JP2013065184A - Automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic vending machine capable of reducing the cost.SOLUTION: The automatic vending machine includes: plural commodity storage columns 31 parallelly-disposed along in a horizontal direction; and plural steps of commodity racks 30a-30d disposed along a vertical direction in a storage chamber 1a. The automatic vending machine also includes: a rack selection mechanism 40 that, in a standby mode, controls every commodity rack 30a-30d to prevent every commodity being taken out therefrom, and when a vending command is given, permits a commodity being taken out from a step only in a specified commodity rack 30a-30d; a take-out mechanism 50 that, in an ordinary state, prevents a commodity from being taken out from a commodity storage column 31, and when the rack selection mechanism 40 permits a commodity to be taken out, operates to permit only a commodity located in the front to be taken out; and regulation means 60 that, when a commodity is permitted to be taken out from commodity racks 30a-30d, permits one of the take-out mechanisms 50 to perform the operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages and beverages containing plastic bottles.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a vending machine that sells products such as canned beverages and plastic bottled beverages, a vending machine that includes a product storage column and a bucket is known. The product storage column stores a plurality of products in an aligned state. The product storage column is for discharging products one by one from the front end when the carry-out device is driven. In such a vending machine, a plurality of product storage columns are juxtaposed along the left-right direction on the product rack. In this vending machine, the product rack is provided in a plurality of stages along the vertical direction in the storage room of the vending machine body.

  The bucket is for receiving a product paid out from the product storage column. This bucket is provided so as to be movable up and down and left and right in front areas of a plurality of product racks by bucket driving means. The bucket driving means includes an X-axis transport mechanism that can move the bucket along the left-right direction, and a Y-axis transport mechanism that moves the bucket including the X-axis transport mechanism along the vertical direction. .

  In such a vending machine, when the user inserts money of a predetermined amount or more and operates the product selection button, the bucket driving means is driven and the bucket is stored in the product storage column storing the products desired to be purchased. Move to the front. Then, after the commodity is discharged from the commodity storage column to the bucket, the bucket is moved to the vicinity of the commodity outlet. Thereby, the user can take out the product through the product outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-164050 A

  By the way, in the vending machine proposed in Patent Document 1 described above, it is essential to move the bucket by driving the bucket driving means when selling the product. Such vending machines require various controls for the movement of the bucket. Therefore, such a conventional vending machine not only increases the number of parts but also requires an expensive sensor and the like, leading to an increase in cost.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of reducing the cost.

  In order to achieve the above object, a vending machine according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a vending machine body in which a formed opening is opened and closed by a door body, and a plurality of products stored so that products are arranged in a line. A vending machine with a storage column arranged in parallel and having a product rack provided in a plurality of stages in the main body of the vending machine, and selling products selected by the user, all products in the standby state A rack selection mechanism that puts the rack into a state that regulates the removal of the product, and that allows the product to be taken out only when the sales order is given, is provided for each product storage column, In a normal state, the product storage column in which the product storage column is provided is restricted from being taken out, while the product rack having the product storage column is controlled by the rack selection mechanism. In case of allowance of take-out, take-out mechanism that operates according to the take-out operation of the product and allows only the product closest to the opening to be taken out, provided for each product rack, and provided by itself When the taken product rack is allowed to take out the product by the rack selection mechanism, any one take-out mechanism is allowed to operate, and other take-out mechanisms in the product rack are restricted from operating. The commodity rack is attached by being fastened by a fastening member to a surface facing the opening of the vending machine main body of the support side plate provided inside the vending machine main body. It is characterized by.

  In the vending machine of the present invention, the rack selection mechanism puts all the product racks into a state in which the removal of the products is restricted in the standby state, and when a sales instruction is given, only the product racks at the designated level are the products. When a refill command is given, all the product racks are put into a state where refilling and taking out of the products are permitted. In addition, the take-out mechanism provided for each product storage column normally regulates the removal of the product stored in the product storage column provided with the product storage column, while the product rack having the product storage column is a rack selection mechanism. When the removal of the product is permitted by the above, only the product closest to the opening is permitted by operating in accordance with the product removal operation. Further, the regulating means provided for each product rack allows any one take-out mechanism to operate when the product rack provided with the product rack is allowed to take out the product by the rack selection mechanism, The other take-out mechanism in the commodity rack is restricted from operating. As a result, the user can purchase the desired product without using the bucket driving means as in a conventional vending machine. Therefore, there is an effect that the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. In addition, since the product rack is attached by fastening with a fastening member to a surface of the supporting side plate provided inside the vending machine main body so as to face the opening of the vending machine main body, The body can be moved open to open the vending machine main body, and the product rack can be attached and detached through the opening. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach / detach the product rack and perform other operations at the place where the vending machine is installed.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the product storage device of the vending machine shown in FIG. 1, with some components removed. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a rack support side plate provided inside the storage chamber of the main body cabinet. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a rail member constituting the product storage column shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the rail member shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the product rack. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the regulating member shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view for explaining the operation of the regulating member. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view for explaining the operation of the regulating member. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the peripheral structure of the uppermost product rack shown in FIG. 3, with some components removed. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a first slide plate and a second slide plate constituting the rack selection mechanism. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the first slide plate and the second slide plate shown in FIG. 12 in an exploded manner. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the right front rack support side plate. 15 is a perspective view showing a switching cam member attached to the support rod shown in FIG. 14, wherein (a) is a switching cam member corresponding to the uppermost product rack, and (b) is two steps from the uppermost stage. (C) shows a switching cam member corresponding to the top to third stage product rack, and (d) shows a switching cam member corresponding to the bottom stage product rack. is there. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the first auxiliary cam member. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an engagement relationship between the slide base member and the cam base member. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam mechanism, the first slide plate, and the second slide plate at the “standby position”. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam mechanism, the first slide plate, and the second slide plate at the “60 ° rotational position”. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam mechanism, the first slide plate, and the second slide plate at the “120 ° rotation position”. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam mechanism, the first slide plate, and the second slide plate at the “180 ° rotation position”. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam mechanism, the first slide plate, and the second slide plate at the “240 ° rotation position”. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cam mechanism, the first slide plate, and the second slide plate at the “300 ° rotation position”. FIG. 24 schematically shows a product storage column constituting the product rack shown in FIG. 11, and is a longitudinal sectional view showing the case viewed from the right side. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the take-out mechanism. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the main element of the take-out mechanism. FIG. 27 is a side view of the take-out mechanism as viewed from the right side. FIG. 28 is a side view of the take-out mechanism as seen from the left side. FIG. 29 is an explanatory view schematically showing a restricting means constituting the product storage device shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the main processing contents of the sales control processing executed by the control means shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the operation of the take-out mechanism in a state in which the first slide plate has moved leftward from the reference position. FIG. 32 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a product storage column constituting the product rack as viewed from the right side. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the operation of the take-out mechanism in a state where the first slide plate has moved leftward from the reference position. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the main processing contents of the replenishment control processing performed by the control means shown in FIG. FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a product storage column constituting the product rack as viewed from the right side. FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the operation of the take-out mechanism in a state where the first slide plate and the second slide plate have moved leftward from the reference position. FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the operation of the take-out mechanism in a state where the first slide plate and the second slide plate have moved leftward from the reference position.

  Exemplary embodiments of a vending machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 each show a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a front view, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system. The vending machine exemplified here sells a product such as a canned beverage or a beverage containing a plastic bottle in a cooled or heated state, and includes a main body cabinet 1.

  The main body cabinet 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped housing whose opening formed on the front surface is opened and closed by an outer door (door body) 2. The outer door 2 is configured by appropriately using a heat insulating material, and has a window portion 2a formed by fitting a transparent plate material such as heat insulating glass. Therefore, the vending machine can visually recognize the inside through the window 2a of the outer door 2. In addition, a handle (not shown) is provided at the central portion of the left side surface on the left end side of the outer door 2.

  The opening / closing movement of the outer door 2 is restricted by the locking / unlocking mechanism 3, and the opening / closing state of the outer door 2 is detected by the door switch 4. The locking / unlocking mechanism 3 holds the front opening in the main body cabinet 1 in a closed state by restricting the opening movement of the outer door 2 in the locked state. The locking / unlocking mechanism 3 allows the outer door 2 to open and close in the unlocked state. The door switch 4 is turned on when the outer door 2 closes the front opening of the main body cabinet 1. On the other hand, when the outer door 2 is opened and the front opening of the main body cabinet 1 is opened, the door switch 4 is turned off.

  The main body cabinet 1 is divided into an upper part and a lower part, and the upper side is a storage chamber 1a and the lower side is a machine room 1b. The storage chamber 1a is a chamber that holds the interior of the storage chamber 1a at a preset temperature state, and the wall members that constitute the storage chamber 1a are each formed of a heat insulating material. The storage chamber 1a has a means (not shown) for cooling the internal air of the storage chamber 1a, such as an evaporator, and an internal heater 1a for heating the internal air of the storage chamber 1a, such as an electric heater. Means (not shown) are provided. On the other hand, the machine room 1b is provided with a refrigerator (not shown) and various control devices (not shown) that constitute a refrigeration cycle together with the evaporator.

  An input processing unit 10 is attached to the upper part of the left side surface of the main body cabinet 1. The input processing unit 10 includes a box-shaped unit body 11. The unit body 11 has a robust configuration. On the front surface of the unit main body 11, a coin slot 12, a rack selection button 13, and the like are provided. Further, the left side of the unit body 11 can be opened and closed by a unit door (not shown), and the mode selection button 14 and the release button 15 are exposed when the unit door is opened. The unit door is normally restricted from opening by a lock mechanism (not shown), and can be opened by an administrator or the like operating the lock mechanism. Further, a money processing device 16 is provided inside the unit main body 11.

  The coin slot 12 is an opening for inserting coins. There are a plurality of rack selection buttons 13 (four in the illustrated example), which are push buttons provided so as to be lined up and down. Each of the rack selection buttons 13 is associated with product racks 30a to 30d constituting the product storage device 20 described later, and gives an input signal to the control means 100 when pressed by the user. Each rack selection button 13 includes a light source 13a such as an LED. These light sources 13 a are turned on in response to a lighting command given from the control means 100.

  The mode selection button 14 gives a replenishment signal to the control means 100 when pressed by an administrator. The release button 15 gives a release signal to the control means 100 when pressed by the administrator.

  The money processing device 16 identifies the authenticity and denomination of coins inserted through the coin slot 12, and performs money processing for storing coins for each denomination. The money processing device 16 provides the control means 100 with money amount information inserted through the coin insertion slot 12 and pays out change. The change is paid out through the coin return port 17. The money processing device 16 pays out coins inserted through the coin return port 17 even when the user operates the return button 18 after coins have been inserted through the coin input port 12. Further, the money processing device 16 pays out coins through the coin return port 17 even for coins that could not be identified.

  A product storage device 20 is provided in the storage chamber 1 a of the main body cabinet 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the product storage device 20 of the vending machine shown in FIG. 1, with some components removed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the product storage device 20 includes product racks 30 a to 30 d, a rack selection mechanism 40, a take-out mechanism 50, and a regulation means 60.

  A plurality (four in the illustrated example) of product racks 30a to 30d are provided. The product racks 30 a to 30 d are provided in a plurality of stages along the vertical direction so as to be bridged between the pair of left and right rack support side plates 31. The rack support side plate 31 is formed by bending a steel plate, and as shown in FIG. 4, each rack support side plate 31 is provided in the storage chamber 1a so as to extend along the vertical direction. The left front rack support side plate 31a and the right front rack support side plate 31b form a pair of left and right, and the left rear rack support side plate 31c and the right rear rack support side plate 31d form a pair of left and right. doing. The left rear rack support side plate 31c and the right rear rack support side plate 31d are provided with support pieces 31c1 and 31d1 (see FIG. 4) for supporting the product racks 30a to 30d in a manner of projecting from mutually facing surfaces. ing. The left front rack support side plate 31a and the right front rack support side plate 31b have screw holes 31a2 and 31b2 through which screw members N as fastening members can be inserted into the front surfaces 31a1 and 31b1, that is, the surface facing the front opening of the main body cabinet 1. A plurality are formed.

  In each of the product racks 30a to 30d, a rear horizontal member 321 that is a rear portion is locked to the support pieces 31c1 and 31d1, and a slide base member 322 that is a front portion is a left front rack support side plate 31a and a right front rack support side plate 31b. The screw members N are attached to the front surfaces 31a1 and 31b1 by being fastened to the screw members N by inserting the screw members N through predetermined screw holes 31a2 and 31b2.

  In the present embodiment, each of the product racks 30a to 30d stores a product of a beverage containing a plastic bottle, and has the same configuration. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the product of a beverage containing a plastic bottle is an interior of a container (pet bottle) having a constricted portion 202 between a cap attaching portion 200 a to which the cap 200 is detachably attached and the body portion 201. Beverage is enclosed in

  Each of the product racks 30a to 30d is configured by arranging a plurality (five in the illustrated example) of product storage columns 33 along the left-right direction. Each of these product storage columns 33 includes a rail member 34. The rail member 34 extends along the front-rear direction and defines a product storage passage 33a.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a rail member 34 constituting the product storage column 33 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the rail member 34 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rail member 34 includes a rail base body 341, a front end rail portion 342, and a pusher member 343.

  The rail base 341 is formed by appropriately bending a steel plate, and has a long shape in which the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal direction. The rail base body 341 has a base 3411, a lower left extension 3412, and a lower right extension 3413 that are integrally formed so as to have a U shape that opens downward when viewed from the front.

  The base portion 3411 is a horizontal portion that extends along the front-rear direction. The base portion 3411 has a rear end portion supported by the rear horizontal member 321 and a front end portion supported by the slide base member 322. The lower left extended portion 3412 extends downward from the left end portion of the base portion 3411, and the extended end portion is bent rightward to form a left edge portion 3412a (see FIG. 24). It is L-shaped when viewed from the front. The lower right extended portion 3413 extends downward from the right end portion of the base portion 3411, and the extended end portion is bent leftward to form a right edge portion (not shown). When viewed from the front, it has an inverted L shape.

  The left lower extending portion 3412 and the right lower extending portion 3413 are a pair of left and right, and define a part of the product storage passage 33a by a gap between them, and the width (the left edge portion 3412a and the right edge portion). (Minimum width with respect to the portion) is larger than the maximum width of the constricted portion 202 of the target product (beverage in a plastic bottle) and smaller than the maximum width of the cap mounting portion 200a of the product.

  The front end rail portion 342 is formed of a resin material, and the front end base portion 3421, the front end left lower extension portion 3422, and the front end right lower extension portion 3423 are integrally formed, so that the front end rail portion 342 is formed in the same manner as the rail base 341. When viewed from above, it has a U-shape that opens downward.

  The front end base 3421 is a horizontal part extending along the front-rear direction. The front end lower left extension part 3422 extends downward from the left end part of the front end base part 3421, and the extension end part bends rightward to form a left front end edge part 3422a. The front end lower right extending portion 3423 extends downward from the right end portion of the front end base portion 3421, and the extended end portion is bent leftward so that a right front end edge portion 3423a is formed. .

  The front left lower extension 3422 and the front right lower extension 3423 are a pair of left and right, and the front end (downstream end) of the product storage passage 33a is defined by a gap between the front end left downstream portion 3422 and the width of the target product. It is larger than the maximum width of the constricted portion 202 of (a beverage containing a plastic bottle) and smaller than the maximum width of the cap mounting portion 200a of the product. Also, the left front end edge end portion 3422a formed at the front left lower extension portion 3422 and the right front end edge end portion 3423a formed at the front end right lower extension portion 3423 are gradually inclined downward toward the front. Yes.

  Such a front end rail portion 342 has a size capable of entering the front end portion of the rail base body 341. The front end rail portion 342 enters the front end portion and is locked at a predetermined portion, whereby the left front end edge end portion 3422a. Are attached to the left edge 3412a and the right front edge 3423a is continuous to the right edge. As described above, the rail member 34 is curved in such a manner that the front end portion (downstream end portion) is gradually inclined downward.

  The pusher member 343 is provided in a form entering the product storage passage 33a. The pusher member 343 is always urged forward by a pair of left and right spring spring members (not shown). Each of the spring spring members is provided with a tip portion fixed to a front end portion of the rail base 341.

  In such a rail member 34, when the product is put up from the front so that the constricted portion 202 of the product is inserted into the product storage passage 33a, the cap of the product is placed on each edge (3412a, etc.). A part of the attachment portion 200a is placed. Thus, the rail member 34 supports the product cap mounting portion 200a to support the product in a suspended state, and stores the product in the product storage passage 33a so as to be lined up in the front-rear direction. is there. As a result of the pusher member 343 always being urged forward by the mainspring member, the product stored in the product storage passage 33a is pressed and stored forward.

  The product storage column 33 is provided with a take-out detection sensor 5 (see FIG. 2). The take-out detection sensor 5 is provided at the forefront in the product storage passage 33a. The take-out detection sensor 5 is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects that when a product passes through a predetermined monitoring area, and sends a detection signal as a detection result to the control means 100. .

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the product racks 30a to 30d. As shown in FIG. 7, each product rack 30 a to 30 d is provided with a regulating member 35 corresponding to each product storage column 33. The restricting member 35 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and is in front of the front end (downstream end) of the product storage passage 33a in each product storage column 33, that is, the frontmost product (the most downstream product). It is provided in a site (downstream site). The regulating member 35 will be described in detail as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the regulating member 35 is rotatably supported by a regulating base member 351 formed from a steel plate. The regulation base member 351 has a long shape whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction, and its left and right end portions 351a, 351b are fastening members on the front surfaces 31a1, 31b1 of the left front rack support side plate 31a and the right front rack support side plate 31b. It is attached by being fastened to. A rod-shaped restriction shaft portion 352 extending in the left-right direction is bridged over the restriction base member 351, and the restriction member 35 is provided in a manner of being inserted through the restriction shaft portion 352. The restricting member 35 is rotatable around the central axis of the restricting shaft portion 352 and is normally biased by the restricting spring member 353 so that the rear end portion 35a is normally restricted by the restricting opening of the restricting base member 351. Passing through 351c, the product storage passage 33a is advanced. When such a regulating member 35 is urged by the regulating spring member 353 and the rear end portion 35a has advanced into the product storage passage 33a, the upper surface thereof is directed forward as shown in FIG. The inclined surface is gradually inclined downward.

  As shown in FIG. 9, such a restricting member 35 restricts the foremost product from being taken out in a standing posture while the rear end portion 35 a has advanced into the product storage passage 33 a. Is. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when pressed by a product that has entered from the front, the product rotates downward around the central axis of the restriction shaft portion 352 against the urging force of the restriction spring member 353. Thus, the rear end portion 35a is retracted from the product storage passage 33a. Thus, the product is allowed to enter the product storage passage 33a.

  Next, the rack selection mechanism 40 will be described. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the peripheral structure of the uppermost product rack 30a shown in FIG. 3, with some components removed. As shown in FIG. 11, the rack selection mechanism 40 includes a first slide plate 41, a second slide plate 42, a lock member 43, and a support rod 44.

  12 is a perspective view showing the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 constituting the rack selection mechanism 40, and FIG. 13 shows the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view shown disassembled.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first slide plate 41 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction in the upper front area of each product storage column 33 in each product rack 30 a to 30 d. . The first slide plate 41 includes a first slide base portion 411 extending along the vertical direction, a first slide bottom portion 412 extending by bending backward from a lower end of the first slide base portion 411, and the first slide. A first slide upper extension portion 413 that is bent and extends upward from the rear end of the bottom portion 412.

  The first slide bottom portion 412 has a plurality of cutout portions 412a that are continuous with the cutout 411a formed in the first slide base portion 411. Here, the number of the cutout portions 412a formed in the first slide bottom portion 412 is equal to the number of the product storage columns 33 constituting the product racks 30a to 30d, and is five. Further, the first slide base 411 is provided with a regulation piece 411b that constitutes a left-side downward extension of the notch 411a.

  The first slide plate 41 is provided with a first slide contact portion 414 at the right end thereof, and the first slide contact portion 414 is connected to the slide base member 322 via the first slide spring member 415. They are connected (see FIG. 17). Thus, the first slide plate 41 is always urged rightward by the first slide spring member 415, and is normally positioned at the reference position.

  The 2nd slide board 42 is provided so that it may extend along the left-right direction in the front side upper area of each goods storage column 33 in each goods rack 30a-30d. The second slide plate 42 includes a second slide base 421 that extends along the vertical direction, a second slide bottom 422 that extends by bending forward from the lower ends of the left and right ends of the second slide base 421, A second slide upper extension part 423 that is bent and extends upward from the front end of the second slide bottom part 422.

  Such a second slide plate 42 is provided on the rear side of the first slide base 411 of the first slide plate 41 so as to be parallel to the first slide plate 41. That is, the second slide plate 42 is provided such that its second slide bottom 422 is placed in an upper region of the first slide bottom 412 between the first slide base 411 and the first slide upper extension 413. ing. In addition, a plurality of (for example, five) insertion portions 421a corresponding to the number of notches 412a are formed in the second slide base portion 421 of the second slide plate 42.

  The second slide plate 42 is provided with a second slide contact portion 424 at the right end thereof, and the second slide contact portion 424 is connected to the slide base member 322 via a second slide spring member 425. (See FIG. 17). Thus, the second slide plate 42 is always urged to the right by the second slide spring member 425, and is normally positioned at the reference position.

  The lock member 43 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and has a hollow portion 435 by continuously forming a front end portion 431, an upper portion 432, a rear end portion 433, and a lower portion 434. . The front end 431 of the lock member 43 is provided with a protruding piece 431a that protrudes forward. As shown in FIG. 12, the lock member 43 is configured such that the upper portion 432 is inserted through the insertion portion 421 a of the second slide plate 42, and the hollow portion 435 is passed through the first slide plate 41. It is provided. That is, the front end portion 431 of the lock member 43 is on the front side of the first slide base portion 411 of the first slide plate 41, and the rear end portion 433 of the lock member 43 is the first slide upper extension portion of the first slide plate 41. The lower portion 434 of the lock member 43 is on the lower side of the first slide bottom portion 412 of the first slide plate 41.

  Such a lock member 43 has a rear end portion 433 thereof connected to the rear surface of the first slide extension 413 of the first slide plate 41 via a lock spring member 436 (see FIG. 24). It is urged to the right by 436.

  The support rod 44 is, for example, a hexagonal rod-shaped body, and is provided on the right front rack support side plate 31b so as to be rotatable about its own central axis as shown in FIG. More specifically, the upper end of the support rod 44 is supported by the upper end piece 31b3 of the right front rack support side plate 31b, and the lower end of the support rod 44 is provided corresponding to the height level of the lowermost product rack 30d. It is supported by the member 441d and provided so as to be rotatable around its own central axis.

  A connecting gear 442 is provided at the upper end of the support rod 44. The connection gear 442 meshes with an output gear (not shown) of the motor M via the linkage gear 443. Here, the motor M is a drive source that is driven when a drive command is given from the control means 100 (see FIG. 2), and rotates the output gear clockwise when the output gear is viewed from above. . As a result, the connecting gear 442 that meshes with the output gear via the linkage gear 443 also rotates clockwise when viewed from above, and the support rod 44 also rotates clockwise about its own central axis. It is.

  A plurality of (for example, four) switching cam members 45 are attached to such a support rod 44. The switching cam member 45 constitutes a cam mechanism together with an auxiliary cam member 46, which will be described later, and is attached so that its own hexagonal through hole 451 penetrates the support rod 44, and each of the product racks 30a to 30a. Corresponds to a height level of 30d. Each switching cam member 45 rotates integrally with the support rod 44. Further, the switching cam member 45 can be displaced along the extending direction (vertical direction) of the support rod 44 while being penetrated by the support rod 44, and according to the height level of each of the product racks 30a to 30d. The position can be displaced. That is, the switching cam member 45 can follow according to the height level of each product rack 30a-30d.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the switching cam member 45 attached to the support rod 44 shown in FIG. 14, and (a) shows a switching cam member 45 (hereinafter referred to as the first switching) corresponding to the uppermost product rack 30a. (B) is a switching cam member 45 (hereinafter also referred to as a second switching cam member 45b) corresponding to the second stage product rack 30b, and (c) is a third stage from the top stage. A switching cam member 45 (hereinafter also referred to as a third switching cam member 45c) corresponding to the product rack 30c of the eye, (d) is a switching cam member 45 (fourth switching cam member 45d) corresponding to the lowermost product rack 30d. It shows about.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the switching cam member 45 is formed with a standby portion 452 serving as a reference position, as well as a first protrusion 45a1, 45b1, 45c1, 45d1, and a second protrusion 45a2, 45b2 and 45c2 and third protrusions 45a3, 45b3, 45c3 and 45d3 are provided, respectively. The first protrusions 45a1, 45b1, 45c1, and 45d1 are provided so as to protrude outward in the radial direction on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the switching cam member 45, and constitute sales parts. The first protrusions 45a1, 45b1, 45c1, and 45d1 are formed, for example, 60 ° clockwise with respect to the central axis of the switching cam member 45 (the central axis of the support rod 44). The second projecting pieces 45a2, 45b2, 45c2 are formed to extend upward from the end portions of the first projecting pieces 45a1, 45b1, 45c1. The third projecting pieces 45a3, 45b3, 45c3 of the switching cam member 45 excluding the fourth switching cam member 45d are counterclockwise from the second projecting pieces 45a2, 45b2, 45c2 with respect to the central axis (the central axis of the support rod 44). Are provided at locations separated by a predetermined angle, and extend along the vertical direction. The third projecting piece 45d3 of the fourth switching cam member 45d is formed to extend upward from the end of the first projecting piece 45d1. That is, since the fourth switching cam member 45d is also used in accordance with the shape of the third projecting piece 45d3, the second projecting piece is not formed. These third projecting pieces 45a3, 45b3 and 45c3 constitute auxiliary parts.

  Each switching cam member 45 attached to the support rod 44 is provided in such a manner that the first projecting pieces 45a1, 45b1, 45c1, 45d1 are separated from each other by a predetermined angle around the central axis of the support rod 44, The standby portion 452 and the third projecting pieces 45a3, 45b3, 45c3, and 45d3 are provided so as to coincide with each other vertically.

  Here, an installation example of the first projecting pieces 45a1, 45b1, 45c1, 45d1 and the third projecting pieces 45a3, 45b3, 45c3, 45d3 in each switching cam member 45 will be described. In addition, what is shown here is an example and it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this.

  In the second switching cam member 45b, the first projecting piece 45b1 is 60 counterclockwise with respect to the central axis of the support rod 44 with respect to the first projecting piece 45a1 and the second projecting piece 45a2 of the first switching cam member 45a. Degrees are provided.

  In the third switching cam member 45c, the first projecting piece 45c1 is provided by being shifted by 60 ° counterclockwise with respect to the central axis of the support rod 44 with respect to the first projecting piece 45b1 of the second switching cam member 45b. Yes.

  In the fourth switching cam member 45d, the first projecting piece 45d1 is provided offset by 60 ° counterclockwise with respect to the central axis of the support rod 44 with respect to the first projecting piece 45c1 of the third switching cam member 45c. Yes.

  The third projecting piece 45a3 in the first switching cam member 45a is provided by being shifted by 240 ° counterclockwise from the first projecting piece 45a1 in the first switching cam member 45a with reference to the central axis of the support rod 44. Yes. The third projecting piece 45b3 in the second switching cam member 45b is provided 180 degrees counterclockwise from the first projecting piece 45b1 in the second switching cam member 45b with reference to the central axis of the support rod 44. Further, the third projecting piece 45c3 in the third switching cam member 45c is provided by being shifted by 120 ° counterclockwise from the first projecting piece 45c1 in the third switching cam member 45c with reference to the central axis of the support rod 44. The third projecting piece 45d3 of the fourth switching cam member 45d is provided by being shifted by 60 ° counterclockwise from the first projecting piece 45d1 of the fourth switching cam member 45d with respect to the central axis of the support rod 44. Yes.

  Thus, one side surface of the support rod 44 that is a hexagonal rod-shaped body corresponds to the standby portion 452 of the plurality of switching cam members 45, and the other side surface of the support rod 44 has a plurality of switching cam members. 45 third projecting pieces (auxiliary parts) 45a3, 45b3, 45c3, 45d3 correspond to each other. And the 1st protrusion 45a1, 45b1, 45c1, 45d1 of the switching cam member 45 respond | corresponds to the remaining side surfaces of the support rod 44 individually.

  Thereby, by making each position correspond to each side surface of the support rod 44, when the support rod 44 rotates 360 °, each position can be evenly arranged by 60 °.

  An auxiliary cam member 46 is provided in the vicinity of each switching cam member 45. The auxiliary cam member 46 (hereinafter also referred to as the first auxiliary cam member 46a) provided in the vicinity of the first switching cam member 45a has its own through hole (not shown) penetrated by the support rod 44. It is supported by a cam base member 441a corresponding to the height level of the uppermost product rack 30a. The cam base member 441a is formed by appropriately bending a steel plate, and is attached to the right front rack support side plate 31b using screws or the like.

  An auxiliary cam member 46 (hereinafter also referred to as a second auxiliary cam member 46b) provided in the vicinity of the second switching cam member 45b has its own through hole (not shown) penetrated by the support rod 44. It is supported by a cam base member 441b corresponding to the height level of the product rack 30b from the top to the second. The cam base member 441b is formed by appropriately bending a steel plate, and is attached to the right front rack support side plate 31b using screws or the like.

  An auxiliary cam member 46 (hereinafter referred to as a third auxiliary cam member 46c) provided in the vicinity of the third switching cam member 45c starts from the uppermost stage so that its through hole (not shown) is penetrated by the support rod 44. It is supported by a cam base member 441c corresponding to the height level of the third stage product rack 30c. The cam base member 441c is formed by appropriately bending a steel plate, and is attached to the right front rack support side plate 31b using screws or the like.

  The auxiliary cam member 46 (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth auxiliary cam member 46d) provided in the vicinity of the fourth switching cam member 45d is supported by the cam base member 441d that supports the lower end portion of the support rod 44 as described above. Yes. This cam base member 441d is formed by appropriately bending a steel plate, and is attached to the right front rack support side plate 31b using screws or the like at the position corresponding to the height level of the lowermost product rack 30d as described above. It has been.

  FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the first auxiliary cam member 46a. Here, the first auxiliary cam member 46a will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the second auxiliary cam member 46b, the third auxiliary cam member 46c, and the fourth auxiliary cam member 46d have the same configuration as the first auxiliary cam member 46a, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

  The first auxiliary cam member 46a has its base end portion 461 rotatably supported by the cam base member 441a. A tongue piece 463 is provided on the first auxiliary cam member 46a. An auxiliary cam spring member 464 is interposed between the first auxiliary cam member 46a and the cam base member 441a. Thus, when the first auxiliary cam member 46a is in a free state, the auxiliary cam spring member 464 is urged to bring the tongue piece 463 into contact with the stop piece 4411 provided on the upper surface of the cam base member 441a. The tip portion 462 is in a posture (engagement posture) facing left. In FIG. 16, the tongue piece 463 contacts the first switching cam member 45 a, so that the first auxiliary cam member 46 a has the tip portion 462 slightly forward against the biasing force of the auxiliary cam spring member 464. It is a posture to face.

  Guide recesses 4412 are formed at the front edge portions of the cam base members 441a to 441d that support the first auxiliary cam members 46a to 46d. As shown in FIG. 17, the guide concave portion 4412 has a size that fits the guide convex portion 3221 formed on the slide base member 322. The cam base members 441 a to 441 d are engaged with the slide base member 322 when the guide concave portion 4412 is engaged with the guide convex portion 3221. In this way, the slide base member 322 and the cam base members 441a to 441d engage with each other so that the first and second slide plates 41 and 42 supported by the slide base member 322 and the cam base members 441a to 441d are supported. Therefore, the positional relationship with the cam mechanism (the switching cam member 45 and the auxiliary cam member 46) is defined appropriately.

  The rotational angle position of the switching cam member 45 described above is detected by the mode detection switch 6 (see FIG. 2). The mode detection switch 6 detects the rotational angle position of the switching cam member 45 by detecting the state of a mode gear (not shown) that meshes with the output gear of the motor M. When such a mode detection switch 6 detects the rotational angle position, the mode detection switch 6 gives this to the control means 100 as a detection signal. Here, an example of the rotation angle position detected by the mode detection switch 6 will be described. In addition, what is shown here is an example and it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this.

  The rotation angle positions detected by the mode detection switch 6 are “standby position”, “60 ° rotation position”, “120 ° rotation position”, “180 ° rotation position”, “240 ° rotation position”, and “300 ° rotation position”. ”.

  The “standby position” is a reference position, and as shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D, the standby portion 452 of the switching cam member 45 faces the front. In this case, both are positions where they do not contact the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42. At this time, the auxiliary cam member 46 includes the first slide protrusion 414a of the first slide contact portion 414 of the first slide plate 41 located at the reference position and the second slide of the second slide plate 42 located at the reference position. The tip end portion 462 is in a non-engagement posture in which the front end portion 462 faces the front by being in contact with the second slide protrusion 424a of the contact portion 424.

  The “60 ° rotation position” is a position where the support rod 44 is rotated 60 ° clockwise from the “standby position”. As shown in FIG. 19A, at this position, the first projecting piece 45a1 of the first switching cam member 45a contacts the first slide contact portion 414 of the first slide plate 41 in the uppermost product rack 30a. Touch it and move it to the left. At this time, the first auxiliary cam member 46a is brought into contact with the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42 located at the reference position, and the front end portion 462 faces the front. It is a stance. Further, as shown in FIGS. 19B to 19D, the second switching cam member 45b, the third switching cam member 45c, and the fourth switching cam member 45d are all the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate. 42 is not in contact.

  The “120 ° rotation position” is a position where the support rod 44 has rotated clockwise by 120 ° from the “standby position”. As shown in FIG. 20 (b), at this position, the first protrusion 45b1 of the second switching cam member 45b is in contact with the first slide plate 41 of the first slide plate 41 in the product rack 30b from the top to the second. It abuts on the part 414 and moves it to the left. At this time, the second auxiliary cam member 46b is brought into contact with the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42 located at the reference position, and the front end portion 462 faces the front. It is a stance. Further, as shown in FIG. 20A, in the middle of reaching the “120 ° rotation position”, the second projecting piece 45a2 of the first switching cam member 45a is in contact with the first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide contact. By abutting on the part 424 and moving them to the left, they are brought into contact with the first slide protrusion 414a of the first slide contact part 414 and the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact part 424. The first auxiliary cam member 46a that has been turned is biased by the auxiliary cam spring member 464 and rotates leftward, but the tongue piece 463 contacts the first switching cam member 45a and rotates more than a predetermined size. To be regulated. Further, as shown in FIGS. 20C and 20D, neither the third switching cam member 45 c nor the fourth switching cam member 45 d is in contact with the first slide plate 41 or the second slide plate 42.

  The “180 ° rotation position” is a position where the support rod 44 has rotated 180 ° clockwise from the “standby position”. As shown in FIG. 21C, at this position, the first projecting piece 45c1 of the third switching cam member 45c is in contact with the first slide plate 41 of the first slide plate 41 in the product rack 30c that is third from the top. It abuts on the part 414 and moves it to the left. At this time, the third auxiliary cam member 46c is brought into contact with the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42 located at the reference position, and the distal end portion 462 faces the front. It is a stance. Further, as shown in FIG. 21B, in the middle of reaching the “180 ° rotation position”, the second projecting piece 45b2 of the second switching cam member 45b is connected to the first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide contact. By abutting on the part 424 and moving them to the left, they are brought into contact with the first slide protrusion 414a of the first slide contact part 414 and the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact part 424. The second auxiliary cam member 46b that has been turned is biased by the auxiliary cam spring member 464 and rotates leftward. However, the tongue piece 463 contacts the second switching cam member 45b and rotates more than a predetermined size. To be regulated. Further, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21D, neither the first switching cam member 45 a nor the fourth switching cam member 45 d is in contact with the first slide plate 41 or the second slide plate 42.

  The “240 ° rotation position” is a position where the support rod 44 is rotated 240 ° clockwise from the “standby position”. As shown in FIG. 22D, at this position, the first projecting piece 45d1 of the fourth switching cam member 45d contacts the first slide contact portion 414 of the first slide plate 41 in the lowermost product rack 30d. Touch it and move it to the left. At this time, the fourth auxiliary cam member 46d is brought into contact with the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42 located at the reference position, and the distal end portion 462 faces the front. It is a stance. Further, as shown in FIG. 22C, in the middle of reaching the “240 ° rotation position”, the second projecting piece 45c2 of the third switching cam member 45c is brought into contact with the first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide contact. By abutting on the part 424 and moving them to the left, they are brought into contact with the first slide protrusion 414a of the first slide contact part 414 and the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact part 424. The third auxiliary cam member 46c, which has been turned, is biased by the auxiliary cam spring member 464 and rotates leftward, but the tongue piece 463 contacts the third switching cam member 45c and rotates more than a predetermined size. To be regulated. Further, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, neither the first switching cam member 45 a nor the second switching cam member 45 b is in contact with the first slide plate 41 or the second slide plate 42.

  The “300 ° rotation position” is a position where the support rod 44 has rotated clockwise by 300 ° from the “standby position”. In this position, as shown in FIGS. 23A to 23D, the third projecting pieces 45a3, 45b3, 45c3, and 45d3 of all the switching cam members 45 are moved to the first slide plate 41 in each of the product racks 30a to 30d. The first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42 are contacted and moved to the left. At this time, each auxiliary cam member 46 is urged by the auxiliary cam spring member 464, and the tongue piece 463 does not contact with each switching cam member 45. Therefore, the auxiliary cam member 46 rotates to the left, and the tongue piece 463 is stopped. The tip portion 462 becomes an engagement posture facing the left side. In such an engagement posture, the distal end portion 462 contacts the first slide protrusion 414a of the first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact portion 424, and these first slide plates 41 are in contact. And the 2nd slide board 42 is hold | maintained in the state which moved toward the left from the reference position.

  Then, when the support rod 44 rotates from the “300 ° rotation position” to the “standby position” again, the auxiliary cam members 46 in the engagement posture are assisted by the tongue pieces 463 coming into contact with the switching cam members 45. The cam spring member 464 rotates toward the front against the urging force. As a result, the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 return to the reference position.

  Next, the take-out mechanism 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the take-out mechanism 50 is provided for each product storage column 33.

  FIG. 24 schematically shows the product storage column 33 constituting the product rack 30a shown in FIG. 11, and is a longitudinal sectional view showing the case viewed from the right side. 25 is a perspective view showing the take-out mechanism 50, FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of main elements of the take-out mechanism 50, and FIG. 27 is a side view of the take-out mechanism 50 viewed from the right side. These are the side views which looked at the extraction mechanism 50 from the left side.

  As shown also in FIG. 24, the take-out mechanism 50 is provided for each product storage column 33. The takeout mechanism 50 includes a first gate member 51 and a second gate member 52.

  The first gate member 51 extends in the left-right direction and is supported by a gate shaft portion 53 that is installed in an upper region of the foremost product, and a first base end portion 511, and the first base end portion 511. Is also provided with a first tip portion 512 that extends toward the front side and projects downward from the middle thereof. A sliding portion 512a constituting a curved surface is provided at a lower portion of the first tip portion 512. The first gate member 51 can be rotated around the central axis about the central axis of the gate shaft portion 53. A gate spring member 54 is interposed between the first gate member 51 and the gate shaft portion 53. Therefore, the first gate member 51 is biased by the gate spring member 54 and rotated downward, and the first tip portion 512 has advanced into the product storage passage 33a.

  Thus, when the 1st front-end | tip part 512 of the 1st gate member 51 has advanced into the goods storage channel | path 33a, this 1st front-end | tip part 512 is located in the front area of the foremost goods. When the first gate member 51 is rotated upward against the biasing force of the gate spring member 54, the first tip portion 512 is retracted from the product storage passage 33a.

  The first gate member 51 includes a first engagement piece 513 that protrudes rearward. When the first distal end portion 512 of the first gate member 51 is advanced to the product storage passage 33a and the first slide plate 41 is positioned at the reference position, the first engagement piece 513 is It is located in the upper region of the restriction piece 411b (see FIG. 12). Thereby, even if the 1st gate member 51 tries to rotate upwards, the 1st engagement piece 513 contact | abuts to the control piece 411b, and the upward rotation is controlled.

  The second gate member 52 is provided on the rear side of the first gate member 51, enters the first base end portion 511, and is supported by the gate shaft portion 53, and a second base end portion 521, A second distal end portion 522 that extends rearward from the second base end portion 521 and has a lower end projecting downward from the second base end portion 521 is provided. The second gate member 52 can be rotated around the central axis of the gate shaft portion 53. That is, the second gate member 52 is disposed so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the shaft portion common to the first gate member 51.

  Such a second gate member 52 is connected to the first gate member 51 via a coil spring member 55. More specifically, when the coil spring member 55 is hooked between the hook groove 516 of the first gate member 51 and the hook groove 526 of the second gate member 52, the coil spring member 55 is urged to the first gate. The positional relationship between the member 51 and the second gate member 52 is defined.

  As a result, when the first tip 512 of the first gate member 51 has advanced into the product storage passage 33a, the second gate member 52 has its second tip 522 retracted from the product storage passage 33a. It is a posture. On the other hand, when the first front end portion 512 of the first gate member 51 is retracted from the product storage passage 33a, the second front end portion 522 is in a posture of being advanced into the product storage passage 33a. Thus, when the 2nd front-end | tip part 522 has advanced into the goods storage channel | path 33a, this 2nd front-end | tip part 522 is located in the front area of the 2nd goods from the forefront.

  The second gate member 52 includes a second engagement piece 523 that protrudes leftward. The second engagement piece 523 enters and locks into a recess on the front side of the first engagement piece 513 in the first gate member 51.

  Since the second gate member 52 is connected to the first gate member 51 via the coil spring member 55, the second gate member 52 basically rotates integrally with the first gate member 51. However, the second gate member 52 rotates upward against the urging force of the coil spring member 55 when a force for retracting the second tip 522 from the product storage passage 33a is applied. is there.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory view schematically showing the restricting means 60 constituting the product storage device 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. The restricting means 60 includes a guide member 61 and a piece member 62. The guide member 61 is provided in each of the product racks 30a to 30d so as to extend along the left-right direction in the upper front area of each product storage column 33.

  A plurality of piece members 62 are provided. These piece members 62 are accommodated in the accommodation area 61a of the guide member 61 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. The total width of the spaces S1 and S2 formed in the accommodation area 61a in the restricting means 60 is slightly larger than the width of the protrusion 512b of the first gate member 51 constituting the take-out mechanism 50. .

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 29 (b), when the protruding portion 512b of any one of the first gate members 51 enters the accommodation area 61a among the take-out mechanisms 50 arranged in each product storage column 33. In the accommodation area 61a, there is no space in which the protrusion 512b of the first gate member 51 of the other extraction mechanism 50 can enter.

  As described above, when the protrusion 512b of the first tip portion 512 of the first gate member 51 that retreats from the product storage passage 33a according to the product take-out operation enters the storage area 61a, The protrusion 512b of the first tip 512 of the first gate member 51 in the take-out mechanism 50 is prevented from entering the receiving area 61a, and the first gate member 51 in the other take-out mechanism 50 is turned upward. Is to regulate.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the main processing contents of the sales control processing executed by the control means 100 shown in FIG. The operation of the vending machine including the product storage device 20 will be described while explaining the sales control process.

  In the sales control process, the control means 100 validates the corresponding rack selection button 13 when the input amount (amount information) given from the money processing device 16 is equal to or higher than the commodity price (step S101: Yes). (Step S102).

  When the rack selection button 13 associated with the uppermost product rack 30a among the valid rack selection buttons 13 is pressed (step S103: Yes), the control unit 100 presses the rack selection button pressed. The light source 13a built in 13 is turned on according to a predetermined pattern (step S104). In step S104, the light source 13a is always turned on. Then, after executing step S104, the control unit 100 drives the motor M on the assumption that the sales instruction is given (step S105).

  When the “60 ° rotation position” is detected by the mode detection switch 6 (step S106: Yes), the control unit 100 stops driving the motor M and sets the light source 13a that is always lit in step S104 to a predetermined value. For example, blinking is performed according to the pattern (steps S107 and S108).

  And after implementing this step S108, the control means 100 drives the locking / unlocking mechanism 3 to make it unlocked (step S109). As a result, the user can move the outer door 2 open.

  Further, since the support rod 44 is stopped at the “60 ° rotation position”, the support rod 44 is rotated 60 ° clockwise from the “standby position”, and the first projecting piece 45a1 of the first switching cam member 45a is attached to the first slide plate 41. It abuts on the first slide abutting portion 414. As a result, the first slide plate 41 moves toward the left against the urging force of the first slide spring member 415, as shown in FIG.

  When the first slide plate 41 moves leftward in this way, the restriction piece 411b of the first slide plate 41 is detached from the lower region of the first engagement piece 513 of the first gate member 51, and the notch 412a is formed. The lower region of the first engagement piece 513 is opened. As a result, the first gate member 51 of each take-out mechanism 50 in the uppermost product rack 30a is urged by the gate spring member 54, but is free to rotate upward.

  By the way, in the product racks 30b to 30d other than the uppermost product rack 30a, the switching cam member 45 (second switching cam member 45b, third switching cam) attached at a height level corresponding to each product rack 30b to 30d. The member 45c and the fourth switching cam member 45d) are not in contact with the first slide contact portion 414 (see FIG. 18). Therefore, in the product racks 30 b to 30 d other than the uppermost stage, the first gate member 51 of the take-out mechanism 50 arranged in each product storage column 33 is regulated by the first slide plate 41. Therefore, in these product racks 30b to 30d, the products stored in the product storage columns 33 are prevented from being taken out.

  As described above, in the standby state, the rack selection mechanism 40 places all the product racks 30a to 30d in a state in which the removal of the product is restricted. On the other hand, when a sales instruction is given, the product rack 30a at the designated stage is provided. Only allow the product to be removed.

  Then, when the user performs a take-out operation to pull out the foremost product stored in, for example, the first product storage column 33 from the right of the product rack 30a, the take-out mechanism 50 operates as follows. As shown in FIG. 32, the first gate member 51 rotates upward so that the first tip portion 512 is retracted from the product storage passage 33a against the biasing force of the gate spring member 54. In this case, the second gate member 52 also rotates downward integrally with the first gate member 51 so that the second tip 522 advances into the product storage passage 33a. Thereby, the 2nd front-end | tip part 522 of the 2nd gate member 52 is located between the forefront goods taken out and the 2nd goods from the forefront.

  When the second gate member 52 rotates downward as described above, as shown in FIG. 33, the first gate member 51 rotates upward and the lock member 43 is urged by the lock spring member 436 to the right. Move towards you. And the protrusion piece 431a of the lock member 43 is located above the 2nd engagement piece 523 of the 2nd gate member 52, and, thereby, the 2nd gate member 52 is hold | maintained at the attitude | position rotated toward the downward direction. Thereby, the 1st gate member 51 is also hold | maintained at the attitude | position rotated toward upper direction. Therefore, the product stored on the rear side of the second product from the front cannot be moved forward, and a plurality of products can be restricted from being taken out forward in the same product storage column 33. .

  Further, in the first gate member 51 rotated upward, the protruding portion 512 b of the first tip end portion 512 enters the accommodation area 61 a of the guide member 61 constituting the restricting means 60. As a result, the first gate member 51 of the take-out mechanism 50 disposed in the other product storage column 33 in the uppermost product rack 30 a enters the receiving area 61 a of the guide member 61 due to the presence of the piece member 62. And is consequently unable to rotate upwards. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the product from being taken out from the other product storage column 33 in the same product rack 30a.

  Here, the most recent product is taken out in the following posture. As described above, the rail member 34 is configured such that the front end portion (downstream side end portion) is curved in such a manner that the lower end portion gradually inclines downward, and the rear end portion 35a is regulated in a manner to advance into the product storage passage 33a. A member 35 is provided. Thereby, the foremost product is taken out in a forward leaning posture as shown in FIG. 32 without being taken out while maintaining the standing posture. That is, the restricting member 35 is provided in a lower area of the product storage passage 33a on the front side of the front product, and restricts the front product from being taken out in a standing posture and allows the front product to be taken out in a forward tilt posture. It is.

  In this way, when the user removes the last product from the predetermined product storage column 33, the take-out detection sensor 5 disposed in the product storage column 33 detects that fact and sends a detection signal to the control means 100. Will give.

  When a detection signal is given from the take-out detection sensor 5 and the outer door 2 is then closed and the door switch 4 is switched from the off state to the on state (step S110: Yes, step S111: Yes), the control means 100 It can be recognized that the front opening of the main body cabinet 1 is closed after the commodity is taken out.

  After recognizing such control, the control means 100 drives the locking / unlocking mechanism 3 to the locked state, and then turns off the light source 13a that has been turned on and off (steps S112 and S113). Thereafter, the control means 100 gives a take-out command output to the money processing device 16 and gives a release command to the motor M to drive it (steps S114 and S115).

  In the money processing apparatus 16 to which the withdrawal command output is given from the control means 100, when there is a change, the change is paid out to the coin return port 17, and the money corresponding to the commodity price is accommodated for each denomination.

  Further, by driving the motor M, the support rod 44 is rotated clockwise to the “standby position” which is a predetermined stop position.

  With the rotation of the support rod 44, the first switching cam member 45 a comes into contact with the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42, with the second projecting piece 45 a 2 continuing from the first projecting piece 45 a 1. As a result, the second slide plate 42 moves to the left against the urging force of the second slide spring member 425. By moving the second slide plate 42 toward the left, the lock member 43 also moves toward the left against the urging force of the lock spring member 436 and is detached from above the second gate member 52. As a result, the upper region of the second gate member 52 is opened. Accordingly, the first gate member 51 is urged by the gate spring member 54 to rotate downward, and the second gate member 52 is also rotated upward. And the 1st front-end | tip part 512 of the 1st gate member 51 advances into the goods storage path 33a, and the 2nd front-end | tip part 522 of the 2nd gate member 52 retracts | saves from the goods storage path 33a. The product stored in the product storage passage 33a is pressed by the pusher member 343 and brought to the front side.

  Thereafter, when the contact between the second projecting piece 45a2 of the first switching cam member 45a and the first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide contact portion 424 is released by the rotation of the support rod 44, the first slide The plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 are urged by the first slide spring member 415 and the second slide spring member 425, respectively, move toward the right and return to the original state. Then, the restriction piece 411b of the first slide plate 41 is positioned below the first engagement piece 513 of the first gate member 51. Therefore, the first gate member 51 cannot be rotated upward.

  When the predetermined position, that is, the “standby position” is detected by the mode detection switch 6 (step S116: Yes), the control unit 100 stops driving the motor M (step S117), and then returns the procedure. To end the current process. According to this, one product selected by the user can be sold.

  On the other hand, when the door switch 4 is switched from the off state to the on state without receiving a detection signal from the take-out detection sensor 5 in the above step S110 (step S110: No, step S118: Yes), the control means 100 It can be recognized that the front opening of the main body cabinet 1 is closed without being taken out.

  After recognizing such control, the control means 100 drives the locking / unlocking mechanism 3 to the locked state, and then turns off the light source 13a that has been turned on and off (steps S119 and S120). Thereafter, the control means 100 gives a non-withdrawal command output to the money processing apparatus 16 (step S121). The money processing apparatus 16 to which the undrawn command output is given from the control means 100 pays out the inserted coins to the coin return port 17.

  Then, the control means 100 that has given the unremoved command output gives a release command to drive the motor M (step S122), and then returns to the procedure after performing the above-described steps S117 and S118. Terminate the process.

  Next, the case where a product is replenished in the vending machine will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the main processing contents of the replenishment control processing performed by the control means 100 shown in FIG. The case where a product is replenished in the vending machine provided with the product storage device 20 will be described while explaining the replenishment control process.

  In the replenishment control process, when the mode selection button 14 is pressed by the administrator (step S103: Yes), the control unit 100 drives the motor M assuming that a replenishment command is given (step S132).

  When the “300 ° rotation position” is detected as a predetermined position by the mode detection switch 6 (step S133: Yes), the control unit 100 stops driving the motor M and drives the locking / unlocking mechanism 3 to unlock the motor M. A locked state is set (steps S134 and S135). Thereby, the administrator can move the outer door 2 open.

  Here, at the “300 ° rotation position”, as described with reference to FIG. 23, the third projecting pieces 45a3, 45b3, 45c3, and 45d3 of all the switching cam members 45 are the first slide plates in the product racks 30a to 30d. 41, the first slide contact portion 414 of the second slide contact portion 424 and the second slide contact portion 424 of the second slide plate 42 are contacted and moved to the left, and then the tip of the auxiliary cam member 46 rotated to the engagement posture. The portion 462 contacts the first slide protrusion 414a of the first slide contact portion 414 and the second slide protrusion 424a of the second slide contact portion 424, and the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 are used as a reference. It keeps moving from the position to the left.

  Thus, since the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 are held in a state of moving leftward from the reference position, the first gate member 51 of the take-out mechanism 50 rotates upward. It becomes possible.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 35, the supplementary product is caused to enter the product storage passage 33a from the front side. As shown in FIG. 10, when the restriction member 35 is pressed by a product that has entered from the front, the restriction member 35 rotates downward around the central axis of the restriction shaft portion 352 against the urging force of the restriction spring member 353. By moving, the rear end portion 35a is retracted from the product storage passage 33a. Therefore, the supplementary product can enter the product storage passage 33a in a standing posture.

  When the supplementary product is made to enter the product storage passage 33a in the standing posture as described above, the cap 200 of the supplementary product slides in contact with the sliding portion 512a at the first tip portion 512 of the first gate member 51. Become. In this case, since the sliding part 512a of the first gate member 51 constitutes a curved surface, the first gate member 51 rotates upward by being pressed by the supplementary product. As a result, the second gate member 52 rotates downward according to the rotation of the first gate member 51.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 36, the entered product comes into contact with the second tip 522 of the second gate member 52. The second gate member 52 is rotated by the lock member 43. Since it is not restricted, as shown in FIG. 37, it rotates upward against the biasing force of the coil spring member 55 and the second tip 522 is retracted from the product storage passage 33a. Therefore, a predetermined number of products can be entered from the front area of the product storage column 33 and replenished.

  When the administrator presses the release button 15 after replenishing a predetermined number of products in this way (step S136: Yes), the control means 100 drives the locking / unlocking mechanism 3. After being locked, the release command is given to the motor M to drive it (steps S137 and S138).

  When the predetermined position, that is, the “standby position” is detected by the mode detection switch 6 (step S139: Yes), the control unit 100 stops driving the motor M (step S140), and then returns the procedure. To end the current process.

  As described above, in the vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the rack selection mechanism 40 puts all the product racks 30a to 30d into a state in which the removal of the products is restricted in the standby state. Then, when a sales instruction is given, the rack selection mechanism 40 sets the product rack (30a) at the designated level to allow the product to be taken out. The take-out mechanism 50 disposed for each product storage column 33 normally restricts the removal of products stored in the product storage column 33, while the product rack (30a) having the product storage column 33 has a product rack (30a). If the rack selection mechanism 40 permits the removal of the product, it operates according to the product take-out operation to allow only the foremost product to be taken out. The restricting means 60 provided for each product rack (30a) has one of the take-out mechanisms 50 when the product selection of the product rack (30a) in which the product rack (30a) is provided is permitted by the rack selection mechanism 40. Is allowed to operate, and the other take-out mechanisms 50 in the commodity rack (30a) are restricted from operating. As a result, the user can purchase the desired product without using the bucket driving means as in a conventional vending machine. In addition, it is possible to retain the original function of a vending machine that sells products unattended. Therefore, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.

  In the product storage device 20 constituting the vending machine, the first slide plate 41 is normally positioned at the reference position and restricts the first gate member 51 from retracting from the product storage passage 33a. It can suppress that the goods stored in the column 33 are taken out. Further, the switching cam member 45 moves the first slide plate 41 from the reference position, whereby the first gate member 51 and the second gate member 52 can be brought into a free state. In this case, when the user takes out the foremost product in the product storage passage 33a, the first gate member 51 is retracted from the product storage passage 33a, and the second gate member 52 advances into the product storage passage 33a. When the second gate member 52 advances into the product storage passage 33a, the lock member 43 moves above the second engagement piece 523 of the second gate member 52, so that the second gate member 52 advances into the product storage passage 33a. Held in the same posture. This restricts the second product from the forefront from moving forward. Further, when the switching cam member 45 moves not only the first slide plate 41 but also the second slide member from the reference position, the lock member 43 is disengaged from above the second engagement piece 523 of the second gate member 52. Thus, the first gate member 51 can be advanced into the product storage passage 33a, and the second gate member 52 can be retracted from the product storage passage 33a. Thus, by entrusting the user to take out the product, it is not necessary to use a bucket or bucket driving means as in a conventional vending machine, and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, even if the first gate member 51 is retracted from the product storage passage 33a, the second gate member 52 advances into the product storage passage 33a, so that the products can be taken out from the product storage column 33 one by one. Therefore, the products stored in the product storage column 33 can be reliably taken out one by one while reducing the cost.

  In the product storage device 20 that constitutes the vending machine, the rail member 34 that constitutes each product storage column 33 supports the product cap mounting portion 200a to suspend the product in an upright position. Since it is stored in the storage passage 33a, it is possible to satisfactorily store the product in which the body portion 201 is stored in a deformed container such as a flat shape without causing product clogging.

  In the product storage device 20 constituting the vending machine, the protrusion 512b of the first gate member 51 that the regulating means 60 rotates upward in response to the product take-out operation has entered the storage area 61a. In this case, the protrusion 512b of the first gate member 51 in the other extraction mechanism 50 is prevented from entering the accommodation area 61a, and the backward movement of the first gate member 51 in the other extraction mechanism 50 is restricted. Thereby, it can prevent reliably that a some goods are taken out from one goods rack 30a-30d.

  In the product storage device 20 constituting the vending machine, since the product is stored in the product storage passage 33a in a standing posture, the product is placed horizontally as in the prior art described in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-27749. Compared to the case where the product is stored in a tilted position and the product is viewed from the cap 200 side, the entire product can be visually recognized by the user, and the user can directly see and touch the purchased product. Can give the user a sense of security.

  In addition, the vending machine and the product storage device 20 can provide the following operational effects.

  Since the regulating member 35 in the product storage device 20 regulates that the foremost product is taken out in a standing posture and allows it to be taken out in a forward inclined posture, the take-out posture of the product can be controlled, Thereby, it is possible to suppress the user from taking out in an arbitrary posture, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a failure or the like induced by the user being taken out in an arbitrary posture. In particular, since the front end portion (downstream end portion) of the rail member 34 is curved in such a manner that the rail member 34 is gradually inclined downward, the product stored while being suspended on the rail member 34 is also reliably inclined forward. Can be taken out in a posture.

  In the above replenishment control process, as an example when the administrator depresses the mode selection button 14, the product replenishment has been described. However, in the vending machine according to the present embodiment, each product storage column 33 includes By pressing the mode selection button 14 by the administrator while the product is already replenished, the function as a refrigerated showcase can be exhibited instead of as a vending machine. That is, when the mode selection button 14 is pressed, the outer door 2 can be opened and closed by the locking / unlocking mechanism 3, and the removal of the products is permitted in all the product racks 30a to 30d. Accordingly, the user can open the outer door 2 and take out a desired product.

  The first gate member 51 and the second gate member 52 in the take-out mechanism 50 of the product storage device 20 are rotatable around the central axis of the common gate shaft portion 53, and the gate shaft portion 53 is the foremost product. It is provided in the upper area. Thereby, the distance between the first tip portion 512 of the first gate member 51 and the gate shaft portion 53 and the distance between the second tip portion 522 of the second gate member 52 and the gate shaft portion 53 can be shortened. A sufficient rotation distance between the first gate member 51 and the second gate member 52 can be secured. Further, when the first gate member 51 is released from being held in the state of being advanced into the product storage passage 33a, the sliding portion 512a of the first gate member 51 is in the state of advancement of the product storage passage 33a. When it is pressed while sliding on a product that has entered from the front side, the manager retreats from the product storage passage 33a to allow the product to enter, so that the administrator replenishes the product with only one hand without using both hands. It is possible to improve work efficiency.

  In the product storage device 20, the slide base member 322 that supports the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42, and the cam base members 441 a to 441 d that support the cam mechanism include a guide protrusion 3221 formed on one side. Since the guide recess 4412 formed on the other side is engaged by fitting with each other, the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 supported by the slide base member 322 and the cam base members 441a to 441d are engaged. Positioning with the supported cam mechanism (the switching cam member 45 and the auxiliary cam member 46) can be performed with sufficiently high accuracy.

  In the product storage device 20, when the “300 ° rotation position” is set, the auxiliary cam member 46 is engaged and the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 are moved leftward from the reference position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the return load from the first slide plate 41 and the second slide plate 42 from being transmitted to the switching cam member 45 so that an excessive load is applied to the motor M and the like. can do.

  In the vending machine, in the sales control process, the light source 13a built in the pressed rack selection button 13 is lit according to a predetermined pattern, so that the product racks 30a to 30d selected for the user are displayed. In addition to recognizing it, the purchase process can be appealed through the visual senses, which can motivate purchases.

  In the vending machine, the positions of the standby part, the sales part, and the replenishment part of the switching cam member 45 are made to correspond to the respective sides of the support rod 44 so that each position is set to 60 ° when the support rod 44 rotates 360 °. It is possible to arrange them evenly, so that the accuracy of positioning can be improved and the current position can be easily recognized.

  In the vending machine, the product racks 30a to 30d are fastened by a screw member N as a fastening member to a surface (front surface) facing the front opening of the rack support side plate 31 provided in the storage chamber 1a of the main body cabinet 1. Therefore, the operator can open and move the outer door 2 to open the front opening of the main body cabinet 1, and perform the attaching / detaching work of the product racks 30 a to 30 d from the front through the front opening. it can. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach and detach the product racks 30a to 30d and perform other operations at the place where the vending machine is installed.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

  In the embodiment described above, one input processing unit 10 is attached to one main body cabinet 1 to constitute a vending machine. However, in the present invention, an input processing unit and a plurality of units that do not include input processing are provided. The vending machines may be configured by connecting one input processing unit and a plurality of main body cabinets by communicably connecting the main body cabinets. This also makes it possible to sell only one product desired by the user and to sell a wide variety of products.

  In addition, the products stored in one product rack may have the same price, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the products stored in one product rack may have different prices for each product storage column. Good. According to this, it becomes possible to sell a multi-price product even in one merchandise rack, and it is possible to increase the number of products sold while being compact as a whole vending machine.

  In embodiment mentioned above, the inside of the main body cabinet 1 can be visually recognized through the window part 2a of the outer door 2. As shown in FIG. In the present invention, not only the door body (outer door) but also the vending machine main body (main body cabinet) is formed of a transparent heat insulating glass material so that a window portion is formed in the vending machine main body. good. According to this, not only a door body but the inside can be visually recognized through the window part of a vending machine main body.

  As described above, the vending machine according to the present invention is useful for, for example, a vending machine that sells canned beverages and beverages containing plastic bottles.

1 Main body cabinet 1a Storage room 2 Outer door (door)
2a Window part 3 Locking / unlocking mechanism 4 Door switch 10 Input processing unit 11 Unit main body 12 Coin slot 13 Rack selection button 14 Mode selection button 15 Release button 16 Money processing device 20 Merchandise storage device 30a Merchandise rack 30b Merchandise rack 30c Merchandise rack 30d Product rack 31 Rack support side plate 33 Product storage column 33a Product storage passage 34 Rail member 343 Pusher member 343
40 rack selection mechanism 41 first slide plate 415 first slide spring member 42 second slide plate 425 second slide spring member 43 lock member 44 support rod 45 switching cam member 46 auxiliary cam member 50 take-out mechanism 51 first gate member 511 first 1 base end portion 512 first tip portion 512a sliding portion 512b projection portion 513 first engagement piece 52 second gate member 522 second tip portion 523 second engagement piece 55 coil spring member 60 regulating means 61 guide member 62 piece member 100 Control means M Motor M

Claims (1)

A vending machine body in which the formed opening is opened and closed by a door body;
A vending machine that sells products selected by the user, with a plurality of product storage columns arranged so that the products are arranged in a line, and a plurality of product racks provided in the vending machine main body. Machine,
A rack selection mechanism that places all product racks in a standby state in a state that restricts the removal of products, and that, when a sales instruction is given, only a product rack at a specified level allows the removal of products;
The product rack provided for each product storage column and normally controls the removal of the product stored in the product storage column provided with the product storage column, while the product rack having the product storage column is controlled by the rack selection mechanism. When the removal is permitted, a take-out mechanism that operates according to the take-out operation of the product and allows only the product closest to the opening to be taken out;
When the product rack provided for each product rack and the product rack provided with the product rack is permitted to take out the product by the rack selection mechanism, any one take-out mechanism is allowed to operate, and the product rack And a regulating means for regulating the operation of another take-out mechanism,
The merchandise rack is attached by being fastened by a fastening member to a surface facing the opening of the vending machine main body of the supporting side plate provided inside the vending machine main body. Machine.

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