EP0063426A2 - Dispositif de commande et de diagnostic d'un distributeur automatique - Google Patents

Dispositif de commande et de diagnostic d'un distributeur automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0063426A2
EP0063426A2 EP82301641A EP82301641A EP0063426A2 EP 0063426 A2 EP0063426 A2 EP 0063426A2 EP 82301641 A EP82301641 A EP 82301641A EP 82301641 A EP82301641 A EP 82301641A EP 0063426 A2 EP0063426 A2 EP 0063426A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuator
switch
vending apparatus
current
impedance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP82301641A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0063426A3 (en
EP0063426B1 (fr
Inventor
Frederic P. Heiman
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Mars Inc
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Mars Inc
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Publication date
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Priority to AT82301641T priority Critical patent/ATE36614T1/de
Publication of EP0063426A2 publication Critical patent/EP0063426A2/fr
Publication of EP0063426A3 publication Critical patent/EP0063426A3/en
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Publication of EP0063426B1 publication Critical patent/EP0063426B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/006—Details of the software used for the vending machines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
    • G07F5/26—Interlocks, e.g. for locking the doors of compartments other than that to be used

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the control of vending machines, and particularly to the control of vending machines having a large number of actuators for vending a large quantity or a wide variety of products.
  • the invention also relates to the diagnosis of operating defects in the vending machine, particularly defects in the actuators.
  • a typical blocker circuit comprises a group of single pole, double throw blocker switches each associated with one of the actuators and actuated by a cam which is rotated during that actuator's cycle. When all of the actuators are at their "home" or normal start-stop position, the switches are connected in series and supply a signal which enables a second set of switches, the selection switches.
  • each selection switch is a single pole double throw switch associated with a single actuator. All of the selection switches are connected in series until one selection switch is actuated, causing it to interrupt the series connection of selection switches and apply current to the associated actuator.
  • the present invention is a vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus which employs .an impedance element, such as a resistor or capacitor, associated with each actuator.
  • Each actuator controls a switch which is electrically in series with the impedance element so that the impedance element and the actuator are electrically in parallel when the actuator is at home position, but the impedance element is disconnected from the actuator when the actuator is away from its home position.
  • a measurement of the impedance of an actuator and its associated impedance element for example, by passing a small current through the actuator circuit where the impedance element is a resistor, is used to diagnose the status of the actuator.
  • the actuators are connected in a matrix arrangement, in which case the required number of drive elements and interconnecting wires is reduced.
  • the present invention is suitable for operation under control of a microprocessor.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment including a product delivery apparatus 10 and a vending and diagnostic apparatus 50, showing the principles of the invention.
  • the product delivery apparatus 10 in this embodiment includes two actuators Al and A2 for use in delivering a selected product.
  • the product delivery apparatus 10 can be a drink dispenser in which actuator Al releases a cup to be filled and actuator A2 controls the flow of the drink into the cup.
  • actuator Al releases a cup to be filled
  • actuator A2 controls the flow of the drink into the cup.
  • additional actuators can be employed without departing from the invention..For example, six such actuators could be used for controlling the delivery of cold, canned beverages from a six column beverage machine, using. one actuator per column.
  • a switch S1,S2 which is controlled by an associated cam, which in turn is moved by the actuator as shown schematically in Fig. 2.
  • the actuator A201 is a rotary motor. It is mechanically coupled by a rotating drive shaft D201 to a cam C201. The drive shaft D201 is also mechanically coupled to drive the product delivery means (not shown).
  • Switch S201 corresponds to the switches S1,S2 of Fig. 1.
  • Switch S201 has a stationary contact S203 and a moveable contact arm S204.
  • the outer end of the contact arm S204 has a protrusion S205 which rests on the surface of the cam C201.
  • a spring S206 presses the protrusion S205 against the cam C201.
  • the cam C201 has an indentation C202 in its surface.
  • the protrusion S205 is pressed by the spring S206 into the identation C202, connecting switch contacts S203 and S204.
  • the cam C201 holds the switch arm S204 in a position such that it does not contact the fixed contact S203. While the switches Sl, S2 and S201 of Figs. 1 and 2 are shown and described as normally closed when the associated actuators A1, A2 and A201 are in the home position and open when away from the home position, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a switch which is open when the actuator is in the home position and closed when away from home position can also be employed without departing from.the invention.
  • Each of the switches Sl,S2 is in series with a capacitive or resistive impedance element (a resistor in this embodiment) Rl,R2, respectively, and the series connected switch-resistor sets are wired in parallel with the associated actuator A1, A2.
  • a capacitive or resistive impedance element a resistor in this embodiment
  • the vending control and diagnostic apparatus 50 includes an actuator selector 20 including a switch S3, a test circuit 30, a test resistor R3, a power supply 35 and a test-run switch S5.
  • the power supply 35 provides two outputs: one the run terminal R providing sufficient power to operate one of the actuators Al or A2, when it is connected to the run terminal by switch S3 and test-run switch S5, and the other the test terminal T providing a signal insufficient to run the actuator, connected to the test terminal T.
  • the actuator selector 20 When one of the actuators is selected by the actuator selector 20, current can flow from the power supply 35, through the selector switch S3, through the selected actuator Al or A2, and back to the power supply 35 via the test resistor R3 and ground.
  • the switch Sl or S2, associated with the selected actuator Al or A2 is closed; current also flows through the associated resistor R1 or R2.
  • Test circuit 30 monitors the signal flowing through the selected actuator and its parallel impedance.
  • the test circuit 30 is a simple voltmeter which monitors the voltage across resistance R3, indicating the current flowing through the resistor R3. By monitoring the current through R3, the test circuit can indicate the conditions of the actuator.
  • Rl or R2 When actuator Al or A2 is away from home, Rl or R2 is switched out of the circuit and all the current flowing through R3 flows through Al or A2: For a given test voltage from the power supply, there will be a normal range of current drawn by an operating actuator, Al or A2, away from its home position. At home position, a greater amount will be drawn because the associated switch S1 or S2 will be closed and current will be drawn through both the actuator and the associated impedance element Rl or R2. If the motor is open circuited at home position, only the impedance element will draw current.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment including a product delivery apparatus . 310 and a vending control and diagnostic apparatus 350, showing the principles of the invention.
  • the product delivery apparatus 310 includes eighty actuators A101-A810, such as rotary motors or solenoids, used for delivering products in a vending machine.
  • actuators A101-A810 are direct current (DC) rotary motors, unless otherwise noted, although the invention is not limited to the use of such rotary motors as the actuators.
  • the actuators A101-A810 are arranged in a matrix of eight rows and ten columns.
  • the desired actuator is selected by the actuator selector 320 within the vending control and diagnostic apparatus 350.
  • One terminal, the negative terminal, of each of the actuators A101-A110 in Row 1 is connected with the corresponding terminal of the other actuators A101-A110 in the same row by a row drive line 321 to a row switch 361 within row switching means 360, which is a part of the actuator selector 320.
  • one terminal, the negative terminal, of each of the actuators A201-A210 ... A801-A810 in Rows 2 through 8 is connected by the row drive lines 322 through 328 to the switch 361.
  • the row drive switch 36 when connected to one of the row drive lines 321-328, connects the row drive line selected by the row drive switch 361 to resistor R3, the other end of which is connected to ground.
  • the positive terminals of each of the actuators A101, A201 ... 801 in Column 1 are connected by a column drive line 331 to a column switch 371 within the column switching means 370.
  • the positive terminals of each of the actuators in Columns 2 through 8 are connected by the column drive lines 332 through 340 respectively to switch 371.
  • the column drive switch 37 when connected to one of the column drive lines 331-340, will connect the column drive line selected by the column drive switch 371 to switch S5.
  • Switch S5 has two positions in this embodiment. In the run position (R), the arm of the switch S5 is connected to a 24VDC output of the power supply 335 which provides sufficient power to operate an actuator. In test position (T), the arm of the switch S5 is connected to an output of the power supply 335 providing a signal sufficient for testing the product delivery apparatus 310, but insufficient in some respect, such as voltage, duty cycle or possessing only an AC component, to actuate the actuator to which it is connected. In this example, the test voltage is 5VDC.
  • actuator A101 is actuated by current flowing from the power supply 335 through column switch 371 via column drive line 331 through the actuator A101 via row drive line 321 and row switch 361 through resistor R3 to ground.
  • each of the actuators A 101-A810 is a switch S101-S810 which is controlled by an associated cam, which in turn is moved by the actuator as shown schematically and described in . connection with Fig. 2.
  • Each of the switches S101-S810 is connected in series with one of impedance elements (resistors in this embodiment) R101-R810, respectively and the series connected switch-resistor sets are each wired in parallel with the one of the actuators A101-A810, respectively.
  • a diode is connected in series with each such actuator, impedance element and switch combination to assure proper matrix control.
  • the circuit arrangement just described permits the diagnosis of the status of any of the actuators A101-A810 by observation of the impedance in the appropriate drive lines.
  • Any particular actuator may be selected for testing by selection with the row and column switches 361 and 371 and application via switch S5 of the test signal from the power supply 335.
  • the measuring circuit 330 comprises a simple voltmeter across resistor R3, which gives an indication of the current flowing through the matrix of product delivering apparatus 310. That current is dependent upon the position of the row and column switches 361 and 371, the resistances of the selected actuator and corresponding impedance element, and the position of the corresponding cam-actuated switch.
  • the measuring circuit 330 will indicate currents flowing,through R3 as follows:
  • control and diagnostic apparatus 350 can be provided with automatic switching means such as the switching means 360 and 370, and the measuring circuit 330 can be arranged to indicate when the current flow through resistor R3 is other than the current which occurs when a normal actuator is at its home position.
  • the third embodiment described below provides such automatic detection.
  • Fig. 4 shows a test control panel 400 suitable for the embodiment of Fig. 3. It includes a meter 410 which serves as part of the measuring circuit 330.
  • the knobs 461 and 471 are connected to operate the moveable contacts of row and column switches 361 and 371, respectively.
  • the needle 411 of the meter indicates the current passing through resistor R3..
  • the meter face bears designations for various conditions so that the person testing the vending system is readily apprised of the condition of an actuator. These designations are short form versions of the conditions discussed in connection with Fig. 3 above.
  • the meter face can also be calibrated in milliamperes or some other appropriate values.
  • the vending control system simply starts the selected actuator. Once the actuator has moved a small distance, a first cam-operated blocker switch is opened to prevent the actuation of other actuators and a second cam-operated switch connects the selected actuator directly to the power source until the actuator returns to its home position.
  • a logic circuit is provided within the measuring circuit 330 of Fig. 3 for monitoring the current through resistor R3 and making logical decisions in response thereto.
  • the measuring circuit 330 first determines that the selected actuator is at home position and operable. This is done by causing the power supply 335 to apply the test current. If the actuator is at home position and operable, the measuring circuit 330 causes the power supply 335 to apply full run current. Under normal conditions, when run current is applied, the measuring circuit 330 first detects the large amount of current drawn by the actuator and its parallel resistor.
  • the measuring circuit 330 should detect a reduction of current as the resistor is disconnected by its associated cam-operated switch. This indicates that the actuator has moved away from home position. When the actuator returns to home position again, the measuring circuit 330 will detect a large increase in current as the resistor is again connected in parallel with the actuator. In response, the measuring circuit 330 will cause the power supply 335 to remove the run current.
  • the measuring circuit 330 also includes a timing circuit which causes the power supply 335 to remove the run current if the actuator does not return to its home position within a predetermined normal period of time from actuation.
  • FIG. 5 A group of comparators 421-426 monitor the current flowing through resistor R3 and each compares that current to a different standard current I1-I6 from a source (not shown) such as power supply 335 of Fig. 3.
  • the standard currents for comparators 421 and 422 bracket the acceptable range of test current for a normal actuator at home position. If comparators 421 and 422 indicate that the current is within that range by a logical "1" from comparator 421 and a logical "0" from comparator 422, AND gate 431 produces a signal which sets flip-flop 441 when the start switch 480 is momentarily depressed.
  • This signal also triggers timer circuit 442 (such as a monostable multivibrator) to control the maximum actuator cycle time.
  • timer circuit 442 such as a monostable multivibrator
  • flip-flop 441 When flip-flop 441 is set, the signal from its Q output activates a relay 450 corresponding to switch S5 in Fig. 3. When unactivated, this relay 450 provides test current (5VDC here) to the product delivering apparatus 10 via the column switching means 370. When the relay 450 is activated, full run current (24VDC here) is applied.
  • the timer 442 will reset flip-flops 441 and 443 if the end of that predetermined period is reached before the actuator cycle is completed, thus removing the run current and ending the cycle.
  • Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of a vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus .1050 in accordance with the invention.
  • the product delivery apparatus 1010 is of the same construction as the product delivery apparatus 310 of the second embodiment.
  • Associated with the apparatus 1100 are vend select means 1092, coin test means 1094, accountability means 1096, and display means 1098.
  • the control system 1050 of the apparatus 1100 may be used in place of the control system 350 of the second embodiment without departing from the invention.
  • the outputs of the control system 1050 to the product delivery apparatus 1010 are row signal lines 1021-1028, corresponding to row signal lines 321-328 of the second embodiment, and column signal lines 1031-1040, corresponding to column signal lines 331-340 of the second embodiment.
  • the row and column selection functions are performed by row switch means 1060 and column switch means 1070, respectively. These employ transistors T1-T8 and Tll-T20, respectively, to switch the current through a selected row and column to the actuator at the row and column intersection, as already explained in connection with the second embodiment.
  • Each of the row and column switch means 1060 and 1070 receives control signals from a logic circuit means 1090, which could be a hardwired logic circuit or a programmed data processor, such as a microprocessor, or other logic circuit capable of performing the required functions as outlined herein.
  • a logic circuit means 1090 which could be a hardwired logic circuit or a programmed data processor, such as a microprocessor, or other logic circuit capable of performing the required functions as outlined herein.
  • An Intel type 8035 microprocessor is . suitable for use as the logic circuit 1090.
  • the control signals from the logic circuit 1090 in this embodiment are transmitted in binary digital form on row control wires 1161, 1162 and 1164, and on column control wires 1171, 1172, 1174 and 1178.
  • Each of the switching means 1060 and 1070 includes a decoder 1062 and 1072, respectively, to decode in conventional fashion the binary signals on the row and column control wires from the logic circuit 1090 into single wire signals to drive the base of a selected transistor in each of the groups T1-T8 and T11-T20.
  • Each of .the transistors T1-T8 and Tll-T20 is connected to an output of the decoder by a base resistor, having a value selected so that the decoder output will supply sufficient current to fully turn on the transistor.
  • the logic circuit 1090 transmits a control signal to select a given actuator, such as actuator A101 shown in Fig. 3, the logic circuit 1090 transmits binary row and column signals.
  • the row signal is 000 and the column signal is 1010.
  • the row signal is 111 (equivalent to decimal 8) and the column signal is 1001 (equivalent to decimal 10).
  • the decoders 1062 and 1072 translate these binary control signals into line control signals, actuating transistors T1 and T11 in the case of the first example, and actuating transistors T8 and T20 in the case of the second example.
  • transistor T1 When actuated, transistor T1 connects the negative side of the actuators A101-A108 of row 1 to ground through a resistor R3, which is a 20 ohm resistor in this embodiment.
  • transister Tll When transister Tll is actuated, it connects the positive side of the actuators A101-A801 in column 1 by way of line 1086 to power supply 1085.
  • Supply 1085 provides either a +24VDC power source or a test current source.
  • Logic means 1090 provide a control signal via line 1087 which determines whether +24VDC or the test current source is supplied on line 1086.
  • actuator A101 When the + terminal of actuator A101 in this fashion, is connected to +24VDC and its - terminal is connected through resistor R3 to ground, it is actuated and proceeds through a vend cycle in the usual fashion.
  • the actuator can be connected in the same fashion to the test current source, such as the 5VDC output of the power supply 1085.
  • the measuring circuit 1080 monitors the flow of current through the selected actuator and its associated parallel impedance (if any) and, in this embodiment, provides a digital indication of the status of the selected actuator.
  • a comparator 1081 typically a National Semiconductor type LM3900, compares the current through a 10 kilohm resistor R7 at its + input with standard signals applied at its - input. When the magnitude of the current at the + input exceeds that of the current at the - input, then the output of the comparator 1080 on wire 1082 is a logical "1". Otherwise, the output of the comparator 1080 on wire 1082 is a logical "0".
  • Wires 1083 and 1084 from the logic circuit 1090 are employed as a digital-to-analog converter circuit to apply four different standards or currents to the - input of the comparator 1081 by selectively connecting the resistors R5 and R6 to either a logical "1" (+5VDC) or a logical "0" (OVDC).
  • the output on wire 1082 of the comparator 1081 indicates the range of actuator current conditions from lower than the lowest standard current to higher than the highest standard current.
  • Table I below shows typical currents for various actuator conditions and the four standard current conditions obtained when R7 is 10 kilohms, R4 is 120 kilohms (passing 37 A), R5 is 52 kilohms . (passing 85 u A) and R6 is 22 ilohms (passing 200 u A). 4.4 volts is used instead of 5 volts in computing the current because of the .6 volt drop across the emitter-base diode in series with each comparator input. A run voltage of 24VDC is employed.
  • the logic circuit 1090 In order to test an actuator, the logic circuit 1090 first selects the actuator, as previously described, and then quickly produces each of the four combinations of logic levels on wires 1083 and 1084, while monitoring the logic level on wire 1082. This procedure applies each of the standard currents to the - input of the comparator 1081. If the test is conducted when the actuator being tested should be at the home position, the output of the comparator 1081 on wire 1082 should be a logical "1" when the first, second and third standards are applied, and a logical "0" when the fourth standard is applied.
  • the logic levels producing the third and fourth standards (which bracket the current of a normal actuator at home position) can be applied first. If a logical "1" is obtained on wire 1082 when the third standard current is applied to the comparator 1081 and a logical "0" is obtained when the fourth standard is applied, ' the test indicates that the actuator is normal and at home position. As a result, when this indication is obtained, it is not necessary to test for other possible conditions of the actuator.
  • the logic circuit automatically applies operating current to the actuator in question for a sufficient period of time for the actuator to complete its cycle--typically three seconds. If the malfunction still exists, the identity of the actuator and the nature of the malfunctions are indicated on the display.
  • Fig. 7 shows the front control panel 700 of a vending machine incorporating the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control panel 700 of this embodiment includes a three digit display 791, such as a light emitting diode display, for displaying up to $9.95 of credit to the customer and for displaying test information to system maintenance personnel.
  • This display 791 is a part of the display means 1098 of Fig. 6.
  • the control panel 700 also includes an illuminated exact change indicator 793, which preferably is operated by a system of the general type disclosed in my U.S. Patent No. 4,188,961, in which exact change is not requested unless the machine cannot give correct change for the user's credit and product selection.
  • the front control panel 700 also includes an illuminated "Make Another Selection” indicator 795 to advise the user when the selected product is not available or the actuator for that product is inoperable.
  • An, optical coupler 799 for reading information stored in the accountability means 1096 of Fig. 6 is also provided.
  • the front control panel 700 also includes a selection means comprising an array 797 of eighteen push button switches. These are part of the vend select means 1092 of Fig. 6.
  • the switches labeled A through H select the rows of products (corresponding to actuator rows 1 through 8).
  • the switches 1 through 10 select the columns of products (corresponding to the actuator columns).
  • two separate groups of switches such as a letter and number combination as shown in Fig. 7, to identify the row and column of the selected actuator; instead of depending upon sequential entry of two identifying signals with the same group of switches as in shared switch systems.
  • This makes it easier for a customer to change his mind without receiving the wrong product. For example, in a shared switch-system, if the customer enters a "2" to select a product in row 2 and then decides to purchase a product in row 4; he must somehow signal the system that he wishes to start over. If he simply enters a "4", having already entered a "2" he will receive the product at row 2, column 4; which is not the one he intended.
  • the selection means and logic circuit can be arranged to accept only a combination of a signal from one set of switches (labeled A through H here) in sequence with a signal from the other set of switches (labeled 1 through 10 here.)
  • a change in choice from the second to the fourth row would cause the customer to first press “B” and then press “D".
  • the system will automatically ignore the first signal from the lettered switch ("B” in this case) if a signal from another lettered switch ("D” in this case) is received and will await a column selection signal from the switches labelled 1 through 10 before completing the transaction.
  • Fig. 8 is a generic schematic block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a vending system 800 incorporating a vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus 850 in accordance with the invention.
  • the product delivery apparatus 810 is of similar construction to the product delivery apparatus 310 and 1010 of the second and third embodiments. The differences will be explained below in connection with Figs. 8 & 9. Only one of the actuators A8 and its associated components is shown in Fig. 8; however, it will be clear to those skilled in the art how additional actuators can be employed in connection with this embodiment.
  • Controlling the product delivery apparatus 810 is the vending control and diagnostic apparatus 850. Included within that apparatus 850 are an actuator selector 820, a test circuit 830, a power supply 835, and a logic circuit 890 whose functions generally correspond to the similarly named components of the previously described embodiments.
  • the apparatus 850 also includes an inductor L3 in place of the resistor R3 of the previously described embodiments.
  • the product delivery apparatus 810 incorporates an actuator A8.
  • a series connected switch S8 and impedance element, capacitor Cl The switch S8 is operated by the actuator A8 in a similar fashion to that previously described in connection with the other embodiments.
  • a diode D2 which is provided to reduce switching noise.
  • the logic circuit 890 sends selection signals via wire 891 to the actuator selector 820, causing it to connect one terminal of the desired actuator to the power supply 835 and the other terminal to inductor L3 and the test circuit 830.
  • the logic circuit 890 also controls the output of the power supply 835 via signals on wire 892.
  • the power supply 835 produces an AC test signal and a running or power current which is either DC or a different frequency (usually lower) AC than the test signal.
  • the test circuit 83.0 is arranged to distinguish between the test and running currents.
  • the test circuit 830 includes a run signal detector 831, incorporating a frequency filter 832 and a run signal detection circuit 833, and a test signal detector 834 incorporating a frequency filter 835 and a test signal detection circuit 836. The manner of operation of the embodiment will be explained in greater detail in connection with one version of this embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10.
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of one version of the fourth embodiment of Fig. 8 which is arranged for control of a product delivery apparatus 2010 having a matrix of actuators.
  • Associated with the apparatus 2100 are vend select means 2092, coin test means 2094, accountability means 2096, and display means 2098, each corresponding to the similarly named elements described in connection with the third embodiment.
  • the control system 2050 of the apparatus 2100 corresponds to the control system 350 of the second embodiment of the invention described above.
  • the vending control and diagnostic apparatus 2050' controls the product delivery apparatus 2010.
  • the outputs of the control system 2050 are connected to the product delivery apparatus 2010 by row and column signal lines 2020 and 2030.
  • the row and column selection functions are performed by row switch means 2060 and column switch means 2070, respectively.
  • Each of the row and column switch means 2060 and 2070 receives control signals from a logic circuit means 2090, which can be constructed in any of the ways previously discussed.
  • Each of the switching means 2060 and 2070 includes a decoder 2062 and 2072, respectively, to decode in conventional fashion the binary signals on the row and column wires 2160 and 2170 from the logic circuit 2090 into a form appropriate to drive the selected row switch and column switch circuits 2260 and 2270.
  • Fig. 10 shows details of DC and AC test circuits 2180 and 2280, row and column switch means 2060 and 2070, power supply 2085, and a product delivery apparatus 2010 suitable for this fourth embodiment.
  • the product delivery apparatus 2010 includes at least one product delivery DC actuator A2110, such as a rotary motor.
  • the actuator A2110 is in parallel with a series connected switch S2110 and impedance element, but in this case the impedance element is a O.lufd capacitor C1.
  • a diode D2 Also in parallel with the actuator A2110 is a diode D2.
  • a plurality of actuators can be connected in a matrix arrangement like that of Fig: 3 in which actuator A2110 would be the actuator in the first row and the tenth column, the position corresponding to that of actuator A110 in Fig. 3.
  • a diode Dl corresponding to the series diodes of Fig. 3, would be connected in series with each motor as shown in Fig. 10.
  • the logic circuit 2090 not shown in Fig. 10 transmits row and column select signals along lines 2160 and 2170 to the row and column switch means 2060 and 2070. If these signals are coded in a way not appropriate for direct control of the row and column switch circuits 2260 and 2270, they are decoded by the decoders 2062 and.2072. Only one of each of the individual row and column switches 2261-2268 and 2271-2280 is shown in detail in Fig. 10, row switch 2261 controlling row 1 and column switch 2280 controlling column 10. The row and column switches 2262-2268 and 2271-2279 are of similar constructions. Each of these switches 2261-2268 and 2271-2280 is a conventional type of transistor switch circuit, the operation of which will be clear from Fig. 10 to those skilled in the art.
  • the power supply 2085 in this version includes the 5 and 24VDC sources of the previous embodiments and a source of alternating current (AC).
  • Suitable AC for this embodiment is 100 to 200 kilohertz at 5 volts RMS.
  • the 5VDC is used solely as a power source for some of the circuits.
  • the test signal is the AC signal.
  • the AC signal and the 24VDC signal are combined on a single wire.
  • Appropriate blocking means are provided comprising a 20 millihenry inductor in the 24VDC line and a series connected 470 ohm resistor and .Olufd capacitor in the AC line.
  • the combined AC/24VDC signal is then supplied via line 2086 to each of the column switches 2271-2280.
  • column switch 2280 when that switch receives a signal from the logic means 2090 via the column decoder 2072, transistor T2020 is switched to a conducting state, thereby permitting the AC/24VDC signal to pass via line 2040 to the actuators in column 10 of the product delivery means 2010.
  • the row switches 2261-2268 connect to the other side of the actuators from the column switches 2271-2280.
  • a row switch, ' such as switch 2261
  • the AC/24VDC signal flows through the actuator via line 2021 and the switching transistor T2001.
  • the 3 millihenry inductance permits most of the DC current to flow to ground, completing the DC power circuit for the actuator, but it blocks the AC signal which passes (along with a small portion of the DC signal) to the test circuit 2080.
  • the test circuit 2080 in this embodiment comprises a DC test circuit 2180 and an AC test circuit 2280.
  • the DC test circuit simply compares the DC current at one input of its comparator 2181 with a reference current from a divider circuit.
  • a 10 kilohm series resistor and a .Olufd capacitor at the input of the DC test circuit 2180 block the AC signal.
  • the AC test circuit first blocks the DC component of the signal with a 220pfd series capacitor, then amplifies the AC portion of the signal with a transistor amplifier, detects the signal with a diode D3, filters the resulting direct current with an RC filter and applies it to the comparator 2281 for comparison with the reference current from the divider circuit.
  • the corresponding motor switch S2110 When the AC/24VDC signal is first applied to an actuator at home position, such as actuator A2110, the corresponding motor switch S2110 is open. The inductance of the motor blocks the AC component of the signal and, therefore, only a DC component appears on line 2088 at the input to the test circuit 2080. As a result, the output of the DC test circuit 2280 is 0 volts, logical "0" and the output of the AC test circuit is 5 volts, a logical "1".
  • switch S2110 When the actuator A2110 begins to move, switch S2110 is closed. As a result, the AC signal can pass through Cl the O.lufd capacitor which is in series with switch S2110 and both AC and DC components will appear on line 2088 at the input to the test circuit 2080. As a result, a logical "0" will appear at the output of both the DC and AC test circuits 2180 and 2280.
  • the switch S2110 opens and the AC test circuit output returns to "1". This signals the logic means 2090 to transmit a signal to the power supply 2085 to cut off the power. When this is done, the outputs of both test circuits 2180 and 2280 revert to "1".

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
  • Formation And Processing Of Food Products (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
EP82301641A 1981-04-02 1982-03-29 Dispositif de commande et de diagnostic d'un distributeur automatique Expired EP0063426B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT82301641T ATE36614T1 (de) 1981-04-02 1982-03-29 Steuer- und diagnoseeinrichtung fuer verkaufsautomaten.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25038581A 1981-04-02 1981-04-02
US250385 1981-04-02

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0063426A2 true EP0063426A2 (fr) 1982-10-27
EP0063426A3 EP0063426A3 (en) 1983-06-01
EP0063426B1 EP0063426B1 (fr) 1988-08-17

Family

ID=22947512

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82301641A Expired EP0063426B1 (fr) 1981-04-02 1982-03-29 Dispositif de commande et de diagnostic d'un distributeur automatique

Country Status (17)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0063426B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPS57176491A (fr)
KR (1) KR880000756B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE36614T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU549125B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR8201786A (fr)
CA (1) CA1171160A (fr)
DE (1) DE3278921D1 (fr)
DK (1) DK162547C (fr)
ES (1) ES511076A0 (fr)
GB (1) GB2100009B (fr)
HK (1) HK15790A (fr)
IE (1) IE52332B1 (fr)
MX (1) MX152286A (fr)
MY (1) MY8800100A (fr)
SG (1) SG102687G (fr)
ZA (1) ZA821825B (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0375957A3 (en) * 1988-12-24 1990-08-29 Harting Elektronik Gmbh Network-powered vending machine
WO1993001568A1 (fr) * 1991-07-08 1993-01-21 Mars Incorporated Mecanisme pour pieces de monnaie

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4785927A (en) * 1987-03-02 1988-11-22 Mars Incorporated Vending machine control with product delivery motor home detection, motor speed control and power supply

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3496300A (en) * 1967-06-28 1970-02-17 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Remote test arrangement for coin telephones
US3566399A (en) * 1968-02-27 1971-02-23 Gulf & Western Syst Co Control station monitoring system for remote stations
US3705349A (en) * 1969-09-24 1972-12-05 Westinghouse Electric Corp Computer controlled wiring network test system
JPS507886U (fr) * 1973-05-20 1975-01-27
USRE29450E (en) * 1973-10-17 1977-10-18 Martin Marietta Corporation Machine operating condition monitoring system
DE2454254B1 (de) * 1974-11-15 1976-02-05 Jank Wilhelm Schaltungsanordnung zur UEberwachung von Leitungen auf Kurzschluss und Unterbrechung
US4044877A (en) * 1976-02-06 1977-08-30 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Multiple column vending machine malfunction lockout circuit
JPS5752689Y2 (fr) * 1977-12-19 1982-11-16
US4178542A (en) * 1978-01-30 1979-12-11 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Monitoring the operation status of an electrical component on the basis of an inherent pull up or pull down characteristic
US4225056A (en) * 1978-09-28 1980-09-30 Artag Plastics Corporation Computerized vending machine
JPS5912699Y2 (ja) * 1978-12-29 1984-04-16 株式会社クボタ 自動販売機の発売中止表示装置
US4220235A (en) * 1979-02-16 1980-09-02 Cavalier Corporation Vending machine control circuit including credit release relay
US4322847A (en) * 1980-03-10 1982-03-30 International Business Machines Corporation Automatic indirect testing to verify operational control
JPS5752689U (fr) * 1980-09-10 1982-03-26

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0375957A3 (en) * 1988-12-24 1990-08-29 Harting Elektronik Gmbh Network-powered vending machine
WO1993001568A1 (fr) * 1991-07-08 1993-01-21 Mars Incorporated Mecanisme pour pieces de monnaie
US5458536A (en) * 1991-07-08 1995-10-17 Mars Incorporated Coin mechanisms

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2100009A (en) 1982-12-15
AU549125B2 (en) 1986-01-16
BR8201786A (pt) 1983-03-01
DE3278921D1 (en) 1988-09-22
ES8307398A1 (es) 1983-06-16
EP0063426A3 (en) 1983-06-01
HK15790A (en) 1990-03-09
MX152286A (es) 1985-06-20
SG102687G (en) 1989-09-01
GB2100009B (en) 1985-04-03
CA1171160A (fr) 1984-07-17
KR880000756B1 (ko) 1988-05-04
ZA821825B (en) 1983-02-23
ES511076A0 (es) 1983-06-16
JPS57176491A (en) 1982-10-29
DK162547C (da) 1992-04-06
EP0063426B1 (fr) 1988-08-17
KR830009537A (ko) 1983-12-22
AU8189282A (en) 1982-10-07
IE820772L (en) 1982-10-02
ATE36614T1 (de) 1988-09-15
MY8800100A (en) 1988-12-31
IE52332B1 (en) 1987-09-16
JPH0415508B2 (fr) 1992-03-18
DK162547B (da) 1991-11-11
DK149582A (da) 1982-10-03

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