lit, the light from the information display light source IL2 enters the light guide LG2 embedded in the frame 112 from the side surface (incident surface) and is diffused by the light guide LG2. The light is emitted from the front surface (light exit surface) of the light guide part LG2, and the characters “on sale” of the print part PR of the display plate 3 are irradiated from behind.

One of the information display light sources IL3 and IL4 of the product selection unit 100 is turned on and the other is turned off. For example, when the information display light source IL3 is turned on, the red light emitted from the information display light source IL3 enters the light guide LG3 embedded in the frame 112 from the rear surface and is diffused by the light guide LG3. Then, the light is emitted from the front surface of the light guide part LG3, and the characters “HOT” of the printing part PR of the display plate 3 are illuminated from behind. When the information display light source IL4 is turned on, the blue light emitted from the information display light source IL4 enters the light guide LG4 embedded in the frame 112 from the rear surface and is diffused by the light guide LG4. The light is emitted from the front surface of the light guide LG4, and the letters “COLD” of the printing part PR of the display plate 3 are illuminated from behind.

Further, in the standby state, the plurality of sample illumination light sources SL of the sample illumination unit 12 illuminate the product samples S arranged directly above or directly below.

The light emitted from the sample illumination light source SL arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 121 is distributed by the light distribution member 122 as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Is done. Similarly, the light emitted from the sample illumination light source SL arranged on the lower surface of the substrate 121 is distributed by the light distribution member 123 and directed toward the product sample S below as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Irradiated efficiently.

When the user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot CI of the vending machine VM, the main control unit MC that detects this through the vending machine main body side control unit 900 (FIG. 5) detects the substrate 111 via the sensor circuit SC. A current is passed through the sensor electrode SE. Accordingly, an electric field is formed between the sensor electrodes SE of the substrate 111 through the frame 2, the display plate 3, and the cover D <b> 1 of the exhibition part D.

Next, the user selects a desired product, that is, selects one of the plurality of product selection switches SW1 of the product selection unit 11, and displays “TOUCH” printed on the display plate 3 of the product selection switch SW1. Keep your hand close to the letter. At this time, a change occurs in the electric field formed between the electrodes of the sensor electrode SE included in the selected product selection switch SW1. The sensor circuit SC detects this change as a change in capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE and transmits it to the main control unit MC. In other words, it can be said that a change occurs in the electric lines of force between the sensor electrodes SE, and this change is detected by the sensor circuit SC.

The main control unit MC that has detected that the capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE has changed causes the light source FL for operation display of the product selection switch SW1 including the sensor electrode SE having changed capacitance to be lit for a moment. Accordingly, the user can recognize through vision that the product selection switch SW1 selected by the user has surely been activated. More specifically, the sensor circuit SC or the main control unit MC determines that the switch SW1 is selected for the first time when the amount of change in capacitance exceeds a predetermined value (threshold). It is also possible to incorporate a plurality of threshold values into the sensor circuit SC or the main control unit MC, and select the threshold values appropriately according to the structure and operability of the product to set the desired threshold values.

The main control unit MC also conveys the product corresponding to the selected product selection switch SW1 to the product outlet IO via the vending machine main body side control unit 900.

Here, the characteristics of the light guides LG1 to LG4 included in the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment will be summarized. The light guides LG1 to LG4 are all examples of surface light sources, but each has the following characteristics.

The light guides LG1 and LG2 are translucent plate-like members, and diffuse light from the information display light sources IL1 and IL2 disposed facing the side surfaces thereof and emit the light forward from the front surface. The light guides LG3 and LG4 are semi-transmissive plate-like members, and diffuse light from the information display light sources IL3 and IL4 arranged to face the rear surface and emit the light forward from the front surface.

In the aspect in which the light source is arranged on the side surface like the light guide parts LG1 and LG2, the thickness of the product selection unit 10 can be reduced because the light source and the light guide part are arranged on the same plane. In other words, the arrangement of the light guides LG1 and LG2 is advantageous when the space for arranging the light source and the light guide in the thickness direction cannot be secured in the design of the product selection unit 10. In addition, the case where the light guide part is arranged like the light guide parts LG1 and LG2 and the case where the light guide part is arranged like the light guide parts LG3 and LG4 in the product selection unit 10 having the same thickness is compared. Then, when arranging a light guide part like light guide parts LG1 and LG2, in order to arrange a light source to the side of a light guide part, when arranging a light guide part like light guide parts LG3 and LG4 As a result, the thickness of the light guide portion can be increased. Thereby, light can be diffused favorably by the thick light guide, and surface light can be emitted more uniformly than the front surface.

On the other hand, according to the arrangement of the light guides LG3 and LG4, the light incident on the rear surface of the light guides LG3 and LG4 is emitted from the front without changing the traveling direction, so the light from the light source is used efficiently. can do.

Note that the light guides LG1 to LG4 may be members that are roughened only on the surface of a transmissive plate-like member, such as rubbed glass.

The effects of the product selection switch SW1, the product selection unit 11, and the product selection unit 10 of this embodiment are summarized below.

The product selection switch SW1 of the present embodiment diffuses the light from the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 arranged on the substrate 111 uniformly using the light guides LG1 to LG4 provided on the frame 112. The printing part PR of the display plate 3 is irradiated. Therefore, the printing part PR of the display plate 3 can be satisfactorily irradiated and information can be displayed with high visibility for the user. Further, since the light guides LG1 to LG4 are used, the light from the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 can be uniformly diffused at a short distance, and the product selection switch SW1 as a whole is compact.

The product selection switch SW1 of the present embodiment has an operation display light source FL. When the capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE changes based on the user's selection, the operation display light source FL is lit for a moment. . Accordingly, the user can visually recognize that the product selection switch SW1 selected by the user has been activated, without depending on the sense of touch.

The product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment includes a product selection unit 11 and a sample illumination unit 12, and an information display light source drive unit for driving the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 provided in the product selection unit 11. LD1, a sample illumination light source drive unit LD2 for driving a sample illumination light source SL provided in the sample illumination unit 12, a sensor circuit SC for controlling the sensor electrode SE provided in the product selection unit 11, and an information display A light source drive unit LD1, a sample illumination light source drive unit LD2, and a main control unit MC for controlling the sensor circuit SC are installed in the sample illumination unit 12. Therefore, the size of the product selection unit 11 can be reduced. In particular, since the size of the substrate 111 of the product selection unit 11 in the vertical direction (the width direction orthogonal to the long direction) can be reduced, the height of the exhibition unit D, and thus the height of the vending machine VM can be reduced. It can be made compact.

The sample illumination unit 12 of the product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment is arranged perpendicular to the product selection unit 11 and is defined between rows of product samples S arranged in a plurality of stages in the exhibition unit D. Contained in space. Therefore, according to the product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment, the vending machine VM can be reduced in size by efficiently using the unused space (dead space) in the exhibition section D. Moreover, since the sample illumination part 12 is arrange | positioned in a dead space, a dimension can be enlarged. Therefore, the surface area of the sample illumination unit 12 can be increased, and the heat from the sample illumination light source SL can be radiated well.

The sample illumination unit 12 of the product selection unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of sample illumination light sources SL provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 121. It is arranged directly below or directly above the product sample S arranged in the exhibition part D. Therefore, according to the product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment, the product sample S can be favorably illuminated.

In the product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment, the product selection unit 11 and the sample illumination unit 12 are connected via wiring, and are separable and modularized. Therefore, by changing only the design of the product selection unit 11 and making the sample illumination unit 12 a common design, the product selection unit 10 having various designs can be provided efficiently. Since the arrangement interval in the row direction (horizontal direction) of the product sample S arranged in the display unit D of the vending machine VM is substantially constant in many vending machines, the sample illumination unit 12 is provided for many vending machines. Can be used in common.

The product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment absorbs light emitted from the sample illumination light source SL because both the substrate 111 of the product selection unit 11 and the substrate 121 of the sample illumination unit 12 are white. The product sample S can be efficiently illuminated.

In the product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment, the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 are controlled by the information display light source drive unit LD1, and the sample illumination light source SL is controlled by the sample illumination light source drive unit LD2. The sample illumination light source SL is brighter (higher power consumption) than the information display light sources IL1 to IL4, and is continuous for a long time unlike the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 that are frequently turned on and off. It is often lit up. In this way, control is simplified by individually controlling the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 and the sample illumination light source SL, which have different power consumption and usage modes, using a drive unit suitable for each control. The power consumption of the entire product selection unit 10 can be suppressed.

<Modification 1-1>
In the product selection unit 10 of the present embodiment, the plate-like sample illumination unit 12 is arranged vertically (orthogonally) with respect to the plate-like product selection unit 11, but may be arranged so that they are parallel to each other. . At this time, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sample illumination light source SL is provided on the surface of the substrate 121 of the sample illumination unit 12 facing the side opposite to the product selection unit 11. Specifically, three sample illumination light sources SL1, SL2, and SL3 are provided at positions corresponding to one product selection switch SW1 so that their optical axes are perpendicular to the substrate 121.

As shown in FIG. 6, the light from the three sample illumination light sources SL1, SL2, and SL3 is transmitted upward, downward, and rearward by the deflecting prism 124 disposed behind the sample illumination light sources SL1, SL2, and SL3. It is done. Specifically, the light from the sample illumination light source SL1 is refracted upward by the surface S1 of the deflecting prism 124 and illuminates the product sample S disposed above. The light from the sample illumination light source SL2 passes straight through the deflecting prism 124 and illuminates the rear surface D2 of the exhibit D. The light from the sample illumination light source SL3 is refracted downward by the surface S3 of the deflecting prism 124 and illuminates the product sample S disposed below.

Second Embodiment
Next, the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment is the first except that the structure of the product selection switch SW2 of the product selection unit 21 is different from the structure of the product selection switch SW1 of the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment. It is the same as the product selection unit 10 of the embodiment. That is, the sample illumination unit 22 of the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment has the same structure as the sample illumination unit 12 of the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment.

The product selection unit 21 is a long plate in which six product selection switches SW2 are connected in a row, a substrate 211 that is a long circuit board, a frame 212 having substantially the same shape as the substrate 211, and six sheets And a rectangular display plate 213. The frame 212 is superimposed on the front surface of the substrate 211. Both the substrate 211 and the frame 212 are white. Each of the six

display plates

213 and 214 is attached to the upper region and the lower region of the front surface of the frame 212 (the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the substrate 211) along the longitudinal direction of the frame 212. (See FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 9, a segment display SEG and information display light sources IL5 and IL6 are arranged in an area A3 corresponding to one product selection switch SW2 on one surface (front surface) of the substrate 211. On one surface of the substrate 211, six regions A3 having the above structure are arranged in the longitudinal direction.

A rectangular segment indicator SEG is disposed in the approximate center of the area A3. The longitudinal direction of the segment indicator SEG is equal to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 211.

A pair of information display light sources IL5 and IL6 are arranged above and below one side of the segment display SEG in the longitudinal direction. Each of the information display light sources IL5 and IL6 is a white LED, and is a side-emitting LED disposed on the substrate 211 so that its optical axis extends parallel to the surface of the substrate 211 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 211. Light from the information display light sources IL5 and IL6 is irradiated toward the side where the segment display SEG is located.

A sensor electrode SE is formed as a circuit pattern below the segment display SEG. The sensor electrode SE is connected to the sensor circuit SC and constitutes an electrostatic sensor together with the sensor circuit SC.

A light guide plate LGP is disposed above and below the segment indicator SEG on the substrate 211, respectively. The light guide plate LGP is a member that uniformly emits light incident from the incident surface from the exit surface, and includes a plate portion 801 formed of a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate resin, as shown in FIG. 10A. The light guide plate LGP is an example of a surface light source of the present invention.

The side surface of the plate portion 801 is a rectangular incident surface IS through which light enters the plate portion 801. One of the surfaces connected to the long side of the incident surface IS is a reflective surface (opposite surface) RS that reflects light incident from the incident surface IS and guided in the plate portion 801, and the other (opposite the reflective surface RS). Is a light exit surface ES from which light guided through the plate portion 801 is emitted.

A plurality of convex portions c are formed on the reflection surface RS of the plate portion 801. Each of the protrusions c is a substantially hemispherical protrusion that protrudes outward from the reflection surface RS, and is disposed over the entire area of the reflection surface RS. The density of the convex portions c formed on the reflecting surface RS is small in the vicinity of the incident surface IS and increases as the distance from the incident surface IS increases. Thereby, the light incident from the incident surface IS is uniformly emitted from the emission surface.

The light guide plate LGP is arranged in a region of the substrate 211 located above the segment indicator SEG so that the reflection surface RS faces the substrate 211. At this time, the information display light source IL5 is disposed at a position facing the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP. Similarly, the light guide plate LGP is arranged in a region located below the segment indicator SEG of the substrate 211 so that the reflection surface RS faces the sensor electrode SE formed on the substrate 211. At this time, the information display light source IL6 is disposed at a position facing the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP.

As shown in FIG. 9, three rectangular openings RA2, RA3, and RA4 are formed in a region A4 of the frame 212 corresponding to one product selection switch SW2. In the frame 212, six regions A4 having the above structure are arranged in the longitudinal direction.

The rectangular opening RA2 is formed at a substantially central portion of the region A4 so that the longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the frame 212, and penetrates the frame 212 in the front-rear direction (thickness direction). When the frame 212 is superimposed on the substrate 211, the segment indicator SEG on the substrate 211 is accommodated in the rectangular opening RA2.

In the region A4, above and below the rectangular opening RA2, rectangular openings RA3 and RA4 are formed such that the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the longitudinal direction of the frame 212, and the frame 212 extends in the front-rear direction (thickness direction). Has penetrated. When the frame 212 is overlaid on the substrate 211, the light guide plates LGP are respectively arranged behind the openings of the rectangular openings RA3 and RA4.

Display plates

213 and 214 are attached to the front surface of the frame 212 with an adhesive tape or the like. Arbitrary characters can be printed on the

display plates

213 and 214.

In the product selection switch SW2 of the second embodiment, light emitted from the information display light sources IL5 and IL6 is incident on the plate portion 801 via the incident surface IS of the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP. The light incident on the plate portion 801 is reflected by the convex portion c formed on the reflection surface RS of the plate portion 801 and the substrate 211 and is emitted from the emission surface ES. The light emitted from the emission surface ES illuminates the

display plates

213 and 214 via the rectangular openings RA3 and RA4 of the frame 212.

In the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment, the product selection switch SW2 illuminates the

display plates

213 and 214 via the light guide plate LGP, so that information can be displayed in a state that is easier to see for the user. Further, since the information display light sources IL5 and IL6 and the light guide plate LGP are arranged in the same plane, the entire product selection switch SW2 is compact.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, the product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The product sample illumination device 30 of the third embodiment includes a light guide plate LGP, a light source 32 that irradiates light to the light guide plate LGP, and a mounting plate 33 that holds the product sample S.

The light guide plate LGP is a light guide for irradiating light from the light source 32 toward the product sample S, and is a rectangular thin plate. The length of the long side of the light guide plate LGP is slightly longer than the height of the product sample S, and the length of the short side is substantially the same as the width of the product sample S.

The light guide plate LGP is attached to and supported by a mounting plate 33 which will be described later, and is disposed behind the product sample S so as to overlap the product sample S in the front-rear direction.

The light guide plate LGP has the same internal structure as the light guide plate LGP (FIG. 10A) of the second embodiment. The light guide plate LGP is installed such that the incident surface IS faces downward and the exit surface ES faces forward.

The rear surface D2 of the display unit D of the vending machine VM is provided with a plate-like protrusion 31 protruding forward, and the light source 32 is provided on the upper surface of the plate-like protrusion 31. The light source 32 is attached to the upper surface of the plate-like protrusion 31 so that its optical axis is orthogonal to the upper surface of the plate-like protrusion 31 and faces the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP.

The mounting plate 33 is held on the rear surface D2 of the exhibition part D via a frame (not shown) so that the upper surface and the lower surface are horizontal. An opening is formed at the center of the mounting plate 33 so that light from below can pass through and illuminate the product sample S.

The light from the light source 32 enters the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP, is reflected by the convex portion c and the rear surface D2 of the exhibition portion D while propagating through the plate portion 801, and is emitted from the emission surface ES. Since the light guide plate LGP is provided so as to cover the product sample S, the product sample S can be illuminated uniformly.

The product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment can be used with any product selection switch. For example, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 11, it can be used in combination with the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment or the product selection switch SW2 of the second embodiment. Alternatively, as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 11, a product including the product sample illumination device 30 and the electrostatic switch CS by arranging an electrostatic switch (capacitance switch) CS behind the product sample S and the light guide plate LGP. A selection unit may be formed. According to this form, the user can operate the electrostatic switch CS by bringing his hand close to the product sample S to purchase the product. In addition, the product sample illumination device 30 of the third embodiment can be used in combination with a conventional push button type product selection switch.

According to the product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment, since the product sample S can be illuminated from behind by the light guide plate LGP, the lighting fixture such as a fluorescent tube conventionally provided in the exhibition part D can be omitted. it can. Therefore, according to the product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment, the display section D of the vending machine VM can be thinned, and the casing B of the vending machine VM can be thinned.

In the product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment, the light guide plate LGP corresponding to each product sample is arranged behind the product sample S on a one-to-one basis, and corresponds to the light guide plate LGP on a one-to-one basis. A light source 32 is provided. Therefore, according to the product sample illumination device 30 of the third embodiment, each product sample S can be independently illuminated freely by changing the intensity (luminance) and color of the light source 32 individually. . Specifically, for example, it is possible to illuminate the product sample S of a product whose sales are to be strengthened compared to other products with a color that is brighter than the surroundings or different from the surroundings. Further, for example, it is possible to stop the illumination for the product sample S of the sold product.

<Modification 3-1>
In the product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, as a display device 34 that holds the product sample S using the upper end of the light guide plate LGP and includes the product sample lighting device 30 and the product sample S. Also good.

Although the method of holding the product sample S using the upper end of the light guide plate LGP is arbitrary, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the folded portion SA is formed on the upper end portion of the product sample S, and the folded portion SA is used as the light guide plate LGP. It can be hooked on the upper end. Alternatively, the product sample S can be held by providing an adhesive portion such as an adhesive tape on the upper end portion of the light guide plate LGP and adhering the upper end portion of the product sample S to the adhesive portion.

According to the display device 34 of the modified example, since the product sample S is held by the light guide plate LGP, the product sample S can be prevented from falling.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, the product selection unit 40 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The product selection unit 40 according to the present embodiment includes a product selection unit 41 and a sample illumination unit 42. The characteristic parts of the present embodiment that are different from the first and second embodiments are that the sample illumination unit 42 irradiates the product sample S from behind instead of the sample illumination light source SL, and the light guide plate LGP. And a light source 422 for emitting light. That is, the product selection unit 40 of the fourth embodiment is a combination of the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment or the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment and the product sample lighting device 30 of the third embodiment.

The light guide plate LGP is the same as that used in the third embodiment. Six light guide plates LGP are juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of the sample illumination unit 42 at substantially equal intervals, and each is positioned behind the product sample S.

The light guide plate LGP has the same internal structure as the light guide plate LGP (FIG. 10A) of the second embodiment. Similarly to the third embodiment, the light guide plate LGP is installed such that the incident surface IS faces downward and the exit surface ES faces forward.

The light source 422 is disposed on the substrate 421 of the sample illumination unit 42 in the vicinity of the rear end of the upper surface. Six light sources 422 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 421 at substantially equal intervals, and are positioned so as to face the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP.

The light from the light source 422 enters the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP, and is emitted from the emission surface ES while propagating through the plate portion 801. Since the light guide plate LGP is provided so as to cover the product sample S, the product sample S can be illuminated uniformly.

Since the product selection unit 40 according to the fourth embodiment includes the product sample illumination device 30 according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the product sample illumination device 30 according to the third embodiment can be achieved.

<Modification 4-1>
Also in the product selection unit 40 of the fourth embodiment, the product sample S may be held using the upper end of the light guide plate LGP as in the case of the modified example 3-1. As a result, the product sample S can be prevented from being overturned in the same manner as the display device 34 of the modified example 3-1.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, a product sample lighting device 50 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The product sample lighting device 50 includes a light guide plate (first light guide plate) LGP1 disposed behind the product sample S, a light guide plate (second light guide plate) LGP2 disposed below the product sample S, and a light source 52. It has mainly.

The light guide plate LGP1 is a light guide for irradiating light from the light source 52 toward the product sample S, and is a rectangular thin plate. The length of the long side of the light guide plate LGP1 is slightly longer than the height of the product sample S, and the length of the short side is substantially the same as the width of the product sample S. The light guide plate LGP1 is disposed behind the product sample S so as to overlap the product sample S in the front-rear direction. The light guide plate LGP1 may be attached to the rear surface D2 of the exhibition part D via a holder (not shown), or may be suspended from a plate-like protrusion 51 described later.

The light guide plate LGP1 has the same internal structure as the light guide plate LGP (FIG. 10A) of the second embodiment. The light guide plate LGP is installed such that the incident surface (first side surface) IS faces upward and the emission surface (first front surface) ES faces forward.

The light guide plate LGP2 is a light guide for irradiating light from the light guide plate LGP1 toward the product sample S, and is a rectangular thin plate. The length of the long side of the light guide plate LGP2 is substantially equal to the width of the product sample S, and the length of the short side is slightly longer than the thickness of the product sample S. A product sample S is placed on the light guide plate LGP2. That is, the light guide plate LGP2 is also a mounting table on which the product sample S is mounted. The light guide plate LGP2 may be attached to the rear surface D2 of the display unit D via a holder (not shown), may be integrated with the light guide plate LGP1, and a connection tool (not shown) is connected to the light guide plate LGP1. It may be attached via. The light guide plate LGP2 is disposed perpendicular to the light guide plate LGP1.

Like the light guide plate LGP of the second embodiment, the light guide plate LGP2 includes a plate portion 801 having a convex portion c. As shown in FIG. 14, an incident surface IS is defined at one end portion in the short side direction of the exit surface ES. The reflection surface (deflection surface) RS2 for deflecting the light incident from the incidence surface IS toward the emission surface (second front surface) ES is formed at a position facing the incidence surface IS in the thickness direction. Is different from the light guide plate LGP of the second embodiment.

The rear surface D2 of the display unit D of the vending machine VM is provided with a plate-like protrusion 51 protruding forward, and the light source 52 is provided on the lower surface of the plate-like protrusion 51. The light source 52 is attached to the lower surface of the plate-like protrusion 51 so that its optical axis is orthogonal to the lower surface of the plate-like protrusion 51 and faces the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP1.

The light from the light source 52 enters the plate portion 801 from the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP1, is reflected by the convex portion c and the rear surface D2 of the display portion D while propagating through the plate portion 801, and is emitted from the emission surface ES. The Since the light guide plate LGP1 is provided so as to cover the rear surface of the product sample S, the product sample S can be illuminated uniformly from the rear.

Light (leakage light) that has passed through the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP1 and emitted from the lower end surface (second side surface) of the plate portion 801 enters the plate portion 801 from the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP2. After being deflected (reflected) by the reflection surface RS2, it is emitted from the emission surface ES while propagating through the plate portion 801. Since the light guide plate LGP2 is provided so as to cover the bottom surface of the product sample S, the product sample S can be uniformly illuminated from below.

The product sample lighting device 50 of the fifth embodiment can be used with any product selection switch. For example, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 14, it can be used in combination with the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment or the product selection switch SW2 of the second embodiment. Alternatively, as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 14, an electrostatic switch CS is disposed behind the product sample S and the light guide plate LGP1 to form a product selection unit having the product sample illumination device 50 and the electrostatic switch CS. Also good. According to this aspect, the user can purchase the product by operating the electrostatic switch CS by bringing the hand close to the product sample S. Further, the product sample illumination device 50 of the fifth embodiment can be used in combination with a conventional push button type product selection switch.

According to the product sample illumination device 50 of the fifth embodiment, the product sample S can be illuminated from behind and below by the light guide plates LGP1 and LGP2 which are thin rectangular plates. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the display section D of the vending machine VM by omitting the lighting fixtures such as the fluorescent tubes arranged inside the display section D, and consequently reduce the thickness of the casing B of the vending machine VM. be able to.

In the product sample lighting device 50 of the fifth embodiment, the light guide plates LGP1 and LGP2 corresponding to each product sample S are arranged behind and below each product sample S on a one-to-one basis, and each light guide plate LGP1. The light sources 52 corresponding to the respective light guide plates LGP1 on a one-to-one basis are provided. Therefore, according to the product sample illumination device 50 of the fifth embodiment, it is possible to independently illuminate each of the product samples S independently by changing the intensity (luminance) and color of the light source 52 individually. .

In the product selection unit 50 of the fifth embodiment, light emitted from the lower end of the light guide plate LGP1 is incident on the light guide plate LGP2, and thereby the product sample S is irradiated from below. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently illuminate the product sample S with low power consumption by efficiently using the light from the light source 52.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, the product selection unit 60 of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The product selection unit 60 of this embodiment includes a product selection unit 61 and a sample illumination unit 62. A characteristic part of the present embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fourth embodiment, is that the sample illumination unit 62 guides the product sample S from behind instead of the sample illumination light source SL. The light plate (first light guide plate) LGP1, the light guide plate (second light guide plate) LGP2 that irradiates the product sample S from below, and the light source 622 that emits light to the light guide plate LGP1. That is, the product selection unit 60 of the sixth embodiment is a combination of the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment or the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment and the product sample lighting device 50 of the fifth embodiment.

The light guide plate LGP1 is the same as the light guide plate LGP1 used in the fifth embodiment. Six light guide plates LGP1 are juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of the sample illumination unit 62 at substantially equal intervals, and each is positioned behind the product sample S.

The light guide plate LGP2 is the same as the light guide plate LGP2 used in the fifth embodiment. Six light guide plates LGP2 are juxtaposed at substantially equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sample illumination unit 62, and a product sample S is placed on each of the light guide plates LGP2. The light guide plate LGP2 is disposed perpendicular to the light guide plate LGP1.

Like the light guide plate LGP of the second embodiment, the light guide plate LGP2 includes a plate portion 801 having a convex portion c. As shown in FIG. 15, the light guide plate LGP2 has an incident surface (second surface) at one end portion in the short side direction of the emission surface ES. A front surface IS is defined, and a reflecting surface (polarizing surface) RS2 for deflecting light incident from the incident surface IS toward the incident surface is formed at a position facing the incident surface IS in the thickness direction. It differs from the light guide plate LGP of the second embodiment.

The light source 622 is disposed in the vicinity of the rear end of the lower surface of the substrate 621 of the sample illumination unit 62. Six light sources 622 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 621 at substantially equal intervals, and are positioned so as to face the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP1.

The light from the light source 622 is incident on the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP1, is reflected by the convex portion c and the rear surface D2 of the exhibition portion D while propagating through the plate portion 801, and is emitted from the emission surface ES. Since the light guide plate LGP is provided so as to cover the rear surface of the product sample S, the product sample S can be illuminated uniformly from the rear.

Light (leakage light) that has passed through the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP1 and emitted from the lower end surface (second side surface) of the plate portion 801 enters the plate portion 801 from the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP2. After being reflected by the reflection surface RS2, it is emitted from the emission surface ES while propagating through the plate portion 801. Since the light guide plate LGP2 is provided so as to cover the bottom surface of the product sample S, the product sample S can be uniformly illuminated from below.

Since the product selection unit 60 of the sixth embodiment includes the product sample illumination device 50 of the fifth embodiment, the same effects as the product sample illumination device 50 of the fifth embodiment can be achieved.

<Seventh embodiment>
Next, a product sample lighting device 70 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The product sample illumination device 70 of the seventh embodiment includes a light guide plate LGP arranged below the product sample S, a light source 71 arranged behind the light guide plate LGP, and a display plate arranged in front of the light guide plate LGP. 72.

The light guide plate LGP is a light guide for irradiating the light from the light source 71 toward the product sample S, and is a rectangular thin plate. The length of the long side of the light guide plate LGP is substantially the same as the width of the product sample S, and the length of the short side is slightly longer than the thickness of the product sample S. A product sample S is placed on the light guide plate LGP. That is, the light guide plate LGP is also a mounting table on which the product sample S is mounted. The light guide plate LGP may be attached to the rear surface D2 of the exhibition part D via a holder (not shown).

The light guide plate LGP has the same internal structure as the light guide plate LGP (FIG. 10A) of the second embodiment. The light guide plate LGP is installed below the product sample S with the exit surface ES facing upward and the entrance surface IS facing rear.

A light source 71 is attached to an area of the rear surface D2 of the display part D located behind the light guide plate LGP so as to face the incident surface IS of the light guide plate LGP. That is, the light source 71 is attached so that the light emitted from the light source 71 enters the light guide plate LGP.

A display plate 72 is attached to an area of the cover D1 of the exhibition part D located in front of the light guide plate LGP. As an example, characters such as “sold out” and “under sale” are printed on the display plate 72 as in the case of the display plate 113 of the first embodiment.

The light from the light source 71 enters the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP, and is emitted from the emission surface ES while propagating through the plate portion 801. Since the product sample S is placed on the light guide plate LGP, the product sample S can be illuminated uniformly.

Further, the light that has passed through the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP and emitted from the front end portion of the plate portion 801 illuminates, for example, characters “on sale” among characters printed on the display plate 70. Therefore, according to the product selection unit 70 of the seventh embodiment, the light from the light source 71 can be used efficiently.

The product sample lighting device 70 of the seventh embodiment can be used with any product selection switch. For example, it can be used in combination with the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment or the product selection switch SW2 of the second embodiment. Alternatively, as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 16, an electrostatic switch CS is disposed behind the product sample S and the light guide plate LGP to form a product selection unit having the product sample illumination device 70 and the electrostatic switch CS. Also good. According to this aspect, the user can purchase the product by operating the electrostatic switch CS by bringing the hand close to the product sample S. The product sample lighting device 70 of the seventh embodiment can also be used in combination with a conventional push button type product selection switch.

<Eighth Embodiment>
Next, the product selection unit 80 of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A characteristic part of the present embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the sixth embodiment, is that the sample illumination unit 82 replaces the sample illumination light source SL with the light guide plate LGP. The light source plate 823 has a light source 823 that emits light, and the light emitted forward from the light guide plate LGP is used to irradiate the display plate 813 of the product selection switch SW8. That is, the product selection unit 80 of the eighth embodiment is a combination of the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment or the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment and the product sample lighting device 70 of the seventh embodiment.

17, a light guide plate LGP is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 821 of the sample illumination unit 82 so as to overlap the substrate 821. The light guide plate LGP is the same as the light guide plate LGP used in the seventh embodiment. Six light guide plates LGP are juxtaposed at substantially equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sample illumination unit 82, and a product sample S is placed on each of them. That is, the light guide plate LGP is also a mounting table on which the product sample S is mounted.

The light guide plate LGP has the same internal structure as the light guide plate LGP (FIG. 10A) of the second embodiment. The light guide plate LGP is installed on the substrate 821 so that the emission surface ES faces upward and the incident surface IS faces rearward.

A light source 823 that is a side-emitting LED is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 821 behind the portion where the light guide plate LGP is disposed. The optical axis of the light source 823 extends in the front-rear direction in parallel with the upper surface of the substrate 821. That is, the light source 823 is mounted on the substrate 821 so that the light emitted from the light source 823 enters the light guide plate LGP.

Further, the shape of the product selection switch SW8 of the product selection unit 80 of the eighth embodiment is partially different from the shape of the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the substrate 811 of the product selection switch SW8, the through-hole in the front-rear direction is adjacent to the portion corresponding to the portion where the information illumination light source IL2 is disposed on the substrate 111 of the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment. A hole SH1 is formed. Further, in the frame 812 of the product selection switch SW8, a through-hole SH2 in the front-rear direction is also formed in a portion corresponding to the portion where the light guide part LG2 is arranged in the frame 112 of the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment. Yes. As understood from FIG. 3 which is an exploded perspective view of the product selection switch SW1, the through hole SH1 and the through hole SH2 communicate with each other to define a single through hole SH.

The product selection unit 81 and the sample illumination unit 82 of the product selection unit 80 are arranged in the exhibition unit D so that the through hole SH is positioned in front of the front end of the light guide plate LGP (FIG. 17).

The light from the light source 823 is incident on the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP, is reflected by the convex portion c and the upper surface of the substrate 821 while propagating through the plate portion 801, and is emitted from the emission surface ES. Since the product sample S is placed on the light guide plate LGP, the product sample S can be illuminated uniformly.

Further, the light that has passed through the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP and emitted from the front end portion of the plate portion 801 passes through the through hole SH of the product selection switch SW8, and for example, “sale” of the printing portion of the display plate 813 Illuminate the word “medium”. Therefore, according to the product selection unit 80 of the eighth embodiment, the light from the light source 822 can be used efficiently.

In the above first to eighth embodiments, the following modifications can be adopted.

In the first embodiment, the light guide plate LGP shown in FIG. 10A may be used as the light guide portions LG1 and LG2. By doing so, it is possible to irradiate the printing portion PR of the display plate 1 more uniformly with the light from the information display light sources IL1 and IL2. Similar modifications can be made in the fourth, sixth, and eighth embodiments.

In the first embodiment, any one of the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 may be formed in the region A1 of the substrate 111, and the other three may be omitted. Further, when any of the information display light sources IL1 to IL4 is omitted from the substrate 111, any of the light guides LG1 to LG4 corresponding to the omitted information display light source can be omitted from the frame 112. . Similar modifications can be made in the fourth, sixth, and eighth embodiments.

In the second embodiment, any one of the information display light sources IL5 and IL6 may be formed in the region A3 of the substrate 211. When one of the information display light sources IL5 and IL6 is omitted from the substrate 211, the light guide plate LGP corresponding to the omitted information display light source can be omitted. Similar modifications can be made in the fourth, sixth, and eighth embodiments.

The product selection unit 11 of the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment is provided with six product selection switches SW1, and the product selection unit 21 of the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment has six product selection switches SW2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of product selection switches SW provided in the

product selection units

11 and 21 is arbitrary and may be one. Similar modifications can be made in the fourth, sixth, and eighth embodiments.

In the first embodiment, the operation display light source FL of the product selection switch SW1 is lit only momentarily when the main control unit MC detects that the capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE has changed. Is not limited. The operation display light source FL may be turned on and off in any manner as long as it can visually notify the user that the electrostatic sensor has reacted. For example, after the capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE changes, it may be lit continuously for a certain period of time, or may blink repeatedly when the capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE changes, It may be lit continuously while the capacity is changing. Alternatively, the light is turned on before the user brings his / her hand close to the sensor electrode SE, that is, before the capacitance changes, and is controlled so as to be turned on / off by changing the color based on the change in the capacitance. May be. Both of these controls can be performed by the main controller MC.

An electrostatic switch (electrostatic display switch, selection switch) that has such an operation display light source FL and changes the lighting state of the operation display light source FL based on a change in capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE. Is not limited to use in vending machines, and can be used for any application. According to the electrostatic switch of the present embodiment, the user can easily perceive that the switch is activated.

In addition, the product selection switch SW1 of the first embodiment provides a sound notification that audibly informs the user that the capacitance between the sensor electrodes SE has changed in place of or in addition to the light source FL for operation display. You may have a part. Similar modifications can be made in the fourth, sixth, and eighth embodiments.

The product selection unit 10 according to the first embodiment and the product selection unit 20 according to the second embodiment may not include the sample illumination light source SL attached to the lower surfaces of the

sample illumination units

12 and 22. In particular, in the

product selection units

10 and 20 that are arranged and used below the product sample S at the bottom of the vending machine VM, the sample illumination light source SL attached to the lower surfaces of the

sample illumination units

12 and 22 is not necessary. .

The product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment and the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment may not have the

sample illumination units

12 and 22, respectively. In this case, the main control system MC, the information display light source drive unit LD1 and the sensor circuit SC installed in the

sample illumination units

12 and 22 are installed on the

substrates

111 and 211 of the

product selection units

11 and 22, respectively.

The product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment may not have the main control unit MC. The main control unit MC can be arranged at another arbitrary position in the vending machine VM or outside the vending machine VM. Similar modifications can be made in the second, fourth, and sixth embodiments.

The sample illumination unit 12 of the first embodiment may not have the

light distribution members

122 and 123.

In the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment, the entire surfaces of the substrate 111 and the substrate 121 are white, but the portion of the substrate 111 where the light guides LG1 to LG4 are disposed in front of the substrate 111 and the substrate 121 Of these, only the portion located around the light source SL for sample illumination may be white. Alternatively, the surfaces of the substrate 111 and the substrate 121 may be light reflecting surfaces (mirror surfaces). In particular, by making the surface of the substrate 121 a light reflecting surface, the product sample S can be more efficiently irradiated with the light from the sample illumination light source SL. Similar modifications can be made in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth embodiments. In the second embodiment, if a portion of the substrate 211 where the light guide plate LGP is disposed in front thereof is used as a light reflection surface, the light leaked from the reflection surface RS of the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP can be satisfactorily obtained. 801 can be returned.

In this specification, that the substrate 121 is provided perpendicular to the substrate 111 means that the substrate 121 is provided with an angle of 90 ° ± 10 ° with respect to the substrate 111. Even when the substrate 121 is provided at such an angle with respect to the substrate 111, the same effect as when the substrate 121 is provided at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the substrate 111 can be obtained. The same applies to the substrate 221 and the substrate 211 of the second embodiment.

In each embodiment, on the reflection surface RS of the plate portion 801 of the light guide plate LGP, as shown in FIG. 10B, a prism array in which prisms p are continuous may be formed instead of the plurality of convex portions c. Such a prism p (prism array) can also guide the light of the plate portion 801 to the emission surface ES side. The prism p may be formed at a low density in the vicinity of the incident surface IS and at a higher density as the distance from the incident surface IS is the same as the convex portion c. Thereby, the light incident from the incident surface IS is uniformly emitted from the emission surface. In the present specification, the convex portion c and the prism p formed on the reflection surface RS of the plate portion 801 are collectively referred to as an “optical convex portion”. In the light guide plate LGP, a large surface can be made to emit light uniformly by adjusting the distribution of optical convex portions formed on the reflection surface RS of the plate portion 801.

In the light guide plate LGP, the optical convex portions on the reflection surface RS may be formed with a uniform density over the entire area of the reflection surface RS. When the light emitting surface ES of the plate part 801 is small, the light emitting surface ES can emit light uniformly even with such a configuration.

In each of the above embodiments, the light source may be arranged so as to face the reflection surface RS of the light guide plate LGP. For example, in the first embodiment, a light guide plate LGP can be used instead of the light guides LG3 and LG4. In this case, the optical convex portions on the reflective surface RS may be formed with a uniform density throughout the reflective surface RS.

In addition, the light guide plate LGP may include a reflective film (not shown) disposed to face the reflective surface RS so as to cover the entire area of the reflective surface RS. Such a reflective film functions to return light leaking from the reflective surface RS of the plate portion 801 into the plate portion 801. The reflective film can be made of any material such as polyester resin.

In the third embodiment, the product sample lighting device 30 may not have the mounting plate 33. In this case, the light guide plate LGP may be attached to and supported by the rear surface D2 of the display unit D of the vending machine VM, or may be instructed via the plate-like protrusion 31.

In the product sample lighting device 50 of the fifth embodiment and the product selection unit 60 of the sixth embodiment, the product sample S is placed on the light guide plate LGP2, but this is not limitative. The product sample illumination device 50 and the product selection unit 60 may further include a placement plate similar to the placement plate 33 included in the product sample illumination device 30 of the third embodiment above the light guide plate LGP2.

In the product sample illumination device 50 of the fifth embodiment and the product selection unit 60 of the sixth embodiment, instead of the light guide plate LGP2 having the polarization plane RS2, a plate-shaped light guide plate having no polarization plane RS2, a deflection prism, and May be used. In this case, the light emitted from the lower end surface of the light guide plate LGP1 is deflected by the deflecting prism and enters from the incident surface of the plate-shaped light guide plate.

In the product sample lighting device 50 of the fifth embodiment and the product selection unit 60 of the sixth embodiment, the

light sources

52 and 622 are provided on the lower end side of the light guide plate LGP1, and the light guide plate LGP2 is provided on the upper end side of the light guide plate LGP1. Also good. According to this configuration, light from the exit surface of the light guide plate LGP1 illuminates the product sample S from behind, and light from the exit surface of the light guide plate LGP2 illuminates the product sample S from above. In addition, the light guide plate LGP1 and the light guide plate LGP2 do not necessarily have to be orthogonal to each other, and need only intersect with each other so as to illuminate the product sample S from two different directions.

In the product sample lighting device 70 of the seventh embodiment and the product selection unit 80 of the eighth embodiment, the product sample S is placed on the light guide plate LGP, but is not limited thereto. The product sample illumination device 70 and the product selection unit 80 may further include a placement plate similar to the placement plate 33 included in the product sample illumination device 30 of the third embodiment above the light guide plate LGP.

In the product selection unit 10 of Modification 1-1, the light from the three sample illumination light sources SL1, SL2, and SL3 is sent upward, downward, and backward by the deflecting prism 124 to illuminate the product sample S. Is not limited. A beam splitter may be used in place of the deflecting prism 124, and light from a single sample illumination light source may be sent in any one of the upper, lower, and rear directions.

In the above embodiment, another light source such as a laser diode (LD) may be used instead of the LED.

The product sample lighting device of the third, fifth, and seventh embodiments can be used other than vending machines. For example, they may be used to display new products or prizes at convenience stores.

In the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment, the light guides LG1 to LG4 are translucent materials exhibiting milky white, but are not limited thereto. The light guides LG1 to LG4 may be any color other than milky white as long as they are formed of a semi-transmissive material that partially transmits light. Printing is optimized by optimizing the color combination of the light emitted from the information display light sources IL1 to IL4, the colors of the light guides LG1 to LG4, and the characters printed on the printing part PR of the display plate 113. The information described in the part PR can be displayed in a more easily viewable state.

In the product selection unit 10 of the first embodiment and the product selection unit 20 of the second embodiment, a deflection member that deflects light from the sample illumination light source SL may be used instead of the

light distribution members

122 and 123. Thereby, the sample S can be more efficiently irradiated with the light from the sample illumination light source SL.

It should be noted that the product selection switch of the above embodiment is not limited to being used for selecting a product with a vending machine, but may be a “selection switch” used for various purposes. For example, you may use in order to select the content of operation of a product in household appliances. Further, the product selection unit of the above embodiment may be a “selection unit” used for selection other than products. For example, it can also be used when selecting conditions such as the presence or absence of ice or the presence or absence of sugar for the selected product, or when selecting a route in a vending machine such as a ticket.

As long as the characteristics of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and other forms conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention. .

The present invention can display information necessary for the user in a highly visible state, and can provide a compact selection switch and selection unit. Therefore, this invention can contribute to size reduction and diversification of a vending machine, for example.

10, 20, 40, 60, 80 Product selection unit (selection unit)
11, 21

Product selection unit

12, 22

Sample illumination unit

30, 50, 70 Product sample illumination device 34

Exhibition device

111, 211 Substrate (first substrate)
112, 212,

frame

113, 213, 214 Display plate (display plate)
121 Substrate (second substrate)
Light source for FL operation display (light source)
IL1, IL2, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6 Information display light source (first light source)
LD1 Information display light source drive part LD2 Sample illumination light source drive part LG1, LG2, LG3, LG4 Light guide part LGP Light guide plate (light guide part)
MC main controller S product sample SC sensor circuit SE sensor electrode SL light source for sample irradiation (second light source, light source)
SW1, SW2 Product selection switch (selection switch)
VM vending machine

Claims

A first substrate;
A capacitance sensor having a sensor electrode;
A first light source;
A light guide part for diffusing light from the first light source;
A selection switch in which the sensor electrode and the first light source are provided on a first substrate.
2. The selection switch according to claim 1, further comprising a light-transmitting display plate that displays information related to a target to be selected, wherein the display plate is provided on the opposite side of the first substrate across the light guide unit. .
The selection switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide portion is a plate formed of a semi-transmissive material.
The light guide unit is a light guide plate having an incident surface on which light is incident and an output surface that emits light incident from the incident surface, and the first light source is disposed to face the incident surface of the light guide plate. The selection switch according to claim 1 or 2.
The selection switch according to claim 3, wherein the first light source is disposed to face a side surface of the plate member.
The light guide unit includes a light guide plate that includes a plate member formed of a semi-transmissive material, and includes a light incident surface on which light is incident and a light output surface that emits light incident from the incident surface. The selection switch according to any one of the above.
The selection switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A selection unit comprising a sample illumination unit provided on the opposite side of the surface of the first substrate on which the first light source is provided,
The sample illumination unit is a selection unit having a second substrate on which a second light source for illuminating a product sample provided in a vending machine and a sensor circuit of the capacitance sensor are provided.
The selection unit according to claim 7, wherein the second light source is provided on both surfaces of the second substrate.
The selection unit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the sample illumination unit further includes a light distribution member that adjusts the light distribution of the light emitted from the second light source toward the product sample.
10. The light guide plate according to claim 7, wherein the sample illumination unit further includes a light guide plate having an incident surface on which light from a second light source is incident and an output surface that emits light incident from the incident surface and illuminates the product sample. The selection unit according to any one of the above.
The selection unit according to claim 10, wherein the product sample is supported by an end portion of the light guide plate of the sample illumination unit that is opposite to the end portion having the incident surface.
The sample illumination unit is
A first side surface on which light from the second light source is incident; a second side surface that faces the first side surface and emits part of the light incident from the first side surface; and another portion of light incident from the first side surface A first light guide plate having a first front surface that emits light;
An incident surface on which light from the second side surface of the first light guide plate is incident, a second front surface that emits light incident on the incident surface, and the incident surface extending with an inclination with respect to the incident surface The selection unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a second light guide plate having a deflecting surface for deflecting light incident from the surface toward the second front surface side.
An opening is formed in the first substrate,
The sample illumination unit is
A light guide plate having an incident surface on which light from the second light source is incident and an emission surface that emits light incident from the incident surface and illuminates the product sample;
The first substrate is provided on the opposite side of the light guide plate from the second light source so that light from a facing surface of the light guide plate facing the incident surface passes through the opening. The selection unit according to any one of the above.
Vending machine selection unit,
A plurality of switches each having a capacitance sensor having a sensor electrode and a sensor circuit;
A long first substrate extending in a first direction, wherein the first substrate is provided with sensor electrodes of the plurality of capacitance sensors along the first direction;
A long second substrate extending in a first direction, wherein a second substrate on which sensor circuits of the plurality of capacitance sensors are installed,
The first substrate is attached with a light-transmitting display plate that displays information about products sold in the vending machine,
A selection unit in which the second substrate is provided perpendicular to the first substrate.
The selection unit according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of light sources are formed on both surfaces of the second substrate along the first direction.
The selection unit according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a light distribution member provided on an optical path of light emitted from the plurality of light sources.
The selection unit according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a surface of the second substrate is white or a mirror surface.
A switch display;
A capacitance sensor provided inside the switch display unit so that an electric field is also formed outside the switch display unit;
A light source that is provided inside the switch display unit and illuminates the switch display unit;
A selection switch comprising: a control unit that turns on the light source in accordance with a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor.