JP2922109B2 - Vending machine cup conveyor - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cup conveying device of a vending machine for injecting a beverage prepared in an apparatus main body into a cup for sale.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vending machines of this type have been remarkably popularized, and cup-type vending machines for selling both hot beverages and cold beverages have become mainstream. Therefore, the cup supply device for supplying cups also needs to be configured to supply a plurality of types of cups for each size. Therefore, each size cup is discharged from the cup supply device and guided to a single cup outlet. 61-
No. 32475 proposes a cup shooter as disclosed.

Hereinafter, a cup shooter of the above-described conventional cup-type vending machine will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a schematic configuration of a cup shooter of a conventional cup type vending machine.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus main body of a vending machine, which is formed in a box shape having an open front surface, and a door 2 is mounted on the opening portion. 3 is a plurality of canisters containing raw materials such as coffee and tea, 4 is a water heater for boiling hot water, 5 is an ice machine for producing ice chips, and 6 is a cooling tank for cooling and storing beverages. Each is provided.
7 is a cup supply device for accommodating a cup 8, 9 is a cup 8
This is a cup supply device for accommodating a cup 10 having a different size from the above.

A cup chute 11 is provided at the lower end of each of the cup supply devices 7 and 9. Numeral 12 denotes a cup outlet, which is provided so that the upper surface is open and opposed to the lower end of the cup chute 11 and the front surface is open to the sales port 13 provided in the door 2 respectively. Reference numeral 14 denotes a beverage valve operated by a sales signal, and reference numeral 15 denotes a beverage supply nozzle for discharging the prepared beverage into the cups 8 and 10 guided to the cup outlet 12.

Here, the configuration of the cup chute 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, each cup supply device 7, 9 includes each cup 8,
Discharge ports 16 and 17 for separating and discharging the pieces 10 one by one are provided. Each of the cups 8 and 10 discharged from the discharge ports 16 and 17 is connected to a cup input port 11 a provided on an upper portion of the cup chute 11. 11b. Thereafter, the posture of the cup is controlled by coming into contact with a flapper 18 provided in the middle of the cup chute 11, and the cup chute 11 is guided to the cup outlet 12 while sliding on the bottom surface by natural fall.

The operation of the cup chute of the cup type vending machine configured as described above will be described.

When the cup 8 is discharged from the discharge port 16 of the cup supply device 7 in accordance with a sales command (for example, the case of the small cup 8 is illustrated), the cup chute 1 of the cup chute 11 is discharged.
From 1a, the cup 8 enters the cup chute 11, in which the posture is controlled by the flapper 18,
It is guided to the cup outlet 12 by sliding on the bottom surface. At the same time, a beverage obtained by dissolving the raw material in the canister 3 with hot water in the water heater 4 is poured into the cup 8 on the cup outlet 12 from the beverage supply nozzle 15 to complete the contents.

[0010]

However, in the conventional cup conveying device, the cup chute 11 becomes long and large because the plural kinds of cups 8 and 10 are guided to the single cup outlet 12, and as a result, With the flapper 18 provided in the middle of the cup chute 11, it is difficult to control the posture of the cups 8, 10 discharged from the cup supply devices 7, 9. In particular, in the cup transport device that has been sold for a long period of time, the drink to be sold is scattered and stains the inner surface of the cup chute 11 or dust adheres, and the cups 8 and 10 further smoothly slide. Interfere with
Not only did the cup take out poorly, but the stains on the edges of the cups 8 and 10 that the customer directly took were undesirably sanitary.

[0011] The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems. The present invention solves the problem by dropping a cup discharged from a cup supply device onto a conveyor belt and forcibly changing the cup posture in a certain direction to convey the cup. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cup supply device that transports a stable posture between the cup supply device and a cup outlet.

Further, in addition to the above objects, by keeping the distance between the cup supply device and the conveyor belt as short as possible,
Forcibly change the cup position so that it can be transported,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cup transport device that can effectively utilize the space in the refrigerator and can increase the number of cups accommodated in the cup supply device.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned object, there is provided a cup conveying device in which a conveying belt is provided in an inclined manner and a discharged cup is raised from a drop position, so that a purchasing customer can take out the contents at a high position. It is intended to be.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a cup conveying device of a vending machine according to the present invention stores a plurality of cup rows for each size, and one of the cup rows based on a sales command. A cup supply device that separates and discharges each cup, and a conveyor device that has a conveyor belt that faces each discharge port of the cup supply device for each cup size and guides each discharged cup to a single cup outlet. A control plate for changing the posture of the cup on the conveyor in one direction, and a guide plate for guiding the cup to the cup outlet with the changed posture.

[0015] Further, a cup supply device for accommodating a plurality of cup rows for each size and separating and discharging the cup rows one by one based on a sales order, and a discharge port of the cup supply apparatus for each cup size. A fixed distance is provided so that the bottom of the next discharge cup next to the discharge opening of the cup supply device and the upper end of the discharged cup overlap, and a conveyance for guiding each discharged cup to a single cup outlet is provided. It comprises a conveyor device having a belt, and a guide plate for guiding the discharged cup so that the posture of the discharged cup does not change to the cup outlet.

Further, a cup supply device for accommodating a plurality of cup rows for each size, separating and discharging the cup rows one by one based on a sales command, and facing a discharge port of the cup supply apparatus for each cup size. The bottom of the next discharge cup next to the outlet of the cup supply device is provided with a certain distance so that the upper end of the discharged cup overlaps, and each discharged cup is a single cup outlet at a position raised from the discharge position. And a guide plate for guiding the discharged cup so that the posture of the discharged cup does not change to the cup outlet.

[0017]

According to the cup conveying device of the vending machine of the present invention having the above-described structure, the cup discharged from the cup supplying device is dropped onto the conveying conveyor, and the cup is turned so that the bottom surface of the cup faces in the conveying direction. The cup is turned over by contacting the upper part of the cup with the control plate, so that the cup can be transported from the cup supply device to the cup take-out port without changing its position in the falling posture.

Further, the cup dropped on the conveyor belt is
By setting the distance such that the bottom of the next discharge cup in the cup supply device and the upper end of the discharged cup partially overlap, the upper end of the cup discharged from the cup supply device contacts the bottom of the next discharge cup. Since the bottom surface of the cup changes its direction in the transport direction and falls down, the falling distance of the cup discharged from the cup supplying device is minimized, and the number of cups accommodated in the cup supplying device can be increased by the shortened distance.

Further, by providing the conveyor belt at an angle, the position of the cup outlet is higher than the drop position of the cup discharged from the cup supply device, so that the purchaser of the contents can take out the product without bending down. Can be.

[0020]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) A cup conveying device of a cup-type vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 19 denotes a conveyor, which is supported by pulleys 21 provided at both inner ends of an endless conveyor belt 20, and a belt drive motor 22 is connected to the pulley 21 at one end. . This conveyor 19
Is provided so that the conveyor belt 20 passes below the cup discharge ports of the cup supply devices 7 and 9, and conveys the cups 8 a and 10 a dropped thereon to the position of the cup outlet 12. Reference numeral 23 denotes a control plate, which is a conveyor belt 2 of the conveyor 19.
It is provided so as to contact the upper ends of the cups 8a and 10a that have fallen on the top. Reference numeral 24 designates the cups 8, 10 up to the cup outlet 12 so that the cups 8, 10 do not drop or change their posture during the transfer by the transfer conveyor 19.
It is a guide plate for guiding.

The operation of the cup conveying device of the cup type vending machine configured as described above will be described below.

When the cup 8 is discharged from the discharge port 16 of the cup supply device 7 according to a sales command (for example, the case of the cup 8 is illustrated for the sake of explanation), the driving motor 22 for the belt of the transport conveyor 19 also operates, and the transport belt 20 starts rotating in the A direction. The discharged cup 8a falls onto the conveyor belt 20 and starts moving following the same at the same time.

However, when the control plate 23 comes into contact with the upper end of the cup 8a, the cup 8a falls down in a posture in which the bottom surface faces the conveying direction.

Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed by the conveying belt 20 while being guided back and forth by the guide plate 24 in the overturned posture. The conveyance is finished near the upper part of the cup outlet 12, and the cup 8a falls into the cup outlet 12 from the bottom surface and stands upright on the cup stage 12a. Thereafter, the beverage is supplied from the beverage supply nozzle 15 to the cup 8a on the cup stage 12a.
And the contents are completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the distance between the cup supply device 7 and the cup outlet 12 is
Is transported in a stable overturning posture, the posture of the cup 8a does not change during the transportation, and normal transport can be performed.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a cup conveying device of a cup type vending machine according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
, The same components as those of the conventional example will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 7 denotes a cup supply device, which includes an upper end portion of the cup 8a dropped on the conveyor belt 20 of the conveyor 19 and a lower portion of the next discharge cup 8 filled in the cup supply device 7. It is provided so as to overlap by a certain dimension B. That is, the distance between the cup supply device 7 and the conveyor 19 is reduced, and the cup filling space of the cup supply device 7 is increased accordingly. Reference numeral 9 denotes a cup supply device, similar to the case of the cup supply device 7, in which the upper end of the cup 10 a that has been discharged and dropped on the conveyor belt 20 and the lower part of the next discharge cup 10 are separated by a distance. The supply device 9 and the transport conveyor 19 are provided.

The operation of the cup conveying device of the cup-type vending machine configured as described above will be described below.

When the cup 8 is discharged from the outlet 16 of the cup supply device 7 according to the sales command (for example, the case of the cup 8 is illustrated for the sake of explanation), the driving motor 22 for the belt of the conveyor 19 is also operated, and at the same time, the conveyor belt is operated. 20 starts rotating in the A direction. The discharged cup 8a falls on the conveyor belt 20 and starts moving following the same at the same time. However, since it overlaps with the bottom of the next discharge cup 8 filled in the cup supply device 7 by a certain distance B, when it starts moving, it comes into contact with the bottom of the next discharge cup 8 and faces the bottom in the transport direction. Fall in posture.

Thereafter, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is moved to the cup outlet 12 in the falling posture, and
The beverage is injected from the beverage supply nozzle 15 and the contents are provided.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the outlet 1
The distance C between the belt 6 and the conveyor belt 20 is smaller than in the first embodiment, and in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the number of cups accommodated in the cup supply device 7 increases. The operation of the machine becomes possible.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a cup conveying device of a cup-type vending machine showing a third embodiment.
, The same components as those of the conventional example will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, the transport belt 20 of the transport conveyor 19 is moved upward in the transport direction.
The pulley 21 on the second side is provided at a high position. Further, the distance D between the discharge port 16 and the conveyor belt 20 is provided in the same manner as the dimension C in the second embodiment.

The cup outlet 12 is connected to the conveyor belt 20.
You can change the position to follow the height of the. Similarly, the door 2
Can be changed in height so that the sales port 13 provided in the container is opposed to the cup outlet 12.

The operation of the cup conveying device of the cup type vending machine configured as described above will be described below.

When the cup 8 is discharged from the discharge port 16 of the cup supply device 7 according to a sales command (for example, the case of the cup 8 is illustrated for the sake of explanation), the driving motor 22 for the belt of the transport conveyor 19 is simultaneously operated to operate the transport belt. 20 starts rotating. When the discharged cup 8a falls onto the transport conveyor 19, the cup 8a is forcibly turned over and starts moving as in the case of the second embodiment. At this time, the conveyor belt 20
Is inclined so as to rise in the transport direction,
It rises from the drop point as the transport time elapses. Since the cup outlet 12 is provided at the lower end of the end of the conveyor 19, the cup 8 falls from the bottom and returns to the upright posture,
It is erected on the cup stage 12a. Thereafter, the prepared beverage is injected from the beverage supply nozzle 15 to provide the contents.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the cup 8 discharged from the cup supply device 7 is connected to the cup outlet 12.
By moving the product to a higher position in the middle of the conveyance, the position for taking out the contents becomes higher, and the customer can purchase more easily.

[0039]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

The conveying means from the cup supply device to the cup outlet can be forcibly and stably conveyed in a stable cup posture without natural fall, so that the cup on the conveyance conveyor changes its posture during conveyance. This makes it possible to move the conveyor smoothly in a stable posture, and since the conveyor is terminated before the cup stage, the conveyor belt does not adhere to the beverage, which is sanitary.

Further, the distance between the cup supply device and the cup outlet is shortened to make effective use of the space inside the apparatus main body. For the worker who fills the machine, the amount of one filling increases, and the machine can be operated for a long time.

Further, by inclining the conveyor, the cup outlet can be provided at a high position.
The purchaser of the content item can check the item without bending down and can easily take out the item.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cup conveying device of a cup-type vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cup conveying device.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a cup conveying device of a cup-type vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a cup conveying device of a cup-type vending machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a conventional cup-type vending machine with a door opened.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a cup shooter of the cup-type vending machine.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the cup shooter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7, 9 cup supply device 8, 10 cups 12 cup take-out 16, 17 outlet 19 transport conveyor 20 transport belt 23 control plate 24 guide plate

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cup supply device for accommodating a plurality of cup rows and discharging cups one by one from the cup rows based on a sales command, and facing a discharge port of the cup supply apparatus,
A conveyor device having a conveyor belt for guiding the ejected cups to a single cup outlet, a control plate for changing the posture of the cup on the conveyor belt to an overturning posture, and guiding the overturned cup to the cup outlet Cup conveying device of a vending machine provided with a guide plate to be moved. 2. A cup supply device for accommodating a plurality of cup rows and discharging cups one by one from said cup rows based on a sales command, and facing a discharge port of said cup supply apparatus,
A conveyor device having a conveyor belt that guides the discharged cup to a single cup outlet, and a guide plate that guides the discharged cup to the cup outlet, the outlet of the cup supply device and the conveyor belt The distance between the bottom of the next discharge cup located at the outlet and the distance at which the bottom of the next discharge cup contacts the upper end of the discharged cup located on the conveyor belt. 3. The cup conveying device for a vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the conveying belt is provided at an angle between a cup discharging position and a single cup outlet located above the cup discharging position.