JPH03502017A - vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Auto sales Ibara J Himaru! TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to vending machines and, more particularly, to responding to purchaser selections. Concerning an improved vending machine that dispenses cylindrical product containers such as bottles and kettles. In this type of vending machine, the storage capacity is maximized and the structure of the dispensing mechanism is It is important to simplify the The aim is to utilize the internal space occupied by the product. The objective is to make the size as large as possible and reduce overall dimensional requirements.

The problem with many conventional machines is the large number of switches and associated wiring. In addition to this, it also uses a complex delivery mechanism. For example, if a large number of The selection mechanism may rely on multiple motor mechanisms or solenoid-operated delivery mechanisms. These switches and mechanisms often take up valuable space. This also hinders the reduction of maintenance costs.

The structure of storage space is also important when it comes to effective space utilization. It is. The simplest and most efficient storage method is loading into vertical columns; This often causes problems arising from the weight of the product, and therefore utilizes a slanted shelf arrangement or an S-shaped arrangement, which often allows for simplicity and It reduces the effect of gravity at the expense of storage space.

Traditional vending machines provide storage space that matches the expected product sales volume for each selection. There is a problem with the lack of flexibility when it comes to making decisions. This vending machine consists of Give extra columns for the most likely choices to solve the problem I'm done with just that. In recent technological innovations, the use of repurposed technology has become noticeable. Seed product may remain in the machine for an unreasonable length of time, increasing costs and reducing reliability. may cause a decrease in Application of technology to predict expected usage conditions Although desirable, no dispensing system has been developed that can take advantage of these techniques.

The vending machine of the present invention solves these problems and others not disclosed in the prior art. Decide.

Disclosure of invention This vending machine reduces refills and keeps products fresh, making it a popular choice. ideally suited to utilize complex expected usage prediction techniques to help prevent depletion of Equipped with a dispensing mechanism.

This vending machine reduces space requirements for switching and dispensing mechanisms This provides a particularly effective product storage capacity. In this machine, the motor and or the requirement for multiple electromagnetic devices such as solenoids to utilize a common drive lever. Switching is virtually eliminated by reducing to a minimum the feeder The structure is simplified.

Product storage capacity is increased by independent storage before and after the vertical column.

One feature of the invention is a plurality of substantially vertical columns arranged in parallel, each each is adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent approximately cylindrical articles. an article storage means including columns with a plurality of supports disposed below each column; an elongated rotatable support means having retaining elements, each having opposite ends, a first point; operatively supports an article in a position and has a tendency to rotate under the weight of the article to a second position; supporting means fixed to one end of each supporting means and rotating together with the supporting means; ratchet means which can be rotated and pivotally mounted adjacent to the ratchet means; and rotation of the support means between the first and second positions in conjunction with release of the article. a controlling pawl means and a releasing means comprising a controlling pawl means and an actuating means for the releasing means; , including a drive shaft having a plurality of angularly related indexing members attached thereto, each side indexing member having a drive shaft attached thereto; actuating means for engaging the material with the corresponding pawl means and for rotating said drive shaft to means for positioning the indexing member adjacent the selected pawl means; and said drive shaft. and applying alternating motion to the indexing member, said indexing member engaging said pawl means. a hand adapted to engage and disengage the ratchet means to permit rotation of the support means; An object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine comprising a stage and control means for the actuation means. .

According to another feature of the invention, the means for rotating the drive shaft is a first electric motor. , the means for imparting alternating motion to the drive means comprises an electric drive means and the electric drive means. and a link means between the drive shaft and the drive shaft.

According to a further feature of the invention, the means for imparting alternating motion to the drive shaft is a solenoid. Id.

According to another feature of the invention, pawl means are provided at the end and for pivotally connecting this end to the other part. means for allowing the end portion to move in one direction relative to other portions; A moving means swings the drive shaft and the selected index member to move the drive shaft and the selected index member forward. means for providing the alternating motions described above.

According to yet another feature of the invention, 1,8 vertical columns separate the first and second parts. each column section receives a plurality of vertically adjacent generally cylindrical articles; such that each rotatable support means has an axially adjacent end. vertical sections, each independent section carrying articles within said first and second column sections. supporting portions, said release means being at an adjacent end of each supporting portion, said releasing means being at an adjacent end of each supporting portion; ratchet means and corresponding pawl means which rotate together with the said An indexing member of the drive shaft of the actuating means is disposed between the pawl means and is connected to the ratchet. selectively actuating each of the control means.

According to another feature of the invention, each release means is fixed to one end of the corresponding support means. a ratchet means that can rotate together with the support means; and a ratchet means that can rotate together with the support means. is pivotally connected adjacent to the ratchet means, and is moved to engage and disengage from the ratchet means. and pawl means for enabling rotation of the support means.

According to still further features of the invention, each ratchet means or its corresponding support It is formed integrally with the means.

According to another feature of the invention, each support means is in the form of a three-pointed star.

According to still further features of the invention, each support means has a corresponding substantially perpendicular axis of rotation. located within the direct column.

According to a further feature of the invention, each support means has a three-pointed star of substantially uniform cross-section. made of a bar having a shape, with the ratchet means integrally formed with the bar; a ratchet wheel having a plurality of evenly spaced ratchet teeth, the pawl means connecting said teeth; The escape member has spaced ledge members that can be sequentially engaged with the escape member.

According to another feature of the invention, each column has a lower end and an outlet located at this lower end. and a member for constricting and feeding the article onto the corresponding support means.

According to another feature of the invention, each vertical column includes a first portion and a second portion; The ram portion is adapted to receive a plurality of vertically adjacent generally cylindrical articles. and each rotatable support means supports an article within said first and second column portions. , each of said first column portions having a varnish claw member disposed below said support means. subsequent to the Niscrow member delivering the articles within said first column section. each ratchet means provides a holding position for delivering the article in said second column section; Contains 6 teeth.

One feature of the invention is a plurality of storage compartments arranged in parallel relationship, each containing a plurality of an article storage means containing a storage compartment adapted to receive adjacent articles; tiers and located at the end of each compartment for operatively supporting the article in the first position. , supporting means tending to move to the second position under the weight of the article and attached to the release of the article. release means for controlling movement of the support means between the first and second positions; actuating means for the release means and mounting a plurality of angularly related indexing members; including a multi-stage drive shaft such that each side member engages with a corresponding release means. actuating means for rotating said drive shaft and releasing selected index members; means for positioning adjacent the means and alternating movement of said drive shaft and indexing member; the indexing member engages and actuates the release means to release the support. automatic means comprising means for permitting movement of the means and control means for the actuating means; The aim is to provide mobile vending machines.

One feature of the invention is a plurality of storage compartments arranged in parallel relationship, each containing one or more an article storage means containing a storage compartment adapted to receive adjacent articles; tiers and located at the end of each compartment for operatively supporting the article in the first position. , supporting means tending to move to the second position under the weight of the article and attached to the release of the article. and a release means for controlling movement of the support means between the first and second positions. an actuation that alternately engages and releases the released release means to permit rotation of the corresponding support means; A vending machine is provided that includes actuating means and control means for the actuating means.

According to another feature of the invention, the actuation means include an elongated member extending between the release means. and indexing means by which the elongate member can be positioned adjacent the selected release means. have

According to another feature of the invention, the control means monitors the movement of the elongated member indexing means. includes position detection means for viewing the image.

According to still further features of the invention, each support means is smaller than the article to which it is dispensed. It has a small star shape.

According to one feature of the invention, the elongate member is a shaft.

According to a further feature of the invention, each release means is attached to the support means and a rotating means capable of rotating together with the rotating means and a spaced apart means capable of engaging the rotating means; and retaining means, one of said spaced apart means being said rotating means. and the other of said spaced apart means simultaneously moves away from said spaced means. The amount of rotation of the rotation means can be determined by moving the rotation means into an initial state of engagement with the release means. It has become so.

According to yet another feature of the invention, each receiving compartment has a generally aligned first . second part , each portion adapted to receive a plurality of adjacent items, with each support means operatively support an article within each compartment portion, each release means having a plurality of teeth; a ratchet wheel and pawl means, wherein said ratchet teeth engage a support element on the support means; at least twice the number of said support means and said first compartment portion. Niscrow means is disposed below, and the Niscrow means is arranged in the first compartment. A holding position for discharging the articles within the second compartment portion and subsequently discharging the articles within the second compartment portion. give a place.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the sequence of operations.

FIG. 3 is a plan view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3, and shows the feed in the first column section. It is a figure showing an exit operation.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. It is a figure showing an exit operation.

Figure 6 is a front view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 3, showing the release mechanism in the holding position. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing the release mechanism in the release position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the release mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9--9 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 1O is a partial schematic diagram of one form of a drive mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a similar diagram of a modification of the drive mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of a variation of the release mechanism for a double unit.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13--13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front view of another modification of the release mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT In the following, reference numerals in the drawings will first refer to Figures 1 and 3 for understanding. As can be seen, the vending machine 10 in the illustrated embodiment has an end wall 14.18 and an intermediate wall 1. 6 into eight storage compartments 1-8. child In the illustrated embodiment, the compartments are generally vertical. As shown in Figure 3, columns 1- 8 is deep enough to provide front parts 1a, 2a, 3a, etc. and rear parts 1b, 2b, 3b, etc. As a result, each column can hold two cylindrical objects such as cans or sand. can house the container C in a state where the ends are butted together. Each of columns 1-8 is of sufficient width to accommodate alternating vertical rows of said containers C. centre The frame 12 also includes front and rear plates 20.22 connecting the bulkhead 16 and said front and rear plates 20.22. A front guard plate 20 is separated from the front guard plate 20 by, for example, a spacer 26. The plate 24 and the front plate 22 and the front guard plate 24 are interconnected. side plates 28.30. Plates 20.24 cooperate with each other It constitutes a housing for a container release mechanism, generally indicated by the reference numeral 32. this will be explained in detail later. The frame 12 has a volume dispensed by a release mechanism. It includes a hopper section H for sending the container C to the purchaser.

Next, we will compose columns 1 to 8 so that you can understand by referring to Figures 4 and 5. The bulkhead 16 is rounded at its lower end and has a transverse bead for receiving an elongated bolt 35. 34, and above the column outlet formed by these beats, Each bulkhead 16 includes a transverse member 36 attached by welding or the like. these The transverse members 36 effectively narrow the column.

It constitutes the outlet path of the container C. The transverse member 36 has an upper sloped portion 38 and a vertical portion. 40 and a downwardly sloped portion 42 . Below the transverse member 36 is a retainer plate. There are 50 plates, and this retainer plate extends between -20 and 22 (before and after plays). including an upper part 52 located and connected to them, and only at the front of the column, A curved varnish claw portion 54 is included. The container has three cusps placed below each column. It is routed through the column outlet by an end turnstile member 60. this turn The style member is rotatable between rear plate 22 and guard plate 24. is supported in the axial direction by the retainer 50, and forms a turnstile device in cooperation with the retainer 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the turnstile member 60 (having a star shape) ) are three points 61.6 separated by a concave surface 66 formed to support the container C. 3.65 included. The turnstile members 60 each have a stub shaft 68,69. allows for free rotation between rear plate 22 and girt plate 24. It is attached to sea urchin. The turnstile members provide a means of support for the container and are The axes of rotation of these members are located within the column and offset from the center of gravity of the supported vessel. I'm doing it. As a result, the turnstile members tend to rotate under the weight of the container. be. The turnstile retainer assembly shown in Figures 3 to 5 uses a three-pointed turn. Style 60 extends through the front and rear columns, e.g. column portions 2a, 2b. , each supporting two containers C. The upper part 52 of the retainer 50 also connects the front and rear columns. However, the lower varnish section extends only through the front column section 2a. It is growing. Corresponding containers C1a and C1b and C2 in the front and rear column sections a and C2b are aligned in the axial direction. Containers C1a and C1b and C2a and C 2b is shown as a solid line in the first position and as a phantom line when in the second position. Ru. To release one container C, the turnstile member 60 must be moved 120 degrees. is necessary.

In Figure 4.5, the turnstile protrusion 65 is located in the column at the position indicated by the solid line. Containers C2a and C2b are held in the front and rear parts of 2. In Figure 4, the tar The tile protrusion 61 cooperates with the varnish claw portion 54 to position the container C3 in the position shown by the solid line. hold a.

When the turnstile member 60 is rotated 6 degrees to the position shown by the imaginary line, the container C3a is delivered, and both containers C2a and C2b move to the position shown by the imaginary line, and this In position, these containers are secured by turnstile projections 65 and retainer members 52. I can support you. When the turnstile member 60 is rotated an additional 60 degrees, the container C2a moves to the position previously occupied by container C3a and turnstile member 60 and and retained within the forward column section by a cooperating Niscrow section 54. However, in container C2b, the varnish claw part is provided in the rear column part. Since the data is not registered, it will be sent. In this way, 60 of the turnstile member 60 Containers C will be delivered alternately from each column section each time the column is rotated, but the same container A 120 degree movement is required to eject the container from the system.

dispensing the container from a first container-supporting position of the turnstile member 60; See especially Figures 6-8 for the associated release mechanism controlling rotation to the second position. This will be explained below with reference to the following.

As shown in FIG. 8, each turnstile member 60 extends through the front plate 20. At its front end, there is a coaxially integrated unit that rotates together with the turnstile member 60. A ratchet wheel 70 mounted and formed is provided. The ratchet wheel 70 has multiple halves. radially protruding teeth 71-76 (six in the illustrated embodiment) and a circular back plate. 77. Adjacent to the ratchet wheel 70 is an escape member or pawl. 8o is pivotally connected by a pivot shaft 81, and this pivot shaft is connected to the front wall 20 and the garter. It extends between the door walls 24. This escape member 80 has an arc shape as a whole, A ledge 82.8 that engages each of the teeth 74.76 of the ratchet wheel in the position shown. Includes 4. At the upper end, escape member 80 rests against the lower end of spring 88. The spring includes a socket 86 serving as a seat, and the spring has an abutment at its upper end. 90 such that the ledge 82 is biased to engage the uppermost tooth 74. be given

At the lower end, the escape member 8o encloses a protruding member 92 constituting the first engaging means. The protruding member includes a reciprocating index finger 9 constituting the second engagement means. It can be congruent with 4. In fact, the turnstile member and release mechanism work together to release the column from the column. prevent the delivery of containers.

In the illustrated embodiment, drive shaft 100 is mounted between side walls 28.3o. drive shaft 100 is a plurality of longitudinally spaced halves arranged in angular relation to each other about an axis. It includes radially projecting bins 101-108.

In the figure, eight bins are provided at equal angles of 45 degrees, and each bin (e.g. 1o2) can be selectively engaged with the corresponding adjacent escape member 8o. drive shaft 100 is rotatable and corresponds to the purchaser selecting the product in column 2. the selected bottle can be rotated to an upright position aligned with the escape projection member 92. It is possible to shift. The drive shaft 100 is connected to the member 9 as shown in FIG. 5.6. Ratchet wheel 7o is shifted to engage and disengage from 2, therefore, turnstile Member 60 may be rotated. from point A to engagement point B of the bin 102. To move to point C, rotate the escape ledge 82 and press the ratchet tooth 74. As a result, the turnstile member 6° rotates under the weight of the container C. , and finally the second tooth engages the second ledge 84 as shown in FIG. Poi The return movement of the bin 102 from point C to point A is due to the biasing action of spring 88. The escape member 80 is rotated in the opposite direction under the 82 engages the next tooth and rotates the ratchet wheel 7o completely through approximately 60 degrees. That will happen.

In the illustrated embodiment, a full 120 degree movement is required to release container C. , thereby causing the turnstile 60 and ratchet wheel 7o to rotate at 60 degree intervals. Each time, the previous and subsequent containers in a column are successively released.

The means for rotating and shifting the drive shaft lOO are described below with reference to Figure 1O111. However, each of these figures shows a different arrangement that provides such motion. are doing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. at the opposite end, which is supported by a bearing and can also slide through this bearing. , the bearing is connected to an auxiliary shaft 110 parallel to the motor shaft 112, and the drive chain assembly It is driven by the motor via the solid body 114. The drive shaft 100 has a shaft coupling 11 6 to the auxiliary shaft 110. The shaft coupling 116 has a longitudinal slot 1 18, the slot receives a bin 120 fixed to the auxiliary shaft 110. child According to the arrangement, the drive shaft 100 and the shaft coupling 116 attached to it are connected to the auxiliary shaft 1. 10 and at the same time the drive shaft 100 together with the auxiliary shaft It also allows rotation. The drive shaft 100 is driven in the axial direction by the motor M2. Shifted. This motor M2 includes a motor shaft 122, and this motor M2 includes a motor shaft 122. is connected to the sleeve 116 by a pivot link 126 that rotates therewith. It has an eccentric arm 124. For easy understanding, the arm 124 is Rotating through 60 degrees covers a distance equal to twice the radius of arm 124. As a result, the drive shaft 100 moves back and forth.

Rotate the drive shaft 100 to its appropriate angular position to rotate one selected bin, e.g. 102 with escape member 80 (FIG. 6) to begin the initial dispensing of container C. The illustrated embodiment is provided with control means as shown in FIG. Here, the angle and axial position of the drive shaft 100 are given by the shaft position detector 130. It will be done. This axis position detector includes cooperating encoder elements 132, 134 (10th The information is given by (Figure). This encoder means may be optical, magnetic or other peripheral. There may be a known position detection means. The indication of the desired product to be sold is the product selector 1 given by 40. This product selector 140 and shaft position detector 130 Thus, according to the information input provided to motor control 142, motor M1, M2 (can be an AC, DC, or step type motor) is not activated. It will be done.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the drive shaft Zoo is attached to the wall 30 by a shaft coupling 152. It is connected to the shaft 150 of the attached motor M. This shaft joint 152 is a disc-shaped It has a screw 154 and a socket for receiving a pin 158 fixed to the motor shaft 150. It also has lot 156.

The drive shaft 100 is shifted in the axial direction by a positioning lever 160. This much The positioning lever is pivotally connected to the housing at this intermediate portion by a pivot shaft 162. There is. The upper end 164 of this lever is double-sided and does not receive the flange 154. In the simple part 166, the shaft is pivotally connected to the core of the solenoid S. drive From the first position to the second position of the shaft 100 and the bins 101-10B and vice versa The reciprocating movement in the direction is performed by energizing and deenergizing the solenoid S.

In the preferred embodiment, the electronic control system utilizes a microprocessor; A logic gate circuit may also be used.

An example of the type comprising a second double unit, e.g., shown in phantom line 12a in FIG. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide something. In this case additional products are required . In this arrangement, a total of four column sections are provided. In any case, completely Instead of having an independent second release system in the A combined release system may be used. As shown.

Turnstile members 160 are provided on each side of the bulkhead 122 to connect these turnstiles. The tile members can rotate independently on a common axis 168. each turn A six-tooth ratchet wheel 170 is provided at the end of the tile member 160, and the partition wall 122 A separate escape member 180 is pivotally connected to the unit by a common pivot shaft 181. Ru. The turnstile 160 and ratchet wheel 170 are almost the same as those described above. be. Escape member 180 has an inwardly directed lower portion supporting protruding member 192. They are almost the same except that In this arrangement, two separate rods Alternatively, a single rod 100 with appropriate bins 101-108 may be used. can. This control system is modified for dual use.

A variation of the release mechanism shown in Figure 14.15 utilizes a reversible drive motor, No shift mechanism is required. In this embodiment, ratchet wheel 270 and Turnstile member 260 is substantially the same as previously described. However, because Escape member 280 is different and includes pivotally mounted fingers 292. , this finger can move upwardly relative to the rest of the escape member 280. However, the pivot stop 293 prevents it from moving downward relative to other parts. be done. The drive shaft 200 is driven by a reversible motor M3, as in the previous embodiment. , has a plurality of bins 201-208. However, these bottles are getting longer and longer. Ru. When the axis is rotated clockwise, all bins move to their corresponding pivot Lift up Nga 292. The selected bin, e.g., bin 202, has a corresponding point. is located close to the cut finger 292 and rotates the shaft 200 in a counterclockwise direction. , the bin 202 rotates downward, which pushes down the finger 292 and releases the escape part. The member 280 rotates, and as a result, the retaining ledge 282 rotates and engages the ratchet teeth 272. , the turnstile member 260 rotates under the weight of the container C, and finally The ledge 283 engages the ratchet tooth 273.

The clockwise rotation imparted to shaft 200 supports pivot finger 292. The end of escape member 280 is moved upwardly under the action of spring 288. As a result, the protrusion 284 separates from the ratchet tooth 273, and the protrusion 282 disengages from the ratchet tooth 273. Engages with chest teeth 272. In this way, by swinging the pin 202, the ratchet The wheel 270 rotates one complete revolution, and the turnstile member 260 rotates through 120 degrees. Rotate. In other respects, the operation is the same as described above. Here, pin The length and swing angle of 201-208 corresponded to only one pin at a time. It should be understood that it is chosen to engage only the pivot finger.

Regarding loading the front and rear parts of the column, the front part is loaded from the front and the rear part is loaded from the top. Please understand that it will be loaded from there.

The term "vending machine" used here refers to the sale of both cash and credit. Please understand that this includes machines.

Although several embodiments of vending machines have been described in detail, one departs from the spirit of the invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes can be made without It is not intended to limit the invention to obtaining a 45 degree angular relationship using pins of Let's make it easy for you to understand.

This is because you can use any number of pins before or after that depending on the number of columns. It is. Other changes are also possible. For example, compartments may be slanted rather than vertical. Therefore, the scope of the invention extends beyond the specific implementation shown and described. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Please understand that it is determined only by the equivalent.

Copy and translation of written amendment) Submission (Article 184-7, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act) April 1, 1990 0 days

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. a plurality of nearly vertical columns arranged in parallel, each with a plurality of vertical includes a column adapted to receive generally cylindrical articles adjacent in the direction article storage means arranged below each column and having a plurality of support elements; elongated rotatable support means each having opposite ends for supporting the article in a first position; support means supporting in an operative state and tending to rotate to a second position under the weight of the article; , fixed to one end of each support means and capable of rotating with said support means. and a ratchet means pivotally mounted adjacent to the ratchet means for holding the article. pawl means for controlling rotation of the support means between the first and second positions in conjunction with the release; a release means comprising a release means and an actuation means for the release means, the release means comprising a plurality of angular Includes a drive shaft to which the associated indexing member is attached, and each indexing member has a corresponding claw hand. actuating means engageable with the stage and rotating said drive shaft so that the selected index member is selected; means for positioning the drive shaft and the indexing member adjacent the pawl means; alternating motion of the indexing member to engage the pawl means and cause it to move against the ratchet. means for allowing rotation of the support means by engaging and disengaging from the stop means; and an actuating means. A vending machine comprising: a control means for controlling the vending machine; 2. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the means for rotating the drive shaft includes a first The motor is an electric motor, and the means for imparting alternating motion to the drive means is connected to the electric drive means and the electric motor. a second electric motor comprising an air drive means and a link means between the drive shaft; A vending machine characterized by: 3. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the means for rotating the drive shaft is an electric motor. and characterized in that the means for applying alternating motion to the drive shaft is a solenoid. vending machine. 4. 2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the claw means connects the end to another part. means pivotally connected to allow said end portion to move in one direction relative to the other portion. the actuating means swings the drive shaft and the selected indexing member to rotate the indexing member; An automatic vending machine characterized in that it includes means for imparting said alternating movements to the outboard village. Machine. 5. 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein each vertical column comprises a first portion and a second separate portion. column sections, each column section receiving a plurality of vertically adjacent generally cylindrical articles. and each rotatable support means has an axially adjacent end. each independent portion within said first and second column portions. supporting an article, said release means being at an adjacent end of each support portion and having a corresponding including ratchet means and corresponding pawl means rotatable together with the support portion; an indexing member of the drive shaft of said actuating means is disposed between said pawl means and said lug; A vending machine characterized in that each of the check means is selectively activated. 6. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein each release means has one end of the corresponding support means. ratchet means fixed to and rotatable with the support means; The ratchet means is pivotably mounted adjacent to the ratchet means and is movable into and out of engagement with the ratchet means. and a pawl means that moves to enable rotation of the support means. Vending machine. 7. The vending machine according to claim 6, wherein each ratchet means has a corresponding support. A vending machine characterized by being integrally formed with a holding means. 8. In the vending machine according to claim 1, each support means has a three-pointed star shape. A vending machine characterized by: 9. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis of each support means corresponds to approximately A vending machine characterized by being located in a vertical column. 10. 7. The vending machine according to claim 6, wherein each support means has a substantially uniform three-pointed star shape. A vending machine characterized in that it is made of a bar having a uniform cross-sectional shape. 11. 11. The vending machine according to claim 10, wherein the ratchet means is integral with the bar. A ratchet wheel with multiple evenly spaced ratchet teeth formed into a pawl. an escape portion having spaced lobes that allow means to sequentially engage said teeth; A vending machine characterized by being made of wood. 12. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein each column has a lower end and is arranged at the lower end. a member configured to narrow the outlet and feed the article onto the corresponding support means; A vending machine comprising: 13. 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein each vertical column has a first portion and a second portion. , each column section receiving a plurality of vertically adjacent generally cylindrical articles. and each rotatable support means is arranged within the first and second column portions. supporting an article, each of said first column portions supporting an article disposed below said supporting means; an escrow member, the escrow member transporting the articles within the first column section; providing a holding position for dispensing articles in said second column section subsequent to dispensing; A vending machine featuring 14. 14. The vending machine according to claim 13, wherein each support means has a three-pointed star shape. A vending machine characterized in that each ratchet means includes six teeth. 15. A plurality of containment compartments arranged in parallel relationship, each containing a plurality of adjacent objects. an article storage means comprising a storage compartment adapted to receive an article, and each compartment located at the end of the chamber, supporting the article in operation in a first position and supporting the article's weight in a first position; supporting means tending to move downwardly into a second position; and incidental to release of the article, the first, a release means for controlling movement of the support means between the second positions; The actuation means for the an actuating hand including an actuating hand adapted to engage each indexing member with a corresponding release means; step, rotate said commotion axis so that the selected index village is adjacent to the selected release means. and means for imparting alternating movement to the drive shaft and the indexing member, and The indexing member engages the release means and actuates it to cause movement of the support means. characterized in that it includes means for enabling and control means for the actuation means. vending machine. 16. A plurality of containment compartments arranged in parallel relationship, each containing a plurality of adjacent objects. an article storage means comprising a storage compartment adapted to receive an article, and each compartment located at the end of the chamber, supporting the article in operation in a first position and supporting the article's weight in a first position; supporting means tending to move downwardly into a second position; and incidental to release of the article, the first, a release means for controlling movement of the support means between the second positions; and a selected release means. actuation means alternately engaging and disengaging the support means to permit rotation of the corresponding support means; and control means for the actuation means. 17. 17. A vending machine according to claim 16, wherein the actuation means extends between the release means. including an elongate member, the elongate member being positionable adjacent the selected release means; 1. A vending machine characterized by having an indexing means that allows the user to read the index. 18. 17. The vending machine of claim 16, wherein the control means comprises an indexing hand of the elongate member. A vending machine characterized in that it includes position detection means for monitoring the movement of the shelves. 19. 17. The vending machine according to claim 16, wherein each support means is from the article dispensed. A vending machine characterized by a fairly small star shape. 20. 17. The vending machine according to claim 16, wherein the elongated member is a shaft. vending machine. 21. 17. A vending machine according to claim 16, wherein each release means is attached to the support means. a rotating means that can be rotated together with the rotating means, and an interval that can be engaged with the rotating means. and engagement means including spaced apart means, one of the spaced apart means being in the front. the other of said spaced apart means is movable away from said rotating means; simultaneously move into the initial state of engagement with the release means and rotate the rotation means. A vending machine characterized by being able to determine. 22. 17. The vending machine of claim 16, wherein each receiving compartment has a generally aligned first , comprising a second portion, each portion adapted to receive a plurality of adjacent articles. each support means operatively supports an article within each compartment portion and each release means has multiple a ratchet wheel having a number of teeth and pawl means, the ratchet teeth being in contact with the support means; at least twice the number of support elements above, said support means and said first An escrow means is arranged below the compartment, and this escrow means Following the delivery of the goods in the first compartment, the goods in the second compartment are delivered. A vending machine characterized by providing a holding position for dispensing.